Cool Dishes

I came across these super cool dishes on the Tracy Porter web site. This dinner setting is the Vivre set. For some reason I am very drawn to the pattern. If I could I would have about 10 different sets of dishes...

Housemartin Floral Design

Came across this blog of a store in Portland called Ink & Peat that does florals and home furnishings. I just love these Sunshine + Grey arrangements they did. They have cheveria succulents, Little Scottie pom-pom dahlias, billy buttons, Limoncello spray roses, yellow kangaroo paws, and dusty miller all accented with grey grosgrain ribbon. Check out their blog here.

Zucchini Slice of goodness.

This year was my first attempt at a garden. My second zucchini got really large. I was contemplating what to do with it so I created a few recipes. I concocted this and Chocolate Zucchini bread as well. This works well with big slices from a 3” to 4” diameter zucchini.
Cut the slices about ½” thick.

4” diameter zucchini cut in ½ pieces.
2 eggs beaten lightly
salt & pepper
½ cup corn meal
½ cup flour
1 teaspoon dry oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ of a tomato
¼ cup fresh basil chopped
¼ of a red onion
½ cup feta cheese
3 tablespoons butter.
¼ cup balsamic vinegar

First put the eggs in a small bowl add the salt & pepper
Mix together the flour, corn meal and dry spices.

Put 2 tablespoon butter on skillet and melt
Dip zucchini slices in egg batter both slices, then dip in flour, cornmeal spice mixture both sides.
Cook on buttered skillet flipping once golden brown crisp layer is achieved.
Remove Zucchini and place on serving platter, cover to keep warm.

Add 1 tsp butter to pan and added chopped red onion, caramelize.
While onions are cooking. Chop basil and tomato.
Sprinkle onions on zucchini
Then top with feta
Finish with basil and tomato.
Drizzle balsamic vinegar over entire dish.

Alicia & Ginger's Chocolate Zucchini Bread

2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
3 eggs
2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups grated zucchini
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon cardamon
½ teaspoon allspice
1 tablespoon Ghirardelli sweet cocoa powder


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
In a double boiler melt chocolate or In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate until melted.
Stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth.
In Kitchen Aid mixer bowl, combine eggs, sugar, oil, grated zucchini, vanilla and chocolate; beat well.
Stir in the flour baking soda, salt, allspice, cardamon and cinnamon.
Fold in the chocolate cocoa.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pans.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean.

Modern Fabrics

Today I came across this ultra cool fabric. I love this print with the scooters and retro cars. I found the print on the web site of Birch Fabrics. The fabrics are 100% organic cottons that are dyed using water based, acid free inks.

Has your lighting gone to the birds?

These fun lighting choices are both from Anthropologie's web site.

The first piece is the Magpie Chandelier. Magpie's are know for their abilities to collect and scavenge. The light is made in South Africa.

The second piece is titled Songbird Chandelier, it retails for $798.00. I love all the faux birds. I really want to do a take on creating my own version of this fun piece.

Trendspotting Tuesdays

So I am not sure about you but I have seen so many things peacock lately, I would have to say it is the biggest fall trend I have seen so far. Here are a few examples of what I have seen out an about in my journeys.


This wonderful Plumage lampshade by Antropologie I saw in the store I was not able to find it online.



Peacock feather decor balls available at Michaels.



These Jonathon Adler melamine dishes that are available at Target.



Peacock dinnerware at Anthropologie.

And how about a peacock necklace or peacock tights.