Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Gardening: Peonies


BK and I are going to attempt what might be a foolhardy adventure in planting and growing peonies in zone 8b.  We've ordered bulbs from the Hollingsworth Nursery and will be planting them in some new flower beds he has built.  Hopefully we won't have as brutal of a summer like last year (80 days of over 100 degree temperatures!).  Any advice for peony planting?

Monday, February 27, 2012

Vintage Monday: Pyrex Gooseberry Pink refrigerator dish


Found this great fridgie at an estate sale.  I was holding on to it, debating, when suddenly they announced that everything was 50% off.  I grabbed some lace curtains on my way to the register and was done for the day!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Favorite Friday Recipe: Salsa


Today's favorite friday recipe comes from BK:  roma tomatoes, white onion, cilantro, serrano peppers and lime juice, all mixed together in a food processor.


Enjoy with your favorite bag of tortilla chips!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

this past weekend...


Note to self: when you buy someone a puzzle, they're going to expect you to help

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wishlist Wednesday: Modern patio furniture


BK and I are putting our patio next on the project list.  We're hoping to spiff it up with different flooring and a new patio set.  So far, (and I guess because it's February), it's been slow going finding patio furniture we like and/or can afford.  We're looking for simple, modern lines and something comfortable so we can lounge to our hearts' content.  Here are a couple of inspiration pictures I've found through google images but we're open to actual recommendations as well!



ps: I'm getting a wee bit jealous of all the water/ocean/beach views pictured here...

Monday, February 20, 2012

Vintage Monday: Royal China Navajo


Picked up this mini plate at a thrift shop the other day.  The mod print did me in. 


Thursday, February 16, 2012

Indelible: not to be forgotten or removed


Coming from a family of immigrants, I do not have very many tangible items that link me to my past.  Perhaps that is why I have a particular affinity for vintage and antique items.  I love the memories that each one holds, especially knowing that these items were used and loved.

You can imagine my delight when I married BK whose family saves just about everything.  Not only do they have a rich oral history, there are also keepsakes and special items to pass down to retell their family stories.  BK's grandma has always made a note of items to save and "put our name on", items that we will be able to care for and continue to tell their stories to the next generation.  I know that in the end, these objects are simply things but the shared experiences around them create an indelible impression.  The sight, feel and use of these objects serve to keep these treasured moments alive in our hearts and minds...

The egg dish that held many batches of deviled eggs, a great granddaughter's favorite.  The Pyrex mixing bowls, a reminder of the many cookies lovingly mixed and baked for grandsons.  A quilt pieced together by hands from many generations ago and brought out every spring.  Fiesta ware chipped but still bright from serving a growing family.  These mere objects serve as potent reminders and help keep the precious memories close.

Dearest Grandma L, you will be missed but always loved and remembered.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Vintage Monday: Hanson kitchen scale


Found this Hanson scale at our last trip to the Jesse James Antique Mall.  An old kitchen scale has been on my list for a long time now.  This one needs a little work--we'll probably give it a nice coating of spray paint to hide the rust and BK has to recalibrate the scale as well.  So for now it's just eye candy on our kitchen counter!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Favorite Friday Recipe: Bananaberry muffins revised


I've made these muffins before and this time, switched to using 1/2 whole wheat flour and 1/2 regular flour and they turned out great!  Whole wheat, two types of fruit--that negates the sugar crust I sprinkled on there...right?

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Wishlist Wednesday: Austin by Ork Posters


It's finally here!  The amazing Ork Posters have created an Austin version of their popular city neighborhood series.  I'm a huge map fan and will be getting this asap!