The Nest Thing: June 2011

White Floors

I've painted floors white and loved it every time. It makes the furniture in a room appear as if it's floating. If I could have white floors now I definitely would,but I must settle for a white rug.

Me Last Night

After a busy day of work I had

a cluttered desk, a cluttered (computer) desktop and a cluttered brain.

So I put my feet up and watched some Fashion Television on CTV.ca.

Ahhhh.... that takes care of the cluttered brain... I'll deal with the rest later....

I am in love... especially with the first two kitchens! All that tarnished silver and white dishes makes my heart beat a wee bit faster. And I love open shelving where you can display your lovely and functional wares and inspirational ingredients, and have them easily accessible as you are whipping up some wonderful meals for family and friends.

I say let it all hang out... where nothing is too precious to be used and enjoyed.

Spicy SOUPer Sunday

My Spicy Mexican Bean Soup

This is the most delicious soup that I make all the time because it's so quick and easy. Don't let the long list of ingredients fool you... from grocery bag to bowl in about 20 minutes! It's equally yummy at room temperature or slightly chilled, which makes it a perfect summer soup. If you have the time/inclination/means use grilled peppers and corn to up the flavour.

Ingredients:

1 large Onion, diced
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 large Red Pepper, diced
1 or 2 large Jalapeno peppers, seeded & finely diced
1 can Diced Tomatoes, 796 ml (28 fl oz)
1 can Black Beans, 540 ml (19 fl oz), drained and rinsed
1 can Garbanzo Beans (Chick Peas), 540 ml (19 fl oz), drained and rinsed
1 can Kernel Corn, 341 ml (12 fl oz)
1 litre of liquid: Chicken/Vegetable Stock, Water or a combination of both (it's what I do - half and half)
1 1/2 Tbsp Ground Chili Powder
1 1/2 Tbsp Ground Cumin
Salt & Pepper to taste
Fresh Cilantro, large handful chopped
Juice of 1 Fresh Lime
Optional depending on how spicy you like it: a few dashes of Chipotle Powder and a couple pinches of Chili Flakes..... I like it HOT!

Method:

In a large soup pot saute onions in about 1 Tbsp olive oil until soft and translucent, 3 - 4 minutes, along with the spices (it'll make you house smell great!).
Add red pepper, jalapenos and garlic and saute a couple minutes more.
Add, tomatoes, black beans, garbanzo beans, corn, and stock/liquid.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Just when you are ready to serve, add the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
Enjoy!

More is NICE

Nobody can accuse me of being a minimalist, which is one of the reasons I love these spaces.

But I also love pretty, whimsy and pink... oh, and fabrics and paper and paint!

I'm so inspired that I'm going to make something now.

I'll show you later...

Cocktail Hour

Dos Locos - worth blogging about:

Yes, a pre-mixed Margarita from a can. Unlike so many, it's not tooth-achingly sweet.

And if you like the taste of tequila (I certainly do!), you'll like this! And be careful,
as the 7% alcohol content provides an extra bit of kick!

BC Liquor stores don't carry it, but you'll likely find it in the independent

liquor stores. I originally discovered it at the Waddling Dog Beer & Wine Store in Saanichton,

then more recently at the Castle Beer and Wine Store and the 17 Mile House Liquor Shoppe in Sooke.

Cheers!

Summer Cottage

It's raining here in Sooke, but the sun is shining on this cottage featured in Country Living.

Happy Solstice!

With all this summer light, my place is undergoing a bit of a transformation...

my furniture is changing into its summer whites. I'll show you more when they are all dressed;)

Enjoy this longest day of the year dear blog friends!

Pillows Talk

I'm a bit of a sucker for inspirational quotes. I use them in many of my creations, including these Dupioni silk pillows. The silk is rather thin, so I printed the quotes in reverse and ironed them on the inside of the fabric for a softer look. It allows the nubby texture of the silk to show and eliminates the shiny surface of the iron-on transfer.

Two great sources for inspirational quotes are Inspiration Peak and Quotes to Inspire.

Go ahead... GET INSPIRED!

Peonies

Peonies are in full bloom around these parts. I walked to The Stick coffee house this morning for a coffee and they have a huge arrangement of peonies and lilies on the counter. The perfume filled the air and it was wonderful. Walking back I admired a neighbour's huge display of bright pink peonies by the side of their driveway. When I got home I was again greeted by my own small arrangement of the palest pink peonies (my favourite!) on my coffee table. I wish you could smell them, but they are very pretty too. Enjoy your day!

This is Glamorous

adjective1 a glamorous woman: beautiful, attractive, lovely, bewitching, enchanting,beguiling; elegant, chic, stylish, fashionable; charming, charismatic,appealing, alluring, seductive; informal classy, glam. ANTONYMS dowdy, drab.2 a glamorous lifestyle: exciting, thrilling, stimulating; dazzling, glittering,glossy, colorful, exotic; informal ritzy, glitzy, jet-setting. ANTONYMS boring,dull.

This room featured in Rue Mag, is sophisticated and glamorous. I love the pleats on the side of the linen sectional and the little shots of purple and lavender. And that silver and glass table is to die for!

Art Filled Welcome

This colourful and interesting mix of art in an entrance hall definitely makes me want to see the rest of the house!

Tabletop Vignettes

Silver Bliss

This is the latest addition to my growing silver collection. I found this Forbes silver plated mirrored tray at my local Salvation Army Thrift Shop for only $6.99! Shown here on my dining table with some candlesticks, but I'm sure at some point it'll end up on my dresser with containers of jewelry. It's so beautiful and I am so happy!