Come check us out at The Community Farmer's Market in Fairfax City tomorrow 8am-1pm!
This Saturday is the day before Mother's Day... a perfect day to get some sunshine, fresh produce, shop for Mom, and visit Blooming Buds Va. We've got all sorts of sweet gifts for Mom, and Everyone!
Well, I finished my current read, The Help. It's going on my top 20 all-time-favorites-list!!! The characters left quite an impression on me, and I find myself looking at Southern history with new eyes... This story took place in Mississippi in the 1960's (even though many folk's mindsets were still stuck in the 30's.)
I dedicate this dish to Skeeter, Celia, and sweet Ablene.
Shrimp & Grits (from America's Test Kitchens)
And for Minny, Chocolate Cake of course (if you read the book you'd understand, hehe.) And, if you haven't read it-start now!
There's nothing appealing to me about eating bananas (no pun intended.) However, a banana shake on a hot day is Bliss! I guess I've never like the texture of bananas, but their flavor is delicious.
I'm on the go today, and it's too muggy for a heavy lunch, so I pulled out the blender... 1/4 cup of half and half (or 2% milk,) 1 scoop of ice, and 1 ripe banana... Voila! Lunch on the go isn't so bad after all.
Try it!
And on a side note, here's a funny take on Rachel Zoe, who's always going "ba-na-nas," I think she trademarked it! Ugh, did I just admit to watching that show?
When we first moved in (Feb. 2010) every living thing that was in our yard was covered by at least 3 feet of snow. A couple of months later Spring graced us with her presence, and we realized we had a yard, and some grass-mostly dead grass. Most of the shrubs and plants had been cut all the way down to the ground, so we were in for some surprises... A couple rose bushes, some (not so exciting) shrubs sprouted back, along with another plant that remained a mystery. Oh how this lush plant grew and grew, but still no flowers. We waited until Fall for a bud or a flower, but still no sign of any blooms. "Let's give it one more year, and if it doesn't impress us next Spring then we'll dig it up..."
A 2nd chance was all this plant needed. Low and behold, we've got PEONIES-quite possibly my favorite flower! I'm still not sure what color blooms we'll have (future post perhaps?) Big buds are ready to burst, and the anticipation is killing me... We were meant to live here, I'm sure of it. How did our little house know this would bring me sooo much joy? Today is a day to give thanks for all the little things in life, and don't forget to stop and smell the roses peonies.
Ever wonder why you see ants hanging out on Peony buds?
We recently headed South to spend some time with some VIPs! First we met my mom at the Virginia museum of fine art to spend some quality time with Picasso. We had a lovely lunch at the museum's restaurant-everything was fresh and delicious, and the service was swell.
The exhibit was absolutely incredible, and I urge you to catch it while it's in the area, or you may have to go to France... well that's not an entirely bad idea ;)
To see his work in chronological order gave us a better understanding of what he was experiencing in his life, and what was happening in the world around him. Picasso must be one of the most versatile artists I've ever seen. We were able to see his powerful work in several different mediums, as well as photographs that offer a glimpse into his personal life.
I often wonder what it would be like to be one of his subjects; immortalized through his work. Some easily identifiable, while others-not so much-I wonder if they knew their nose might end up next to their toes? I believe he put it best, "everything you can imagine is real."
After dinner we visited my Aunt & Uncle. We enjoyed catching up, and sorbet of course :)
They recently gave their kitchen a make-over, so I was super excited to see how everything turned out.
Drum roll please...
Wow, it looked absolutely amazing!!!! A new, airy color for the walls, and white (buttermilk-I think) cabinets made the space seem much larger. Every little detail was well thought out, from the beautiful wine storage down to the brass knobs! They really utilized the space, and have tons of new storage-all custom built! If only I were Thumbelina, then I could nap in the pantry, tehe.
My lovely Aunt, Queen of the kitchen!
Love the Tiffany style lighting over the sink.
I dream of this!
Key hooks, baskets, and cookbooks-a place for everything!
Thank you so much for letting me share a piece of your beautiful home.
Today I'm visiting 2 of the sweetest little girls (and their sweet momma of course!) The Easter bunny got confused and delivered baskets to my house ;)
Let's see what kind of treats are inside...
The Big Girl Basket
Nail polish, organic bunny snacks, bracelets & a flower ring, some jelly bellies, a coloring book & colored pencils, fun bubble bath, and a bunny sponge...
The Baby Basket
A colorful stuffed monkey, ballet socks, an eyelet hat
