Melissa

What I’m Listening To-Ryan Adams

Happy Friday friends! Once again, thanks for the interest in what I’m listening to. I didn’t buy any new music for this weekend because I’m in a definite Ryan Adams mood…and I already own all his stuff! Lucky me. This man has one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard. Ryan Adams Gold When…

Summer Vegetable Garden Slaw

This is a fabulous salad to make when your veggie garden starts producing an abundance of produce. So delicious and so good for you! 6 small, firm zucchini, grated 3 carrots peeled and grated 1 yellow bell pepper,stem and seeds removed 5 large radishes, ends trimmed 1 stalk celery, ends trimmed, chopped fine 3 ears…

Relaxing Rituals

“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.”  ~Etty Hillesum Last night, after everyone else was in bed, I lit a candle and played an Edith Piaf CD while I read my new “Food & Wine” magazine and sipped my favorite chamomile lavender tea. (Have…

Insalata Caprese

  “Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.” ~Anna Akhmatova This is our family’s favorite Italian salad. A beautiful, simple, healthy summer dish or first course for a more elaborate Italian meal. Insalata Caprese 6 ripe Roma tomatoes sliced 1/4 inch thick 1 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese sliced 1/4…

Current Crush-Gypsy Caravans

I’ve been smitten with the idea of gypsies and caravans since high school. The idea of a beautiful little caravan and a life of constant movement and travel seems so romantic and inspiring to me. I looked up ‘gypsy caravans’ online…and was swept away by the images. A little mini vacation for my brain while…

redwork

“During the last quarter of the nineteenth century, decorative surface embroidery on practical household linens came into vogue in America.” From the book Red & White American Redwork Quilts by Deborah Harding My hubby gave me a boxed set of redwork books for Valentine’s Day a few years back. I’ve been interested in embroidery and…

Frugal Home Spa-Luxurious Summer Mask

“I question not if thrushes sing, If roses load the air; Beyond my heart I need not reach When all is summer there.” ~John Vance Cheney I’m walking up to the market to get the ingredients for a little ‘home spa’ indulgence and thought I’d share my shopping list with you in case you’d like…