My Metal Polishing Products and Secrets

This post is on the fly this morning. Running late for an office meeting.

Yesterday I polished this antique copper coal scuttle. Last time it was polished during my stewardship? Never! I left the inside unpolished. I use this for storing old magazines. It's really a fireplace item but I don't have room for it there.

I polished all of my brass candlesticks and trivets. First I spray down the item with Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day multi-surface. Then I dip my dampened cleaning rag or sponge into some Bar Keepers Friend cleanser which I have in a shallow bowl. The rest is magic. The spray loosens the tarnish and the cleanser dissolves it before your very eyes. Wipe and buff. For really old tarnish keep spraying and dipping and rubbing. No need to wipe it all off until you are finished with the entire item. 

For horizontal surfaces like switch plates you will have to soak your rag in the liquid (just the part wrapped around your finger) and wipe over the tarnish first. Then do the second step. I used a Q-tip when I was polishing an engraved brass plate on the top of a cellarette without ruining the wood.

Just experiment. You will be amazed. Handle the powder with care. It's powerful stuff and is probably quite dangerous. But it's been around since 1882 and hasn't been recalled yet. I don't plan on using it every day so I don't think it will kill me before I'm finished. 

I got this "Radish" Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day spray at TJMaxx because this "scent" has been discontinued. I'm sure almost any multi-surface spray will work; this is just what I had on hand. I polished all of my silver trophies using this method and nothing got scratched. You can probably make a paste using these two products as well to "dissolve" the powder if you are afraid of scratching. All of my things are antiques and have already been around the block so I wasn't worried.

Good luck. I think I have hunted down almost everything tarnished in my cottage except for my copper pots and my antique andirons. I will tackle them soon. I spread a small tarp on my kitchen table to do the coal scuttle. For the smaller items, I used a folded turkish towel on my kitchen counter near the sink and rinsed under running water before drying and buffing, Just play around and see what works for you. You can also "rinse" small items in a dishpan full of water and keep using it for that purpose. You can soak heavily tarnished brass candlesticks overnight in this solution for really easy cleaning the next day.

Polishing Frenzy at My Cottage

If you are silver

or 

if you are brass, 

I will find you!

Once I get started on a big project, I can't stop. I have polished almost everything in my cottage that is in plain sight except for the andirons and they scare me. I want to wait until the weather is mild enough for me to do them outside. My fender looks fabulous and so do the fireplace tools. So happy. xo

Prettiest Kitchen Garden Ever

I posted a couple of photos yesterday and found this beautiful fenced garden while enjoying the photos of others. Isn't this the best kitchen garden ever? It's the perfect size in the perfect setting.

Google Images

Classic "Model T Ford Tin Lizzie"

I spotted this classic car outside the bank near my office recently. The proud owner takes it out quite frequently for an airing on nice days. 

This one is a beauty and has been lovingly restored. It's hard to believe 15 million Model T Fords were assembled and so few survived. Read the history here. Have a nice weekend. We have April showers in my area today. xo

Back to Work

Click here for a high resolution version of the wonderful photograph. This dog seems to have this flock under control, doesn't he? Have a great weekend. xo

Wonderful pied-à-terre in Paris

It's for sale too in a beautiful Haussmannian building! Details here. I love the layout, the floors, and especially the views.

I am fine, really! I have been busy polishing silver and brass, cleaning windows and floors, and trying to catch up on inside chores I have been house-blind to because I no longer have any excuses! It's rather overwhelming but I will soldier on and do a little at a time until it's time to start all over again. I have also been busy trying to tie up loose ends with a difficult real estate transaction. 

My neighbors across the street captured photo of a bear at their bird feeder several nights ago with a critter cam. Now they aren't feeding the birds and they are keeping their garbage cans locked in the garage. I have noticed more wild life on my property too now that I have no animals. Flocks of wild turkeys and more deer than I've seen in a long time. Not thrilled about the deer and their ticks though. The turkeys are fun when they fan their tail feathers. 

Thanks for checking in and worrying about me. xo

Gorgeous Landscaping

Perfect for this old house. via

Stay tuned for more about a wonderful real estate listing in my office. Right now it's an exclusive but will be on the MLS any day now. It's really world class! See you soon. xo

Irish Apple Cake Recipe

Recipe found at Connecticut Country House.
It looks so good!

Legend has it that St. Patrick planted an apple tree in Armagh County – also known today as “Orchard County” – an area recognized for its apple blossom tours and festivals. This cake, made from simple ingredients, is uncomplicated, easy to make, and so honest in its appearance and deliciously satisfying in flavor.

Irish Apple Cake, Serves 8 to 12

For cake:

2 large baking apples

1 ¼ cup self-rising flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus a little extra for greasing the pan

½ cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons whole milk

Confectioner’s sugar for dusting, if you’re serving it cold.

For crumb topping:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional plating garnish:

Sprigs of fresh mint

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Generously grease a 9-inch springform pan with the extra butter reserved for this purpose.

Make the crumb topping first. Sift the flour into a medium sized bowl, and cut in the butter by rubbing the flour and butter together with your fingertips. It will turn into a bread crumb-like texture. Mix in the sugar with your hands. Easy. Set aside.

For the cake:

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples, to about 1/8 – ¼ inch thickness. Set aside.

Sift together the flour, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and the sugar until light in color and smoothly blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla, and beat on low speed.

With the mixer still on low, gradually add flour mixture to the wet mixture. Slowly pour in the milk. When fully incorporated, you’re done mixing.

Scoop the batter into the buttered springform pan, smoothing the top to make level. Using a circular pattern, place the apple slices on top of the batter. (It doesn’t have to be perfect, as it gets covered with the crumb mixture. You just want even coverage.) Top with the crumb mixture.

Bake for 1 hour, or until lightly browned and firm to the touch.

Serve warm, unadorned, or if serving as a dessert, try it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

If serving cooled, give it a dusting of confectioner’s sugar – my fave for to elevating the look of this cake.

I love the simplicity of this recipe, don't you?
I am still doing well even though I missed my Webster all the time. Especially when I am cooking and that was his favorite thing for me to do! Thank you for all of your words of comfort. The Wonder Dog had a fabulous fan club and we all miss him. xo

A Goat and A Sheep

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Beautiful Animal Portraits.

I am heading to bed to watch the new season of Call The Midwife followed by Grantchester. Thank you PBS! xo

Extraordinary Garden in Provence

I love this photograph with a rising mist in the background.

Experimental Garden by Dominique Lafourcade in Provence. More photos here.

Screened Porch with Swing

Today it was almost 80 degrees and tomorrow there will be rain. On Monday snow is in the forecast. BUT spring is in the air. I love this porch, the fan, the brick floor and the swing. via

Have a great weekend. xo

Things To Do For Your Body

I haven't been getting enough exercise lately. I used to walk Webster four times a day on my property but that routine went out the window about a month ago because he didn't want to walk that far. On Tuesday I walked down and back twice before bed and it felt good. Now I'm doing that after breakfast and before bed down and back four times total. Each session lasts 15 minutes so I'm walking 30 minutes each day and that feels about right for me. Makes me drink more water too and that's a good thing. via

A Favorite Photo of Webster

This is one of my very favorite photos of Webster The Wonder Dog when he was still able to jump up on the bed and get super comfortable. I want to thank all of you for your comments this week. It has been so comforting to know you were concerned about me and upset about Webster's passing. I know he was loved by so many wonderful friends and he will be missed. 

I love this Thomas Campbell quote.

Webster RIP

My dear Webster died yesterday on his own terms, at home.

I was with him right here at the end, in this very spot.

I called my local Mobile Vet earlier in the day to assist with his passing but Webster died before they arrived. They came and picked up his body for cremation and that was a big help. I considered burying him on the property but decided against doing it. That turned out to be a good thing because my favorite helper who would have helped me dig a grave was in Vermont picking up a new puppy as a companion for his 12-year-old Lab.

Webster was a huge part of my life since he "rescued" me at 9 weeks of age 14 years ago. We had a great life together and of course I miss him terribly. But it was time for him to go and it was a peaceful passing. Boo Hoo.

I know my readers will miss him too. 

Easter Egg Evolution

Friends dropped off an Easter Basket for me yesterday with candy and two dyed eggs. Yummy breakfast this morning and lunch too. I like my egg salad with only 3 ingredients: mayonnaise, salt and pepper.

Cotswold Cottages Covered with Flowers

Arlington Row, Bibury, Gloucestershire, England
by Kai Beckmann

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. I certainly did. I am just about to hop in bed to watch Madam Secretary and The Good Wife. xo

Beautiful Custom Bookcases

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These floor to ceiling bookcases are absolutely gorgeous as are the antiquarian books within.

Walls of Green

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I have reached the point in my gardening life where I can admire this hedge wall but not want it. I know my limitations.

Fabulous Bathroom with Shelving

This is delightful to look at isn't it? I guess you have to stand in the bathtub to arrange the towels on the shelves, right? I love the acorn shades on the sconces. via

Bathroom with Painted Floor

I love the brown and white diamonds on this painted floor in this cool bathroom, don't you? via

Coming Soon to A Location Near You

We had a dusting of snow overnight but sun and blue skies with white puffy clouds are overhead at lunch time. My daffodils are in the new bud stage. Can't wait. via

Vegetable Garden with Shed

This vegetable garden is beyond amazing and I love the Peter Rabbit sign. Found on Tumblr.

Young Goat Adopts Ducklings

A young goat kid has become ‘mum’ to a brood of ducklings who have no mum because they were hatched in an incubator at Pennywell Farm in Devon UK. Such a nice story!

Photo: Richard Austin

Bedroom Office

I like it. A bedroom and home office all in one.

Via

Conformist Cat

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Cats can manage to get comfortable almost anywhere, can't they? This looks like a nice warm spot to sleep and bake.

Appreciate Things

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I'll say yes to that!

Lazy Day Cat

This was what I did all day today, with reading and movie watching thrown in for good measure. It was just that kind of day and I thoroughly enjoyed it too. There is absolutely nothing to watch tonight on TV, no Downton, no The Good Wife. I hope I have something good on my DVR and I'm sure I must, otherwise I'll read. Rain tonight and tomorrow. Enjoy your Sunday night. xo via

Ever Blooming Garden Gate

You'll have flowers in bloom all year with this lovely hand-crafted garden gate. via

Wonderful Dutch Door

via I will never get over my love for dutch doors. This one is especially nice, agreed?

Old Red Brick with Black Trim

I do love this townhouse with all the wooden architectural elements painted black or charcoal. Very nice. via

Almost Finished with My Taxes

Today's goal is to finish gathering all necessary paperwork for the accountant and get my life back. via