What Style to Decorate My Home?

The project that drove to start a blog, was the decoration of my new home. Every time I have moved, I've tried a new decor style. It's a great time to change things up. But for some reason, I'm stuck.

Right now, I am torn between my favorite 2 styles of the moment. White Cottage-Shabby Chic-Vintage French - or - Tuscan Mediterranean. French Country???? I believe I am going to be in this house for a while so it is a little more permanent, than places I knew I was leaving soon.

My very good-natured husband Ed, said when he married me, knowing how much I liked to decorate, that I could do whatever I wanted. He has stuck to that, and usually supports my going whim. The only time he complains is when I have too many things in the garage waiting to get painted, especially if they are in his way.

I think I am stuck because my co-decorators are 2 cats and a beagle
(the cats are seen here on a rare excursion outside, just so I could take their picture).

Mikey

Lilly

Freckles

They each have their own ideas. The 2 cats want something high to climb, and the dog wants something squishy to sleep on. And, all three vetoed the white sofa idea.

Anyway, I would like to get started, and I know I would like to paint the cabinets. These pictures kind of say I can combine both styles... I'm going to think about it over the weekend. The Roosters are thinking about it too.

Thanks for visiting,

My Camera & Blog

I have been one of those annoying people that took pictures of everything. In fact, there are not many pictures of me at family functions cause I am the one holding the camera. Now I have tons of pictures to deal with...an organizational challenge!

When I got my first digital camera, things got much better, because I can pick and choose what I like, delete the ones I don't and send some off to Walgreen's to print. Some of the pictures on this blog were taken with my first digital, a Kodak Easy Share which I think I was $89.99.

Then about a year ago, I updated to my little Fuji, which I highly recommend. It takes good pictures and is lightweight and does not require batteries like the Kodak did. It was easier all the way around, and it was cute.

I have recently decided it was time for a camera upgrade. This year has been full of changes for me...a move...I became an empty nest-er, etc, so why not a new camera too. What I mean is, I actually use my camera as much as I use my phone, so it's time for one that does a little more. Does everyone feel that way, or is it just me?

We all have the camera thing in common...we are using it everyday. Actually, I would love to know what everyone uses, the pictures are breathtaking.

I used to buy lots of magazines, and now I read everyone's blog. It's like the excitement I used to feel when getting my "Southern Living" or "Better Homes & Garden's" in the mail.

I feel as though each one of us has on-line magazine. Only, it's better than a paper magazine, because each one of them is so personal full of wisdom and creativity!

You're probably asking yourself, how is she going to organize the pictures? Well I've decided to make a photo album/scrapbook for every year. After all I have a new camera, I have to make space for my "blog pictures".

Thanks for letting me share. I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday and a great weekend!

Thursday! My Favorite Day!

You know, I really love dishes. I love that Between Naps on the Porch, has this event, 'cause I would rather have a cute set of dishes than a diamond, or gold, or even a new car. They genuinely make me happy. I so look forward to Thursday (actually Wednesday afternoon).

I noticed that I had been posting too much blue, so I decided to go for the cabbage rose tablecloth! I think pink and green go well together...it's so Spring and Summer to me. Also, another of my mystery roses have bloomed....it's yellow!

In my ice bucket I placed a bottle of Biltmore Estate grape juice, I purchased when I took the tour in North Carolina in 1995. I could never bring myself to drink it. It's like having a little piece of Ashville in my pantry. That's silly isn't it!!! If anyone is around there, please visit Biltmore if you can! It is memorable!

My local thrift store had 50% off, so I got this ice bucket for $2.00. I don't even care that it has an initial on it. It has a liner you can take out...and it polished up beautifully.

I have several sets of white dishes, but because use them so much I have managed to break pieces and I don't have a service for 8 in any one pattern. When we unpacked this set, all the handles were broken off. I guess it's time for a complete set again, although I have been holding out hope that I would find matching cups at a thrift store. This set was made by Noritaki in the 80s.

The topiary is one of my favorite things to decorate with, they are so french. I think it goes with the roses. Here is a close up of my mix and match vintage silver.

Please stop by Susan's Blog and see all the other entries. Give yourself a couple of hours.

I hope you enjoyed this visit, I know I did.

Thanks for coming by,

Tea Time Tuesday

Barb at Grits and Glamour is having the first ever in the history of her blog, "Teatime Tuesday." And, since having a "tea" is right up there on my top 10 list of things to do, I have to participate.

I'm doing an out door tea because It's finally Spring here, and I really like being in my garden. I wanted to light these little votives, but it was too windy.

The tea pot is a Le Creuset and is actually blue, but this scene made it appear purplish, doesn't it?

I am using a vintage tablecloth I purchased at an estate sale about 30 years ago...my guess is, it is from the 40s. It reminds me of Spring.

The sugar is one of my boopie glasses along side my vintage linen.

Stop by her blog to see the other tea entries...I'm sure they are all wonderful!

Thanks for letting me share.

Liz

Vanilla Sugar

I am always looking for great jars I can use as canisters in my kitchen. This octagon shaped canister was made by Anchor Hocking in the 50s, and does not have a rubber seal it's that old.

I don't eat much sugar, but my family does, and of course I use sugar to bake with. So, I make vanilla sugar with a real vanilla bean.

You add one vanilla bean split down the side to the sugar, and the smell of the vanilla eventually flavors the sugar. It is especailly good with tea and coffee.

When you open the canister the smell is overwhelming, and reminds me of my Grandmother's kitchen.

To cut down on sugar, I use "Agave Syrup" and my favorite brand is from Trader Joe's. It is especially good on fruit and with coffee or tea. I recommend it for anyone trying to control their sugar, and you like the taste of honey, It's similar.

Have a great day!

Liz

Happy Mother's Day

I have a GREAT Mom! She was born in 1938 and graduated in 1957, and experienced everything that was good about the 40s & 50s. There are lots of pictures of her in saddle shoes, and her high school sweater, having fun.

She remembers that during WWII, when she needed a dress and shoes for school, several family members donated their war ration coupons.

Also, that when she did her chores she could only listen to the radio, because no one owned a TV yet.

Courtesy Bill's Retro World

Later, she used to come home from school to watch the Mickey Mouse Club on TV, and American Bandstand.

And, in her senior of "West" high school she went to Murphy's Soda Fountain for a Cherry or Vanilla Coke...and listened to the Juke Box and the end of the counter.

She went to her Prom, and Danced to Elvis. She was honestly broken-hearted when he went to the Army.

One of things I love most about you Mom is your strong identity to the 50's and how a little bit of it is still with you today, especailly with your appreciation for a good soda.

I've learned so many things from you like, perseverance, hard work, love of nature... especially flowers, how to clean and how to have faith!

You are so much more than my little tribute to you here...but this is just how I think of you....as a girl from the 50s!

Happy Mother's Day

...to my Mom and all the other Mothers out there in blog land.

Lemon Love & Lemon Curd

I love lemons, how about you? When I was little, I picked a lemon from a tree, and it was the sweetest, ripest lemon I have ever tasted, even all these years later.

I have a lot of lemon items in my house, I can't help myself. Isn't this a good idea for a summer table? I'm inspired.

If I can find Meyer lemons I prefer to cook with them, because they are sweeter. And if you are a tea lover you have to make lemon curd for your scones. I guess you don't have to, but it sure is good when you have 20 minuets to make a batch!

Lemon Curd is the perfect filling for tarts too. We like it on pound cake because it's so sweet, and of course the English spread it on toast in the morning. Thanks to Blondie at Blondies Journal, for asking me what else Lemon curd is good with! Visit Her blog, it's adorable!

photo coptright flickr

Lemon Curd Recipe

3 large eggs room temperature

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice from 3 lemons at room temperature (meyer preferred) strained of the seeds.

1 tablespoon lemon zest...more if you like it lemony

3/4 cup sugar

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut up when cold, then left at room temperature

In a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, add eggs, sugar, and lemon juice and blend. Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes thick or about 10 - 12 min. Remove from heat and add the butter. Add the lemon zest and let cool. The curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Cover immediately with Seran wrap and refrigerate.. Correction: eat when it's cool!

I hope you have a "bright" weekend. Thanks for visiting.

Romantic Table Al Fresco

It's Thursday, so you know what that means...my favorite thing... Tablescape Thursday again at Between Naps on the Porch by the wonderful Susan, a fellow dish collector.



Here is a picture of my vintage china and candle holders...the china is from the 50s and I think the candle sticks are from Lenox. The table cloth has a tulip pattern and the style always makes me think of romantic cottages. The server is a Victorian replica, but I love it so much for romantic settings.




I've been looking for all long time for teal glasses to match this pattern, but they always seem too dark.



The pink roses are in a footed brilliant cut glass bowl from the early part of the last century.



Ahh nightfall, I can light the candles and relax!



Please take a look at the other people entering their "tablescapes"

Thank you for sharing my romantic moment.