Saturday, August 6, 2011

A Lovely Urban Garden


Small is the new big. Isn't this garden in the city beautiful?

Red Poppies

So very beautiful. Poppies are my favorite flowers.

Big Ben

I thought this was a fabulous photo of Big Ben and a very unusual perspective. My day at the cottage feels very London-like. Overcast, cool and breezy. A perfect day for working outdoors. 

Friday, August 5, 2011

Twig Bed on A Sleeping Porch

This looks heavenly to me. A twig tester bed outfitted with a Hudson's Bay point blanket and pillows on a sleeping porch. I've chosen this room as my virtual bedroom for the whole weekend. Hope you have a great one too. I know I will.

Living Simply

Are you currently enjoying a simpler life or do you yearn for one?

Chintz Love

The world just looks better when viewed between vintage chintz draperies with roses, doesn't it?

Green Shutters in France

Pink and green at its best.
Happy Friday -- get ready for the weekend.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Spectacular Field in Wiltshire England

Marlborough Downs Wiltshire England by ©William Cousins

Kindred Spirits

Seeing Double

The summer seems to be getting away from me faster than I would like. I still have many unfinished outdoor projects to complete before the leaves start to fall. I sort of ran out of steam physically with my weeding project but can feel my strength returning so I will definitely finish this week. I can only push myself so hard :) 

I got a flat tire in my driveway on Friday that came out of nowhere and took me by complete surprise. Thank goodness for AAA and a full-size spare. The flat could't be repaired because the hole was in the side of the tire. I'm using a new garage that I am so happy with and is so much easier on my wallet than my former one. Sometimes you just know when you've made a good decision and this is one of those times.

I'm enjoying my first cup of coffee sitting next to an open window. It's so much cooler than it was yesterday and promises to be a great day. See you later.
  

Monday, August 1, 2011

Outdoor Shower Locations

Which location would you choose for your outside shower?

Near the house enclosed by a privacy fence?
or

Near the clothesline out in the open?
image #2 image #1

Country Kitchen in Your Vacation Home

or your everyday home.
Either way, I love this casual kitchen, don't you?

Briefcase Owned by F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's Briefcase

The monogram reads:

"Scott Fitzgerald
597 - 5th Ave.
New York"

The address is not Fitzgerald's but that of his publisher, Charles Scribner's Sons.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Wait Your Turn

This has never worked and never will. Single file please, one at a time. 

Nap Time

Isn't this the perfect place for my virtual afternoon nap? I might actually take one to rest up for some sundown weeding. It's too hot right now and the area that needs my attention is in full sun. 

Simple No Knead Olive Oil Pizza Dough Recipe


OLIVE OIL DOUGH
From Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day

Makes four (4) one-pound loaves. (This recipe can easily be doubled or halved.)

2-3/4 cups lukewarm water
1-1/2 tablespoon granulated yeast (2 packets)
1-1/2 tablespoons Kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
6-1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, or in a large (5 quart) bowl working with a wooden spoon, mix the yeast, salt, sugar, and olive oil with the water.
2. Mix in the flour without kneading. I found this process to be incredible simple with my stand mixer, but it will certainly come together the old fashioned way. If you are not using a machine, you may need to wet your hands in order to incorporate the bit of flour.
2. Transfer dough to large (5 quart) bowl or lidded food container. Cover (not airtight), and allow to rest at room temperature until dough rises and collapses (or flattens on top), approximately 2 hours.
3. The dough can be used immediately after the initial rise, though it is easier to handle when cold. Refrigerate in a lidded (not airtight) container and use over the next 12 days.

I really want to try this easy recipe. I will halve it the first time around.

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II, pages 42 and 43







Two good pages from our favorite father to son instruction manual.