Fall Hostess Gift Revisited

Last year at this time I created a post on how to create a really simple fall hostess gift made from grocery store pumpkins and grocery store florals.

I received so many emails thanking me.  I thought I would share the link for anyone that did not see it back then.

Here is a pic of the arrangement I made today to bring to a dinner party later in the day.

Fondly,
-Lisa

In the Kitchen with Lisa...Quick Homemade Vegetable Soup

 My view for most of today.  I am parked out on the couch feeling under the weather.  This is my favorite room to relax in so I'm curled up with my laptop, lots of tea and a warm wool blanket.  

 Lunch is just around the corner and I am craving hot soup.  Work with what you have is my motto on days like today.

So here is a super easy way to make a satisfying healthy soup with what is hanging out in the fridge.

Gather your ingredients.  In my case it was 100% tomato juice & beef stock - that will be my base.  Gather whatever veggies you have on hand.

Interesting combo of pre-cut veggies from Trader Joe's.  I'm all about pre-cut veggies these days.

Yummy 

The only vegetable I chopped was my zucchini

I tossed in 2 big handfuls of baby spinach, no need to chop

I have been using a lot of different flavored salts all summer and suggest if you haven't tried them, you need to!  In this case I am using a rosemary infused salt.

I wanted a hint of garlic in this soup.  Smash it, mince it, throw it in!

Toss all ingredients into a pot, season with your favorite herbs & spices, let it simmer and fill your house with a wonderful savory aroma.

Add some finishing touches...  drizzle with some olive oil, sprinkle with some parmesan and serve with a cauliflower biscuit!
There you have it, a healthy veggie soup for a chilly fall day.
Now get creative yourself and have fun in your kitchen.

Fondly,
-Lisa

Sharing over at Wow Us Wednesdays

Blue and White Autumn

Happy September 23, 2014

Here's to my favorite season here in New England!  Wishing you all a season filled with happiness.

Fondly,
-Lisa

Equestrian Decor

When I think of the word equestrian I think of horses of course, but my mind drifts off to thoughts of equestrian decor which I love despite never having been on a horse (well maybe once...)

I think of gorgeous boots, tweed, plaid, tartan, deep deep reds and greens, velvet couches, belts & buckles, Ralph Lauren, black lamp shades, mahogany...all of the things I love.

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite equestrian decorating styles.

This is so simple and elegant yet makes quite a statement.

The horseshoe detail is wonderful and the tiny dresser has my heart.

Fabulous Chesterfield

I would never leave this kitchen.

Really?  The floors and the bell jar lighting are spectacular.

A bit of whimsy with these confident gentleman andirons...

Fondly,
-Lisa

Happy Birthday

Birthday celebration for my oldest son was pretty wonderful.  He loves fall and loves all the wonderful food that comes with it.  He is a lover of anything pumpkin so I decided to make a dinner that revolved around all of those flavors.

I discovered a recipe for pumpkin quiche with gorgonzola & caramelized onion---perfect!

Then as the day went on and I was anticipating serving this hopefully wonderful meal...I walked around the house and pulled together a tablescape that even I fell in love with!!!

Roasted pumpkin gorgonzola caramalized onion quiche

I served this with boneless pork ribs that cooked in the crock pot for 9 hours (I embelished store bought bbq sauce with no sugar added apple sauce, lots of cinnamon, dash of allspice, a hefty splash of no sugar added cranberry juice, sliced apples and vidalia onions).  I also made a salad with mixed greens, sliced pears, almonds, goat cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette.

Our dinner was lovely & shared with family and a special girlfriend of the guest or honor.
Happy Birthday Austin.


Fondy,
-Lisa

                                  Sharing over at: Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday

Confit Pot or Olive Jar?

I'll let you decide...

Fondly

-Lisa