Celebrate and Honor

Hoping you had a happy and meaningful Memorial Day Weekend.  One that was filled with family, friends and reflective moments remembering those who served to protect us.

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Moving Mode: Backyard Reflections

As the move nears, I can't help but reflect on how well our home has treated us.  Our tiny urban yard, big enough for a tire swing, entertained many birthday parties, hosted many grand BBQ's and was privy to many quiet Mommy moments.  I'm so grateful for all the memories and look forward to creating many more in our new home.

Images:

1.  Our yellow tire swing.

2. Rocks from a Rockport, Ma. beach.

3. Max and the push mower.

4. The black fence that surrounds the yard was our first home improvement project.  Euphorbia grows on either side of it.

Brass Is Big

Word is brass is big.  Grace Bonney, who writes for  Design* Sponge  reported yesterday that she's seeing brass and copper  everywhere at  NYC's ICFF (so wish I could be there!).  Whether or not brass is THE next big thing, my plans for our California home definitely include brassy accents in draw pulls, lighting and even accessories.  This metal creates a warm, classic and somewhat glamorous look.   Here are some brassy finds:

Are you ready for brass, gold and copper accents, or are you strictly a nickel and stainless steel fan?

Images:

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Spin Art

One of my favorite activities for the kids at the preschool fair is spin art.  I'm always amazed on how beautiful it turns out.  With no two alike, these 5 x 5 mini works of art are truly an expression of each little artist. Last year, I framed three that Max, Ben and Zoe created.  They're hung above our kitchen counter and are admired each and every day.  Take a look at a few of this year's creations and the 'trio' that brightens our home.

Thanks Parents' Nursery School for another fun filled day!

Off The Counter: Grilled Feta, Tomatoes And Orecchiette

This week's Off The Counter features a recipe that has been in our family's repertoire for quite a while.  With time, it has evolved into one of our 'go to' dishes for guests with children because it's great served deconstructed.  Each person, either adult or child,  can build a bowl of yumminess to their own liking.   Mint and oregano give this pasta dish a fresh and unexpected flavor while the grilled feta creates a subtle creaminess.    Our take on the original recipe from Food & Wine :

Ingredients:

cherry tomatoes, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, orecchiette pasta, sausages and feta

Recipe:

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and put into a bowl.  Add mint, oregano, salt, pepper and olive oil.  Let sit for an hour at room temperature.

Prepare the pasta, grill the sausages and feta.

Serve the ingredients separately, so your guests can add as few or as many as they'd like and create their very own tasty pasta dish.