Inspiration Friday ~ Blue and White

"Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true"

~ Lyman Frank Baum

You all know how I love my Wizard of Oz CD.  I'm listening to it right now while my family sleeps the night away.  I also thought it appropriate since the word "blue" was in it which goes along with my pictures for tonight.  But really I just like this song and those words :)

We were at a car show this evening and for some reason I'm wide awake.  I don't know why because it feels like I've walked miles and miles. I am trying to get back on schedule so I've been digging through my files and found some pretty pictures for us all.

 

Still thinking about redoing my kitchen...don't you love this sink?

Also thinking about Fall decorating.

Enjoy your weekend and....

"If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow why, oh why can't I?"

smiles ~ Jenn

 Photo's courtesy of Country Living and Country Home magazine.

Wednesday Cookin' ~ Rosemary Cashews

Hey it's Wednesday and I just realized I haven't shared any recipes with you in a while!  Do you even remember "What's Cookin' Wednesdays"??  No.  Well that's okay.  I'm going to post something anyway and try to get back to this again.  Autumn and Winter are my favorite times of the year to be in the kitchen.

This recipe for rosemary cashews I can't stop making.  It's from my friend Jessica (Hi Jess!)  I've had it out for parties, given it to friends, made it for myself and hid it in the cupboard....you get the idea.  

I love the fresh rosemary in this snack.  It's so great to use up the fresh herbs and produce here on the East coast while you can.  I can't tell you how many batches I've made of these in the last month but they really are addicting.  I do have to warn you though, this is more a "Chick" snack so you may want to save it for a girls night! 


Rosemary Cashews
1 Pound Whole Cashews
2 TBSP Minced Rosemary
1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
2 tsp Light Brown Sugar
1 TBSP Kosher Salt
1 TBSP Melted Butter

In 350 degree oven toast cashews until warm, about 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combined all other ingredients.  When cashews are warm, toss in bowl and mix well.

Serve warm.  If saving for later, mix cashews up a bit before serving.

Alone Again

YOU Are My Sunshine

School is back in session.  Seeing that school bus pull away the first day always brings a few tears.  How quick the summer went.  This year was so busy.  We did so much but still haven't finished our list.  Somehow we lost a week somewhere???

I will miss her but if her mom home-schooled her like she wished and dreamed she'd probably be dopey.  Teachers of America "Thank you for teaching my child math!"   From me she will learn how to make one mean batch of chocolate chip cookies.

It's time for me to get back to work....really??

The new website will be up and running this week.

Next week there will be an update.  I've been shopping around Saturday mornings with my accomplice (my mom) searching flea markets and estate sales for some good finds.

I love my job....it's really going to be tough working again lol!

Sending back to school hugs to all you parents and caregivers.  Dry your eyes.  I think we'll get used to it in a day or two...wink! wink!

xo Jenn

"Ain't nobody here but us chickens"

I used to work in this shop when we lived in Santa Barbara....way back in the 80's! I can't believe so much time has past and so quickly.  Now it is "Rooms and Gardens" a lovely and inspiring shop.  Every time I go back this is on "the list" to visit.  The courtyard is always changing.  This year I had quite a surprise....Chickens!  Right in the center of town these girls live.  This back yard used to be a weed bed with garbage cans piled up right were that green chicken coop sits!  I really can't believe it.

More to come later this week.  Have a good one!
Hugs ~ Jenn :)

Home Again Home Again Jiggety Jig

As some of you know I've been away on vacation for the last 2 1/2 weeks.  The time flew by faster than a bee stung stallion but also seemed like we were away from home forever. 

We visit our friends and family in California at least once every other year and this was the year.  I've got lots of pictures to share about some wonderful places we visited but the most exciting thing was the two week wedding. 

Dino's cousin and fiance decided to get married while we were there and planned the entire wedding in two weeks....really...it was gorgeous. 

Beautiful!!  Uncle Tom was the officiant...his son is the groom.

Lydia was the flower girl.

Mathew and Bella, husband and wife

They married on the bluffs in Santa Barbara and had a farm-style reception at a lovely home in Montecito.  Almost all of the food was made by friends and family. 

We made Italian cream and pizzelles shaped while hot to be custard bowls.  This was using Dino's Zia Skinney's recipes (groom's mom).  Presented as make your own, filling the pizzelles with cream and fresh berries ~  it was delightful!

Zia Skinny and me

Beautiful sister Claudine dancing with her brother

A special day.  I just love weddings!

Summer hugs,

Jenn :)