k&g bookclub

2009-08-03T20:54:00.003-04:00

Please Vist our NEW BLOG, at http://roseandthistlekg.blogspot.com/ Rose and Thistle, this blog is no longer in use, we have had too many problems, sorry for the in convience Can't wait to see you at our New Blog Kate and Gina

A Few of My Favorite Sayings.....Or Food for Thought

2009-07-17T21:41:00.006-04:00

Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see. “Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own.” ~H. Jackson Brown You are my whole existence and I will Love you until my last Breath. Albert to Victoria "Life is too short, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and Never regret anything that made you Smile. What if the rest of your life was the best of your life? If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. A Man should hear a little music, read a little poetry and see A fine picture every day of his life in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful Which God has implanted in the Human Soul Johann Wolfgang Von Goeth

Happy Birthday Gina!!!!!!

2009-07-16T21:13:00.007-04:00

Today is Gina's Birthday, everyone please join with me in wishing her a wonderful birthday!!! I've set a special Tea Birthday Party for her, please join us!!!! (Please excuse our blog look, it is under construction and hope to be done soon, this is not the finish product at all, thanks Kate) A Tea Party for a Princess at heart.....using the Red Toile Dishes and Birthday Plates and Napkins....... A delicious scone just for Gina with birthday candles...... Here is the birthday Girl!!!! And our celebration would not be complete without Peter Rabbit, Gina's favorite, coming to visit on her special Day!!! And we all know Gina likes her bubbly.....so cheers to you Gina,,,,,don't forget all the memories of a very special friendship, friends don't come easily and best friends are hard to find, so Happy Birthday to You!!!!! This is Gina after a few glasses of bubbly on my birthday celebration at the Biltmore in NC. We had just finished visiting the Tasting Room at the Winery.....and I had to stop and visit the Lambs.....I hope you have as good a birthday as I did when you were here.... Happy Birthday Love Kate

Wallpaper Wednesday

2009-07-15T07:00:00.001-04:00

Design by Anne Coyle Wallpaper Wednesday the day to do a post on wallpaper this is for you Kate Green Toile.

Tea Time Tuesday.....

2009-07-10T07:29:00.019-04:00

Welcome to Tea Time Tuesday!!! I hope everyone enjoys themselves, we have quite a few Teas' to attend so lets go. Some of my favorite memories of Tea are in England....here I am on my birthday in Windsor UK, so excited to go to Tea. Tea varies from village to village (photo, below thanks to Mary at Across the Pond) is a typical "Cream Tea" which is served with Fruit Sconces (Raisin) or Plain scones and all the trimmings but very informal. Each pub in every village has Tea, each has its on unique set of Tea China , below, is a photo I took after I had tea at a tiny pub on a cliff overlooking the Sea, in Mevagissey, Cornwall. Tea was as lovely ( in a small pub) as it is, in the city of Truro in Cornwall.

Below, Tea at the famous Orangery, on the grounds at

Kensington Palace, the last home that Princess Di lived in before

her untimely death. It is open to the public, be prepared to

wait in line, but is it well worth the wait. It is the most beautiufully

appointed Tea I've ever been to in the world I hope everyone enjoyed Tea Time Tuesday and please come

each week......after all we should all treat ourselves to Tea

at least once a week....until then

Ta, Ta

Kate

Wallpaper Wednesday

2009-07-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wallpaper featured is Cole and Son

Very large mirror gives a great illusion to the room

Wallpaper Wednesday the day to do a post on wallpaper.

Tea Time Tuesday......

2009-07-06T21:49:00.011-04:00

Cheers to everyone, and welcome to my first Tea Time Tuesday!!! I am taking over for Barb at Grits and Glamour who is busy now with a new business.....So here we go I'm sorry I don't have Mr. Linksey up yet, but being the novice I am I will try and so my own thing for now which I hope will suffice for this week. Marty @ http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2009/06/tea-time-tuesday-youre-invited.html Ellen B @ http://happywonderer.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/tea-time-tuesday/ Carolina Jewel http://carolinajewels-table.blogspot.com/2009/06/to-tea-time-tuesday-hosted-by-barb-at.html Sandy @ http://sandy-coppernthings.blogspot.com/ Kammy @ http://sandy-coppernthings.blogspot.com/ Tammy @ http://tammy518-mamaison.blogspot.com/2009/06/tea-time-tuesday-just-peachy.html Barb @ http://barbsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2009/06/tea-time-tuesday.html Liz @ http://rosevignettes.blogspot.com/2009/02/cindys-centerpiece-party.html Southern Whimsy @http://southernwhimsy.blogspot.com/2009/06/story-of-tea-cup.html Rose Princess @ http://barbara-theroseprincess.blogspot.com/ Lorna @ http://laceandivycottage.blogspot.com/2009/06/tea-house-on-los-rios.html Ceekay @ http://thinkinofhome.blogspot.com/2009/06/tea-time-tuesday-post.html Jo @ http://jos2ndact.blogspot.com/2009/06/tea-time-tuesday.html Katherine @ http://thingsienjooy.blogspot.com/2009/06/tuesday-tea-time.html Playing Dishes @ http://playingdishes.blogspot.com/2009/06/teatime-tuesday-at-grits-and-glamour.html Bonafide Southern @ http://bonafidesouthern.blogspot.com/2009/06/tea-time-tuesday.html http://starshinechic.blogspot.com/2009/06/lets-have-tea-party.html Gina @ http://purdywallcovering.blogspot.com/ http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2009/06/tea-and-tablescapeora-blue-moon-tea.html http://www.settoatea.typepad.com/ Sandy @ http://peoniesmagnolias.blogspot.com/ My Post this week as promised is photos of my Tea towel collection, above is an English Towel I bought at Windsor Castle in the UK. Below, is your typical Charlestonian Magnolia Tea Towel A French Tea Towel from my Daughter 2007 Yves De Lorme Tea Towel Another English Tea towel purchased in London And I saved the favorite for last , my Harrods Tea Towel also purchased in London. Until next week, happy Tea Time Tuesday Kate

Wallpaper Wednesday

2009-07-01T07:00:00.002-04:00

Would you like to have this in your Boudoir?

A lovely washstand paired with a Venetian glass mirror and striped wallpaper. If you would like to participate in wallpaper Wednesday all need to do is post a picture with some great wallpaper.

For Gina.....

2009-06-30T09:23:00.003-04:00

Memories from Charleston, when Gina and I were at the

Market in Charleston, we came upon a Man who takes

photographs of architectural features throughout Charleston

that look like letters. He has each letter there to purchase

individually or spell out names. This one is for Gina.

I was looking through some Esty posts and came upon

these that are made into notecards....

July 7th Tea Time Tuesday.......

2009-06-30T08:37:00.002-04:00

With Barb taking a hiatus from Blogging I have decided to jump in and take over Tea Time Tuesday, our first post will be July 7th next Tuesday, I will have the link up the night before so you can all sign up, I am wishing Barb the best with all she has going on......Hope to see you all next Tuesday!!!! Kate

New Items at Mountain Home....

2009-06-28T11:57:00.003-04:00

For all you that don't know, I have a shoppe in North

Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains on Main Street

in Hendersonville. It is called Mountain Home

I am showcasing a few items that

are for sale, click this blog to see more items!!!!

http://mountainhomekd.blogspot.com/

Pictured above are handmade Stained Glass

pictures sized at 4 x 6 or 5 x7. I can also make

any item you see in other sizes. This photo has

been taken before they were done, they are now

edged in silver with exposed rings to hang from

a ribbon, chain or string.

T J Maxx Giveaway......

2009-06-28T09:28:00.006-04:00

I am participating in a TJ Maxx, Marshall's gift card

giveaway.......brought to you by

http://frillsfluffandtrucks.blogspot.com/

We are to show our best purchase from

TJ Maxx or Marshall's. There are so many but

this is one of tried and true favorites... I found it before

St. Patrick's Day, they had it out with all the St. Patty's

merchandise. I use it throughout the spring and

summer not just the Ides of March.

The basket weave pattern is lovely and the colours are

wonderful, as you can see I have it sitting out on my

sideboard now with some of my other TEA items of the

same colours......

Tea Time Tuesday Continues

2009-06-22T18:48:00.002-04:00

Thanks again to Barb from Grits and Glamour

http://gritsglamour.blogspot.com/ for having Tea Time Tuesday...... This week I have featured more of my collections. Below, see my Tea Box, displayed on my sideboard in my Dining Room.

I actually use it everyday for my Morning Tea.

My more speciality teas are in my Tea Pantry.

I bought my Tea Box a few years ago, and

continue to fill it as need be.

A peek into my Tea Pantry.......

Tins, boxes, loose, bags, I've got it.

Some of my Favorites are Earl Grey,

Peach Tea, Harrod's Store Blend

and Mango Tea from the Bahamas.

And of course the piesta resistance,

French Blue. This velvety black tea, is elegant

and sophisticated, is cloaked in the fragrance

of fine, rare bergamot and royal blue cornflowers.

The Tea of Tea's......currently 5 Stars *****

from the world famous tea salon Mariage Frères.

Even my laundry room can't escape

Tea Cups.....only the Best.

From Yves De Lorme.....

Above, My favorite photo of me in London

at the famed Clive Christianson,

cabinet shoppe.....no that's not

my kitchen...Until next week,

when we will peek at my over whelming

Tea Towel Collection.......

2009-06-18T19:52:00.005-04:00

I really wanted to be in this Cloche Party a week ago when

I saw it, but I'm so busy now with my new job that I'm going to

cheat and just post a photo of my favorite Cloche that I saw

this spring on William Sonoma online. I have had all

intentions of making it and probably still will sometime.

I have a great nest I wanted to put in it but I have

never found a Cloche in a reasonable price range.

Any suggestions???? I'm still looking.....theBest price I've

seen is $32.00 for about a 14 inch, which is what I want

or taller.

So thanks to Marty at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

for hosting this great event!!!! Be sure and visit everyone...

Kate

2009-06-17T19:13:00.002-04:00

So my friend, fellow designer, blogger and twitter has started Wallpaper Wednesday Friend: we met a long time ago at Ringling School of Art and Design and then again more recently at an IDS (Interior Design Society) meeting Fellow Designer: Carmen does Custom Cabinetry and was not a fan of wallpaper Ha HA can you believe it. That is until she came to my studio and fell in love with all the fabulous wallpapers. Blogger: I then introduced her to the wonderful world of blogging and you can visit her blog at time2designincblogspot.com Twitter: she has introduced me to twitter and has now started this great post Wallpaper Wednesday!! so please come join us.

2nd Tag......

2009-06-07T14:40:00.012-04:00

I have been tagged my my friend Gina @http://purdywallcovering.blogspot.com/ to write about 6 Uninteresting Things that make me happy. The rules are I have to tag 6 more bloggers. Here I go, ( not in any order of how much I like them) 1)My Favorite Movie is: Deja Vu Filmed in both England and France. (Imagine that ) I first saw it on Romance Classics (remember that TV station, what ever happened to it) and went on the internet and bought it about 7 years ago. Ck it out on Netflix. 2) The last 6 cats I've had have been Siamese, not only Sealpoint, but the one I have now is a Lilac Point. 3) England, surprize, all the villages, I love roaming and exploring each one. 4) Tea, Iced or Hot!!! Sitting at a cafe anywhere and enjoying a tea, without rushing to leave, just sit there and Sip!! 5) Charm Bracelets, I have had 3, I love buying new charms to add to the memories and the Charm gifts friends and family give me!! 6) Flowers, growing them, getting them, smelling them. Looking at them...... The 6 Bloggers I choose are: Vicki@ http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/ Mumzie@http://mumziespumpkins.blogspot.com/ Alicia@ http://delightfulanddelovely.blogspot.com/ Laura@ http://www.whitespraypaint.blogspot.com/ Cathy@http://www.thestylishhouse.net/ http://sixpenceandabluemoon.blogspot.com/ Well I hope everyone enjoyed my 6 and I can't wait to read all your comments and read about the next 6 that have been tagged have fun.

New Eyeglasses for Gina

2009-06-05T23:01:00.003-04:00

KAZUO KAWASAKI, an award winning industrial designer, has approached his signature eyewear collection with an artist''''s mind for creative eyewear design and a mathematician''''s mind for eyewear precision. Using simple, yet effective technology, Kazuo Kawasaki''''s screwless, three-point tension mounted frames offer distinctive eyewear designs for any occasion. KAZUO KAWASAKI frames are constructed of the leading material in modern frame design, beta titanium. Durable yet lightweight, beta-titanium is the ideal counterpart to the sophisticated design philosophy of KAZUO KAWASAKI eyewear..

So it's time for some new spiffy glasses. I am retiring the contacts!

I want something fun and a little out of the box

and of course stylish.

I have found these Kawasaki frames

I know they look a little familiar they are the same brand that Sarah Palin wears but hers are #704 and these are #705 deco

I have included some frame colors and patterns they have that I like.

Yes I love a little leopard!

so I am leaning towards those and I like the cranberry since my eyes are green and that is the complementary color to them.

so tell me what you think? and which frame pattern.

2009-06-05T20:51:00.010-04:00

...Two years ago, I was staying at the

Sheraton Park Tower in London,

we were going to drive to Cornwall and I didn't want

a formal breakfast at the restaurant, so I decided

to walk a bit and find a restaurant.

Across the street was a Palestinian Deli, I walked

in and looked the place over.

The food in the Deli case looked Amazing.

Fresh made (though I didn’t what it was)and they had

Apricot Danish, if that wasn't enough to win me over. I asked the Palestinian man behind the counter,

if they made eggs, he said they had Hard Boiled Eggs. I was on this Healthy Diet, at the time, and

Hard Boiled Eggs were on my diet.

(Apricot Danish was defiantly not)

I ordered and sat down, with a lovely view of my Hotel.

The owner brought my Tea in a Beautiful Tea Cup and Pot,

with my Danish on the side, I watched as more Arab men

came and went from the Deli. I being the crazy American girl

who reads too many espionage books, thought each Arab

was a Terrorist, which added even more to my hunger

and Entertainment!!!

With my taste buds prepped the Palestinian

brought the most beautiful presentation of salad

sliced Tomato, and a hard boiled egg.

.I was in Heaven another adventure....

Art: In the Eye of the Beholder

2009-06-02T08:18:00.004-04:00

We were lucky enough to go to the Piccolo Spoleto Fine Art's Festival

at Marion Square in downtown

Charleston this past Sunday.

Each year Charleston hosts this annual

10 day Festival of the Arts and Music.

My friend Jan and I had a wonderful

Afternoon Tea at St. Matthews Church

and then walked across the street to

Marion Square and looked at all the

wonderful Art. Over one hundred

Artists displayed their wares. I love

this photo above of an Artist's Paint

Box sitting under a Live Oak Tree.

It inspires me to Paint (which I can't)

Art is definitely in the Eye of Beholder.

We viewed so many styles, mostly

Traditional , as we are in the true

South. I grew up around Oil Painting

my mother and Grandmother (see old

post on What's on Your Wall Weds.)

both painted with Oil. So I am a

Painting Snob and prefer Oil, though

I love watercolor as well.

As the afternoon grew on we happened

into Hilarie Lambert's booth. I was

taken by her art, for some reason

her Art stood out to me as my

favorite of all the Artist's showing

at this large show.

Her paintings touched me in some

way others didn't. Her subjects of

are wonderful. (She travels

to France and Italy each year to

paint) Her style is soft and intense

at the same time. She captures the

spirit of the moment!! I didn't want

to move I wanted to stop and be

in that moment ( esp. The Lunch

Crown, see on her website)

http://hlambert.com/index.htm

Be sure and check out Piccolo

Spoleto 09 on Hilarie's website so

you can view the pictures I saw at

the Festival.

Below, is a photo of Hilarie, she so kindly

let me snap of her, in front of her wonderful

painting that drew me into her booth (of course

its of a Horse Race) it named "Longchamps - No. 7"

that she told me she painted in Paris this Spring.

If you would like to see Hilarie Lambert's work

in person she shows at the following Galleries.

City Art Gallery 511 Red Bank Road, Greenville, NC 252.343.7000

Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art 56/58 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401 843.722.3660

I. Pinckney Simons Gallery

711 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902

843.379.4774

Good Morning!!!!!

2009-05-31T09:10:00.005-04:00

I was having my Sunday morning breakfast and pondering what my next Post would be. Sunday Mornings are a tradition with me, I made Blueberry Pancakes, Scones, Eggs and My Tea. I have Irish Music Playing in the background, no TV on Sunday Mornings at my House. This is a photo of my Orchid in bloom now, it sits on my Morning Room table while it is in bloom, I bring the orchids inside one by one as they bloom. I was staring at it while I was deciding what to Post. This is a photo I shot a few weeks ago, that inspired this Post. I was on the computer in the evening with the lights off over head. The Living Room lights back lit my chandelier and made this silhouette on the wall, I loved it so, I took a photo. In the left corner is my Welsh Cabinet Hutch peeking into the shadow. I have decided with the chandelier imagine in mind to give away a blog award with the silhouette of the chandelier. I am giving it to: Mary at Across the Pond http://devondesigns-mary.blogspot.com/ She is always so inspirational and creative with each Post, so Mary come and collect your reward and Enjoy!!! I am giving a second Blog Award to: Fifi Flowers Design Decor http://www.fififlowers.com/ Who is an inspiration to us all, her unlimited ideas and talent are incredible. Though the Award says You have been Crowned by the Queen, we all know I am just A Princess!!! Best Sunday Morning to us all.....Enjoy your Day.. Kate

Home Away From Home

2009-05-26T15:10:00.005-04:00

I'm missing my Home Away from Home. On my 50th birthday my daughters, girlfriends and I all went on a Cruise to the Bahamas. I took a little day tour of the New Harbourside at Atlantis. The sign said "Own A Piece Of Atlantis" I said to myself, I would like to own a piece of Atlantis. I took the tour and we went back on the cruise and nothing much came of it. Two years later, I received an invitation from Harbourside to stay for a week, the money from the holiday would go back into the Time Share if I bought. So I booked the vacation and my daughter and I spent a wonderful week at Atlantis. I bought a "piece of Atlantis" the last day I was there. That was 5 years ago now. We enjoy it every year and as I said I am missing my home away from Home.

It has become a place of solitude. Peace, I don't

use a cell phone when I'm there. Nor the computer.

We just relax. Enjoy. Read. Walk. Explore. Eat. I can't wait to go Back.

8th Grade Dance

2009-05-25T13:27:00.010-04:00

So it is finally the end of the school year

and my oldest daughter Hannah

(she will be 14 tomorrow the 26th)

had her 8th grade school dance.

Hannah and her best friend Ashley

I know you are wondering why this picture is in here but if you look at the next picture you will see.........

Mother like daughter

Our beagle

/hound dog started to sing

while this picture was trying

to be taken as you can see

Hannah was hysterical with laughter

Finally after all the howling we got a decent picture.

They had the best time at the dance and have a wonderful memory of middle school.

A few months of summer fun and the off to

The Best High School

Sarasota Military Academy!

Congratulations Girls and Boys

For Gina,

2009-05-23T16:36:00.003-04:00

Who has waited so patiently for her Peonies....

Her favorite Flower...

Kate

Hydrangeas........

2009-05-19T14:45:00.002-04:00

Oh My Gosh, Oh My Gosh!!!! Look what I found when I went to get my mail!!!! My first Hydrangea ever. Do you know how many times I tried to grow Hydrangeas in Florida???? More than I can count. Once I thought I would try and buy a large Hydrangea in North Carolina (thinking if it were more mature it would grow in Florida and not die) I drove with it in between my legs, 10 hours back from North Carolina!!! It still died.... I'm so Excited.... Katie

Tea Travels......

2009-05-18T19:10:00.009-04:00

Thanks again this week to Barb at Grits and Glamour for hosting this weeks Tea Time Tuesday....... http://gritsglamour.blogspot.com/ I've decided to share some of my Tea Adventures with you. Below, is a photo taken at The Orangery Tea Room I told you about last week at Kensington Palace in London. (Open to the Public) Below, is my oldest daughter , Lindsey having Tea. Below, The Peacock Cafe, they serve Cream Tea all afternoon, with Peacocks strolling around your tables.....it is lovely. This is at Pencarrow in Cornwall. http://www.pencarrow.co.uk/homepage.asp Pretty Picture from Kimbery Shaw. http://www.kimberlyshawstore.com/ Below, Cream Tea in Cornwall at a Pub, Seaside on a small Cliff in the little Village of Fowey, Cornwall, UK. Below is a Menu for the Month of May from a Wonderful Tea room in an old Victorian House in Lexington Ky, I have inserted the web address so you can visit. It is well worth the trip if your in Kentucky. MAY MENU Chilled Fruit Soup Cream Scone Lemon Curd & Fayette Cream Asparagus Crêpe with Mornay Sauce Greentree Classic,Cucumber-Dill &Shrimp Tea Sandwiches Chocolate Pots de Crème,Greentree French Filled Wafers & Strawberry Cream Cake Darjeeling Tea http://www.greentreetearoom.com/ Below, is a peek in my kitchen tea cabinet, next week I will let you peek in my Tea Pantry. Top Shelf, Peter Pan canister from UK, Hedley's Earl Grey 2nd Shelf, Bavarian Tea Cup, Harrod's Canister 2006 "The Store Mixture", Yellow Tea Cup (my Great Gramma's) One of my favorites, Cauldon, Bone China Made in England 3rd Shelf, Matching Saucers to above and ELMWOOD INN, FINE TEA, English Breakfast, from Perryville ,KY. Bottom Shelf, Harrod's Tea Canister, 2001 in Green and Gold, ( Food Halls) Limoge Tea cup, English Tea biscuits, Oxbridge Hazelnut & Raisin, Oxford Uk. Thanks Again to Barb.....Until next Week. katie

Summer Time Blues....

2009-05-17T14:38:00.008-04:00

With Summer on the Way, I decided it was time for a change in the house. The Easter decorations have been put away and I needed a quick fix. Ahhhh, slipcovers.....

Everyday chairs above, linen fabric from Strohiem

and Romann.

Two years ago, I designed and had slipcovers made for

my dining chairs. I choice a Jaima Brown Fabric.

http://www.jaimabrownhome.com/

In my Morning Room, I bought a Anthropologie Table

Cloth and Napkins. I had some of the napkins made into

seat cushions.

Top. Anthropologie Fabric (napkins)

Side view, I combined three fabrics. A small check and a

Large plaid with the Anthropologie Fabric.

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp

I had my seamstress shir the small check and made extra

large ties......

Time for Summer...

Something New

2009-05-14T09:06:00.002-04:00

Please go to my New Blog called

Mountain Home,

http://mountainhomekd.blogspot.com/

to see how I made these Great Monogram

Charms......

Tuesday Tea Time

2009-05-11T20:07:00.001-04:00

Any one who knows me knows I love Tea. English Black

Tea. Real Tea. No sugar, no milk, no green or herb Tea.

Just good Black Tea. The last 25 years I have made it

my hobby to visit Tea Rooms around the US and UK

to critique and enjoy the Tea.

This is a photo of The Orangery outside

Kensington Palace, the last place Princess

Diana lived before she died. The Orangery

is open to the public for Tea. It's the most

Beautiful Setting in the UK I have been to

for Tea.

In Cornwall they have what they call

"Cream Tea" instead of "High Tea" like

they would in London, NY or Chicago.

Cream Tea consists of a pot of Tea,

a Fruit Scone (Raisin we would call it here)

and all the trimmings including Cornish

Clotted Cream. (Hence the name)

The Best Tea I have had consistently is at the

Ritz Carlton. I get what they call the "Royal

Tea" which means it comes with a glass of

champagne!!

The Ritz Carlton employees there own pastry

chef, that is one very good reason there Tea is

always wonderful!!! Also they are true traditionalists

with a Harp playing, each person has there own

Tea pot and choice of Tea, and the Tea sandwiches

are always fresh and wonderfully different.

Cheers......

Kate at Tea at the Ritz after two glasses of

champagne!!

Thanks to Barb at Grits and Glamour for

Hosting this Great New Tuesday Event!!

http://gritsglamour.blogspot.com/

Lost Hours

2009-05-11T11:57:00.003-04:00

Another great story by Karen White

(Author of House on Tradd Street )

* Sound familiar this is the street Kate and I visited while in downtown Charleston*

When Piper Mills was twelve, she helped her grandfather bury a box that belonged to her grandmother in the backyard. For twelve years, it remained untouched. Now a near fatal riding accident has shattered Piper's dreams of Olympic glory. After her grandfather's death, she inherits the house and all its secrets, including a key to a room that doesn't exist? or does it? And after her grandmother is sent away to a nursing home, she remembers the box buried in the backyard. In it are torn pages from a scrapbook, a charm necklace and a newspaper article from 1929 about the body of an infant found floating in the Savannah River. The necklace and it's charms tell the story of three friends during the 1920s. Each charm added during the three months each friend had the necklace and recorded her life in the scrapbook. Piper always dismissed her grandmother as not having had a story to tell. And now, too late, Piper finds she might have been wrong. I started this book while at the airport on my return flight home from visiting with Kate in Charleston,SC. I found this book to be a real pleasure. The book keeps you trying to put the pieces of the mysteries together ie: the scrapbook, the necklace and the newspaper article and how they all connect. Great read but I did find The House on Tradd street a bit better and cannot wait until the sequel comes out. If you are looking for a nice read pick up a Karen White book you won't be disappointed.

What's for dinner?

2009-05-08T13:10:00.004-04:00

Italian bread

Caesar Salad

Vino

Homemade Marinara

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Viola Lasagna!

Today I am making homemade Marinara and Homemade Ricotta cheese

tomorrow it will be Lasagna

Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there.

I am cooking today so I can enjoy one of my favorite meals for mothers day.

Lily Of the Valley

2009-05-07T18:52:00.012-04:00

I've been missing Lily of the Valley. I've asked if we can grow it here in South Carolina, and apparently were too far south for them to bloom. Last year in England, I was two weeks to early for the blossoms, the foliage was tall, but no blossoms...... Did Winter, letting Fall in vain regret A tear among the tender leaves of May, Embalm the tribute, lest she might forget, In this elect, imperishable way Or did the virgin Spring sweet vigil keep In the white radiance of the midnight hour, And whisper to the unwondering ear of Sleep some shy desire that turned into flower? Lily of the Valley by Charles G. D. Roberts Such a sweet smell, I can smell it now in my mind.....I wish I could hold some in my hand and smell them. Thanks to French Essence, http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/ ( for the beautiful line drawing above) The flower is also known as Our Lady's tears since, according to Christian legend, the lily of the valley came into being from Eve's tears after she was driven with Adam from the Garden of Eden. Traditionally, Lily of the Valley is sold in the streets of France on May 1. Lily of the Valley became the national flower of Finland in 1967. The Norwegian municipality Lunner has a Lily of the Valley in its coat-of-arms. My Jasmine is in Full Bloom here in Charleston. So I think I will go smell it and be happy I'm here, where it's warm in March and December...... Remember to take time to Smell the Flowers.

I Sat upon a Garden Bench, Waiting for You

2009-05-05T20:41:00.013-04:00

Is there anything more inviting than an empty bench in front of you.......Calling you. Come sit with me. Relax.......

Read a Book.......

Smell The Flowers.....

Breath for A Minute.......

Daydream........

Be At Peace.

Something So Simple. A Garden Bench.

May Day......

2009-05-03T07:41:00.012-04:00

I have celebrated May Day, since I was a child. I don't know why my Mother was so inherently English, yes our background was English on both sides, but my Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother were all born in the States. But they raised us so traditionally British. IE: May Day......Let's Learn a little History Together!! Did you ever knock on someone’s door, hang a basket on the handle and yell, “Happy May Day” as you ran away ? The old traditions of the first day of May have become obscured with time and modern day. What happened to this holiday called May Day? Does anyone celebrate it anymore? Revive the old spring tradition with new twists on old ways. Learn how to celebrate May Day. Please keep the old Traditions alive with your Grandkids!! May Day History Many festivals and holidays, May Day began as an ancient pagan festival held to celebrate the return of warmth to the earth and the beginning of the growing season. The Romans brought with them their spring celebration of Floralia, a festival honoring flowers. As years passed, both Beltane and Floralia combined to create the merry festival of May Day. Throughout most of the world May 1,. The gentler, merry times of May Day often included a village Maypole. Young and old went to the woods searching for the tallest tree to turn into a Maypole. Flowers and greens adorned the pole with streamers attached to the top. Young people would grab a long streamer and dance under and over each other, intertwining and weaving the ribbon around the pole. The Maypole is a popular May Day symbol in Germany, Scandinavian countries, and the British Isles. An English country or folk dance, the Morris dance is thought to be a fertility or good luck dance. The dance was performed at holidays such as Easter, May Day and Plough Monday. The dancing often includes sticks, handkerchiefs, pipes and, in the past, swords. May Day Baskets The tradition of placing a basket filled with flowers and treats on the door handle of friends and neighbors came along later in the evolution of May Day celebrations. A quick-and-easy May Day basket begins with a piece of construction paper cut into a square. Cut a square of the exact same size from a sheet of pretty wrapping paper. Glue the wrapping paper to the construction paper. When the glue is dry, shape the two sheets of paper into a cone, making sure the bottom is closed. Either glue the overlapping edges or staple them together. Use a hole punch to create small holes on each side of the cone-shaped basket. Thread ribbon through each hole, knotting the ends to create a handle for the basket. Fill the basket with popcorn and individually wrapped candies. Pick flowers from the garden: tulips, daffodils, lilacs, narcissus, Johnny jump-ups or heart’s ease, violets, pansies, or whatever spring blossoms are growing. Place a damp paper towel around the stems and insert into a plastic baggie or a square of plastic wrap. Use a ribbon to tie the plastic encasement closed. If you have never celebrated May Day, it’s time to take a look at how to join in the festivities of the day. Many specialty garden shops throughout the country hold festivals to celebrate May Day, complete with a Maypole embellished with flowers and streamers, food, Morris dancers and a look into the past. May Day and fairies go hand in hand, so look for festivals and celebrations in your area. Throw a May Day Party Surprise family and friends with a May Day party. You may not want to put up a Maypole in the lawn, but decorate the home with loads of spring flowers.Serve traditional food for May, such as egg and dairy dishes. Quiches, omelets, egg casseroles, deviled eggs, egg salad tea sandwiches, and pickled eggs all serve up well. Oatmeal cakes were served on Beltane or May Day, so big oatmeal cookies along with creamy egg custards make delicious dessert offerings.A May Day celebration is not complete without the German traditional drink, May wine or Mai Bowle. The finalized wine is served from a punch bowl, with an ice ring and floating violets, Johnny jump-ups, or other edible spring flowers on top. You can also use half champagne and half Rhine wine for the recipe. Apple juice may take the place of the wine for a nonalcoholic drink. Drop a whole strawberry into each glass and pour the wine over it. Celebrating May Day means different things in different places. The Puritans frowned on Pagan festivals, so the United States never embraced the day with as much fervor as European countries steeped in Pagan traditions. Bring back the gentle side of May Day with baskets of flowers and goodies, frolicking on a warm spring day, and squeals of May Day. In closing, I think some of the old traditions are the BEST!!! When I was in England last year I learned that they still celebrate May Day, the May Pole is still popular (one is erected in each park for the celebrations!!) and it is a Holiday for Most people. My girls both 26 and 20 still celebrate May Day, I love when my 20 year old still runs to the Garden picks some of my favorite flowers and lays them on the Door Step, rings the bell and runs. Like she is still 5 again. Wouldn't we all love that feeling again???? Katie

Treasures Found!!!

2009-04-29T09:03:00.005-04:00

Gina and I went to this Great Shoppe, in Summerville, SC, I've been wanting to go since I moved and never found the chance. We spent an hour digging through the wonderful Treasures. It is called Marigolds located on short Central Ave. Short Central Ave. is a cobblestone street, closed off to traffic, designed for only pedestrians to walk upon. It's a Mixture of Old and New!! A Mother and Daughter Venture!!

Me taking a Photo of Me...

So Much to Show!!!

2009-04-27T19:21:00.009-04:00

Day One......Friday. What to do, what to do. Shopping, celebrating or Smell the Flowers!!! Gina on a rooftop restaurant over looking the Charleston Market!! Cheers.... Which one? You think I need one for every outfit???

Courtyard at Charleston Place

The lobby at Charleston Place

Gina

Foxglove Kate and Gina at the Market..... Friends Reunited......

Sneak Peak!!!

2009-04-25T07:20:00.006-04:00

This is just a sneak peak, at what Gina and I are seeing.......

Jack Russell who definitely did not

want his photo taken!!!

See ya soon!!!

Kate and Gina

Gina's In The House!!!!

2009-04-24T20:23:00.001-04:00

Happy Earth Day!!!!

2009-04-22T19:10:00.012-04:00

Happy Earth Day, I don;t want to START preaching....but I did want to say a few things, TODAY on EARTH DAY!!!!! If everyone reading this would just make a firm decision to change today, just one little thing in the their life, Like not buying water bottles, or to recycle everything you get your hands on, even at work....... Use the new light bulbs that are out there, Teach children and Grandchildren to respect the Earth by doing these things, we could hopefully make a difference. Can you imagine, if you and your neighbors, and Family and Friends, all started today, just doing ONE THING different tomorrow and forever What a big impact that could be!!!!

Get your own personalized Grocery Bags!!!

In the 70's I used to drive across town, once

a week to recycle before they had recycling

at your curb, I have never bought Water bottles

I've always taken my own glass to work and In the

car, just because. Plant a tree this weekend,,,, with your children

or Grandkids!!!!!

Make a Veggie Garden with your kids, if you don't

have a yard, use containers, get an Earth Box.

My daughter lives in Downtown Chicago and

does this, you can't believe the tomato's, zucchini,

lettuce, radishes......she grows all in containers.

Fab.....grocery bags are everywhere!!!!

We never called it "Green" in the 70's we just did it

because it would

make the world a better place. Now we have

to do it, we don't have a choice anymore,

think of our Grandkids and their Kids.

GREEN

I guess I was fashionably cool without

even knowing it!!!

Hope your are tooooooo!!!!!!!

Katie

Baking For Gina!!!

2009-04-19T15:53:00.006-04:00

I decided I would get some baking done before Gina gets here so we could have something nice to munch on. I love to bake on Sunday mornings don't ask me why, but I love it... I decided on Raspberry Muffins..

I love this little Tea Towel I found!!

Here they are ready for us to Eat!

See Ya Soon , Gina.

Breakfast Is Served!!!

2009-04-18T08:47:00.008-04:00

~Menu~ Scones

served with cotted cream, lemon curd assortment of jellies

Pot of Tea

assortment of Black Teas from England Fresh Fruit

seasonal your choice Eggs

made your way

Our Scones are Baked Fresh that Morning from Kate's Kitchen and served Outdoors on the Veranda....with the Morning Itinerary

Who Has Time For Shopping????

2009-04-18T08:20:00.007-04:00

I can always make time for SHOPPING later!!!

I don't know if everyone knows the BIG NEWS!!!

Gina is coming to VISIT, that's right long lost Friends

will be united!! Not really long lost. But Friends. The

last time Gina and I saw each other was the day after

Thanksgiving when we went on an 8 hour shopping

spree!! It was great. I moved to Charleston two weeks

after that and we have not seen each other since. Months

ago Gina told me she was coming to visit and planned the trip.

She was wonderful enough to buy us

two tickets to go the BILTMORE HOUSE in Asheville NC

So y'all will be the lucky recipients to see our entire trip

in photos. As I will be photographing every second.

However this week, I am cleaning, cleaning!!

Getting ready for Gina's anticipated trip!!

Our itinerary is as follows:

Thursday.......dinner at Kate's place, a la fresca

Friday.....downtown Charleston, shopping and

sight seeing all the historic homes,

Ghost Tour!!!

Sat......Biltmore House

Sunday.....drive back to Summerville the Azalea's

are still blooming, its definitely Spring in SC.

Can't Wait for Gina's......

Arrival!!!!

La Plates

2009-04-17T10:00:00.002-04:00

I love Monograms and I love Dinnerware so how cool is this. http://www.laplates.com/

You can PINK your own colors and font.

They have a wonderful selection of designs to choose from.

I am getting a plate for all of my crew

not all the same design though

we are each picking our own.

Postcard wallpaper

2009-04-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

I love this picture it reminds me of Kate.

It is postcards mainly of flowers put on wall as wallpaper.

Kate loves flowers and gardening and she is a collector of postcards and stationery.

I think this is very creative idea .

What better way to display and enjoy something you love and collect.

What Comes First?

2009-04-15T18:16:00.000-04:00

It's Spring in Charleston and nothing is better than being outdoors, digging in the dirt. It came to mind, as in everything I do. Do I need great looking Accessories??? Well of course. So what comes first the Gardening or the Accessories!!! Aren't these the most beautiful Wellies you've ever seen? Definitely, look like Spring to me!!! But if I was going to work in the Garden and then run to the store with no time to change. It would definitely be these!! They would always be fab!!! Spring, Summer (Polo Matches) Fall and Winter....I would be proud to be seen in these myself or any of my friends in these for that matter!!! But of course if it got really Hot one Spring Day, while I was working away I could always try these Slide on's........ Then I was thinking if my FEET look great. I really need the rest of me to be all pulled together too!!! So how about some Garden Gloves to keep my Manicure perfect while working sooooo hard....... Aren't these Beautiful????? But what if I wanted gloves to go with all my patterned Wellies? Maybe I should get a solid color. So many decisions!!!!! I think these will work, stylish, colorful and looks like I could go Mountain climbing if the urge struck!!! And what about my poor little Head? I think I need a hat to shelter my skin from the harmful suns rays.......Haa , who Am I kidding? I lived in Florida 21 years and never wore a hat. I don't really think this looks like my style....SO How about this?????? I think this is more my Style.....it will be perfect... And though this bag seems to hold everything I could possibly need to Garden even the Knee Pad..... I think I'll get this GEM, it's more me!!! Now that all my Gardening Accessorizes are selected and I'm fully dressed. Am I ready to Garden??? Yes, you think, you should know better......I've couldn't stop thinking about it all night. A New Potting Bench. Maybe....... Definitely this One!!!! So does designing ever end? You know the answer to that, everyday is a new Day with more possibilities Designing Never Ends!!!! For more Great Gardening Ideas..... Ck out this great Website I used http://www.womanswork.com/catalog/gift-ideas-c-26.html Katie

Easter/Spring In Charleston

2009-04-10T19:24:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!!!

Daphne Du Maurier

2009-04-06T20:04:00.000-04:00

This posting is dedicated to Mary at Across the Pond. She did a posting last week on Daphne and it sparked a memory of mine from year. I was in Cornwall for my Birthday one year ago, this week, my favorite village in Cornwall is Fowey. (not favorite place but village) View from Hill over looking Fowey. A contest follows so pay attention..... Daphne Du Maurier spent her last years in Fowey, I was lucky enough to happen on to her house she spent her last years in. It over looks the bay. Daphne was born in London, she was educated at home with her sisters, later when they moved to Paris. she began writing short stories in 1928

and in 1931 published her first novel. The Loving Spirit. Above is my favorite Postcard I got in

Fowey at the bookstore that specializes in

her books. The old women that work there

all knew Daphne. Below, a postcard I bought that states "Menabilly" in 1945 the family home from 1943-1969. In 1932 she married Major Frederick Browning and had 3 children and became Lady Browning. Many of her award winning novels became films. She lived most of her life in Cornwall and died there in 1989. Most of her stories were set in Cornwall. Such as the Famous Jamaica Inn. Below are photos I took after I begging to go see the Inn after I read the book..... Jamaica Inn is a must read... but a Scary Story!! Now the Quiz.......What makes a town a city in England??? What is the one thing that makes it a city? There is only one city in all of Cornwall. What does it have that all the villages and hamlets don't have? Write me your answer!!!

Wisteria

2009-04-01T10:05:00.000-04:00

Wisteria is Blooming every where I go in South Carolina now. I don't know much about it other than I like it. So let's learn together....... Wisteria is a genus of about ten species of woody climbing vines

native to the eastern United States and China, Korea, and Japan.

Aquarists refer to the species Wisteria vines climb by twining their

stems either clockwise or counter-clockwise round any available support.

They can climb as high as 20 m above ground and spread out 10 m laterally

but are purple, violet, pink or white, not yellow. Flowering is in the spring

(just before or as the leaves open) and in mid to late summer in the

American species . The flowers of some species are fragrant.

The seeds are produced in pods similar to those Wisteria, is very

hardy and fast-growing. It is considered an invasive species in certain areas.

It can grow in fairly poor-quality soils, but prefers fertile, moist,

well-drained ones. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Wisteria can be propagated via hardwood cutting, softwood cuttings, or seed.

However, seeded

specimens can

take decades to bloom Wisteria can grow into a mound when unsupported,

but is at its best when allowed to clamber up a tree, pergola, wall,

or other supporting structure. These will certainly rend latticework,

crush thin wooden posts, and can even strangle large trees.

The flowers of some varieties are edible, and can even be used to

make wine. Others are said to be toxic. Careful identification by an

expert is strongly recommended before consuming this or any wild

plant.

Plant Characteristics: Wisteria is a member of the Pea family,

Plant Purple Wisteria in your backyard and you'l

smell it from the front of your house. It's fragrance is kind of like a Lavender

/ Gardenia blend. Big 6-12 inch purple flower clusters brighten up

your landscape. It's vines look like ivy and are beautiful

year-round. Somehow in the spring, these small vines

produce these giant floral recimes.

Metamorphosis Monday!!

2009-03-29T21:11:00.001-04:00

Welcome, this my first Metamorphosis Monday. I'm not quite done with my project, but I wanted to join so here it is. Please visit Between Naps on the Porch to see everyone!! http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/03/welcome-to-ninth-metamorphosis-monday.html

I bought a cabinet, for more storage and to

use as a bar. Most people would like it just

as it was but not me, I had to change it

totally. I was trying to match the rest of

my Morning Room (breakfast nook, in the

rest of the country)

Here it is before, notice one stripe of

green paint on side that I was testing.

I painted the cabinet, cream like my welsh

cabinet. I use oil paint.

I bought some great green glass knobs, that I

love.

I'm going to mirror the back of the cabinet, as

soon as I get to the hardward store with measurements,

I can cut my own glass, as i do stained glass. Where you

see black will be mirror.

This is the top, used as a bar.

As you can see, its starting to fit right in with my

welsh cabinet. I hope it have it done by next week.

Please be sure to link back to the host blog,

Between Naps on the Porch, so your fellow bloggers

who are participating today, will get lots of visits, as well.

The Cup Was a Big Mudder.....

2009-03-29T18:51:00.000-04:00

It all started about 6 weeks ago, we had to pick out the perfect hat for the Carolina Cup, the biggest Horse Event in SC. Anna and I shopped all the stores looking for the best Hat. This was our favorite, after looking at the price tag, we decided we could make our own and after all they would be originals!!! The weeks were ticking by and finally the day approached. It rained from High Heavens, from morning to night. But like the Postman it was not going to stop us. We had a two hour drive ahead of us. The guys had set up the tent the night before, the DJ was there, the food was prepared, was a little rain storm going to stop us??? No. By the time we got there, it had rained 2 inches, the mud was 4 inches deep. I didn't want to get out of the car!! My new shoes!!! So we took our shoes off and walked in the rain with umbrellas to C33. 33 tents from our parking space!! Barefoot. Not too many hats were seen, not too many horses were seen. One of the prettiest Hats is pictured below!! The most fashionable were the Wellies!! Coach Wellies!! Dancing Wellies!! Picture of Anna's hat, since you won't see it on her head. Photo of my Hat. Good looking group of boys, before a day in the rain. The Rain didn't dampen the spirits.. The only Horses that won would be the Mudders.

The Story of Peter Rabbit.....

2009-03-25T19:01:00.000-04:00

Last April Kate was in Jolly ole' England. She shopped high and low to find something special to bring back for Gina. She finally came upon a wonderful Peter Rabbit Cup in Turro, Cornwall.

It was a fine white porcelain cup made by

Queen's China exclusively for The Beatrix

Potter Collection. Kate gently packed it in

her luggage so it wouldn't be damaged on its

long 3,000 mile journey home. It made it

through Customs, and into Kate's car where

she would drive it to Venice, Florida to see

Gina. While Kate was repacking her car on

one of her many ventures from South Florida

to Central Florida, the handle grabbed on

to something and the Peter Rabbit cup and

bag it was in fell to the asphalt parking lot

and crumbled!!! Kate was so upset, she

hadn't looked at it until today, when I took

it out of my trunk and glued it together.

And here it is Gina, just for you!! Above a photo of my messy table while making our projects all day!!! Anna and I are working on our Carolina Cup hat's. I am also working on Gina and My new secret project for our upcoming Post.

What's On Your Wall Wednesday!!!

2009-03-25T12:45:00.000-04:00

Ode to Barb from http://gritsglamour.blogspot.com/ What's On Your Wall Wednesday. That's what I think artwork and wall accessories are. Just like your jewelry sets the tone of your outfit - I think artwork does the same for your home. I will step in Temporarily for Barb until she can return. **Also, please add the logo to the comment and I will add it, as I dont have Mr. Linkys right now. So everyone will know you are participating.** Gina and I are also working on a SURPRISE coming soon!! 1.Nina's Nest2. Charlotte 3. Florida Sue 4. Linda Q 5. http://manningfamilytree.blogspot.com/2009/03/whats-on-my-kichen-walls.html 6. Candy7. Kathy8. Kathy (KBeau) 9. http://kandgbookclub.blogspot.com/10. Kay C. 11. http://www.heartchoices.com/2009/03/whats-on-your-wall-wednesday.html 12. http://browneidgirl.blogspot.com/2009/03/woyw-wednesday.html 13. Letters From Midlife 14.Suzie's Cottage 15. You're next! Art is Definitely in the Eye of the Beholder...Above is a Painting I acquired in the early 80's. The story goes in the early 1900's it was OK go into famous museums and copy works of Art. That was what this painting was suppose to have been. It then traveled to Sicily and then to the U.S. in the 1960's. It ended up at my hair dresser's in the 80's when his Grandfather died and left it him. I bought it in 1981. Above is a Stained Glass my dad made a few years ago. I love it as much as I love the expensive painting. Best to you Barb. Kate

Whats on my wall

2009-03-18T19:14:00.001-04:00

This is a pencil drawing I did my first year of college.

It is Da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine.

It hangs in my foyer.

Okay Kate it is now your turn to show some of the paintings you have done.

xoxo Gina

2009-03-18T09:17:00.001-04:00

Welcome to What's On Your Wall Wednesday,

hosted by Barb at Grits and Glamour.

Be sure to go check out her site and see what she is

showing today, as well as everyone else joining

in on Wall Wednesday!!!

The above oil painting is one that was painted in 1961.

My Grandmother painted (as well as my mother)

I have three paintings my Grandmother did over the

years, she didnt work and all her kids were grown

by then.

This painting is one of a series that my Gramma did in Europe

when my Grandfather traveled there to work. Gramma would

either go out for the day and paint or paint from postcards

Grandpa sent home, they are not great, they mean so much to me.

Last is a Parisian painting. Gramma did in 1963. This is one

of my favorites. It hangs in my living room. Again its mostly

for the memories of her being able to live that great life

of painting in Europe.

See ya next Wed.

Kate

2009-03-17T13:10:00.000-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love Topiaries!! I cant say why, I love the shapes, the Englishness about them, in gardens, in the house, in wallpaper, stationary, paintings!! Is there such a thing as tooooo many topiares? So because I am the Queen of Projects, I have decided to make some topiaries. I will go to some local garden shoppes and look for the plant matter I will need. I definitely won't be making any in animal shapes.

Though I always liked going to Epcot each year in

May and seeing the Topiary Displays.

Mine will be more in the traditional shapes as below.

You can buy many forms like these to train your plants

to grown on.

But I have decided to make and shape my own

forms, using thin wire, they won't look as professional

or pretty as these, but once the plants grow the

idea isn't to see the forms, but the shape of the

plant growing.

I've grown Bonzai' before and it was quite a little

challenge, but I've never been afraid of a Challenge.

The problem with Bonzai is to keep them alive.

In South Carolina we have the perfect climate

for growing Rosemary, I may try one or two of

them .

But most likely I will get ivy and boxwood. But I

will keep an open mind and see what the shoppes

have to offer. I have great pots I will re use for

this.

Hopefully mine will come out like this.

Best to you.

Kate

Spring in Jolly Ole England

2009-03-15T17:14:00.000-04:00

I've been missing England, next Month in April it will be a year since I have visited, I have no plans to go this year, so I thought I would take a trip down Memory Lane and take you along with me. Above, Kate at Egg Farm along the road side in Cornwall.

A favorite Pub south of London.

A Quaint Walk

Peaking in someone's Garden.

Thatched Cottage

More Thatched Roofs.

Down by the River at Lerryn, these cottages are for

let. (Rent)

Lovely Walled Garden.

Daffodils in Bloom at Hampstead Heath.

View up the Hill.

Who would ever want to go home? One of my favorite photo's of me at a Cabinet

Shoppe in London.

See you again next year.

Ides of March....

2009-03-10T19:11:00.000-04:00

Saint Patrick's Day , St. Paddy's Day or Paddy's Day, is an annual feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick (circa 385–461 AD), one of the patron saints of Ireland, and is generally celebrated on March 17. Normally people who are Irish celebrate with corn beef and wearing green. Green is for good luck. Luck o' the Irish It became a feast day in the Roman Catholic Church due to the influence of the Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding[1] in the early part of the 17th century, and is a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics in Ireland

Oh Danny boy,

the pipes, the pipes are calling

From glen to glen, and down the mountain side

The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying

'tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide. But come you back when summer's in the meadow

Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow '

tis I'll be there in sunshine or in shadow

Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so. And if you come, when all the flowers are dying

And I am dead, as dead I well may be

You'll come and find the place where I am lying

And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me. And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me

And all my dreams will warm and sweeter

be If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me

I simply sleep in peace until you come to me

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients 4 tablespoons sweet butter, softened ½ cup sugar 2 large eggs 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1½ cups buttermilk 1 cup currants Cooking Instructions Butter a cookie sheet. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl beat butter and sugar together to combine. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each additition. In a medium bowl whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine. Beginning and ending with flour mixture alternately add flour and buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Stir in currants. On a generously flourered hard surface knead the dough about 4 minutes until smooth and not sticky, adding flour as needed. Form into 7½-inch round. Transfer to prepared cookie sheet. Etch an x in the top of the loaf. Bake about 1 hour 10 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped on. Move to a rack to cool completely before slicing.

A Toast from Ireland

May you be poor in misfortune

Rich in blessings

Slow to make enemies

Quick to make friends

But rich or poor, Quick or slow,

May you know nothing but happiness

From this day forward

Easter Parade!!!

2009-03-09T20:06:00.000-04:00

More Spring Time Ideas!!! Yumm, That One looks Good Enough To Eat!! Too Cute.... Looks like a Spring Funeral Wreath to Me. Lavender Wreath, below, TO Amy!!! And the Grand Finale,,,,,,, My Front Door!!!!

And the Winner Is!!!

2009-03-04T08:33:00.000-05:00

I have given this Material Girl Award to

Suzie from Suzie's Cottage....

http://suziescottage.blogspot.com/

Ck out her posting from today and apparently

her daily inspiration!! Thanks again Suzie for

all your great ideas.

Kate and Gina

Addition to Kate's Post below

2009-03-03T14:34:00.000-05:00

For Amy Artichokes and Lemonade

For Kris

miss kris studio

Two great girls who love and appreciate Lavender

Lavender For Amy

2009-03-03T12:14:00.000-05:00

Lavender is a flowering plant in the mint family. The plant is also grown commercially for extraction of lavender oil from the flowers. This oil is used as an antiseptic and for aromatherapy. Lavender flowers yield abundant nectar which is used in a high-quality honey for beekeepers. Lavender flowers can be candied and are sometimes used as cake decorations. Lavender is also used to flavour baked goods and desserts it pairs especially well with chocolate as well as used to make "lavender sugar" used in herbes de Provence Flower spikes are used for dried flower arrangements. The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in potpourris. Dried and sealed in pouches, they are placed among stored items of clothing to give a fresh fragrance and as a deterrent to moths Lavender lends a floral, slightly sweet and elegant flavour to most dishes, and pairs beautifully with various sheep's and goat's milk cheeses. English lavender, yields an essential oil can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics. A similar essential oil from French Lavender, was used in hospitals during WWI to disinfect floors and walls. These extracts are also popularly used as fragrances for bath products. Above is an arrangement I just had made for myself for my Easter and Spring Displays. Lavender Creme Brulee 4 cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers 8 egg yolks 3/4 cup sugar, divided Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Butter (6-ounce) custard cups and set them into a glass baking dish. If cooking custards in a metal pan, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of newspaper to ensure an even temperature on the bottom. Place custard cups in a shallow ovenproof roasting or baking pan. In a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, add cream and the lavender flowers; heat just to a simmer. Remove from heat and allow lavender flowers to infuse with the cream for 5 minutes. Strain cream mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove lavender flowers. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until light and creamy. Slowly add the strained cream to the egg mixture, blending well. Divide custard mixture among the custard cups. Definition of Water Bath or Bain-Marie (bahn mah-REE) - A hot water bath or bain-marie are used to cook custards and baked eggs in the oven without curdling or cracking, and also used to hold sauces and to clarify butter. Water baths are most often used for egg-based dishes. The proteins in the eggs are very heat sensitive and only need to be warmed to cook thoroughly. They will start to get firm at only 145 degrees. Cooking them with a slow, gentle heat keeps the eggs soft and smooth. Bring the water for the water bath (see definition on right) to a light simmer on top of the stove; carefully pour hot water into the baking pan to come half-way up the sides of the custard cups. NOTE: The most common mistake people make in baking a custard is not putting enough water in the hot-water bath. The water should come up to the level of the custard inside the cups. You must protect your custard from the heat. Baked 60 minutes or until set around the edges but still loose in the center. The cooking time will depend largely on the size of the custard cups you are using, but begin checking at a half hour and check back regularly. When the center of the custard is just set, it will jiggle a little when shaken, that's when you can remove it from the oven. Remove from oven and leave in the water bath until cooled. Remove cups from water bath and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. When ready to serve, sprinkle approximately 2 teaspoons of remaining sugar over each creme brulee. For best results, use a small hand-held torch. Hold the torch 4 to 5 inches from the sugar, maintaining a slow and even motion. Stop torching just before the desired degree of doneness is reached, as the sugar will continue to cook for a few seconds after flame has been removed. If you don't have a torch, place creme brulees 6 inches below the broiler for 4 to 6 minutes or until sugar bubbles and turns golden brown. Refrigerate creme brulees at least 10 minutes before serving. Makes 6 to 8 servings (depending on size of custard cups). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Honey-Lavender Biscotti 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon b aking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup sugar 3 large eggs 3 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 tablespoons orange zest 1 tablespoon dried l avender blossoms 350 degrees F. Lightly grease three baking sheets (lining the baking sheet with parchment paper) In a bowl, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk sugar and eggs; stir in honey, vanilla extract, orange zest, and lavender blossoms. Sprinkle dry ingredients over the egg mixture; fold in until the dough To shape the dough into a log, lightly sprinkle flour on the work surface , on top of the dough, and on your hands. Use just enough flour to form the logs and to prevent sticking; you don't want the logs to be covered with flour. Divide dough into six equal pieces. With your hands, pat and shape each piece into a loaf approximately 3 inches wide, 7 inches long, and 3/4-inch high. Place two rolls onto each prepared baking sheet with 3 to 4 inches of space between them. Bake 25 minutes or until dough pops back up when lightly pressed with a finger. (After dough has baked 10 minutes, reverse cookie sheets from front to back and move from the top rack to the bottom one. Repeat this again after another 10 minutes). They should feel dry and offer some resistance. cool 10 minutes on a wire rack. Reduce oven to 275 degrees F. Using a long serrated knife, cut logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices. Turn the slices over, onto their sides; return slicesto oven. Bake another 15 minutes. cool completely on wire racks. Store biscotti in an airtight container. Yields about 54 biscotti.

The House at 55 East Bay Street

2009-03-01T09:18:00.000-05:00

Anna was bored today and we decided to have an adventure. An adventure to Anna is to go shopping So we went downtown, being it is very cold and breezy today and all Charleston shopping is out of doors, the shopping didn't last long. I suggested we drive around and see the sights. We came along an abandoned house on East Bay Drive just north of the Battery. How many viewers are now reading (at Gina and my suggestion "The House on Tradd Street?") If you are you will follow the story. ... Anna parked the car on the beautifully appointed brick carriage drive. The view is of Charleston Bay. The wind is howling, my hair is whipping around my head as I make my way to the back garden. Wanting it to be all I can imagine. Blooming Hydrangeas, Jasmine, Camella's. To my disappointment, as the house has been abandoned for who knows how long, the garden is in complete disarray. Bamboo, over grown, branches and palm fronds everywhere, I knew I should have brought my machete with us today. I felt like Harrison Ford trekking his way through a jungle. In my high heels walking through the mud where the cobble stones used to lay out a path. I was in search of treasure. Treasure to me is a great house with beautiful bones, fine architecture, and a mature garden.......I made my way through the over grown bamboo, pushing it away from my face . I walked up the stairs to the back door and peered though the glass, I could see someone had remodeled the old kitchen , it was now new cherry cabinets with gorgeous new granite, the old stone floors fit in perfectly with the new kitchen, I stood with my camera at the glass door, taking it all in. I decided to photograph the kitchen........ My perfect view was obscured in my camera lens each time I tried to photograph the kitchen I took one photo after another, each one was obscured by a white, gray cloudy mass in from of my lens, though each time I would look again with my eyes, I could see the kitchen perfectly. I tried over and over to photograph the kitchen, someone didn't want me there. Someone, didn't want the kitchen photographed. The person that was there, in the house, didn't want me buy this abandoned house, this new refurbished home from the 1830's that sat on the Charleston Bay. I walked around the other side of the house to see if i could photograph other parts of the house, I made my way through the rest of the overgrown garden, room by room, each one was perfect. Someone had spent a lot of time and money making this house perfect inside. But the outside still needed lots of work. Some tender loving care. Someone like me to help it along. Give it some life. The house let me photograph it from the outside, the walkways, the brick but it didn't want me to have any memories of the interior, it was too new, it wanted to be old again. It wanted me to go away and let someone who didn't believe in ghosts, in spirits, that once lived here to come live there. So I left in search of another House, that would love me back.

Easter Goodies

2009-02-27T11:49:00.000-05:00

For those of you who may not know Easter is Kate's favorite holiday.

Since Easter is fast approaching I thought I would give a sneak preview of what is out there.

So here is to you Kate

Nest with Truffle-filled Eggs The lovely creation is crafted from California-grown oak moss, lavender, oak leaves, yellow feverfew and dried miniature roses, whose young buds recall the sweetness of spring.

It comes with 24 “robins’ eggs” – actually chocolate truffles cloaked in white chocolate and finished with a speckled candy shell. Enchanted Filled Easter Egg Handcrafted German papier-mâché egg bears a colorful decoupage pattern inspired by an early-20th-century postcard. Inside the hollow keepsake egg, nestled in a bed of grass, is a delightful assortment of springtime treasures: a handmade milk chocolate bunny; three foil-wrapped chicks and a carrot molded of Guittard milk chocolate; a trio of handmade art candy lollipops from Holland; and artisanal jellybeans from a well-known American confectionery. Feather Ducks Downy ducklings are as endearing as their real-life counterparts. Each is fashioned entirely by hand, from attaching the soft feathers and glittering beaded eyes to painting the beaks.

Vintage Bunny Band Kitchen Towels Outfit the kitchen for spring baking and entertaining. Towels are printed with a merry trio of musical bunnies and their conductor, a nostalgic design based on postcards from the 1930s.

Vintage Bunny Band Platter Taken from 1930s postcards, the image of a band of bunny musicians adds a playful note to our round platter. The porcelain piece is embossed with a basketweave border and painted with a green accent.

Giant Bunny Cookies

Truffle-filled Eggs in Box A gift of great charm even before it's opened, this oval box is filled with candy eggs. Their centers are luscious chocolate truffles surrounded by layers of dark chocolate, all covered with a thin candy shell in speckled pastel shades. The effect is irresistible; the taste, exquisite.

All items can be purchased at Williams-Sonoma

Our Peter Rabbit....

2009-02-25T10:46:00.000-05:00

Gina,

This is for you,,, dreaming of going to the Lake

District, while you are here in April we will get

out the calendar and look into the future and

plan our trip to jolly ole England. Hopefully

not tooo far in the future. Before we need cane's!!

Thanks to the Pinkie Tea, for the photo of the

Peter Rabbit Cup.....Great Dreams for us!!

Kate

New Homes!!

2009-02-25T10:30:00.001-05:00

Three New Homes For Sale on my Street. All

are on the Ashley River!!!

New Scone Recipe!!!

2009-02-24T16:30:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my oldest daughter Lindsey for

this scone recipe. Above is a photo she took

at the Orangery at Kensington Palace, the

Best Place in the World to have tea, by my

recommendation. I'm sure this recipe would taste lovely with any flavor combinations...

orange, cranberry, lemon, poppy seed, currant, figs, etc.

Raspberry Almond Scones

Makes 10 large scones

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

8 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces

1/2 cup cream

1 large egg

1 tsp of almond extract

1/4 cup fresh raspberries handful slivered or sliced almonds on top

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold butter so that the mixture resemble coarse meal. In a separate bowl, beat together egg, cream, and almond extract. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add in the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Press the dough into a ball with your hands. There may be some dry spots, but just press until everything comes together. Gently fold in raspberries, taking care to not break them up too much. Form 1 1/2 inch balls and place on greased cookie sheet. Brush the top of the scones with cream or beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with slivered almonds. Bake for 15-17 minutes

It's Tea Time so Enjoy!!!

For All the Girls Who Missed The Party!!!

2009-02-22T17:18:00.001-05:00

Here we are Mother and Daughter, My youngest turns 20 years old tomorrow. I gave a Formal Birthday Party for 40 Twenty Year Olds last night. Above see us together...... Kate and Anna.

Ode to the Bahama's!!

2009-02-20T09:39:00.000-05:00

Well, it's winter here again in South Carolina and Gina and

I got talken (boy am I southern now) about Guava of

all things. Who knows how and where our conversations

go. So this first segment is ode to me, who is sitting here

freezing in Charleston. Wishing for the sun and summer.

And Section II is for Gina, dreaming of eating Guava Paste

again of all things!!! (Photos above of me in Bahama's.)

Below is the most delicious desert, you must try it!!!

Guava Duff Ingredients: (Dough) 4 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 cups finely sliced guava Methods : Combine all dry ingredients and mix together. Add oil. Knead approximately 10 minutes until smooth and pliable. Place on a flat surface and roll out to ¼ in. thick. Spread sliced guava over dough. Roll up into a long round loaf. Wrap in foil. Cook in a double boiler for 1 hr. Sauce Ingredients: 1 lb. butter, ½ cup sugar, 2 8oz. tins sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup finely sliced guava, ¼ cup brandy (substitute vanilla extract for brandy) Method : Blend butter and sugar together approximately 15 minutes. Add condensed milk and guava and blend 2 minutes. Add brandy (or vanilla) and blend 1 minute. Cut dough into slices. Pour sauce over dough. Serves 8 - 10.

guava duff, a delicious dessert that is made through a laborious process of folding the fruit into the dough and boiling and is served with a sauce. This desert is topped off with a large glass of ice cold "switcha" (lemon, sugar and water mixture) or beer. Such a typical meal also explains why their are so many Bahama Mama's and why heart disease and diabetes is so rampant in the Bahamas

Beautiful Botanical Photo of Guava.

Guava Paste is a combination of guava pulp, sugar, pectin and citric acid, which is cooked slowly until exceedingly thick and rich. It comes in individually wrapped bars that are firm enough to slice. Guava paste can be found in Latin markets and some specialty gourmet stores. Slice and serve this low-fat, low-

cholesterol sweet as a snack or with cheese

or ice cream for dessert

Part III

Kalik Beer is no Bahama Mama beer. The bottom line Kalik is the Bahama best selling beer, and its taste reflects this fact. Caribbean beer products are usually lagers and they are often noted for their lightness and easy drinking characteristics, qualities that are important for those who live and thrive in these tropical latitudes. Kalik is golden/straw in color and has a highly carbonated, clear body. These bubbles converge into a white head of foam that lasts for a very short time. The aroma of this beer is unusual, with scents of light grain but also some fruit and light spice/grassiness, leading me to suspect that Saaz hops are a key ingredient.

What a way to finish it off........Happy Dreams.

Katie

French Tea

2009-02-18T18:39:00.000-05:00

TEA : PASSION, SAVOIR-FAIRE AND TRADITION Mariage Frères invites you to share its passion, to travel through an emotional and nostalgic world of tea, by discovering a particular «art de vivre» so called the French Art of Tea… The Passion for Tea Tea, like wine, is a product of ancient, noble civilizations, requiring patient cultivation, transformation, and perfection through careful handling. Tea has its own rituals, and is generally associated with love, friendship, and intense moments (of success and failure). Its multifarious subtleties make drinking tea a game of infinite permutations. For over three hundred years, the Mariage name has been intimately linked to the history of tea. As the dynasty grew, sons were educated in the principles of their fathers, successors inherited the talent of their forebears. Aesthetic refinement and a quest for perfection are now the hallmarks of Mariage Frères. A passion for tea has always guided us, favouring the elaboration of principles that today provide the impetus for twenty-first-century tea connoisseurship.

Please visit their website for a wonderful experience of French Tea http://www.mariagefreres.com/

2009-02-18T16:33:00.000-05:00

Quests or Conquests... to be continued!!!!

Tea Towels

2009-02-18T13:53:00.000-05:00

Whether you frame them for fabulous wall hangings,

wrap them around wine bottles for fantastic hostess gifts,

or use them for drying dishes,

these towels are as practical as they are beautiful.

Halmahera

These cotton tea towels are embroidered with tropical birds and bordered with ladder hemstitching. Available with Cockatoo, Lovebirds, Perruche, and Parrot.

Embroidered Vegetables Embroidered with colorful produce, these cotton tea towels have a pretty hemstitched border. Available in Carrot, Leek, Eggplant, Radish, and Turnip. Colmar Pure white, pure linen tea towel is hand embroidered with a beautiful blue rooster and trimmed with ladder hemstitching. Espelette Handsome textured tea towels with triple borders come in six colors. Cotton and linen. From left to right: Green, Red, Yellow, Orange, Wheat & Ecru. Teapot Here is my handle, here is my spout … Cheerful cotton tea towels feature a column of little tea pots all lined up along colorful stripes. In rose and green. Yves Delorme is internationally acclaimed for its fine European linens and accessories for the home. It is part of the family-owned French company, Fremaux Delorme, which has produced fine linens since 1845.

1658 verses 2009

2009-02-15T15:34:00.000-05:00

A Girl is a Girl.......

I just finished watching Girl With a Pearl Earring, for probably the

6th time. Griet was a 16 year old girl living in Holland in the mid

1600's. She had to go to work as a maid after her father,

who worked in one of the infamous Delft Tile Factories,

had an accident in the factory

and went blind.

Griet worked for another family across town. She suffered

humiliation but also learned vast knowledge about herself and

other parts of the world other than her own little corner.

She grew as a woman and decided

what she wanted for herself. Ultimately making all her own

decisions.

Last night, I went to the movies and we saw "Confessions of a Shopaholic"

Rebecca is a 20 something girl living in New York City girl who has a little problem that is turning into a big problem. She's addicted to shopping!! While Rebecca has dreams of working for a fashion magazine, her career takes another turn and her column becomes popular.Turning her into an overnight celebrity. She also struggles with decisions about who she is and what to do with her

life. Rebecca turns her life around and becomes the woman she always

wanted to be.

Life is funny, whether you were born Across the Pond in the wee old

days or here in the States, trying to keep your head above water,

we all have the same lessons to learn. The girls with the brains win

out and live happily ever after.........Till next time.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2009-02-13T19:14:00.000-05:00

Too All Our Girls Love Gina & Kate

Chicken Tortilla soup

2009-02-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

As you all know from my other blog I am a huge fan of Trisha Yearwood's and I love to cook . This is one of my family's favorite recipes in her book and would be great for all of you in the cold weather states to try out, and all you moms out there that need something quick easy and good. 3 tbls butter 1 tsp minced garlic 1med onion finely chopped 2 tbls all-purpose flour 3 14 oz cans chicken broth 4 c half and half 1 10.75 oz can cream of chicken soup 1 c salsa 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, boiled,drained and shredded 1 15oz kidney beans drained 1 15 oz can black beans drained 1 15oz can corn or use frozen 2 tsp ground cumin 1 1.27 oz packet fajita seasoning 8 oz Monterey jack cheese grated 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese grated crumbled tortilla chips 1/2 c sour cream Melt butter in large pot on med heat add garlic & onion saute 5 min. add flour, stir bring to half boil then reduce to low. stir in soup,salsa,chicken,beans,corn,cumin,and fajita seasoning. continue to simmer over low heat for 15 min.ladle into bowls top with chips and cheese and sour cream. delish!!!!

It's Spring In South Carolina!!!!

2009-02-10T19:24:00.000-05:00

Little Titmouse......at my House!

Here are just some of my bounty of Spring Flowers.....

Japanese Magnolia

On the way home last night, I came across a herd

of deer, across the street from my house. I live on

the Ashley River> There is a small island across

the marsh, called Deer Island. After dusk the

deer head across to the empty wooded lots

next to me, I drive slow in the evening to see

them. I sat for 20 minutes watching the deer

interact. One night I hope to camp out for an

hour or two and get some photo shots. Will

be coming up soon, as it looks like Spring is

right around the corner.

Gina and Kate...Two Pea's In a Pod

2009-02-10T12:41:00.001-05:00

The Story of Two Pea's In a Pod......Gina and I share our blog together. We can both post anything at any time. This came to pass when I ran away from home to be with a fine Englishman that swept me off my Feet. I moved from my hometown of 21 years to start a new life with this unnamed Englishman. I had a grand going away party at The Ritz Carlton, a High Tea with champagne for 8 of my closest girlfriends. Gina and I missed each other so much. We had worked together in Interior Design about 10 years previous but had stayed in touch throughout the years. I came up with the idea of a shared blog to stay in touch. Phone calls and emails didn't seem to be enough for us. I saw a special with Martha Stewart on blogging and it seemed a great idea, even though Gina nor I had ever tryed blogging. Now months later, we have a whole gaggle (group, as in geese) of followers, who all seem to share same interests as Gina and I. Funnily enough, Amy from Artichokes & Lemonade , was one of my young employees from years ago (15 to be exact) when I managed a furniture/ design store. We met again, through blogging, thanks, Amy for the mention in your posting. So Old Friends, become New Friends, with love and laughter...... that is the song that sticks in my head, it is from one of favorite movies .....Deja Vu. http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Deja_Vu/60023853?trkid=222336 See old posting on "The White Cliffs of Dover". Our gaggle follows; DESIGN mostly English, French and Shabby Chic. Reading, movies, (Romantic, English and French Period) Antiques, Dishes, Art, Crafts, Wallpaper etc, etc. and the Love of Beatrix Potter. Our loves are many that bind us together. What a world we live in. That we can stay connected daily in this internet age. And as for the Englishman that sweep me off my feet, that is now why I am in South Carolina, because the Fantasy was not quite the Reality. And so we start again. Thanks, to all our Readers, Kate. Above, Gina's Newly Re-wallpapered Kitchen Right above, Kate's entry to Living Room.

Thanks Gina, or Our Desperate Search For Just the Right Ottoman!!!!

2009-02-07T08:07:00.000-05:00

My Master Bedroom Drapes My Headboard and pillows My thanks to Gina, who knows what a Ottoman Dilemma I am in now!!! OK, so I have a huge closet . Lets feel really bad for Kate. Now that I live in South Carolina, I have to actually have to wear Real Shoes AHHHH, and Boots. I lived in Florida for 20 years and all I did was slide into the best looking sandals and go.......it is wintery cold here and whilst putting on my boots, I have fallen over twice in my closet ( help I've fallen and can't get up) My greatest fear is , that they find me days later and the newspaper reads, woman fallen in closet, lays there for days before they find her with one boot on and one boot off!!! Gina was gracious enough to help with my ottoman search. The top photo is beautiful, it doesn't match at all but I love it. This is my Bathroom Wallpaper......

My Bathroom Towels

Thanks again Gina.....

Dressing room Ottomans

2009-02-06T22:47:00.000-05:00

Book Tag

2009-02-02T20:19:00.000-05:00

Book Tag I found this great tag on Tres Poshe Preppy, blog site.

http://tresposhepreppy.blogspot.com/

Here are the rules:

1) Grab the nearest book to you. 2) Open it to page 56. 3) Find the 5th sentence. 4) Post the text of the next 2-5 sentences and these rules. 5) Pick the closest book (not your favorite, cool, or intellectual). 6) Now Tag 5 other bloggers!

My book (above) next to my orchid in bloom, is

The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds

All right call me crazy, or lonely, forgive me I don't have any friends in

South Carolina yet, (well I do have one friend), so I bird

watch each morning while I having my tea....

My book says:

Laughing Gull,

Winter Plumage 15-17" see pg 385

Ok ,so mine wasn't so interesting but it's the fun of playing the game.

These are the five people I'm tagging!!!

1) Gina.... Purdy Wallcovering

2) Anna.......Anna Lloyd

3) Amy.......Artichokes & Lemonade

4) Cathleen.....Design by Cathleen

5) vintage girl at heart

Thanks,

kate

Snow in the England

2009-02-02T18:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Patrick for the lovely photo of snow in the British Isles. They apparently rarely see snow, for the full details, see Patrick's posting on : pfgpowell http://www.blogger.com/profile/12912352044397987484, if you wanted to remain anonymous Patrick, excuse me, most American women would love to read what a handsome British man has to say...........................

Teacup Lights from Martha Stewart

2009-01-30T10:52:00.000-05:00

I think these would make a great gift to give a friend.

Teacup Lights Antique teacups that have lost their saucers still make sweet gifts when fitted with candles. Tools and MaterialsNested pansPartially burned candlesCandy or candle thermometerTongsNew wickingTeacupsWick sustainersWooden skewers Teacup Lights How-To1. In a small pan set over a larger pan of simmering water, melt down old candles; clip the thermometer to the upper pot, and keep temperature at about 185 degrees. Remove old wicks with tongs. 2. Cut a piece of wicking to the cup's height plus 2 inches. Clamp one end to a wick sustainer; tie the other end around a skewer. Dip wicking and sustainer into melted wax to coat them. Remove and stick sustainer to cup's bottom. 3. Pour in the wax, stopping 1/2 inch below the cup's rim. Allow wax to set, about 1 hour. The candle will harden with a well in the center. To even it out, use another skewer to prick a circle of holes about 1/16 inch deep around the wick. Pour in melted wax until surface is 1/4 inch below rim. Cut wick. Copyright 2008 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Dream Home Give Away....$700,000.00 ????

2009-01-29T10:32:00.000-05:00

Or Maybe $500,000.00 if were really lucky!!!

Anna and I were out playing yesterday (i got a spray tan, can you believe it) and we decided to stop at the house across the street from ours......turns out the builder walked away from it. The bank must own it now, I had no idea. I thought it was just a new house for sale. We went inside

and Now were in LOVE and want to move across the street to our New Dream House!!

Since the builder walked away, there a just a few things missing, electricity....no wires are hooked up to the breaker box, drawers, toilets, paint, faucets....just the little things....Gina and I get get this house and running up in two weeks.......any takers??? It's about 6,000 sq feet, I only want the middle floor......you can have the upstairs , two master en suite's or downstairs which also includes two bedrooms and baths walking out sliding glass doors onto the Ashley

River.

Homemade Marinara

2009-01-26T12:18:00.000-05:00

This is something I do at least once a month.

I make homemade marinara from scratch.

I love homemade Italian food and I love to cook.

I make Chicken Parmesan with this which is a family favorite.

Sometimes I make a meat sauce or "Sunday gravy" but this is without meat.

these are fresh plum tomatoes that I blanch so that I can peel and DE-core and squish into sauce

this is olive oil, 2 onions and fresh garlic cloves chopped

these are some of the fresh herbs I use. I love rosemary the smell alone makes me happy and of course basil and oregano this is the same onion mixture with 1/2 cup of wine and lots of mushrooms

this beautiful pot is a lot of work these are those plum tomatoes that have been peeled and DE-cored and squished. It does take some time for them to cool down and I usually don't have enough patience to wait and my hands burn.

this is the onion, mushroom etc. mixture with the sauce

and more wine

these are the sterilized jars that will eventually hold the sauce

adding more VINO!

finally after several hours of simmering the sauce is done and ready for the jars

this is the water bath they must take in order to seal the lids and they will stay fresh

a few of the completed jars.

I hope you all enjoyed my little cooking post and If you have never tried sauce from scratch Please try it I think you will enjoy it. Gina

Love me if you dare

2009-01-25T16:22:00.000-05:00

I recently noticed a post from a blog I truly enjoy.

http://misskrisstudio.blogspot.com/

and she had talked about this movie so I decided to rent it.

It is all in French with subtitles and what a love story.

It is full of emotion and excitement. So if you get a chance please go and rent it.

Ever since they were kids, Sophie (Marion Cotillard) and Julien (Guillaume Canet) have gotten their kicks out of a game where they continuously attempt to one-up the other with a chain of extreme pranks. When their relationship escalates to romance, the game turns harshly negative, and the two lovers' view of reality grows increasingly skewed.

Visit This Blog!!!

2009-01-25T15:45:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I don't normally do this, but I love, love, love this blog.... esp. the trailer and decor!!!! Please visit Mary Jane at the The BeeHive Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/10354830882985221688

Part Two of On The Road Again.....

2009-01-25T15:04:00.001-05:00

Just to update everyone, this a fictitious trip. Some bloggers thought I was reliving a recent trip I took. (Any characters, reminding you of anyone, are just coincidence, and soley for the purpose of entertaining others...and myself, of course (ha, ha) except I do own 3.5 acres on Stroud Mountain Trail.)

Refreshed from our early evening, we start off to Asheville, N.C. home of the Biltmore House. The "largest house" in the United States, was built by George Vanderbilt, in 1895. There is a 3 mile approach drive that takes us to the the Biltmore Estate. I can see 100 year old landscaping designed by Mr. Vanderbilt's friend, Fredrick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park in NYC, as were driving through the winding woods. Looking ahead I see the house, it seems more European than American in design. In fact Mr. Vanderbilt hired the famed Richard Morris Hunt to design his dream home for his wife. Not only is the Biltmore House the largest home in America but it is a totally self sustaining farm, including it's own winery, gardens that flourish veg, fruit and flowers. The estate also raises all its own organic meat that is served in it's many restaurants, now open to the public. We decided to have lunch at a restaurant called The Stable Cafe'.

Even though I was entranced in great conversation, I couldn't stop looking around at the original Stable so beautifully transformed into a Restaurant. Our booth was actually an old stall with original barn tile climbing up the wall. I could only imagine George Vanderbilt’s horses staying here. We sampled Biltmore wines, and organic salad with the largest beef ribs I have ever seen. Mr. Vanderbilt built his own village where his workers lived while the home and gardens were being built. He brought only the best craftsmen from Europe to work on his home.We spent the afternoon exploring the Biltmore, with our bellies full and our minds enhanced we drove north to our next destination, Washington D.C. Our drive from here will be about 470 miles through Virginia, and then north into Maryland, where we will find The District of Columbia.

We will stop somewhere in Virginia along the way for the night. We have decided not to plan everything on our trip as we have no time restraints or obligations, other than to make phone calls and emails in the evenings to our loved ones. The terrain is green here, forests are thick in North Carolina and Virginia. The air smells good and we are definitely stopping to smell the Roses.

My favorite bath soaps, scrubs and bubbles

2009-01-19T21:20:00.000-05:00

"Would you rather choose to be tempted? Or be tempted to choose?" The business of Sabon was launched on the sheer popularity of these soaps. Based on olive oil and coconut oil, and containing a diversity of aromatic oils and herbs such as almond, calendula, rose, lemon, vanilla and lavender, to name a few, these soaps are as gentle and nurturing as soap can get. Choose to suit your skin type. Sabon uses olives grown in Israel. Never aim for squeaky clean skin, as this means that all the natural oils have been stripped off the skin surface. No animal testing.

A few years back I was introduced to Sabon NY by my friend Joyce who had gifted me with the olive oil soap and I fell in love. The scents are wonderful, they last forever and they don't leave soap scum in the shower. This year I was gifted by her again but with the Vanilla Coconut scrub and was told by her

"Your husband will want to devour you from head to toe after you use this"

So what is a girl to do? Vanilla and coconut are 2 of my husbands favorite scents. I love the way I feel and smell after using their products not to mention the extra that comes along with it.

http://www.sabonnyc.com/