Happy Holidays!

The Holidays are upon us! Here is my setting with Father Christmas with his helper, amidst woodland plants and, of course, crystal snowflake candles. Wishing you the very best holiday season ever, filled with family, good friends, and lots of love!

Here are the items used in the above photograph, all from thrift stores. Total cost: $20.

Fall, Brass and Bittersweet

Fall is now in full swing. I love to see the trees changing colors and am especially happy when Bittersweet Vine shows up in the markets. Last Sunday, I invited some friends over for a lazy afternoon tasting different red wines served with simple Parmesan cheese, bread and pears. I put together a mix of brass containers which looked great with the hot colors of Fall leaves, the last Summer roses from the garden, and of course, Bittersweet vines. Look for Bittersweet vines at your local flower market - a feast for the eyes and the soul!


Here are my thrift store finds.... Large brass vase, small brass vase, wooden tray and the small wicker basket. Total price $22.00.


Now I'd like to hear from you, what are your favorite Fall activities? How do you like to spend time with friends? Drop me a line in the comments box below!

Al Fresco Lunch on The Patio

I love to dine out doors, I feel food just tastes better when eaten in the fresh air. To celebrate the end of summer, here is another recent meal al fresco: Pissaladiere, the French onion tart and sparkling lemonade. Délicieux! There are many recipes for Pissaladière, this one referenced from Saveur Magazine:

Pissaladière

SERVES 6

According to Jacques Médecin, former mayor of Nice and an authority on its cuisine, the layer of onions on a pissaladière should be half as thick as the crust.

FOR THE DOUGH:

1/4 oz. active dry yeast

Extra-virgin olive oil

3 cups flour

1 tbsp. salt

Cornmeal

FOR THE TOPPING:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 1/2-3 lbs. onions, peeled and very thinly sliced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Bouquet garni of 2 sprigs each thyme and marjoram

and 1 sprig rosemary, tied with kitchen twine

1/3 cup niçoise olives

12 anchovy filets

1. For the dough: Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water in a small bowl, let stand for 5 minutes, then add 1/4 cup oil. Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl, add yeast mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon, adding a bit more water if necessary, until ingredients are well mixed. Turn out dough on a lightly floured work surface, dust hands with flour, and knead for several minutes until the dough has a smooth, firm, elastic character. Form dough into a ball, then place in a lightly oiled medium bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow dough to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.

2. For the topping: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and season generously with salt and pepper. Add bouquet garni and cover pan to let onions slowly simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and continue cooking until the moisture has evaporated and the onions cook down to a very tender marmalade-like consistency, 30-40 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 450°. Roll dough out on a floured surface into a thin, flat rectangle. Transfer dough to a baker's peel or inverted baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Cover dough with a damp cloth and allow to rest for 30 minutes.

4. Remove cloth from dough and spread onion mixture on top. Arrange olives and anchovy filets over the onions, season lightly with pepper, then slide onto hot pizza stone. Bake until crust has browned, 15-20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges and enjoy.

Ours was a big hit!

Here are the items found in thrift stores which inspired me to put together this picnic: blown glass vases, linen tablecloth, rectangular tart tin as well as the plates, silverware, basket and basket covered jug.
Total cost excluding food: $33.00

Now I want to hear about your summer parties, what are your favorite menus etc.? Write them in the comments space below.

Yellow Ochre Living Room

A friend needed help with her boring beige living room. Alas, there are no 'before' photos, but believe me when I say it was really ugly! First, I painted the walls a sunny yellow ochre using pigment paints like those used in Italian frescoes. I found a mirror, along with a sofa, side chairs and ottoman at my favorite thrift stores, which I then covered in fabric using a staple gun. I also made curtains out of linen and sheer cotton. Add a rug and coffee table from Cost Plus World Market and now she has a beautiful living room that she loves coming home to.
Total cost $550.00

What do you think about my makeover? Also, I want to hear about your thrifty remodel projects, so tell us about them in the comments space below.

It's A Girl!

A good friend of mine is going to have a baby soon, and I was invited to the baby shower. I decided to put together a baby basket with assorted goodies. Now, my friend is an ecologically aware person and said that hand-me-downs were welcome, so I’ll show you what I put together for the new baby.


I went to a local thrift store and found a Pottery Barn Kids baby blanket in perfect condition for $4.49.

I also found some cute baby clothes, in pink of course, priced at $2 and $3 each. One little hoodie has a tiny mouse in the pocket who squeaks - too cute!

I included some darling baby books, “Tea With Ruby” written by Sarah Ferguson, “Olivia” with great illustrations, and so that she'll have health self esteem: “You Are Special”.

Add a soft plushy toy, and here is my finished Baby Basket ready to be wrapped in cellophane to be delivered to Mamma and Baby.

Again, here is the finished basket which Mama loved! Total Cost: $30

Do you have great gifts that you have put together from recycled items? Tell us about them in the comments space below, and we'll post them for all to see.