Identifying your style

08 Monday Nov 2010

Posted by in Decorating, Misc

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Do you know what your ‘style’ of decorating would be called if your home was featured in a magazine?  I don’t.  I know what I like and I’ve tried to be objective about the rooms in my house but labels seem to elude me.  Sometimes words get in the way.

This was the image of the house Peter Dunham (House Beautiful, November 2010) had recently decorated...they identified the house as a 1920 "Classic American" house. I love it.

I have a vague idea that my ‘style’ is “eased-up traditional” a term I found in an interview of Peter Dunham in the latest House Beautiful magazine.   {love that term}  The house had touches of French and British Colonial among others.  I love French  ‘Country’ (I believe that just means a little less formality) and I love English (again, more ‘country’ than the highly polished/preserved furniture).  Our home is small (relatively speaking) so I often refer to it as cottage.  I occasionally pick up magazines that declare themselves “cottage” or “romantic” living publications and often only see one or two rooms I like…what’s that about?

This was the young girl's bedroom in the Dunham house---French bed with bamboo accents, isn't it pretty?

I really like the stone table and fireplace. (Dunham house)

My natural affinity for furniture and accessories that are MUCH less than perfect, even slightly beat-up or tarnished, makes me wonder what style that might be.  Words can conjure up an image based on experience or exposure that sometimes is unfavorable as a descriptive.

This Cabbages & Roses room would be French, I believe. I've really grown to love the gray paint they are showing.

Industrial style is really popular now...where does that fit in the grand list of styles---modern, traditional with a twist?

{Above image was recently shown on the blog site Greige}

An example of this whole “words creating an image” backfired when,  some years ago, hubby and I talked to someone about landscaping our back yard, including some changes we wanted to make to the patio area.  Some of you may know, I used to have a landscape business but I wanted an outside perspective.  So we were going to pay an “expert” for plans and then implement them ourselves. After a detailed walk through the yard and showing him some of the pictures I’d saved from magazines (which I believe reflected an English cottage-garden look with a formal knot garden) he looked at me and said, “So, what you want is a “funky” look, right?”  Hubby said I visibly blanched and needless to say I never called him back.  For some reason “funky” for me equates to a disorganized, mismatched, even cluttered or junky look, which I don’t believe is anywhere near the look I was going for.  Is it me?  It’s him right?

I love English pewter and dark oak furniture.

Not sure what "style" this is but I thought it was interesting...the walls are lined with birch bark. Rustic but really effective.

If you Google “design style” you will find plenty of entries that address the styles that are considered ‘standards’ but as one design blogger stated, there are as many combination’s of styles as there are designers and they (styles) are as individual as the person doing the room.

I thought this John Jacob designed kitchen area was a great mix of traditional and classic. The black pieces and classic black and white floors are striking.

The neutral palate of A Country Farmhouse makes me re-think the meaning of "country" design...her rooms are so fresh and welcoming.

{If you’ve never visited A Country Farmhouse blog site I think you might be surprised}

I guess that’s what makes this hobby in decorating so much fun for me;  to see how individuals communicate their style and the “rules” are often not applied.  That’s the way I like it!  What about you, do you have a definitive style?

Cote de Texas featured this room at an estate called Balderbrae...the room is beautiful and it hasn't changed too much in 10+ years.

{Visit Cote de Texas for this post HERE}

Breakfast for dinner

05 Friday Nov 2010

Posted by in Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

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The time change this weekend will mean when I get off work at 5:00 p.m. it will be pitch black.  No more coming home to walk the doggies in the hills near our home (too many scary critters might be lurking up there) or a little quick garden maintenance after work.

Okay, no, I don't live or work on the water, but wouldn't it be nice to leave the office or the house and see this?

That said, being the kind of gal that looks for a silver (or brushed nickel) lining in any perceived negative (not that Pacific Standard time is a negative but I do love the extra hours of daylight) the time change will mean I come home from work, change into workout pants (I know, elastic is a waistline’s enemy), start a fire in the fireplace and pour a glass of Chardonnay.  Dinner plans will ensue and one of the menu items always welcome in the winter months is breakfast for dinner.

Do you ever prepare scrambled or poached eggs and toast for a simple dinner?  The recipe below is a favorite of mine and hubby.  It’s from Barefoot Contessa, Back to Basics cookbook Note:  I ordered the new “How Easy is That?” for a friend but haven’t ordered one for myself yet as I’ve been advised Christmas is only a couple of months away and that there might be a few people interested in something like this as a gift for me.

Since I prepared this for hubby and I the size of the recipe worked well.  If you have to serve more than 2 I’d suggest using 2 oven-proof skillets.

You could probably divide this in to quarters unless you have a hungry man in the house that you've convinced this is a one dish meal!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon good olive oil
  • 3 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled, 1-inch-diced
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 extra large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Cooking Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof omelet pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 3 to 5 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is browned but not crisp. Take the bacon out of the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.

Place the potatoes in the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Continue to cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until very tender and browned, tossing occasionally to brown evenly. Remove with a slotted spoon to the same plate with the bacon.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the eggs, milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together with a fork. After the potatoes are removed, pour the fat out of the pan and discard. Add the butter, lower the heat to low, and pour the eggs into the hot pan. Sprinkle the bacon, potatoes, and chives evenly over the top and place the pan in the oven for about 8 minutes, just until the eggs are set. Slide onto a plate, divide in half, and serve hot.

Since I’m always interested in easy meals on weeknights I would love to hear what some of your favorite ‘go-to’ weekday meals are.

Happy Friday!

Gearing up for Thanksgiving

03 Wednesday Nov 2010

Posted by in Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Food, Party Planning

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Ahhh, Norman Rockwell...he set the bar pretty high!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  I love the fact that it’s all about the food, oh, and the giving thanks part.  I’m pretty thankful almost daily for a whole host of things so I guess that part fell behind the good food part!  Sorry.  No gift buying, no costumes, just great food and football (and gratitude).

Mention Thanksgiving and I’m sure a good third of the population cringe at the idea of getting the family together.  After all, not every family is a cohesive Norman Rockwell family!  As an only child I dreamt of what it would be like to have siblings.  When I married my hubby I realized that since he too was an only child we’d be a small family.  This Thanksgiving was doomed to be even smaller since Son#1 and his lovely wife are living in Austin, Texas and Grand baby #1 is due the day before Thanksgiving.

I guess if you don't like turkey this image doesn't make your mouth water!

{Image courtesy of Martha Stewart}

So, Son #2, hubby and I were thrilled to be invited to our good friends home.  Cayley and I have shared a passion for entertaining and cooking for years.

Isn't this simple but pretty? Centerpieces are so much fun.

{Our families history goes back to our oldest son and their oldest son being in grade school together and ultimately the same fraternity at the same college}  Cayley and I will collaborate on menu and cooking duties.  I’ll post the menu once it’s in place.

Not a flower in site but still lovely.

Oh, and the best part?  Cayley and her hubby have 4 lovely adult children—gratitude will be abundant this Thanksgiving.

{Image via Martha Stewart}

Martha Stewart gives directions on how to create these.

More Thanksgiving details to come…enjoy November!

Sleep, per chance to dream…Shakespere

01 Monday Nov 2010

Posted by in Decorating

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I’ve read a lot of different theories on how to ensure yourself 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.   I’ve practiced reading before lights out, warm milk, a relaxing bath and mind calming exercise with some success.

This bedroom looks inviting.

Overall, I have discovered that for me ‘order in my surrounding environment’ seems to be critical.  I know that must seem ridiculous to some but I can relax when everything is tidy, not so much when it’s not.

What do you do to go to sleep and stay asleep? Excedrin PM anyone?

I try to remember this quote, “Every twenty-four hours we are given  a fresh canvas to prime, to make ready for the vision.” Sarah Ban Breathnach, A Day of Comfort and Joy. I always hope that I’m ready to face a new day with optimism and energy.

Below are some bedrooms that I believe could aid with this whole sleep and dream goal.

This bedroom looks so fresh and inviting---maybe it's a guest room?

I like the French head and foot board and I think upholstered headboards would be comfortable. Would it be a dirt magnet?

I've seen suitcases stacked to create a nightstand before, just never using Louis Vuitton cases.

This streamlined look is relaxing to me; I like the windows above the bed.

Another padded headboard---the lamps are great with the prints and neutral duvet.

Can you guess? This is a Ralph Lauren room---it reminds me of a sharp men's suit---in fact I think one of the fabrics is called "suit ticking"

Red and white toile, need I say more?!

In case you weren't aware---I'm going to be a Grandma very soon!

{all images, except the 1st bedroom are courtesy of House Beautiful}

Just in time for Halloween or any other reason to celebrate the season.

29 Friday Oct 2010

Posted by in Fall Entertaining and Decorations

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Just in case you haven’t decorated for fall yet—hey, I get it.  We’re all busy and maybe you don’t even like this season very much…no, that can’t be it.  Who doesn’t like Thanksgiving?  One of the best holidays because there isn’t any gift buying involved and lots of good food, what’s not to like?

Come on in, doesn't this entry say "welcome"?

In any case…here are a few more fall pictures to fire up your imagination and help you with ideas for putting a few fall decorations out, natural or not.

If you feel a little chill just cover up with the throw, I'll get you a cup of tea.

Not a pumpkin in site and yet this arrangement gives you a sense of fall bounty.

Too much, have we gone too far? This image can be seen live at the Dallas Arboretum Botanical Garden.

And for my friends that really don’t care for the color orange {you know who you are}…

La Dolfina had this lovely image on her site recently---for those who prefer something other than orange this fall.

Come back and see me! Happy fall, enjoy your Halloween.

{images courtesy of Country Living unless otherwise indicated}

Fall gardening—growing peonies in Southern California

27 Wednesday Oct 2010

Posted by in Flowers, Gardening

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One of my favorite flowers is the peony.  I love their bold yet lacy beauty and the delicate to daring, colors they bloom in.  Unfortunately I am in zone 18 (according to the Sunset magazine guide).  We rarely get frost in my neighborhood (peonies like a chill in the winter) and we can warm up in the summer to the mid-to high eighties, even nineties, this is not an ideal climate for peonies.  Until now?

Monrovia sells some very lovely peony however they can be expensive.

I just read that there is a variety of peony called ‘Itoh’—a cross between herbaceous and tree peonies—not sure what that means exactly…but if it means I might be able to cut a peony blossom from my yard occasionally I’m up for giving a 5-gallon plant a try.

There are some David Austin roses that remind me of peony blossoms; if all else fails I will plant a couple new DA roses.

According to Sunset you can plant the ‘Itoh’ peony in spring or fall.  You want to make sure the rootball is level with the soil line—taking care not to disturb the tender feeder roots.  The article even says you can plant them in containers if the container is larger than the container the plant came in from the nursery.

Wouldn't it be fun to be able to stroll into the yard, clippers in hand, and come in with a bouquet like this? Hey, a girl can dream, right?

Add plenty of compost mix to your planting soil.  The plants should be watered regularly and you should feed them once when the plant starts to leaf using a low nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) and again after the last flower of the season fades.  The article also said that as the plant ages there will be a noticeable increase in blossoms…especially after 3 years in the ground.

Ahhh, yellow, so sunny and happy!

I realize that most of the U.S. probably can grow peonies with ease, it’s just that here in Zone 18 of Southern California we miss out on lilacs and peonies, two of my favorites.  We can grow hydrangea without much difficulty so that’s the consolation prize for living where it’s warm nearly every day! If any of you have grown these peonies successfully, please give me any and all advice you may have on how to do it.

Mom Cave

25 Monday Oct 2010

Posted by in Decorating

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*Censational Girl is hosting a contest on behalf of Home Goods—Describe your ‘Mom Cave’—okay, that’s easy.  My “Mom Cave” (which is really a misnomer since while I’ll always be a mom, my kids are adults) is a room in our house that used to be our dining room…the room is fairly small and several years ago we decided to flip the living room / dining room.  The living room was getting used so seldom and we generally entertain friends and family a lot.  So—I moved one of the love seats into the former dining room and gave the second away to Son #1.  I moved the ladder back chair and declared it my reading room or library.

*A) Describe your ‘Mom Cave’ and get creative! It can be your home office, your craft corner or closet, your reading nook, your vanity, or your favorite getaway spot.  Wherever it is that YOU take time to recharge, create, get organized, or just relax.  Why is it special to you?   How does your existing ‘Mom Cave’ help you stay organized, unwind, or simply be a better Mom?

I have a wish list for this room---it may become my blue and white room somewhere down the line.

One of the reason’s I love this room is its south-facing sun exposure.  This exposure makes the room cheerful and full of light for reading.  The ladder back chair has an ottoman and I find this to be one of the most comfortable chairs in the house—great for reading or relaxing.

The picture above the sofa was given to me by my grandma.

I’ve surrounded myself with art that I love (the picture over the sofa my grandma gave me) and lots of books.  I usually take my stack of magazines or catalogs that need to be sorted and passed on, or using a clipboard I’ll take a stack of notes in for catching up on correspondence.

I don't sit in this bay window to read, but Madison, my little dog, does! (Well, not to read---she's not that clever---but she watches me read)

However, there is a “wish list” for this room.  I’d like to remove the wallpaper and paint the walls, upholster the sofa (which is in a faded state) and have the ladder back refinished to take care of the damage from the sun exposure.  We may have to tint the windows or put up a shade…not sure which, to avoid the sun damage from reoccurring.

Layla at The Lettered Cottage, created this reading nook for herself when they remodeled their home. I love the cozy inviting feel of this space.

The Lettered Cottage

This reading nook was created from a closet space---very nice.

Do you have a room of your own?  Or a space where you can relax, read, unwind, write, blog, reboot?

Table settings and a good recipe

22 Friday Oct 2010

Posted by in Entertaining, Food, Party Planning

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As I’ve mentioned before, I love to entertain and for me one of the best parts is setting the table.  I enjoy the process of deciding which dishes suit the occasion and often the ‘simple white dishes’ (Villeroy & Boch ‘Chardonnay’) are my go-to pattern (or lack thereof).  But sometimes, as in the case of a birthday dinner we hosted that took place shortly after I inherited my Grandma’s china, I used her pretty dishes and dressed the table accordingly.

My friend, Gretchen, found this fabric and then made my runner...it has violets that match the dinner plates.

For me it is more about a comfortable, casual feel to the table.  I really don’t use my crystal anymore but instead opt for a stemware pattern that has been discontinued by Mikasa—it’s simple and can be put in the dishwasher.  What could be better, right?  I’ve gotten very un-stuffy with entertaining—it suits my lifestyle and our home.  I realize trends in entertaining, much like fashion, come and go.  The main thing is making our guests feel welcome and comfortable.

This was the blue and white table setting for my birthday group.

I love the green and white plates off-set by the green flowers. {"Flair" by Joe Nye}

Joe Nye’s new book, “Flair” is a fun read if you enjoy entertaining and like setting the table.  He exhibits a flair (no pun intended) and creativity.

I realize most of us don't entertain the masses but I love the use of these lanterns and I think they would look good with only 6 guests and maybe 3 or 4 lanterns down the middle of the table.

{image by Salis Studio}

Ohhh, toile table cloth, I love it! {"Flair" by Joe Nye}

Fabric can be expensive but if you search you can find some great buys on decorative fabrics at JoAnns (where they have a weekly coupon for 40% off) and even Big Lots.

Beach Bungalow 8 featured this table setting recently. I love the use of greens.

What is it about white? I love it. I believe the table cloth is an off-white or even oatmeal. Subtle contrast but beautiful.

{Image via Country Living}

So simple, so lovely!

{Image via Country Living}

And to serve on these lovely plates…this super simple, but so yummy chicken dish.  My friend Carla first served this recipe some years ago at a birthday party—I request it whenever she hosts my birthday.

Carla’s Parmesan Chicken

Chicken  (serves 6)

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INGREDIENTS:

3 eggs

6 chicken boneless, skinless breasts

6 ounces grated mozzarella cheese

Olive oil

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs

6 ounces Parmesan, grated

1 tablespoon parsley

2 cups heavy cream

INSTRUCTIONS:

Dip chicken in egg, then seasoned crumbs.  Brown chicken in olive oil over medium high heat.  Place in 9 x 13 baking dish.  Cover with grated mozzarella, set aside.

Heat cream and Parmesan until cheese is melted and sauce is slightly thickened.

Bake at 350° uncovered for 30 minutes.

Great with white and wild rice.


Easy Barefoot Contessa pasta night

20 Wednesday Oct 2010

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

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In my quest to prepare several new (to me) recipes out of Ina Garten’s “Back to Basics” cookbook before the October 26 release of her new cookbook, “How easy is that?” I have been trying a few of the easier recipes.  I work full time and sometimes when I get home from work I don’t feel like cooking a multi-stepped, overly involved recipe…you understand, right?

Since my photography lessons (self taught) aren't up to speed just yet, I borrowed this from Google. It's not what the pasta the recipe calls for looks like but you get the jest of the overall image.

So…I made Pasta with Pecorino and Pepper last week.  Wow, is it delicious and super easy.  I confess I took the time to pick up an Italian ‘tagliarelle’ pasta…they carry this at most specialty markets and even had a version at Trader Joe’s.  I also bought the Pecorino cheese at Trader Joe’s.  I grow fresh parsley almost year round so I had that on hand.

This recipe has a fresh herb taste and is very delicious, in my humble opinion.

(Could this picture be any smaller?)

To go with this I prepared Garlic Ciabatta Bread (from the same book).  I personally loved this bread, hubby thought it was good but not his favorite accompaniment to a pasta dish.  I usually make a basic sour dough bread with butter, Lawry’s garlic salt and Parmesan cheese (brown under the broiler) bread. I thought the Garlic Ciabatta Bread was so fresh and flavorful, it’s a winner in my book.

This really is a great book and the recipes are pretty easy.

PASTA WITH PECORINO & PEPPER

Ingredients

* 1 tablespoon whole black Tellicherry peppercorns

* Kosher salt

* 1/2 pound dried Italian egg pasta, such as tagliarelle

* 1 cup freshly grated aged Pecorino cheese (4 ounces), plus extra for serving

* 2 tablespoons heavy cream

* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

* 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Place the peppercorns in a mortar and pestle and crush them until you have a mixture of coarse and fine bits. (You can also grind them in a small food mill or coffee grinder.) Set aside.

Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package until al dente. Ladle 1 cup of the pasta cooking water into a glass measuring cup and reserve it. Drain the pasta quickly in a colander and return the pasta to the pot with a lot of the pasta water still dripping.

Working quickly, with the heat on very low, toss the pasta with 1/2 cup of the grated Pecorino, the crushed peppercorns, cream, butter, parsley, and 1 teaspoon salt, tossing constantly. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved cooking water. Off the heat, toss in the remaining 1/2 cup Pecorino. Serve immediately with a big bowl of extra grated Pecorino for sprinkling.

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GARLIC CIABATTA BREAD

Ingredients

* 6 large garlic cloves, chopped

* 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

* 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano leaves

* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

* Freshly ground black pepper

* 1/2 cup good olive oil

* 1 loaf ciabatta bread

* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the garlic in the bowl of a food processor and process until minced. Add the parsley, oregano, salt and pepper and pulse twice.

Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan and add the garlic mixture. Remove the pan from the heat.

Slice the ciabatta bread in half horizontally, and spread the butter on 1 half. Spread the garlic mixture on the other half of the bread, and put the halves together. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil.

Place the bread in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Open the foil, and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.

Let me know what you think.

Hard copy vs. digital

18 Monday Oct 2010

Posted by in Trends

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For as long as I can remember I’ve loved perusing magazines and books on the topic of interior design/decorating (I’ve been told there’s a difference; I think some RULES are involved with design).

This room looks comfortable and inviting for an afternoon of reading.

With the inevitable continuation (yes, there was a time I thought, “surely magazines and newspapers will always be around”) of digital media I’ve pondered, “Can a self-proclaimed home decorating enthusiast ever find happiness with digital magazines and books?”  I confess the answer for me is a resounding NO, with some qualification.

Reading about room design is such an escape for me.  I have often said that feathering my nest is my artistic outlet, my hobby and my passion.  I know from reading my favorite blog sites and design books that I am not alone in this.  In fact some of my closest friends share this passion.  So with the loss of magazines such as Southern Accents, Cottage Living and House & Garden, I felt the blow.   I kept it to myself for fear that most would wonder what was wrong with me—after all, they are only magazines!

I love the ease of viewing images of rooms by the hundreds (thousands even) from all over the world on the World Wide Web, with just the click of a mouse.  That said, spending hours in front of my computer fails to give me the same enjoyment as curling up in a favorite reading chair with a stack of magazines or design books and a cup of tea, or glass of wine if it’s after 5 p.m. is pure bliss!

I don't own an iPad but I've heard they are wonderful.

The Analog Sherpa, a site that features news and opinion on the rapidly changing marketing/advertising world recently had a thought-provoking piece on this topic.  While THIS article focuses on newspapers, it’s a trend that seems destined to take down some of the publications I cherish.

I’ve visited Nesting Newbies, a digital magazine that has gotten lots of recognition since its first issue late last year.  And don’t get me wrong, the magazine is very attractive and has a lot to offer readers, including some wonderful recipes, BUT at the end of the day I want to wind down instead of boot up for a visit to a favorite magazine.

This toile-covered ladderback chair and ottoman has given me hours of comfort while reading.

I am an optimist by birth and choose to believe there will be new shelter magazines to replace the ones shuttered and that IF they all go away I’ll get used to sitting in that comfy chair with my iPad (which means I’d have to purchase one) and be eagerly flipping pages of my favorite digital magazine.  I’d love to have you talk me down on this—what do you think?  Will you be okay with digital media?

Is it me? Am I trying to hold on to a archaic ritual?