CHIC AND YE SHALL FIND

HOW KARAOKE BROUGHT BACK MY JOY!

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 03:23:00 +0000

When I was a sophomore in high school, I took private voice lessons from the high school music teacher.

This was a rare occurrence! He only coached two of the Sophomores. and two of the Juniors. I must have disappointed him, because when it came time to try out for the Concert Choir as a Junior, I was not selected. I auditioned again as a senior and was not selected, again.

This hurt my heart so badly that I didn't sing again until I was in my 60's! Yes, I sang along to the radio and our CD's occasionally, but I could not (and still can't) sing in church. My throat closes up!

When I was in my mid 50's, my husband and I built a home in Arizona. After a few winters there, the restaurant at the golf club started hosting Karaoke night. I would go up there and sing. I only had a few songs that I liked to sing, but then we bought a portable Karaoke machine and more CD's and I started just singing in the privacy of our own home. And you know what? I didn't sound too bad!

Then our community center in Arizona started a Karaoke club. Now I have a repertoire of favorites that I sing. I don't know if I am any good, but I do get encouraged to sing each month and some of my friends have even requested songs.

We don't document many of the months, but here are a few photos from those fun Karaoke nights that friends have taken and posted.

The above photo is from our 40th anniversary in 2009. My girlfriend, Marcia, and I sang a duet.

The photo above is from the 70's night at our Karaoke Club.

This is April 2018, at Waddell's Longhorn bar. The one below was within the past four years.

Valentine's Theme karaoke! Singing 'My Valentine" , by Martina McBride, to my sweetie, below.

February 1, 2018. We were the club hosts that night.

The one below was in Feb. 2020

Another country themed Karaoke Club night. Don and I were the emcees Our daughter Katherine was visiting and sang the first song!

These photos are from January 2018, the theme was denim and diamonds.

Singing at a private St. Patrick's Day party in 2015.

St. Patrick's Day theme for our Karaoke Club. More singing!

The above photo is from an impromptu get together many years ago in Arizona. Below is another Karaoke Club country night.

Another winter night at our Karaoke Club.

Occasionally friends get swept up in the moment! Our dear friend, Elaine!

Occasionally!, Don sings, too. This was in a bar in Sturgis, SD on our way to the bike rally.

Can you guess which month the above photo was taken at the Karaoke Club?

The man in black usually sings songs from The Man in Black (Johnny Cash.)

The above photo is from our resort in Cabo San Lucas. Don singing with the band! (Ring of Fire!)

This was Don joining our resident songbird, Dawn Latronica, at a private karaoke party the during the winter of 2022.

This last photo was the Karaoke Club night on November 2022.

Not that flattering!

I am looking forward to December 2022, when I will be emcee Karaoke Club again! At least I am able to enjoy singing once again.

Dec. 2019

WHO DOESN'T WANT TO GROW UP TO BE IRIS?

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Tue, 31 May 2022 23:53:00 +0000

Mrs. Iris Apfel turned 100 in 2021. She also became an accidental icon...model, influencer, cover girl, and muse in her last decade. She resides in Manhattan and Palm Beach.

She has been photographed and blogged about. I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to her curated style. Click here:

Books have been written about her. A movie was made about her life and several museums have displayed hundreds of her outfits and accessories. She signed a modeling contract with IMG in 2019 as a model at age 97 and was the subject of a 2014 Emmy nominated documentary called "Iris" by Albert Maysles. In 2013, she was listed as one of the fifty "Best-Dressed over 50" by The Guardian. There is even a Barbie doll styled after her.

Iris and her husband, Carl, were married for 63 years before he passed at the age of 101.

After several career starts, the couple launched Old World Weavers, a fabric company, that makes the highest end upholstery fabric using antique textiles and museum textiles as inspiration.

But it is Iris, herself, that has gained notoriety the past decade. Following a successful exhibit of her clothing and jewelry at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she became an instant success for her multi cultural clothing style.

Here are some of my favorite photos of her style:

Here are photos from the display at the Met. The collection was called: "Rara Avis" (Rare Bird.)

My daughter, Katy, gave me the book which chronicled the exhibition: "A Rare Bird of Fashion The Irreverent Iris Apfel." I refer to it constantly!

Purchase it here:

More photos showing her fabulous jewelry. She says she likes to shop at flea markets and will be just as happy with a $3.00 bracelet as an expensive one, because she likes the thrill of the hunt!

At 100 years old, she inspired a collection of clothing for H & M this year. Here are a few of the offerings.

I tried to buy several pieces the day that the email came out announcing the new collection was now for sale and when I went to look, it was ALL sold out!

Here is Iris in the H & M suit, shoes and jewelry.

Today, I bought her book, "Iris Apfel Accidental Icon...Musings of a Geriatric Starlet."

Purchase here:

Here are a few gems of knowledge from her.

"I don't buy clothes to collect them, I buy them to wear them!"

"I don't dress to be stared at. I dress for myself. When you don't dress like everyone else, you don' t have to think like everyone else."

"Refuse to be invisible."

"You have to try it. You only have one trip. Remember that!"

"More is more and less is a bore."

"You have to be true to yourself. You have to know yourself. Not be a trend follower. You have got to learn to take a few risks."

"If something sounds exciting and interesting, I do it and then I don't worry about it later. Doing new things takes a lot of energy and strength. It is very tiring to make things happen, to learn how to master a skill, to push fear aside. Most people would rather go with the flow, it's much easier but it's not very interesting."

"If you don't learn constantly, you won't grow. You will wither To many people wither on the vine. Sure it gets a little harder as you get older but new experiences and new challenges keeps it fresh."

"I don't like a minimalist look for myself; I like stuff. I like being surrounded by a lot of things that give me pleasure to look at."

AMEN!!! She nailed it for me!

You can find video interviews with Iris on YouTube.

Iris, a 100 year old cover girl!

A New Look Without New Decor

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Sat, 21 May 2022 22:42:00 +0000

I always come home to our Minneapolis home in the spring and immediately head for our "wardrobe" of white flowers. They include Tulips, white Hydrangeas and white Bleeding Hearts. This year I located some Lily of the Valley that we had, also white!

I try to arrange the decor differently without buying anything new. Of course that never works completely. I did order six small blue and white Chinoiserie ginger jars for next Christmas dinner and decided to use them on the mantel, after removing the packaging!

I fell in love with the mini ginger jars when I saw that Haderways (in the Scottsdale Market Place) had them sitting on plates at each individual place setting. It took me a while to find ones that were small enough. I had gotten one at the French Bee in Scottsdale, and a friend gave me another one from there, but I need eight! So, I found an importer and ordered six more. I tried to vary the designs, which inadvertently resulted in me getting two that are slightly larger than the others.

They go beautifully with my other blue and white pieces.

I reused our tulips on our kitchen island.

More blue and white accessories around the living room and dining room.

Below are some Tulip photos from past years. These are the same Tulips, used at Christmas time. They are mixed with evergreen branches.

More Christmas Tulips but from a different year. These have a green wreath at the top of the urn to corral the tulips.

This is an even older photo from the 90's. Yes, they are the same Tulips, year after year!

Springtime Tulips.

We have white and pink Tulips that I use in Arizona, too.

More photos of the Lily of the Valley.

Here they are in the primary bedroom in Arizona! It is great to drive back and forth, so I can change things up in the houses!

We have a Christmas wardrobe of white Amaryllis (also in red) in Minnesota.

We also have "wardrobes" of Delphiniums, Hydrangeas and Bleeding Hearts in Minnesota that rotate every year! But that is another story!

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 23:16:00 +0000

HAVE A PATRIOTIC THANKSGIVING!

Every American knows the origin of American Thanksgiving, but many don't know how it evolved.

Thanksgiving became a annual custom throughout New Elgland in the 17th century, and in 1777 the Continental Congress declared the first national American Thanksgiving following the Patriot victory at Saratoga.

In 1789, President George Washington became the first president to proclaim a Thanksgiving holiday when, at the request of Congress, he proclaimed November 26, a Thursday, as a day of national thanksgiving for the U.S. Constitution.

However, it was not until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to officially fall on the last Thursday of November, that the modern holiday was celebrated nationally.

I love the antique postcards from that era. I thought that they were expressing the patriotism of the times, but of course, they have a political bent! Read on.

Thomas Nast (the one who illustrated the likeness of our Santa Claus!) drew a political cartoon of Uncle Sam's Thanksgiving Dinner.

The cartoon also has the specific aim of endorsing ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was intended to guarantee the federal voting rights could not be denied on the basis of race. The 15th Amendment had been passed by Congress in February 1869 and was being debated in state legislatures when the featured cartoon was published.

I am sure that these post cards must date from around that time.

For more information, google: Uncle Sam's Thanksgiving Dinner!

Hazy, Lazy Days of Late Summer

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:15:00 +0000

As summer winds down, the days get shorter, the nights get cooler.

This is always a bittersweet time, but I love it when Autumn finally arrives!

Back home in Arizona, the monsoons are wreaking havoc!

It is time to take that one last trip up North.

The flowers of late summer are golden or dusty.

I just bought a pot of chrysanthemums at the grocery store.

The crops are nearly ready to be harvested.

It "smells" hot!

But enjoy, because Autumn is coming!

All images courtesy of Google images.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Mon, 24 May 2021 20:26:00 +0000

Sadly, one of my FAVORITE shops, ever, is now closed! I only made it to Santa Fe three times, but this was a "must stop." every visit. Even though it is now closed, I still want to show you the beauty and creativity of this wonderful store and it's artistic owner.

Todos Santos Chocolate and Confections opened in 1999 in Santa Fe New Mexico. Born from a melding of passion for Parisan chocolate shops, Mexican folk art and a rapidly expanding personal collection of antique chocolate molds. (In which I can identify!)

The shop was owned by Hayward Simoneaux. He began shaping his confections in the shape of Milagros, "small charm like silver and gold offerings to saints" in traditional Hispanic cultures using custom molds and coverings of silver and gold leaf. Todos Santos chocolates were Valrhona based though fine packaged chocolates as Knipchildt and Michel Clueizel originating elsewhere were also sold.

The store offered it's own truffles in flavors like "black pepper, burn caramel and red chile-tangerine" enclosed in ornate and colorful packaging.

After my first visit to the shop, I left enchanted! Just look at the entrance.

The display over the front door changed from time to time.

A peek through the widow at Christmas!

Here is a rare glimpse of the tiny "jewel box" of a store. Photos were forbidden, but these were posted by the owner on his Instagram site.

I never really saw it all. I never knew where to look next. I did venture into a corner the last time that I shopped there and found a mirrored skull stuffed with caramels that went home with me!

Hayward often worked with artists to create exclusive items for his packaging.

From Instagram: "Don't Worry Be Hopi! From the village of Shungopavi at Second Mesa, Arizona, a young Hopi artist by the name of Rodriguez Poleahla started carving at the age of 7. After meeting Rodriguez, by now a young teenager and admiring the old style flat Katsinas hew was making, I decided to older a large group of the turkey ones to use on Thanksgiving boxes. To my delight, this young man had the initiative to make the order, packed beautifully and have someone drive him for what sounded like a far distance to the post office. They were beautifully carved and painted andon time for the holidays."

Here in 2015, clay turkey ornaments were found at the Labor Day Market at Kewa/Santo Domingo Pueblo.

Todos Santos caught the eye of Forbes Magazine:

And also Gourmet Magazine:

And Dean and DeLuca.

From Instagram:

The packaging was always exquisite and unusual! And sourced from unusual places. I saw a post on Trip Advisor saying the candy was "ridiculously overpriced." Well, that customer had no idea of the quality of the paper, the ribbons or the tie-ons, let alone high end chocolate that Todos Santos had. They were not just boxes of candy to be eaten and the containers tossed away. They were individual works of art!

Such as the ribbon badges adorn the sleeves of the male dancers participating in the Virgin of Carmen Festival in Paucartambo Peru, so naturally they made wonderful adornment to the packages boxes of chocolates.

Todos Santos loved Day of the Dead so much that they didn't limit it to October! They had a Day of the Dead Christmas, Day of the Dead Valentine's Day and Day of the Dead Easter!

This image was titled: "Low and Slow." lowrider Santa pulled by a wild pack of Chihuahuas! Created by recycled paper artist, Rick Phelps.

Another titled: "Sweet Jesus." These decorative hinged retablo boxes, called "nicnos" are a type of folk art popular throughout Central and South America. These Peruvian nichos served mostly as altars, but made a beautiful bed at Christmas for a sugar baby Jesus.

December 12th honors Our Lady Of Guadalupe, also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe, a Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary and patron saint who led Mexico to independence from Spain.

Titled "These Boots Were Made for Chocolate" These glittery boots were filled with chocolate, reminiscent of Chinese stockings.

This Christmas packaging was a nod to their customers from Texas.

Packaging for Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival!

Suggested as a Holiday hostess gift, This Indonesian box was filled with several pounds of chocolate and a Korean lemons surprise ball. Topped of with a Peruvian dance mask containing noisemakers, confetti, shooters, balloons and other party paraphernalia. (plus lots of ribbons, flowers, tinsel, feathers and bells for good measure!)

More custom made paper and mirror trim was used for a special gift!

Titled "Divine Bovine" this was a nod to the riotous color and flavors of India. Rose water, jasmine, cardamom and sacred cows all come together in an explosion of color and taste!

Again, beautiful hand made paper, miles of ribbon and religious iconography

This packaging was designed for January, 6th, or King's Day. It commigrates the visit of the Magi.

Folk Art designer, Wendy Addison's creations graced packages of premier chocolate! This was a creation for New Years.

Another Wendy Addison trim for baby shower gifts and favors. Probably gender reveal as well!

My favorite creations from Todos Santos were the chocolate Milagros that they used for Valentine's Day. The Sacred Heart of Jesus became wonderful truffles and caramels.

An example of what you might find inside your Valentine box!

One Valentine's Day the packaging included bead hearts made by the Maasai artists.

Another year's Valentine packaging using tin Milagros.

Todos Santos was always looking for ways to share the rich heritage and culture of Spanish Colonial New Mexica. These Sacred Heart ornaments designed by Benjamin Lujan were used to adorn their dark chocolate candy bars.

More Valentine packaging.

I have these Milagro heart boxes, too!

Valentine's Day 2021

I love this Easter packaging! I have a set of these metal Faberge Imperial Egg reproductions myself.

More inspired Easter packaging.

Tie-ons were sourced from all over the world.

from Czechoslovakia

from Japan

The mythical creature Alebrije masks were from Mexico. Others were sourced from Bali, Ecuador, Peru.

A Mother's Day offering had a heart from Peru.

Another Mother's Day offering used clay butterfly lady ornaments from Peru.

The inspiration for the design below was masking/Mardi Gras!

They used Pagos de Plomo "payments of lead" to decorate boxed chocolate. These small silver amulets are used in the Peruvian Andes as offerings to thee Earth Mother, Pachamama.

A customer posted this box of chocolates that she had received as a gift.

Here were the chocolates in it.

Todos Santos made items on special order.

Santa Fe's Museum of Spanish Colonial Arts placed a custom order to creatd favors for the opening night exhibit, "Mirror, Mirror."

These clay dog head party favors were created for a birthday dinner by the Jose Garcia Antonion family, Oaxacan potters.

Fashion was also a source of inspiration for Todos Santos. This packaging was inspired by the dress Cecil Beaton designed for Audrey Hepburn to wear in My Fair Lady.

I had to laugh at the explanation on this gift box. It was called the "I'm sorry" box...in case someone forgot Valentine's Day!

Here owner, Hayward, is in a playful mood!

Playfulness came in many forms. A Pez suit and mask by Steve White was a frequent display at Todos Santos.

More inspiration.

In 2005, Todos Santos started ordering calendars!

The owner said of this package, that he had been a boy scout and he thought of that when he found these cards. It also reminded him of Cher!

If there was anything iconic of Todos Santos it was their milagros. I bought some of these the first time I visited the shop. I also bought several body parts in silver leaf. I saved them for years. When deciding to write this blog I got them out and then had all crumbled.

They inspired me to make these for Christmas several years ago. I have gold leaf, but didn't use it.

On my second visit to the store, I purchased these boxes of candy. I could not bring myself to open them! Of course I still have them

An advertising card for Todos Santos.

A wonderful Milagro.

More advertising cards. I bought the silver leg and a gold heart and something else on my first visit. I can't remember.

More advertising cards.

Why did the store close? You can put the blame on the Corna Virus. During the first lockdown, Simoneaux lost 80% of his revenue.

Easter was the worst time for Simoneaux, falling on the very depths of the lockdown. He lost all his Easter chocolate, which involved hundreds of boxes from France, Belgium, Italy and local artisans.

He told me that he stopped shipping chocolate about 5 years ago. In store traffic was reduced considerably. Also, his lease at the plaza was ending.

Simoneaux does not have a plan for the future, yet, but here's hoping that he reopens another shop, but in Arizona. Perhaps in Scottsdale? Or Buckeye!

All the photos and captions were taken from the Todos Santo Archive board on Instagram.

To see lots more go to the Instagram site:

@todossantosarchive

Artist Extraordinaire!

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 01:52:00 +0000

It is my pleasure to introduce to you to artist Leslie Hackett!

I have purchased some of her creations at A Rare Bird Antiques in Minneapolis and started following her on Instagram this spring.

Leslie is the artist behind Myrtle Sletta. Her business is the namesake of her beloved grandmother. Leslie's earliest memories were of her grandmother encouraging her creativity.

One of Leslie's heart wreaths.

Leslie creates some enchanting items!

I asked Leslie to answer some questions for this blog. Here are her responses.

What is your background?

I grew up moving every 4 years and loved it! Born in Georgia, like many army babies, moved to Italy, Georgia, Minnesota, West Germany Florida, Berlin, Paris, New York, Ireland and finally Minnesota where both my parents are from.

I graduated from Parsons School of Design in the late 80's. I attend 2 years in Paris and two years in New York. I have lived in St. Paul for the last 27 years. During this time my husband and I raised our two sons and I continued to work on various creative projects.

I have been making art for as long as I could smear paint. I feel very lucky to have had lots of encouragement and support.

(This is interesting, because one of the first comments I made on her Instagram page was that she couldn't be from St. Paul. Her work looked more like it should be from Paris or New York, and she replied that she had live both places!)

Wouldn't you love to get a wrapped gift from Leslie?

What inspires you?

Beautiful materials and the thrill of combining them. The idea of feeling joy a shift of perspective when you see something really beautiful. Being part of a story or uncovering one. I love fairy tales, folk tales, history, movies and books. I love to garden, travel, take pictures an spend a lot of time just daydreaming.

How long have you been in business?

I filed the name Myrtle Sletta's (after my Grandother) 25 years ago. I have worked under this name, trimming Christmas trees, invitations, event planning and merchandising, and finally making my own collections. Before that, I mixed paints for a fabric designer, calligrapher, waited tables, ribbon buyer, store merchandiser and florist.

It is obvious that Leslie has a relationship with flowers.

What is your favorite item that you have created?

I'll let you know when I make it. My mind is constantly racing with ideas. To be fair, the Santos figure I dressed last Christmas, the crepe paper swags, heart pom wreath and ribbon cones. I like to work on multiple items at a time and wait to address every detail exploring as many combinations as I can!

Where do you shop in the area?

A Rare Bird Antiques in Minneapolis, Wet Paint, Paper Source and Regina's for candy. I make an annual trip to New York to shop in the garment district.

Current projects. A charming witch hat, left, and an Halloween wreath!

To what do you attribute your success?

My father once said I was lucky that as a creative person I am very organized. If I am successful in my art it's because I take the responsibility very seriously, I am tenacious and try to always improve.

What is the fun part of your business?

Are you kidding? Sourcing gorgeous materials and making exactly what I feel like making everyday and night, connecting with the kindest people looking for beauty, too.

What is the most challenging part of your business?

Technology. I struggle to keep the website updated, edit photos to my liking and I still struggle to post on Instagram even though I enjoy the platform and have met so many great people.

Because I love Easter, I love these projects that Leslie created!

If you could speak to your younger self, what would you tell yourself?

Just trust, everything works out, trust. When you doubt yourself, get some sleep, it's a waste of energy.

Source: Rosemille.com

What do you like to do on your days off?

You know the saying, "when you love what you do...." I don't take many days off. Friday night I sign off early and have dinner with my husband. I love to catch up with my family, garden, antique and look for beautiful materials.

Where can we find your creations?

On my website Myrtlestudio@bigcartel.com and a Rare Bird Antiques are the best sources. Kelly and I have become friends, she is very supportive and carries a vast assortment. I have somethings at Martha's Gardens in St. Paul, and La Rue Marche in Hudson.

Leslie hosts an open house at her home at Christmastime.

She also creates for most holidays and more. There are ribbon wrapped sticks, pom pom wreaths, boxes and cards, to name a few. The variety is endless!

Leslie's workroom:

To see more of her creations on Instagram, use this address: www.instagram.com/myrtlesletta

To visit her website use this address: https://myrtlesstudio.bigcartel.com

All photos were by Leslie, with her permission.

Thank you Leslie, for letting me share your amazing creativity!

EVERYTHING'S PEACHY!

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 20:13:00 +0000

We all love peaches. Well, I haven't eaten peaches until this year, but I have found some wonderful peach recipes that I want to share with you!

They say that peach is the most flattering color that a woman can wear. My husband and I had a peachy coral bedroom for years. Fung Shui said it was bad luck, but I think it was gorgeous!

Okay for some recipes! How about Peaches and Proscuitto?

At: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/summer-salads#slide-5

Or Bacon Peach Jam:

https://stripedspatula.com/bacon-peach-jam/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=292053222_5505285_154964

Or Blender Peach Ice Cream:

https://www.lifeloveliz.com/2015/06/17/peach-ice-cream/

Or Peach and Brie Tart:

https://www.cookswithcocktails.com/puff-pastry-tart/

Or: Honey Ricottta Peach Peach Crostini with Crispy Panchetta

https://thesuburbansoapbox.com/honey-ricotta-peach-crostini-crispy-pancetta

Or how about 3 ingredient Peach Sorbet:

https://www.aheadofthyme.com/3-ingredient-peach-sorbet/

Or Crostini with Peaches, Blue Cheese and Honey

https://bevcooks.com/2013/05/crostini-with-peaches-blue-cheese-and-honey-a-giveaway/

Or how about: Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Salad:

I think these bacon wrapped peach slices look good, my husband disagrees! He thinks they would be messy. Of course all he likes is Peach Crisp or Cobbler.

From Food Crush

These Peach and Brie Quesadillas with Lime-Honey Dipping Sauce also look good.

https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/peach-brie-quesadillas-with-lime-honey-dipping-sauce

We made these the other night and I loved them! My husband used smoked chicken instead of cooked chicken. Pepper Jack, Chicken, and Peach Quesadillas. We had chopped cilantro and sour cream with them instead of basil and onions.

https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pepper-jack-chicken-peach-quesadillas

Of course you have to have some cocktails with peaches, too. Not just bellinis.

Frozen Peach Margaritas

https://cookingwithcurls.com/2016/07/07/frozen-peach-margaritas/

or Peach and Prosecco

http://www.willcookforfriends.com/2014/08/grilled-peach-rosemary-prosecco.html

The newest recipe that peaks my interest is this salad:

A bacon wrapped peach caprese salad.

This photo doesn't show the bacon wrapped peaches that they top this salad with but they show it on instagram and in the recipe. Tastermade.com

INGREDIENTS

Caprese:
One bunch fresh basil
8 ripe yellow peaches
4 ripe tomatoes
8 strips bacon
3 large fresh mozzarella balls
Sea salt
Black pepper
Balsamic vinegar reduction:
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup honey

INSTRUCTIONS

1. For the balsamic vinegar reduction:

2. In a small skillet, combine vinegar and honey and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid has reduced and thickened. Set aside to cool.

3. For the caprese:

4. Halve four peaches and wrap each half in a bacon strip. In a cast-iron pan, cook bacon-wrapped peaches until bacon is cooked and peaches are tender. Set aside to cool to room temperature while you assemble the salad.

5. For the salad, thinly slice the tomatoes, the four remaining peaches and the mozzarella. Layer all the peaches, mozzarella and tomatoes in alternating order, then top liberally with balsamic reduction. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Then you put the bacon wrapped peaches on the top, in the center.

Of course, dining with a peachy table setting and a peach colored floral arrangement could enhance the enjoyment of these dishes....so could dressing in peachy tones!

Image from :weddingforward.com

Image from Bella Mint photography

M.lulus.com

polyvore.com

etsy.com

handbagdejour.com

I really like this!

polyvore.com

Well, I hope you enjoy this tasty blog!

CHIC AND YE SHALL FIND: This Focaccia Isn’t Your Garden-Variety Flatbread ...

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Sat, 02 May 2020 21:07:00 +0000

CHIC AND YE SHALL FIND: This Focaccia Isn’t Your Garden-Variety Flatbread ...: Link here: https://www.momknowsbest.net/2020/02/how-to-make-focaccia-bread-flowers.html My personal favorite below (I ...

This Focaccia Isn’t Your Garden-Variety Flatbread Anymore!

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Sat, 02 May 2020 20:40:00 +0000

Link here: https://www.momknowsbest.net/2020/02/how-to-make-focaccia-bread-flowers.html

My personal favorite below (I am not a huge vegetable fan!)

I like this one, too! Recipe here: https://danbeasleyharling.com/bread/focaccia/

Created by Terri Culletto. Before baking

Created by Terri Culletto. After baking

For several weeks now, I have been seeing these beautifully decorated focaccia, dotted with vegetables on my Instagram feed.

I am fascinated by this pheonomin! You already know that I like beautiful food...plated or prepared and these works of art are beautiful and creative!

I quote the New York Times article which was published April 24th by Amelia Nierenberg

· Read the whole article here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/dining/focaccia-bread.html?smid=ig-nytcooking&utm_source=curalate_like2buy&utm_medium=curalate_like2buy_gnauQ5q1__85c57964-581f-41a6-8ae6-ca60659ba09c&crl8_id=85c57964-581f-41a6-8ae6-ca60659ba09c

"In kitchens across the world, focaccia gardens are blooming. On top of the flatbreads, cherry tomatoes open like petals, with long scallion stalks for stems. Yellow-pepper sunflowers stand tall with Kalamata olives at their center. Red onions bud in bushes made from fresh herbs.

As pandemic activities on social media go, this one might just be the prettiest. Home bakers decorate their focaccia with bouquets and swirls: The flat, white dough is an easy canvas, and just as simple to prepare. During a spring when so many of us are confined, decorating them allows many bakers to bring the outdoors inside by tending these edible gardens.

“It’s cathartic and therapeutic,” said Teri Culletto, a home baker in Vineyard Haven, Mass., who is thought to have started the trend. “If we had dinner parties to go to, you’d want everybody to have their socks on, because you’d knock them off.”

Ms. Culletto, 56, posted her first focaccia garden on Instagram in February 2019. Soon after, other bakers were making their own versions. They now poke around one another’s accounts, sharing decorating tips."

"Raw vegetables, for example, are tricky, because they have different water contents. Thicker pieces are better, as thinner ones might burn. Purple potatoes are excellent for the blue, indigo and violet parts of the rainbow, said Hannah Page, a 36-year-old high school teacher in Raleigh, N.C., who posts under @blondieandrye. Ms. Culletto discovered that dipping fresh herbs in lemon water might keep them greener in a hot oven"

My favorite ones are from @blondeandrye in Instagram.

The Bored Panda writes "This chef, who's behind the Instagram account Blondie and Rye, makes the most mesmerizing, meticulously-crafted, crispy snacks that are simply a feast for our eyes. Hannah—a North Carolina-based baker—has over 100k Instagram followers with whom she shares before and after pictures of her intricate, flour-covered creations. Some of them are scrupulously carved, while others are decorated with fruits and vegetables. Nonetheless, Hannah's audience continues growing as more and more followers are keeping track of her eye-catching pastries. "I’ve never felt so excited and inspired by bread!" one woman comments on one of Blondie and Rye's Instagram posts. "The most beautiful loaves I [have] ever seen!" another person noted."

https://www.boredpanda.com/carved-blondie-and-rye-bread/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

Here are some of hers:

These are before baking.

These are after baking

Blondie and Rye can be found on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. I would say that she is famous now! She does share recipes. This one was on The Feedfeed:

https://thefeedfeed.com/blondieandrye/mixed-cheese-and-scallion-fougasse

She also carves bread like this, but that is a whole other blog!

For more ideas from other bakers, follow my Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/dailyelegance/bread-stuffs/

WHEN SOMEONE GIVES YOU LEMONS, YOU MAKE.......

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 19:17:00 +0000

lemonade, limoncello, shortbread.... It all started with a gift of three lemons from a generous friend.

These are no ordinary lemons. They are as big as a man's fist!

It took a little prep work! We love the sparkling lemonade from World Market and always keep the empty bottles at both houses, mostly filled with cold water to serve at dinner parties.

I decided to try Limoncello. I am in quarantine with time on my hands! I used one lemon for this. (I didn't have much vodka on hand!)

Recipe here: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/limoncello-recipe-1916618

I used the other 2 lemons for home made lemonade. I chose to make the simple syrup. I had to use a big stock pot to hold it all!

Recipe here: https://temeculablogs.com/fresh-squeezed-lemonade-recipe/

The lemonade was good!

Then a few weeks later, I wanted to try some recipes with rosemary in them. I had experimented with lavender and basil. Why not lemons and rosemary? So I asked my generous friend for a lemon. This is what she brought!

We have a prolific prostrate rosemary plant! Rosemary is one of Don's favorite herbs. So I tried some recipes with rosemary in them.

My first experiment was making lemon rosemary shortbread. They have a subtle sweetness and are slightly savory.

Recipe here: https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/lemon-rosemary-shortbread/

Then onto Rosemary flatbread "crackers." The recipe says to roll these out, or if you want them crispier to use a pasta roller, which is what I did.

Recipe here; https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Crisp-Rosemary-Flatbread-Crackers-1709628

I also tried a Martha Stewart adaptation of parmesan rosemary crackers. Don thought these were more like a savory cookie. They needed to be much thinner, but they taste good!

Recipe here: https://alexandracooks.com/2011/12/30/glogg-parmesan-rosemary-crackers-new-years-eve-in-the-making/

I also have more lemon juice to play with.

Lemons can be fun to decorate with. In fact I am thinking that could be a great Christmas idea in Arizona next year. I will have to find friends with LOTS of lemons!

I might have to take the Limoncello back home and have a fancy dessert party with it!

I could serve lemonade with fancy lemon slices.

Or we could have a cool cocktail on a hot afternoon!

Or I could serve lemon sorbet in lemons. I find my electric juicer makes the best lemon "bowls."

Recipe here: https://whatscookingamerica.net/SorbetLemon.htm

Perhaps I should have decorated flower arrangements with them.

Why do we use lemons in cut flowers? Here is an excerpt on that answer.

"While cut flowers don't last forever, you can extend the length of time you'll enjoy them by employing a few simple tricks, including adding lemon juice and sugar to the water, or by lining a vase with lemon slices for visual interest (or, OK, to sometimes hide the stems). Here's really why you might want to put lemons in with your flowers.

Reason #1: To make your own flower food.

Often when you purchase a bouquet from the store, it comes with a little flower feeder packet. This is a combination of three substances: citric acid, sugar, and an antimicrobial agent. They work together to keep the cut blossoms going strong. (The citric acid helps open up those stems to allow water in, the sugar provides carbs, and the antimicrobial prevents fungus growth inside the vase.)

However, if you are using flowers from your own garden (or don't get the little packet of feeder), you can make your own mixture to keep those blossoms happy and looking good. Here's where you have to be careful about what you read on the internet: neither aspirin nor vinegar will help your plants.

Instead, make a mixture that duplicates the ingredients in the little packet. Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (for the citric acid), 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon bleach (for the antimicrobial agent) into a quart of distilled water. The mixture both offers fertilizer for your cut flowers and opens their stems to water intake. Finally, it helps to reduce the microbes in your flower water, which slows down the decomposition of the stems.

Reason #2: For visual interest.

Lemon slices are pretty, in and of themselves, yellow and shiny with juice. Creative folk make use of their decorative qualities by placing them carefully in a large vase or pitcher. They cut the lemons into slim slices about 1/3 of an inch thick, then line the inside of the vase with them.

Do all those lemons make the water too acidic? They might if they were actually in the flower water. But here's the trick. In order to accomplish this cool look you use a slender vase inside the larger vase or pitcher.

Put cut flowers and their water (as well as cut-flower feeding mixture) into the slender vase. Then place this vase inside the larger vase or pitcher. The lemon slices get positioned between the two vases. You can see them from the outside but they are totally independent of the flowers and water."

https://www.hunker.com/13426344/why-put-lemons-in-a-vase-with-flowers

Or if you are like me, you might have some plastic lemons in an arrangement!

Ciao!

LOVING LAVENDER TIME IN ARIZONA!

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 01:16:00 +0000

My Lavender is just beginning to bloom again! I want to take advantage of it this year.

About 6-8 years ago, we planted a small hedge in the south side of our front porch. It is about 5 feet tall now. It is French Lavender that we bought at Lowe's.

We also have a English or Spanish Lavender that we purchased at Costco in St. Louis Park last spring. We actually bought two and planted them in the planter on the front of our house (facing south.) They didn't bloom until almost a year later, here in Arizona. (We lost one on the trip down.)

The bees love them both.

I am partial to the French Lavender. Five years ago, before we built a courtyard in front of the house, I held a "tea" for several friends, outside, by the hedge. I was a little worried about the bees, but everything was fine!

My menu included foods with edible Lavender flowers.

This cookie is similar to the ones that I made. The recipe for these Lemon Lavender cookies is here: https://avirtualvegan.com/lemon-lavender-shortbread-cookies/#wprm-recipe-container-9489

I made this French Almond Cake with Lemon Lavender Glaze. Recipe here: https://www.daringgourmet.com/french-almond-cake-with-lavender-lemon-glaze/

I made Lavender Lemonade and used the Lavender as stir sticks! Recipe: https://www.thefoodlog.net/lavender-lemonade-lemonade-recipe/utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=686766278_27313098_494436

Look how pretty it looks with the Spanish Lavender garnish!

This year, I think I will make Lavender Sorbet. Recipe: https://www.sidewalkshoes.com/lavender-sorbet/

Or Lavender cocktails! Lavendar Moscow Mule. Recipe: https://www.culinaryhomemade.com/2019/08/lavender-moscow-mule-drinks-classicdrink.html

Or a Lemon Lavender Martini? Recipe: https://creative-culinary.com/lavender-lemonade-martini-cocktail-recipe/

Or a Lavender Paloma?Recipe: http://poshlittledesigns.com/2015/07/17/lavender-paloma/

To make most of these cocktails you need Lavender simple Syrup.

Recipe: https://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2019/08/lavender-simple-syrup-lavender-latte-recipe.html

Of course, in Arizona, we must make a Lavender Margarita. Recipe: https://thealmondeater.com/simple-lavender-margarita/#wprm-recipe-container-16472

So, I need to harvest my lavender!

Of course, there is Lavender in the house!

And on the front door! (Home Goods

Au Revoir!

EASTER IN THE DIGITAL AGE - A PERSONAL MEMOIR

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 01:17:00 +0000

I have a collection of Easter photos in an album in Minnesota. But I have a lot of digital photos on my computer..

Here are some Easter memories of my past:

2009

This Easter was in our home in Redwood Falls. I love my Mottahedeh tureen! It was a gift from Don.

In 2009, I did an egg tree in my Redwood Falls sunroom.

Our granddaughter Audrey was two. She was excited to get a visit from the Easter bunny!

2010

Our family came to visit for Easter.

Now Audrey is three! This is in our Redwood Falls home. Lots of nests and baskets! She is a happy three year old!

Bunny P j's.

Our Easter dinner table. I had used white tulips anchored in real chicken eggs! Those nests will appear again!

Easter decor in 2010, in my Antelope Trail kitchen!

My friend, Loree, had just been to Paris and brought me Laduree macrons in the lovely cylinder box!

2011

Someone new joined our family in 2011, Betsy Elizabeth!

For Easter 2011, our family came to visit our new house on Lasso Lane! We had just moved in.

Audrey, now 4, dyed and decorated eggs.

My basket is from Pier One. I have a wreath to match.

Golden eggs in a bowl and forced blossoms.

How about a few fake chocolate eggs? The fresh flowers are from Fry's.

2012

In 2012, our family visited again and Audrey dyed more eggs!

We celebrated at our lake home. This was Easter breakfast. I planted Violas in empty egg shells. This year you could buy reproductions of this idea at Michael's.

For Easter dinner, I used my fern placemats from Pier One and my majolica plates from Target and Tuesday Morning.

The plastic "chick" eggs had treats inside.

Do you see a theme here? I love baby chicks at Easter!

The girls discovering their bunny surprises.

This was the year that Audrey ate all of her chocolate at once. She was ill on the trip back to her home and stopped eating chocolate for years!

Miss Betsy with mom, Jennifer.

2013

We went to our friends for Easter dinner. It was a pot luck and I made these fruit skewers.

2014

These eggs were the start of our Easter decor. I remember buying these glitter eggs at Walmart. They will show up again!

Our table in 2014. We did not entertain. I staged this for a photoshoot for an online magazine. I had brought my sterling (another Christmas gift from Don) down from Minnesota. It is Repousse by Kirk Stieff.

The bathroom.

The kitchen island with the Durr basket.

New Walmart mirrored eggs.

Walmart glitter eggs.

Forsythia and lemons with gold nest and bird.

2015

Some Arizona decor.

My bronze bunnies are from my days working as a designer at 509 Design in Marshall,Minnesota. I use them frequently at Easter.

This basket was purchased from Durr Ltd. in Edina when my daughter, Jennifer, was the manager there in the early '90s. I remember Don really hating to pack this basket in the car and bring it to Arizona from Minnesota!

More eggs from Walmart, this time mirrored eggs.

2016

The wreath was probably from Home Goods. There are the pastel foil bunnies that were in the Antelope Trail kitchen. A variety of pink eggs are in the bowl on the left (on the riser.)

Here are the bronze bunnies again with my large "Egg" container. It is filled with all types of gold eggs, mirrored, glitter, plastic, etc. This large oval container was my dining room centerpiece when our home was in Phoenix Home and Garden in December 2014.

The guest bath.

My beside table with a gold nest and eggs. The Home Goods floral arrangement was in the Antelope Trail kitchen photo. I have also used these gold nests from Home Goods at Christmas with gold birds.

You will see these rabbits and hydrangeas are used over and over again, since most of my Easter decor is in Minneapolis.

Below is 2016 in our new Minneapolis home. We have not been back for Easter since this one (four years now.) We have been fortunate to be Easter dinner guests of two different friends' homes in Arizona. I found these egg shaped plastic plates at World Market that year and thought they were charming. There four patterns, but I selected 8 of these.

I love photo props!

My kitchen island. I went straight to Trader Joe's for flowers when we arrived back in Minneapolis for the holiday.

Gold foil chocolate eggs for my granddaughters.

That green lamb box has been separated from it's lid until this past summer. The egg box with the chick is from A J's Fine Foods.

The girl's table only seats 4-5. A couple of years ago, we purchased a 60" round table top for this table and now we can seat 8 at this table when we entertain. Most of the time it seats 4.

The cute chick is from A J's Fine Foods in Arizona. Both granddaughters got one! The crackers were from World Market. They match the plates.

The men's table!

My salad

Our fancy asparagus.

Betsy with another photo prop, all from World Market.

2017

Our coffee table in Arizona. The Herend rabbit was a Christmas gift from Don. I would love tons more!

The old Durr Easter basket from the '90s

Another Durr Ltd Easter basket, purchased at the same time, decorating the guest bath room.

During the season, I played with different tablescapes. I bought these two lovely unusual orchids at Fry's.

The blue hydrangeas were joined by white tulips and forced blossoms. Accented with my Staffordshire bunny and my small collection of Limoges eggs.

We did not host an Easter dinner per se, but held a brunch on the Saturday before.

I used my minaudiere.

The centerpiece was made of purchased orchids from the grocery store, the gitter eggs, the bronze rabbits and a Rose Medallion chestnut bowl.

This was the year that I purchased my set of antique Rose Medallion dinnerware, which was made in China. A few pieces were purchased in an antiques shop, but most from a consignment store in Surprise. What a find!

My monogrammed napkins are from Ballard Designs.

I made chocolate "nests" with chow mein noodles, M & M's and Peeps. I should have dipped the white side of the Peeps in pink sugar.

The quiche had a hash brown crust.

Recipe: https://happilyunprocessed.com/spinach-and-gruyere-cheese-quiche-with-a-hash-brown-crust/
I also molded "bunny"butter. It is a tradition in our family for everyone to get individual molded bunny butters! Since my small mold is not here, I did one large one.

I also made these rolls, but only a few of mine looked this nice as this photo from Pinterest.

https://platedcravings.com/easter-bunny-dinner-breadsticks/

How the rest of the house looked. The candelabra on the buffet was a find at The French Bee when they were reducing inventory before their move to their new store.

I found an arrangement in "Flower" magazine and went to Michael's and bought materials to duplicate it in my antique Rose Medallion bowl.

These obelisks went back to Minnesota last year to use in the 2019 Christmas decorating there.

I found the Rose Medallion vase for a steal in the consignment shop in Surprise, where I got my dinnerware, because it has a chip in the rim (which is always covered by flowers or in the back!)

It was fun to use my antique Staffordshire pottery lamb spill.

We were invited to a Easter dinner potluck. I chose to make cake balls for dessert.

There were a few that didn't fit on my tray!

2019

These tulips are silk. I use either pink tulips, white tulips, blue hydrangeas and forced branches in the house every spring. I keep an wardrobe of silk flowers for the house!

The coffee table has silk cabbages that I had ordered for a fall arrangement and the wreath that was on the island a year earlier.

The small gray table has a glass glitter bunny and egg from Home Goods. I have three of these eggs, a gray, a mauve and a celedon one. They have been in past pictures.

Here is the celedon one in my bathroom:

I played with different gold tablescapes. I had just brought these candlesticks down from up north last fall.

There is a new gold bunny from Home Goods. Here the pink tulips are mixed with the Peonies.

Of course, I had to have a princess chick for myself.

My daughter gave me this 2-piece riser set for Christmas one year. It is usually on the kitchen island, when I use it. It is from Wisteria.com.

See the glitter bunny pick?

Because we had been guests for Easter dinner for several years, we hosted Easter dinner this year. I started with another fairly recent purchase. The dinner plates and luncheon plates were from Antique Gatherings. I had wanted dishes like these for years. I even bought some accent pieces years ago, but it took me so long to finally buy the set that I had given all my pieces as gifts to a friend who also loves this pattern.

I started by choosing the dinnerware. I knew that I wanted some kind of chocolate rabbit under the dome, but I couldn't decide if it should be a hollow rabbit or a solid one. Cost won out and I chose the Russell Stover solid rabbit that I "glued" to the bottom of the pedestal with frosting. By the way, the white pedestals were $1.00 each from the dollar spot at target and the domes were over candles that were on sale after Christmas at Fry's, for 90% off, so I bought 8 of each.

The centerpiece? Those old glitter eggs and two of the four rose arrangements that I had bought at Home Goods. You can see them in my Christmas dinner party blog where they were the centerpiece for that party as well!

I was given a set of gold flatware at Christmas (from one of the guests) so it was natural to use it!

I used a few serving pieces on the console.

The finished table.

A guest brought the salad but I found the palmiers at Basha's in Verrado.

And here was my asparagus this time.

'I used thee blue hydrangeas on the island.

And mini bundt cake "nests" for dessert.

Recipe: https://www.positivelysplendid.com/mini-bundt-cakes/

2020

This year I bought the two lambs from my wholesale ribbon company. They were a closeout! The tulips were a splurge from Home Goods.

I also bought two rabbits at Fry's on sale last year. I used them on the dining room table and now in the kitchen. You can read about the Easter luncheon that didn't happen on a previous blog. I was an ode to my carrot plates.

I wanted to keep my Easter decorations informal this year.

No glitter, no gilt or mirrors or overblown floral arrangements! Here was my kitchen island a couple of days ago.

The pansies are also from the '90s. Gradually my holiday decor is migrating from the north to the southwest.

I love the iron cross.

The santos has a crown of thorns that is made of silver. That little crown was another gift from Don. The wire mesh "eggs" are actually flower or grape cages to keep birds away from the flowers or fruit. I think they were from Rustic Stuff.

The stone reminds me of the stone rolled away from the tomb.

This is how it looks today.

The living room.

My bedside table now has a Staffordshire rabbit, again, a gift from Don, but my friend, Marcia, also gave me a matching one.

My desk.

Happy Easter 2020. I wish that you are your family are social distancing and staying safe!

The reason for the season.

THE PHOENIX ART MUSEUM HAS AN OPPORTUNITY!

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 20:56:00 +0000

I am a member of the Phoenix Art Museum.

Before I joined, they used to host a fall flower show in which floral artists interpreted works of art with a floral arrangement. Many museums do that. Some, like the Minneapolis Institute of Art make it a three day event with luncheons, speakers, and styleshows besides stunning floral displays.

About 4 years ago, they hired a new director who promptly canceled that event during her tenure.

Today I received an announcement that a new director has been hired. Timothy J Rodgers is the new Sybil Harrington Director and CEO of the Phoenix Art Museum.

Tim has experience with the PAM as well as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. (SMoCA)

I hope he can see the value of reinstating the community draw the flower show was to the museum. As stated, I used to attend the autumn flower event annually even though I didn't belong to the museum. It was a draw for me and I would drive 30 miles, each way, to the museum for it every year.

I also joined the Arizona Costume Institute a year ago. I have been attending the regular monthly luncheons and programs.

This membership has given me a new and fresh prospective on the flower show. Reinstating the annual flower show would be a huge draw to the museum for non-members and publicity for new ACI memberships . But, I propose a twist that would involve cooperation between the museum and ACI.

We have all seen the Christmas costumes from floral designers. It is a new twist on the Charity Designer Christmas tree shows.

There are many, but here are a few:

Heres is something that the Phoenix Art Museum could get behind. But what about changing it up to a spring show? It could be sponsored by the Costume Institute and it could be a huge spring draw!

Here are some examples. The creations could be gowns or dresses.

There could be tutus.

The displays could include accessories such as purses, shawls and shoes! The whole design community could get behind this, no matter if they are a large or small business.

Or hats!

The flora could be applied to real clothes....

There could categories for fresh flora or silk.

Of course the show could be held in the autumn again.

I still like springtime best.

There is something very couture about spring!

LETS BRING FLOWERS BACK TO THE PHOENIX ART MUSEUM!

Stay safe!

FREAKSHAKES! WOW!

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 21:15:00 +0000

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FASCINATED BY FREAKSHAKES!

IT IS A NEW PHENOMENON THAT HAS BEEN SWEEPING THE COUNTRY THANKS TO THE FOOD NETWORK SHOWS LIKE "CARNIVAL EATS" AND "I CAN'T BELIEVE I ATE THAT."

THEY ARE KIND OF LIKE THE WHOPPER BLOODY MARY'S THAT BARS ARE CREATING TO SEE WHO CAN PUT THE MOST TOPPINGS ON A DRINK!

LAST JULY 4TH, I DID MODIFIED FREAK SHAKES....THEY WERE ACTUALLY FREAK SODAS! MINE HAD GLUTEN FREE LICORICE, ROCK CANDY STICKS IN BLUE AND RED AND LOLLYPOPS WHICH WERE TO HEAVY FOR SODAS.

I HAVE A PINTEREST BOARD THAT YOU CAN LOOK AT FOR INSPIRATION: https://www.pinterest.com/dailyelegance/freakshakes/

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS IF YOU WANT TO TRY CREATING THEM FOR YOURSELF.

THEY CAN BE AS COMPLICATED AS THIS ONE.....

OR AS SIMPLE AS THIS ONE.

JUST BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN WITH THEM!

HERE ARE A FEW PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU.

GENERALLY YOU NEED SOMETHING STICKY TO ADHERE YOUR TOPPINGS TO THE RIM OF YOUR GLASS. IN MANY OF THESE PHOTOS, THEY USED CHOCOLATE SYRUP. I USED KARO CLEAR SYRUP FOR MY SPRINKLES.

I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO ORDER ONE OF THESE AND THERE IS A PLACE IN SCOTTSDALE WHERE THEY CREATE A NEW FLAVOR EVERY MONTH. THAT PLACE IS ZUZU IN THE VALLEY HO HOTEL. (https://linkin.bio/eatatzuzu)

I FOLLOW THEM ON INSTAGRAM (EATZUZU) AND HAVE WANTED TO GO AND ORDER ONE, BUT THERE IS ALWAYS ONE INGREDIENT THAT PUTS ME OFF. I WAITING FOR THE PERFECT COMBO! (THAT IS USUALLY ONE THEY CREATE IN THE SUMMERTIME!)

I THINK THEY ARE SMART SERVING IT ON A HUGE TRAY!

HERE IS THE MARCH OFFERING FROM ZUZU. IT HAD TEA IN IT!

THE FEBRUARY SHAKE HAD STRAWBERRIES IN IT!

THEY ALSO DID THIS ONE IN JANUARY FOR CHARITY.

DECEMBER'S HAD MOCHA IN IT.

THE OCTOBER ONE HAD PUMPKIN SPICE WITH CHOCOLATE AND I COULD HAVE HANDLED THAT, BUT NONE OF THE OTHERS HAVE HAD INGREDIENTS THAT I WOULD WANT EAT. SO I AM PICKY! I HAVE A SWEET TOOTH. GIVE ME CHOCOLATE, CARAMEL, NUTS, POPCORN NOT FRUIT, TEA OR COFFEE IN MY SWEETS!

WHEN THEY HAVE A FLAVOR THAT I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT, WHO WILL GO WITH ME?

CHIC AND YE SHALL FIND: PLATING AND PRESENTATION

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 04:38:00 +0000

CHIC AND YE SHALL FIND: PLATING AND PRESENTATION: I have always been drawn to beautiful food! I see it on Pinterest and Instagram daily.' Today's chefs are truly artists! Some ...

PLATING AND PRESENTATION

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 04:30:00 +0000

I have always been drawn to beautiful food! I see it on Pinterest and Instagram daily.'

Today's chefs are truly artists!

Some of my favorite photographs are:

from foodandgardeiningproclub.com

from Tate Dining Room

This is a modern interpretation of a caprese salad. I actually have these bowls in Minneapolis! This salad is much prettier that the ones I make! I guess I am a rustic cook.

Scallops from Karlo Evaristo

from Theartofplating.com

from greenorc.com

Yellow zuchinni spiral, goat cheese sphere and tomato from rubwatches.uk

from archzine.fr

from aliface post tumbler

I think you are getting the idea!

I am always frustrated that I see pretty photos of food art on Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram without recipes. Well that changed when I started following Cookniche on Instagram.

They post photos without recipes, but they also have recipes that we could all could try on their website.

This recipe for this beef tenderloin is from Karlo Evanisto. Get it here: https://cookniche.com/Recipe.aspx?name=KarloEvaristo&IDservice=1370

This smoked duck breast appetizer recipe by Evgeny Nasyrov can be found here:https://cookniche.com/Recipe.aspx?name=EvgenyNasyrov&IDservice=1325

This prawn tempura, pumpkin gnochi and tomato fondue by Theodorus Setyo can be found here: https://cookniche.com/Recipe.aspx?name=TheodorusSetyo&IDservice=1333

This summer duck by Grant Irvin can be found here: https://GrantIrvincookniche.com/Recipe.aspx?name=GrantIrvin&IDservice=1360

This cold angel hair cavier by Sebastien Lepinoy can be found here: https://cookniche.com/Recipe.aspx?name=SebastienLepinoy&IDservice=1350

The recipe for these seared scallops and twice cooked pork belly by Peter Rollinson can be found here: https://cookniche.com/Recipe.aspx?name=PeterRollinson&IDservice=1173

This recipe for cod and prawns in lobster bisque by Con Vailas can be found here: https://cookniche.com/Recipe.aspx?name=ConVailas&IDservice=1224

This recipe for scallops with Jeruslem artichoke puree by Phil Clark can be found here: https://cookniche.com/Recipe.aspx?name=PhilClark&IDservice=1324

I could go on and on but I will let you browse the recipes by yourself. The address is https://cookniche.com/cRecipe.aspx

THE EASTER LUNCHEON THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 21:26:00 +0000

I WAS SO ANXIOUS TO TRY OUT THESE IDEAS THIS SEASON. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD "FANCY" EASTER DECOR IN ARIZONA, BUT THIS YEAR, I WANTED SOMETHING MORE "EARTHY!"

I STARTED WITH MY CARROT PLATES THAT I HAVE HAD FOR YEARS. THAT LEAD ME TO THIS PROJECT WHICH I HAD FUN CREATING!

I HAD SAVED THIS IDEA FROM PINTEREST AND THEN ORDERED EVERYTHING FROM MICHAEL'S.

THIS WAS THE INSPIRATION:

FROM: https://www.hometalk.com/27933080/spring-carrot-door-hanger

NEXT CAME THE TABLE:

THE CENTERPIECE WAS INSPIRED BY THIS PIN:

FORTUNATELY, I HADN'T PURCHASED THE CARROTS YET BEFORE I HAD TO CANCEL. I WAS GOING TO USE REAL CARROTS.

I FOUND THESE ADORABLE CARROT THEMED CANDIES FOR THE LUNCHEON.

MID WINTER, MICHEAL'S CAME OUT WITH THESE CHARGERS THAT RESEMBLED DOILIES. I BOUGHT A COUPLE AND JENNIFER BOUGHT THE REST FOR MY BIRTHDAY GIFT.

I LOVE THE CONTRAST OF THE BLACK PLATE WITH THE WHITE CHARGER, THE PLATES ALSO BRING OUT THE RIM ON THE DESSERT PLATES.

I HAD VINTAGE WIRE CARROTS THAT I BENT INTO NAPKIN RINGS. I ALSO HAD PLACE CARDS THAT I ATTACHED A FELT CARROT STICKER (FROM HOBBY LOBBY) AND FROM HOME GOODS, CARROT "CRACKERS" WITH SURPRISES INSIDE.

I FOUND THE LONG WOODEN CARROT BOWL AT MARSHALL'S AND IT WAS TO HOLD CARROT CUT OUT COOKIES.

THE MENU WAS TO BE "CARROTS" FILLED WITH EGG SALAD AND ANOTHER FILLED WITH HAM SALAD. MY DAUGHTER, KATY, WENT TO OUR COLD MINNESOTA HOUSE AND FOUND THE FORMS AND MAILED THEM TO ME! (OF COURSE I HAVE FORMS FOR MAKING THEM, DOESN'T EVERYBODY?)

FOR DESSERT WERE MY CARROT SUGAR COOKIES

AND "CARROT" FILLED CUPCAKES.

NO CARROT CAKE AT MY HOUSE! ONLY CHOCOLATE WILL DO!

ALONG WITH THE COOKIES AND CUPCAKES, MY GUESTS WOULD HAVE GOTTEN A CHOCOLATE BUNNY FILLED WITH BAILEY'S FOR DESSERT.

I BOUGHT TEN OF THESE TO FILL WITH BAILEY'S IRISH CREAM.

THE IDEA CAME FROM THIS BLOG: http://www.cedarandrush.com/2019/03/easter-cocktails.html

I CONSIDERED SERVING CARROT MIMOSAS, BUT I WANT TO TASTE THEM FIRST!

I THINK IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GRAND DAY! HOPEFULLY, I WILL BE ABLE TO TRY THIS NEXT YEAR.

MY VINTAGE CARROT DESSERT/SALAD PLATES AND

CARROT "CRACKER" FAVORS.

WITH THE LEFTOVER FROSTING, I DECORATED MY FAVORITE CHOCOLATE COVERED MARSHMALLOW EGGS FROM ZACHARY!

HAVE A SAFE AND BLESSED EASTER!

LONDON IN BLOOM!

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 22:09:00 +0000

I have been seeing such beautiful posts on Instagram lately. They show some of the shops and cafes in London dressed in gorgeous flowers.

Don and I witnessed this first hand in Edinburgh last fall. I had Don stand by the shop and touch them to see if they were real!

Well it is springtime in London!

There is a young photographer who has become quite an influencer. With so much ugliness rearing it head these days, she chooses to share beauty!

Meet Gulshan.

Gulshan

Gulshan is a Londoner and Creator of @caffeinecouture on Instagram.

Her work has been featured in Vogue USA, Elle Decor and Bazaar!

You can find her on Facebook Gulshan @gulshanlondon or on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/gulshanlondon/

She does not appear to be on Pinterest, but her photographs certainly are!

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=gulshanlondon&rs=filter

Here are some of her photographs of cafes and patisseries around London.

Peggy Porchen Cakes

Mr.Foggs

@aubaineuk

@moysestevens

@maitrechoux

@theivymarketgrill

London

@byappointmentonlydesign

Harrods

@theivyasiastpauls

@maddoxgallery

@earlyhoursltd

@graceandrhorn

@moyesstevens

@fait_maison_london (Valentine's Day)

@mrfoggs

@fait_maison_london

@earlyhoursltd

@feyacafe

@dallowayterrace

@dos-maggiore

@annabelsmayfair

Peggy Porschen Cakes

Now that you have seen some of her posts from Instagram, let's find out more about her, as posted on her Instagram site.

From gorgeous flowers.......

To dreamy cafes......

To springtime homes in London....

Gulshan's photos make me happy. How about you?

CHIC AND YE SHALL FIND: RUDE? WHO ME? HOLIDAY PARTIES

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 22:47:00 +0000

CHIC AND YE SHALL FIND: RUDE? WHO ME? HOLIDAY PARTIES: HOLIDAY PARTIES! I RECENTLY RECEIVED AN ARTICLE WHICH LISTED THE 10 MOST RUDE THINGS THAT PEOPLE DO AT PARTIES. SINCE THERE ARE A LOT ...

RUDE? WHO ME? HOLIDAY PARTIES

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 22:42:00 +0000

HOLIDAY PARTIES!

I RECENTLY RECEIVED AN ARTICLE WHICH LISTED THE 10 MOST RUDE THINGS THAT PEOPLE DO AT PARTIES. SINCE THERE ARE A LOT OF HOLIDAY PARTIES NOW, I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO REMIND EVERYONE TO BE A GOOD GUEST!

1. SHOWING UP ILL.

2. ASKING FOR FOOD OR DRINK THAT ISN'T OUT.

3 BEING THE LAST PERSON TO LEAVE.

4. GETTING TO DRUNK

5. SHOWING UP EARLY.

6. BEING ON YOUR CELL PHONE ALL NIGHT.

7. LAUNCHING INTO POLITICS.

8. NOT RSVP'ING

9. SPILLING FOOD OR DRINK.

10. NOT BRINGING FOOD TO A POTLUCK,

ENJOY THE PARTY, BUT REMEMBER THESE DON'TS!

FRUSTRATING FABULOUS FALL

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 18:05:00 +0000

Autumn is my favorite season, but it is also one of the most frustrating seasons for me because my husband and I are always in transition, either from traveling or packing up one house and moving and opening up the other.

I desperately want to buy chrysanthemums for my Minnesota home's steps and Mums and ornamental Kale for my planter, but according to my husband, is a waste of money.

When I close up our Minnesota home and open up the Arizona one, I dash to the grocery stores and our big box stores that carry plants. But no one carries Mums or Kale when I want them! After leaving fall behind in Minnesota, I want to see some fall in Arizona!

This year, I am taking a buying excursion to the wholesale fresh flower market!

I love purple plants in the fall!

I also love bittersweet. I have to be content with artificial bittersweet now that we live in the city.

Here are a few of my inspiration ideas from Pinterest:

Happy Autumn!

ADVANCING INTO AUTUMN

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 18:38:00 +0000

I love autumn! I especially love the month of October with all the orange and red leaves, pumpkins and bittersweet, but the Midwest is not there yet. You can tell it is on it's way, though, because the green trees have a yellowish tint. The soybean fields in Iowa and Minnesota are bright yellow and the corn is turning from greens to brown.

Here are a few images from Pinterest that remind me of September.

DELFT; BLUE AND WHITE LOVE!!

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 17:18:00 +0000

I HAVE BEEN SEEING GORGEOUS FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS ON PINTEREST USING DELFT TOBACCO JARS.

GORGEOUS ARRANGEMENT, WOULDN'T YOU SAY?

THIS TOBACCO JAR IS MIXED WITH CHINESE JARS FOR A LOVELY BLUE AND WHITE POTTERY DISPLAY

WHEN I MOVED INTO MY MINNEAPOLIS HOME, I THOUGHT I WOULD LINE UP BLUE AND WHITE DELFT TOBACCO JARS ALONG MY KITCHEN COUNTER TOP. I DECIDED THAT I WOULD NOT USE UPPER CABINETS ALONG THAT COUNTER.

I ACTUALLY PURCHASED THREE LARGER ONES AND SEVERAL SMALLER ONES, BUT LIKE ALL PLANS, I ACTUALLY GOT SIDETRACKED WITH MY OPEN FLOOR PLAN. WHEN I STARTED BUYING CHINESE POTS AND PORCELAIN, THE DELFT JUST DIDN'T LOOK RIGHT.

WHAT TO DO? DISPLAY THEM IN THE MASTER BEDROOM OF COURSE! DOESN'T EVERYONE DISPLAY ANTIQUE COLLECTIONS IN THEIR BEDROOM?

THE LOWER PART OF THE CABINET, WHICH WAS FROM WISTERIA, BUT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.. I BOUGHT IT FOR OUR LAKE HOME AND IT HOUSED WONDERFUL EXAMPLES OF TRAMP ART AND NATIVE AMERICAN BEAD WORK THERE.

THE BOTTOM SHELF HAS SEVERAL SMALLER JARS. THERE IS ALSO A PAIR OF EGG PRINTS FROM THE 1800'S. THE JAR ON THE LEFT IS A RECENT PURCHASE. WHEN I WAS IN FLORIDA THREE YEARS AGO FOR THE INTERNATIONAL QUESTER CONVENTION, I SAW THAT JAR FOR $1,200.00. I TOOK A PHOTO OF IT TO REMEMBER IT. I FOUND THE SAME JAR IN ARIZONA FOR $130.00! (I HAGGLED THE PRICE DOWN FROM $150.00) YES, THERE ARE ANTIQUE BARGAINS IN ARIZONA!

THE NEXT PAIR OF JARS WERE MEANT FOR THE KITCHEN. THEY ARE DISPLAYED WITH A 19TH CENTURY FRENCH BRONZE SCULPTURE.

OKAY, THIS SHELF TECHNICALLY DOESN'T HAVE DELFT. IT HAS A SEVERAL PIECES OF LALIQUE FRENCH CRYSTAL AND A WONDERFUL CARVED BLACK FOREST BOX THAT MY HUSBAND PURCHASED FOR ME IN EUROPE.

THIS SHELF ALSO DOES NOT CONTAIN DELFT, BUT IT IS PRECIOUS TO ME BECAUSE OF THE ANTIQUE LALIQUE BOWL AND THE TWO GERMAN METTCHLACH VASES THAT BELONGED TO MY LATE SISTER AND BROTHER-IN-LAW, BERNI AND ROGER DONNELLY.

THE TOP SHELF HAS MORE SMALLER DELFT PIECES AND A WONDERFUL DUTCH DELFT TULIPIERE THAT I PURCHASED FROM THE LATE INTERIOR DESIGNER, CHARLES FAUDREE, IN HIS TULSA SHOP. ALSO THE THIRD OF THREE EGG PRINTS AND A LALIQUE SMALL.

A VIEW OF THE TOP OF THE CABINET.

MY TULIPIERE

I GOT TO THINKING ABOUT TULIPIERES. THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT ONES ON PINTEREST. I HAVE ONLY USED MINE FOR RED TULIPS AT CHRISTMAS TIME.

THEY COME IN SO MANY SIZES AND STYLES.

A TULIPIERE OR TULIP-HOLDER IS AN ORNATE VESSEL IN WHICH TO GROW TULIPS AND IS USUALLY MADE OF HAND-CRAFTED POTTERY, CLASSICALLY DELFTWARE. THEY ARE TYPICALLY CONSTRUCTED TO ACCOMMODATE ONE BULB PER SPOUT WITH A LARGER COMMON WATER RESERVOIR BASE. THEY WERE NOT DESIGNED AS VASES FOR A CUT BLOOM, AS IS SOMETIMES SUPPOSED, THOUGH THEY COULD BE USED FOR THIS.

HISTORY

WHILE FAIRLY UNCOMMON IN MODERNITY, DURING THE 17TH CENTURY TULIPIERES WERE USED TO GROW TULIP BULBS INDOORS AND WERE VERY COMMON PIECES OF DECORATIVE ART THAT COULD OFTEN BE FOUND IN THE HOUSE OF EUROPEAN ELITES. AFTER THE ADVENT OF LARGE-SCALE GLOBAL TRADE IN THE 17TH CENTURY, NUMEROUS FLOWER BULBS FROM ASIA SUCH AS THE TULIP, CROCUS, AND HYACINTH BECAME LUXURY ITEMS IN EUROPE AND THESE BULBS REMAINED AN EXOTIC NOVELTY UNTIL THE END OF THE 17TH CENTURY. LARGE FLOOR-STANDING PYRAMID-SHAPED TULIPIERES WERE PARTICULARLY ORNATE AND WERE USED AS A STATUS SYMBOL TO INDICATE THE OWNER'S WEALTH.

https://www.revolvy.com/page/Tulipiere

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulipiere

MINE LOOKED SIMILAR TO THIS ONE AT CHRISTMAS. CONFESSION: MY TULIPS WERE SILK!

OH! THE POSSIBILITIES!

LIVE TULIPS REALLY DO GROW WHILE IN THE HOLES!

THIS LAST PHOTO IS FROM THE ENCHANTED HOME. THE OWNER OF THE ENCHANTED HOME HAS A BLOG BUT ALSO SELLS BLUE AND WHITE REPRODUCTIONS ON HER WEBSITE.

THANK YOU TO PINTEREST FOR MANY OF THE IMAGES USED ON THIS BLOG.

MY JULY 4TH FOOD AND FUN

noreply@blogger.com (lakeloveria) — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 18:55:00 +0000

I THINK EVERYONE KNOWS THAT I LIKE TO MAKE SPECIAL MEMORIES AT HOLIDAYS.

THE WAY I DO IT IS WITH FOOD AND DECOR.

STARTING IN 2010, MY EFFORTS CENTERED AROUND CELEBRATING FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER, AUDREY.

2011, WE WERE AT THE LAKE.

2012 WE WERE AT THE LAKE AND THERE WERE FLAGS EVERYWHERE!

2014, AT THE LAKE

I TRIED MY HAND AT A "FLAG" TACO SALAD FROM MY NEW LOVE, PINTEREST.

I ALSO DIPPED ICE CREAM CONES IN COLORED CHOCOLATE AND SPRINKLES. (FOR ICE CREAM CONES.)

2015

I STILL LOVED THIS SILK ARRANGEMENT. I USED IT FOR THE 4TH FOR MANY YEARS.

2016 WE CELEBRATED IN MINNEAPOLIS.

I TRIED MORE IDEAS FROM PINTEREST. I ADORE THE NEW BISQUE WINE COOLER THAT I USED FOR A VASE.

EVEN APOLLO GOT INTO THE SPIRIT!

PINTEREST INSPIRATION:

MINE

PINTEREST INSPIRATION

MINE

MY GRANDDAUGHTER BETSY

MY CUPCAKES WITH CUTE PAPERS FROM HOMEGOODS.

ALWAYS FLAGS!

MORE PINTEREST INSPRIATION

MINE

INSPIRED BY PINTEREST

OUR FRONT DOOR

2017, MINNEAPOLIS

GAMES FOR THE KIDS

A COOL PROJECT THAT I FOUND ON PINTEREST THAT OUR GRANDDAUGHTERS MADE

THIS WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR OUR "BUCKETS' OF TREATS. MY RED, WHITE AND BLUE BUCKETS WERE FROM TARGET.

THIS HEALTHY SNACK FOR THE KIDS WAS INSPIRED BY PINTEREST.

2018 IN MINNEAPOLIS

WE HAD A S'MORES BAR.

HERSEY'S CHOCOLATE BARS AND REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS,

GRAHAM CRACKERS, CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES OR THE LITTLE FRENCH "LE PETIT ECOLIER" COOKIES AND MARSHMALLOWS.

WE ALSO HAD "BUILD YOUR OWN SUNDAES."

TARGET DOLLAR SPOT STAR SHAPED BOWLS. CHOPPED CANDIES, M & M'S, AND OF COURSE SPRINKLES!

MY NEW "FLAG" CENTERPIECE WAS INSPIRED BY PINTEREST. IT FIT IN MY GLASS ICE BUCKET.

2019 THIS YEAR

I AM MAKING ICE CREAM SODAS BUT TRIMMED LIKE THIS SHAKE.

THE CANDY IS FROM THE EMPORIUM IN ARNOLD'S PARK AND THE WORLD'S LARGEST CANDY STORE IN JORDAN.

I PURCHASED RED AND BLUE SODA FOR ICE CREAM FLOATS.

MY GRANDDAUGHTERS ARE MAKING GLUTEN FREE SUGAR COOKIES TOMORROW. THEY WILL BE DECORATED WITH THESE EDIBLE TRANSFERS FROM FANCY FLOURS.