Chandeliers

Pottery Barn has a little sale on chandeliers right now and boy am I tempted. I have long (talking years here) loved the Camilla 6 arm chandelier. It is everything I love in a light fixture. Not too formal, not too fancy, just beautiful. Perhaps now is the time. I think it is time to jazz up the dull light fixture that came with the house we rent. We will be here a few years yet and I want to look at it everyday! A few other chandeliers have caught my eye but they are just fleeting fancies. The Camilla may be that one true love!

From Pottery Barn

Olive Juice

I am loving the latest catalog from Olive Juice. So many things that I would put my daughter in and that in itself is a refreshing change. I love all the greys they are showcasing. Makes me want to dress her up and go for long photo op walks! I am also a fan of the shoes. Oh the shoes. I love the Asters and they also stock Supergas. Too much!

All items and images from Olive Juice

Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home

I received this book last week and thought it looked interesting. I made my first recipe from it this evening and it was outstanding. I chose Sausage in Red Wine Gravy with Rosemary Yorkshire Pudding. The whole meal came together in less than an hour and probably 30 minutes total hands on time. I served it with Broccoli and both my children and my husband cleaned their plates. Very easy, very tasty and very successful. I am making the braised chicken in Marsala sauce next.

Overall the book is beautiful to look at and easy to reference. I love that each recipe has a photo and I also love the time line given for each menu. Definitely recommend this book to both the novice and more experienced cook.

Adams Scary Apples

I also saw these over at Matt Bites and want to try them too. The black looks so cool and shiny. I think I will make them this weekend too! Instructions here

Pie in a Jar

I cannot begin to tell you happy this makes me feel. Individual pies frozen in jars and then removed and baked when the mood strikes. Genius and bliss. I am going to make some this weekend. Get all the details and instruction at Our Best Bites - Awesome.

Banoffee Pie.

An oldie but goodie from the recipe files! This is a pie I do not make too often but whenever I do, it always elicits compliments. Very simple to put together and the only time consuming part is the making of the toffee component.

Make or purchase 1 graham cracker crust. Take one or two (depending on how rich you want it) cans of sweetened condensed milk and place in a pan of boiling water. The can needs to always be submerged in boiling water. I keep my electric kettle full at all times and just top off the pan as needed. You need to boil the can of milk for 3 hours. This is the time consuming part! After three hours, remove from heat and let cool a little. Then carefully open can or cans. Toffee will ooze a little at this point. Pour and spread the toffee in the prepared crust. Slice 2 or 3 bananas and place slices on top of toffee. Then take whipped cream and cover the entire pie in th cream. Chocolate curls or cocoa powder are optional garnish. Refrigerate for an hour or until ready to serve. Enjoy and do not think of calories ingested!

Pretty Beverage Jars

I saw two beautiful Beverage jars at Target yesterday. Excuse the photo - it was taken with one hand and with a lady trying to ram her cart in my bum! This photo is of the straight sided jar but they also have a curved jar too. $20 and it can be yours - great deal.

Cade Martin

I could look at this photo all day. See more stunning images here

via Black Eiffel

Worlds best lasagna.

I kid you not. I have made this lasagna 3 times now and each time the groans of contentment become louder. It is easy to make, quick to make and delicious. Cannot say that enough - delicious! Ina Garten, you are awesome! Turkey Lasagna is just one of those great meals that goes into the permanent rotation. I use the Johnsonville farms sweet Italian sausage that you can find in any supermarket.

Recipe here

Oh for the love of butter...

I hate margarine or any of those other spreads. Way too many ingredients and way too weird a taste. If I am having a slice of toast, I want real butter on it. And ladies and gentleman, this is the butter I want.

A round of applause for possibly the greatest butter I have tasted on this side of the Atlantic.




Vermont Butter and Cheese Company cultured butter with Sea Salt. It is everything a butter should be. I am in heaven. Oh and the packaging is something to behold - blue and white gingham paper and nestled in a little basket - awesome.

Details here

Coat for Alexandra

Darn you Boden and your wonderful childrens coats! Had to purchase this - just needed to be done!



Now I would one each of these two for her please!!



All items available from Boden

Cupcake Swirl

Another site to feed my baking obsession! Lots of lovely packaging ideas too. I love the frilly stand alone flower liners - beautiful. All items available here

Update - I ordered from this website on Friday late afternoon (October 9) and my package arrived today (October 13). Considering that Monday was Columbus Day and therefore not a mail day, I am blown away by how quickly my items got to me. Beautifully packaged and each item not a disappointment.

Man shops Globe

I fear this will become my new obsession. Having seen the first episode I am hooked. I forgive the fact that Mr Keith Johnson has what could be my dream job because he is just so darn lovely. Perfect getaway television and I highly recommend it. Airs on Sundance channel.

Oh my.....

I have NEVER wanted anything as much as I want these right now. I want 4 of them sent to me immediately and I will be a swooning happy almost passing out lady! Be still my heart!

From Pottery Barn