tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13684057569027336602019-06-26T13:10:52.713-05:00Rattlebridge FarmRecipes and design for exhausted people.Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.comBlogger1133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-91353040070985141732018-01-01T16:17:00.000-06:002018-01-12T21:38:42.711-06:00When One Door Closes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8l4pxmcn69w/Wkq6wg_GmVI/AAAAAAAA8wk/VVjzJkZMNwcah89l_3w0UDwA0PHbFkMXgCLcBGAs/s1600/_1janvig%2B086rr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1150" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8l4pxmcn69w/Wkq6wg_GmVI/AAAAAAAA8wk/VVjzJkZMNwcah89l_3w0UDwA0PHbFkMXgCLcBGAs/s640/_1janvig%2B086rr.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Note: If you are looking for Foodie Friday and Everything Else, the link party has been permanently retired. Thanks for all of your support over the years.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been dancing around this door for years, wishing it would close on its own, sparing me from making a hard decision. But the time has come to put my big girl panties on and close the gate at Rattlebridge Farm and Foodie Friday/Everything Else. I'd planned to do this last week, but I was derailed by a flu-like illness. During that time, I was plagued with doubts. Maybe I could opt for slow blogging? No, I'd already done that since late 2015, and a relaxed approach had not helped. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was time to let go. I couldn't leave this door open another year. Reaching this decision was unbearably hard, mainly because the blog has been a huge part of my life for a decade, bringing joy, friendships, and merry adventures. Thank you for enriching my world. I will miss you all like crazy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdXfMWIq_YU/Wkq6CfEbAtI/AAAAAAAA8wU/bnQ5CQyjUns80XzA0dttYEN7UNJU1h5kwCLcBGAs/s1600/1ablogjanvig%2B122%2B%2528822x1280%2529tet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="765" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdXfMWIq_YU/Wkq6CfEbAtI/AAAAAAAA8wU/bnQ5CQyjUns80XzA0dttYEN7UNJU1h5kwCLcBGAs/s640/1ablogjanvig%2B122%2B%2528822x1280%2529tet.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You know what they say about doors. If one closes, a window flies open. That's the nature of doors and windows. They need closure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until then, you can always find me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mleewest/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mleewest/">Pinterest</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mlee</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HpYsQTwv54U/Wkq6CesM29I/AAAAAAAA8wY/IrxVs7dd2jUFiRRnYa5aXvqcBKmukhgFQCLcBGAs/s1600/1ajanvig%2B056%2B%25281280x1158%2529rrr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1190" height="622" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HpYsQTwv54U/Wkq6CesM29I/AAAAAAAA8wY/IrxVs7dd2jUFiRRnYa5aXvqcBKmukhgFQCLcBGAs/s640/1ajanvig%2B056%2B%25281280x1158%2529rrr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com83tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-28686280987936932282017-12-28T15:35:00.002-06:002017-12-28T15:35:30.747-06:00Foodie Friday and Everything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SV-8eONDzMQ/WkVhUId8-LI/AAAAAAAA8u4/sMXXFBmSQfYWEw-U7aIFQdhvg__S1Rt-ACLcBGAs/s1600/Foodie%2BFriday%2B%2526%2BEverything%2BElse%2B%252817%2529ff.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SV-8eONDzMQ/WkVhUId8-LI/AAAAAAAA8u4/sMXXFBmSQfYWEw-U7aIFQdhvg__S1Rt-ACLcBGAs/s640/Foodie%2BFriday%2B%2526%2BEverything%2BElse%2B%252817%2529ff.png" width="426"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Foodie Friday and Everything Else.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/12/foodie-friday-and-everything-else_28.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-60982672722696109652017-12-21T16:05:00.001-06:002017-12-21T19:28:47.968-06:00Foodie Friday and Everything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNcaxZ_Mei8/WjwuhOTgsxI/AAAAAAAA8uE/fVRf0r6c3CI9kXJKzewI4iwjxF-7FYqCwCLcBGAs/s1600/From%2BRattlebridge%2BFarm%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNcaxZ_Mei8/WjwuhOTgsxI/AAAAAAAA8uE/fVRf0r6c3CI9kXJKzewI4iwjxF-7FYqCwCLcBGAs/s640/From%2BRattlebridge%2BFarm%2B%25282%2529.png" width="426"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the party, ladies! Grab a cup of cheer and find a warm spot beside the fire. The elves will finish our Christmas shopping and gift wrapping. The kitchen elf will bake and <i>clean up the mess.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, we can enjoy the idea of an elf army while we sip eggnog and eat pie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/12/foodie-friday-and-everything-else_21.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-67973576527463966412017-12-18T14:28:00.003-06:002017-12-21T18:57:28.946-06:00A Small Change in the Dining Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b58Cb4BEoGs/Wjgd-D1cByI/AAAAAAAA8tA/BsKuCu3wxpQSp-pZ8vJyTMNCX2ShhmIlACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1831%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b58Cb4BEoGs/Wjgd-D1cByI/AAAAAAAA8tA/BsKuCu3wxpQSp-pZ8vJyTMNCX2ShhmIlACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1831%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this house, small changes can take longer than a massive overhaul. Around Thanksgiving, I decided to work on the dining room. I removed heavy, green-gold draperies that had come with the house and replaced them with airy, store-bought <a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/my-dining-room-two-years-later.html">blue-and-white</a> curtains. The plan was to recover the chair cushions in 2018.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-small-change-in-dining-room.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-34910920025619048052017-12-14T13:06:00.003-06:002017-12-14T13:06:59.104-06:00Foodie Friday and Everything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_dJTWqBadE/WjLGo7D-qFI/AAAAAAAA8sI/NxRCbhj2WEUbCZa0izMHBTzpS9J6_mjbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Foodie%2BFriday%2B%2526%2BEverything%2BElse%2B%252814%2529aa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="512" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_dJTWqBadE/WjLGo7D-qFI/AAAAAAAA8sI/NxRCbhj2WEUbCZa0izMHBTzpS9J6_mjbQCLcBGAs/s640/Foodie%2BFriday%2B%2526%2BEverything%2BElse%2B%252814%2529aa.png" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Is it just me or is December moving at a breathtaking pace? Today, we'll slow down just a bit and enjoy the beauty of the holidays--and you are a big part of this beauty.</div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/12/foodie-friday-and-everything-else_14.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-34666457455484133112017-12-13T00:00:00.000-06:002017-12-18T17:23:01.838-06:00Christmas Comfort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD5DHfdjjbs/WjBjd64kK7I/AAAAAAAA8oA/4DfJr6JnkjIUb5ge-lXI-82XfKuGAt7dgCLcBGAs/s1600/__1aa%2BInsta%2B%25281700x1133%2529%2B%25282%2529rrr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1240" height="584" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD5DHfdjjbs/WjBjd64kK7I/AAAAAAAA8oA/4DfJr6JnkjIUb5ge-lXI-82XfKuGAt7dgCLcBGAs/s640/__1aa%2BInsta%2B%25281700x1133%2529%2B%25282%2529rrr.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Christmas is a season of magic.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Time moves in all directions--past, present, future. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I stood on my tiptoes, hanging a wreath on the tall mirror, and glimpsed my reflection. I didn't see a 64-year old woman. Looking back at me was a brown-eyed girl with curly hair and a snub nose, a kid who loved pecan pralines and make-believe. And I remembered that Christmas makes us all time travelers, pulling us backward into childhood.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/12/christmas-comfort.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-9435954340023632017-12-11T00:00:00.000-06:002017-12-11T19:11:18.519-06:00Christmas in the Breakfast Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pVHCcdZ-qQ/Wi3mjH5TBHI/AAAAAAAA8lo/kpPhH6z0WMwOCXp7ss85bMYQ4u2TMCkDACLcBGAs/s1600/1A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="985" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pVHCcdZ-qQ/Wi3mjH5TBHI/AAAAAAAA8lo/kpPhH6z0WMwOCXp7ss85bMYQ4u2TMCkDACLcBGAs/s640/1A.jpg" width="420"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last Christmas, the house was completely decorated by early December. I'm taking an unhurried approach this year, and I'm enjoying the process. Over the weekend, I drank hot cocoa and watched Season 2 of "The Crown," which I highly recommend. Then I puttered around the breakfast room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/12/christmas-in-breakfast-room.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-23624131080440291102017-12-07T14:24:00.001-06:002017-12-08T11:27:47.492-06:00Foodie Friday and Everything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMAtXMGa7GU/WimicEEMISI/AAAAAAAA8j0/Pi5-rincT4UNPQ53skzQ7pkIKRX7BmR9gCLcBGAs/s1600/Foodie%2BFriday%2B%2526%2BEverything%2BElse%2B%252812%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="945" height="512" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMAtXMGa7GU/WimicEEMISI/AAAAAAAA8j0/Pi5-rincT4UNPQ53skzQ7pkIKRX7BmR9gCLcBGAs/s640/Foodie%2BFriday%2B%2526%2BEverything%2BElse%2B%252812%2529.png" width="640"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Foodie Friday and Everything Else!</div><br><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/12/foodie-friday-and-everything-else.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-88332367775440704262017-12-05T00:00:00.000-06:002017-12-11T18:57:01.732-06:00Gone to the Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_xwAWdHi30/WiXBhm1bzeI/AAAAAAAA8h0/370IANdHATU15Le6tTca0YDSESIW2_3EgCLcBGAs/s1600/1a%2B99%2B%2528990x1500%2529%2B%25283%2529rrr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="990" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_xwAWdHi30/WiXBhm1bzeI/AAAAAAAA8h0/370IANdHATU15Le6tTca0YDSESIW2_3EgCLcBGAs/s640/1a%2B99%2B%2528990x1500%2529%2B%25283%2529rrr.jpg" width="490"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My 90-year old mother claims that I was raised by a dog--a <a href="http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/weimaraner/" target="_blank">Weimaraner</a> named Cindy. Mom wasn't kidding. During my childhood, Cindy was my protector and companion, and if I whimpered, she'd dash off and find my mom. Dear Cindy bestowed a life-long love of anything with four paws (even three--in the 70s, we adopted a Chihuahua who'd lost her leg in an accident). So it's no wonder that I chose a dog theme for my Christmas tablescape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/12/gone-to-dogs.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-31037776592122654962017-11-30T13:54:00.001-06:002017-11-30T14:24:19.090-06:00Foodie Friday and Everything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vAM3_64Rzg/WiBcIWSO68I/AAAAAAAA8gA/kJGZoH1X54csIxjAUFhHZulMykWRa1lSwCLcBGAs/s1600/how%2Bto%2B%25289%2529aaannn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vAM3_64Rzg/WiBcIWSO68I/AAAAAAAA8gA/kJGZoH1X54csIxjAUFhHZulMykWRa1lSwCLcBGAs/s640/how%2Bto%2B%25289%2529aaannn.png" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Come on in and get cozy at Foodie Friday and Everything Else.</div><br><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/foodie-friday-and-everything-else_30.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-50722950394116361122017-11-29T11:26:00.001-06:002017-11-29T15:49:01.838-06:00Christmas Notebook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ShaohtiVtIU/Wh7mPZrMzGI/AAAAAAAA8dM/Mxr7pnThQcgjIEb052wmkQYOrlZfGydWACLcBGAs/s1600/_1atour1%2B060%2B%2528845x1280%2529%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="722" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ShaohtiVtIU/Wh7mPZrMzGI/AAAAAAAA8dM/Mxr7pnThQcgjIEb052wmkQYOrlZfGydWACLcBGAs/s640/_1atour1%2B060%2B%2528845x1280%2529%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="404"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I'm way behind on decking the halls. Tyler and I couldn't agree how to hang the live garlands on the windows, so we looked at last year's photos. We decided to wire two garlands together for a fuller look, then we set up the tree. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So far, that's our progress. We "only" have 2-1/2 trees to go.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/christmas-notebook.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-34852840236901476662017-11-27T19:23:00.001-06:002017-11-28T14:10:03.483-06:00My Dining Room: Two Years Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXm_HOpFcPc/WhiZHclrlEI/AAAAAAAA8aI/dBKjQ9PqvnoMsMGj_D0wiZvPeaSGEZ-qQCLcBGAs/s1600/_1a%2Bblue%2Bwhite%2Bdiningrr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXm_HOpFcPc/WhiZHclrlEI/AAAAAAAA8aI/dBKjQ9PqvnoMsMGj_D0wiZvPeaSGEZ-qQCLcBGAs/s640/_1a%2Bblue%2Bwhite%2Bdiningrr.jpg" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've lived in the ranch house for two years, and I've just now started working on the dining room. In my old age, it takes me forever to pull the trigger. I'm less willing to start over with new furniture, mainly because of the memories associated with certain pieces. Yet the fallow interim can seem like a big, fat stall. We all know that stalling can lead to self doubt, and self doubt can make you question every idea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Despite the caveats, I'm glad I waited.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/my-dining-room-two-years-later.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-66704267715082563022017-11-23T14:20:00.002-06:002017-11-30T16:45:30.128-06:00Foodie Friday and Everything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fJ5f5W3IyM/WhcrOwUjBuI/AAAAAAAA8Zo/IQZCIK7Qfq4o98Kzao600QKUkU7t_sy8gCLcBGAs/s1600/There%2Bis%2Balways%2Bsomething%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bthankful%2Bfor.%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fJ5f5W3IyM/WhcrOwUjBuI/AAAAAAAA8Zo/IQZCIK7Qfq4o98Kzao600QKUkU7t_sy8gCLcBGAs/s640/There%2Bis%2Balways%2Bsomething%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bthankful%2Bfor.%2B%25282%2529.png" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving to you from Rattlebridge Farm.<br>May your tables be full, your conversations merry, and your hearts filled with gratitude and joy.<br><br></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/foodie-friday-and-everything-else_23.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-79028717588278648632017-11-20T17:00:00.000-06:002017-11-20T17:47:06.083-06:00InStyle Parties: The Complete Guide to Easy, Elegant Entertaining All Year Round<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gv4UHd-AlsE/WhNYF5ADs0I/AAAAAAAA8YE/7eUPhw2YnOM2EfEooNmpAlkYskUeRkWDACLcBGAs/s1600/18J4A0473%2B%25281040x1500%2529rrr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gv4UHd-AlsE/WhNYF5ADs0I/AAAAAAAA8YE/7eUPhw2YnOM2EfEooNmpAlkYskUeRkWDACLcBGAs/s640/18J4A0473%2B%25281040x1500%2529rrr.jpg" width="442"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The editors of <a href="http://www.instyle.com/">InStyle Magazine</a> are celebrating the publication of their beautiful guide to chic, effortless gatherings--<i>Instyle Parties: The Complete Guide to Easy, Elegant Entertaining All Year Round</i>. The 192 page book includes menus, signature cocktails, tabletop inspiration, hostess tips, wine pairings, a moment-by-moment timeline, and more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/instyle-parties-complete-guide-to-easy.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-82090710648093458552017-11-16T15:45:00.004-06:002017-11-16T15:45:51.428-06:00Foodie Friday and Everything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmoL74lexLU/Wg4G6I2k-eI/AAAAAAAA8XY/IO0GNEgL-_E4SF9zmZoqBIUhD0RfM4R-wCLcBGAs/s1600/1aaaFoodie%2BFriday%2526%2BEverything%2BElse%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmoL74lexLU/Wg4G6I2k-eI/AAAAAAAA8XY/IO0GNEgL-_E4SF9zmZoqBIUhD0RfM4R-wCLcBGAs/s640/1aaaFoodie%2BFriday%2526%2BEverything%2BElse%2B%25282%2529.png" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Welcome to Foodie Friday and Everything Else, where good recipes and great ideas are always on the menu. I'm pleased to share highlights from last week's party.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/foodie-friday-and-everything-else_16.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-45520639434558302282017-11-14T13:01:00.000-06:002017-11-14T13:51:08.334-06:00Slice of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIITEeqhQ40/WgshdWb8wnI/AAAAAAAA8UI/yrLezRQc0K8SCaVn-9_rogAbBv-CwkcTgCLcBGAs/s1600/2sun%2B094%2B%25282%2529%2B%25281500x1000%2529rrr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIITEeqhQ40/WgshdWb8wnI/AAAAAAAA8UI/yrLezRQc0K8SCaVn-9_rogAbBv-CwkcTgCLcBGAs/s640/2sun%2B094%2B%25282%2529%2B%25281500x1000%2529rrr.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Simplifying and minimizing are the key words for 2018, but I'm not waiting for January1st. The last six weeks have been filled with household organizing and purging: I'm bringing order to every cupboard, closet, and drawer. Today, I'm getting the kitchen and pantry ready for heavy duty holiday cooking, and this weekend, I'll focus on the garage, creating zones for garden equipment and bird feeding supplies. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/slice-of-life.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-12675852555367453952017-11-09T13:09:00.000-06:002017-11-09T13:09:17.128-06:00Foodie Friday and Everything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALkE0L3eGno/WgSeDaxIDUI/AAAAAAAA8R4/_PCIwE55wRQwFmYht4kyk_7AGXBX0RXiACLcBGAs/s1600/FoodieFriday%2526EverythingElse%2B%25282%2529A.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALkE0L3eGno/WgSeDaxIDUI/AAAAAAAA8R4/_PCIwE55wRQwFmYht4kyk_7AGXBX0RXiACLcBGAs/s640/FoodieFriday%2526EverythingElse%2B%25282%2529A.png" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by Foodie Friday and Everything Else. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the year hurtles to a close, I keep circling around two goals: simplifying, and self-nurturing. The new year will mark a decade of blogging, and already I am reviewing the journey, taking note of lessons learned and focusing on new paths. I'm excited about the possibilities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/foodie-friday-and-everything-else_9.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-71360369491864406742017-11-07T19:15:00.001-06:002017-11-07T19:25:40.932-06:00Lessons from Nature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xG5AsOWob2w/WgJTp1RqT7I/AAAAAAAA8Qs/xJTutBrV8dIXFJkdDljWFGMve_k7TEWAgCLcBGAs/s1600/_1sun%2B207%2B%25282%2529%2B%25281500x1000%2529rr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xG5AsOWob2w/WgJTp1RqT7I/AAAAAAAA8Qs/xJTutBrV8dIXFJkdDljWFGMve_k7TEWAgCLcBGAs/s640/_1sun%2B207%2B%25282%2529%2B%25281500x1000%2529rr.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-- Ralph Waldo Emerson</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The speed of modern life makes it easy to overlook mysteries and magic in my own backyard. But when I bend close to the rock wall, I am amazed by the pluck and perseverance of moss. It is rootless, yet it grows in the most inhospitable places, on rocks and rooftops, impervious to the elements. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/lessons-from-nature.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-16606969793038939052017-11-02T14:18:00.000-05:002017-11-04T16:41:04.157-05:00Foodie Friday and Everything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3Bq060B4V8/Wfto99o_vlI/AAAAAAAA8Mk/IKQxZHGjww0CGs1rllPvgvAoH1NcvrC_ACLcBGAs/s1600/1A%2B2RRRPCtitle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3Bq060B4V8/Wfto99o_vlI/AAAAAAAA8Mk/IKQxZHGjww0CGs1rllPvgvAoH1NcvrC_ACLcBGAs/s640/1A%2B2RRRPCtitle.png" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I wasn't looking, November arrived. It's a feast month, a time to fill our hearts with gratitude, and yet, December always seems to be the boss. Even if we want to savor the last moments of autumn, the 12th month reminds us to sweep away leaves and pumpkins and bring out pine swags and Yule cakes. As the year winds down, I'm thinking about lessons learned and daring to look ahead to 2018. It's good to know that I'm not alone--we inspire and help each other every day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/foodie-friday-and-everything-else.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-47848555874376804182017-11-01T00:00:00.000-05:002017-11-04T16:41:12.535-05:00November Notes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_KJ59UkE8g/WfkQrL_OuqI/AAAAAAAA8Lw/H0NE-NrA6LMYL6sJXTzQqzGilr2Cl9N9QCLcBGAs/s1600/1IMG_1478rrrr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_KJ59UkE8g/WfkQrL_OuqI/AAAAAAAA8Lw/H0NE-NrA6LMYL6sJXTzQqzGilr2Cl9N9QCLcBGAs/s640/1IMG_1478rrrr.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;">"<i>November comes</i></span><i><br style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> And November goes,</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> With the last red berries</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> And the first white snows.</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;">With night coming early,</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> And dawn coming late,</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> And ice in the bucket</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> And frost by the gate.</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;">The fires burn</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> And the kettles sing,</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"> And earth sinks to rest</span></i><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><i> </i></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><i>Until next spring</i>."</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-left;">-- Elizabeth Coatsworth (1893–1986)</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/11/november-notes.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-71507447353679557462017-10-31T00:00:00.000-05:002017-11-04T16:41:20.127-05:00Thanksgiving Tablescape Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rlPQV3l3rNc/WfekziaicdI/AAAAAAAA8Iw/4kabZrMzM5UJuI6CXCEV4mabxz9Tv-ZgwCLcBGAs/s1600/4arrr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rlPQV3l3rNc/WfekziaicdI/AAAAAAAA8Iw/4kabZrMzM5UJuI6CXCEV4mabxz9Tv-ZgwCLcBGAs/s640/4arrr.jpg" width="468"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This week I'm participating in a week-long Thanksgiving tablescape blog hop, organized by Chloe at <a href="http://www.celebrateanddecorate.com/">Celebrate and Decorate</a>, and I'm looking forward to a daily dose of inspiration. You'll find links to the participating bloggers at the end of the post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/10/thanksgiving-tablescape-blog-hop.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-72931928309591121002017-10-27T20:05:00.002-05:002017-10-30T18:35:58.723-05:00The Howling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AziEt1xZ1LQ/WfO3kB8tQ2I/AAAAAAAA8H8/c7Jtd1iE3uMN_JljCUushreq9F3EKmHDwCLcBGAs/s1600/1%2Bj%2B022%2B%25281000x1500%2529pm%2B%25282%2529rrrr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AziEt1xZ1LQ/WfO3kB8tQ2I/AAAAAAAA8H8/c7Jtd1iE3uMN_JljCUushreq9F3EKmHDwCLcBGAs/s640/1%2Bj%2B022%2B%25281000x1500%2529pm%2B%25282%2529rrrr.png" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like many Terrier owners, I'm a tad obsessed with our Scottie . . . and smitten. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-howling.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-13789017011997936492017-10-26T17:00:00.000-05:002017-10-26T17:00:44.480-05:00Foodie Friday and Everything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ia1gQibwa4Y/WfIu5Z9sj1I/AAAAAAAA8Eo/NBF5gAcMv9MY2QfoZrE8BuIU2Ne3QiHZACLcBGAs/s1600/Foodie%2BFriday%2B%2526%2BEverything%2Belse%2B%25287%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ia1gQibwa4Y/WfIu5Z9sj1I/AAAAAAAA8Eo/NBF5gAcMv9MY2QfoZrE8BuIU2Ne3QiHZACLcBGAs/s640/Foodie%2BFriday%2B%2526%2BEverything%2Belse%2B%25287%2529.png" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Foodie Friday and Everything Else</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Welcome to the last party in October. November is creeping ahead, and it won't be long until we're thinking about Christmas. I was in HomeGoods the other day, and the aisles were filled with holiday goodies. And people were filling their carts. Me, I made a beeline for the pet section.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/10/foodie-friday-and-everything-else_26.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-10163962448632464152017-10-19T14:20:00.003-05:002017-10-19T14:20:50.436-05:00Foodie Friday and Everything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ptKFlYDd1K4/Wej0HIvlhhI/AAAAAAAA8DY/JV_-kysbs6c5vLh9Pzl1oDNq48IwoZx4ACLcBGAs/s1600/stylefinest.co%2B%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ptKFlYDd1K4/Wej0HIvlhhI/AAAAAAAA8DY/JV_-kysbs6c5vLh9Pzl1oDNq48IwoZx4ACLcBGAs/s640/stylefinest.co%2B%25283%2529.png" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Welcome to Foodie Friday and Everything Else. I hope you're enjoying October's whimsical temperatures and beguiling sunlight. Before we know it, Halloween will be here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/10/foodie-friday-and-everything-else_19.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368405756902733660.post-31336921289065048402017-10-16T00:50:00.003-05:002017-10-19T17:22:06.129-05:00The Edge of Wildness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwpDhvtRTa4/WeQ0RoJKRcI/AAAAAAAA7-E/5NRZmLLGYsEet4dYPyUixZsXxrSy2VtgQCLcBGAs/s1600/__4a%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="989" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwpDhvtRTa4/WeQ0RoJKRcI/AAAAAAAA7-E/5NRZmLLGYsEet4dYPyUixZsXxrSy2VtgQCLcBGAs/s640/__4a%2Bb.jpg" width="450"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know a place on the edge of wildness, where brambles twist up from the ground, green and alive, welded to the barbed wire. Just beyond the old fence, you'll find a world untouched by developers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-edge-of-wildness.html#more">Continue Reading »</a>Rattlebridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270992062886735035noreply@blogger.com23