Christmas Wish Lists

03 Friday Dec 2010

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When our sons were little I can remember them circling toys in the Toys R Us catalog in response to my question, “What do you want Santa to bring you this Christmas?” My husband and I were always on a budget so we would listen to them throughout the month of December to make sure Santa we got them what they wanted most.

Once they were older and knew the facts about Santa (parents are Santa’s helpers since clearly Santa can’t be all over the world in one night, right?) we would ask for a list from each of them and to this day that is my method for getting them the very thing they would like…along with some surprises. Now, I understand that this is the “easy way out”…I know if I were more clever and creative I would know intuitively know what everyone on my list would love and I’d buy it…but I’m not nearly so clever and due to full-time work have little time to ponder the question.

So, I’ve put out the request and am waiting for the lists to pour in. Meanwhile, my list of wishes is growing by the day. What is it about this season—the stores bring in wonderful items and display them with more panache than usual and I’m hooked. Not to mention the endless stream of catalogs, some of which I’ve never seen before, and the list grows.

In fact, I don’t need one single solitary thing, truly I don’t. But boy, do I see so many things that would be fun to have! So…I thought I’d share…I’d love to hear what some of you are wishing for this season—besides world peace and an end to worldwide hunger.

I've read about this book and seen some of the pages in blogland but I think I'd enjoy a copy.

Okay, I realize this is too practical, but that's the kind of gal I am...I would love a food scale and just never have purchased one for myself.

This medium Pierre Deux pewter serving tray has been on the radar for some time.

...along with these Pierre Deux coasters.

And while I realize this list holds only items for or about the home and design—well, that’s how I’ve always been. Hubby used to ask, would you like a diamond bracelet and I’d say, “I’d rather have French doors!” And on that note, since this is just a “wish list” I’d love to renovate our guest bathroom with this…

Unfortunately, Pottery Barn says this isn't available to California residents, what's up with that?

I hope all your wishes come true!

Sharing…blogland love

01 Wednesday Dec 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Gardening

≈ 17 Comments

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blog favorites

If you visit my blog site (and if you’re reading this, you obviously do, at least occasionally) you may have found my links to other “favorite sites” that I have visited and enjoyed. Like the World Wide Web, links to great design and food sites can suck hours of time in just one morning/afternoon/evening….must stay focused, must be disciplined. In the season of sharing I hope you’ll find something you like…

{image via Southern Accents}

I’m using some Christmas images in between each paragraph because ’tis the season and I like to see something between all the words—yes, I’m a visual learner, why do you ask?

{image via Southern Accents}

On the other hand, there are so many creative and inspiring sites that truly offer great ideas on design, recipes from the simple to the complex and do-it-yourself tutorials that will astound and delight you, even if you aren’t very accomplished in the DIY department {ahem}.

{image via Country Living}

I started thinking about this topic and realized I hadn’t really updated my list of favorite blog sites in some time and I had discovered a few new sites that I really enjoy. I also found that a few of my fellow blogger colleagues had stopped blogging for the most part {life interfering with art, no doubt}.

{image via Country Living}

So, drum roll please…here are 3 sites that are new to me and that I find keep me entertained and inspired!

Bardot in Blue is new to me. Haleigh lives in Paris…need I say more. She provides you with amazing images of some of the most picturesque places in the City of Lights and with wonderful designs she discovers. Visit her HERE. Oh, and if you’ve ever visited Jermaine at the fabulous French Kissed site—Jermaine is Haleigh’s mom…clearly the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree as far as artistic talents go.

heirloom philosophy is another site that I’ve only recently found {I stumbled upon this site through Little Blue Deer, a blog designer who redesigned heirloom philosophy}. Allison posts about antiques and interiors with a great eye for detail. She takes you to antique shows like High Point and Metrolina Expo and her photography makes you certain you are there! Visit Allison HERE.

paper{whites} has become a ‘must-read’ for me…Alison, a friend who grew up with our oldest son, has recently begun blogging. Her fresh take on life as a newlywed in a wonderful beach town is fun and informative. Visit Alison at paper{whites} HERE.

It’s so much fun reading the stories and learning, not only of new places, but new things (gardens, home design, parties and life)!

Favorite Christmas cookies, 3 recipes

29 Monday Nov 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, Food, Party Planning

≈ 6 Comments

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Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Molasses Sugar Cookies, Russian Rocks

Years ago, when our boys were very young, two of my dear friends and I would meet at one of our homes in mid-December and bake cookies. Gretchen and Linda are sisters (Linda was my Maid of Honor at my wedding) and the three of us have known each other since our days as Disneyland employees (just before automobiles were invented).

Those years of cookie baking have created some of my fondest holiday memories and the recipes we used are still some of my favorites. I thought I’d share them with you all (all 5 of you!).

These cookies turn out every time and make a great gift.

Molasses Sugar Cookies

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Ingredients

3/4 cup melted shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

In a medium bowl, blend the shortening, sugar, molasses and egg. Add the

baking soda, flour, clove, and ginger, cinnamon and salt; mix well.

Form into 1 inch balls and roll in granulated sugar.

Place on cookie sheets 2 inches apart and bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool on a rack.

This cookie is just the right amount of chocolate and a little powdered sugar.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

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Ingredients

1/2 cup shortening
1 2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
½ powdered cocoa
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup milk
powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°

In a medium bowl, blend the shortening, sugar and vanilla; beat in eggs and cocoa.

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt and add to sugar mixture alternately with milk.

Chill dough for 3 hours; form 1” balls, roll in powdered sugar. Place on greased cookies sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Makes 2 dozen

This may be my personal favorite of the 3 recipes.

Russian Rock Cookies

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Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F

In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar; add 2 teaspoons water and vanilla. Mix well.

Blend in flour and nuts.

Chill 4 hours.

Shape into balls and bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 325° about 20 minutes. Remove and roll in confectioners sugar while cookies are still warm.

I’d love to hear about your favorite holiday cookie! Happy baking. By the way, these freeze if need be. Sometimes we have to plan ahead.

Thanksgiving planning and menu 2010

24 Wednesday Nov 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, Entertaining, Food, Party Planning

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recipes, Thanksgiving

Cayley and I met the other night and went over our menu ideas for Thanksgiving Day. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we’ve cooked together on this holiday in years past with great success. Cayley has saved the menu that I usually print on fall paper each year so we used the 2009 menu as a guide.

I like the fresh produce mixed with flowers for a fall table---bountiful!

We will both prepare an appetizer—to be determined. Additionally, Cayley will buy some mixed nuts for munching. I lean towards an appetizer that isn’t too filing for obvious reasons.

I appreciate the mix of silver and pewter and the black furniture piece make the vignette pop.

We’ll salt the turkey per the Los Angeles Times Food feature of November 19, 2008. This, for scientific reasons I don’t fully understand, works better than brining, see recipe HERE. We tried the method in 2009 and the bird was moist and delicious. I’ll be responsible for make-ahead Creamy Mashed Potatoes and I’ll use Pioneer Woman’s recipe HERE. I’ll also prepare Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes (recipe HERE). We’ll buy Costco’s pre-made gravy—don’t judge, it just keeps stress out of the kitchen on a food/recipe intensive day! I’ll also prepare a recipe for Gulliver’s Cream Corn (I promise to post this recipe before Christmas because it’s a favorite and pretty easy).

I'm loving the white with natural accents, its great that pumpkins come in so many colors!

{the above picture via Slim Paley’s recent post, “Forget the Turkey, What about the Table?” HERE}

Dessert will consist of pecan pie (thanks to Cayley) and *pumpkin pie and Dreamy Apple Pie, recipe HERE with Hard Sauce from Pioneer Woman HERE.

Another great example of a fall table setting sans orange.

{the above image via French Kissed. There are lots of ideas for setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table in her post, “Imperfect Perfection”

*I use the Libby pumpkin pie recipe off the can—family traditions die hard. I found the recipe at All Recipes.com HERE.

Pumpkin soup, anyone?

Cayley is preparing (in addition to her appetizer) the turkey, stuffing, green salad, green beans, cranberries and pecan pie…oh, AND all the other work and shopping involved in having a dinner for 10-12 guests! I’m sure she will share the recipes with me and I’ll post links as I find them.

This post is making me hungry.

Have a Thanksgiving filled with love, gratitude and lots and lots of good food and football!

It’s a small world…after all

22 Monday Nov 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Gardens

≈ 4 Comments

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English gardens, Petersham Nurseries

The world of blogging has taken me to some amazing sites where talented and enthusiastic folks write (blog) about home, garden and entertaining. I find it almost overwhelming (in a good way) at the number of creative individuals living in our world, and there are hundreds more that don’t even use a computer!

I recently visited one of my favorite blog sites, Trouvais, and marveled at the beautiful magazine photographs she posted on this particular day—her question was “who do you think lives in this house?” and the home in question was grand, by my standards. I say that because I’m aware that there are people who participate in blogland that might in fact believe the house was no different than their own homes or that of their neighbors.

Imagine...

images via Trouvais via Vogue Living-Australia

As I scrolled down and took in the beautiful details of each room I thought to myself, well this is probably a U.S. East Coast “country manor house” where a) a successful businessman and his lovely wife live or b) a 5^th generation blue blood and his lovely wife live. In my fantasy they are always happily married!

So when Trouvais revealed who owned the house, Gael & Francesco Boglione the name meant nothing to me. There was a link to their business and I was still in the dark (for a second) because I first saw that the Petersham Nursery and estate was located in Richmond (so I was thinking of the U.S., Richmond, Virginia. Then it dawned on me, they live in England. What surprised me is how the internet has made our world smaller—I believe that can be a good thing. And trust me, I realize this is a huge “duh” to most of you, but when I think of what you can see, sort of up-close and personal, with the click of a mouse it astounds me and makes me very happy.

an excerpt from Petersham Nurseries website…“If the nursery itself wasn’t photogenic enough, it is set at the centre of an Arcadia created in the 18th century. Just over one hundred years ago, threatened with development, an “Indignation” Campaign ensured the view from Richmond Hill, of which this Arcadia was key, became the first and only view to be protected by Act of Parliament. Running alongside the Thames, this exquisite area of woodland and water meadows has inspired poets, writers, composers and artists such as J.M Turner and Sir Joshua Reynolds”.

In addition to the beautiful estate and the breathtaking nursery, they own Petersham Properties—a company that rents out manor houses for holiday for ordinary folks like you and me—well, maybe. I’ll have to check the prices and get back to you on that.

This lovely little country house in the Cotswold sleeps 8---yes, please!

Where in the world would you like to visit today or over the Thanksgiving weekend?

Note: When hubby and I were first married we worked at Disneyland—hubby wore the cute straw bowler hat and was supervisor for the Fantasyland ride, It’s a Small World!

Cottage living…Moody cottages

19 Friday Nov 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Architects & Builders

≈ 4 Comments

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Moody cottage

The Los Angeles Times newspaper featured a piece on cottage living last Saturday. Specifically they wrote about cottages designed and built by the Moody sisters HERE.

I love the history behind the four sisters; Harriet, Mildred, Brenda and Wilma were all born in the 1890’s.

They were ahead of their time with their use of salvaged windows, doors and beams from large homes that were being torn down after the depression. These ladies were making use of recycled parts to enhance the cottages they built long before the days of shabby chic!

Many of the historical Moody cottages are located in Montecito and Santa Barbara along the central coast of California.

It is reported that a majority of the owners love the quirky details of these small homes such as narrow staircases and landings, “built-in shelves that are set too close together for many books to stand upright”.

What’s not to love?!

The charm these homes impart is unmistakable and so they are always in high demand, few come on the market.

For more of the history and detail visit HERE.

{ all photographs by Ricardo DeAratanna, L.A. Times}

Are chicken coops just for farmers?

17 Wednesday Nov 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Outdoor living, Trends

≈ 4 Comments

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chicken coop, raising chickens

In addition to always wanting a small studio/playhouse/garden cottage in the back yard, another outdoor adornment I’ve always recently wanted (in the sense that I’ve given it some thought) is a chicken coop. Wouldn’t it be great to wander out your back door and pick up fresh eggs?

These images from this post on Velvet & Linen got me thinking about having your own coop. This particular coop is on the grounds of a beautiful home owned by Penelope Bianchi. Read more HERE. Don’t be surprised if you get lost in the beauty of this home—the chicken coop is nothing compared to the rest of the grounds. Brooke of Velvet & Linen takes you on an amazing tour of the Bianchi home in Santa Barbara (complete with chicken coop).

Ahhh, mommy chicken with her chicks.

I’ve seen several magazine articles on the trend and if it weren’t for the fact that our fair city will NOT allow chickens and/or livestock of any kind (except where zoned which as far as I can tell is NO WHERE in my city), I’d have a couple of hens roaming my backyard.

These little chickens won my heart in Austin's Eastside Cafe

When I visited Austin, Texas earlier this year, I was treated to lunch at a wonderful restaurant that had a bit of land planted with vegetables and herbs as well as a chicken coop filled with many varieties of chickens.

In this feature in Country Living Eleanor Mondale has a chandelier in her kitchen coop. Now that’s my idea of style!

Doesn't this look like fun...cute chickens and chandelier in your chicken coop!

{images courtesy of Country Living}

The Mondale farm even has a pet miniature pony...I've always wanted a pony. {kidding}

Martha Stewart even hosted a show where guests brought their chickens with them to the show—I didn’t see it but wondered what kind of havoc that would have created.

Chickens seem to come in a variety of colors, even the eggs.

A neighbor and former kindergarten teacher at the local elementary school used to have a couple of hens she had obtained by way of one of her class lessons. In the spring the class would follow the progress of eggs in an incubator. Once they hatched the teacher would keep a couple of the chicks. She said they (chickens did a great job of keeping the snail and slug population in check). Unfortunately, the city made her get rid of the chicks.

Maybe I’m naïve but the southern California girl wouldn’t mind living on a farm! Is it like wishing for snow—honey, you don’t even know how much work farming is!

What will I want next…

{image courtesy of Pioneer Woman}

Do any of you have your own chicken coop?

A magical nursery…Rogers Gardens

15 Monday Nov 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Flowers, Gardening

≈ 11 Comments

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nursery, Rogers Gardens, seasonal plants

I live in Orange County, California where the sun shines 365 days a year…at least that’s what the Chamber of Commerce would have you believe. As a native SoCal resident I’m here to tell you we are pretty lucky with our weather and we do have seasons of a sort. It takes practice, but you can detect season-to-season if you’ve lived here all your life. (I was born and raised in the state and apart from a 2-year stint in Arlington, Texas hubby and are natives).

In the background, through the trees (in this picture), you can see the gazebo that Roger's is famous for. It was built and modeled after the gazebo at Disneyland.

Image via Rogers Gardens website.

One of the jewels in the crown of “the O.C.” (does anyone remember that TV drama/soap series?) is Roger’s Gardens. According to their website under History of the Nursery,

“The original Roger’s Gardens (in Costa Mesa) was opened in 1965 by Roger McKinnon. Retaining the name, Roger’s Gardens, Gavin Herbert Sr. became the new owner in January 1970 and moved the business in 1975 to its current location in Corona Del Mar, California. Sitting upon seven acres across from Fashion Island, Roger’s Gardens has grown to be known as ‘America’s Most Beautiful Home and Garden Center’”.

In addition to blood-pressure lowering vistas this nursery offers events (artists display their plein air paintings, Halloween and Christmas previews) but they offer free classes on specific interests such as growing roses or perennials.

Plein air paintings are often featured in the gift Gallery at Roger's.

So, after deciding I’d procrastinated long enough on getting practice to improve my photography skills, or lack thereof, I drove to Rogers Gardens on my lunch hour and took a lot of pictures, hoping to capture the beauty of the place—I’m sorry to report the pictures I took don’t compare to those of their website so this post features some of both…sorry. The photography student isn’t ready for prime time yet!

Roger’s does an amazing job with flower baskets.

I was going to try to take primarily Autumnal photos but it was already “Christmas” at Roger’s and there were dozens of Christmas trees decked out with ornaments for sale in the fabulous gift Gallery. Not to mention the LGB train (a larger scale train) that circles the most amazing array of evergreen trees and seasonal plants. Rogers manages to create a completely detailed fantasyland of beauty for all to see. I’ll go back later and try my hand on some “winter wonderland” shots.

You will find so many interesting and uncommon plants at Rogers. The planting materials they stock are the highest quality plants and almost always perform beautifully in the garden.

In addition to their stock of amazing bedding plants, perennials, shrubs and trees, they have a florist studio where (for a price) you may have any kind of centerpiece or house plant arranged in a decorative planter of your own or one you have purchased from the nursery. I’ve actually hired them to create a planter for a dinner I was giving in 2009 and the plants and planter still look great—the annual color I had them add has been removed but they do such a good job it is worth the dollars you will spend.

I love sunflowers and this arrangement reflects the season.

The gift Gallery always has great gift ideas whether you need something for a specific holiday or just want to spoil yourself. The prices on most items seems very fair to me—there are some spectacular antique pieces where the items are displayed with flair. The nursery has a complete line of patio furniture from Kingsley Bates teak to Lane indoor-outdoor wicker and dozens of others.

During the holidays the place is lit with tiny white lights from the trees surrounding the nursery to every large evergreen tree on the grounds inside the nursery. I’ll have to go back to take more pictures/get more practice!

By the way, I don’t work for Roger’s Gardens and they do not give me anything for these compliments…darn, wish they did! 🙂

Do you like to work in your garden—do you have a favorite place to buys plants or just to get inspired?

Busy turkey-day planning…easy recipe

12 Friday Nov 2010

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

≈ 2 Comments

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planning, recipe, Thanksgiving

Summer in Southern California was unusually cool this year and we’re now in our typical fall mode…days of rain have been followed by a Santa Ana condition (dry, windy, warm).

This image sums up the season nicely.

{Image via Censational Girl}

Pioneer Woman has been busy in her kitchen for some time now perfecting recipes for Thanksgiving dinner. When I read that I thought, Thanksgiving is ages away—then I realized that there is only about 2 weeks until the great turkey (or whatever you enjoy for that special day of thanks) feast!

Image via Martha Stewart

Tasks that are currently on my list in anticipation of Thanksgiving:

Doesn't this look delicious, presentation is important. We eat with our eyes first.

{Image via Country Living}

Start searching food sites and magazines for new possibilities for the feast. As I mentioned last week, we are going to our good friend’s house and we will share the planning and cooking duty.

I love the natural decorations that represent the fall season so well.

Image via the talented Jermaine, host of French Kissed. She has beautiful ideas for every season!

So, in light of the planning, racing around and probably even looking towards the gift-buying time of year I thought I’d leave you with this super easy, very delicious recipe from Trader Joe’s.

Easy and yummy. Perfect for the hectic days of holiday racing around.

Trader Joe’s Tortilla Soup

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Ingredients

1 12-ounce jar fire roasted chili salsa
1 pint heavy cream (or for less calories, half and half) I’ve not tried this with low fat milk.
2 tablespoons butter
1 zucchini, chopped
1 onion, chopped
½ package frozen corn
1 32-ounce chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Cheddar cheese, grated (for top)
Tortilla chips, crushed (for top)

Preparation Instructions

Sauté onion in butter until soft; add zucchini to cook al dente. Add salsa, chicken broth, and frozen corn and allow to heat through. Stir in cream and serve topped with grated cheese and tortilla chips.

Serves 4-6

Canada love…Tommy Smythe

10 Wednesday Nov 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Designer

≈ 3 Comments

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designer, Sarah Richardson, Tommy Smythe

It may have started with my first and only visit to Canada. I was 8 years old, equipped with my very own Kodak Brownie camera (for those too young to have heard of such a camera it would be like saying “Canon EOS SLR digital camera”…at least for me). My parents took me on vacation to Niagara Falls, the Canadian side, during the spring; I can remember swaths of tulips in full bloom near the falls.

My interest in Canada must have waned because when asked if I’d like to join my mom and step-father on a vacation to Victoria in June, the year I graduated from high school, I passed on the all-expenses paid trip (my loss).

So…many years later (please don’t do the math, I’m not really that old)…I was referred to a mystery series of novels written by Louise Penny titled Inspector Gamache series. The murders often take place in a village called Three Pines (Quebec) not to far from Montreal. I don’t know whether the village truly exists or is imaginary but it sounds so charming! The descriptions of the village and its characters, many speaking French, what’s not to love?

The latest intrigue with Canada came in the form of an HGTV program called “Sarah’s House”. This show is new to me and it follows the renovation of houses owned by Canadian designer, Sarah Richardson. Her partner in all things design related is Tommy Smythe. I love what Tommy does with rooms large and small. He’s funny and talented and I enjoy watching him. His current apartment in Toronto is amazing (pictures below) and only 700 square feet!