Farmhouse Tablescape

Today's tablescape compliments the style of our breakfast nook, which is decorated in French Country Farmhouse décor.   As usual, I set the table for three for supper.

I began by layering rust braided placemats and buffalo-checked napkins.  I found  both at on sale at Kohl's; they were a steal after applying a discount coupon.  Green stoneware plates were used as a charger beneath my favorite stoneware rooster plates from HomeGoods.  Cutwork glasses and country flatware complete each place setting.

I recently found some stoneware bowls at the Christmas Tree Shop that were an exact match to the plates I used as chargers.  I love how deep they are; they'll be great for soups and stews this winter. 

The stoneware salt and pepper shakers and matching pitcher are also from the Christmas Tree Shop. 

I added my favorite rustic rooster to the table; it was a gift from my wonderful husband several years ago.  The ornate pitcher was a thrift shop find.

The soft light of an oil lamp adds a cozy ambiance to our meals.  The lamp was a gift from my father a few years ago.  We use it every night, so I make sure to stock up on odorless lamp oil and wicks from eBay.  Underneath the lamp, I layered a braided mat from the  Brewster General Store over a hand-crochet doily. 

 

Orange Pineapple Frozen Yogurt

My daughter gave me a Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker for my birthday, and I've been having a blast with it.  The nice thing about making my own ice cream and frozen yogurt is I can make sure the ingredients are  healthy.

My latest creation is Orange Pineapple Frozen Yogurt.  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:  

• 3 cups cold Chobani Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp. SweetLeaf Stevia sweetener 
• 2 tbsp. orange juice
• 2 tsp. raw organic honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 orange, peeled  
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• pinch of salt

Directions: 

1. Add orange and pineapple to food processor; process for about 30 seconds. Add Stevia sweetener, honey and vanilla; mix for about 10 more seconds.
2. Whisk remaining ingredients together in a bowl, then stir in orange/pineapple mixture.
3. Churn in an electric ice cream maker for 20 minutes.
4. Freeze for 1 hour before serving.

This tastes awesome sprinkled with shredded coconut.    Enjoy!

 

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Frugally-Fine Home Theater

Friday night is usually our family pizza and movie night. To save money, we make Mediterranean Pizza and watch a movie together at home. I've always wanted an HDTV and home theater system for the family room to enhance our movie viewing experience but didn't want to spend big bucks for it.

When it was time to replace the television, I knew I wanted one that was Internet-ready, so we could stream movies via Netflix.  I visited several stores to price them, but the least expensive one I found was $1100.00--much more than I wanted to spend.  However, after a bit of online research,  I was able to find a Philips 40"  40PFL7705D/F7 Internet-connected HDTV  for much less.  And, I have to say this TV rocks! With the wireless adapter provided by Philips customer service at no charge, not only can we stream Netflix movies on it, I can also wirelessly project anything on my laptop onto the television screen. (This feature will be especially useful for meetings with local web development  clients, so it may also qualify as a business expense on our next tax return.) My husband mounted the television on the wall using an inexpensive wall mount kit I found on amazon.com.

Happy with the television choice, my next task was to look at home theater systems.  I definitely wanted a blu-ray player and at least a 5.1 system with surround sound speakers.  The least expensive one I could find was an RCA RTB1023 for $189.00 on amazon.com. Before ordering it,  I remembered that some of the big-box electronic stores sold their floor demos on eBay, so I looked around on there.  I was able to score the same system for $85.00 including the shipping and handling. 

I am still in the process of tweaking the settings and speaker placement on the home theater system, but I know our next movie night is going to be awesome with this new home theater setup!  Best of all, I was able to buy both the television and blu-ray home theater system for $684.oo--a fraction of what I would spend at a big-box electronic store.   

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Cape Cod Style Seafood

One of the first places I like to stop when we visit Cape Cod is Kate's Seafood in Brewster. 

I just have to have some of their delicious clam chowder! There's nothing fancy about Kate's; it's just a good, old fashioned seafood and ice cream stand.   It's only a short walk from the beach, and they have the best chowder and ice cream on the Cape.

Kate's picnic table dining takes me back to my childhood days.  My husband, daughter and her friend grabbed a front table as we waited for our order number to be called. 

She's smiling because she knows it's worth the wait! 

Another place we typically eat on Cape Cod is The Lobster Pound in Orleans.    I believe dressing up for dinner shouldn't be a requirement while on vacation, which is why we like it there.  Their casual dining options include a wrapround porch and patio room. 

Prices are typical for the area, at around $20.00 a meal, but you can pick your own lobster to cook. 

 

 I had the clamboil, while my husband had the baked stuffed shrimp.  Both were delicous...

as you can tell by his  smile!

If you can't make it to Cape Cod, you can still enjoy delicous New England clam chowder at home with this recipe:   

 

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb. soft-shelled clams
• 3 slices turkey bacon sliced into 1/2-inch strips
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 lb. potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/8 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions:


In a large stockpot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Thoroughly rinse the clams, add them to the pot, cover it , and allow it to cook for 5 minutes. Uncover the pot and stir the clams with a wooden spoon. Cover and cook 5 minutes longer until the clams are open.


Transfer the clams to a large bowl and strain the broth twice through a mesh strainer into another large bowl, in an effort to strain out all of the sand. When the clams are cool enough to handle, remove them from their shells and chop them into 1/4-inch pieces. Set the clams and broth aside.


Cook the turkey bacon in a large heavy pot over medium heat until crisp. Do not drain. Add the 4 tablespoons butter, onions, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and bay leaves; cook on low for about 3 minutes. Add the potatoes and reserved clam broth and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender,. Remove from the heat, stir in the clams and cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with oyster crackers.

Enjoy!







 

Around the House with Matt & Shari

One of the first decorating shows I enjoyed on HGTV was Room by Room, with Matt Fox and Shari Hiller.  At the time I first started watching, we had just built our home, and I was in the process of decorating and furnishing it.  I learned so much about decorating from every Room by Room episode I watched. And, Matt & Shari's easy-going, friendly style gave me the confidence to actually tackle the projects I saw on the show. I was saddened when Room by Room was canceled by HGTV a few years ago, and I felt like I had lost a couple of old friends.  

Several months ago, I was excited to learn Matt & Shari had a new show on PBS called Around the House with Matt & Shari. When the show finally began airing on PBS stations, I discovered our local PBS stations on Verizon did not carry the show. I sent requests for the stations to pick up the show to no avail.

Naturally I was thrilled when I found out Matt & Shari were offering the first season of the shows on DVD on their website.  My husband offered to buy them as a gift to me for my upcoming birthday.  While we were on vacation, he ordered them and received a very sweet e-mail from Matt & Shari.  My birthday DVD's arrived in record time...thanks Matt & Shari! I have really been enjoying them!

The format of the new shows is a bit different from the old Room by Room series, but I have to say I like it better. Instead of decorating an entire room, each program has a theme of projects, which Matt & Shari take you through step by step, in great detail. They talk about the subject, then each as a specific project related to the theme. For instance, in Episode 102, "Color my World", Shari discusses the basics of color theory to help you when selecting color for your home interior. Then, together, they discuss paint basics and offer helpful tips and tricks for painting. Last, they show you how to add color to your home by teaching you  the basics of creating floral arrangements.  Shari's segments are called Shari's Workshop, which may include a sewing project.  Matt's segments are called Matt's Garage, where there is usually a shop project. Matt & Shari's clear, step by step instructions for each project really give you the confidence to try it. At the end of the program, there is a back porch segment, which I love. There is a recap of all the projects covered, then they introduce a couple of additional projects, such as a kids' project or a recipe.  All of the instructions for the projects from the show are on their website, www.mattandshari.com. 

If you've never seen the show and want to find out if it is airing in your area, there's a  station finder widget on their website.  You can find it here.  If, by chance, the show is not airing in your area, there's still good news...Matt & Shari are offering a special on the entire season one  of DVD's.  You can find it here.  Just thought you'd wanna know. 

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The Firm Power Yoga Review

I've tried many yoga videos in the past. Quite honestly, as a Christian, it's always been difficult for me to get past all the mind-body connection jargon and mysticism typically found in them. However, with the Firm’s unique approach to yoga, these smooth-flowing routines seem more athletic than mystical. The Firm's Power Yoga provides all of yoga’s well-known benefits, including balance, strength, and flexibility. It includes all the classic moves, but the emphasis is on stretching and toning the muscles, not on achieving a mind-body connection. In fact, there is no yoga jargon at all. Yoga instructor Kirsten  Strohecker provides fantastic cuing using common, easy-to-understand terminology. It's the perfect way for a beginner to incorporate yoga into their exercise routine. 

I purchased The Firm's Power Yoga video about a week ago.  After completing te routine 5 times, I can really notice a difference in my strength and flexibility. I typically do it after an aerobics and weight training workout.  It stretches out my muscles and minimizes any joint pain I would normally experience after an intense workout. 

Money-Saving Tip:  I bought The Firm's Power Yoga DVD, brand new and still in the shrinkwrap for under $5.00 on eBay. 

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The Hopkins House Bakery & Gift Shop

 

One of my favorite places to visit while on vacation on Cape Cod is The Hopkins House Bakery & Gift Shop in Brewster.   

As you drive into the parking lot, bird houses atop a white picket fence offer a whimsical welcome.

  

The  gorgeous country garden at the front entrance is so inviting.

   

When you walk into the bakery, you are instantly greeted by the smell of luscious baked goods and freshly brewed gourmet coffee.  The homey country décor and banjo music make you feel like you stepped back into the past.

 

 

The freshly-baked Hopkins House hermits are to die for!   They literally melt in your mouth and are so delicious with their wonderful  coffee.   My mouth is watering just thinking about them.

After feasting on a hermit and gourmet coffee, it was on to the amazing gift shop.

The beautiful country displays beckoned me into every room.

Textiles, pillows and country gifts are artfully arranged throughout the shop.

 

Sigh...I love this place!

 
The  Hopkins House Bakery & Gift Shop is just one of those places you never want to leave.  If you're ever in the area, you have to stop by.  The Hopkins House Bakery & Gift Shop is located at 2727 Main Street in Brewster, MA.  

Thanks for stopping by!