Happy Birthday to ME!

I'm very fussy with "birthday cakes!"  Everyone wanted to
purchase one at a bakery, but I refused.  Instead opting for one of my very own
creations with exactly the type of cake I wanted.
So...I made a delicious "Old-Fashioned Yellow Cake"
from the Martha Stewart Living Cookbook, page 448.
This dense yellow cake is the perfect consistency for a birthday cake!
Here it sits on my sister's dining room table awaiting dessert!

My birthday dinner consisted of a Mexican Feast!
New Melamine plates in the patterns of Mexican/Spanish
pottery are waiting delicious food!  Nancy used
an American Pottery piece as the centerpiece filled with
flowers currently plentiful in the garden.

Four kinds of salsa were served as an appetizer then replenished
for our Tostadas.
Peach Salsa, Strawberry Salsa, Tomato Salsa and
Hot, Hot, Tomato Salsa are pictured here!

From the grill came the chicken along with peppers and onions. 
Cheese was sprinkled over the Tortillas and then grilled. 
Everyone garnished their Tortillas with chicken, peppers, onions,
salsa, hot sauces and sour cream!  A colorful rice was made
using Uncle Ben's Rice, red bell pepper, peas, scallions, and
yellow sweet corn all adding their own bits of color! 
Can't forget the saffron!

When our friends arrived, they brought 2 beautiful arrangements
that fit in perfectly with our theme!  Couldn't be more perfect!
I think you'll agree!

Here's a better look at one of the centerpieces brought to us by
our dear friends.  Hot sauces were plentiful along with
the baskets and Spanish glazed pottery.  Nancy made
Sangria the day before.  Recipes for the different salsa choices
and Sangria are from our cookbook.
A picture perfect evening, a picture perfect setting,
picture perfect food along with great friends!
What could be better than this? 
NOTHING!!

Lastly, the cake...yummy, perfect in every way with a nice
scoop of Golden Vanilla Ice Cream by Hood!
The perfect ending to a lovely, hot summer evening!

It's Time for Strawberry Salsa and Peach Salsa!

"Strawberry Salsa"
2 cups strawberries, rinsed, hulled and diced
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup died bell pepper, red or green
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons minced cilantro or basil (I love cilantro.)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Assorted Crackers

Combine all ingredients.  Mix well.  Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Serve with crackers.
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Note:  You may also serve with grilled chicken!
 



"Peach Salsa"
2 Medium peaches, peeled and chopped
3 T. Finely chopped red onion
2 T. Chopped cilantro
3 T. Lime Juice
1/8 tsp. salt

Yield: 1-1/2 Cups
 

Zinnias An Old Time Favorite!

Zinnias of all colors and sizes are in the bed next along side the house.
I've been on duty keeping bugs away and spaying during
this period of damp, misty, rainy weather. 
Humidity?  Yes, humidity too!

They are all set to pop out at once.  Always remember to pinch the first bud
and the plant will blossom out and triple its size!
Ready, set, color!! 

Add Some Spice to Your Life!

Spice Merchants in Mashpee Commons is a fun place to go!
If you like to partake in the culinary world...this is the place for you.
17 Central Square
Mashpee Commons
Mashpee, MA 02649

Buy spices in bulk, small one ounce bags or one ounce bottles that
look like old salt shakers. 

On the top shelf are the once ounce bottles.  Next you have
the one ounce packages of all kinds of spices, rubs and great
additions to your favorite recipe.
On the lower shelf are the same spices which can be purchased in
larger quantities.

Spice Merchants has a great selection of other items all
pertaining to spices! 
They'll spice up your  life in one quick visit!
Call for store hours 774.228.2238
or visit their website
SpiceMerchantsCapeCod@gmail.com
Tell Lisa "The Two Sisters" sent you!

Staying Cool in Red, White and Blue!

Blueberries, mini marshmallows and watermelon
cut into the shape of a star.

Yummy and cool...perfect for a hot and humid summer day.

Fourth of July Breakfast!

Take a piece of toast, next strawberry jelly,
sliced banana for stripes and blueberries for
stars!!!  DELICIOUS!

It All Started In A Consignment Shop!

The Cherry Dress shown above was created in the 50's by
a lady for the Woman's Exchange of St. Louis, Missouri. 
The July/August issue of Victoria Magazine has a two
page article on this special little dress. 

As the article states, "The Cherry Dress motif received national attention when
 Caroline Kennedy and John Kennedy, Jr. wore variations of it for Easter in 1963."

If you have a little girl or know of one...this dress is a MUST!!
Check out Victoria or go to The Woman's Exchange of St. Louis for more info.

Cooperstown, New York...A HOME RUN AWAY!

 

The Cooper Inn on the Corner of Main and Chestnut Street...
Sister Hotel of the Otesaga Hotel.
 

Reservations 800.348.6222

Comfortable and VERY decorative!

Beautifully decorated rooms are so fashionable.
The breakfast room is a great place to start your day!

 

 

 

 

 

One of the best Main Streets in America, you can find baseball
memorabilia everywhere you look!



The Baseball Hall of Fame is for all ages! 
Plan a trip to Cooperstown and make this stop
your
 top priority!



Walk down memory lane with your team!

The Glimmer Glass Lake is beautiful. 
Stop by or stay at the Otesaga Hotel at the base of the Glimmer Glass.
There are museums and golf courses in this quaint little town. 
The people are so friendly...make this one of your summer
destinations!



Breakfast at the Cooperstown Diner...where the locals go! 
Oh, don't sit in their seats!

A magnificent view from our friend's porch!



Also on upper Main Street, you'll find
The Lemon Tree Shop.  It is a fun kitchen shop that is
now carrying our cookbook,
Two Sisters and the Silver Spoon Cook Book!
Stop in and say "hi"" to Jeanne. 
Tell her Kathy and Nancy sent you!

                                       

                                  

Worcester Memorial Auditorium - A Sleeping Beauty!

Preservation Worcester held an event called the Aud Ball at the
Worcester Memorial Auditorium last evening.  The people in the
painting above are all Worcester residents used by the painter.

Dedicated to the World War I soldiers who paid
the ultimate sacrifice, this auditorium held many
concerts, the circus, political rallies, and other events
until it was closed 15 years ago.

You can see the seal of the City of Worcester. 
The heart signifies "the Heart of the Commonwealth".

Along with the presentation of the colors, another ceremony honoring
all of the branches of the military, we all sang our National Anthem,
America, recited the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a live auction
and other prizes.
What can this building be used for?  Put on your thinking cap!
If you know someone who has ideas, money and wants to invest
contact www.preservationworcester.org
 

Continuing with Rose's Enchanted Gardens!

Outdoor wicker awaits some guests to arrive
and take up residence!

The porch door frames a lovely outdoor scene!

The courtyard...a shady area filled
with all things that love the shade and cool.

This little Cape Cod style home is
"Enchanted".   Yes it is!

Taking pictures through gates and fences
adds a photographic flair to your picture taking!

The side of the garage is called "St. Theresa's Way".
Rose has fun with color and whimsical treasures!
Have fun with spray paint!

Another vignette in a magical landscape!

Memorial Day - Take a Moment To Remember

Remembering those who have given their lives for our
many freedoms and those who have served our great nation.

The Enchanted Cottage "Lights UP"

A very creative friend has used
her many talents to redesign old
lampshades!

This one was made with an
old napkin and glue gun.

Pretty trim found at a yard sale along
with ribbon from an outlet transforms this
lady-like lamp!

An old lace curtain valance,
grosgrain ribbon and artificial
flowers top this shade off.
A Sharpie marker was used to
put dots on the lamp base.

This lamp, repainted Ballet Pink
is topped off with lace and ribbon.

A brass candlestick lamp has
been given new life with the
transformed shade.
SO...get your remnants together and don't forget the
glue gun!  You're about to have a lot of fun!

American Estate...A MUST!!

Luxury Sterling Silver Jewelry...
 Sterling silver cuff bracelets created by hand.
Sold at Sharfmans Jewelers in Worcester, MA
Triple peony blossom shown above.
Peony earrings below.
 



These earrings can be worn for every occasion, year after year,
generation to generation!

The Chrysanthemum Cuff is dynamic. 
Go to www.sharfmansjewelers.com
and
www.americanestatejewelry.com
for a complete selection of
this exquisite collection!