Showing posts with label MacKenzie-Childs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MacKenzie-Childs. Show all posts

Monday, April 20, 2020

Blackberry Cobbler ~ 2020 Quarantine

 In the midst of 2020 Quarantine life, 
I find myself in the kitchen baking most days.

We are in the routine of shopping frequently as my foodie Chef
considers trips to the grocery entertainment.
Now with online shopping for curbside or delivery, we find we
often end up with extra amounts of food on hand, thus the baking!

I recently made Ree Drummond's Blackberry Cobbler
with an abundance of blackberries we had from 
curbside grocery orders.

The recipe made enough to fill a loaf pan and individual ramekins.
We like mostly berries, so I filled the pans with a 
small amount of batter, and then added lots of berries.
Blackberry Cobbler recipe found here.  

Spring here in Austin, is one of the most 
pleasant times of the year. 
My morning begins with hot tea or 
coffee and a bite to eat.

I fix a tray and take it out to the terrace
where I can enjoy the spring greens of the garden
and the sound of birds singing to each other.

 At times I like a hint of brown sugar to sweeten my tea,
and I add a touch of fresh cream to the cobbler.

 I've made plenty and would
love to have you join me.

I'm happy to share!

By the way, The Chef seems to like that
his wife has returned to baking.

Stay safe and stay healthy, and do a little baking!
Joining

Continue Reading....
25 comments
Labels: ,

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Afternoon Tea French Style

Come in from the cold and rain 
and join me for a cup of tea.

A tea tray awaits as the twinkle of 
Christmas tree lights sets a cozy mood.

You might spot a reindeer or two or three
resting among vintage bottlebrush trees.

Mirage Freres ~ Esprit de Noel
A thoughtful early Christmas gift from 
a friend who recently visited Paris.
A favorite MacKenzie-Childs "High Tea" stack is the perfect
choice for steeping this festive, spicy black tea.

Our petite teacups were part of my summer treat to myself
when I discovered the beautiful shop, Finzeas of Beachant, 
in the charming hillcountry town of Boerne, Texas.  

I think they are perfect with these special petal pink napkins.
I say "special" because these linens were a wedding gift
some 44+ years ago, and are cherished as such.
Do you have cherished wedding gifts that you still use?

The reindeer demitasse spoons were found last December
in Kansas City at, The French Market.
By Sabre, Paris

A vintage silver scuttle offers petit hearts to sweeten our tea.
Belle de Sucre, another uniquely French product.

The little reindeer cookies are a lemon flavored shortbread 
cookie from our local La Madeleine Bakery.
Look closely at how the clever baker took a gingerbreadman
cookie cutter and turned it upside down to create the head of a deer.

The photos reflect our dreary low light day,
but I sincerely hope you have enjoyed my virtual
French teatime by the twinkle of Christmas lights.
Joining

Continue Reading....
24 comments
Labels: ,

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Autumn Tableau



It's the end of September, and yet day after day
the temps reach into the high 90s or above.


 This September has been the hottest ever on record for Austin, 
but I'm like a squirrel gathering nuts, as I gather up a few
of my own things to add a touch of fall here at
home despite the summer-like weather. 


These vibrant fresh cut flowers from Petals Ink 
at the Farmer's Market and a mixed bouquet from Trader Joe's,
inspired me to create a vignette on the terrace to trick
our minds into thinking perhaps it's a crisp fall day outdoors.


I'm always inspired by my dear friend Janice at Fig and Twigs.
Janice's floral creations are pure magic and full of whimsy.
Her flowers appear to dance in the container, so, Janice,
loose and floppy was my goal!

A pair of faux Jarrahdal pumpkins were 
a favorite HomeGoods find last fall.
The darling squirrel carved from wood was a gift
from a thoughtful friend years ago.


I added an older piece of MacKenzie-Childs, a covered box from the Maclachlan Series that features beautiful scenes 
of the MacKenzie-Childs farm in Aurora, NY.
The pair of tapestry pillows plopped in the arm chairs 
were souvenirs from Chateau de Chenonceau of the Loire Valley.
Hopefully the mosaic above offers a sense of the 
whimsy in the details of these pieces.


I pulled a shawl from my 
closet for added color.



Here's to cooler days ahead!



Continue Reading....
21 comments
Labels: , ,

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Bee Kind ~ Celebrate World Honey Bee Day

August 17, 2019 ~ World Honey Bee Day!

 Please come join in the 
celebration out on the terrace.

 We are serving sweet 
honey lemon bee hive cakelets.

Everyone knows I'm a collector at heart.
Are you surprised that I would have a collection
of bee hive honey pots and other bee items?

 Buzz right on in and get a "bees" eye view
of all the bee inspired details.

 Mack the Bear is here to also share some 
important details about the day. 

A day to honor those busy buzzing bees who are responsible 
for more than a third of the food we enjoy eating.
A day to honor those dedicated honey bee enthusiast 
who care for the hives of bees across the world.

Mack the Bear wants to put a "bee in your bonnet"!
There are many envionmental issues that affect honey bees today.

We all need to be aware of what we 
can do to make a difference.
The Honey Bee Conservency 
offers excellent suggestions here.

Don't forget:

Plant a garden of bee loving plants. 

Support your local bee keepers.


Buy local honey and .   .   . 


Take advantage of the many 
health benefits associated with local honey.

Sadie encourages you to 
become an advocate for bees.

"Woof, Woof"
Spread the word!

If interested, you can find the recipe for 
Honey Lemon Cakelets 
Here

Ten Ways to Make Your Yard More Friendly
to Bees and Other Pollinators 
Here

Let's Celebrate 
World Honey Bees 
Everyday!


~ Save the Bees ~


Sadie Mercedes and I always 
appreciate your comments and visits.
Thank you for buzzing in today.

Joining

Continue Reading....
22 comments
Labels: , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)