3.24.2009

Another Pick me up...


Yesterday on the way home from work I passed this dresser that was on the curb and of course I wanted it! So when I got home I had to sweet talk the hubby into going to pick it up with me (being 5'-1" I clearly could not do it myself). Our neighbor was so kind to come along and help as well. When we got there and was checking it out the lady came out and said she was so happy that someone was finally picking it up, and to take the drawers out because it was heavy as lead (and it is). So it now sits in our basement (thus the backdrop in the photo) waiting for a new life. I plan on painting it and would LOVE suggestions! Right now I am thinking of a soft grey, similar to Paula's dresser in her room re.do. Or should I go classic with white or black?


3.23.2009

To the Island...

This past weekend we visited one of my best friends who lives on St. Simons Island, GA. While there we got to go on the house tours of house tours, unfortunately no photos were allowed, which was a real bummer (you all would have loved to see some of the interiors!). To give you some highlights, we got to see things like French oak vintage flooring, custom-made antique fixtures of reclaimed ships, Irish bluestone countertops (very yummy), crème Venetian plaster walls, and antiques and collectibles until you were content. On Saturday we grilled out and stuffed ourselves. My friend, Bethany, doesn't like heavy salad dressings so she created her own. It is the perfect Spring/Summer dressing for a salad. She was nice enough to share it with me and all of you! She also made a yummy Pesto Pasta salad. Here are the recipes:

Bethany’s Famous Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette:

-2 tablespoons chopped curly leaf parsley and basil (I prob do a little more)
-1 tablespoon minced shallots
-1 teaspoon minced garlic
-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
-2 ½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
-1 1/3 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
-¼ cup olive oil or canola oil
-¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Combine all ingredients (except oils) in a food processor and blend.While processing, add the oils until the dressing emulsifies.
It's really good with just baby mixed greens and some feta. DELISH!!!!

Pesto, Pasta, and Peas
(If you're not serving this right away, don’t let the peas completely defrost, to avoid “squishy peas”)
- 12 oz. fusilli pasta
- 12 oz. bow-tie pasta
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ c pesto (I used packaged!)
- 1 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ¼ c mayo
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 ½ c frozen peas, defrosted
- 1/3 c pignoli/pine nuts (toasted)
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper.

Cook the fusilli and bow ties separately in a large pot of boiling salted water for 10 to 12 minutes or until each pasta is al dente. Drain and toss into a bowl with olive oil. Cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, in the bowl of a food processor, puree the pesto, spinach, and lemon juice. Add the mayo and puree. Add the pesto mixture to the cooled pasta and then add the Parmesan, peas, pignoli, salt, and pepper. Mix well, season to taste, and serve at room temperature.

3.20.2009

Spring Joy...

Happy first day of Spring! Have a joyful weekend.
courtesy: flickr

3.19.2009

Contain Yourself...


It is so great when your neighbor shows you some love. My neighbor emailed me today about a clutter busting episode she saw on Oprah and The Container Store is here to help! They are offering a 25% discount through April 13th. You can use the coupon in store, online, or by the phone.
Organize and declutter yourselves!

3.18.2009

Won't You be my Neighbor...

Along with the spring blooms I also snapped pictures of some of the great homes in the neighborhood. Sorry for the lighting in some, I had a lab who wanted to be always on the move. Enjoy!
I think this home is my favorite! I love passing it everyday to and from work. I love the windows across the front and the arched [copper] canopy over the entrance.

This one sits on the corner and faces the corner. It's one of a kind.
I have come to realize I like arches.

Wants not to love. Great curb appeal and fabulous landscaping

I know it is hard to tell, but the shutters are lavender; and it has great windows. And that tree = wonderful. I love trees.

Traditional, but cute with the arched dormers, columns, and flower boxes.

Again. Love the windows.

Raining Petals...

The first day of Spring is only 3 days away, but I am seeing it all over our neighborhood. One of my personal favorites is raining petals everywhere...the dogwood. I love seeing them blooming all over the city. I snapped a few photos of some spring blooms while walking Tucker yesterday evening. Yeah for Spring!

Tucker had fun as well.

3.17.2009

Kiss me, Pinch me...

I'm Irish!
Happy St. Patrick's Day
courtesy: flickr