Things I Fancy

Happy Wednesday!  Checking things off my to-do-list and daydreaming a little about things I fancy.

FOR ME

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FOR THE HOME   

FOR THE OFFICE

Make it a productive day.

Images: 1    2   3   4
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Out and About: NYC with HomeGoods

I met  HomeGoods Bloggers in NYC, last Thursday,  at the  Gansevoort HotelHomeGoods is updating their blog and I’ve been selected to be one of their new bloggers.  I’m thankful for the  opportunity to be a contributing blogger on their blog, re-launching soon.   If you follow my blog, you know how much I love HomeGoods.  They always carry the latest styles at great savings. 

I had the opportunity to meet the legacy bloggers and new bloggers.  The group is dynamite with a great sense of humor (just saying).  We got to know each other over dinner at the Benjamin Steak House.  The next day we had meetings in the morning and took  headshots for the new blog.

We shared a delicious lunch.  HomeGoods surprised us with a wonderful guest speaker, Grace Bonney, the creator and blogger behind  Design*Sponge.  Wow!  Her words of wisdom came at a great time.  Grace’s energy and passion came across, as she shared the lessons she learned building her blog and tips going forward.  My sincere thanks to everyone for making the start of our new venture a delightful, memorable experience.

Thanks for stopping by.

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Happy Monday: 1-14-2013

Good morning, world.   Make it a wonderful day.

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Create something beautiful today.

Thanks for stopping by.

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Sunday Night Dinner: Back To Basics

Life moves way to fast these days.  One way to slow down and enjoy time with family  is Sunday night dinner.  The recipe doesn’t have to be fancy.  It’s more about sharing a meal and the memories we create around the table.  I’m gathering the kids and hubby to set the table.  Of course, I could do it all myself,  but it’s more important that they be included and share the task as a family.  This is my recipe, I hope you enjoy it.

The Recipe:  Fettuccine with Scallops and Asparagus in Cream Sauce

1 lb. asparagus (I like to use small French asparagus.  I like the mild taste.)
Salt to taste
1 small onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, diced
2 tsp.  Cooking sherry
1 ¾ cups of heavy cream or, light cream
4 Tsp. fresh chives, snipped
¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
Freshly ground white or black pepper to taste
1 ½ lbs. large fresh scallops, dried and coated in flour
1/2 cup olive oil
1 Tsp. unsalted butter
2 – 9 ounce packs of Buitoni Fettuccine , or your favorite pasta
 
  1. Using a paring knife, peel off the thicker skin at the base end of each asparagus stalk to reveal the tender stalk.   In a skillet large enough to accommodate the length of the asparagus, bring enough water to cover the asparagus to a boil (approximately 5 cups of water).  Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and asparagus to the pan.  Boil until tender but not mushy, 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Drain the asparagus immediately and plunge it into chilled water to stop cooking and hold the bright green color.  Cut the stalks across into diagonal slices about ¼ inch think, keeping the tips whole.  Put aside.
  3. Prepare fettuccine per package instructions.
  4. Add olive oil and onions to a large skillet over medium-low heat.  Simmer for 1 to 2 minute, add garlic and scallops.  Cook for 3 minutes.  Gently turn scallops.  Add sherry and simmer 4 more minutes (until thoroughly cooked).  Move scallops, onions and garlic to bowl.  Put aside.
  5. Using the same large skillet over medium-low heat, add heavy cream and butter.  Simmer for 3 minutes, add salt and pepper to taste.  Turn off heat.  Add grated parmesan to skillet.  Add Fettuccine, cooked asparagus.  Toss gently.  Add cooked scallops, chives.  Serve and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

 

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Sneak Peek

I am so lucky to have friends and clients with style and a beautiful home.  Here’s a sneak peek on a project I’ve been working on for the past few months.  The guestroom project is   traditional with chic accessories for today’s lifestyle.  It was truly a labor of love.

Lamps

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Thanks for stopping by.

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A New Year

I made it through the first week of the New Year.  Sorry I was MIA.  I needed a little time after the holidays to gather my thoughts and get energized.  I’ve been doing a little more exercise and spending time with my boys who are home from college.  It’s all about balance for me in 2013. 2013

 I’m finding time for me, family and work.  I’m learning to  put myself first, because if I’m not happy and healthy, what good am I to others.   This year is going to be a great year.  The number 13 is my lucky number and green has been my favorite color forever.  I’m looking forward to sharing my nearly complete design projects, exploring new products and meeting new friends along the way.

Thanks for stopping by.

Image: Pinterest
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Happy New Year

We are setting the table and getting ready to bring in 2013 with a bang!  Marshalls had these gold table mats for less than $2 each.  I put a few together and made a table runner.  Since the Home Depot was right next door, I picked up some self-adhesive numbers  to add to the champagne flutes. Now guest will easily identify their glass.  Party hats and horns complete the look.  Have a fun and safe New Year!

Here’s a toast to the future, A toast to the past, And a toast to our friends, far and near. May the future be pleasant; The past a bright dream; May our friends remain faithful and dear. ~ Anonymous

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Out and About: Modenus Soho Holiday Romp

Veronica Miller of Modenus announced their first SoHoHo Holiday Romp in NYC  last week.  I cleared my afternoon to join her and old friends.  We kicked off the event with lunch at Isola Trattoria at the beautiful Mondrian Hotel in Soho.  

 

 

 

 

 

  
The afternoon and evening was packed with shopping at some fabulous shops: CalypsoHome, Matter, Michele Varian, Haus Interior , Bobby Berk Home .  We made new friends and did some tweeting to raise money for Sandy.  A big thank you to Verornia Miller of Modenus and the generous sponsors KBIS 2013, Liebherr, and Capital Cooking.

Follow me on Pinterest for more on our Soho Romp.

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Table Matters: Christmas Table

Merry Christmas and blessings to all.  We hope you had a great holiday with family and friends.  Our home is full with family from New York, Texas and California.  We had 17 of us for Christmas dinner.  This year my Christmas table was styled in green, blue and pink.

I love the colors on the napkins I found on One Kings Lane from the Mary McDonald and Martyn Lawrence Bullard collection.  I mixed and match my wedding china and crystal for a combination of old and new.  Today the fun continues with all the cousins baking Christmas cookies with grandma.  The snow is falling and the kids are jumping with joy.

Thanks for stopping by.

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Holiday Window Display

                 Bergdorf Goodman

                 LORD AND TAYLORS 

Thanks for stopping by.

Images: 1-8 V&M 
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