Thursday, February 28, 2013

How do you start a collection?

A collection can start innocently enough. You find a seashell, and then another, and before you know it you have a jar full of seashells. Or maybe someone gives you a cream pitcher as a gift. You find another one at a thrift store or antique shop. You have started a collection.

So where do I go to find little treasures. Years ago the most likely place to dig for hidden treasures was at yard or estate sales. We have them quite often here in Florida. With the balmy weather, it seems to invite opening your garage and cleaning out the clutter. One man's junk is another man's (or woman's ) treasure.

But in the last several years, thrift stores have cropped up in just about every neighborhood.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Reunion

Three years ago, a little group of folks from the deep south, traveled to an old world country.  We made our pilgrimage to Brussels, Belgium, and for some of us, it was our first trip out of the US.

A couple of weeks ago, we gathered together once again, this time to share some memories and renew friendships.  We opened our home, and because the weather was so nice, we dined on the porch.

We started with a Greek Salad from Pappas Greek Restaurant.  I have had Greek Salads in different parts of the country, but from what I understand Pappas Greek Salads are the only ones that include potato salad.  I will share that recipe at the bottom of this post.

As a special treat, we served Stone Crabs.





So yummy!

Louis Pappas Famous Greek Salad

Make a potato salad from these ingredients -
6 boiling potatoes, cooked and cubed
4 green onions,finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup thinly, sliced green onion
1/2 cup salad dressing or mayonnaise
Salt

Line a large platter with lettuce leaves.  Place 3 cups of potato salad in a mound in center of the platter.  Cover with shredded lettuce.  Arrange the following on top of lettuce -

2 tomatoes cut into 6 wedges each
1 peeled cucumber cut lengthwise into 8 fingers
4 portions Feta Cheese
1 green bell pepper cut into rings
4 slices canned cooked beets
4 peeled and cooked shrimp
4 anchovy fillets
12 black Greek olives
4 fancy cut radishes
4 whole green onions

The entire salad is then sprinkled with 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar and then topped with a blended oil of 1/4 cup EACH of Olive and Salad oil. Sprinkle Oregano over all and serve.  

This salad originated from the Louis Pappas Restaurant in Tarpon Springs Florida.



Saturday, February 23, 2013

Sunlit Sunday

Some parts of the country are still deep in snow.  But here is the deep south, we have been enjoying 80 degree weather.

I've started planting Pansies, Impatients and even a few veggies.  But the most pleasure I get is seeing these sweet little birds come to the bird bath.



See this little fellow looking at his reflection in the water??  Actually he was getting ready to hop into the water.

I tried to capture him in the water, but he was too quick, and my point and shoot was too slow.


at My Little Home and Garden
Outdoor Wednesday

One Scoop or Two?

A few months ago I was watching the merry go round at the mall,


when something caught my attention.............

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Pyrex Love

I admit it.  I love Pyrex!  With so many designs and colors to choose from, they can make any kitchen glow.

I search for nice pieces whenever I go to the Goodwill.  Not too many are found in our area, but when I find them, I love to add them to my small collection.

These first two bowls were wedding presents and are approaching 40 years of almost constant daily use.

We were given a set of these bowls and the matching dishes.

Along the way I have acquired these other pieces.



And one day, when I was shopping with my daughter at a little Antique shop, one booth had a 50% off sign.  I was so overjoyed to find these two lovely AQUA Pyrex bowls.

I could not pay for them quickly enough.  I would LOVE to have a whole set of this design.

Now if you want to find out more about the different patterns, go to Pyrex Love  and enjoy!


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Outdoor Wednesday


A couple of years ago I took a trip with my husband to Kansas.  I have never been out to the Prairie before, but it was such a fun trip.  These kinds of sights are new to this city gal.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Pretty pretty Pansy

During this time of year, we start planting Pansies.  I love the little painted faces.  And even more, I love my pretty Pansy teacups.



 Gloves my daughter wore for Easter when she was little.

 Staffordshire Bone China

 Royal Patrician

 I love my little collection of Pansy Teacups.

Just the right blending of colors and sweetness to add to a tea table.


Friday, February 15, 2013

Spiritual Sundays


As high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:11

Our family is struggling with some health issues right now.  I am so thankful the Lord is challenging us to grow in faith and trust in Him. He is the author and creator of life and I trust Him to know what is best for me.  It isn't an easy path to walk. Remember how Job felt? Yet he praised God in all things! It certainly has to be a choice we make. We must remember we are human and still in our sinful state so the Lord knows we won't be "perfect"! I am so glad He loves us anyway! Keeping my eye one the finish line ... my family and I will be with Jesus!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Strawberries & Cream

A Valentine's Breakfast for my Honey












Will you be sharing a special date with your sweet Valentine??


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Outdoor Wednesday

As I walk around my neighborhood, I am always so delighted when the Azaleas start to bloom.  Yes we have flowers blooming here.  It's been 82 degrees for the last week, which I think is absolutely glorious!

Take a walk with me.  This house is just down the street.



Such pretty Azaleas.
And what about this crazy tree!  A tree climbers paradise :-)



Monday, February 11, 2013

Tea with Mrs. Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 and was regarded as one of America's greatest heroes due to his incredible impact on the nation and his unique appeal. His is a remarkable story of the rise from humble beginnings to achieve the highest office in the land.

Lincoln was married to Mary Todd.  A member of a large, wealthy Kentucky family, Mary was well educated.  Mary came to Springfield, Illinois to visit her sisters in 1840. After a tumultuous courtship, she married Abraham Lincoln on November 4, 1842.

When Lincoln won the Presidential election, the Civil War was imminent. Before he even assumed office, seven states had seceded, with four more after his inauguration in March. Although Mary had dreamed of a proud entry into Washington, because of an assassination attempt, they had to sneak into the capitol. Her dreams were soon further crushed with harsh criticism, disappointments and more heartache.

“Being under scrutiny as a fashion symbol, the first lady’s popularity was as precarious as a roller-coaster ride – sometimes up and often down, with change in the blink of an eye. Her fastidious attention to matters of dress at first impressed and recommended her to the press," wrote biographer Catherine Clinton. "The rumored costs of her attire became the subject of Washington gossip and prompted bitter critiques by journalists, especially as Union soldiers fell by the thousands, maimed and wounded, dying in camp and on the battlefield.”

Recently I entered a giveaway at Insights From SewCalGal for a copy of "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker" and was fortunate to win this latest writing by Jennifer