Friday, February 28, 2014

PRETTY SPRING THINGS


I've been working little by little on my living room while I wait for the furniture pieces.  I'm going for a sort of Rustic/Pretty Country.  It's kind of funny how we are combining style names for all of the lovely collections and pieces we are merging together in our decorating.  Maybe we will just start naming our style after ourselves, since making a room yours is all about having the things you love.  So my style is Ever Changing Jane.  And this is the print on canvas that I chose for over my mantel.  I searched high and low on every website for the right floral, right color and right size.  Ta Da...Bed Bath & Beyond!  This picture from their website is a little fuzzy but I love it because of the combo of bright and soft colors mixed together, how they are sort of blowsy as if they are moving, and the soft shade of blue that I want to pick up in accessories.  I know you can feel my excitement in getting this room completed.  Soon, my friends, soon.





Well, you know the one good thing about feeling cooped up is tackling some little projects, and for me it always revolves around organization.  I seem to be the only one in this house that returns something to the exact place it belongs.  I'm guessing most of you have one of these drawers in Kitchen Stadium.  Mine looked a lot like this before, only as if a bomb went off in it.  I see all sorts of drawer organizers out there, but they just don't have the right size slots I like.  So I have my old organizer in there and then just the bottom and top of a small gift box.  It looks pretty good now but I can guarantee, it won't even resemble this in a month.  And so it goes with many drawers, cabinets and closets here.  As if I need more to do.  Wait a sec...I do need more to do, I'm beyond bored without a vehicle!

 
I was reading a  post by Yvonne at Stone Gable about how she likes to stack dishes in various pretty ways as in something for a tablescape.  She had some very pretty stacks using different dishes in each.  So I sort of had a brain storm.  I keep my dishes in the den up on shelves amongst the books.  Yeah, pretty strange but it works.  We never use the den much with a living room and family room.  We probably should call it The Library (I'm saying this in a very haughty voice).  Furniture that's too formal and a very busy floral wallpaper against a deep green background.  So I am going to be dish stacking this weekend,  I'll let you know how it works out.  I did a little stacking on my island the other day, just two different patterns and just perfect for grabbing when I am setting the table.






Saute 1 coarsely chopped onion and 3 carrots in 3 T. of butter.  When onions are soft, add 1 1/2 pound of trimmed chicken thighs**, cut into bite size pieces.  Stir every thing up nicely and then sprinkle  4 T of flour over, stir it up until everything is coated and then add 1 32 oz. box of chicken broth and 2 cups of water.  Bring to a boil.  While you're waiting for the soup to come to a boil, trim 1 bunch of asparagus, using tips only, and about 6-8 sliced button mushrooms.  Now add your spices; 1 T each of dried tarragon, allspice and nutmeg.  Let all of this simmer for 1/2 hour.  Add 1 cup of whipping cream, cook an additional 5 minutes, season with S & P, and then serve!!

**I have come to the conclusion that white chicken meat (the breast meat) is too dry tasting when used in soups.  I'm not a big fan of dark meat but I tried using thighs this time and the soup was much, much better,  The meat was juicy and tender.  You have to trim the thighs as they have a little fat and you might lose a moderate portion of the meat, but it makes all the difference in the world.



I can't believe I'm telling you how to make an omelet, I think I'm trying to say how you can never get bored with them.  Play around, have fun.  And clean out the fridge while you're at it!





So, I am closing now.  Again, thank you all for your well wishes.  We have snow coming this weekend and we are at 10 degrees right now.  Time to stock up on the firewood again.  Have a great weekend and love to all of you!

XO,
Jane

54 comments:

Betsy Brock said...

yay for your test results!!! :)

I make scramble omelettes just like that...we love them. It's usually the Sunday brunch meal. And you're right..you can make them different every time. I throw all kinds of stuff in them! ha.

Mary said...

So, so happy and thankful that all your results came back good dear - now you can really look forward to working out and not worry about your ticker!!!
Tell A you need the car soon though - after the new expected snow this weekend you'll really be ready big time for the thaw - they'll be no stopping you and HomeGoods had better stock their shelves in readiness!!!!!!!
Love the art for over the mantel - the room will certainly be ready for Spring - look forward to seeing pics soon.
I'll get some pics taken of my hair - guess I'll have to change my blog profile pic too. I thought I'd be missing hair over my ears, however quite enjoying being able to see my pretty earrings for a change!

Enjoy the weekend dear - hope it doesn't snow too much.
Hugs - Mary

Unknown said...

I am so happy for you Jane!! I just knew all would be fine. Your books sounds fabulous, and I absolutely love your picture for above the mantel. Love the dishes stacked like that! So pretty! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and it will be without worry! So, so happy! Take care, and enjoy your weekend.

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Great to hear the good news about your results. I love to make homemade soups with rotisserie chicken too. Yes I love scrambled eggs with salsa, mushrooms and any vegetables. I sometimes add goat cheese too! Have a great weekend and stay warm.

Terra said...

Wonderful news about your test results. I like Tasha Tudor too and that book looks like a good choice. Cute bunny plates too.

Elaine said...

Glad to hear you are normal- LOL. Are any of us ever really normal?
Kidding aside I am so happy that you have peace of mind now.

I love making omelets. It's great to just anything in them. My fave lately is peppers and onions. I am a big breakfast fan. I often eat breakfast for dinner.

I love decorating for Easter too. I have some cute napkins and tea towels just for Easter. I usually use my everyday white plates for Spring entertaining. I did see Stone Gable's blogpost on stacking plates. She always inspires me.

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Lovely visit. So glad your tests came back negative (well, negative to something awful). I don't enjoy car sharing at all, sometimes it has to happen but it sure curtails things.
Joy

Sarah said...

Wow, am I ever thankful to read this positive news! I'm cheering! '-)
Had to smile at all the news. Love the napkins and the plates. I don't need these either, BUT……..
OK, will follow your example and sit on this. '-)
Then the egg dish. That's my type of breakfast. I scramble and egg and add in leftover veggies from the night before - spinach, Brussels sprouts, etc. Yum!
Happy Weekend, healthy girl!

Linda said...

SO thankful your tests came back good!!! Cause for celebration!!!
I LOVE Denise Austin and have many of her DVD's......

NanaDiana said...

Jane- I am really happy that your test results were all good. What a relief that must be.
I can't imagine being stuck without a car. I even go out and drive on those snowy blustery days even if it is just to get a coffee.
I am anxious to see your living room done and that picture is lovely-the colors in it are beautiful.
I love the stacked dishes, too...Yvonne always has great ideas,doesn't she?
Probably forgetting to comment on something but hope you have a happy weekend-xo Diana

Lynne said...

Jane, I am sooooo happy and grateful to read your good news! I can feel both your relief and your energy within your words tonight.

You are "spot on" with your choice of print for the mantle. It's a perfect expression of the colors of 2014. Dare I see a subtle touch of radiant orchid in the mix! So pretty! Very..."au courant!"

I remember reading about Tasha Tudor and her Corgi's in the pages of Victoria magazine, when she was still living.

I am hoping this will be the last winter storm for the heartland and the northeast. We have been blessed with a mild winter thus far. I stress about commuting to work in the snow. We don't get enough of it to become proficient navigators on our roads and freeways.

Time for sleep!
w/L

Lynn said...

Lovin' those great napkins Jane! The dishes are cute too. Glad to hear everything turned out well with the tests and say it with me now (as we brace for another foot of snow and ice) "only a few more weeks until spring":@)

Rita C at Panoply said...

So happy your results are back and all is good, Jane.

Julie Marie said...

Hello Janie... sooo happy your results all came back fine!... I tried to call you, but the number I have for you is someone else's now... had a nice chat with the guy that answered though!... those workout cd's look fun!... let us know how they are... and those bunny plates!... I need!... but I have been organizing and paring WAY down and promised myself I would think long and hard before buying more stuff (how long is long and hard anyway???)... your scrambled omelet looks sooo good!... I love jalapenos on eggs smothered with salsa!... and Tasha Tudor, my favorite!... I have a number of her books... you need to get her cookbook, I love it!... she was indeed a wonderful lady... and I love her Corgis... Happy March to you... Spring is really close now!... hello Layla!... xoxo Julie Marie

Theresa said...

Praise God for answered prayers! I know you feel much better:) Oh what yummy dishes:) I want some of all of it! Hope you get your vehicle back soon, I am sure you will be happy! NO MORE SNOW:) It is time for some Springtime! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Stacey said...

I just love your posts! If I ever get back to Chicago we have to hang out!

So glad you got a good report from the doctor. It's very unsettling when you don't feel good and don't understand why. Don't you think?

Your cooking all sounds wonderful. I never make omelettes but I do make quiches often. Same thing...you have to change it up to keep it fresh and delicious. We love eggs and bacon in any form.

Your exercise videos will be perfect while you wait for the weather to improve. Now I have to say, when you were talking about being stuck in the house for a week I was thinking...uh oh, I'd be shopping online. I'm terrible about that now because it's so easy. So my answer is just buy the dishes. You know you'll be glad. :)

Claudia said...

So happy to hear your test results came back negative! Yay!

I love Tasha Tudor, but I have only one book about her - the one about her gardens. She was simply amazing.

xo
Claudia

Primitive Stars said...

Merry March Jane, great your results came back ok, way to go!!!!! you sure make me hungry with that omelet, yummy......I love those bunny dishes, so cheerful right about now, need that.....Happy Weekend, Francine.

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy that you got good news…we always think the worst while we are waiting. You can never have too much soup especially with this winter weather. I was just told by a doctor that eggs are very good for your eyes so I think you scramble is a good way to start the day.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

So happy to hear that your tests came back normal! What a relief that must have been for you.

I love the print you chose for your living room. I am looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.

Let me know when you are headed this way!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I'm so happy you got good test results! Hooray! I love the print on canvas you got for over your mantel. The colors are great and I think it has just the right amount of blue. Have you bought the bunny plates yet? I think you should go for it. I've passed up many things that still, years later, wish I had bought. I used to do those Denise Austin videos years ago too! Have you done the crunch yoga yet? I'm curious as to what it's like.

Susie said...

Blondie , God is good and there is power in prayer. So thankful your tests were good results. I like the name of your own style...is that going to be the name of your chain stores for decorating? LOL Soup !!! the winter nectar of the gods. I love soups. I love making my own recipes too. I know you are in for more nasty weather this weekend, as are we. Take care and be safe, xoxo,Susie

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I am so happy to hear that your test results were good! That is great news!
I am thinking of starting a low carb diet. I brought some books home from the library this week to start exploring the idea. But I must say I dread actually doing it. However this spare tire I'm lugging around has got to go!
I am going to have to look for that Tasha Tuder book. I've loved reading about her in the past. I think she used to be featured in Victoria magazine many years ago.
Hope you're having a wonderful weekend Jane!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Wonderful news Jane about your tests have fun not worrying about it again.
We are getting a snowstorm Sunday night 8" or more, so glad it's March 1st!
Also have fun with your living room, the picture is so pretty!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I was sure those tests would be fine after you'd talked about walking all of those blocks in the fresh air and feeling good.

I have always loved tasha tudor since discovering her years ago...this past summer I brought home a libray book ( a TOME ) about her life to show my grands all of the pictures of how she lived...

Balisha said...

I just enjoyed reading this post while watching the snow begin in N. Illinois. Maybe you're getting it by now too. Love those napkins and dishes from PB
Good to hear that you are OK. I've read the Tasha book. I have another of hers. She was a special gentle lady.dx
Have a nice weekend..Balisha

Melanie said...

I am so thankful that your tests came back normal. Great news. Love the print you found for your living room - the colors are so pretty and cheerful. Good luck with that yoga DVD...as a yogi, I don't know how "gentle" that crunch yoga can be, lol. There are lots of good, gentle yoga videos online - you can google them. Oh yes, I have a junk drawer in my kitchen just like yours. In fact, mine needs purging and cleaning out right now, too. I love dishes too, but don't have any room too keep them except the basement - and that's a big NOT for me right now. I never pay full-price for dishes. If you go thrifting, you will find beautiful dishes all over the place. No need to pay Pottery Barn prices! Goodwill has tons of dishes. Also, I will not buy any dishes made in China if we're to eat off them - I will only use them for decor. The two sets of dishes we are using right now are both from Germany. And both found at GW. :-) Your soup sounds really good, but unfortunately, I can't stand dark meat chicken and the only veggie I won't eat is mushrooms. I'll take the asparagus though! I'm not often in the mood for eggs, but when I am, I make scrambled ones like yours. I usually put in a bunch of chopped up veggies - onions, different colored peppers, tomatoes, asparagus - whatever's on-hand. I might add a little bit of cheddar or feta cheese. And then I top with salsa. Yum. Tasha Tudor - I have one of her books. Interesting lady. Have a good weekend! xoxo

Beth said...

Hooray for the normal test results!!

I am hungry for an omelette now. :-)

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

I am ever so happy to hear your test came back normal!!!!! So workout girl!!! Tell hubs its time to give it up, or buy a car he can drive all year! Oh, if you want to go for lunch I'll drive the 4 miles (guessing) to your house, have lunch and drop your safely back to your front door. Love the Spring Soup and scramble eggs I eat every morning with spinach. I might look into that book to read it sounds really good!
Take care girl!

Debby said...

So glad that your blood work was okay. How does Layla get up on the table. Yeah more snow for us.......really. I love Tasha Tudor. Hugs

Junkchiccottage said...

Happy Week end Jane. We are really getting socked again aren't we. Will this winter ever end. Your omlet looks yummy. Stay warm and cozy and safe inside.
Kris

Beth said...

Hi Jane, Glad your tests came out ok. Very good news! I love those little bunny plates, and the colorful napkins too. I like your dish stacking too. Are you a dishaholic? I kind of am...when I began blogging I was quite fascinated with all the tablescapes in blogland and did quite a few myself (on my now defunct food blog). I started out with maybe 3 sets of dishes and through thrifting, ebay, and garage sales had more than 20 sets at one time; mind you, these were not complete sets with all the serving pieces, and some were just 4 dinner plates...but anyway, it gave me lots of variety and I had a good time tablescaping. I am now reading A Fine Romance by Susan Branch. It's about her love affair with the English countryside. I did read The Fault in Our Stars and I hear it's going to be a movie. Don't get too bored, Jane. You can always take everything off every shelf and out of every drawer and every cabinet, and dust!!! That was my winter project this year; completed quite some time ago. Have a wonderful weekend!
xo, Beth

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
so glad your tests came back ok! Waiting to know is hard! Like you, I love eggs and omelets are a favorite of mine, love them with jalapenos, avocados, salsa, cheese and sour cream! Yum! Can't wait to see your room!
Rebecca

Low Tide High Style said...

So sorry I missed the post about you needing tests, but so very happy things turned out well! I love your new print, and my mother loved Tasha Tudor!

Take care, and I hope you continue to feel better! xo Kat

Kathleen Grace said...

Yay! So glad the tests came back and everything is fine. It's always like a weight off your shoulders when that happens. I saw those dishes and linens in the local Pottery Barn store last week and I loved the bunny dishes. Like you I don't really need them, but that doesn't mean I don't want them! Lol.
I love the picture for the mantel and I just can't wait to see the room complete. Ever changing Jane...I can relate:>)

Sonia said...

Normal tests results are a blessing! Love those stacks of dishes you have in the stand...so pretty. Of course I love the PB napkins and dishes you've shown ...they can really suck you in as they do have such beautiful Easter things. Hard to resist!
We are having thunder sleet and snow today in Oklahoma ...can't believe our crazy winter. Stay warm and remember Spring is just around the corner!
Miss Bloomers

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Thank God in Heaven you are okay. Doing a happy dance for you, Jane. Whew!

On a different note, I think your bunnies are amazing! The colors and design are both so cool!

Sending you hugs and wishes that you will be out of the deep freeze soon. We are inundated with oak pollen! But I am glad to see it here. Spring is on the move!

Glad you enjoyed "Downton". It really was fun!

xo

Sheila

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

I missed the post about your health concerns...so glad to hear you got good tests results!! Love the print...did you buy the dishes??

Traci said...

So glad your tests were normal!! I do the same thing with eggs. I can never make a pretty omelet so I stopped trying. I throw the eggs in the skillet & throw in veggies & scramble it all together. Love it!

Gypsy Heart said...

I make omelets like that ~ just throw in whatever sounds good and it always tastes good. I can imagine how you must feel without a car. There are days I don't go anywhere and yet when we have ice and I really can't get out, that bothers me. Silly,huh? It's the idea that I can't...

Glad you are ok!
xo
Pat

bj said...

So glad all is well with you, Blondie girl...
I'm not much for eggs but eat oone every now and then, scrambled, with cheese and LOTS of black pepper.
Mr. Sweet eats them nearly every day..and loves all kinds of things in his scrambled eggs.
Love love those napkins....
When we moved, I donated a lot of dishes and I don't have too many now. I got burned out on tablescapes and don't do many of them any more. I do plan to join Kathleen and her annual St. Patrick's Day Crawl so will do a little tablescape for that.
LOVE your spring painting for the mantel....:)

Debbie said...

What an enjoyable, and fun post!
Your spring painting for above your mantle is so pretty...love it!!
I like when you share what you've been cooking...it gives me something new to try.
The napkins, and plates would be hard for me to resist....so perfect for spring!!
xo

Decor To Adore said...

Oh I am so very happy that your tests were normal.

I love Tasha Tudor!

Geneva said...

Glad to hear your test results came back good ... and it doesn't sound like your wasting a minute getting on with your life.
Thank you for always making it FuN and making it real!
Blessings!!!!
Geneva

xinex said...

I can't wait to see your finished living room. I already like it from your style description. I know what you mean about pottery Barn. They have so many pretty things but kinda pricey. Very tempting though. Sometimes, I already add them to my cart but I never check out, trying so hard to control myself. I sure don't need any more plates....Christine

Unknown said...

Jane dear, What a relief that your tests came back a-ok. I've been going through some similar tests myself and then ended up with the flu for a week after returning from Mexico. Ugh. This is a fun and newsy post. You always share great ideas and that dressing recipe looks like a keeper. By the way, thanks for your kind comments on Stylemindchic about the loss of my dear friend. I actually wrote a long comment back to you on the blog-but I never know if bloggers go back to read those. Any how...so sorry that happened to you my friend. Truly....xx, Heather

Kelly said...

The new picture you found for over the mantel looks so pretty. I can't wait to see the room when it's finally ready. So happy to hear that your health is ok. I know you were so worried. Did they ever tell you what was causing your problem though? I know you will be relieved when Winter is over. It seems that your state has really been hit hard this year. Maybe shopping for Easter will ease it a bit. It will give you something to look forward to.

koralee said...

I am happy your test came back fine....and it looks like you are enjoying life. Those dishes are so so lovely...would love to have a set of those for Easter. Stay healthy and thank you for your kind words you left me. xoxo

Unknown said...

I love your blog and your particular style. Everything looks very cozy and that's the way I like a home to look. I don't know if you like monogrammed pillows, but I have some that I think go well with any decor and add a little personalized touch.
Hope you'll take a look. Happy you are doing well and tests were in your favor.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SouthernLinen

Jacqueline said...

So glad you are feeling better! I love the idea of naming our style after ourselves. Your's is perfect - "Ever Changing Jane"! I think we all are ever changing and that is the fun of it.
Yes!!! I saw those bunny plates too and need more Easter plates like I need a hole in the head, but they are super cute!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

I'm so glad your tests came back normal, Jane. I'm waiting on some tests results, too; and boy does my mind work over-time on the "what ifs!"

I was just reading a Stone Gable post this morning and saw the lovely way she stacks dishes and uses them to add such special touches here and there. It's such a great idea!

Hope things warm up for you soon! Have a wonderful weekend!

Deb said...

such a great post & wonderful news! I knew you would adore Tasha Tudor ~ more about her here http://rookeryramblings.com.
have a wonderful weekend jane.


Babs said...

Gosh, you're making me so hungry with the recipes, and I haven't thought about Tasha Tudor in years.
Sending you warm thoughts ans we head out to transplant some things in the yard. We have to do it now or one morning we'll wake up and it'll be 90 degrees. Glad to year you got good results from your tests.

Unknown said...

Hi Jane, So happy to hear you are well. I love Tasha Tudor. Her book inspired me to rip out my whole front lawn on a whim. I may or may not have cry afterward when I saw a big patch of dirt where the front lawn used to be. Thank you for your sweet words on my post.

Love,
Victoria