Bragging Rights

Joey in his own kitchen in Rosemary Beach.

Joey and John Besh at a charity event. They worked hard that night!

I love to brag about my children from time to time as you will see. My daughter was the topic yesterday, so here goes...

My son is a seasoned chef, and has cooked beside some of the top chefs around. Do I sound like one of THOSE mothers yet? I WILL ADMIT IT--I am.

He has so many talents and is one of the most creative people I have ever known. Now I am not saying this because I am his mother--I am saying this because it is the gospel, and in the south that means something! I will have to give a little credit to those he learned from--some of the best french chefs in the country.

I am looking forward to some fine vittles soon, and I was thinking along the line of his brown sugar and balsamic Salmon or chicken anything. This child CAN create miracles with a chicken.

At the moment he is creating marvelous web pages. As I said, he is a very creative person and successful I might add! I think he may have found his niche. I have seen several of the web pages he has done and his artistic experience jumps out at you!

Joey has brought me many years of joy, and he will be getting married in June to a precious young lady. Then in years to come, the pitter-patter of tiny feet--the most perfect (of course) grandchildren.

That will be another story, along with the numerous blogs about the christening gown and the beautiful dresses and gowns for this angel from God. Yes, in the south boys do wear day gowns for at least six months, and move into smocked or french hand sewn ensembles, haha. Oh, and by the way, we also like to stick a few magnolia leaves in the background if pictures are being made.Oh--Ok Ok--enough for this blog.

Have a great day and enjoy!
Teresa

Christmas at Samford University

My daughter and me at Samford University on Sunday. We are so blessed!

Doing what we do best! Chessecake Factory in Birmingham.

Beautiful Christmas tree. Samford is such a beautiful campus, and I am so thrilled that my daughter is fortunate enough to attend such a magnificent college.

More to come...
Merry Christmas,
Teresa,
xoxo

I've Gone Zebra!

Follow me through the Jungle...

This beautiful stairway runner is zebra, designed by Renea Abbott for Veranda Magazine.

This room, decorated by Anthony Todd,is featured in Elle Decor. It is designed around a zebra pelt from Wildlife Etc., layered on top of a sissal rug.

This beautiful dining room, featured in Tradional Home, is arranged atop a Dash and Albert wool rug.

The Trophy Room Collection, Inc., provides zebra upholstered furniture, pelt rugs, and upholstery pelt priced by the foot.

These rugs are from Williams Sonoma and Target. The Williams Sonoma rug would work especially well in a kitchen or breakfast room. The Target rug, priced for those on a budget, would be perfect for a teenagers dorm room or bedroom.



The real thing -- the pelt. The prices are determined by the grade.
ZEBRA UP!

See you soon,
Teresa,
xoxo

Christmas Bliss

I will admit it -- I can't contain myself! This has been ready to publish for a few days and I have held off posting for as long as I can. Well here goes.

Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I love looking at the ornaments and the magazines with the decorated trees with their beautiful ornaments amidst the glittering bright lights. Everything twinkles at Christmas and people seem more friendly.

My memories of Christmas are mostly happy ones, and I can remember the excitement I felt in anticipation of the arrival of the Jolly Old Saint Nick with his big fat belly and long white beard. Santa could do just about anything.

Our home celebated the Christian belief that Christ the Savior was born. We would have a candlelight service at our church on Christmas Eve, and we all looked forward to seeing the sparkle of the enormous number of lit candles as we all left the sancuary on the way to our cars.

I will never forget my sister's effort to blow out the candle that she held for a friend that had passed away in an accident that year. Let's just say it had a message to send.

This Jay Strongwater nutcracker and ornament series delights me, and I imagine how beautiful they would be in a home at Christmas time. Although out of my price range, I try to purchase at least one and continue to follow the work of this talented artist.

His work is unsurpassed as far as I am concerned. So I will purchase just one little piece -- just enough to bring one more twinkle to my ornament laden tree.

Ho Ho Ho!

Nutcracker Suite

Sunflower Ball

Teddy Bear with Drums

Sunflower Ball

Sleigh

Sultana Heart

And something for my Jewish friends

Menorah

http://www.jaystrongwater.com/

This just the beginning of my Christmas. We will sew, cook, decorate and entertain. You will most likely see some of my friends and their talent at play too!

Merry Christmas!

Teresa

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Above is an image of a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving. It reminds me of what family and friends mean to me. Laden with food and special adornment, this family appears to be exceptionally happy and content.

We are living in a time when uncertainty is the norm. Unemployment, homelessness, hunger and sadness plague more Americans than ever. Our concerns for our children's future are real.

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving -- a day for family and friends to be together. For many, it is the only time during the year that everyone will be together -- for many others, there is no Thanksgiving.

Enjoy the day with those close to you and pray for those less fortunate. Look around and make sure that those around you have a place to go for Thanksgiving. This day is all about togetherness and sharing.

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours.
Teresa

Sea Salt: The Perfect Finish

With the exception of coffee beans and olive oils, I can think of nothing more taste-bud awakening than the flavors of the different sea salts available. These salts brighten up and enhance the taste and appearance of any dish.

Below I have listed several that I enjoy at home or have enjoyed in the homes of my friends. Because I can no better explain these delicacies than their creators or suppliers, I will quote their descriptions.

Follow me into Salt Succulence!

I will begin with Williams Sonoma, where I frequently visit and become lost in my own little kitchen heaven.

Black Truffle Salt

Capturing the seductive, earthy character of black truffles, this specialty salt will soon become one of your most frequently used ingredients. Its richly nuanced truffle flavor is derived from generous amounts of Italy's fresh black summer truffles from Abruzzi. Mixed with Italian sea salt, the crushed truffles create an aromatic condiment that enhances a variety of foods. Sprinkle a little on everything from grilled meats and vegetables to roasted potatoes and scrambled eggs. Or for a luxurious snack, try it with hot, buttered popcorn.

Fleur de Sel

Prized for its delicate flavor, fleur de sel, literally the "flower of salt," has been gathered on the island of Ré, off France's Atlantic coast, since the seventh century. Sun and wind evaporate the sea water, leaving fine, light crystals that are skimmed from the surface of salt pans. Beloved by centuries of good cooks, it is distinguished by a subtle, pure flavor and high concentration of minerals. An excellent all-around seasoning.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/

I so much enjoy browsing through the Sur La Table catalog and believe these items are worth a try.

Italian White-Truffle Oil and Salt

From the heart of Piedmont, truffle-infused accents to enhance the flavor of pasta, meat, vegetables, salads and more. The oil has a bouquet of fresh vegetables, almonds and fruit while the salt is grey salt from the Atlantic Ocean; use in hot and cold dishes.

Fusion Black Truffle Sea Salt

Sea salts are combined with pure, natural flavor to create new and interesting seasonings for food and cooking. Fresh ingredients are infused without compromising the purity of the sea salt. A genuine treasure imported from Italy, Black Truffle utilizes the salt to intensify the aroma and complex flavors of this exquisite mushroom. Ideal with egg dishes, pasta, mashed potatoes, red meat and even on buttered popcorn. A product of the USA.

Academia Barilla Sicilian Sea Salt with Black Olives

Harvesting in the world-famous natural-reserve salt pans of Trapani, Sicily, Academia Barilla uses only the purest salt that is rich with essential minerals, iodine and magnesium, and a lower sodium content. Natural sea salt is blended by hand with the most fragrant Italian olives. By taking great detail into the harvesting process, the salt has a more intense flavor that goes perfectly with heavier fare. Pair with pastas, sauces, red meats, game and fish. Only a small amount is needed for a truly delicious, full-bodied dish. Store at room temperature. Stays fresh for up to three years. Made in Italy.

http://www.surlatable.com/

Dean and Deluca. What else do I need to say? The sea salt products they carry are beautiful.

Salt Plates and Salt Bricks

Mined from ancient salt deposits buried beneath the Himalayas for millions of years, these natural salt plates and bricks are perfect for serving sushi, salads and appetizers, or for cooking thinly sliced Wagyu beef or seafood right at the table. Varying pink hues come from natural minerals, and no two pieces will be the same.

DEAN & DELUCA Salt Essentials

We've selected six remarkable artisanal salts from around the world, each picked for its unique texture, flavor and character. Murray River is a mild, salmon colored flaky salt that adds flavor and texture to your meat and chops. Himalayan Pink is harvested from the beds of ancient sea salt with a mild flavor and pale pink color. Alaea has natural purified Alaea clay that imparts a mild earthiness. Mix with herbs to coat meats or fish that seals in moisture while roasting. Fleur de sel is known as the caviar of salts with a delicate flavor and moist texture. Fumee de sel has a savory oak flavor with a hint of sweetness. Cyprus flake is an extremely mild salt used for cooking, baking and garnishing.

http://www.deandeluca.com/

SINCE TOMORROW IS THANKSGIVING I thought I would add a checklist that Bon Appetit has on their page. While we are within a day of Thanksgiving, I found this just as helpful for a Christmas meal. BON APPETIT!

ThanksgivingChecklisthttp://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/,2009/11/thanksgiving_checklist

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends. I hope that your day is filled with good memories, food and family!
See you Friday.
Teresa

The Monogram: It Makes Your Gift Special

A monogrammed gift is a special way to let someone know how special they are to you. Such a small effort can change the meaning of a gift.

You may be creative and monogram your own gifts, although there are many shops that will monogram your item for a reasonable fee. Many linen and clothing stores monogram their own products.

Leontine Linens, a luxury linen company, specializes in monogramming. I have posted photographs of a few of their linens. Ready your eyes for a feast.

ENJOY!

From bedding, table, and bath, Leontine Linens has something for all tastes.

Christmas time. Candy cane anyone?

The next two photographs are from Monogrammed Linen Shop. Their website address is
http://www.monogramedlinen.shop/

I felt like I had died and gone to bed-linen heaven when I saw this must-have blanket and organza pillow shams.

Pretty Christmas Red.

There is much craze on college campuses about monogrammed sweatshirts! My daughter, Angela, has my Christmas break planned for me. I have been told that I will be monogramming a number of these shirts.

Many of the new styles favor the small block style monogram on the left top near the arm.
The shirts below are from Etsy. They can be found at the following website.

http://www.etsy.com/

Last but not least -- Ralph Lauren. There is no end to what this man can do with a monogram.

I must say that I have been doing business with his company for years, and I have never been disappointed.

http://www.ralphlauren.com/

This is my first post and I have a lot to learn. I am so excited and I hope that you enjoy my selection for today.

After Thanksgiving ~ Christmas! I can't wait.
Teresa,
xoxo