recipe friday

Chicken Divan

Ingredients

2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli, chopped

6 cups shredded chicken, cooked

2 (10 3/4-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

1 cup grated sharp Cheddar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the outer wrappers from the boxes of broccoli. Open 1 end of each box. Microwave on full power for 2 minutes, until thawed. Drain the broccoli and put into a casserole dish. Add the shredded chicken.

In a medium bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, Cheddar, lemon juice, & salt and pepper to taste. Whisk together to make a sauce. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken. Mix well with a spatula.

Place the mixture into an 11 by 7-inch casserole dish that has been sprayed with vegetable oil cooking spray. Pat down evenly and smooth with a spatula. Combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs and butter and sprinkle over the top.

Bake for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Try topping with Cheddar or Gruyere cheese.

quick tip: pillow case clothing bag

When storing coats or special-occasion clothes, cover each item with an old pillowcase (cut a hole in the closed end to slip over a hanger). It covers the shoulders and eliminates the dust that collects there... but it won't hold in mildew-causing moisture like plastic does.

monday at the beach

When warm weather arrives, my mind and soul wander off to the beach. (Unfortunately, my body doesn’t always get the chance to go) Whether it’s New England or the Gulf Coast, I am physically and emotionally drawn to sand and surf.

So welcome to my new blog series…

‘Monday at the Beach’

Let’s go...

Old-Meets-New Beach Cottage

For a centuries-old Sag Harbor, New York, cottage, designer Tom Scheerer shattered convention and followed the client’s heart, pairing unexpected colors and juxtaposing favorite traditional and modern pieces of furniture and art. The result? A perfectly imperfect mix of new and vintage pieces both distressed and sleek, subtle, and daring.

Campy Living Room

Light wicker furniture and a soft blue wing chair balance the heavier wood of the living room. For a super-casual, camp-like feel, try hemming the curtains so they hit just at the windowsills. This look works especially well in rooms with high ceilings and wainscoting, which provides a natural visual cue for the shorter length.

Quirky Bedroom

Consider a face-lift of what you already have before writing it off completely. With just a few tweaks, an old four-poster bed found a place in this bedroom. To give it a more modern look, it was painted black with a satin finish that matches the iron extensions and canopy frame affixed to the posts. Now the canopy, made from old Indian bedspreads, reaches to the ceiling.

Cheery Sunroom

The sunroom is used to curl up with a good book or hang out with friends, so comfy seating was a must. The room is only a 11 by 13 foot area with which to work so the contractor build two benches for a space-saving and less expensive option than a sectional. The room is kept cheery and bright with fresh white paint on the walls and ceiling and bright blue cushions.

Vibrant Dining Room

The once-dingy white industrial pendant light was simply utilitarian before being doused with cobalt paint. A coat of sunny yellow takes the Chippendale chairs from traditional to kicky with the stroke of a paintbrush. Mixing finishes like what’s on these tables and chairs adds textual variety.

What do you think of this cute little cottage?

Is it move-in ready for you?

Many thanks go to my friends at Coastal Living for their help with this.

church on sunday

Whether a church is

simple or ornate, large or small,

old or new, wooden or stone...

it is most likely always a beautiful site to behold.

Today, I share this beautiful image of a church with you

in hopes that it brings

a little peace, a little joy

and a lot of love.

Lord, as I walk through this World,

Let Your Grace Light my Path,

Your Mercy Shelter my Soul

and Your Love Heal my Heart.

enjoy your saturday

recipe friday

CHICKEN CACCIATORE

SO, SO, SO, SO, EASY because it cooks all day in a Crockpot

Ingredients

2 medium onions, thinly sliced

3 lb boneless chicken breast

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb can tomatoes

8 oz tomato sauce

1 lb sliced mushrooms

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

1 to 2 tsp oregano leaves, crushed

½ tsp basil, crushed

1 bay leaf

1 lb cooked spaghetti

Directions

Place onions in bottom of Crockpot

Add remaining ingredients

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours

Serve over cooked spaghetti

Recipe can easily be doubled for dinner parties

quick tip: Newspaper shine shoes

Spiff up dark-colored leather shoes in a pinch by rubbing them with a balled-up black-and-white newspaper page (note: full-color pages won't work). No polish needed.

monday at the beach

When warm weather arrives, my mind and soul wander off to the beach. (Unfortunately, my body doesn’t always get a chance to go!) Whether it’s New England or the Gulf Coast, I am physically and emotionally drawn to sand and surf.

So welcome to my new blog series…

‘Monday at the Beach’

Let’s go...

  

Long Beach California Entertaining Cottage

The party element is throughout the house and on the rooftop deck with features like a hot tub, refrigerator, and ice-maker.

Durable Living Room

The living room features nautical elements and a sea-inspired color palette. Durable cotton-duck slipcovers and a cotton rug in the family room make cleanup easy in case the party—or the dogs—get out of hand. *NOTE: the homeowners' name is Miller.

Tranquil Bedroom

The master suite is decorated in a soothing blue, reminiscent of waking up in the clouds.

Nautical Dining Room

The dining room also features nautical elements and a patriotic color palette of red, white, and blue. The hutch and table were designed, along with other furnishings, to fit the space and needs.

Well-Stocked Bar

A fully equipped bar situated next to the family room allows for easy access. Cheery yellow directors’ chairs add a pop of color to the ocean-inspired space.

What do you think of this cute little cottage?

Is it move-in ready for you?

Many thanks go to my friends at Coastal Living for their help with this.

church on sunday

Whether a church is

simple or ornate, large or small,

old or new, wooden or stone...

it is most likely always a beautiful site to behold.

Today, I share this beautiful image of a church with you

in hopes that it brings

a little peace, a little joy

and a lot of love.

Lord, as I walk through this World,

Let Your Grace Light my Path,

Your Mercy Shelter my Soul

and Your Love Heal my Heart.

enjoy your saturday

recipe friday

Butternut Squash

This is so easy you just won’t believe it.

Ingredients

2 large butternut squash, cubed

2 sticks butter, melted

½C brown sugar

Directions

Toss ingredients together, place evenly on cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes

quick tip: cooking spray

Spritz a little on a squeaky door hinge, then swing the door back and forth to work it in and quiet the creaking. Wipe away any drips with a paper towel.

monday at the beach

When warm weather arrives, my mind and soul wander off to the beach. (Unfortunately, my body doesn’t always get a chance to go!) Whether it’s New England or the Gulf Coast, I am physically and emotionally drawn to sand and surf.

So welcome to my new blog series…

‘Monday at the Beach’

Let’s go...

Diamond in the Rough

One of 19 small, shingled homes along Defenders Row on Goat Island on the Rhode Island shore, the Southern Cross offered unparalleled views of Newport Harbor on one side and Narragansett Bay on the other.

Watery-Blue Living Room

The interior look was based around seashells and watery blues and greens. A mixture of casual wicker, wood, and soft upholstered furniture creates the perfect mix for a beach cottage.

Deep-Blue Bedroom

Bright white forms a clean backdrop for deep blue accents in the master bedroom. The four-poster bed is positioned directly in front of the balcony, giving an unobstructed view of the harbor.

Relaxing Sunroom

A sea grass rug, wicker and wood furniture, and plenty of streaming light from the French doors fill this sunroom. A few nautical accents recall the idyllic setting.

Polished Kitchen

The green squares faux painted diagonally on the floors add a touch of whimsy. “I wanted to inject some color beneath your feet,” the homeowner says. “This was the perfect solution.

What do you think of this cute little cottage?

Is it move-in ready for you?

Many thanks go to my friends at Coastal Living for their help with this.

church on sunday

Whether a church is

simple or ornate, large or small,

old or new, wooden or stone...

it is most likely always a beautiful site to behold.

Today, I share this beautiful image of a church with you

in hopes that it brings

a little peace, a little joy

and a lot of love.

Lord, as I walk through this World,

Let Your Grace Light my Path,

Your Mercy Shelter my Soul

and Your Love Heal my Heart.

enjoy your saturday

recipe friday

BURGUNDY BEEF STEW

Ingredients

6 slices bacon, cut into 1” slices

2 lb boneless chuck eye, rump roast or bottom round roast, cut into 1” cubes

½ C all purpose flour

1½ C burgundy or other good dry red wine

water

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 bay leaf

1¼ tsp salt

1 tsp instant beef bouillon

½ tsp dried thyme leaves

¼ tsp pepper

8 oz mushrooms, sliced

4 medium onion, sliced

8 oz snow peas (optional)

8 oz baby carrots (optional)

2 T butter

Snipped parsley

French Bread

Directions

Fry bacon in Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, removed and reserve

Coat beef with flour, cook beef in hot bacon fat until brown

Drain excess fat from Dutch oven

Add wine and enough water to cover beef

Stir in garlic, bay leaf, salt, bouillon, thyme, and pepper

Heat to a boil, reduce heat

Cover and simmer until beef is tender, 1½ hours

Cook and stir mushrooms and onions in butter over medium heat until onions are tender.  Stir mushrooms onions, and reserved bacon into stew   If you add the optional snow peas and carrots, you may need to add a little more salt

Cover and simmer 10 minutes.  Remove bay leaf

Garnish with parsley and serve with French Bread for dipping

quick tip: candle stub pincushion

Don't toss a votive once it's flamed out. Use the nub as a pincushion — the wax helps pins slide more easily. Just make sure to wipe off any visible flecks before piercing fabric.

charming spaces

Have you had a chance to look through Leslie Linsley's new book yet? 

Nantucket Cottages and Gardens: Charming Spaces on the Faraway Isle 

by Leslie Linsley 

on Amazon.com 

It is absolutely wonderful... a new monograph by Nantucket-based author Leslie Linsley. This book is a look at nearly 30 homes that reflect the carefree character of the island. 

Here is just a sneak peek... 

The weathered exterior of this cottage, which looks much the way it did when it was built in the 1800s, is a prime example of Nantucket’s rustic allure.

The interior of this home features built-ins that showcase the owner’s collection of red transferware, tramp art, and white ironstone.

This living room is painted hydrangea blue with pure white ceilings and trim. Large mirrors in silver frames brighten the small space.

The carriage house of this Nantucket home—built in 1850—was connected to the main building and converted into a living room.

An open floor plan and built-in window seat are the highlights of this kitchen.

This post-and-beam studio was turned into a one-room guest cottage with a full bath and sleeping loft. It is separated from the main house by a privacy hedge.

Isn't this 'small taste' enough to wet your appetite?
Get your copy today and enjoy the whole feast!

monday at the beach

Simple Island Beach Cottage Style

This quaint little home is definitely a dream cottage, exemplifying the coastal look for easy living.

When warm weather arrives, my mind and soul wander off to the beach. (Unfortunately, my body doesn’t always get a chance to go!) Whether it’s New England or the Gulf Coast, I am physically and emotionally drawn to sand and surf.

So welcome to my new blog series…

‘Monday at the Beach’

Let’s go...

Bright-White Living Room

To keep things simple in the living room—as to not distract from the gorgeous view—easy-to-wash white slipcovers were used and white linen or cotton draperies were hung along with shades on doorways and windows. A little splash of blue from the throw pillows is the only color used.

Neutral Bedroom

A damaged mantel serves as a headboard in the master bedroom. Because the small space doesn’t allow for bedside tables, the wall sconces were installed for nighttime reading.

Rustic Dining Room

Mexican tile floors give the dining room—which also doubles as an office—a more rustic look. To connect the room with the rest of the interiors, touches of white in a painted table, corner cupboard, and chandelier were added.

Outdoor Living Space

Previously an outdoor room was built at the end of the main-level deck as a windbreak. The space is outfitted with a hutch, buffet, chandelier, and draperies to make it a comfortable extension of living space.

What do you think of this cute little cottage?

Is it move-in ready for you?

Many thanks go to my friends at Coastal Living for their help with this.