Inspirational Kitchens | Architectural Digest

Lots more Inspirational Kitchens to see. I didn't want to spoil the 17-photo slideshow for you so I'm only showing two. via Architectural Digest.




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Katharine Hepburn Illustrated Quote

"If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased."
Katharine Hepburn

Hold that thought! I think she followed her own advice throughout her life.




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Green Cuisine with Carolyne Roehm

Green Cuisine Conversations with Carolyne Roehm on cooking and decorating with nature's most abundant color. Be sure to click on the green cuisine link to read the delightful article and see more beautiful photographs, each with a recipe. Nice!

SHALLOT-HERBED RISOTTO
Serves 4 to 6

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¾ cup shallots, peeled and diced

8 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

1 tablespoon fresh tarragon

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary

2 tablespoons fresh oregano

1 pound Arborio rice

1 cup dry white wine

1 cup asparagus, only tips and tender part of spears

1 cup fresh or frozen peas

3tablespoons butter

½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

salt and pepper

In large saucepan, heat oil and sauté shallots until soft. Remove from heat.

In separate pan, heat chicken stock until warm. Combine 2 cups stock and herbs in blender. Process until smooth, then return to remaining stock over heat.

Return saucepan with shallots to heat, then add rice and toast 2 minutes. Add wine and stir until liquid is evaporated.

Add stock 1 cup at a time, stirring continually, about 13 minutes. Add asparagus and peas to remaining stock. Then continue to add stock and vegetables to risotto 1 cup at a time, stirring continually until rice is al dente, about 5 minutes. Strain any remaining vegetable from leftover stock and fold them into risotto.

Remove from heat, add butter and cheese and a little more stock if necessary. Stir well and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Image: Veranda Magazine

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You Can Never Have Too Many Framed Pictures

This collection of framed pictures is nicely arranged, isn't it?




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Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 15

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Purple Cone Flowers In My Garden

How does your garden grow? I'm surprised I have any flowers at all due to the heat and long dry spell we've had lately. My coneflowers are surprisingly hardy and very photogenic too. Good for them. I love things that can take care of themselves.




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Rain

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894)
A Child’s Garden of Verses, 1913

• Rain
• THE RAIN is raining all around,
• It falls on field and tree,
• It rains on the umbrellas here,
• And on the ships at sea.

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French Toast

You probably weren't expecting this, were you? via

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Charles Dickens Loved Cats

I scanned the image from my favorite book . . . The Royal Book of Crests. It seemed to be perfect for making this illustrated quote. Have a great weekend and give your cat some extra treats.




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Croquet, Horseshoes or Bocce Ball? | Lawn Games

I'll choose croquet. I grew up playing this game and never got over it. These would make nice gifts if you're visiting someone at their summer home.

Restoration Hardware Lawn Games For sale at half price right now!




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USPS Stamps Honor Lighthouses After Gulf Coast Hurricanes

These Stamps Honor Lighthouses That Stood Defiant to Gulf Coast Hurricanes
Images Based on Photos Taken the Year Following the Wrath of Katrina, Rita and Wilma

Read more . . .

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Superb Fruit Dove | Beatiful Bird of New Guinea

This beautiful bird is the perfect image for ending a busy day. Goodnight. See you in the morning. Superb Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus superbus), Papua, New Guinea




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Outdoor Spaces | Slideshow | Architectural Digest

Architect Robert Paxton and designer Bunny Williams restored and expanded a farmhouse near Charlottesville, Virginia, mixing contemporary elements with the region’s vernacular style. A porch that overlooks the gardens was inspired by one the clients had seen in South Africa. The large brick fireplace surrounded by wicker furniture is well used even in the dead of winter. Slideshow of more outdoor spaces from Architectural Digest.

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Nice Symmetry on this Outbuilding

I love the symmetry of all the architectural elements on this carriage house, don't you. It's absolute perfection.




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Basset Hound Puppy with Fan

Is it hot enough for you? Webster is usually parked in front of a fan but this weeks he's discovered the joy of central air. I have to admit I'm enjoying it too. I have the thermostat set at 78 and it's quite pleasant. For some reason in past years I've had it set like a walk-in cooler. I like being cool and conserving energy at the same time.

Image via Pixdaus.




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10 Inexpensive Ways to Improve the Value of Your Home Before Selling

10 Inexpensive Ways to Improve the Value of Your Home Before Selling

One of my listings is under contract after being on the market for one year. What a relief. I think I helped too. The sellers always did everything I asked of them but it wasn't until we applied lots of Feng Shui principles that we found our buyers. I loaned the sellers several of my books for a crash course. The tip that made the most difference was putting live potted red geranium plants all over the house. They added such "life" to every room. The red blossoms and round leaves represent good luck and prosperity too. They also had a pre-sale home inspection which was another smart thing to do. Everything's going well so far. Keep your fingers crossed for us.




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