Sweet 16th Birthday!
My baby girl turned 16 this week........
how time passes, the saying is true; the days are long but the years fly by........
sixteen candles,
one sweet cake for one sweet girl.......
and thankful for the wonderful friends and for the ones that were not around for the photo!
Happy, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen year old.............
| | |
| |
Sunday Family Dinner: Panko Breaded Chicken
Panko Breaded Chicken Breasts, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Sweet Corn
School starts tomorrow for my two girls; middle school and high school!
So, for dinner everyone got their favorite dish or side....
Parmesan Panko Breaded Chicken Breasts
Sweet Corn
Green Beans
&
Mashed Potatoes!
Dessert: Plum & Green Grapes......(it was too hot to bake)
Have a great day at school! Tonight Salmon Patties with the left over Potatoes!
| | |
| |
Sunday Dinner:
Chicken Ragout & Chocolate Layer Cake
I rarely follow a recipe to the letter and this time was no exception. I replaced the baby red potatoes with sweet potatoes and added green beans and small carrots. Just because I had them in the fridge and did not want them to go to waste! I also used fresh pearl onions instead of frozen.
You could also use chicken breasts instead of the thighs. The thighs have more flavor but are higher in fat, but once in awhile I think it is ok to change things up.
For Dessert:
Chocolate-Beet Layer Cake
I wasn't sure about this recipe, but if I could get my family to eat beets, I was going to give it a try!
I have to tell you, this was one of the best cakes I have ever made, and believe me I have made a lot of cakes!
It was moist and so delicious! You would never have known I used three roasted beets.
This recipe is a keeper as it is!
The recipes I used for this Sunday Dinner can be found in fine Cooking magazine, CookFresh, Fall 2013
| | |
| |
Dreams Do Come True!
Blenheim Equisports Show
Matti & Leo
Showpark Summer Classic
It was Matti's first time at the Finals in San Diego. She was so excited to ride her new horse at this show. Matti has dreamt about this moment for a long time and I can see why.
Standing in front of the main grass field looking out over the beauty was just breathtaking!
I can't even imagine the thrill it is to ride/jump this course.
The riders of FWF had a good showing and we are so proud of Matti for the professionalism and composure she exhibited at just 15 years of age.
| | |
| |
It's Fig Season!
Enjoy this luscious fruit!
My neighbor, Joan, shares her yearly crop with me at this time and I always look forward to trying new recipes. That is if the figs last more than a couple days on the counter...
Figs have two season, a short season in early summer and a second, main crop in late summer that runs through fall.
I came across this recipe in Fine Cooking:
grilled goat chesse pizza with figs, beets and witlted greens
I also froze some of the figs to see if I could prolong their delight.
| | |
| |
Weekend Repair Job
Sundance Hooked Rug
I have owned this beautiful hooked rug for about five years and after having it professionally cleaned I felt it was time for some repair work.
The corners have been beaten up by the vacuum, dogs, and kids and instead of having the cleaning company do the repair work, I knew I could do it myself.
Removing the damaged pieces from the back and giving myself enough room to attach a new piece of backing was the first step. It was originally hooked on monks cloth, but I just grabbed a scrape of linen burlap to use as the backing.
Once that was done it was time to start hooking. I used some of the old t-shirts that I have been working with on my t-shirt rag rug, so it was pretty easy to match the colors.
Weekend repair job!
The rug is now in my husband's office looking like new again.
| | |
| |
Roasting New Mexico Hatch Chili
smell the goodness!
A dear friend came over yesterday with 20 pounds of New Mexico Hatch Chili, so what to do but roast it! It was such a fun day filled with the wonderful smell of roasting chilies, laughter and exhaustion!
But well worth the effort.....
I have not roasted chili since my childhood in New Mexico, happy memories! Growing up, we had green and red chili with just about every meal. Simply chop some up, add a little garlic and salt and eat with anything from eggs in the morning to steak in the evening!
| | |
| |
Summer Days in a Haze
July is gone and the count down has begun till school begins again.
Matti with her new horse Leo, who arrived from Germany a few weeks ago.
Penelope helping out at summer art camp.
Matti and Leo at their first horse show together.....
Penelope doing a four week intensive dance camp.....
August is here and already the school uniforms have arrived, books and backpacks have been ordered and soon the days will get shorter and we will miss the long days of summer!
| | |
| |
Happy Mother's Day!
Spent the entire day with my family and had a lovely time just being together! Laughing and
playing, cooking and just hanging out....the best day ever!
I hope everyone had a wonderful day filled with love and appreciation!
| | |
| |
4th Sunday of Every Month
This Flee Market has become one of my favorites, with plenty of parking and friendly vendors who are there to sell.....really good prices!
If you get a chance check it out, Topanga Vintage Market.
My youngest daughter and I had a blast yesterday. Not only did we get there at 8:00 a.m. but we had rolled all our loose change into coin packs and paid for everything with our coins! We had a lot of laughs and found some great bargains.
Vintage Wood Hangers
A Hat Form Mannequin Head
Vintage Cards and Cigar Bands
A Vanity set in a Travel Case
| Permalink
|
Comments (2)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
April 13, 2013
KoKo and Quincy got marred!
A Japanese Wedding Tradition From Hawaii
They were joined by one thousand hand made gold origami swans!
A family tradition, that their wishes will come true and the couple will be greatly rewarded with a happy and prosperous marriage if the bride and her family complete this laborious task.
It was a beautiful and amazing site to witness!
Our family was thrilled to be part of this beautiful and most special evening!
And, if you did not know, Koko writes a wonderful blog:
about food, fashion and life as a now military wife!
| Permalink
|
Comments (4)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
I finished the wood and pipe shelves for the upstairs craft room this weekend and have already started filling up the shelves.
I have to say, having a place to put everything makes life easier for visual people like me.
| Permalink
|
Comments (1)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Rose Bowl Parade-Behind the Scenes
The amount of time and energy that goes into the creating of the Rose Bowl Parade each year is amazing!
My girls and I went on a behind the scene tour last week and this morning we enjoyed watching the parade with much more appreciation for the work that goes into this beautiful yearly event!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Blenheim Summer Classic
at
The Oaks
Matti had a very good show and we enjoyed the views and the days watching the jumpers, hunters and all the equestrian riders.
I am so proud of my girl!
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Knittting, Knitting, and still Knitting!
Going to a horse show and will keep busy knitting gifts!
When I return I will post some lovely photos of horses!
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Christmas in July (August)
I am not telling who will be getting this hand knit shawl and scarf in one!
(so you all better be nice!) LOL
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Yummy!
Old fashion Pecan Pie made with molasses and maple syrup and a melt-in-your-mouth, flacky buttery crust!
The month of July is filled with birthdays of family and friends.
So, what better gift than a home-made pie? and the best part, they always save me a piece of pie!
Next, is my husband's birthday, I know he wants a pecan pie too, but I have to think about it......
p.s. He forgot my birthday this year, (how did he do that you ask? I have no idea!), so I may be boycotting his this year! But, I still may bake a pie.......
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Strawberry & Rhubarb Pie
fresh rhubarb and strawberries,
de-stemming the strawberries with a spoon,
slicing and dicing,
adding just enough sugar and spices,
and,
wallah!
Strawberry & Rhubarb Pie!
of course
homemade crust!
Growing up, my father would grow his own rhubarb and make pies all during the summer.
This was my first attempt at baking a strawberry & rhubarb pie and I must say it was scrumptious! The best part was that it was a gift for a dear, dear friend and when I presented it to him, (he turned 79) he grabbed two forks and we dug in!
Delight and laughter while juices were running down our faces!
Those witnessing this yummy, finger-licking, informal, lip-smacking, melt-in-your-mouth delight, only wished they had a fork too!
A vintage treat for today's fast-paced life.......
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Juicy Strawberries, dark chocolate and powder sugar!
Such a simple way to top off an evening of summer fun!
We, my girls and I, made a soft dark chocolate sauce using morsel chunks from Guitard, mixed with condensed milk and a bit of butter. Who likes that hard shell that most strawberries are covered with? Not me! or my girls.....So to set the chocolate we dipped the strawberries in powdered sugar and served at room temp.....
Nothing is more decadent then a platter of chocolate dipped strawberries and brings on such laughter as to who has the most chocolate left on their face!
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Have a Thankful & Safe 4th of July
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Father's Day Brunch!
We had a lovely day at some dear friends home, along with swimming and this amazing feast! Hope everyone enjoyed their Sunday.
| Permalink
|
Comments (4)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
How to clean your keyboard:
Use alcohol pads and rub lightly over soiled area:
Alcohol evaporates quickly:
Don't use a soaked cotton ball, the liquid could damage your keyboard. Alcohol pads work best.
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
From our family to yours......I will not be posting thur the Holidays, so please be safe and enjoy your families! See you in the new year!
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
ho-ho-ho!
the tables are set,
goodness in the air..........
Happy Holidays!
to your family from ours!
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Christmas Tree or Christmas Branch?
Last year, because of our home being under construction, we used a branch from the back yard and wrapped it in cotton voile and cemented it into a vintage tin bucket with big, beautiful red satin ribbons.....the girls loved it!
However, this year we are going with our traditional silver tin Christmas tree.
Friday, I will post this years tree decorated from tip to bottom with only a few cuts......
P.S. My "Alice in Wonderland Lamp" was featured on Better After blog-spot
If you have not visited this site, you will find lots of inspirations before and after projects from folks just like you......
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Decking the Halls!
and so it begins...the layering of stripes, tinsel and stars.
May yours be bright.
Holiday Decorating
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
at the car wash
waiting, waiting, waiting, and waiting ............
my new waiting project is a wool rug crocheted in the round,
I will add fabric and then felt it.....but in the mean time:
waiting, waiting, waiting and waiting.......
carpool line
waiting to be continued.............
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Pumpkin Pie - Yummmmm!
I hope everyone had a wonderful and filling Thanksgiving, not only of food, but of compassion for one and another.
Pumpkin Pie; one of my girls favorite desserts! Anytime of the day, breakfast anyone, and anytime of year, summer brunch?
I usually make my own pie crust, but in a pinch this year, I used a frozen pie shell. It was not to bad, however the bottom of the crust did not bake so well.....In order to claim it as my own, I brushed the crust edge with milk and sprinkled brown sugar and cinnamon on it....the girls loved it.
Did I mention we celebrated our Thanksgiving yesterday? We were at a horse show with our two girls all last week. However, any day is a good day to be thankful!
I woke this morning to a flat tire, yikes! Which took the better part of the day to get repaired. However, I was able to get dinner made before I had to pick the girls up from school, Jamie Oliver's Meatloaf.....if you have not tired it yet, do so, the kids love it.
I am already thinking about the meatloaf sandwiches for tomorrow, that is if Michael does not eat all the meatloaf later tonight.........
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Thanksgiving
I am thankful for the morning light....
I am thankful for the gifts God has shared with me......
I am thankful for the love of my family......
I am thankful for Michael.......
I am thankful for my two girls.....
I am thankful for my nieces & nephews.....
I am thankful for Lupe.......
I am thankful for the women & men who serve our country........
I am thankful for friends.....old & new......
I am thankful for my two dogs, Elvis & Memphis......
I am thankful for my health......
I am thankful for my neighbors.....
I am thankful for the horses that my girls ride......
I am thankful that the roof no longer leaks......
I am thankful that the ups man delivers my packages with a smile.....
I am thankful for the postman that always goes around my trashcans.....
I am thankful for the teachers that lovely teach my daughters......
I am thankful for the internet......
I am thankful for the blue sky.....
I am thankful for my life.......
I am thankful for dinner at night.....
I am thankful for kindness that is shown with a smile......
I am thankful for the books I read every day......
I am thankful for............
Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!
I will not be posting again until 11/28/2011
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
I love Rose Hips......
Today I went on a Treasure Hunt of sorts, a walk, looking for inspiration.
I snapped a few pictures of the fall colors and I would like to share them with you. They set the creative wheels in motion. Enjoy!
Did you know you can make rose hip jam? or tea? and that they are full of vitamins?
I have ropes of bells attached to all of my gates, that way I know when one of them is opened.......a gentle reminder of what goes on in the back yard. They have aged beautifully over the years.....
Love the color Purple!
Beauty is in the smallest of details, you just need to look very close.
I did not take this picture on my walk today, a professional did at my daughters last show. I just aged it a bit......Inspirational, to see my oldest daughter doing what she loves most in the world.....riding the wind.
What about going on a walk today?
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
saying, "Hello"
Each time I come across a single yellow rose, randomly growing in nature, I believe it is a simple "hello-I'm here with you" from my Grandmother, Veronica. She loved yellow roses and when I think about her, I am reminded of her love of life, her energy and her resourcefulness. My Grandmother would tell me that I was capable of achieving anything I put my mind to, that nothing was impossible!
"Hello Granny"
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Spring Cleaning in November. Usually, after the 1st of the year, I go through our home and sort, donate, and store items that we no longer need or use and store the items we want to keep for memory sake....well, this year I am doing all this before the end of the year.
I know with everything else that goes on during this time of year, holidays and all, why would I be doing this now? Simple answer, I have to have at least twelve projects going in order to complete ten....call me crazy, but I am getting there! Plus I am sure that someone, somewhere could benefit from the coats, shoes and sweaters that my girls have outgrown.
Check your local listings for homeless shelters, abuse centers, or any organizations that could benefit from your spring cleaning in November.
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Since we are on the subject of DIY children's costumes, I thought I would share with you a costume I made for my youngest daughter about two years ago.
"DEGAS' LOST BALLERINA"
It was also the cover of Belle Armoire magazine. Can you guess what I love to do?
If you would please click & vote for this years costume at Bernina Halloween 2011
Contest:
http://www.burdastyle.com/gallery/275?page=241
See previous post
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Each week (days) there is something that needs to be fixed, repaired or just replaced! Manic enthusiasm sets in. But before I begin, the pondering begins:
To salvage an item differently sparks my creativity and who doesn't love a challenge! Most times I save money by doing it myself, however sometimes I spend more than if I had just hired a professional or bought a new one......but where is the fun in that?
As you can see, including the neighbors, I need bathroom window coverings.....I was thinking, sheer organza roller shades with casual dusty pink coral damask roman shades on top then a beautiful swag of some gorgeous Jacquard fabric................ reality! The bath towels attached with some pretty fancy duck tape are going to have to do!
Because, before I can get to my bathroom window coverings I have to:
Manic Mondays!
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
A 1920s vanity with a new coat of Chinese red paint and some new knobs from anthropology, my oldest has the coolest dressing vanity around! We are working on her room and giving it a new teenage point of view...
I love the fact that we salvaged someones cast away from the local thrift store and turned it into something new with a modern edge while honoring its past.
| Permalink
|
Comments (2)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Chocolate Cake....Yummy!
I keep on hand a simple, basic chocolate cake recipe for those moments when nothing but cake will do. Top it off with a simple frosting and enjoy!
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Felt, Bells, Glue, Ribbon, Pipe Cleaners, Hot Glue Gun, and your imagination!
Gold Hot Glue......Decorate....
There you have it, a Jester's Crown. All your child needs is a warm coat and a pillow case to collect the Halloween Candy.
Happy & Safe Halloween!
Let’s Really Support Each Other:
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Red Velvet Cake......That is what my oldest daughter wanted for her birthday. Easy right? Think again!
The morning started out good with all the ingrediants on hand, except one, buttermilk. So, I did the only normal thing people would do in this given situtation, make my own.......yeah, let me tell you how that went.
Did I mention I was not able to run to the store because I was waiting for the cable guy who kept calling and saying he would be arriving within 15 minutes, only to have him call at 30 minutes past, telling me he would be there in 15.....this went on from 8:00 a.m. till 3:00 in the afternoon. I did sneak out around 2:00, but back to the buttermilk.
So, milk a little lemon and vinger.....I open the fridge, only soy milk. I figured that wouldn't work so I decided to try condensed milk with a little lemon and vinger. Also, turns out I was missing baking soda too. My lovely neighbor had some, saved! expiration - 2009, how bad could it be....does that stuff really ever expire? apparently it does. But I kept moving forward, no time to waste......I had to bake this cake. My family was out all day and this was supposed to be the surprise cake that was to be presented at the dinner we were having for her along with family and friends at a local resturant. No pressure!
Making my own buttermilk and using several year old soda did not produce the result I was going for....so at 2:00, after yet another phone call from the cable guy saying he would be here in 20, I went to the market.
With all the right ingredients I began again...this time a perfect Red Velvet Cake......at 5:15 p.m. I put the final touches, boxed the cake and headed to the resturant.....a lovely birthday!
The things we do for the ones we love! Happy Birthday Sweet Girl xoxo
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Here we are, the last official week of summer and I have yet to update my blog and plug in all the newness I was hoping to get done over the girls summer break from school. However, I did complete a few projects around the house. I will be sharing those projects starting in a few days.
I did managed to have an article published in Somerset Home www.stampington.com/somersethome about lampshades and I have a sewing article coming out in the upcoming issue of Stitch www.interweavestore.com/Sewing/Magazines/Stitch.
This past weekend, September 17, my husband and I attended the United Friends of the Children's Third Annual Cultivate L.A., http://www.unitedfriends.org.
What a terrific event. It was held under the stars at Colleen and Bradley Bell's historic Bel Air home and we sampled L.A.'s finest from the region's favorite restaurants, vintners, breweries, and artisanal food producers.
Also, Actress Debi Mazar and her Italian husband, Gabriele Corcos were special guests along with other special guests but, I had met Debi Mazar a long time ago while I was Bob Mackie's design assistant and I have to say she was just as delightful now and she was then! If you have not heard, Debi has a new show along with her husband on the cooking channel, Extra Virgin, www.cookingchanneltv.com/extra-virgin.
I am dying to try the Chicken Florentine Burgers. You can find the recipe at the above link. I will let you know how they turned out.
In the mean time, it is nice to have a couple of hours to myself and my projects....and I am happy to note the girls are happy to be back in school and had a very busy summer.
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Just returned from one of mine and my families favorite getaways! Alisal Guest Ranch, http://www.alisal.com, nestled in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. This is one place you will come back to time and time again! and be welcomed like it is your first or 25th time at the ranch.
| Permalink
|
Comments (3)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
2-New Friends and Fovever Friends: 2-New Beginnings, 2-New Journeys, 2-New Dreams, 2-Saying Good-by and Hello again, 2-Thank-you for all you have done! Happy New Year!
| Permalink
|
Comments (6)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
The view from inside the front of the new section of our remodel.....it is going very well and on schedule...
I tell you we have found the most reliable, honest, talented contractor there ever was! If you would like his info check out the link "spreading the word".
To see the progress from the beginning check out the link "my big remodel"
| Permalink
|
Comments (2)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Inspiration: Face Painting for Halloween
I went to a Halloween Party this weekend and I thought, "Wow!, that is great face painting!" so I snapped a picture and hope you find it inspirational.
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Growing up with my Granny, and the sweet warm goodness of fresh baked cinnamon rolls.....
Granny would bake a pie just about every other day and with the left over pie crust she would make her own version of cinnamon rolls....just enough for me and her! It was our special treat shared over accepting eyes, laughter and a secret shared only between us!
I wanted to give that experience to my two girls, however I don't bake pies every other day. Even through I would love too, time does not permit. But, I came up with a quick and easy version for our family.
I use Pillsbury Crescent rolls, smear a little butter, sprinkle some sugar, cinnamon and my girls added their own ingredient....three chocolate chips. Roll them up and bake for 12 min.......Warm Sticky Goodness!
| Permalink
|
Comments (2)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
Matti, my oldest: 13 years, won eight blue ribbons this weekend. We are so proud of her, that I just had too share it with everyone!
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
First Day of Spring
A dear friend brought a variety of tomato plants, Sungold, Momotaro and Heirloom by for my potted garden a few days ago. Penny suggested I wait until the nights were a bit warmer before potting my gifts. First Day of Spring - what a fitting day to do just that. I was inspired and tickled by her gesture that my youngest daughter and I ran out and picked up our herbs to plant also. Rosemary, Sage and Thyme (I think that is a song ;-) plus Basil, Chives and of course a few decorative spring blooms to complete our backyard patio garden. I look forward to our first harvest!
| Permalink
|
Comments (0)
|
TrackBack (0)
| | |
| |
