make it a blue (and white) christmas...

It's about to be December, and Christmas will be here before we know it! I am so excited to get all of the decorations up, and be able to sit back and enjoy... As you all know, I am a fan of blue and white. And although I love the traditional Christmas colors of red and green, I also love using blue, as it represents generosity of spirit. The perfect sentiment for the season. Here are some ideas on how you can make it a blue (and white) Christmas...

via Enchanted Home

via The Makerista

via Meg's Oldfarmhouse

monday {menu}

 

 {recipe from... h e r e}

Pappardelle Pasta with Pesto, Zucchini & Goats Cheese

• 1 packet of pappardelle pasta 
• 1 1/2 cups basil leaves
• 3/4 cup parsley leaves
• 1 large clove garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• zest of 1 lemon
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 punnet assorted cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 large zucchini , cut into rounds
• 2-3 tablespoons capers
• 100 g goats cheese , crumbled

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the basil, parsley, garlic, olive oil and lemon zest and juice. Blitz until it is a pesto-like consistency. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat a large pan over medium-high heat with a quick drizzle of olive oil. Add the whole cherry tomatoes and chilli flakes. Cover the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, gently shaking the pan occasionally to prevent burning, until the tomatoes are just starting to blister and burst. Remove from the heat and set aside.
3. In the same pan (no need to wash it) with another drizzle of olive oil, cook the zucchini rounds until golden on each side. You may need to do this in 2 batches, depending on the size of your pan.
4. To cook the pasta, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt generously. If using store bought pasta, cook according to packet instructions. If using homemade pappadelle, carefully cook for about 4 minutes or until al dente, using tongs to detangle any strands that might stick together.
5. Drain the pasta and add back to the pot. Add the basil-parsley herb oil, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, capers and goats cheese. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.
   
   
   
   

happy sunday...

 

drink up... it's f r i d a y

 

Cheers you made it to f r i d a y! 

You survived Thanksgiving! Yes!  

Well,  Drink up friends, You deserve it!

Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail

Rosemary Simple Syrup

• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups of sugar
 6 sprigs of rosemary

Cocktail

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1/2 ounce rosemary simple syrup
• 4 ounces grapefruit juice
• sprig of rosemary for garnish
• 
  

• Simple Syrup: In a small sauce pan over medium low heat, dissolve the sugar into the water for about 5 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil or crystals will form. In a heat safe container, pour the warm sugar water mixture over the rosemary sprigs and let it steep for at least 1 hour. The rosemary simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 10 days.
• Cocktail: In tall glass filled with ice combine the vodka, rosemary simple syrup and grapefruit juice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
  
  

via Retro Pop Cult

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

decking the halls 2021...

Thanksgiving is just a day away! And with it come so many wonderful traditions; watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (obsessed), playing and/or watching football, splitting the wishbone, taking a family walk, volunteering to help others... It is also a day on which many people kick off the winter holiday season by putting up their Christmas decorations! Whether you are planning on starting to decorate for Christmas tomorrow, or are waiting a bit, here are some of my favorite decorating finds to deck the halls this holiday season... 

a holiday tradition (the macy's thanksgiving day parade)...

With everyone racing around, trying to keep up with the hurried pace of the holidays, I thought we'd take some time today to simply stop and enjoy one of the great Thanksgiving traditions... The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! This year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is back! It is so wonderful to have something so fun and familiar back on such a special day. These are some of my favorite floats that take me back to my childhood (giving away my age here). Which are your all-time favorite floats? 

via Grateful

via WBTV

via The Epoch Times

via PBS

via Yahoo! News

via Heavy

 

monday {menu}

{recipe from... h e r e}

CHEDDAR CHEESE BISQUET LOBSTER SANDWICH

Ingredients:

For Cheddar Cheese Biscuits:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
• 5 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shortening, cubed
• 3/4 stick, unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg, cold
• 3/4 buttermilk, cold
• 1 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping on the biscuits
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

For Lobster:

• 1 2-pound lobster
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped

Directions:

For Cheddar Cheese Biscuits:

• Place cubed butter, shortening and buttermilk in freezer for about 15-20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425F degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a small bowl, mix together the cheddar cheese and pepper and set on the side.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk together and set on the side.
• In mixing bowl for standing mixer, shift together flour, white, baking powder, cream of tartar and salt.
• With paddle attachment to standing mixer, on slow speed, add the cubed shortening and butter to the flour mixture. Once the flour has a coarse texture, add the cheddar and black pepper to the mixture.
• Add the egg mixture all at once to the mixer and the dough will start to come together.
• Dust a work surface area with flour.
• Knead and fold the dough about 6 times in both directions.
• Pat out dough down so it is about 1 inch thick and into a rectangular shape to cut into twelve biscuits or use a 2 inch cutter to make round biscuits.
• Sprinkle the top of each biscuit with ample cheddar cheese and fresh ground black pepper.
• Bake in oven for 12-15 minutes. If there are any biscuits waiting to be baked, place in freezer until ready to bake in oven.
• Once out of the oven, set on side to cool.

For Lobster:

I personally love steamed lobster, since the meat comes out more tender and preserves the natural flavor better.

• Place lobster in freezer until ready to cook.
• In a large pot that can fit the lobster comfortably.
• Fill the pot with about 2 inches of salted water.
• Set steaming rack in the middle of the pot and bring the water to boil over high heat.
• Place lobster in the pot for about 18 minutes for a 2 pound lobster and cover with lid.
  • For one pound lobster, you only need about 10 minutes.
• Once finished, use tong to pull the lobster out of the pot to sit and cool.
• De-shell the lobster and chop the lobster tail into smaller pieces.
• Mix with melted butter and chives.

Assemble:

• Warm on the biscuits with either microwave or oven set at 200F degrees.
• Slice the biscuits in half.
• Place buttered lobster meat in biscuit.
• Enjoy!

happy sunday...

 

holiday road trip essentials...

via Kelly Golightly

This year, holiday travel is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels. With so many people on the road, there is a good chance that you may be in the car a bit longer than you expected. 

Road trips can be a lot of fun! They are even better when you are prepared. If you are planning for a road trip this holiday season, here are a few road trip essentials that will help you to successfully make it through those needed stops, hunger pangs, and whatever else may come your way...

friday day dreaming...

 

Day dreaming at its finest... Now this is true l o v e! Classic homes are starting to become extinct here in Southern California. But when I do see a charmer I can't look away. What is it, the white exterior, black shutters, boxwoods & hydrangeas. What really is it? I think its the coordinating of all the traditional elements & the clean aesthetics of the home. For now I'm going with that... And stair away! What do you think it is?

double the fun (the use of double twin beds)...

via Morgan Hunt

I came across this amazing space that I just had to share with you! It is the perfect example of how to make a shared space both fun and functional. The use of two twin beds is a great choice for kids rooms and guest rooms, giving a space symmetry and cohesiveness. In guest rooms, having two twin beds gives guests who are not a couple separate spaces to enjoy.  So whether you have kids who want to share a room, or want a space that is ready to welcome guests, double twin beds may be the solution for you!

 

the importance of holiday cards...

via Southern Living

As a child, one of my favorite things to do during the holidays was to check the mailbox for Christmas cards. Most days, there I would find at least one. These days, I am more thrilled to receive a card than ever, as it has become an increasingly rare occurrence. For me, sending Christmas cards is a tradition that I look forward to all year. It's a wonderful way to spread some holiday spirit while connecting with friends and family. Now is a great time to begin writing out your cards, and getting them ready to surprise someone at their mailbox!

it's wellie season...

via Old House Online

via Jeffrey Harris Design

via Dunning and Everard

via Yournest Design

It's that magical time of year... That time when my wellies take center stage in my entry. No longer are they merely practical footwear, but an actual accessory that brings joy to my home. When the wellies come out, that means that cooler weather has officially come to the California coast! If you are in need of some comfortable and stylish wellies to grace your entry, here are a few of my favorites...