Thursday, January 30, 2014

Year of the Horse ~ 2014




~ 2014 ~

Year of the Horse




It was snowy here in central Texas last Friday.

Despite the weather, I joined two friends 

to brave the cold and venture over to Round Top for the

Winter Antique Show @ The Big Red Barn.




Few shoppers and lots of friendly antique dealers

made for a fun day for our trio.

Dedicated shoppers, it's no surprise

we each returned home with treasures.

My favorite buy of the day was this 

charming needlepoint piece that my friend spied.  

She has a keen eye and knew immediately

 that it would be perfect for her home.




~ Turkey Red Wool ~

~ Beautiful Stitches ~

~ Wonderful Vintage Condition ~




Attached to the hand carved

wooden frame to form a pouch.




Perfect container

for kindling!





Early Iron Match Strike

Another great find at the show!




Together they look perfectly

situated in my friends beautiful home. 




Gung Hei Fat Choi!

January 31st marks the beginning of

Chinese New Year 

 ~ Year of the Horse ~

 Joining

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Tuesday, January 21, 2014

What Do You Like To Do On A Snowy Day?



What do you like 
to do on a snowy day?

Ski down 
powdery slopes?

Hop on a sled 
to race down a hillside?

Skate with friends on
a frozen pond?

Build a snowman with  
a carrot nose and eyes of coal?

Here in Texas none of these winter
day activities are something we get to enjoy.
Though that doesn't stop me from dreaming about
a day with snowy hills and frozen ponds.

Makes me wonder if artist Betsy Hybicki
lived this scene or only
 dreamed of such fun in the snow.
I wish I knew more about her work.

I bought this piece in early December from 
Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.
She found it in a thrift store and decided  
to sell it in her antique booth.
Thanks, Dawn!

I knew it would be a perfect 
companion for these happy faces.

We have to make our own
snowy day fun here in Texas.

Won't be long till the snow people
are put away to make room for 
Valentine's Day vignettes.


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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Snowy Smiles





The arctic blast also hit Texas this week,
 though nothing like in the midwest and northeast.

It's cold and blistery outside,
so come on in and warm up by the fire.

I've set a table for us on the sun porch
where we'll be warm and comfortable.

These cheerful fellows are so 
happy you have joined us today.

They've actually been patiently waiting
for their turn to be featured on a tablescape.

Salad plates, designed by Williraye Studio, 
are called "Snowy Smiles". 

To pull out the red and yellow colors 
of "Snowy Smilies" I used a yellow dinner plate 
for one setting and a red one for the other. 
 The Courtly Check chargers mimic 
the border of the salad plates.

The snowpeople thought these colorful glasses
with etched "snowballs" were a good choice.

Along with the "Treble Clef" 
flatware with its curled shape.

White winter berries ring 
the napkins which are edged in lace.

The delicate lace designs remind me of
the little snowflakes of the "Snowy Smiles" plates.

I layered various textiles 
to give the table a cozy feel.

These are actually vintage tea towels 
which are large enough to use as 
 tablecloths on my small drop leaf table.

Both have fringed ends, and the largest of the two
has rows of red check details at either end.

The other has wonderful textural details 
and end borders of this red design.

The napkins are actually 
beautiful little hand towels.

I wanted you to feel warm and cozy, so 
I pulled in a couple of my French provencal 
pillows to use as chair cushions.

Layers of rich colors
highlighted with my favorite
black and white checks
warm my heart.

Even the snowpeople 
are happy to be inside today.

So pull up a chair and join me
for a light lunch and a little conversation.

We can talk about 
your plans for the new year.

Perhaps you have a few garden tips to share, 
a fun new project in the works, 
or travel plans to some fabulous destination.

I'm eager to hear all your news!

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Wednesday, January 1, 2014

A New Year ~ 2014






January 1st

 New Year's Day 2014





The champagne is chilled.





Black-eyed peas 

 are on the stove cooking.




We are dressed and ready 

 to share the day with friends.


Black-eyed peas on New Year's Day

 is a southern tradition that dates 

 back to the Civil War.

It's believed they will bring 

 luck and prosperity for the new year.




 We'll start with chips, salsa,

and fresh made guacamole.




 A simple table is set to

celebrate the beginning of a new year.




 No need for a centerpiece as the

food will be the star of this table.




 Casual Settings




 Napkins of a Provencal Print





Ringed with 

 Bands of Pewter





A Favorite 

 Pewter Tureen





 Whimsical Salad Bowl





Paired with Complementary 

 Pewter Salad Servers





Black-eyed Peas and 

 a Healthy Mixed Green Salad





 Black-eyed Peas for the Coins





Greens for Paper Money





Cornbread for Gold





 Perfect Meal for a

Lucky 2014




 Dad's Black-eyed Peas with Ham Hocks

1 and 1/2 cups black-eyed peas
2 smoked ham hocks
Some salt port, diced
1 small can tomatoes
1 can Rotel tomatoes w/ green chilies
(I now use 2 cans since they are smaller.)
1 medium onion, sliced
Pepper to taste

Wash and cover peas with water. boil fast for 10-15 minutes. Let stand 30 minutes. Do not stir so that peas don't break. Add water if necessary. Add meat and simmer until tender. Add other ingredients and simmer until it tastes done. Remove bones. cut meat off the ham hocks and add back into soup. Serve with green salad and cornbread.

Joining
Let's Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Foodie Friday @ Rattlebridge Farm


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