I Always Set The Table!

I know some of you probably think that I'm pretty bossy with Hubby's cooking but he's from New Orleans and actually enjoys it.  Even his dad does most of the cooking at his house, just something about those New Orleanian men.  Ask my mother-in-law how many meals she's fixed over the course of the years.   But for someone who has had a  "Martha Stewart Doesn't Live Here" plaque hanging  right outside her front door for the last ten years, she always sets the table!  I just purchased The Set Table last week and in the introduction, the author reminds us that we don't need fancy china and stemware to have a well-set table and I couldn't agree more! 

Time for A Gift or Two for the Fussy Mother-in-Law!

 

I don't know if any of you have a mother-in-law like mine or not.  But my mother-in-law is by no means an easy person to shop for! I could give you countless examples of the gifts that I brought her over the years that she has returned or told us never to buy her again.  Or you know, it could be me - maybe I'm just a bad gift giver.  But even my father-in-law has a hard time buying for her. For most holidays and birthdays, she usually picks out what she wants from him and she wraps it herself. 

 

And on top of having to come up with a nice Christmas gift for her - Hubby and I need to come up with a birthday gift as well.  It's a milestone birthday at that, which just adds to my stress!   I say hubby and I have to pick out a gift, but he just saids oh that sounds good whenever I mention something.

 

Now what I have found over the years is to give her tickets to plays, concerts, etc. that we can all go to together!  I mean after all what do you give to someone with two canoes...I kid you not!

 

Buy I'm running out of ideas for tickets this year. I did see this  book - she is a big bird person.  She is definitely getting this -  I'm getting ready to place my order to amazon now.  Hey I wouldn't mind a copy for myself (hear that Hubby).

 

 

 

 

 

Audubon's Aviary: The original watercolors For the Birds Of America

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, I've also have  been thinking of a Diamond Cashmere throw for her.  Who would not want a cashmere throw.  But of course the color, pattern etc. may be wrong. 

 

Any suggestions for a Fussy Mother-in-Law?

 

I'll be back tomorrow with my list of hostess-with-the-mostest gifts.  I have tons of suggestions for this!

Gifts for the Serious Decorator!

 Gifts for the serious decorator! 
 

 


One can never go wrong with a beautiful cashmere throw such as the ones above from Williams-Sonoma.

 

or Monogram bath  towels!  Or how about the Turkish hand towels shown below from West Elm.  Love the last name and your serious decorator would love them too!

 

 

 

Or how about a great design book.

 

 

 

In with The Old: Classic Decor from A to Z is indeed on my list of books this year. The author Jennifer Boles from The Peak of Chic was one of the first bloggers that I discovered many years ago. I love her writing style.

 

Last but not least -   I'm asking for  A Home Depot gift certificate from the in-laws.  They gave us one last year - and I got my bronze  goose neck kitchen faucet...yeah! Baby steps!

 

Tomorrow Gifts for the Girls!! 

On My Mind!

I'm currently working on basically our entire upstairs this past weekend, I seemed to be in a serious decision-making mood!   I had all my  inspiration pics scattered in Hubby's bathroom and I even measured his floor.  And then, I pulled out Victoria Hagan's book, which I bought  a few years ago.  And, yes, I do choose by the cover...kinda sorta! No seriously, it's a beautiful cover, but I love all the beautiful millwork shown throughout, and love the book. I really love this bathroom...classic!  By the way, as I was taking a break from painting our guest room, I went over to Waterworks to look for the sinks above, and disscovered the Barbara Sallick's blog.  Couldn't read everything because I had to get back to work, but will indeed check back since I'm always doing bathrooms.

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

Enjoying Victoria!

Victoria

Every Christmas my buddy Cruella and I swap magazine gifts to each other; the gift that keeps on giving! Last year, she asked me for Victoria Magazine and I asked for my usually Southern Accents. Now that Southern Accents unfortunately is no more (I will truly miss them), I'm thinking perhaps Victoria! I'm really enjoying their English issue this month; gets me in the mood for fall! Happy Friday.... I'll be de-mauveing this weekend!

Don't you just love this image?

Julie & Julia: Very Inspirational & Not Just a Chick Flick!

Julie & Julia

This past Sunday the hubby and I finally went to go see Julie & Julia. It had seemed everyone I knew had seen it--the in-laws, Janice from work (had seen it twice & even offered to go a third time with me if hubby backed out), a few of our docents, and Sylvia, our octogenarian volunteer, who kindly said it may not be the hubby's thing, hinting that it was a chick flick. My original intentions were to see the movie the weekend it came out, but I got caught up in house stuff, if you can believe that. Now of all the people I know who did see it, I actually was one of the few people who read the book! Well, most of it anyway. Last year I bought Julie & Julia for some summer reading, because I do like to dabble around in the kitchen. After all, I did just post 101 Easy Salads and I may boss the hubby around in the kitchen from time to time--he does like to cook!

Now, I may regret admitting this, but I did not actually finish the whole book because I got caught up in selling our house, moving out of Nashville, looking for a new job, looking for a new house etc. etc., so the book spent seven months in a storage bin. My goal was to finish the book before I saw the movie, but earlier this year I had seen a sneak peak of Julie & Julia and knew I had to add it to my list of movies to see this year. What had sweetened the pot was seeing Ms. Child's kitchen with all that old copper--errrrrr! Perhaps I did have a few ulterior motives! So yes I'm still working on the book! While devouring Milk Duds, Whoppers and M&Ms during the movie, the hubby whispered to me that he wanted a mortar & pestle--Hmmm, I knew he would like it!

Hubby's mortar & pestle lurking in the background!

Last night, the hubby and I were discussing Julie & Julia while cooking dinner which for us consisted of a New York strip and green beans--easy, although hubby did dress the green beans up with a ton of butter! For me knowing that I was out of everything and would have to restock the following day, I told the hubby that I really had to hand it to Ms. Powell for working a day job, fetching ingredients after work and then cooking and not just cooking but FRENCH cooking - not to mention the clean up (hubby's cooked a duck before)! Hubby told me that he really enjoyed the movie as well, and I knew he would because Sylvia, our eighty-something-year-old did not know his love for butter!

Julie & Julia - I loved it and so did the hubby!

Soup's On!

Great Settings

A few years ago, I picked up Great Settings, a book that I highly recommended for your entertaining collection—that is, if you don’t already have it. It has been out for a while. Now every fall, the hubby and I like to make Escarole Soup with chicken sausage and that recipe, of course, comes from Great Settings. But once you put it all together you will be able to eat on it for a several days and then the only things you have to do is heat it up, slap your French bread in the oven, and grab some cheese. It’s simple and makes the perfect meal–especially for us—after coming home from work, going through the daily mail, and then walking two demanding dogs in the fall chilly evening air. Now, for the hubby, anything with chicken sausage will do the trick (it’s the Cajun in him I reckon). So here it is, and please let me know what you think.

Escarole Soup with Chicken Sausage

2 Tablespoons olive oil

6 Links of chicken Sausage

4 Garlic Clover, coarsely chopped

1 Large Spanish Onion, sliced

Salt And Pepper To Taste

1/2 Bottle Dry White Wine

6 Cups Chicken Stock

2 Cups Water

5 Carrots, Peeled And Sliced into 1/2 - Inch Rounds

3 Cups Cooked Cannellini Beans

2 Heads Escarole, well washed, trimmed, and coarsely chopped

Parmesan Cheese For Grating

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy stock- pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned all over. Remove the sausage, cut it into bite-sized chunks, and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the wine and stir to dissolve any of the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken stock, water, and carrots, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Add the sausage and cook for 5 minutes, then add the beans and escarole. Cook for 5 minutes, until the escarole is wilted but not overcooked. Check the seasoning and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!!!

In Need Of Inspiration!

Both Image from Farrow&Ball The Art Of Color

A few weeks ago, while at a fabric store here in Nashville, and a little frustrated with a few current projects, I ran across Farrow&Ball's The Art Of Color. I don't know how this book slipped through my radar last year when it first came out, but it arrived last Saturday and I have read it cover to cover.

Bunny's Barn

Both Images from Bunny Williams An Affair with A House

I'm signing out for the week and leaving you with a few images from Bunny Williams' incredible barn!

Have a great weekend!

On The Hunt!

While back in Nashville this past Friday and still a little annoyed—actually very annoyed—that hurricane Hanna destroyed our beach plans to Jekyll Island—I actually had a few minutes to unwind and to look at a few books. One such book that I was enjoying over a glass of wine was Hunt Country Style, which I had ordered earlier in the year. And do you know what? I’m in the equestrian mood now! Lexington here we come!

Hunt Country Style

Yea! New Book Releases!

Charles Faudree Interiors

Last week, while having lunch with my buddy Cruella, we were discussing our favorite designers and decorating books that always inspire us. Cruella said hers, without question, was Charles Faudree. I mentioned to Cruella that he has a new book coming out and it looks wonderful! For me, one of my favorite designers lately is Michael Smith - I purchased his first book, Elements of Style, when it first came out and never grow tired of it. His new book, Houses, is going on my most-wanted list for fall—I’ll bet it will be pretty good. If you would like a full report on Mr. Smith go to Cote de Texas—I swear I’m not getting kickbacks, but she gives nice full reports!

Michael S. Smith's Houses

Feeling a Little Blue Lately!

Image from House & Garden Dec 2007 issue

Home of Aerin Lauder - Photographed by Francois Halard

Last fall, I bought my first piece of Canton—a vase. It’s not incredibly old; the antiques dealer said that perhaps it was from the twenties, but it doesn’t matter, because I love it! It currently looks great with my white hydrangeas that I can cut from my very own yard. This past spring it looked great with my neighbor Eula’s pink peonies (her husband Frank kept me stocked when she was away visiting her sister), and in the winter it will look great with some red nandinas! Anyway, I have wanted to do a blue and white room for some time now. Last December, when I saw this room of Aerin Lauder’s, I looked at it every day for a month. Of course, I started thinking how could I do that room—would the hubby notice if I put the blue toile wallpaper up in his office (there’s nowhere else to put it in my cottage). Then I thought to myself that perhaps I should start small, maybe with the lamp. After pondering for a bit on where I could get that lamp, I knew exactly who to call—Cruella! Cruella is my very, very good buddy who happens to be a very well-stocked antiques dealer! When I mentioned my plan, she offered it up immediately (which is code for ‘she had no plans to do a blue & white room in her own house in the near future’)! Now, I just need to save my pennies!

Cruella's Canton Lamp that I hope to have soon!



FYI- Just in case you have not heard or read, Carolyne Roehm has a new book coming out in the Fall—A Passion For Blue & White –should be pretty good!

A Passion For Blue & White

Book Report Alert!

This past Sunday, I finished reading The House on First Street by Julia Reed, which I mentioned in my previous blog, A Little Summer Reading. I have to say I really enjoyed the book, and would highly recommend it to someone who enjoys a little Southern History, a wee bit of tasty Cajun/Creole culinary, and, most importantly, the heartache of renovating your dream home in a city that is full of charm, allure, beauty, and perhaps a little foolishness! Last week, Stylecourt wrote a lovely review of some of Julia’s collection pieces from Lucullus Antiques and also included one of Julia’s recipes for a primm's royale--yum! After reading Stylecourt’s blog. I remembered the House & Garden July 2006 that featured Julia’s home, and the long table that seated twenty! Ironically enough, I was reading the House & Garden while the hubby, Rolle, and I were heading to the Crescent City for a wedding. Anyway, following are a few pictures from the article “New Orleans Stomps and Joys” from House & Garden July 2006 issue! Oh, the hubby and I did stop by Casamento’s, but they were closed! Maybe next time!

All images from House & Garden July 2006 issue. Photographed by James Merrell

The table & chairs from Lucullus Antiques

Southern Porches

Picture Courtesy of Cottage Living

Just the other night, my neighbor Sandy popped over with her little three-year-old girl, Lily. And as are most three-year-olds, Lily is full of energy! The sun had set for the evening and the spring temperature was mildly warm. Since Lily wanted to run around to burn off some energy, the three of us ended up sitting on our porch, an area of the house that I have yet to really decorate. We do have a swing, which we repainted last year, and I did manage to add a few throw pillows. Now I’m in desperate need to have proper seating for at least four-- so hubby doesn’t have to stand. Seating for five or six would be wonderful, but our porch is not that big. Also, a table would be nice so we can set our morning coffee or our evening wine down outside.

Having a porch is something that I’ve always wanted. Our first house (hubby’s & mine) was a brick traditional in the suburbs of Atlanta; hence, no porch! Upon moving to Charleston hubby and I finally had the porch that I had longed for while living in Atlanta. Our porch in Charleston was screened—which was great because it kept the palmetto bugs out!

Now here in Nashville, each evening as we (husband & two K-9s) head out for our evening stroll—I noticed each of our neighbor’s porches. There could be one or two anomalies, but, for the most part, everyone indeed has a porch. Some of the porches are decorated with old white wicker furniture and hanging Boston ferns, a few are decorated with old worn rustic metal chairs, and then there are some with just a swing and some pillows (like mine!). Regardless of how it is decorated, a porch is an extensions of one’s homes. Since Spring is here, and the chills of winter hopefully now behind us, you can bet Frank & Eula will be sitting on their porch waving and inviting me ,the hubby, Rolle and Ellie to come to sit and chat for awhile after we return from our evening stroll. They have plenty of chairs!

I like this book and would love to have that porch--someday!

the southern cottage

Southern Chefs

This past Sunday, after dropping my hubby off to watch five to six hours of nonstop football, I spent the rest of my day at one of my favorite places—the bookstore. For me, there is no better way to spend my time then at the bookstore pouring over books and sipping coffee. Since I’ve had recipes on my mind, I spent a majority of my time in the cooking section. I was quite overwhelmed with all the Southern cookbooks, although, I am in the South, it could have something do with it.

Before I get started, I wanted let you know that I did find the book Picnics, which I had spotted on The Paris Market & Brocante blog. Since I have no plans, unfortunately to be in Savannah on October 26th for the book signing, I just went ahead & snagged it. I love this book and I highly recommend it. The Hubby, Rolle (canine pet) and I squeeze in several picnics a year, so this book will come in handy. Plus, the photography is very beautiful, great recipes and you can’t beat the price.

Picnics

Now back, to my Southern chefs! One book that I did stumble across, actually it was in plain sight, right next to Paula Dean, was the Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook. I’m not all that familiar with the Lee Bros., but I did recall House Beautiful doing a feature on them in the March 2007 issue. I even tried the she-crab soup and loved it! So naturally I picked up the book and plopped down and starting reading. I love good rags to riches story. They graduated from school in ‘94 (same year my hubby graduated with his MBA), had a hard time finding work, and started a mail-order catalog selling boiled peanuts. I also noticed they lived in Charleston part time (sounds very familiar, I want to live in Charleston, part time or full). Obviously, reading all this sparked my interest and I spent the rest of my day thinking about boiled peanuts! However, I should say that when I first moved to the South, and was working through college, I had mistaken grits for hash brown potatoes. Perhaps not my calling. Regardless, the book is on my Xmas list!

The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook

On Friday, I thought I would share with you another recipe from a Southern chief, Lucilla, (my Italian neighbor via New York and now around the corner from me)—her version of butternut squash soup!