{Party} Easy soup recipe…Cannelloni Bean Soup

06 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Food, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

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Even though this past weekend was more like summer than winter, my favorite thing about winter (albeit mild this year) is having soup for lunch or dinner (or both). There is something so satisfying about a steaming hot bowl of soup with a side salad and some really good, crusty bread…and if it’s dinner, a glass of wine.

I was given a recipe for White Chili some years ago and while I loved it my family preferred to have me prepare the red chili. I blogged about our new favorite red chili recipe HERE, it was compliments of Pioneer Woman and we were surprised how delicious we thought it was. That still left me hungry for a white bean soup and so I modified the white chili recipe and was amazed when hubby raved about it and said it was definitely a keeper, a supreme compliment and the only way I’m certain he truly likes the dish! (Lyn is always complimentary and kind when he comments but there have been those rare occasions when he says he likes a new recipe but in fact, when I prepare it sometime later he says I don’t need to fix it again).

This is truly an easy-peasy recipe and I believe if you like the ingredients you will enjoy the final outcome.

KB’s Cannelloni Bean Soup

1 tablespoon canola oil

3 14.5-ounce cans cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained

1 lb. Italian sausage [hot], casings removed

1 medium onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small can Ortega chopped chilies, drained

4 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Jack cheese, grated for top of soup and chopped parsley and/or chives.

Heat oil over medium high in 5 quart Dutch oven or heavy pan. Crumble sausage into pan, stirring occasionally until sausage browns.

Lower heat to medium and add onion, cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Add seasonings, chilies, and bean and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve topped with grated Jack cheese.

Can be served with tortilla chips or crusty bread and salad.

I have also included some pretty tablescapes for your table setting files. I like to keep some ideas on hand for seasonal settings, plus they are fun to look at, right?

Pam Pierce

I like the simplicity and rustic feel to this table (above), works well with a soup meal, don’t you agree? A few cut branches and whatever fruit or vegetable you might have is all you need.

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I think this idea (above) would be fun with a soup meal menu, rustic wooden spoons would be ideal but simple stainless would also work.

Back Porch Musings

A country setting in the kitchen, with rooster accents, works well. Back Porch Musings is an excellent source for table setting inspiration, visit the link under the image.

Vignette Design

Delores, at vignette design, always inspires with her creative and clever table settings. I’ve been tempted to pick up a set of these wicker chargers for more rustic meals for ages. You can find them at Cost Plus, Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. I’m sure there are other sources as well, don’t they add something to this simple tablescape?

P.S. I apologize for not having one of those handy “PRINT RECIPE” commands and completely understand if you don’t bother to cut and paste this so that you can print it. I have a laundry list for my web developer (who happens to be my son and is very busy with work that pays him right now) to add to my site.

Spring will be here before we know it so I really wanted to get this out to you before our menu ideas involve grilling and lighter fare.

Do you like soup or stew for dinner. I have friends whose husbands feel it’s not enough for a satisfying dinner…lucky me, hubby enjoys soups, stews and even casseroles!

{Home} Chairs, Part Deux

01 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories

≈ 5 Comments

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chairs

(Image~left~The Graphics Fairy)

I really like chairs, not as much as a couple of people I know~you know who you are, but a well-designed chair always catches my eye. For me a chair is the one piece of furniture in a room that should excel at both form and function. In my house comfort is critical where chairs are concerned in part because we live in a small home and every chair must perform that duty. There is no room for the beautiful antique French side chairs that stand symmetrically ‘on guard’ of a lovely piece of furniture in this cottage (much to my sadness).

Centenary Farmhouse via Inspired Interiors

I must confess, these two little sentries (above) are so darn cute, I would have to make room in the cottage for this combination.

La Maison

Brabourne Farm

I have written about chairs in the past {HERE}. My furniture file was getting crowded so I thought I’d share some of my latest finds.

Bunny Williams

When a chair offers both unique or eye-catching style as well as comfort I suddenly “get” what my chair-loving friends are on about. Like this chair (above) I found on Bunny Williams site, the chair looks like it would be comfortable but still attractive, especially with the upholstery selection.

Stephen Knollenberg

The chairs flanking the fireplace (above) appear to be antique. They are so interesting in style and while I don’t think they look terribly comfortable, in a room this size they are a welcome addition and could be pressed into use if additional seating was needed.

New England Home

The devil is in the details…notice the arms and the nail heads. This chair is so cool, with it’s bold stripe and quilted seat, I would love a pair just like it.

New England Home

A front image of the chairs above wasn’t available but they appear to be wood with maybe a cane back and a loose cushion seat. Don’t they almost resemble a fancy folding chair?

Kelly Harmon

The dining chairs in Kelly Harmon’s home (this is an old image so she may no longer live in this house, not sure. via Cote de Texas) are very simple yet detailed enough to be really pretty. I also love the trestle table!

Liz Williams Interiors

The chair above is simple, understated and yet, paired with the interesting table and lamp, creates such a welcoming spot to unwind, read a book, sip some tea, don’t you think?

Splendid Willow

I’ve mentioned before that Hubby has always liked the idea of wing back chairs as the captain chairs for our dining room. We simply do not have enough space to make this happen. If we ever add a breakfast room to our home, which would be a welcome addition, we could do something like this (above).

Restoration Hardware

The above beauty from Restoration Hardware looks very cozy, doesn’t it…love the silver nail heads.

The French Tangerine

The antique (or reproduction) chair (above) was captured by The French Tangerine at the 2012 Atlanta Gift Show.

Providence Ltd. Design

This is a favorite wing back image. The antique tapestry hanging in perfect concert with the use of tapestry on the chair. Charles Faudree states in his new book Details that if a fabric is too expensive to cover a chair in just make a pillow using the fabric on the front only. Clever and creative. When I reupholstered by window seat and love seat in my library I applied Charles suggestion to the pillows in the window seat.

Do you have a favorite chair of set of chairs? I do love antique and vintage chairs.

I’m over at No Minimalist Here…stop by if you have time.

{Home, Garden} The wonderful world of wicker

28 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories

≈ 8 Comments

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wicker

♥I’ve decorated with wicker in most of its variations since I first began decorating my bedroom, sometime in my teen years. I continue to have a soft spot in my heart for wicker hampers, Kooboo chairs, wicker trays and chargers and baskets of all shapes and sizes.

I love the idea of storage baskets with wheels…how convenient!

The French, linen-lined bread baskets are so charming and impossible to find in my neck of the woods.

Cuisine de la Maison

I love the antique and vintage baskets that served as vessels for baguette and breads, laundry and other commercial endeavors, but can rarely afford the authentic vintage/antique version. But that doesn’t stop me from buying and using baskets that are knock-offs of those early working baskets.

A little grove of olive trees in these old laundry baskets make such a great accent.

Atelier de Campagne

John Saladino

Vignette Design

The recent resurgence of wicker hampers as coffee tables and blanket chests seen in so many of the magazines and books are a draw for me. I love the warmth and country feel they provide a room.xx

love French bulldogs

I would love to have croquet mallets mounted in a family room and the fireplace is stunning as well!

Mary McDonald via My Design Chic

Delores at Vignette Design always sets a beautiful table, if you’ve never visited her blog be sure to stop in.

Vignette Design

The daybed with storage baskets underneath is inspired…I may have to copy this in our study/granddaughter’s guest room.

Better Homes and Garden

Suzanne Kasler

Traditional Home

Brooke and Steve Gianetti used this vintage hamper as a side table to great effect.

Velvet & Linen

Vignette Design

William Yeoward

Do you use baskets in your home? I would love to hear from you.

Happy Tuesday!

{Garden, Home and Party} Living with pets

23 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Family, Misc, Personal Information

≈ 12 Comments

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Pets in the home

Carl Larsson

For those of you who follow my blog, {thank you}, you may remember we have 3 pets in our home. A 15-year old cat, Maggie {the senior pet}, and our two shelter-rescued dogs, Winnie, age 8 and Madison, age 3. Maggie is a black and white cat, whose grandmother was a Scottish Fold (their ears fold forward). Maggie’s ears do not fold but our vet says her ears are shorter and she suspected before I told her that Maggie had Scottish Fold in her genes. Winnie is our giant bear of a dog. The shelter labeled her “part terrier” when we adopted her. They also told us she was full-grown when we acquired her petite 30 pounds of puppy! She now weighs 78 lbs. and still considers herself a lap dog. Our baby, Madison, is a Border Terrier/Jack Russel Terrier mix. She has calmed quite a bit but when we first adopted her she was more a terror than terrier! We love her and she definitely entertains us with her antics.

If you have a cat you know they sleep where they want…Maggie decided hubby’s briefcase was just the right size for her.

Winnie truly thinks she’s a lap dog. She puts her 2 front paws on your lap and longs for the days when she could get up with all fours!

Laundry day is one of Madison’s favorites…when the warm laundry is thrown on the bed for folding she assumes that’s her invitation to snuggle in.

Our atrium is a favorite with the pets during warm days of spring and summer.

During the time our sons were growing up {they are now adults} we had a bevy of pets with, at one time, six in all: Mackenzie, a Scottish terrier; Woody, a Cairn terrier; Skittles, a calico cat; Thomas, a desert tortoise; Lucy, a Dutch bunny and Goldie, a gold fish won at a carnival).

We used to have a wire haired German pointer mix. Reilly looked very much like this sweetie.

This resembles our Scotty, Mackenzie.

There are books on the topic of pets/dogs in the home. Living with Dogs is my all time favorite and I blogged about it last year.

The cottage in this image, as well as the West Highland Terrier, all contribute to my vision of the ideal accessory for a home. {smile}

My husband teases me saying I only buy or adopt pets that look good with the décor. There may be some truth to that but the bottom line is…in my book they are one of the best home accessories.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel has become a fixture in so many homes. I confess, I love they way they look as well as their sweet dispositions.

Our entire family loves animals and we always said yes, when youngest son, Kevin, would ask to bring home or buy a pet (lizards, hamsters, mice).

Providence Ltd.

Splendid Willow

Photo by Roger Davies

Photo by Victoria Pearson

{ahhhh}

I have very dear friends that prefer not to be bothered with the work and planning (when they travel) involved in owning pets but I’m not there quite yet. Oh, don’t get me wrong, there are days when I wish I didn’t have to perform the morning chores involved with providing good care for our pets. But at the end of the day there is something so satisfying about their unconditional love and exuberant greeting when I return home from work.

Maybe this sketch by Rupert Till would suffice, or…

…one of Penelope Bianchi’s antique, stone doggies.

So, dear readers, tell me…do you have a pet. Could you imagine your home without? I love your comments…tell me.

If I don’t answer the door, I’m over at Sherry’s Open House Party, No Minimalist Here

{Party} Cheers!

21 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Drink, Entertaining

≈ 18 Comments

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tabletop bar

I have always liked the looks of a bar tray set up on a table in the right location of a living room or dining room.

{via}

A bar doesn’t have to provide alcohol exclusively, bottled water and soft drinks make an inviting bar as well, don’t you agree?

{via}

Even a bookcase can do double duty as a bar…this one (below) looks cheerful with the flower-filled blue and white vases.

It reminds me of the British colony look that I assume I’ve seen in many of the movies of a certain era. {Many of my most inspired décor ideas originate from books, magazines or movies, very few original ideas in my brain!} House of Fifty Winter/Spring online issue has a feature article on the topic of the resurgence of the cocktail party. This issue also has some delicious recipes for new, fresh cocktails.

Flowers are a definite plus, something I failed to put in my image at the end of this post.

Yeager Antiques

The book case/breakfront below has been converted to a very practical bar. {Point of interest, shouldn’t the red wine be stored on its side?}

{via}

When you’re really short on space you can improvise like the image below…very clever use of a chair and vintage suitcase.

{via}

I had thought about setting up a small bar in our dining room on the antique sideboard. This past Christmas Lyn (hubby) received a couple bottles of very nice Scotch and while he doesn’t have a sip nightly, I thought I’d display the 3 varieties we own along with our scotch glasses. {below ~ We only own 2 of these cute little vessels since when we entertain we generally serve beer or wine}.

I’m sure I’ll tire of the set up but it was a nice change for winter. The little wooden wren was carved by my dear friend’s dad.

To close, I came across this little computer message at casual-classic-home and thought it was cute:

Be sure to read it…I was a little alarmed when I saw it on my screen but its a joke!

Slainte!

I’m visiting Melissa at The Inspired Room for her linky party on small homes…join me.

and I’m over at The Polohouse sharing my table top bar.

{Home} Mirror, mirror on the wall…

16 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Uncategorized

≈ 13 Comments

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mirrors

I’ve been hooked on Top Chef/Texas. This season they featured Dallas, San Antonio and Austin. Since Kyle, Jamie and Olivia live in Austin, Lyn and I thought it would be fun to watch…it was!

The show is now down to the final 6 chefs but before they sent the 7^th contestant/chef home the team had to cook for Charlize Theron who stars in the latest upcoming Snow White movie—Snow White and the Huntsman. I love Charlize Theron and she apparently loves food. The cooking team had to prepare courses that reflected what an evil witch might eat. It was very entertaining and the food, while sometimes scary (black chicken with the foot left on) was, according to the judges, quite tasty.

And…Julia Roberts has a Snow White movie due to be released March 1st titled Mirror, Mirror.

So, {I knew there was a post idea in here somewhere} in honor of these movies due to be released March 1st and June 1^st, respectively, here is your mirror, mirror on the wall(s).♥

House and Garden

unknown

Architectural Digest

Better Homes and Gardens

unknown

So, I wonder if Snow White would have mirrors all over her Fantasyland house or did her minion only speak to her from one?

I’m visiting Sherry at her Open House party today, stop by No Minimalist Here for a visit.

{Party} An easy recipe and the table setting to serve it from

07 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Family, Food, Party Planning, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 7 Comments

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Easy Chili

January was an unusually dismal month for me. This is surprising since it’s my birthday month and the first month of a new year, a new beginning of sorts, so I surprised, even myself, that I was internally negative the entire month. No reason, which only makes it more confounding.

So, I know that if I get down in the dumps, which doesn’t happen very often, I just need to continue to smile, live and wait…the wise words of my grandma (and grandma’s everywhere, I imagine) come to mind, “this too shall pass”. In my internal musings I self-analyzed, self-critiqued and I pondered the worth of my blog. No real revelations presented themselves since I believe you have to be cautious making huge decisions when you’re in the dumps, but I did decide I needed to share more of the recipes I try and like. That fills the “party” part of Garden, Home and Party. For those not interested in cooking I decided to couple the weekly recipe with a few of my favorite table settings that I’ve collected…kind of a something for everyone philosophy.

So here you go. I’m starting with a recipe for chili. I have always made my chili from my mom’s recipe. That means for the 39 years I’ve been married I’ve always prepared the same recipe. Until now. Pioneer Woman (and if you haven’t visited her site or read her cookbook or seen her Food TV program, I urge you to have a look) demonstrated a recipe for “Simple Perfect Chili” on her show. My husband had recorded the show for me and happened to be in the room when she was demonstrating the process and he commented that it looked really good. I took advantage of this segue to say, “Why don’t you cook it for us?” {Note: I work full time outside the house and he works from our home}.

He followed the recipe which you can print from HERE and I have to tell you…it was delicious, I believe it will replace the long time recipe for chili I used to use. {The only change: we used a large can of chili beans and 1 can of black beans, rinsed, instead of kidney beans and black beans} Below is a picture off Wikipedia and it doesn’t do the dish justice. But you’ll at least get the jest of it. This recipe would be good for a group since you can make it well in advance and it gets better by making it a day or two in advance.

If I were serving chili to friends and family I might set the table like any one of these….

Since Chili is a simple meal you might just want folks to serve themselves.

Since I usually serve chili in the cooler months I look for a table setting idea that reflect the season. Vignette Design always features such great ideas for entertaining.

This Veranda table setting by Toby West is a perennial favorite of mine. Barley twist candle sticks and horn-handled pewter, what could be better?

Don’t restrict your table to flowers and candles, pull out all the stops, as Delores at Vignette Design has done with the set up below.

This table looks pretty spring-summer with the white, but I included it because I love the aged wood runner down the center of the table and would like to make something like that for my table…it gives the table such a rustic look and I think you could change the linens and flowers to accommodate seasons and different dish patterns.

Enjoy and bon appetit!

February is a good month and I know it will be the start of a great year!

My friend, Jermaine has planned the most exciting trip and invites anyone interested in visiting Paris for an insiders shopping and dining vacation. Visit French Kissed for details.

http://french-kissed.com/archives/11592

{GHP} Happy Groundhog Day…H-B, Kevin

02 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Family, Gardening

≈ 8 Comments

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Groundhog Day

As we embark on MONTH TWO of a new year, wait, how is that possible? Time needs to slow down for just a bit…right?

National Geographic ~ the groundhog

My mind has been racing with thoughts of things to do…from work to pleasure…I can’t seem to make it slip into neutral long enough for me to focus. Does that ever happen to you? You no sooner think of one thing then your mind races to a new topic and before you know it you’re lost in new ideas, forgetting the good idea you just had. No, I don’t think I’m suffering from early-onset dementia, why do you ask?

Source unknown, but this is the best of both worlds in my mind—a castle cottage.

So, since it’s Groundhog Day and I’m certain I’ve experienced the above condition before, and because it’s our youngest son’s birthday, {it’s cliché to say it seems like only yesterday he was a tow-headed toddler following his big brother around the house, but I’m just saying…}, I’m providing images of things I like and rooms Kevin might like. This isn’t a cohesive, all-one-idea kind of post, it’s an all over the place, like this and that kind of post. {It’s okay if you skip your visit with me today…it might be contagious and you’ll be out of focus if you continue}.

Veranda Magazine

Southern Accents, 2004

source unknown

Maybe this is a purge of images that have been intriguing but not really part of a larger subset of rooms. In any event, I hope you will return when I’m on topic. Thank you for your patience.

source unknown

Better Homes and Garden Some of my thoughts are towards planting for spring and a December wedding for Kevin and his darling fiance, Sarah.

Brides Magazine

Have a very Happy Birthday, Kevin!

May your beer brewing be successful.

I think I need a nap…

I’m visiting Sherry’s Open House at No Minimalist Here

My friend, Jermaine has planned the most exciting trip and invites anyone interested in visiting Paris for an insiders shopping and dining vacation. Visit French Kissed for details.

http://french-kissed.com/archives/11592

NOTE: I AM HAVING SOME SERIOUS WORDPRESS/SERVER ISSUES. I’VE BEEN TOLD IT’S FIXED BUT I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE IF YOU’VE HAD PROBLEMS ACCESSING MY POSTS OR LEAVING COMMENTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

{Garden, Home} Symmetry

31 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Designer, Gardens, Trends

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symmetry

I waffle on the topic of symmetry because I see great examples of both symmetrical and asymmetrical gardens, furniture layouts, kitchen cupboard arrangements and accessories. I guess most of the time I’m most comfortable with symmetry, but there’s always an exception.

via

This (above) garden vista is symmetrical for the most part. The astilbe on the left and pittisporum shurb on the right are pretty and asymmetrical. The posts on the gate invite you into the formal garden space, so pretty.

Designer, Mary McDonald (via Veranda Magazine) says,

“I always like to pair very symmetrical elements with something that’s asymmetrical, because the symmetry cleans up the asymmetrical parts and keeps them from getting too crazy….You always want to make sure when you’re putting together a tablescape for a vignette that’s symmetrical…that you have groups of all different heights, because that creates an artistic sense of release.”

via

The above dining room is more symmetrical then not and so attractive with the matching candle holders on the buffet, the matching windows and window treatment with matching chairs in front are a nice back drop to the table adornments.

This is such a restful image…the simplicity and understated look of white fireplace, white chairs and throw and then the large, dark stained coffee table. Very nice.

Such a pretty library, one I would enjoy spending time in!

That makes sense to me. So today I’m posting beautiful examples of both. In the world of design there seems to be good argument for both asymmetrical features and symmetrical. No matter what your preference, there is attractive support for both.

Amy Meier Design

I love the matching lantern-style lights on each post over the bar…there are some positive asymmetrical features in the kitchen as well and it all works beautifully.

Atlanta Homes Magazine

Don’t you love the pair of arched cabinets at the end of the room? The beams in the kitchen and the credenza style cabinetry on the left side topped with shutters are such a wow factor for me.

Symmetry in the garden is always impressive when your speaking of a formal garden…the “juxtaposition” and “axis” conversation must have been lengthy in this garden.

Phoebe Howard Design

The above room is one of my favorite examples of a study in the beauty of asymmetrical design.

via decorpad

Love the matching towel bars in this bathroom.

A beautiful example of asymmetrical accessorizing.

Suzanne Kasler Design

Now this is commitment to {above} symmetry.

How do you feel about this topic? Do you need symmetry when decorating your home? Do you mix it up? I’d love to hear your ideas and thoughts on this topic.