Black Tie Affair

Thursdays Quote of the Day

Sundays Quote of the dayhttp://www.etsy.com/listing/41469811/shoot-for-the-mooneven-if-you-miss-youll?ref=sr_list_32&ga_search_query=inspirational+quo

$5.00 French Market

My Shoppe's $5 French Flea Market Finds

Buy any 2 art tiles get the 3rd one free

$5

$5





$5







3 Art Tiles for $10 bucks (you pick free one)






Add a little sunshine to a small space



Pretty pink paris sign for your favorite little French Diva

$5

http://www.romanticplanet.etsy.com/

Memorial Day Red, White & Blue Martini

Here's a perfect Patriotic Martini for Memorial Day

(AND TASTY TOO!)

You'll need

1 bottle raspberry blue UV Vodka

1 bottle of Bacari Limon Rum

Sour Mix

Grenadine

In a shaker, fill with ice, add

1 1/2 ounces of Bacardi Limon

2 oz Blue UV Vokda

Spash of Sour Mix

Shake & pour into a chilled martini glass

add a drop of Grenadine (It will float to the bottom)

*Do not mix Grenadine into shaker

Garnish with a lemon twist

GREAT FOR ANY RED, WHITE & BLUE HOLIDAY!

PERFECT SIGNATURE WEDDING MARTINI ALSO!

ENJOY :)

Fridays Quote of the Day!!

Please click this link to purchase this creation from an etsy seller....I just love it!http://www.etsy.com/listing/46924392/give-good?ref=sr_list_4&ga_search_query=quotes+love&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumpling Recipe

Nothing says comfort like a piping hot bowl of Chicken & Dumplings. I came up with this recipe and after a couple of tweaks I'm pretty sure I perfected it....at least that's what my other half says. His Father just raves about it too! It's not great for the waistline...but what the heck...it sure pleases the palette & your guests will thank you again & again. Enjoy!

Anne's Old Fashioned Chicken & Dumpling Recipe

Stock Ingredients

3 or 4 boneless Chicken Breasts

1 tbs olive oil

5 tbs real butter

2 med carrots, peeled & diced

1 med onion chopped

1 tsp minced garlic

1 stalk celery, diced

1-2 Bay Leaves

pinch of parsley

1 tsp poultry seasoning

5 tbs flour

6 cups of chicken broth

salt & pepper to taste

Prepare Stock

Dice chicken breasts into bite size pieces set aside

Place a large pot on stove top over med-high heat

Add oil, butter, vegetables & bay leaf, cook 5 minutes, stir frequently

Add garlic, salt, pepper, parsley & poultry seasoning

Stir chicken broth into pot & bring to a boil

Add Chicken to broth & stir

Dumpling Ingredients

4 eggs

2 tbs Olive Oil

1 tbs Salt

1 tsp Black Pepper

Pinch of Parsley

1 1/2 cups of Water

4 1/2-5 cups All Purpose Flour

Prepare Dumplings

In med bowl, stir together eggs, oil, salt, pepper, parsley & water

Gradually add flour, stir until thick (Dough should be somewhat stiff)

*Add a little more flour if too watery, add a little more water if too thick

Using small spoon & knife, scoop a spoonful of dough & cut small pieces into boiling broth (broth should cover dumplings for proper cooking)

Repeat until all dough is gone

Cover & simmer for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink

Season to taste with salt & pepper

If ya try this recipe out....let me know your thoughts & suggestions!

Thursdays Quote of the day!

Love is the only

sane and satisfactory answer

to the problem of human existance

Nothing Like A Cup of Java

There is just nothing like a good cup of Joe! It's just one of those small pleasures in life that brings a smile to my face. I think I'm in love with the whole concept. Although I just adore coffee especially with flavored cream....I think it's when I drink it that makes it such a treat! This is a list of my favorite scenarios that compliment my favorite non alcoholic beverage....

Evenings with Paul (Nothing like a sweet treat & a cup of hot bliss

At work (my vice that gets me through:)

Early morning walks to the beach with Rocky

While Crafting - Joe is my creative assistant

Visits with my Sis Sharon - always at least a pot....or two! Yikes!

On the phone with one of my many Buds or Sisters

In the Garden

On the computer

Joe always keeps me company while hunting for antiques & garage sale treasures

Yes....just nothing like a cup of Java!

What is your favorite time to have Joe around??? Please let me know

Pretty Fall Wedding out in the Country!

Plan a Romantic Country Wedding!

Tuesdays Quote of the Day

I'm still learning, you know.

At 80, I feel there is a lot I don't know.

Lena Horne

Exceptional woman of the week! Mona Kay

http://www.monakayathome.etsy.com/

Hey All,
Here is my pick for exceptional woman of the week. Mona Kay of Mona Kay at home. I suppose you are all wondering Mona Kay who is she???? I know none of you have ever heard me mention her name.... that is probably because I have never had the pleasure of meeting her-well at least not in person. I don't know her family, her favorite movie, book or even what she looks like. All I know is that she contacted my shop & requested a custom sign be made for her shop. She was my very first sale!!!

Now your probably thinking.....oh, she bought something from you....so that's why you elected her. Well I hope you know me better than that by now :) Although I am completely thankful for my 1st sale....ironically it really has nothing to do with her purchase.

Rather it has everything to with the fact that she has been a kind human being. She has chosen to be kind not because she had to..... but because she wanted to. Although, I am very blessed to have many wonderful people in my circle. Lately I admit, I have found myself doubting the level of goodness in strangers. I know this sounds terrible.....but it's the truth....I just don't feel the majority of people take enough time or put enough effort in extending goodness to others.

Although Mona Kay is located on the other side of the country & really has nothing to gain from me personally. She has taken time out of her day to not only be nice to a stranger but also be supportive of a stranger. She has sent me several inspiration messages, joined my blog, has left me nice compliments on my creations & placed wonderful feedback in my shop. She has done all of this & she has never even met me!

I just all thought we could learn a little lesson from her. The moral of the story is.....what comes around goes around. Take time to be kind to others....hold the door open, help an old lady cross the street, donate your time to a good cause, be supportive of friends & strangers. Goodness will come back to you. Karma is real. It really does wonders for the soul & you might even meet a friend in the process :)

So my favorite Exceptional Woman of the Week....goes out to Mona Kay. Thank you Mona Kay for putting your good energy out into the atmosphere. During these trying times we can all use a little kindness.

I'd like to pay it forward a bit...so please spread the word & visit MonaKayathome on etsy she has wonderful vintage treasures....her link can be found above or always on the left side of my blog. Thank you in advance & thank you Mona Kay! Peace to all, A

Beautiful Rustic Wedding

Mondays Quote of the Day!