Thursday, March 31, 2011

Springtime Favorites in Pink & Aqua


Spring is here! The Azaleas are in bloom,
and the trees are popping out with fresh green leaves.



In central Texas that means it's time for a favorite event, the huge antique festival held twice a year in rural Round Top, Texas, and the surrounding small communities of Fayette County.



The sun is out, and the days can be warm, so dress causally. Grab one of these pretty pink parasols if you aren't from these parts and need a little shade.



There is something for everyone.
I came home with a few more of these.



Mason Ball canning jars in my favorite shade of aqua blue.
I like to fill them with fresh flowers and group them together on a tray.



They add the perfect touch of color
here and there for both spring and summer.

Joining the following weekly memes.
Click the links below to see what others are sharing.




Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Pancakes, Anyone?


Pancakes at the counter for breakfast today!

It's suddenly much cooler here again, and I'm fighting a sore throat. I haven't had time to create a new post, so I thought I'd share a little breakfast setting from the past.

Pancakes, anyone?



Many mornings we simply have oatmeal with fresh berries, or during the hot summer months, it is cold cereal with fresh berries. But sometimes we just feel like hot pancakes with maple syrup. The petite counter space between the kitchen and the morning room includes two counter stools and provides a perfect informal dining spot for two.



An Italian planter with pink cyclamen adds a bright backdrop to separate the space from the farm sink in the kitchen.



Fruit inspired textiles from the south
of France lend a touch of Country French.



These 100% cotton placemats with matching napkins are typical of the textiles available in France. I found these at a small shop in Nice for a very reasonable amount.



Our everyday pottery is Petite Fleur by Sigma. It is made in Italy and hand painted.



The mix of French Provencal textiles with the simple decor of the hand painted Italian pottery compliment each other.



These yellow pockets are actually hot pads. The fact that the fabric mixes polka dots, stripes, and checks caught my attention immediately, but my first thought was . . . "Wouldn't these be perfect repurposed as little pockets to hold flatware at a table setting?"



What do you think?



It's a mix of Italian and French, though both with a country feel, and a blue and yellow color palette is always cheerful for breakfast.



We like warm maple syrup with our pancakes, . . .



and this spicy variety is a special treat.



A couple of sausage patties are the perfect side dish. Have to have a little protein to start the day!



Yum! Pancakes are a nice treat once in a while!



If you want a quick, easy, fail proof recipe for pancakes, here it is. I've made these since my single days of sharing an apartment with roommates. Thanks, Margo!

Thanks for joining me today. Click the links below to see what others are sharing this week.











Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Je t'aime





It's spring, and love is in the air.

Can you tell that this young Breton couple

are smitten with each other?



A beautiful French themed table set to celebrate love was created by my friend, Twila. Layers of exquisite textiles, a large Quimper vase of red roses, elegant silver, red glass stems, and a mix of red and white dishes topped off with Quimper bowls ~ I think this is one of the prettiest tabletops I've seen. It offers the perfect romantic touch with a French twist.



Not only do the layers of textiles offer a lovely contrast of red and white, did you notice the wonderful edges and details of the white matalise and the sweet heart appliqués on the square topper?



Each place setting layers a white dinner plate bordered with red checks, a scalloped edge salad plate of red glass, and a charming Quimper cereal bowl.



The settings alternate with a bowl that

features a Bretonne, the female figure . . .



And one with the Breton, 

the male figure.



White linen napkins embroidered with the same typical Quimper figures are held with clusters of tiny glass grapes and add a touch of fluff to the border of checks on the dinner plate.



Here is a closer look at the beautiful

embroidery and the stunning napkin rings.



Charming cherry place card 

holders mark each guests' spot.



Fragrant long stem red 

roses echo the theme of love.




This sunny dining spot offers the

perfect setting for a meal that celebrates love.




And just for you ~ a cart full of hearts with a hug and a kiss, too, all delivered in a Breton miniature wheel barrow that was made in Plozévet, France.

Linking this post to the following weekly memes.
Click on the links to join the parties.

Thank you to each of our hostesses.








Quimper and Heart ~ Definitely Favorite Things

Including this for Pink Saturday
for both the REDS & PINKS

Friday, March 18, 2011

Signs of Spring

No matter how long the winter,

spring is sure to follow. ~ Proverb


Pink Hyacinth

Sunday, March 20, 2011 . . .


Mexican Cherry

Is the First Day of Spring.


Tulip Magnolia Tree

"The first day of spring is one thing,


Texas Redbud Tree


and the first spring day is another." Henry Van Dyke


Joining




Monday, March 14, 2011

Flying the Green

A little note if you are here for
M. E. Monday, 3-21-2011.
Hope everyone celebrated the green on St. Patrick's Day. Ann Estelle has been enjoying the windy days and doing a little cooking. She has some shamrock cookies left and would love to share.


It's a windy March day.

Ann Estelle has been

at the park flying the green.




Though St. Patrick's Day

is right around the corner, March 15th is

Cuisine Kathleen's

St. Patrick's Day Blog Hop.




So come on in and join the party.

Ann Estelle is waiting for you.




She's set a special table 

just for you and her.




A vintage ironstone jardiniere is

filled with delicate white hydrangeas.




The table is scattered with lucky

gold coins and glittery shamrocks.




Each Place Setting 

Honors the Green.





Shamrock Green Linens




Vintage Flatware




Layers of 

Green and White




Wedgwood Nantucket Basket

Alternates with Cabbage Leaf Plates




8" Salads 

by Olfaire, Portugal




Chargers by 

Sur La Table, Portugal



Ceramic Cup Cakes Offer 

Good Luck and . . .




Happy St. Patrick's Day 

Wishes




Heather Goldminc's artistic talents

are produced by Blue Sky Clayworks.




Ann Estelle made these

shamrock cookies just for you!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Ann Estelle paper doll, HOME COMPANION,
FEBRUARY / MARCH 1997

ME image from
Mary Engelbreit 2011 Desk Calendar

Click the links below to join the fun.