A taste for the finer things...

"I was in love with a beautiful blonde once. She drove me to drink; that's the one thing I'm indebted to her for."

-W. C. Fields in Never Give a Sucker an Even Break

Some of the best things in life require 'an acquired taste' to truly enjoy and appreciate. Amongst these things I would count olives, strong cheeses, coffee and wine. I think it takes patience and persistance to learn to love these things. But once you begin to enjoy them, you can begin to feel passionate about them.

Anyone who knows me well knows how much I appreciate food and everything that combines to create a complete dining experience. Eating is not just about nourishment for me. It's about the complimentary tastes, the atmosphere, the company, the conversation...and the time to value each of these components. Wolfing down a burger and fries on the go just does not satisfy me.

The French have mastered this idea of appreciating the quality of what you are eating and drinking, savouring each bite so that you feel satisfied with smaller amounts. Yes, they eat rich foods, high in fat and calories but they are aware of what they are eating and they view it as an experience rather than an attempt to eat as much as possible, as quickly as possible, for as cheap as possible.

French Women Don't Get Fat
Amazon.com; $7.50

Wander the picturesque streets of villages in France, hillside towns in Tuscany, or the oceanside towns in Spain and you will find people socializing at outdoor cafes, laughing and talking over a glass (or two) of wine at lunch time, and savoring each bite of the food they eat.

You don't have to leave the country to live this way--just take a cue from how other people in different parts of the world choose quality over quantity, Brie instead of Velveeta, and a simple sandwich in the park rather than a Super Size burger in the car.

Appreciate the quality and chemistry of a good wine with each sip rather than drinking "whatever's strongest" just to lose your senses. Your senses are what make life worth living! Smell, taste, sight, sound...use them all to enjoy your next wining and dining experience.

"Sparkling Muscatel. One of the finest wines of Idaho."

-Waiter in The Muppet Movie(1979)

Now, I'm not a complete wine snob but I don't think Idaho has quite mastered the art of winemaking--yet. But one state in America that has the perfect conditions for an amazing bottle of wine is California. My husband and I both enjoy visiting wine country and some of our best memories are of exploring wineries together all over the world. We are blessed to have one of the best wine-making areas right here in our own country. We recently travelled to Napa Valley and Sonoma to taste the region's varieties. It amazes me how each year's success is so unpredictable and dependent upon the weather, each bottle of wine is unique, and the slightest elements in the production and storing process effect each glass. Such a time-consuming labour of love, but so worth the efforts--if you can learn to appreciate them.

Some of our California favorites:

Bartholomew Park Winery

www.bartpark.com

They only sell wine directly from their vineyard. You can't buy this in stores. It's such a great find and definitely one of our favorite stops. Their 2005 estate vineyard red zinfandel is amazing!

Cline Winery

http://www.clinecellars.com/

Try their Ancient Vines wines. We especially liked the 2006 Ancient Vines Mourvedre.


Simi Winery

http://www.simiwinery.com/

Simi Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend that is dark and bold but so, so good.

If you are interested in learning about wine, pairing food with wine, traveling to taste wine, etc. I recommend a subscription to Wine Spectator magazine. You don't need to be an expert or even a passionate wine drinker to enjoy reading about the process, the places, and the people involved in the art of wine making.

Subscribe at http://www.winespectator.com/ for 16 issues/1 year for $49.95 and get tips on the top 100 wines of the year, the best wines at affordable prices and lists of restaurants with exceptional wine lists.

Light & Luscious--Frozen Fruit Pops

Recipe from Cottage Living magazine issue 8/2008

Blueberry pops
1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained
1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup blueberry juice
1/4 cup honey

Strawberry pops
3 cups strawberries, rinsed and hulled
1/2 cup Simple Syrup (recipe below)

Pineapple mint pops
3/4 pound pineapple chunks
4 sprigs fresh mint, stems removed
1/4 cup Simple Syrup (recipe below)

1. Process ingredients in a blender until smooth. Divide evently among 4 (5 ounce) paper or plastic drink cups and freeze. After 1 hour, insert a stick into the center of each. Freeze until completely frozen, 2 to 3 hours or overnight.

2. Remove from freezer, and let stand at room temperature 2 to 3 minutes. Remove cup, and serve immediately.

Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar

Bring sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir constantly about 1 minute or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.

It'll cost nothing to dream & everything not to

The Good Life: simple luxuries

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

- Melody Beattie

I'm a true believer that most everyone can live "the good life" whatever their circumstances or financial situation. For me, life's luxuries are in the form of simple things like an excellent cup of coffee while leisurely looking through a stack of magazines, abandoning the day's schedule and taking a long walk without time constraints or thoughts of how many calories I'm burning, writing a thoughtful note to an old friend just because you want them to know you care...

You can fill your life with culture by visiting art museums, free concerts in the park, or trying a new recipe from another country at home. When you appreciate and enjoy the simple things that make an average day feel special, you learn to live without longing for more.

"An elegant sufficiency, content, Retirement, rural quiet, friendship, books, Ease and alternate labour, useful life, Progressive virtue, and approving Heaven!"

James Thomson, 1700-1748, Spring

Strive to include a little bit of glamour into each day. Here are some small things I do that have a big impact on my spirit and well being:

Start each day with a deep breathe and a thankful attitude. If you begin on a positive note, it will be easier to accept the day's challenges.

Read an inspirational quote or devotional passage to reference when you feel frustrated or anxious.

Sort through old photos and pull out favorites. Frame them or place them in a basket or pretty bowl on a table to glance at whenever you feel the urge.

Save old letters, pretty cards and small mementos that remind you of vacations, fun times with friends, or those who live far away. Put them in a pretty box to pull it out once in awhile to remind you of favorite memories.

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need".- Cicero

Buy fresh flowers (or cut from your garden) and fill a vase in your living room, bathroom or kitchen for no reason at all other than to enjoy them yourself. There's nothing better than living with beautiful things found in nature.

Stay up late on a week night, make popcorn or brownies and watch a movie you've been dying to see but haven't.

Pick your favorite reality tv guilty pleasure- mine was recently the Bachelorette- and make a date each week to watch with a friend or friends who share the same obsession. (You always feel less guilty when others are watching too.) Oh, and make snacks of course.

Bake chocolate chip cookies on a rainy day just to eat the dough.

Start organizing your closet and don't stop until you're done! Give away old "treasures" to Goodwill.

"With a few flowers in my garden, half a dozen pictures and some books, I live without envy."

- Lope de Vega

Create a "Style File" filled with fashion ideas, exercise tips, pictures of hair cuts and hair colors you admire in magazines, decorating ideas... Look through your findings when you need some inspiration or are stuck in a rut.

Keep a list of movies you want to watch and/or books you want to read. Reference it next time you are standing in Borders or Blockbuster and know there are things you want but can't quite remember!

Completely redecorate a room using things you already own. Move things from other rooms in the house, bring things up from the basement...don't spend a cent. Marvel at how a new perspective can bring upon an instant transformation.

Light candles, listen to music and just be still for an evening.

"The simplest things give me ideas."

- Joan Miro

It's amazing to me how lighting can afffect a mood. I always have my lamps on dim at night to envoke a cave-like atmosphere. It makes me feel relaxed and prepares me for rest.

Read a book for hours on a rainy day. Get lost in your imagination.

Skip cooking a meal for dinner and serve a lot of favorite snacks instead: olives, assorted cheeses, french bread and olive oil, hummus, caprese salad...it's easy but feels like a real treat.

Search for the "perfect gift" for friends and family all year round. It's so fun to find things for loved ones throughout the year, hide them away and then look through at Christmas, birthday or baby shower times. Your gifts for others are much more thoughtful and personable when you aren't rushed to buy them at the last minute.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."- Robert Brault

Summer Songs

Some of my fondest memories of summer where spent on the back roads of Indiana in my car with the windows down, a fountain Cherry Coke and the music blaring. Often times, the music I was playing was a glimpse into how I was feeling at the time. My sister and I often say that our mixed cassette tape was a “Soundtrack” to our lives. Now, whenever I hear those songs, it takes my back to the dirt roads and the cornfields lining each side of the road. Such good memories.

A few of the tunes I would drive to were.....

“Crazy” by Areosmith
“I’m Alright” by Jo Dee Massina
“Mo Money Mo Problems” by P Diddy (formally known as Puff Daddy) and Mace
“Can’t nobody hold me down” by P Diddy

This summer I am adding a few to my list “Summer Long” by Kid Rock and as embarrassed as I am to admit it…”Summertime” by New Kids on the Block.

Music is essential during the summer. The next time you are hosting a barbeque, put together a play list and you can be sure that your party will be a hit. Include a variety of favorites from the past and present. Your guest may even share what memories that have of the songs, which can make a great conversation. Whether you are hosting a barbeque, or traveling the back roads, you might consider of few of these suggested songs from over the years…

“Schools out for the Summer” by Alice Cooper
“Summertime” by Will Smith
“Sunshine on My Shoulders” by John Denver
“Summer Nights” by Olivia Newton John and John Travolta
“Margarita” Jimmy Buffet
“Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters
“Hot Fun in the Summertime” by Sly & The Family Stones
“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
“Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer” by Nat King Cole
“Summer in the City “ by Loving Spoonful

THE PERFECTly easy MARGARITA (serves 6)

• 1 - 12 oz. bottle of Corona Extra
  
• 12 oz. Tequila
  
• 1 -12 oz can of  Limeade Frozen Concentrate
  
• 12 oz. Lemon-Lime Soda
• Coarse Sea Salt
  
• Limes
  
• Ice
  
• Cocktail Rimmer
  
• Pitcher
  
• 6 Margarita glasses

Pour Corona into the pitcher.  Fill the empty bottle with Tequila (I use Jose Cuervo Especial) and add to pitcher.  Put the frozen limeade mix into the pitcher and then fill the empty can with the lemon-lime soda & add it to the other ingredients.  Stir.  

Salt Rims of 6 glasses. Put ice in each glass and pour Margarita Mix into glasses.  Garnish each glass with a lime.  Take a sip & then share with 5 of your friends!  

I have never been a bartender, but this impresses everyone I make it for!  The recipe comes from either my sister-in-law's cousin or my brother's long-time friend, Wayne.  It doesn't really matter who it comes from, I guess; the important thing is that it is delicious, refreshing & show-stopping.  

COCKTAIL RIMMER

A Cocktail Rimmer is a must have for anyone who entertains.  This one from Williams-Sonoma is only $9.95 and is dishwasher safe.  All you do is fill the sponge tray with water or lime juice and the other tray with sugar or salt.  Then press the rim of an EMPTY glass in the sponge & then into the salt or sugar.  

LEMON INSPIRED TRAY
I always use a tray to "contain" all the margarita madness. About 2 years ago, my glamorous girlfriend, Aimee, bought me a beautiful tray that is garden green. It has 2 beautiful lemon patterned tiles in it. It is a PERFECT margarita tray. I use it at home for making margaritas & also to transport my supplies to other peoples' parties.
Pimpernel makes an adorable lemon patterned tray for only $10.00. It is made of melamine and can be purchased at EuropeanTableware.com.

Happy Fourth!

Here are a few tips to make your holiday celebration come off with a bang:


Add SPARKLERS

cocktail rings from around $30.00 to $500.00 on http://www.jcpenny.com/

Decorate a table EXPLODING in style and color

April Cornell table linens

Mirrored star candle holders http://www.stacksandstacks.com/

Declare your independence

Take a road trip and travel somewhere new to celebrate the nation's birthday and explore our unique country!

Boston: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular with Rascal Flatts

Chicago: Lake Michigan, Navy Pier

NYC: Macy's Fireworks, Statue of Liberty

Washington D.C.: Constitution Avenue, National Mall

Ahhh, America...

10 Great Places to Sample Quirky Americana on USAToday.com

(a few of the 10 listed below)

National Museum of Funeral History Houston
"From icebox caskets, which kept the body fresh in pre-embalming days, to an all-glass casket or the coffin built for three, this museum is a fascinating look at the history of burial customs, including mourning attire, jewelry made from the hair of the deceased and funerals of the rich and famous." 281-876-3063; nmfh.org.

Dog Chapel St. Johnsbury, Vt.
"It's non-denominational here — any breed is welcome. Situated on Dog Mountain, the chapel is open to dogs and people of any belief system. Built by dog artist Stephen Huneck, visitors notice the Labrador with wings on the steeple and the stained-glass windows portraying dogs eating ice cream. Visitors often leave photos of beloved pals now in pet heaven." 802-748-2700; dogchapel.com.

Corn PalaceMitchell, S.D. (Believe it or not, I've actually been here!)
"Built in 1892 to prove how rich the soil is in the region, the world's only corn palace has been drawing visitors for 100 years. Shaped like a castle topped with minarets, the palace is 'upholstered' on the exterior with corn, grain and grass — 3,000 bushels' worth." 866-273-2676; cornpalace.com.

Gum Wall at Market Theatre Seattle
"Theater guests waiting in line for weekend improv performances artfully stick their gum to the wall outside the theater." The gummy creation "now reaches up to 15 feet high in an ever-spreading mass as people stick pennies into it, sculpt images and words and leave wads of happy faces." 206-587-2414; unexpectedproductions.org.

Town of MuralsLake Placid, Fla.
Sponsored by the Lake Placid Mural Society, "several dozen large-scale scenes, most depicting the region's historic events, are painted around town on the sides of buildings, concrete abutments, even trash cans. Some murals feature motion-activated sound effects." 863-531-0211;lpfla.com/visit/murals.htm.

Vollis Simpson's Whirligig Farm Between Wilson and Lucama, N.C
"Experience a riot of color and motion as these massive metal contraptions — made of old jangling metal, pie pans, ice-cream scoops, old signs and bicycle wheels — whirl in the wind. Created by 84-year-old Vollis Simpson, some of the sculptures are five to six stories high, looming over the field in which he has installed them." 800-497-7398; narrowlarry.com/nlvollis.html.

Kokopelli's Cave Bed & Breakfast Farmington, N.M.
"Located 70 feet below the surface, visitors reach this subterranean B&B by way of a sandstone path, steps carved in the rock and a short ladder. The 1,600-square-foot cave is completely furnished with plumbing, electricity, a waterfall shower and flagstone hot tub." 505-326-2461; bbonline.com/nm/kokopelli.

Inspirational style

The sweet life: Kirsten Dunst as the pampered Marie Antionette in the film

Okay, I admit it. If I wasn't married, there are a lot of things I would be doing that I am currently not. Before you let your mind wander too far, I'll tell you one of these things I would do if I were a single (or a more selfish) girl is decorate my house in complete, over-the-top girly style. I'm talking sugary cupcake colors on the walls, chandeliers with colored crystal droplets, zebra print fabric galore, eccentric candelabras, oversize gilded picture frames on the walls and on tables, feminine French-inspired antique arm chairs and tufted ottomans...the list goes on.

Now, I'm not really a flowery, country, "chintzy" kinda girl but I do like decor with a wild, feminine twist. My husband, an actuary by trade, is much more conservative in his style. So, I've blended our tastes and modified my style so that our home is a reflection of us a couple--with a lot of my personal preferences sprinkled throughout in small doses. The result is personable, unique and very livable for both of us. For example, I have a large black and white zebra print bench in our study but I've balanced it with stacks of books on top, masculine worn leather furniture and a large black rustic bookcase. My husband is thankful he isn't subjected to years of living in a pink painted palace.

But I still love looking at, and dreaming of, all things whimsical and wonderful.

Inspirations:

Tracy Porter is a designer who always inspires me. I bought her book Tracy Porter's Home Style years ago and still love flipping through the pages for fresh ideas and a new perspective. She's creative and isn't afraid to think outside the box--let's just say her home doesn't look like the pages from a Pottery Barn catalog! She injects her own personal style into everything she does, creating a look that represents her individuality. She is truly an artist.

http://www.tracyporter.com/

Another store and website I love to look for girly things is Anthropologie. They have great gifts, vintage-looking accessories and unnecessary pretty things that make life fun. (I don't think everything you own should be practical.) Do we really need tea cup candle holders? No, of course not. But life wouldn't be quite as sweet without them.

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

I try to find inspiration everywhere, especially from places I have travelled. Some of my favorite little decorative touches come from locations around the globe.

My home office is the one room in my house which I can completely indulge my own personal style. It is light, bright and airy. It is a mix of a beach cottage and a Paris flat. I've taken things from my trips to help create a space that reminds me where I've been, but always makes me feel at home:

• Vintage Paris postcards--you can buy little postcard collectors books for about $7.00, tear out your favorites and frame in a collage. I've also collected postcards from museum gift shops of famous art pieces at that museum and placed them in frames for inexpensive, yet tasteful, art.



• Old maps or high quality wrapping paper--look at higher-end gift shops or stationary shops for sheets of wrapping paper and for about $7.00 (expensive wrapping paper but CHEAP art) they offer a beautiful selection of prints. Once placed in a pretty frame, you have a large piece of art that's unique and inexpensive. I've also taken the paper to be mounted and laminated on an easel and it gives it even more of a "tailor made" appearance.

http://www.paper-source.com/

• Natural objects-plates, little bowls or trays made from oyster shells or shells mounted on stands, peacock feathers, painted ostrich eggs...all these things make amazing pieces of art. I think art can be most beautiful when it's found in nature.

Some of the prettiest, and most expensive, sculptures I've seen are taken from the ocean, the trees, or the earth. Why not recreate this look on your own using things you've picked up on your travels or nature walks? Tall twigs like curly willow can be used in large pots or urns to add depth and dimension to a room, shells can be placed in a dish on a table or painted silver to add a touch of glamour to a shelf in the bathroom. Use a large oyster shell as a dish to put jewelry on a nightstand or business cards in an office.

Be inspired, be creative--and be yourself! Your personal style should reflect who you are and what you love. It's easy to do what everyone else is doing but the most fun and interesting homes to step inside are those in which the person is reflected throughout. Surprise and inspire all those who enter...

Summer Lovin'

The summer months provide the chance to be a bit more social, carefree and relaxed. Backyard barbeques, evening strolls, and boating on the lake are all activities that allow us to spend time with friends and family while enjoying the sunshine.

Here are some of the things I'm loving this summer. This "best of summer" list will hopefully help inspire you to make the most of this summer in style--whether you're on vacation at the beach, at home with your family, or hosting an outdoor extravaganza.

Best affordable,"wear-anywhere" sundresses

www.newportnews.com www.bostonproper.com www.bostonproper.com

floral sundress; $29.00 pique polo dress; $39.99 braided knit halter dress; $69.00

ethic tube dress; $26.99
www.charlotterusse.com

double layer bra top dress; $29.00
http://www.victoriassecret.com/

smocked halter dress; $24.50

www.wetseal.com

Best summer party drinks

1. watermelon-rum mush from SELF magazine http://www.self.com/

6 fresh shiso (or mint) leaves, plus 8 additional sprigs for garnish12 3/4 cups (2 3/4 qt) cubed seedless watermelon, pureed and strained (makes 1 1/2 qt juice)12 1/3 cups white rum (or to taste)
Crush shiso in the bottom of a large pitcher, using a long wooden spoon. Add watermelon juice and rum; stir. Serve over ice; garnish with shiso sprigs.

1. Paul's party strawberry daquiri

1 can frozen lemonade from concentrate

1 package frozen strawberries

rum as desired

Blend with crushed ice or ice cubes in blender; add sugar to taste. Serve with fresh cut strawberry on side of glass.

Best beach reads

1. Summer Sisters by Judy Blume


2. Jemima J by Jane Green


3. The Last Girls by Lee Smith


4. The Dive from Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer


5. Little Altars Everywhere by Rebecca Wells
   

More of our summer "bests" to come...!

Summertime

Summertime.  I look forward to it every year.   I love sun dresses, suntans, the beach, shorts, my vintage sand dollar necklace, but most of all, I love sandals.  Any shoe that doesn't require a sock is a personal favorite of mine.  

The key to looking good in sandals, is a perfectly manicured polish. 

Going to the nail salon for a Spa Pedicure is probably the BEST option, but most costly.  If you are on a tight budget or pressed for time, I have the thing for YOU...

 

Sally Hansen makes the BEST 5-minute french manicure pen set.  It is so easy to use.  It even comes with stickers to put on your nails so that the "white" nail tip is perfect.  Even if you don't use the stickers, it is easy to make a straight line with the marker-like white polish.  The best part--the kit only costs about $9.99 at your local drugstore & gives you 50 manicures!