Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Lucy's Franciscan Ivy--part 2

Today I am sharing my version of "green and white" with my Franciscan "Ivy" from "I Love Lucy" fame! I am so in love with this pattern, and we have been using it for everyday.  I gave it a twist as I was given this beautiful Orchid by a lovely little girl at church. It occurred to me that it would be a wonderful, organic accent to the  Ivy. Here it is...






My aunt had given me these beautiful placemats from Crate and Barrel, and I thought they would carry through the organic look with this dinnerware. I also used my Mikasa "Italian Countryside" dinner plates as chargers with the luncheon plates in the "Ivy" along with the berry bowls. I used napkins from April Cornell, and bamboo napkin rings. Again,  the Oneida "Meadowbrook" silverplate flatware seemed to be the perfect accompaniment for the "Ivy" although I cannot get a photo to show the detail of the vine pattern. 


My favorite addition was the glassware, "Mirrors and Roses" by LG Wright Glass. Are those gorgeous? My mom let me borrow them just for a few days. You should see her collection!


The girls had a sleepover last weekend, and this was the setting for breakfast, except for the vintage glassware. I served syrup for the homemade whole wheat griddle cakes in the gravy boat. 


My husband gets his breakfast on this dinnerware every morning:-) He takes cream and sugar. 






I just love this beautiful, vintage dinnerware. We use it everyday, and I have collected a few pieces of it a little at a time. As always, I have also used many pieces you have seen before. I really love to mix and match, especially taking something vintage and making it look fresh and current. Now if I can only keep the orchid alive:-)




I'll be participating in "Tablescape Thursday" over at Between Naps on the Porch." Thanks Susan for hosting!!

Anita

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Summer Porch...

Hi everyone! I thought I would share one of my porches for Metamorphosis Monday, hosted by Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch."

This is how it looked last year.




So with a little help from a very inexpensive grapevine wreath from Wal-Mart, and some equally inexpensive silk flowers, I came up with a wreath for the front.


 It was a very easy project. All I did was cut the stems I wanted, then wire them on to the wreath. Can't be easier that that, and a serious bargain--maybe $10 at most.


That prompted me to take a second look at these outdoor pillows at Walmart.


I had red cushions last summer, but my parents got a cat and he loves to sleep on these chairs. The cat hair drove me crazy on the red cushions, so I got these out that actually came with the chairs. He will not come near them for some reason:-) I liked the pop of red with the additional pillow, so I went with that. 


Morning...


Early evening...


I searched for these hanging fixtures last year because I wanted to get close to these antique Southern Railroad lanterns I found in my dad's garage. It's 100 years old and would fit about 6 cars if it were not full of treasures. I don't need to go to a flea market because I have one right here:-)




I just love the afternoon light here, plus it's lovely streaming in on the dining table. I appreciate so much those little things we sometimes take for granted...like sunlight.




So it's not a huge metamorphosis, but those little things can really make a difference! Hope you enjoyed the front porch! I have two more to go, but first, I have a very tropical table coming Thursday with some 222 Fifths china my mom let me borrow.  But first, just sit a while here and enjoy the sound of the creek and the cool mountain air:-)

Anita


Thursday, June 10, 2010

Turkish Chicken Tava...

Hi everyone! Seems like time is flying here and I cannot keep up! I thought I would share this recipe I have for "Turkish Chicken Tava."  I fell in love with this in Turkey and searched for a recipe but could not really match it. So I kind of came up with my own version.


This is a very easy, go to dish when you are pressed for time. First I start the rice, which I always make with chicken broth instead of water. Then, I take frozen chicken breasts or tenders and saute them in butter and olive oil with a little minced garlic and chopped onion. I also sprinkle Adobo on meat when I saute, but that's up to you.

I then add a large can, or jar of my mom's home grown and canned, diced tomatoes and whatever seasoning I have around. Usually it's oregano, basil, thyme, etc. And that's pretty much it. I simmer until I like the flavor. I then serve it over rice and sprinkle Parmesan Cheese on top. My kids love it, my parents love it, my hubby loves it, and it's easy.

This is great with a loaf of French bread and a salad.

On another note, we are hard at work writing and recording our CD. It is a very tedious process, but one that will be worth it in the end. Hope you all enjoy your weekend!! Our church is hosting a "Free Market" for people in need Saturday, and I could not be more excited. This will be our third one and they are always such incredible events. Kind of puts things in perspective...

Anita