What I’ve Been Reading

Here’s what I read last month. If you’re looking for a good read, look no further… These are all books that deserve 5 stars. Enjoy… ~The Blind Contessa’s New Machine~ In the early 1800s, a young Italian contessa, Carolina Fantoni, realizes she is going blind shortly before she marries the town’s most sought-after bachelor. Her…

Repurposing Ideas

A couple easy, whimsical ideas for you… photographs by Melissa Placzek ~Teacup as Compote~ Transform old teacups into whimsical compotes! They’re ideal for serving little appetizers, dips and spreads. They’re also a fun way to present small dessert items like cookies, truffles and cupcakes to guests. So cute for a brunch, garden party or for…

Cucumber Sammy

photograph by Melissa Placzek ~Cucumber Sandwich~ This is made the same way as the radish sammy, except I add a little fresh basil or dill to the cream cheese and swap the radishes for cucumbers. When I worked at the tearoom I remember going out to the herb garden to gather the fresh basil leaves,…

Valentine’s Sneak Peek

Here is a little preview of what I’ve been up to… One of my favorite traditions…Decorating for Valentine’s Day! vintage rose tablecloth felt ABC chart remember making Valentine boxes in grade school? This one is decorated with some of my vintage valentines! a silk Chinese Take-out box…soon to be filled with fortune cookies fireplace mantle…fancy…