Luh Cruh-SAY!

Welcome to Metamorphosis Monday! Thank you to Susan at Between Naps On The Porch for hosting this "you never know what you're going to get" blog party!

I will be sharing with you a great recipe for a quick dessert that looks like you went to a lot of trouble. But, before I do that, I want to tell you about two things I never thought I would have. One is a husband who cooks! I'm not sure how I got so lucky (this time).

The second is Le Creuset cookware. I went online to find out how to pronounce it, and one site suggests you skip the French name and just call it "brightly colored, French, overpriced, enameled iron Yuppieware." I have to admit, I thought of it that way, too. But, one day when we were in the outlet mall, we found a sale on what was already discount prices (they were seconds, with minuscule little flaws), and it was an offer we couldn't refuse.

My biggest concern was that it would be hard to clean (because I am lay-zee) but it is amazingly easy! We chose the blue and I think it's so pretty, I keep it on an open shelf.

So, here is the recipe for Apple Oven Cake. It's simple, you will already have the ingredients in your house, and I think it looks like a sophisticated dessert. I believe I got it from Sunset magazine.



Another reason I like this recipe: ONLY one pan, one measuring cup

for liquids, one for dry ingredients, measuring spoons, and a blender!

Here it is on the stove in one of my LC pieces!

15 minutes later and you have an appley puffy yummy cake!



I would suggest topping each slice with a scoop of ice cream
 or a dollop of whipped cream, though it is good just by itself.

My husband found a great deal through Williams-Sonoma for a 3.5 quart dutch oven for more than 50% off. He ordered it online and it was at our door in two days. He decided to break it in by cooking a pork roast.

He is so good with spices and herbs.

Which is why we have so many of them, I had to buy little bleachers for them to sit on!



Disclaimer: I am not getting paid by Le Creuset, though I did send them a link and direct deposit instructions to my bank account.

You can click here to go directly to my sister's blog Robin Flies South...

Would love to have you as a follower! Sometimes my "follow" button isn't there (elusive little bugger) but please come back and try again!

Visit Elaine's Wonderful World and see how "can cook" was high on the list for my ideal man.

Dinner & A Movie?

Welcome to my seventh tablescape!  Thank you to Susan at Between Naps On The Porch for hosting Tablescape Thursday!

Last week my tablescape was very formal, and I really enjoyed creating it. But, let's face it, we don't live like that every day. There's just the two of us, and we are more likely to eat in front of the TV, than anywhere else. But, just because it's casual, doesn't mean it can't be stylish!

We have a large coffee table for a reason!

We don't always have pots of mums in our living room, but it

snowed today and I want them to last until Halloween!

I got my inspiration from this scarf.  And, went from there!

I’m not sure if this tablescape is Indian, Asian,

Moroccan, or what!  I just enjoyed the mixed vibe!

My sister told me that I need to check out what Goodwill has in their plastic bags.  

I found five sets of six napkin rings for $3. These were among them!

The glasses with the black stems are also from Goodwill.

I found this candle sleeve at Gordman's. You don't want tall candles or they'll block the TV!

Chopsticks? Why not?

These chopsticks were a gift from my friend, Michele. I love the little pouches they go in!

This wine caddy belonged to my husband.

The dishes are from Ross and Goodwill. You can't say I'm afraid to mix patterns!

I think it's time for a movie! There is always the decision on what movie to watch! 

His choices!

My choices!

We reached a compromise and chose the movie we saw on our second date!

I hope you enjoyed my dinner and a movie!

Be sure to visit my sister’s blog at Robin Flies South…

It's my goal every week to visit all the tablescapes. If I did not leave a comment, it's because I tried and failed. If you get twelve identical comments from me, I apologize.   It's because I thought I failed but had actually succeeded (twelve times).

Become a follower and I will definitely reciprocate! Oh heck, I'll follow you anyway. :)

Decorating with Cats!

Decorating with cats is an ancient art, dating back to the time of the pyramids. I've been decorating with cats for years. Today's post will be a demonstration of this time honored tradition.

Our first example involves choosing a throw for my living room sofa. Here are some that I considered.

Not quite what I was looking for. Here is another.

One more I thought I'd try.

Frustrated, I thought about exactly what I wanted. It needed to be soft, warm,

 and complement the tawny gold of the sofa. I think you'll agree--this one is perfect!

I purchased a plant stand, and spent days trying to find a plant for it.

The fern was nice, but I decided to try an ivy.

Maybe something taller.

None of the plants seemed right, so I went in another direction.

We live in a home built in the 1950's. One of it's charming features is a niche in the hallway designed

to hold a telephone. We don't even have a telephone, so I thought about what I could put there.

Pretty, but maybe glass would look better.

Too tall. I needed something that would fill the space better.

Then it hit me. I had the perfect solution.

I bought a new black and white animal print cushion for the chair in my office. It just needed something else. I debated about getting one of those pillows with a saying on it. This one was a contender.

Very cute, but not the right size.

That one was a little too bright. Besides, my cooking isn't worth a dime.

I thought this one might work better, but I didn't care for the pink.

I tried my most versatile cat, but I thought it was too many stripes.

My last try, and I think I found exactly what I was looking for!

So, that is decorating with cats. I am pretty sure I inherited

my knack for it from my mother. She practiced it in her own home.

Now, it's important not to confuse decorating with cats with letting your cats decorate. They are

very different. I cannot recommend letting your cats decorate. I tried it and this is what I got.

And, I cannot stress this enough. Do NOT decorate your cat.

Thank you for joining me today! I would love to hear your experiences with decorating with cats!

Thank you to Susan at Between Naps On The Porch for hosting this blog party, and Debbiedoo for inviting me to her Newbie Blog Party!

Be sure to check out my sister's blog at Robin Flies South...

Also, you can check out my other blog, Elaine's Wonderful World!

I don't usually generalize about men, but this time I couldn't help myself!

Follow me and I will definitely reciprocate! Oh heck, I will follow you anyway!



Wherefore Art Thou?

I've been creating tablescapes for several weeks now, showcasing wonderful finds from discount and thrift stores. It's been fun, and next week I will resume tablescaping with bargain dishes. But, my good china was getting jealous and could stay in the cabinet no longer.

It is the east, and Juliet is the sun...

I would like to introduce you to Wedgwood's Juliet.

That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

 

Another one of my flower explosions! Silk and real roses!

 

We purchased the stemware first. I love how tall they are!

With stemware this tall, I chose candles that sit low on the table.

I almost used a tablecloth, but I love the reflections of the candles.

 

 Parting is such sweet sorrow...

If I could give one piece of advice to young couples like Romeo and Juliet, it would be don't wait for a "special" occasion to use good dishes! Every day that you are together is a special occasion. 

A special thank you to Susan at Between Naps On The Porch for hosting Tablescape Thursday.

Be sure to visit my sister's blog...I hear there is something spooky going on at Robin Flies South...

Do you live with a man who needs help finding everything? Be sure to check out my newest post in Elaine's Wonderful World!

It's my goal every week to visit all the tablescapes. If I did not leave a comment, it's because I tried and failed. If you get twelve identical comments from me, I apologize.   It's because I thought I failed but had actually succeeded (twelve times).

Become a follower and I will definitely reciprocate! Oh heck, I'll follow you anyway. :)