PRECIOUS PEONIES

One of my favorite long time perennials are Peonies. Their beauty, fragrance and longevity make it a good choice for flower gardens with sunshine and well drained soil.

When we moved to our NJ home, my mother gave me several root ball plants off many of her perennials, one being Peonies. It was Fall when we were moving in, so hubby and I dug some dirt holes and just stuck the plants in the ground. Fortunately, they survived the brutal Winter. In the Spring hubby made me this bed (below) along the back of our home, and we planted them in their new permanent home.

We did not have blooms the first year, but this is a photo of our 2nd year of June blooms......

LAST MINUTE RED WHITE & BLUE DESSERT

WOW....Memorial Day is upon us.....it's picnic time! Did you just get asked to bring a dessert to Monday's picnic....here's a sure fire way to appeal to the masses!

This Berry Trifle recipe has been my go-to for picnics for quite some time. It's particularly delish during fresh strawberry season and the lemon curd twist gives the tastebuds a nice tart surprise. 

I've also noticed that the strawberries I picked up in my grocery store grown in California have been outstanding lately. Why not give this recipe a try!

Link to recipe:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/berry-trifle-recipe.html

Wishing you a safe and sunny Memorial Day weekend!

Kathleen

DECORATING WITH COLOR ON THE PATIO

Get Summer ready!

I've got a couple of quick change ideas for your patio furniture and easy planters that may inspire you this year....

I called my color scheme "Fiesta." Using the reds, purples, golds, and a touch of white in my flower selections. Then I pulled a few pillows that I had previously used in a different area of our home, and added those to our chairs for just the right splash of color that completed the patio. Notice how the red from the pillows takes your eye to the red in the planter?

 

CAULIFLOWER CHOWDER

Welcome to Foodie Friday!

I'm always in search of a good chowder recipe. This isn't your normal chowder, it's made with cauliflower! 

My favorite recipes are those that don't require a lot of prep, and that are basically a good healthy choice. I like to have these recipes stashed away for those busy nights or just when we want something light.

We had a builder meeting that ran late tonight, and I wasn't really interested in making a big meal. I decided this would be a perfect night to try this chowder. I grilled up a couple of chicken breasts for a little protein fix, and our quick dinner was served.

Today's recipe....Cauliflower Chowder.

WOW STAIRCASE INSTALLED

Hello Tuesday friends!

It's time for another house update. After receiving the news that our closing date will now be in July, we were a bit deflated. This means we not only had to extend our apartment lease, we also had to change the pool installation dates, and the delivery of our household storage goods from NJ. On a positive note.....because, let's face it, this is not a life threatening event......we're kind of thinking it will be like "Christmas in July!" 

RESTORING OUR MARBLE FLOOR

Our Princeton, NJ home turned out to be the largest renovation project we have ever undertaken. There was something about this beautiful Georgian Colonial that just screamed to us...."make me loved again!" 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Wishing you a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! May your day be filled everything that makes you smile!

Fondly,

Kathleen

KENTUCKY DERBY PIE BARS

I've never been to the Kentucky Derby! It is something that hubby and I have on our "bucket list." Each year there are so many festivities surrounding this event. Steeped in tradition, from the extravagant hats, to the beautiful Garland of Roses, and then there's always the original Mint Julep.

Just because we aren't attending the Derby doesn't mean we can't enjoy some of the derby favorites. I've found a recipe with a twist on an old derby favorite, Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. It's very close, but without the Bourbon, they are Kentucky Derby Pie Bars. The melted chocolate and chopped pecans are delightful!

The recipe has a graham cracker crust that is baked first. Then the addition of some sinful ingredients like; corn syrup, butter, pecans and mini semisweet morsels.... makes the bars quite decadent. 

You may find the recipe link here:
http://www.southernladymagazine.com/celebrate-the-kentucky-derby-in-style/3/

Whether you are attending the derby or not, this recipe is a sweet treat that can be enjoyed anytime!

    Wishing y'all a wonderful weekend!

   Kathleen

TABLESCAPE FIT FOR A MOTHER

I love the endless possibilities of creating tablescapes! From glamorous to simplistic each has it's time and place. 

For Mother's Day this year I've decided to keep it simple with a color palette that is reflective of the Spring days that are upon us. This is for you MOM, sure wish I could be with you......

After a recent trip to World Market I just had to buy these napkins. I am in LOVE with this
Aqua Blue..

The tablecloth is a soft golden linen cloth which makes a beautiful foundation for all of the color that I have added both in the linen napkins, and flowers. My plates and coffee mugs are porcelain and can be found in Williams Sonoma. Since most of my fine china and crystal are still in storage, my wine glasses were a beautiful find in the Dollar Store!

I learned a long time ago from Martha Stewart, that a CARNATION packs a powerful, yet inexpensive punch! Don't be afraid to use them.....they are one of my favorites!

On Sunday, May 8th, make Mom's Day special for your Mom.....

 HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all!

                           Kathleen