What's better than getting together with a long-time friend and catching up? Have you noticed that you can be so in the moment that time totally stands still?   That's the way brunch was with my good friend when I visited her. We've been neighbors...bicycling partners...walking partners...decorating partners...and she even reminded me of our brief stint as catering partners.  We even dreamed of  being partners in a B&B. On this particular morning, after spending so many years and miles and miles apart, time seemed to stand still while we enjoyed this delicious brunch she prepared.  Oh … [Read more...]

  How are you today? Really....how are YOU?   Most of us trudge, or breeze, through the day. The trudging or breezing has to do with the load we carry. If we have a ton of worries and responsibilities weighing us down....trudging might be a generous term. On the other hand, when we're working within our giftedness, living with hearts filled with joy and gratitude, and spending our hours with others who build up rather than discourage....we breeze through our day and the minutes seems to fly away as easily, too.     If you are one who flits through the day … [Read more...]

    It's been nearly a year since I've had the pleasure of hosting overnight guests. My friend and her daughter were driving between Chicago and New York State when they took a detour to visit us. We aren't sure, but it seems like it's been close to two years since we've been able to get together.  When you do life with someone on a nearly daily basis...through the thick and thin, but mostly thin....it's a joy to finally be able to spend time together.  We've burned many minutes chatting on the phone, but that isn't quite the same, is it?     I love serving a nice … [Read more...]

Several houses and towns ago, my neighbor enjoying hosting a few ladies for coffee and tea.  She usually orchestrated it so that those of us who were working could enjoy a lovely weekday morning together.   It wasn't anything elaborate, but it was very thoughtful and pretty. One thing she always did was to purchase some beautiful paper napkins.  You know the ones with the gorgeous designs that are too pretty to use? She would set her table with special dishes.  Pieces she picked up here and there from antiquing.  They didn't necessarily match, but everything always looked beautiful. And of … [Read more...]

There's a big game coming up this weekend. Are you excitedly looking forward to the game, the commercials, and getting together with friends? If you're like most, the week has been super busy and though you'd like to put out a great game day buffet, it may or may not happen without some major help. Help is on the way!!     I scoured our Project Inspire{d} link party and put together this line-up of Last Minute Super Bowl Party Ideas and Recipes     Handmade in the Heartland has some fun ways for serving up delicious Super Bowl Party Food.     Gal on … [Read more...]

  Are you getting excited for Thanksgiving? Usually, we gather with friends and family we rarely see and enjoy those foods we only eat at Thanksgiving. If I'm hosting the meal, I put almost as much effort into creating a beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape as I do the meal.     I have to admit, for me, it isn't all about the food.  Though I have shared a few recipes that would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu.  My Far East Celery is crunchy and light and makes a perfect accompaniment to turkey and stuffing.  Or a true fall dish that you can enjoy as a salad or … [Read more...]

Welcome to Day 28 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be...  Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond.  If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here.   When I embarked on this #31Days series, and chose Hospitality as one of the weekly topics, I had plans for all kinds of things hospitality-minded.  But, as I began writing, I had an 'Ah Ha' moment.  I needed that 'Ah Ha' moment and so did some readers.  But....that totally turned my plans all upside down.  (You can … [Read more...]

Welcome to Day 21 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be...  Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond.  If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here.   When was the last time you invited someone to your home? Is the question causing you to feel a little defensive? Maybe that's okay. Why? Because hospitality is not about comfort.   Yup.  I said it.   If  you're a good cook....people will enjoy your comfort food. If you're a great home … [Read more...]

Welcome to Day 14 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be...  Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond.  If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here.   When I first decided on this series and came up with the topics for each day I was especially excited about today's topic: Be...Hospitable. This is a topic that sings in my heart.  Yet, I have struggled each week to share something meaningful with you.  It would be so helpful if you and I could sit down … [Read more...]

Welcome to Day 10 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be...  Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond.  If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here.     We woke up to our first frost this morning.  Clear, cool, and crisp. When autumn comes, we're ready for cuddly sweaters and evenings at home. And hearty meals at the table.     There's nothing like creating... a cozy and warm homespun table setting in the fall. My menu is generally … [Read more...]

  There's nothing like a day at the beach. Living at least five hours from the beach, I decided to bring the beach to the mountains of Pennsylvania. At least to my dining area.   Will you  join me for a beachy brunch?     The table is simply set with my Longaberger dinnerware and crystal goblets, and my vintage silverplate that we use everyday.     We're having the yummiest blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup. Creamers sitting on saucers are perfect for serving the syrup.  And cute too. An old vintage low bowl with a sea green interior is … [Read more...]

“Eating, and hospitality in general, is a communion, and any meal worth attending by yourself is improved by the multiples of those with whom it is shared.”  Jesse Browner   Have you noticed when you gather for a meal with friends, the food always tastes better?  Eaten alone, food is nutritious...it feeds the body, not the soul.   But, eaten in community, it is a communion, where body and soul are fed. That's the point of hospitality.   It's a shared table. It might mean taking what you have prepared and offering it to someone in need.  Or it might entail opening your home.  It's the sharing … [Read more...]

  How do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?     When I lived in the Buffalo area I could have attended a parade and enjoyed lots of Irish food, music, dance, and drink.   Here in my new neighborhood, I haven't even noticed any shiny shamrocks popping up on front doors.  Not yet, anyway.     Is there any Irish in your blood? Do you wear green, decorate your home, or enjoy some Irish festivities? Do you celebrate with any special foods or beverages?     There's no Irish in my blood, but I thought it would be fun to bring out this vintage cocoa set … [Read more...]

Have you noticed it? Hearts and cupids are popping up all over. Well actually I haven't seen any cupids.  Which is okay.  I'm not a fan.  Are you?     As you may know, I'm supposed to be packing.  But, really it is much more fun to pop on here and have a chat with you and share a very easy little idea of mine for heart day.   But, first off I can't resist sharing a few extra bits of inspiring sweetness, also.  Most of these inspirations are quick and easy to create on a budget.   Spreading {Valentine} Joy & Blessing....   Do you enjoy making little sweets to share … [Read more...]

 Day 23   Today I looked ahead to November. Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just 4 weeks away!  Whooa....time is ticking away too quickly!  I'm loving this fall, finally!  But, before you know it Thanksgiving will be here!  And 4 weeks later...Christmas!  Too much goodness on the horizon while I'm in the midst of savoring the season and not wanting to look ahead just yet.  Today it was 70 degrees and sunny.  A real Indian Summer.  Simply gorgeous.  And pretty soon it will be time to order my turkey.  Yikes! With that in mind I thought that maybe we should begin thinking about Thanksgiving.  We … [Read more...]