Sunday, April 29, 2012

toss the pillows..toss the salad, and howl at the moon!


Arriving home very late, meant  making a fast , but tasty meal to  share with friends who were already on their way, no time for the meal I had planned to cook. On the drive home, I worked it out in my head.(this comes from watching many a cooking show from the Goddesses: Ina, Rachel Ray..) Menu: Grilled Chicken Salad, Rosemary Crostini , and warmed raspberry compote over ice cream .
I had planned to have an informal, intimate seating spot already..and well, this came out ok..
Coffee table seating and pillows on the floor
The table covering is actually a curtain I made to hide the shelves of a bookcase.




Is that an old guitar? Lets just say we could be howling at the moon...



After dinner, a few very off key tunes and plenty of laughs! 
CRANBERRY CHICKEN SALAD  A family favorite, inspired by Joe's Deli (fab local spot!)
Mixed spring greens with romaine lettuce and lay down first. Next add dried cranberries and toasted spiced pecans, toss with balsamic vinaigrette, Top with grilled chicken breast tenders, grilled pears and mango, crumbled bleu cheese, slice a strawberry for color.
Grilled chicken tenders..craisins..toasted pecans..blue cheese...num num num!

 Rosemary Crostini





  •    1 small loaf crusty bread, sliced
    •     2 Tbs chopped  garlic cloves    1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
    1/2 tsp olive oil
    3 tsp fresh Rosemary
    1/4 tsp black pepper
    1/2 tsp dried parsley
    1/3 C peccorino romano cheese
    Combine peppers, parsley, and rosemary in small bowl, mottle.
    ir in olive oil. Dab on bread slices, sprinkle cheese, broil 3-4 minutes, until edges are charred.


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    Wednesday, March 28, 2012

    Easter Blog Exchange

    I am so egg-cited to share with you a wonderful package I received in the mail! It was from my friend Debbie of: http://www.myvintagedaydreams.blogspot.com/
    We were Easter Blog Exchange Buddies at
     Sue's Easter Exchange at  http://suelovescherriesEASTER SWAP.blogspot.com/ .  My package arrived with a heartwarming note from my new friend, Debbie. This was my first exchange and I loved it! Debbie really took time to think about what she was sending and I love each item and her generosity! Here is what she sent :
    See the Cookie tin? All of these items were carefully packed inside!

    Debbie's thoughtful notecard  and very cute chick post a notes..

    Kitchen dish towels...

    Polka dot ribbon , and spring colored scouring pads., wrapped in purple ribbon..

    Here sits the adorable bunny , isn't her bow so cute! She now sits on my desk at work.
    I'd like to thank Sue,  http://suelovescherries.blogspot.com/  ( It's a Very Cherry World) for hosting such a fun exchange. Because this was the first time I have tried an exchange, I was slow on the draw to contact my buddy. Fortunately, she knew what to do and emailed me first. She is Debbie of
    http://www.myvintagedaydreams.blogspot.com/,  she is a collector of all things vintage, and we both share a love of  "goody barn" shopping. Debbie also enjoys baking.  Truly, it has been a pleasure getting to know Debbie and share in this exchange with her. I couldn't have asked for a more fun exchange partner.
    1 comment:

    Sunday, March 25, 2012

    "Tweet y" Time Easter Palooza Part3

    Aren't they tweet?! Not to mention, they taste tweet too. The next among our family Easter traditions is the making of the Tweeties! Dozens upon dozens, heck a couple hundred easy. Then, I load family baskets, share with neighbors, students and staff. Before you know it, they're gone.
    Years ago..no decades ago, my mom in law passed her chocolate molds down to me and soon they will become my kid's job :). 




    These are Giant candy eyes..our kids get a kick out of these, Homer Simpson Tweeties.

    After chocolate sets, lollipops are removed from molds, eyes, hair, and flowers are applied,then bagged and tied with ribbon.



    The Bunnies are fun to make too. Anyone know how to properly melt Chocolate Specialty shop chocolate to have it set properly?? 



    Last but not least, marshmallow bunnies dipped in chocolate. Use them at you table as place cards, in baskets or, even just sitting among your decor. They add great whimsy and you'll hear plenty of giggles.


    I even place them in a clear vase anchored by Jelly Beans and set them out. Stratically positioned at the table to look at the guests , giggles began .



    Linking with some of  my favorite blog parties:
    The Charm Of Home!


    Hoppy Easter, Happy Spring!
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    Friday, March 23, 2012

    Flopsie, Mopsie, and Easter Traditions Easter Palooza part 2

    Among our Easter Holiday traditions, I'd like to present Flopsie, Mopsie, and their family. Inspired by an artist on an Easter craft episode of Martha Stewart. ( I am always inspired by all things Martha)  Jennifer Murphy was showing how to make adorable pom animals that she sold on the internet. My daughter, 12 at the time, and I sat down to try it, along with my mom.  Falling in love with them, we have been making our own version ,as part of the easter to-dos ever since. They delight the family, the students at school, and friends who visit us. Try making them Lately I am having trouble locating flat deep blue beads or even seeds for the eyes. Oh!! Can anyone share a source for me to purchase more flat beads for eyes ?

    
    The girls are homemade yarn poms, their clothing are cupcake papers, the rest are craft beads , flowers , and ribbons.
    
    
    
    Pom ducks wiggle eyes and orange felt trianles for beak. Orange pipecleaners twisted for feet.
     





    In looking up my inspiration, artist, Jennifer Murphy, I saw there is a how-to lesson on her website site. I hesitate to copy paste it, as I am not sure what can be legally " re blogged".
    Happy Spring time everyone! Posing to some of my faves, and a new favorite: 



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