Sunday, August 11, 2013

FLOWERS, SALADS, WREATHS...


Tuesday I was in the area where there is a Trader Joe's.  I have been on the hunt for bread, crackers and something crunchy to snack on that doesn't have sunflower oil in it.  Have you noticed that it seems to be in everything?  I'm allergic to sunflower seeds so I read every label.  What really kills me is when the label says:  May have sunflower and/or safflower oil.  Okay, lets see if I'm gasping for breath and turning blue to find out which it is!  Anyway, I did find some bread, but nothing else. so I bought enough to freeze, too. And I did find these pretty flowers and a couple of bottles of Two Buck Chuck.  I like to keep the Cabernet stocked for the kids.  I was reading a flower arranging tip in an old issue of Jeanne D'Arc.  Divide your flowers into three groups, randomly or by flower type.  Cut each group a different length and then arrange.  I did that in the picture above.  I have always cut my flowers the same length.  This looks much better I think.

 

 Very quick, easy and good.  I cooked the zucchini on a ridged grill pan I have right on the stove.  Other than the dill I had everything.  You might want to cut back a bit on it, The Husband said it tasted like seaweed (but he has an aversion to herbs that aren't carefully hidden in the food...sort of like a 4 year old).

I wanted to get pictures of Emily's house this past week but she came down with some sort of flu.  I went grocery shopping with her and then helped her put it all away.  That night I went back over as her hubby was working late and we laid in her bed watching reruns of Modern Family while I gave her hand massages.  You owe me, Emily!!!  Bright and early the next morning, I took her to a doctor for antibiotics and Friday she was well enough to drag me along to the mall to buy her a dress and jewelry for a wedding..."Mom, the gift alone is putting me in debt!".  My kids are at that age where all of their friends are getting married and they spend most weekends in the summer going to weddings.  Shower and wedding gifts are so expensive,  weddings are expensive, I definitely know that!  So, since Em was under the weather, we didn't so a photo shoot but we will next week.  And I will make those herb infused oils.  And that peach tart.  And that homemade salad dressing.  And finish organizing the linen closet.  Get my car washed.  Do my nails.

Before I go, I want to tell you about two blogger friends of mine that have started a new feature.  Kris from Junk Chic Cottage, and Susan from Must Love Junk, have started a new thing they each post on their blogs on Saturdays called Spotlight: Life Behind The Blogger.  I think they are right on target with this.  Each week a blogger does a guest post on Kris and Susan's blogs all about themselves...not so much their blog, so you really get to "meet" and better know who's writing your favorite blog.  Or maybe even learn about someone you find you really like and visit their blog.  These sweet girls invited me to do a post in a few weeks for their feature (as if you need to know more about me), but I hope to find and scan some older pictures and tell you a little more about Jane's pre-blogging days.  But check out yesterdays posts at their blogs, two every week.  In fact, Kris lives in the Chicago area and we are getting together on the 22nd of this month!  I can't wait to meet her!!

I hope all of you have a great week! :)

XO,
Jane

50 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Another great post Jane... where to start... first off, Layla looks adorable in "her" basket!... I just want to kiss her... love you sweet little Layla!... your zucchini looks yummy, better than the one in the magazine... I am baking zucchini bread as I type this comment... your Chinese Lanterns are beautiful and I love them in Autumn arrangements too... and I think the wreath you are making looks pretty, what I can see of it... and yes, that little birdie is STILL alive!... how exciting for you to be featured about your pre~blogging days... that sounds like fun!... xoxo Julie Marie

20 North Ora said...

I am so jealous that you and Kris are going to get together. Wish I could be there with you two - I know you'll have a ball.

I think that is a very interesting idea doing a post about the blogger herself and not her blog. We'll get to know bloggers more personally. Great idea!

Sounds to me like you got an awful lot done this week!

Judy

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I love reading your post today. You are always so honest and share your life with us in such a sweet and interesting way. It's kinda like we are reading your personal journal and learning all about you and your family.
I'm glad that you are a cook and sometimes I wish that I was a little more adventurous in that area but I'm not but I love seeing and hearing about what good cooks like yourself are serving up!

Your fur baby looks so comfy and happy.

hugs
Sissie

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Hi Jane, that zucchini salad looks great and is perfect for the summer using them from the garden. Layla has a comfy sleeping spot, I have to say. Sounds like fun with meeting a blogging buddy! Enjoy the rest of you week.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I love your tip about cutting the flowers 3 different lengths. I'm always struggling to get my flowers to look good in a vase. That zucchini dish looks amazing! I love dill and put it in a lot of stuff. I made a tuna salad the other day and loaded it up with dill. Sweet Layla looks so comfy in her new spot. Love seeing pics of your pets. :) Enjoy your week!

Anonymous said...

you always give us the best read, its like a coffee time chat with a good friend, sounds like a great blogging event and getting to meet fellow bloggers is always a treat!

Barbara F. said...

I'll be looking forward to your guest post, Jane. Zucchini looks good, and I love Chinese lanterns. My cousin used to grow them, (white ones). I never knew tomatillos were inside! xo

Deborah said...

Sounds like you are enjoying your summer Jane ;)
Layla is so cute and I don't blame her for finding such a cozy spot ..lol
I'd love to see the tour and how sweet that you spent some time with your daughter;)
Chinese lanterns are just so beautiful!
Have a great week!
Hugs xo

All my heart,
Deborah xoxoxo

Vel Criste said...

You've been busy despite NOT being 'able to accomplish' the things you wanted to do! Can't wait to see your daughter Emily's home, I bet it's as great as yours!:-)

Pondside said...

That's the busiest 'not busy' I've ever heard of. You are amazing! Thanks for the flower arranging tip. I will give it a try.

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Jane, busy as a bee you are, buzz buzz......Love the wreath your working on....Sweet Paper Lanterns, like to decorate with them for fall too..........You have gone and made me hungry, Blessings Francine.

Melanie said...

Oops, Jane...I just left a long comment about this post on your previous blog post! lol So please look for it there. :-)

Traci said...

I just saw on the news the other day that our Trader Joe's is supposed to open on Halloween. I'm so excited! I have a list going of things I've read about on different blogs. Two Buck Chuck is at the top of the list!

Leslie said...

Interesting about the flowers! I've heard that too and need to try it. Your week sounds like it was a busy one:) The zucchini looks delicious .. It's sp yummy this time of year. Your pup is so cute and we have a Layla too!

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

Hi Jane! It's always so fun to buzz in here and see what you've been up to. My MIL taught me the flower trick and it works great. I am allergic to walnuts so I understand the whole sunflower thing. I hadn't realized how many things have sunflower oil in them. Now, of course, I'll spot something, check ingredients, and think of you when I see sunflower oil!

Unknown said...

What a busy week! Glad Emily is better. Can't wait for the home tour! Take care!

Susie said...

Blondie, I tried some new recipes too. I have reading the ingredients on food ...I absolutely think it should say in big letters where it was grown and packaged. The wreath is so sweet. Yes, I like your friend's Kris' blog...she's is a decorating whizz. Enjoy your week . xoxo,Susie

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Sounds like a very full week for you. I love to try new recipes too. I try quite a few from bloggers and of course Pinterest. Oh, little Layla is so cute pretending to be a cat! :) Your wreath looks so cute too. Now don't work too hard this coming week.
Be a sweetie,Shelia ;)

Lynne said...

Jane...Thanks for the tip about the flower arranging!

I so appreciate it when bloggers publish their occasional craft and design blunders. I bit the bullet and shared my black cupboard makeover failure on Friday morning. As soon as I got home from work, I tore it apart, then photographed and posted plan B!

A toast to pretty garden lanterns, lounging Layla and laughter all the way!
w/L.

Linda said...

I love catching up on you and what is going on in YOUR life!! I think we all do more than we think we do!

I hope you know how much I enjoy your posts! I am ending my Sunday evening with a glass of wine and your blog...

I have seen the 'Chinese Lantern' before....what an interesting flower that would bloom both in Texas and Illinois!

You know I love all things Trader Joe's and am planning a trip there this Friday.

Leslie Harris said...

Lovely post as usual Jane. Layla is adorable. I loved your discovery of the Chinese lanterns, and I was sorry to hear about Emily's flu. You're such a nice Mom giving those hand massages! I look forward to reading your feature and I agree. It's so wonderful to hear about the person behind the blog. What a great idea.

podso said...

Your posts are always so interesting and this was no exception. It's like catching up on the week over a cup of coffee. The zucchini dish looks great. I love zucchini, my husband not so much but if it is "doctored up" like this he's more appreciative of it.

Theresa said...

Lots of great things in this blog:) I LOVE Zucchini and have it at least once a week! Usually I just bake it in the oven with some garlic butter on it! YUMMY and so good for you! Hope Emily is feeling ALL better! Enjoy your day dear Jane, HUGS!

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

That Zuchinni looks amazing and would be a great side dish with fish! Enjoy your blogging friends meet up - jealous :-)

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Jane,
I am so excited to get together with you on the 22nd. It will be so much fun and I will take you to Tattered Tiques. You will love it. Thanks for the shout out about our Spotlight feature. You are the sweetest and I can't wait to see what you share with all of us.
Kris

Kathleen Grace said...

The zucchini recipe looks like a winner! I am always on the lookout for another great way to use veggies and incorporate them into my diet. I'm glad to hear Emily is better, she has a very sweet mom to spoil her with hand massages when she is sick:>)
My grandmother grew Chinese lanterns and I always loved them as a child, I never knew you could eat the little tomatillo inside though, I thought they were poisonous. They do make such cute dried arrangements, lucky you!

Balisha said...

I love zucchini in many ways. This recipe looks like a winner to me. My kids used to call the "seaweed" green things and didn't like them in any recipe. That was the best thing about them leaving home...I could cook with all kinds of herbs.
We had the little lanterns along our garage. They came up every year and I used them in lots of fall bouquets.
Have a nice week.
Balisha

Olive said...

Jane, you have been cooking up a storm. I have not been cooking much at all. It has finally gotten hot here and I feel dreadful. The paper lantern discovery was exciting. They are very expensive here anyways. xo, olive

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hey girlfriend,
You sound busy and I love your little flower arrangement too.
The zucchini also looks delicious.
I love Chinese lanterns.
My mil has them and I may need to get some from her.
Looking forward to late October too my friend.
Hugs,
Cindy

Judi said...

I love Zucchini ~ we have it so much over the Summer and just pop it on the grill ~ Just keep practicing making your bows, you'll get the hang of it :) Judi

Claudia said...

I want to pet Layla - she is so adorable! Now that I see that Chinese Lantern, I think I'll have to plant one next year. I've always loved them.

xo
Claudia

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Wonderful post! You have been so busy with cooking all those delicious recipes. They look so good! Very inspirational post, loved everything. Happy Tuesday!
Can't wait to see the feature about you!

Hugs,
Jody

Lori said...

My grandmother always had a big pitcher or vase full of chinese lanterns on the hall table ~ funny the things that you remember! I love silver dollars too ~ will have to make a note and get some plants for next year. Hope Emily is feeling better. xo

Sarah said...

I'll look forward to the guest post, Jane. It will be fun to see photo pre-blogging. '-)

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

Girl, that recipe looks amazing! I know all about biting off more than you can chew. I live there.
Loved all of your photos!

Susan Shull said...

Love that flower arranging tip! And the recipe looks delish. Isn't it wonderful to have more things that you want to do than time to do them? A full life!

must love junk said...

Jane, LOVE the pics of Layla! We look forward to getting to know you better! :)
Susan

Art and Sand said...

I love Kris and Susan's new feature on bloggers and can't wait to read more about you.

And, I am so jealous that you get to meet her in person. I wrote her a comment that it seems like a lot of really fun bloggers live in the Chicago area.

Sue said...

This was one of those fun posts of yours where I feel like I just had a real conversation with you! The veggies look great, I had the magazine and wonder if it is still here. Hmmm. Zoe curls up like a cat too, she has discovered our bed pillows and if I forget to shut the bedroom door, I hear her trying to "nest" there!

I wish I lived closer. Bows are the only crafty thing I do really well! Did you follow the tutorial on my sidebar? I tried to make it as simple as possible with lots of pictures.

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Hope you're having a great week! Thanks for popping in to see my tablescape.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Good heavens, Jane! You have more energy in your little finger than I do in my entire body! I need to take my camera with me and take more pictures than I do..it would certainly help when I want to talk about something! Good job! I will try to remember to keep camera in my purse.

Debbiedoos said...

Hi Jane, Layla is just cracking me up! How cute and comfy. I love zucchini too that looks so good. Thanks for your sweet comment on the tour today, you are going to make Julies day:) XO

Debbiedoos said...

P.S. I love the blogger idea, super cool and I love both those gals too!

Roberta said...

You sure have been a busy girl Jane. So happy for your surprise Chinese/Japanese Lantern discovery! My aunt had them growing at her farm by the barn and I always went by in the fall for a bouquet...so pretty!! The farm just sold and they put vinyl siding on it!! ..what a shame that they did not restore it... Such good memories as a child visiting there. The yellow squash in the pic is probably summer squash... Sounds like you are enjoying your JDL. (thanks btw) Layla is such a little luvie and so smart to claim the comfiest spot in the house:)) xoRoberta

Kelly said...

So sorry to hear that your daughter has been sick. I hope she's on the mend now. Your wreath looks interesting! I can see the potential. I bet it will be very pretty when it's ready for it's debut! I burn myself all the time with the glue gun too. Hate that! I follow the two blogs you mentioned doing the spotlight blogger feature and have been invited to participate next weekend. I'm still working on it too! LOL! Looking forward to reading more about you when you're featured.

Kathy said...

Count your blessings, Chinese Lanterns are not easy to grow. How Lucky! Your garden, food, pet and wreath are all grand.
Kathy

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

You have been busy! I loved seeing the pics of your little dog. My dog curls up in blankets too and would love that spot!

bj said...

We love zucchini any way it's cooked...and raw, too.:) Yours sure looks good.
cutest little doggie ever. And, I can see how she is mistaken for a kitty. :)
I can't see much of you wreath but the color looks interesting...I know it will be pretty...you are more crafty than you think.
Fun to do a guest post...will be watching for it.
hugs, bj

Bravehearted Beauty {formerly LLH Designs} said...

I love that your camera goes everywhere with you. Mine sits in the same corner of my kitchen cabinet every day so that I know where to grab it, but sadly, I don't tote it around with me as often as I wish I had it. Need to get in that habit because I sure love capturing beauty when I see it! Oh, and thanks for your sweet comment on my blog today. :)

June said...

Oh here you go again dear Jane---tempting me with delicious food! It sounds like summer is well in your home and I think Layla is thinkin' so too. Do you think she would move over for me and share???
hugs from here...