Happy November…already. We have only 60 days before the end of this decade. Does anyone have a way to make time slow down? I love this time of year. The cooler temperatures are definitely here with the mornings in the high 30s and low 40s. Windows are opened. The air conditioner is officially off until…
We are up in the cooler mountains for the July 4th holiday week. The temperatures have soared in Phoenix so we are truly enjoying the higher altitude. Since the homespun Bull Frog Loop parade goes right by our cabin, we typically host a patriotic brunch set up in the kitchen ~~an easy spread so our…
There is something satisfying about a stunning dinner table. It makes your guests feel special and honors the meal soon to be presented. Unfortunately, in our household we don’t do it enough. We can rarely get our senior in high school to be hungry at standard meal times. I love setting a proper table, and…
The first stop on our Baltic Sea tour (in 2007) was Amsterdam. Though it was not tulip season, we quickly learned about the importance of the tulip in their history. During many palace tours, I would spot one gorgeous tulipiere after another. What is a tulipiere? A tulipiere or tulip-holder is an ornate vessel in which to grow…
Three things you probably don’t know about me. 1) I have Royal Worcester soup bowls I love and have never used (after hunting for them for 10 years!); 2) I have always wanted to host a sophisticated lunch with friends; 3) I am design-challenged. I can pick out tile and do a massive restoration project,…