Attempt #1 - Carol's Iced Sugar Cookies

The past two Sundays my boyfriend and I have been attempting to perfect his mother's Sugar cookie and icing recipe. I don't know if I would have done so well in pastry school. It looks like a 2nd grader did these.

I will say the ones we did last week turned out much better...however... I have no picture..no proof. We did sailboats, trains and cars.

Dip Free Hors D'Ouerve

I found this recipe on epicurious.com . One of my favorite sites of all times. I have been looking for something that doesn't involve chips or crackers for an Hors D'Ouervre as I have been low carb-ing it this summer. This Spicy Marinated Mozzarella with Oregano and Capers was a hit. Ingredients:

12 ounces fresh water-packed mozzarella cheese, drained, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons capers, chopped

Preparation:
Overlap cheese slices on medium platter.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and crushed pepper and stir just until garlic begins to color, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in oregano, salt, and pepper. Cool. Stir in capers and remaining 4 tablespoons oil. Spoon over cheese slices.
Offer with artichoke hearts, olives, and salami.

To Buy or Not to Buy that is the question...

I need a new sofa! I really do...this isn't just a want. But I have a problem...I let my dog get on my furniture...mistake number one. So I now need to train him to not do so.

I feel in love with this sofa at market. I has a pretty average appearance from this looks of this photo, but It is beautiful. It is deep, it has down fill and is just the right size. And I can get it wholesale...am I silly to still be comtemplating this?

Decorator's showhouse

We decorated the kitchen in Manoir Minette. It was quite a challenge since we had lots of elements that we had to work around. One being the Eva Gordon chair rail tile in addition to the pink washed cabinets and dark green granite.

On the central island, I did a large arrangement of succulents in a Fortunata italian urn. The cielings were tall and we had lots of counterspace to fill, so this was the answer to our design.

On the breakfast table we picked a limewashed oak table that was round. We used Frances Palmer dishes and Arte Italica glassware.

Intimate Dinner for YoYo

Preparing Flowers for YoYo Ma

This morning came early. I was up and on my way to Davis Wholesale at 6:30 am. I am working with a pallete of white and purples - mainly focusing on the many hues of purple. I purchased long stem white tulips, purple fringed tulips,

white hydrangeas, purple sweet peas and cobalt hyacinths.

Dog Party Favors

Party Favors too cute not to photograph!!