More Blue and White Details

Good morning! Another blue, no make that gray day ahead here, rain, rain and more rain in the forecast.  The good news is that everything is lush, beautiful and green. 

Rainy days offer the perfect opportunity to relax and slow down and as I said yesterday to take in the details. Recently while visiting my in-laws I managed to spend a rainy afternoon looking at a lifetime of their treasures and hearing many stories from their lives.  

These blue and white images are but a few of their vast collection, and include transfer ware, flow blue, spatter ware and more. 

My in-laws are both in their late 80's and they have collected so many memories and treasures. It is always nice to have the opportunity to sit and hear stories from their lives. Growing up during the Depression, living in the Dust Bowl, earning $3000.00 a year for a first job, or paying $58.00 for a year of college tuition! 

Some of these pieces were passed on to them from their mothers, some from friends, and a few others from auctions. 

Each piece is more beautiful than the next and a few are very fragile. I did not remove them from the cabinet which explains why one or two are blurry. Sorry about that, but I still like the pattern and colors. 

Blue and white is timeless and really does fit in any decor. Do you have any pieces of blue and white that has been passed down to you? Or are you starting a collection to pass on to your own children and grandchildren?

I would love for you to share your blue and white treasures with the rest of us as well as any stories connected to them. 

Oh, before I forget, the images used in my post yesterday were not from Google Art Project. They were details from a favorite painting that I photographed recently while visiting the museum. I have found that when I actually stop, open my eyes and enjoy the moment that I see so many things I have missed int the past. 

If you are a blue and white fan and I know many are, Tina at The Enchanted Home, hosted and posted about a blue and white party that she recently gave. In addition, her online store is filled with blue and white pieces to add to your collection with new ones added frequently. 

You can also check out the many blue and white pins I have pinned on my "Blue and White" board on Pinterest.

I hope you have a beautiful day, even if it is gray and rainy. 

Details of Life and "Ladies Having Tea"

Good morning! I hope that you had a great weekend, did you enjoy your Father's Day?

 I had a wonderful time with family and friends and am happy to be back catching up with you. I miss not reading your blogs and hearing the details of your life. 

Recently while visiting Google Art Project looking at some of my favorite paintings I realized as I zoomed in that I was missing out on so many of the details, the folds of a dress, the violin on the piano, the gondolia out the window, the rug scrunched up on the floor. 

I think that life is like that sometimes, so busy that we miss the details. 

 But then a holiday comes along to remind us to stop and smell the roses as they say.  

To take the time to linger over a meal with our parents, actually listen when talking to friends instead of thinking of our own response, to take it all in because life is short and someday all we will have is the memories. 

"The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all of the details of daily life."

~William Morris~

I hope you enjoy the details of your day! I am off to catch up on all of your projects, holidays, adventures, and more. 

Happy Father's Day

Dad, Happy Father's Day!

Thank you for always pretending to love your soap on the rope and the Old Spice cologne. I wish we were together to celebrate your special day but we will do that when I am next in town. 

I love you and miss you!

A Little Break to Play

Good morning! I have guests in town this week so I am going to be out playing and seeing the sights. I do not think I will have much time to blog and comment but I will visit all of your fabulous blogs after they go home. 

Enjoy your week!

Father's Day Barbeque

Good morning! I hope that you are having a wonderful week so far. I am. The weather is fabulous and I will be spending the weekend with family. It cannot get any better than that.

Sunday is Father's Day and although I will not be spending the day with my dad I decided to make a menu that he would love, a good old fashioned barbeque. 

Image Pottery Barn

I think we will start with either a Smoked Brisket or perhaps a Grilled Molasses Flank Steak.

Grilled Flank Steak

Smoked Brisket from Country Living

To accompany our beautiful grilled meats one or more delicious potato salads. After all, what is a picnic or a barbeque without potato salad? Personally, I think it is the best part.

"Best" Potato Salad Ever from Country Living

Fingerling Potato Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Bacon from Country Living

Another side and favorite of mine is baked beans. I think it is fun to experiment with baked bean recipes and they are so many great ones out there. Do you have a family recipe? Or one that is your "go to" recipe?

Ranch Beans with Bacon

Beer Baked White Beans from Martha Stewart

Then of course some blue cheese cole slaw and corn on the cob!

Blue Cheese Cole Slaw from Bon Appetit

Grilled Corn on the Cob from Better Homes and Gardens

Don't forget to save room for dessert. My dad's favorite is chocolate cake and he makes a delicious one with lots of frosting, just the way I like it. 

Once Upon A Chocolate Life

Banana Cake Pine Cones and Acorns Blog

Once Upon A Chocolate Life

Once Upon A Chocolate Life

All Chocolate Recipes on Once Upon A Chocolate Life Blog HERE

I hope that whatever you do for Father's Day you have a great day!

Enjoy!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Good morning! 

I have been thinking a lot about Father's Day and what sort of gift to get for my dad(s). My dad, step-dad and my father in law, not to mention ideas to give my step-kids for their dad.

I would be lying if I said this was easy. It is difficult to find interesting gifts for people who "have it all" or have all they want. 

Commission portrait from Sian Keegan via Country Living on Esty Sian Keegan

I did find a few things I thought were great for all dads. This beautiful commissioned portrait of your dog or cat. You can find ordering information HERE.

Pendleton Motor Robe with leather carrier Image HERE

I personally would love to get this fabulous plaid motor blanket from Pendleton. I think they would be great in the car, at home, at a picnic or sitting around the camp fire. 

Handmade pen by Beaver Wood Wright

A beautiful writing instrument is always a great gift and a handmade one is even more special. You can find more information HERE if you would like to order one. 

Hand printed Pocket Square from Plum of London

My husband would love a hand printed and handmade silk pocket square. I think this emerald green one is beautiful! To order from Plum of London click HERE.

Sterling Silver Money Clip from Metal Pressions

If you would like something more personalized, you could have a sterling silver money clip hand stamped with your dad's name, a special saying or just "I love you."

Art Print by Darsartworks

Perhaps an art print from Darsartwork to remind your dad of special camping trips?

Do you have any special gift ideas for Father's Day? If not,  there is still time to order any of the above items and many more from Etsy!

Enjoy your day!

Blueberry Recipes

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend. It started out gloomy and rainy here, then Sunday the sun came out and it was a beautiful day. A great way to end the weekend.

I went to the farmers market this weekend and was lucky to get some blueberries so I thought I would make a few of  my favorite blueberry recipes. I have featured all of these recipes on my blog before so if they sound like something you like just follow the links for the recipes. 

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For breakfast I made these Blueberry Muffins with Crumble Topping. These muffins are moist, not too sweet and they have a hint of spice. A quick and easy recipe for a weekend morning! If you do not like blueberries you could substitute raspberries or blackberries, they will be delicious any way that you make them. 

Blueberry Coffee Cake with Butter Crumb Topping, another EASY recipe with scrumptious buttery crumble topping. Can you tell that I like easy recipes and anything with a crumble topping? There is just something about the crumble topping that makes any recipe, no make that all recipes,  seem better or at least more fattening. I made this and gave it to friends to have for their guests tomorrow. 

Do you have a favorite blueberry recipe? A drink, a smoothie, a cake, pie, crumble, muffin, coffee cake? Please share a link or a recipe in your comments I think we would all enjoy something new.

I think that my favorite recipe lately has been the Blueberry Blackberry Ricotta Custard Cake. I have never baked with ricotta before and I think it gives the cake an interesting texture and makes it incredibly moist. After making the first two recipes I decided to change course and I made something with chocolate!

I think any or all of these recipes would be nice to make this Sunday for Father's Day. I wish I was going to be with my dad but I will have to wait to make him something yummy until I see him in a few weeks.  

Enjoy your day!