I made potato soup.

Stepping out of the food rut.

It happens to us all.  We find something that works, and we keep making it because....we know it's going to work.  Inevitably we become bored, and eventually take a personal stand against the same tired, old entrees.  I've tried two amazing recipes this weekend-and they were simple but incredibly fresh and flavorful.  Fresh ingredients are key.  My new cupboard mantra is buy less, and use what I have before it goes bad.  What did I fall in love with tonight?  I call it, "Pasta la vista."  Ingredients:

1. Penne pasta


2. fresh basil 


3. sliced plum tomatoes


4. olive oil/pepper/salt to taste

Wednesday's deliciously yellow monochromatic lunch.

think pink: Valentine's Day.

I made my snuggle bunnie pink pancakes.  And yes, he does use that much butter.  Because butter is muy delicioso.

Creativity Tuesday: Alternative Centerpieces.

I'm a firm believer in creating alternative solutions for centerpieces.  Flowers are magnificent, don't get me wrong.  But I think it's fun to let the creative juices flow and try options nouveau.  Last night I reworked my table-scape, and the pumpkin pyramid makes my heart happy every time I see it.  Tres, tres Thanksgiving. 

My Current Table-scape.

Faces.

Funny faces are all around us.  I don't ever look for them-they find me.  This funny face found me at Brite Spot Diner from Echo Park.  I had to share the evidence.  Do you find faces everywhere you look? 

Easy As 1,2,3.

Amber suggested that I try the alternative use for the classic Jiffy blueberry muffin recipe.  It did not disappoint as a pancake. 

Break{fast}.

Creatures of the Deep.

Bryan just bought me these lovely creature, napkin ring holders.  I think the octopus is my favorite.  Which one do you like best?

Culture Club: Napkin Etiquette.

Recently I was asked a dining etiquette question that bares repeating.  Question:  When should the napkin be placed on the lap?  Answer: The napkin should be unfolded, then placed on the lap immediately after being seated.  In an upscale restaurant the host or server will place the napkin on your lap for you.  When you are finished with the meal, simply place the napkin loosely to the side of the plate.  Did you know this golden rule?  image found {here.}

Creativity Tuesday: Setting Tables With Panache.

I have worked in the food and beverage industry for the past three years.  I've worked at two critically acclaimed restaurants in both Phoenix and Los Angeles.  I love good food, that's a given.  But I'm equally impressed by presentation.  Whether I'm having a meeting at my house, girls night in, or a formal gathering, I focus on presentation.  Appearance is 9/10 of the law after all.  A show stopping table setting shows your guest that they are both welcomed and valued.



In the above images I assembled a sample dinner table.  Please reference the fourth picture for formal dining setting etiquette.  You must know the rules in order to break them.  For my tables I try to use something old, something new, grouped with something odd.  As in the example, I used different textures, patterns and color combination.  Throw a conversation piece on there as well.  Just have fun!  And, please use your china.  Don't allow it to gather dust year after year.  Use it!  Because today is your "special occasion."  4th image found {here.}

Creativity Tuesday: Floral Dishes Photo Shoot.

Allow me to introduce you to my swoon worthy, vintage, floral china. I scored a set of dessert plates, salad plates and a three bonus display pieces. Oh, and my owl pitcher is filled with a mohawk of flowers. They matched the spirit of this post. WARNING: I am undergoing some radical template/visual changes. Thank you for your patience for the next couple of days.

Table Talk: Breakfast Scone.

Is there anything 

more
lovely than 

a scone 

on my favorite, 

vintage,
rosebud dish?

Table Talk: Stumped.

This is the current vignette on my
parlor side table.
Ingredients:
duck decoy: gift from Bryan's grandpa
concrete handgun: made by Bryan
ancient hardback books: thrifted
beautiful orchid: my parting gift from a catering event

Lemony Snickets. Table Edition.

This is my current table-scape. Think lemons, clothes pins, fresh linens, and personalized name cards. Chic on the cheap: I bought the holders at a restaurant supply store for $1.25 each. The vintage duck and pig table cloth is a flea market find. Your home work: freshen up your table top this weekend.

Cake Stand.

Three weeks ago my cake stand broke.
It was a wedding present,
and I was devastated.
Bunnie silently noted this event.
Then on Friday he presented me with
a glorious, vintage replacement.
Freshly baked cookies look fab inside it.

Breakfast and Table Top.

This is my new table scape for the week.

And my breakfast was scrumptious

this morning, thank you very much!

Table Top: Lioness Inspired.

My flowers are a trip.

The Caged Bird Sings.

The above is what my table top looks like as of yesterday evening. Centerpieces and table decor are my new obsession. I change them several times a week, it just keeps things fresh! The lovely dome was a treasured gift from my dear friend Cindee. The vintage, aqua votives were $0.50 at a flea market in Quartzite, California.