CHAIR FIND!

I knew EXACTLY  what I wanted to put in the corner of a guest room we call "The Gable Room".

A chair... one that I could makeover... but not just any chair...

THE CHAIR!

I had been casually looking for THE CHAIR  locally when I was out and about.  But when I got serious about finding it I headed to Lucketts! That great General Store/Antique Mecca in Leesburg Va. 

And sure enough... there it was... sitting in an upstairs room just waiting for me! I knew the minute I saw it that it was

THE CHAIR!


Love at first sight!

Well, it may not look like that much now.  But it has a beautiful rounded back, a wide seat, curvy arms and great legs!

I have plans for... 

THE CHAIR.

I'll make sure I share THE CHAIR with you when it is all prettied up!

Here is just a peek at the Gable Room's comfy bed... this is one of two guest rooms you could stay in if you came to visit StoneGable.

An antique bed I found in Strasburg Pa at a great antique shop, fills one corner of this cozy room.

You can just see an original piece of art I picked up in Middleburg, Va that was the inspiration for the Gable Room. I'll show you more later... I am giving this room a facelift. My boys installed new hardwood floors to match the rest of the house... so this room is getting freshened up!

An original chalk drawing done by  local artist, Alice McKeachern, is moving from the living room to the Gable Room.

This beautiful piece of art was inspired by my daughter Jacqueline, who was a ballerina for 13 years.

The colors in the rendering will work perfectly in the Gable Room.

I'll share the whole room when it is finally done! 

I hope you enjoyed a little peek!

BUNNY BREAD

When my children were little they called white bread "bunny bread". 

This bunny bread is hippity-hoppity easy and would be a delightful surprise with your Easter meal!

I was awe struck by the creativity of this fun bunny shaped bread when I saw them HERE  and   HERE. But I was not interested in making a yeast bread from scratch... or a sweet bread.

So, I put a StoneGable spin on the recipe and decided to see how refrigerator bread sticks would work... and they did!!!! Savory with a hint of butter and herbs, this bunny bread is so yummy... and cute! 

You don't have to hop down bunny trails to make this fluffy-tail bread!  Just get your paws on some refrigerator bread dough and begin!

StoneGable Bunny Bread

1 container refrigerator breadsticks

2-4 TBS butter, melted

herbs, chopped finely

sea salt

Preheat oven according to package.

Sprinkle flour on a work surface. 

Please indulge me... I love rice china. This is the measuring cup in my big jar of flour. See how the light shines through it? Pretty!

Unroll bread sticks on to the floured work surface. Separate into individual pieces.

I pinched the ends of each breadstick together slightly to look like bunny ears. Twist until you get the breadsticks configured like the photograph at the top.

Make bunny tails by breaking off a piece of dough from 1 breadstick. Roll it into a ball and place it in the center of the hole in the body.

Put the bunnies on a large parchment lined baking sheet and brush them with butter.

Bake according to package directions or until golden.  Remove from oven, brush with butter and sprinkle with finely chopped herbs and sea salt.

Soooo cute... ENJOY!

I am participating in:
FOODIE FRIDAY
SEASONAL SUNDAYS
What's It Wednesday

BAD BLOGGING FORM!

There are just some things you do not do in the blogging world....

and

 PASSING SOMEONE'S ORIGINAL WORK OFF AS YOUR OWN AND TRYING TO SELL IT

is one!

BAD BLOGGING FORM!

Today I found this image...

from MY post CHERRY BLOSSON WREATH on a floral designers web-site. 

Not only was my photograph posted but there was a description of it and a sale price that was a pretty penny!

VERY BAD FORM!

I am so very happy to share my copyrighted work with almost anyone who asked permission. All I ask is that I am given credit and a link back for my hard work.  It pleases me to inspire others and have them make their own version of my work! That is one of the great blessings of blogging! I love to share and inspire others! 

What is NOT okay is to take original work and original photography and pass it off as one's own work.

Unfortunately this is not the first time I have found my original photography on another's web site being passed off as their own~ without permission, without credit and without any link back to my original work. I have even found my work on sites with my watermark cut off! This is the second time a designer has used my work... that I know of!

Some of you may say. "Okay, this is just a part of blogging"! Well, sadly it may be... but it is the side that lacks integrity! And we should not sit quietly by when this happens! 

Just a word about most bloggers...

Most bloggers that I have crossed paths with are the kindest, most supportive, generous and friendly folks I have ever met! Most bloggers put a tremendous amount of work, money and time into each post! And most bloggers are so respectful and appreciate that. If you are a blogger and know me... I am talking about you!!!!  As a community, we are thrilled and delight with joy for one another's successes and share the burden and often times pray for one another's sorrows! We show great care for all! It is just too bad that there are just a few that don't have that same regard!

This offender will not be named. I will protect her identity. That is more than she did for me!

I have contacted the offending person and asked her to remove my image immediately and as of yet MY photograph with MY watermark is still on her blog and she is selling MY work, passed off as her's.

I am asking you, and you know who who you are... take down my photographs NOW! Shame on you!

VERY VERY BAD BAD BAD BLOGGING FORM

I hope this serves as a reminder to all of us. It is always better to use our own original work. If using other's work please ask permission, credit the source and give a link back UNDER THE IMAGE where it is easily visible! Let's all play nicely together!

A word about Pinterest because I am sure this will come up.... I am still trying to sort it all out, as many other bloggers are. I know there are all kinds of issues... it is such untested water and I still don't understand all of it! But Pinterest is totally different. As long as I have the "pin it" sign up on my post... and when pinning a photograph of mine the link on Pinterest goes back to my original post... I say pin away! For now, anyway! However, let's keep the focus for this post on the topic at hand. Thank you.

FORSYTHIA WREATH TUTORIAL

A beautiful front door wreath welcomes friends and guest to your home before you even open the door!

And if you make it yourself it conveys your personal touch... your style...your warmth, as no two wreaths are exactly alike.

Bright and brambly, this spring wreath looks like a designer wreath... without the designer price tag! And it is an easy DIY project... here's how to make one for your own front door...

There are many forsythia wreaths out in all the craft stores that can go from the bag they are put in at the check-out counter to the front door... BUT they are not very pretty, full or inviting! 

Make your own one-of-a-kind wreath... it is easy and such a stunning spring welcome to hang on your front door!

  

StoneGable Forsythia Wreath

2 grapevine wreaths

small nest

3 small eggs

forsythia branches

white flower picks

sticks, twigs, brambles

florist wire

hot glue gun

decorative ribbon

dust buster (my best friend when doing messy DIY projects)

blow dryer

To make a wreath that has a full, lush, designer look start by tying 2 grapevine wreaths together with with florist wire. I secure it in 3 or 4 places.

I found a wreath with a mossy look, Great detail, as I am not filling in the whole wreath.

Just putting 2 wreaths together will add so much depth and heft to your wreath.

Forsythia is a naturally untamed, twiggy bush.  Its beauty lies in its wild nature. We will want a wreath that echos that same look.

Decide where the top of your wreath will be. We will call that 12 o'clock.  At about 4 o'clock on your wreath begin building a base of forsythia branches and white flowers. You will add more forsythia later. I had rather large forsythia branches I cut apart to make smaller stems that would be just the rights size for the wreath. Use hot glue liberally, you want the stems to stay.

Add sticks and twigs and brambles going up the right side of the wreath.

Add eggs to your nest and secure the nest to the wreath.

Add forsythia branches under and on the left side of the nest. Add white pick flowers. Fill in more forsythia etc. on both sides of the nest.

Keep picking up you wreath and hold it at eye level to see where you need to fill in with more floras and brambles to give your design depth. Remember, people will see the wreath hanging up... a totally different perspective than a wreath lying on a work surface.

We are now going to fill in the wreath from 9 o'clock to about 1 o'clock.

Begin filling in the area with forsythia.  Begin about  9 o'clock and work clockwise around the wreath. Stop adding branches at about 11 o'clock and let the wispy ends of the forsythia branches bend over to 1 o'clock, following the lines of the wreath.

Fill in the side of the wreath as well. Let some of the stems stand out from the wreath giving it a loose natural look. This is very important as it gives life and movement to your wreath.

Add white pick flowers here and there.  

You may want to add extra sticks, twigs and brambles to give your wreath more natural feel.

When you are happy with your wreath. Give it a good shake. If anything is loose secure it with lots of hot glue.

Use a blow dryer set on the hottest setting to melt away any hot glue spiders. This works like a charm!

Ta-Da!

What a friendly welcome! 

You might also like this Cherry Blossom Wreath DIY. Click HERE for a Tutorial.

Remember to

WEEKLY MENU

This week at StoneGable it is work, work, work on some of my upstairs bedrooms! Bobby and the boys laid hardwood floors in 3 bedrooms over the last couple weeks, and now I am working on painting, removing wallpaper and putting the rooms back in order. This 3 room project will take awhile. I am not a fast worker.

And I am not an  "all work and no play kind of gal"... so I am off on a couple of fun adventures! Luckett's will be my first stop (that GREAT antique vintage store in Leesburg VA) and later in the week Evans Chocolates. 

Evans is an old fashioned chocolatier. They make many of their chocolate bunnies from antique chocolate molds and  use Wilber's chocolate...FABULOUS! It just would not seem like Easter if I did not make a trip or two to Evans! So I'm getting my Easter basket goodies and maybe something a little extra for me!

Just a quick update about the intruder lurking around my home last week... he was captured and is now in jail. He had a long history of criminal behavior.  Good for our local police!!!

Now here's what's on the Menu...

MONDAY

Hamburgers On the Grill With Fixins'

Oven Fries


TUESDAY
Prosciutto Wrapped Tilapia With Peach Mango Salsa
Sauteed Rice With Garlic Oil And Parsley
Broccoli


WEDNESDAY
Chicken Piccata
Angel Hair Pasta
Dark Greens With Balsamic Dressing


THURSDAY

I had this WONDERFUL, SCRUMPTIOUS meal on a recent visit to my gourmet-cooking sister's home. Words don't do it justice. Give this a try, even if you are not a culinary adventurous person...you will love it! Lisa you are my cooking role model!

Vietnamese Style Grilled Beef With Sweet Cucumber Dipping Sauce
Thai-Style Grilled Eggplant Salad




FRIDAY
StoneGable Ceasar Salad Topped With A StoneGable Crab Cake

SATURDAY~ FIESTA NIGHT~ OLE'!
We are looking for a fun, relaxed evening at StoneGable with good friends and a  Margarita or two! I'm sharing a big bowl of homemade bakes tortillas with fresh guacamole and salsa for a starter. This is a night for close friends, great food and Mexican Train Dominoes (another great love of mine)! 



Make Your Own Tacos With All The Fixins'
PINTO BEANS
Guacamole And Salsa With Homemade Baked Tortillas
Mexican Flan
Classic Margaritas




SUNDAY~ SOUP'S ON
StoneGable Ham and Bean Soup
Buttermilk Sweet Corn Bread
Warm Brownies With Vanilla Ice Cream And Chocolate Sauce

RECIPES

StoneGable Hamburgers
Prosciutto Wrapped Tilapia With Mango Salsa
Chicken Piccata~ New Version
Vietnamese-Style Beef
Thai-Style Grilled Eggplant Salad
StoneGable Crab Cakes
Guacamole
Mexican Flan
Buttermilk Sweet Corn Bread

Culinary Tutorials And Recipes

StoneGable Ceasar Salad

StoneGable Ham And Bean Soup

Now what's ON YOUR MENU...

 

Thanks, for joining us and sharing!

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Iam participating in :
Menu Plan Monday
Menu Planning Monday

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE

Jere 3:33

Negev Israel, looking towards Siani

I am participating in : 

LEEK AND ONION TART

This tart is soooooo delicious! Using just a few ingredients, it is a breeze to put together and it makes a big culinary impression!

Leeks are beautiful sweet and have a mild onion flavor when sauteed! They just scream chicness!  I like to think of them as the well-bred member of the Allium family!

These tarts are perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner! 

Did I mention they freeze well and can be reheated... no high maintenance here! This tart would be a scrumptious addition to your Easter meal!

StoneGable Leek And Onion Tart

(Makes 2 tarts)

1 package puffed pastry sheets

1 TBS olive oil

2 TBS butter

4 large leeks, white and light green part sliced into half moons

2 onion, sliced into half moons

1  1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded (Swiss cheese also works well)

chives for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

On a floured work space roll out puffed pastry sheet to fit a fluted tart tin with a 1/2 inch overhang. Fit the pastry into the pan and fold under the overhang, pressing into the sides of the pan.

If you don't have a tart pan this can be made free form too. Just roll dough out to a 7x 14 inch triangle.

Score the inside edges of  the tart and prick the center.

Refrigerate for 15 minutes, then bake for 15 minutes. When the tart is removed from the oven, reduce the oven to 375 degrees.

Meanwhile, put oil and butter into a large skillet and heat over a medium heat. Add onions and leeks. Cook over medium heat until wilted, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.

When tart is removed from the oven, gently push the center down  SLIGHTLY if it has puffed. Sprinkle on 1/2 of the cheese over each tart, avoiding the edges. 

Spoon 1/2 of the leek mixture over each tart, avoiding the edges.

Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Cut into wedges and serve.

Remember to

EASTER BUFFET

Our family is BIG on tradition... down to specific menus for specific holidays! Our main Easter meal is a buffet-style Easter Brunch after church.  

If you are like me you probable serve a crowd on a holiday... and holiday meals are probably served from a buffet. Today's tablescape is  about making our buffets the real star of our Easter meal...

Every big holiday meal except Thanksgiving is served buffet style here at StoneGable. We just don't have enough room at the table to fit all the people and the food. And buffets make it easier for everyone to indulge as much as we want in our holiday favorites.

For those big buffet meals I have a simple rule.... the fancier the buffet the simpler the table and vice versa.

As you can see this is an elaborate buffet so my table will be simple. Most of the tableware is on the buffet.

Almost every Easter we use my collection of Fire King Peach Lustreware. I have been collecting it for years. It just suites Easter!

 Dinner plates and mugs are stacked in an old antique carpenter's tool box. It sits on my island all year and is often called into use.

  Click HERE to see another Easter Table using Peach Lustreware.

Linens are rolled and tucked into the side of the tool box. Everyone can just grab one as they go through the buffet line.

These antique flatware have wonderfully worn handles.  I remember flatware like this at my Nani's when I was a little girl! These have such a lovely subtle variegation of warm hues. They sit in a small white pitcher just waiting to be plucked out.

The island is covered with a white tablecloth. Pretty cabbage leaves (a hostess gift from my dear friend Fran, a million thanks, Fran!!!) are scattered here and there. They are one of my favorite springtime elements to use on a table.

The inspiration for my Easter buffet this year are these naturally dyed Easter eggs.

I always make onion skin dyed eggs every year. This is one of the thing I love most about Easter. I have made these eggs for decades... my mother made them before me (and still does)... and my Nani before her.  I am sure many generations before my Nani made them too. For a DYI tutorial click HERE.

But this year I played with the technique to get soft peach colored eggs as well as the traditional terracotta color.

I also made these stunning purple and lavender eggs using natural products. Eggs dyed purple with store bought kits tend to end up very blotchy and uneven. These came out better than I expected!  Look for tutorial early next week about dying eggs.

A twiggy Easter basket is filled with moss, pansies and colored eggs.

The highlight of our Easter brunch is an "egg fight". You have to see it to believe it! No we don't THROW eggs at eachother (we are not barbarians!). We try to crack eachother's egg by hitting it with ours. This once-a-year game has established rulers, cunning strategy, lots of teasing, a winner and a crown! SO FUN! Everyone, young and old plays.  Jonathan is the reigning 2011 Egg King! You better believe we will all be out to get him Easter day!  Competition is very stiff and we play for keeps!

The tulips, pansies and other flowers were chosen to match the color of the eggs... orange, purple and white. They make quite an intense bouquet!

A blown out egg dipped in onion skin dye makes a sweet little vase for a couple of blooms!

Two little bunnies (Wm-Sonoma) have hopped up onto the buffet. I think they were looking for tender cabbage for their supper! The bunny that is laying down is a candy dish.

The bunnies are safe here. This is a hasenpfeffer free zone at StoneGable. We had a pet bunny for years... I could never eat one!

Realistic faux white tulips drip over the side of the tool box. A pansy is potted in a demitasse cup. Tall purple flutes wait to be filled with an Easter libation!

Plates are nested in a twiggy charger on a cake pedestal. 

A smaller pedestal holds a bowl filled with eggs and pansies. Little bunny salt and pepper shakers continue the Lapin theme.

I have spread out the buffet a bit, so things could be better seen... They will be compacted and rearranged a litttle to make room for the food!

STONEGABLE EASTER BRUNCH MENU

Arugula Salad

Easter Eggs

Honey Baked Spiral Ham

Kielbasa

StoneGable Potato Salad

Pineapple Stuffing

Roasted Asparagus 

Paska

Nut Bread

Easter Basket Chocolates

Champagne

 StoneGable Iced Tea

Printable Recipes:

Arugula Salad

StoneGable Potato Salad

StoneGable Iced Tea

I am participating in:
Let's Dish at Cuisine Kathleen. Please stop by and visit Kathleen's first blog party!

Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch
Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life