Do You Stucco?

I have been asked more than once if stucco is common in the UK. My answer is - kind of. We do have a similar finish that goes by the distinctly unattractive name of 'external rendering'. A mix of sand, lime and cement is applied by a hand trowel to the exterior of a building. Sometimes a little colored oxide is added to the formula to provide extra appeal to its appearance. This finish can last for many, many years, and if you don't omit the lime - it won't crack either!  

But there is something even nicer, more attractive and decorative than render. It is not something that is common throughout the UK but is particularly associated with the English counties of Suffolk and Essex. This is pargeting (or pargetting) which is a decorative plaster applied to the exterior of building walls.

 

Pargeting derives from the word 'parget', a Middle English term that most likely comes from the Old French 'pargeter' or 'parjeter' meaning 'to throw about'. In the 14th century, pargeting was being used in South-East England to decorate the exterior of timber-framed buildings.

As a type of decorative plastering, pargeting can be used to create a wide range of geometric shapes and during the reign of Elizabeth I, figures, birds and foliage were common designs. The technique can also be used for practical applications, such as creating a smooth surface (as on this lighthouse) on a wall that would otherwise appear quite rough.

The basic process of pargeting involves the application of wet plaster to a section of wall. Typically, the plaster is held in position with the use of a series of pegs or nails that provide enough support for the wet plaster while still making it possible to shape the material using the hands or even various types of tools. The formation of the decorative elements continues for as long as the plaster remains somewhat malleable, with the time frame varying based on the ingredients in the plaster mix along with the prevailing weather conditions. When successful, pargeting can add a great deal of visual interest to walls.

Off to have a cuppa, enjoy the pictures!  Wendy

 

 

 

 

 

 

English Rock Cakes with Orange Drizzle

I have friends who cook and bake all the time, not me, I cook enough for my family! But when I do cook or bake, I always turn to old favorites. My 'go to' recipes that I can rely on to always turn out well. I like recipes that are quick, easy and inexpensive to make. Rock cakes are a good standby of mine, a favorite of my children and great to take anywhere.

 

This morning I decided to try something different with the recipe. I added fresh orange juice, and that one additional ingredient lifted my 'old' recipe into something new. I am so happy to share this with you all!

 

 

ROCK CAKES

2 cups self rising flour
3oz butter - softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Orange zest - about 2 teaspoons
1 egg - well beaten

Pre-heat the oven to 400F/Gas 6, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (this saves a lot of washing up!)

Put the raisins into a small bowl, cover with the orange juice and leave them to soak.

Place the flour into a bowl and rub in the softened butter until you have a  mixture that resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add in the sugar and the orange zest. Drain the raisins and add them into the bowl, mixing until the fruit is coated with the flour. Beat the egg and add 3 tablespoons of orange juice. Add the egg mixture to the bowl and mix to a soft dough. Spoon small heaps onto the baking tray and transfer to the oven for about 12-15 minutes until the tops are a light, golden brown.

 

DRIZZLE

 

Mix together confectioner's sugar and orange juice until well blended and a nice runny consistency, not too thin, and not too thick!! Drizzle over the cooled rock cakes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy, with a cuppa of course!

 

Wendy

 

 

 

 

Wallpaper

I haven't blogged for a few weeks, there's this thing called 'employment' that continues to intrude into my social life. But the past few days have found me itching to get back onto the blog again. And today you may be surprised by what I am about to say!

 

I really like wallpaper!

 

Not everyone will agree with me, and lately there has been a greater interest in using paint and paint effects to decorate walls, but wallpaper really does have its place. If you are considering creating a cozy, country haven for yourself, somewhere to relax and rest. Somewhere you can curl up with a good book (and a cuppa of course) then you can't go far wrong than to start out with some of the beautiful papers that are available now.

Contemporary florals and leaf trails in the palest of colors, create a country cottage look no matter where you put them.  Because of their light background they also keep a fresh feel to the room, perfect with white furnishings.

 

Imagine this soft red paper on one wall of your dining room, even a smaller room can take a darker color. Ask me how I know! Your dining room will be warm and inviting, glasses and china will glow softly in the evening light. Your guests will want to linger over their meal, enjoying both the conversation and the warm, cozy room you have created.

If you aren't too sure about committing to wallpaper, if you are worried about making that leap, how about adding some to the back of your book cases  to add a modern, and colorful accent to your room? Or cover a large canvas with a striking paper and hang it over your sofa as a piece of art.

 

Anaglypta papers are a great way to add texture and pattern to your room, without having to embrace a large or busy pattern. Left unpainted, they are light and clean, but painted with your favorite colors, they add definition and are perfect for hiding imperfections on older walls!

  

 There are so many wonderful papers available now, suitable for both bathrooms and kitchens. Able to cope with steam and mess they look attractive and add warmth, softness and atmosphere to rooms that can be cold and hard. And believe me, these are not your mom's papers!

 

Don't think that paint, or plain walls are your only option in your home. Wallpaper is beautiful, functional, easy to put up - ask me how I know - and lasts for a long time. Ask the Victorians, the Chinese (who started it all) and visit any historic home in Britain and you will see wallpaper in every room!

 

 

 

 

 

 Wendy

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.wallpaperdirect.com/

http://www.cypresshomedecor.com/.    

 

 

 

This Hue for You? Radiant Orchid

Captivating, Enigmatic, Expressive, Confident 

Radiant Orchid is Pantone's color selection of 2014! 

For over 50 years, the Pantone Colour Institute has chosen the color of the year that has had the most influence on everything from graphic design, fashion and interior design all over the world.  Influences may also stem from technology, art, popular travel destinations and even sporting events that capture worldwide attention.

 

While the 2013 color of the year, Emerald Green, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, 2014's Radiant Orchid imbues creativity, originality and bold expression.  I love how Pantone's Executive Director, Leatrice Eiseman, describes this color. 

 

"An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm."

 

Though deep purple tones are traditionally a bit bold for me, I am intrigued by the pinkish-purple of Radiant Orchid, as its feeling resonates with my recent inspirations.  This last year my friends have inspired me most.  They've been daring and confident in their decision making; they are taking control of their lives and showing the world who they are! 

 

Embolden yourself with a little or a lot of Radiant Orchid, 2014's Pantone Color of the Year!  Have an existing color palette you love? Liven it up with this hue.  It's uplifting and bold without being overpowering.

 

For toned-down boldness, go all-over with multi-hued purples and pinks.  A saturated look like this, creates a vibrancy without being flashy.  

 

  

Or, for a more wistful, romantic appeal, mix medium purple hues with its softer pastel cousins.

  

   

A dark purple accent wall in a bedroom filled with soft textures courageously balances energy and tranquility. 

  

 

Exude your ultimate confidence by adding a standout piece in this bright hue against a backdrop of white! 

 

 

Add a stimulating yellow to a pinkish-purple for a combination I am loving right now!  Yellow relates very well with purple.  It's an optimistic color that also awakens confidence and perception, much like purple.  Try these on for size!

 

 

  

Boho style

 

Another wallpaper, Wendy...

  

Whether or not you put much stock in trends, color does set a mood that can change the way you feel about yourself and your environment.  So ask yourself what in your world is inspiring you these days.  Does your home embody those things? 

 

May color inspire you and reflect you.   

 

Erin 

Queso Chicken

This is the ULTIMATE comfort food recipe. Have you ever combined two really great things to make an even greater thing? Chicken fried chicken and a really good queso blanco, two staples from my childhood in Texas begging to be united. 

Look close, closer, do you see its gooey cheesy goodness covering all that awesome chicken crispiness? It's as delicious as it looks and simple to make, in fact, you may already have the ingredients at home.

This recipe makes a slightly larger then necessary batch of queso so that you can have it as a side for tortilla chips, or vegetables. 

April

Queso Chicken

 

Ingredients for the chicken:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp seasoned salt 
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• 1 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup Canola oil

 Ingredients for the Queso Blanco:

• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese 
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic
•  1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In one bowl, combine flour and seasoned salt. Pour milk into another bowl. Using tongs, dip chicken breasts first in milk, then in flour coating both sides of the chicken breast, shake off excess flour. Add the chicken to the skillet. Repeat with each breast, being careful not to crowd the pan.

Cook chicken breasts for approximately 10 minutes on each side or until chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear.  Once done, drain breasts on a plate covered with paper towels. 

Put all queso ingredients into a double boiler and turn heat to medium. Cook until melted and well blended, stirring with a wooden spoon. 

 

Place chicken on individual plates and smother with queso.

Tile My World, Softly

Once there was a small boy and a bottle of red nail polish......

You know where I'm going here!!  I've never before cried over spilled milk like this.  I had just installed an expensive floor-to-floor carpet in my bedroom.  Just days later, my two year old was playing in my bathroom cabinet while I was doing my makeup.  He pulled out my red nail polish and with the care and diligence of a two year old, proceeded to drop it on the tile floor.  Of course, it shattered and sprayed red polish onto my new (and did I say "expensive") carpet.  I really did cry.... like a baby!  I'm a bit ashamed to admit that, but I guess I just did.  Unfortunately, there was no fix, and I had to replace the whole thing!

This is one of the inherent problems with traditional wall-to-wall laid carpet.  I have a solution to offer for those who love the comfort of carpet, but dislike the installment and care requirements, not to mention the lack of variety and intrigue traditional carpet has to offer.

This is a product that gets me excited every time I talk about it!  I've been using them in my own home for six years.

Carpet tiles have come a long way, Baby! 

 

Every texture, every color, every style can be found in a versatile, interchangeable carpet tile fit for a dressed up barn to a queen's palace.

 

The glory of carpet tiles is in their versatility and ease of assembly and care.  You can place them in any room in any format and size to achieve a truly one-of-a-kind, designed by you, flooring that will enhance your décor in just the right way.  They can be placed on any floor surface.  In fact, I even cut some to fit my stair treads.  Anything you can think of, you can do it with carpet tiles.

 

The only company I know that makes carpet tiles specifically for the home is Flor.  Its website (www.flor.com) is chock full of room galleries for design inspiration.  For the ultra creative types, the website boasts a FlorBuilder tool to create just what you imagine (or what you didn't!).  Many a night I have been found fiddling with the tool for an hour or more just to see what I could concoct.  Professional design assistance via phone and online is available, and storefronts exist throughout the country.

 

Did I say how easy they are to clean?!?  You can pop out a single tile, clean it and put back in place.  If too far damaged, you can simply replace the damaged tiles with new ones (hint:  Always order extra tiles).

 

My bedroom floor is now covered, wall-to-wall, in these tiles.  In other rooms I have utilized them as rugs and even stair treads.

 

Flor has created lovely vintage inspired carpet lines, like those shown here plus much more on the website.  Longer piled carpets are also available.  You can place the tiles on any flat surface.  They do not adhere to the floor, but simply to each other to stay in place.

All Flor products are made of varying degrees of renewable and recyclable material. 

 

FYI, Flor is offering 25% off your order through March 14. 

Samples can be ordered online at low cost, as well.

 

I'd love to know what you think of this product.  Check out their website at www.flor.com and write me back.

 Erin

 

French Bistro Tomato Cream Soup

My memories of France, the Loire Valley in particular, encompass lazy weekends, warm sunshine, trying out  my very poor French on the locals and wondering if opening  a bottle of wine at 10 am was acceptable (it was!) There’s nothing more enjoyable than eating lunch outside while watching the world go by. And this creamy tomato soup, served with warm crusty bread always makes me feel like I am back at my favorite bistro in France.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! ~ Wendy

French Bistro Tomato Cream Soup

4 Servings

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup diced onion 

1-28oz can of diced tomatoes

1 cup of good quality chicken stock

1 cup of half and half

*optional 1 tbsp of fresh chopped basil leaves for a creamy tomato basil soup

Melt butter in a 3 quart heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 2 minutes, until tender. Add tomatoes, chicken stock, half and half, and also the fresh basil if using. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Using an immersion/stick blender, blend soup until smooth. Serve with crusty bread