Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg

Fall Favorites Reading List

Hello, Pretty Ladies,

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love to read, and I host a bi-monthly book club where I create a tablescape around the Book we read that month. Our Last Book was The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. Perfect for a summer read. We took a break from the club over the summer, but of course, I continued to read and listen to audiobooks all summer. Here’s what I read and listened to. 

Fall Favorites Reading List

Books I’ve Read 

Falling for Peach Tree Bluff – By Kristy Woodson Harvey. A continuation of the Peachtree Bluff series. A sweet, heartwarming set of stories about a mom and her three daughters set in a darling southern beachside town. I never want her books to end, and I adore how Kristy has developed each character and takes you on their journeys. She pulls you into their world and sets the scenes so vividly, you can truly see it as a movie set. A perfect Fall read you’ll love and want to visit this sweet town and its characters. 

Kristy Harvey Woodson’s Latest book, Falling for Peach Tree, came out September 15th, but I was lucky to get an advance copy, and I read it in one evening (ok, actually I stayed up until after 3 to finish it). 

The Most Fun We Ever Had– A Reese’s Book Club pick- A family saga set in the 1970’s and in current time. Characters develop through their past choices and how they live and move forward today. Along with a beautiful love story. A great read.

Books in Cute Series New to Me

The Daisy Chain Flower Shop– by Laurie Gilmore, the 6th Book in the Dream Harbor series. I have loved every book in this heartwarming, sweet little romance book series. I love the characters; the small seaside town is somewhere we would all want to visit. Cute and quick reads, with one to enjoy for each season. Pumpkin Spice Cafe is cute for Fall, and Christmas Tree Farm  & The Gingerbread Bakery is perfect for the Holiday season. 

The Cinnamon Spiced Inn– by Harper Graham. If you love Laurie Gilmore, then they say you’ll love Harper Graham. This was my first read from her, and I grabbed a pumpkin spiced latte, settling down by the fire with my Lola blanket, and enjoying this Romance. I love it, so I bought the other 4 in the series and pre-ordered her latest out this month. I add her Spiced Coco Cafe to my November December list. 

Fall Favorites Reading List

Books in my Stack

I love reading seasonal books, and here are a few in my stack for September and October.  

Apple Blossom Dream– Apple Blossom Hope– Apple Blossom Love by Rosie Callahan. A feel-good romance series.

Everyone is Lying to You– Jo Piazza, a tradwife murder mystery bestselling author and creator of the Under Thr Influence podcast. 

Candy Apple Kissies– by Amy. Clipston: A bestseller and a lightly spiced romance

Pumpkin Pie Book Nook– by Harper Graham: A Cozy and addictive autumn romance

The Deep South Murder Club (A Smoky Mountain Cozy Mystery)

Brain Damage by Freida McFadden 

 

Fall Favorites Reading List

I go on walks daily and listen to A book on audio or a podcast every day. Which means yes, I often have several books going at the same time. I enjoy listening to a book just as much as I do reading it. Don’t get me wrong, I love music too, but I often have music playing at home while I am working, cleaning, or doing a home project. Here are audiobooks I have listened to recently and what’s in my upcoming stack.

Audiobooks I recently listened to 

Dear Caroline by Kristy Harvey Woodson – From the New York Best-Selling Author of the Peach Tree Bluff Series. This heartwarming story of Adoption, how it affects women, and the beautiful storyline was a book I didn’t want to end. (That’s the way I feel about all of Kristy’s books) I will often read her books in one to two days.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley- a Reese’s Book Club recommendation- evokes an Agatha Christie classic: twists, Great character development, and a little spooky/thriller. 

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth –New York Times bestselling author of The Soulmate and The Good Sister, comes a twist-filled, darkly funny mystery about the two kinds of people no one ever expects to be murderers: little girls and old ladies. I enjoyed the surprising twists and the carefully written details that helped you visualize where this was taking place. 

Audiobooks in my Stack

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett. From the writer of The Help, this is yet another New York bestseller, and I can’t wait to listen to this heartwarming story about women. 

Theo Of Golden by Allen Levi. This is a New York bestseller, and they say it’s a “To Kill a Mockingbird of its time.” Katie Couric listed it on her book club pick. 

Coffee table Books and Cookbooks New to my Collection

I adore coffee table books- collecting them, browsing through them, and using them for decorating.

Here are a couple of brand-new launches I recently received.

French Country Cottage SEASONS– by Courtney Allison- if you don’t follow Courtney on Instagram (French Country Cottage), you need to if you love flowers and beautiful arrangements, along with table arrangements and greenhouses. This book is her 2nd book, and both are beautiful.

Baked In-Designing Bakeries for taste and space

Around the Table -By Shea McGee-Tables & Traditions for Gathering CookbookFall Favorites Reading List

 

Follow my Amazon and Liketoknowit storefronts.

Need more inspiration? You can follow my Amazon storefront here and shop for everything I share on my Liketoknowit. It and my ShopMY shop.

Have a beautiful day, ladies, and remember that your smile is your best accessory.

Thank you for stopping by.

 Thank you for stopping by and reading “ Fall Favorites Reading List.” Let me know in the comments below if you’re going to try this recipe or if you do. If you haven’t signed up for my weekly Newsletter, you can do so here.

“Helping women look and feel good at any age!”

You might also enjoy the following:

Friday Fashion and sales

Garlic Bread Recipe

Easy Recipe: Spicy Lemon Pepper pasta

 

Not your ordinary turkey sandwich

This post may contain an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in! Thank you for the support!

 

Using Velvet Pumpkins in an Elegant Fall Tablescape

Using Velvet Pumpkins in an Elegant Fall Tablescape

Using Velvet Pumpkins in an Elegant Fall Tablescape

Hello Pretty Ladies,

Can you believe we’re already in the last week of October? Fall this year went by in warp speed. It’s no secret that it’s my favorite season, and it just goes by faster and faster every year. I really enjoy taking in all the moments, colors, tastes, scents, and activities of the season. With that said, I had fun creating this Fall tablescape at the beginning of the season. To me, this tablescape is full of everything beautiful about the fall season. 

The statement pieces of this fall tablescape are these gorgeous Handmade Velvet pumpkins, with real stems, created by Hot Skwash. They create beautiful Velvet fruits and vegetables to use all year long for your home decorating needs. 

I hope you find inspiration for your Fall or Thanksgiving Tablescape, from our dining room to yours. Ox, D’Arcy

 

 

Using Velvet Pumpkins in an Elegant Fall Tablescape

Using Velvet Pumpkins in an Elegant Fall Tablescape

Want more? Watch the Videos Below:

How I created the Mini Charcuterie boards WATCH HERE

How I set the Tablescape. WATCH HERE

View my Front porch and window boxes. WATCH HERE

Using Velvet Pumpkins in an Elegant Fall TablescapeHow cute are my mini Charcuterie boards? These would be cute for serving little desserts, too. I created floral arrangements with flowers in the same shades as the pumpkins:) I hope you love them as much as I enjoyed creating them.

Place settings:-Gold charges, -green plates from Portugal, -Linen napkins, -pearl and gold handle silverware, -gold accent glasses Shop My Liketoknowit post

Using Velvet Pumpkins in an Elegant Fall Tablescape

SHOP THE POST BELOW:

 

 

Using Velvet Pumpkins in an Elegant Fall Tablescape

 

Follow my Amazon and Liketoknowit storefronts.

Need more inspiration? You can follow my Amazon Storefront HERE and shop for everything I share in my Liketoknowit shop.

Thank you for stopping by

Have a beautiful day, Pretty ladies, and remember your smile is your BEST accessory. Thank you for stopping by and reading “Using Velvet Pumpkins in an Elegant Fall Tablescape.”

Please let me know if you enjoyed this post. If there is something you would like me to cover here on the blog. I am always here to help, and remember I am just a comment or email away. 

If you haven’t signed up for my weekly Newsletter, you can do so here.

“Helping women look and feel good at any age!”

You might also enjoy the following:

This season’s Hottest Fall Updates and trends

Fall Trends to refresh your wardrobe

9 Fall Trends you can wear at any age

Fall Fashion Trends Old and New

 

 

 

 

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AN AFFILIATE LINK. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. I ONLY PROMOTE BRANDS THAT I GENUINELY LOVE AND BELIEVE IN! THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT! 

Easy Meyer Lemon Pound Cake Recipe

Easy Meyer Lemon Pound Cake Recipe

Easy Meyer Lemon Pound Cake Recipe

 

Hello, pretty ladies,

Today’s ” In the Kitchen with D’Arcy” is for those lemon lovers. My easy Meyer lemon pound cake recipe. This recipe is easy to put together for a tasty, moist lemon treat that looks as good as it tastes. I love garnishing with lemon slices and Lavendar sprigs. 

 Having a homemade treat for Saturday morning coffee or after Sunday dinner, this pound cake is always a hit. I hope you try it and your family enjoys it as much as mine does. For the lemon lovers, you’ll love this lemon pound cake recipe, and it’s pretty too.

 

Easy Meyer Lemon Pound Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup butter at room temperature
  • 1 ¼ cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk at room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons juice
  • 3 teaspoons lemon zest
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup Greek Yogurt
  • Lemon slices and lavender for garnish

For the glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons milk

Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350. Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with Parchment paper. (I use a really large  loaf pan) Set prepared pans aside.
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat in the lemon juice and zest.
    • Add the sour cream and yogurt and mix well.
    • On low speed, add the flour mixture a bit at a time until it is all well incorporated.
    • Bake the cake for 45-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Let cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Make lemon glaze. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients to make a smooth glaze until the confectioners’ sugar dissolves. Drizzle over pound cake. Garnish with lemon slices and springs of lavender.
Easy Meyer Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
 
Easy Meyer Lemon Pound Cake Recipe

Follow my Amazon and Liketoknowit storefronts.

Need more inspiration? You can follow my Amazon storefront here and shop for everything I share on my Liketoknow. It and My ShopMY  shop.

Have a beautiful day, ladies, and remember that your smile is your best accessory.

Thank you for stopping by.

 Thank you for stopping by and reading “ Easy Meyer Lemon Pound Cake Recipe ” Let me know in the comments below if you’re going to try this recipe or if you do. If you haven’t signed up for my weekly Newsletter, you can do so here.

“Helping women look and feel good at any age!”

You might also enjoy the following:

Garlic Bread Recipe

Easy Recipe Spicy Lemon Pepper pasta

Not your ordinary turkey sandwich

This post may contain an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in! Thank you for the support!

 

Lemon Pesto Burrata Torchietti Pasta 

Lemon Pesto Burrata Torchietti Pasta 

 Hello Pretty Lady, 

Welcome to Sunday “In the kitchen with D’Arcy.” Tonight we’re cooking Lemon Pesto Burrata Torchietti Pasta the taste of summer in a dish. Lemon Pasta isn’t something a lot of people think of when they think of an Italian dish, but man, is this a delicious combination.

 With my homemade Lemon pepper pesto grilled chicken, served with arugula & fresh greens and Italian balsamic vinaigrette salad, homemade garlic bread, Sangeri. I know you will love these recipes from my kitchen to yours. 

Watch my full Sunday Dinner Video HERE

 

Lemon Basil Pesto Recipe

1 jar Trader Joe’s lemon pesto sauce, and if not making your own homemade Basil pesto! jar of Pesto.( I make fresh Pesto Recipe Here)

1/2 cup olive oil 

2 handfuls of fresh basil, diced (Reserve for topping)

2 fresh garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup Pine nuts, some minced, a few whole

1 tablespoon garlic chili pepper spice mix  (I like Trader Joe’s )

1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper & Salt (or to taste)

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Fresh lemon zest from 1 lemon

1 cup Asiago cheese

1/2 cup Parmesan Romano

1/2 cup Asiago cheese

1 Burrata cheese (I use the Trader Joe’s Burrata). Save until after you add pasta to sauce, stir, and then break up and add to pasta in pan

(Reserve Items below for Platting/ topping)

Fleur de salt to taste

A few lemon slices to garnish with lemon slices 

2 handfuls of fresh basil, diced (Reserve for topping)

Sauce:

Warm oil, pesto, lemon, and Basil pesto; then add garlic & minced pine nuts and brown. Slowly add the seasonings, etc., then stir in the cheeses until blended. Zest from the lemon (reserving the Burrata cheese until later). When the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the sauce and stir, then break up the burrata and add it on top of the mixed pasta; garnish with Fleur de salt, lemon slices, whole pine nuts, and basil.

Pasta

1/2 box organic lemon Torchietti pasta- boil water, add to boiling water, follow directions on box. Drain; add to sauce. 

Chicken

2 chicken breasts, pounded thin, marinated in olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and pesto. Then grill; we grill on BBQ

This makes enough for 4 

Lemon Pesto Burrata Torchietti Pasta 

Arugula Salad Recipe: 

Arugula & Greens of your choice

Red onion, diced fine

Green onion

Tomato dice fine

Cucumber dice fine

Feta cheese

Add all salad ingredients to a large wooden bowl  and toss

Balsamic vinaigrette –

Salad Dressing  Recipe:

1 clove garlic, minced

¼ cup shallot, minced

2 teaspoons 

1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

⅓ cup Balsamic vinegar

½ cup olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

Add All Vinaigrette ingredients and whisk together.  Then toss over Salad

Lemon Pesto Burrata Torchietti Pasta 

-Served with my homemade sangria Wine Recipe HERE, Garlic Bread Recipe HERE

-Lavender Lemon Pound cake for dessert

What’s on your menu tonight? See My Sunday Tablescape HERE

Lemon Pesto Burrata Torchietti Pasta 

Follow my Amazon and Liketoknowit storefronts.

Need more inspiration? You can follow my Amazon storefront here and shop for everything I share on my Liketoknow. It and My ShopMY  shop.

Have a beautiful day, ladies, and remember that your smile is your best accessory.

Thank you for stopping by.

 Thank you for stopping by and reading “ Lemon Pesto Burrata Torchietti Pasta.” Let me know in the comments below if you’re going to try this recipe or if you do. If you haven’t signed up for my weekly Newsletter, you can do so here.

“Helping women look and feel good at any age!”

You might also enjoy the following:

Garlic Bread Recipe

 
Easy Recipe Spicy Lemon Pepper pasta

Not your ordinary turkey sandwich

This post may contain an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in! Thank you for the support!

Not your Ordinary Turkey, Avocado, and Tomato Sandwich

Not your Ordinary Turkey, Avocado, and Tomato sandwich

Not your Ordinary Turkey, Avocado, and Tomato Sandwich

 

Hello, pretty lady,

Happy Sunday, I hope you had a great week. Today, I am sharing a quick and easy family favorite recipe for the BEST turkey sandwich.

The Turkey sandwiches I make, all summer long, my family loves, are not your ordinary Turkey, Avocado, and Tomato sandwich. First off, the Key to these delicious sandwiches is warm, crusty Bread straight from the oven, yet soft on the inside.

This sandwich is fresh, healthy, delicious, and easy to make—a perfect summer meal to serve alfresco or take on a picnic. 

Bread Tip:

My tip is a French baguette run under water (a tip my Mother-in-law taught me 33 years ago), placed in the oven for 5-7 minutes- seriously, makes it like you made it fresh… This process works for any crusted Bread loaf, like sourdough or French Bread. 

Not your Ordinary Turkey, Avocado, and Tomato Sandwich

Not your Ordinary Turkey, Avocado, and Tomato Sandwich

Turkey Sandwich Recipe

– French bread baguette loaf 

-Board’s head spicy pepper Turkey freshly sliced from the deli

– Farm Fresh Tomatoes salt & peppered 

-Micro greens (or sprouts) 

– Peppered jack cheese (or your favorite). We like the Board’s head, or Tillamook pepper jack cheese. 

-My Smashed Avocado spread (shared below)

Makes 4 nice-sized sandwiches. No condiments needed

My Smashed Avocado Spread Recipe:

2 ripe avocados smashed

1 tablespoon Everything seasoning (more if you like salt)

One small shallot, diced thin and small

1 teaspoon of finely chopped/minced fresh garlic

Mix all ingredients above, then spread thickly onto the sandwich.

This is also great on Avocado toast with an egg, tomato, and microgreens on toasted sourdough Bread.

Not your Ordinary Turkey, Avocado, and Tomato Sandwich

Not your Ordinary Turkey, Avocado, and Tomato Sandwich

Serve with your favorite sides. 

I served with my :

-Basil corn salad 

– a small charcuterie board

– My easy blue cheese-stuffed grape on a walnut appetizer

 Along with your choice of sun tea, cucumber mint water, or sparkling water 

Not your Ordinary Turkey, Avocado, and Tomato Sandwich

 

 

Follow my Amazon and Liketoknowit storefronts.

Need more inspiration? You can follow my Amazon storefront here and shop for Everything I share on my Liketoknow. It shop.

Have a beautiful day, ladies, and remember that your smile is your best accessory.

Thank you for stopping by.

 Thank you for stopping by and reading “ Not Your Ordinary Turkey, Avocado, and Tomato Sandwich.” If you haven’t signed up for my weekly Newsletter, you can do so here.

“Helping women look and feel good at any age!”

You might also enjoy the following:

Easy Slow Cooker Shredder Chicken Sandwiches

Homemade Caprese Focaccia

Crunchy Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad

Asian Style Brussels Sprout Skewers Recipe

Asian Style Brussels Sprout Skewers Recipe

Hello Pretty Ladies, 

I hope you’re having a beautiful weekend. I am taking the time to heal after the 2nd laser treatment I had on Thursday, and trying to get some writing and content done. Feeling grateful for a little time to heal and work without feeling pressure. I have to be honest, I’ve finally been feeling creative. I think my little girl’s trip to California gave me the boost I needed. 

Today’s Sunday Recipe is Asian-Style Brussels Sprout Skewers. Easy to make, a great appetizer, and a perfect side dish. This dish will make non-brussels sprout lovers love them.

Asian Style Brussels Sprout Skewers Recipe

Asian Style Brussels Sprout Skewers Recipe

Asian Style Brussels Sprout Skewers  

1 bag Brussels sprouts 

1/2 cup Hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon Balsamic glaze 

2 tablespoons Soy sauce 

Drizzle Sesame oil in the pan & a small drizzle on top of the sprouts 

1/4 cup Crushed peanuts (reserve to sprinkle on top) or sesame seeds

Directions:

Cut ends off sprouts, add to a pan with water, and bring to a boil; let boil for about 10 minutes, until soft. Drain. Let cool. Then place on skewers 

Preheat oven to 400

Make the sauce:

Mix all the above ingredients, then brush over the sprouts, turn, and brush all sides.  Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds. Place in the oven, cook until crispy 

 

 

Follow my Amazon and Liketoknowit storefronts.

Need more inspiration? You can follow my Amazon storefront here and shop for everything I share on my Liketoknow. It shop.

Have a beautiful day, ladies, and remember that your smile is your best accessory.

Thank you for stopping by.

 Thank you for stopping by and reading “Early Spring Sales Wrap-Up.” If you haven’t signed up for my weekly Newsletter, you can do so here.

“Helping women look and feel good at any age!”

You might also enjoy the following:

Easy Slow Cooker Shredder Chicken Sandwiches

Homemade Caprese Focaccia

Crunchy Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad

 

 

This post may contain an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in! Thank you for the support!

Wassail Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

Wassail Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

Hello Pretty Ladies,

I hope you’re having a great week and that you’re enjoying your Holiday season so far. I know for many moms this is a hectic time of year, trying to get everything done while enjoying & also creating the magic of the season. Remember to take a breath, and know that you are your own worst critic. Stop and enjoy all the small moments. 

Here’s a cocktail recipe that is always a hit and will make your entertaining easier. 

Wassail Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

Wassail Sparkler 

A cocktail that’s a hit at every Holiday party. I love having a yummy “signature cocktail” in a Pitcher for entertaining: It’s an easy way to have a no-host bar. Tip: make it without alcohol for non-drinkers, and keep the alcohol nearby for guests who want to use it. For instance, this cocktail can be served with Champagne, Prosecco, vodka, or rum.

Recipe:

-Trader Joe’sWinter Wassail punch

-Orange Juice Wassail Sparkler 

-Poppi Cranberry Fizz

(Or cranberry juice and sparkling water, or cranberry 7-Up)

-Your favorite Prosecco or champagne (or skip for a non alcoholic cocktail)

-Blood oranges

-Limes

-Cranberries 

-Pomegranate seeds

Garnish with 

Rosemary & a slice of orange

Wassail Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

Wassail Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

In A pitcher, combine:

In a gallon pitcher, pour the entire bottle of Wassail punch, about 2 cups of orange juice, and one can of Poppi cranberry fizz; add two cans if you like it sparkling. 1 Blood Orange sliced, one lime sliced, 1 cup of Cranberries, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, and stir. Garnish with two springs of rosemary and a blood orange slice. Serve with prosecco or your favorite alcohol listed above.

Happy Holiday Entertaining!

Wassail Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

 

Follow my Amazon and Liketoknowit storefronts.

Need more inspiration? You can follow my Amazon storefront here and shop for everything I share in my Liketoknow. it shop.

Thank you for stopping by

Have a beautiful day, Pretty ladies, and remember your smile is your BEST accessory. Thank you for stopping by and reading “Wassail Sparkler Cocktail Recipe.”

Please let me know if you enjoyed this post. If there is anything you would like me to cover here on the blog, please let me know. I am always here to help, and remember I am just a comment or email away. 

If you haven’t signed up for my weekly Newsletter, you can do so here.

“Helping women look and feel good at any age!”

You might also enjoy the following:

Nana’s Christmas Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls 

3 Ingredient Quick & Easy Appetizer 

Spiced Apple cocktail 

 

Creating A European Style Alfresco Dining Area

Hello Pretty Ladies,

Happy Sunday! Today, I am happy to share with you the outdoor dining space. Which I started creating at the beginning of summer (I shared a sneak peek a couple of times). As I put things together. I am all about romanticizing our daily lives, and what better way than to create spaces in our home that we can enjoy life’s little moments. 

Creating A European Style Alfresco Dining Area

Creating A European Style Alfresco Dining Area

Dining Alfresco

Our family loves to be outside and enjoy our outdoor living spaces. We recently redid two of our decks, and our deck off our kitchen, looking into our backyard, we reworked it and decided, besides having a sitting and lounging area, we would also like to include a dining for two space. I thought this would have a cute European vibe if I created it by my potted herb garden. This area sits right out our French doors off the kitchen. 

With beautiful views, a private sitting, and steps from the kitchen, it makes it easy and relaxing to have a morning coffee or evening drinks and appetizers. I hope you’ll enjoy a peek into this fun little dining Alfesco space, and maybe be inspired to create one too. Ox, D’Arcy

Creating A European Style Alfresco Dining Area

Creating A European Style Alfresco Dining Area

—Romanticizing  your daily life—

Creating a European-style alfresco dining area on our deck. Perfect for morning Coffee and reading or Evening Drinks and appetizers. Taking a simple spot on your deck or porch can easily become a pretty entertaining space for two. With a little imagination, a few treasures, and a lot of love, a European dining space can be created. 

Creating A European Style Alfresco Dining Area

Creating A European Style Alfresco Dining Area

 

Creating A European Style Alfresco Dining Area

How perfect was the flying Hot Air balloon while I was setting up and filming this morning’s dining experience a month ago or so? We live in a lake/ski area mountain community, and hot air balloons often fly in the early summer mornings. I couldn’t have asked for better timing! 

Creating A European Style Alfresco Dining Area

Creating A European Style Alfresco Dining Area

To create an Alfresco Dining Space, you’ll need:

-A little corner in your backyard

-A bistro set or a small table and two chairs. I linked A few options here for you: Amazon, Target, Wayfair, Walmart, and West Elm

-Potted herbs (European restaurant outdoor dining areas often have a lot of potted herbs and flowers). Several even use a potted garden to block a street view to make it more quaint and private. 

– A chandelier 

-Potted Lavender, Dried Lavender 

-Pretty floral dishes

-Pretty coffee cups

-Napkins & rings

-Creamer

-Pretty serving pieces

-Layered tableclothes ( I love mixing textures, Linen, cotton, and Burlap)

-A rooster statue or a Pig is a great prop. Natural wood or painted white, or even Iron stone. ( My rooster is wood, and I painted it white, but I am going to sand most of it off to make it look like a French antique.)

– Items with a basket vibe ( I have a vintage French water Jug, and a vintage basket with a candle) 

-Galvanized watering can or cans 

-Wall fountain or ironwork for the wall

 

Sharing my affordable tips and how I created this inviting dining space

How perfect was the flying Hot Air balloon? While I was setting up and filming this morning’s dining experience a month ago or so? I live in a lake/ski area mountain community, and hot air balloons often fly in the early summer mornings. Couldn’t have asked for better timing! 

Easy Tips You Can Follow

-When creating or redoing a space in your home, see what you have that you can repurpose.

-Thrifting can be your friend. Remember, a few months ago, I shared these cute seagrass dining chairs I found at a thrift store. I knew they would be perfect for our outdoor dining space. All I had to do was clean them up.

-Tips when thrifting: Go with an open mind, and check back often. Thrift stores get new items daily, so you never know what you’ll find. 

-Depending on your budget, you can purchase from high-end antique and box stores or budget-friendly thrift stores and favorites like Amazon Home Goods and Tj Maxx. I like to do both. I love Antiques and high-end linens and dishes, but I also like thrifting and hunting at Homegoods and a good Amazon find. Mixing gives you a homier vibe along with a richer feel. 

Follow my Amazon and Liketoknowit storefronts.

Need more inspiration, Great Sale notifications, or my picks? You can follow my Amazon Storefront HERE and shop for everything I share in my Liketoknowit shop. My Wayfair Store Front HERE

Have a beautiful day, Pretty ladies, and remember your smile is your BEST accessory.

Live life stylishly and look good at any age

 Thank you for stopping by and reading “ February Friday Favorites and Weekly Round-Up. You can do so here if you haven’t signed up for my weekly newsletter.

“Helping women look and feel good at any age!”

You might also enjoy the following:

Homemade Caprese Focaccia Bread

Easy Green Onion Cheese Ball

This Post may contain an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in! Thank you for the support!

Homemade Caprese Focaccia Bread 

Homemade Caprese Focaccia Bread 

Hello Pretty Lady,

The recipe I make often is a family favorite and has been highly requested by you. I’ve finally had a chance to get it up on the blog, and I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does. You’ll have to let me know in the comments below if you try it.

Homemade Caprese Focaccia Bread 

 

Homemade Caprese Focaccia Bread 

Homemade Caprese Focaccia Bread 

 

Focaccia Dough recipe:

4 cups flour, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, 2 cups water. Whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast first, then add water and stir together. Add olive oil, then cover the bowl preferably with a lid or a cloth bowl cover. Stick the bowl in the fridge immediately; leave it there to rise for 12 to 18 hours (or for as long as three days). The dough recipe is one I tried from Alexandria  | and it’s seriously so good on its own with rosemary and the Sea Salt. But, I just had to try it with my Caprice Toppings, and man, the combination is so good!

TIP:

I baked the bread the day or so before (double the batch and make a couple), freeze one for later. 

Then I added all the toppings and baked for 15 minutes, or you can serve toppins cold on the baked foccia & drizzled with balsamic glaze, and served

Homemade Caprese Focaccia Bread 

Caprice Toppings:

-Organic  Tomatoes 

-Fresh Basil 

-Fresh rosemary

-Chopped garlic cloves 

-Mozzarella ( I like Trader Joe’s cut in 1/2, and I use a little of the oil it’s in to drizzle )

-Sprinkle flaky salt 

-Drizzle with olive oil (I use garlic-infused) 

Homemade Caprese Focaccia Bread 

Serve with :

Balsamic vinegar and olive oil

Bruschetta sauce (Trader Joe’s)

Love a little dipping, but it’s tasty all on its own 

Other topping options:

Kamala olives 

Jalapeños 

Homemade Caprese Focaccia Bread 

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You might also enjoy the following:

Easy Green Onion Cheese Ball

4th Of July BBQ Side Dishes Recipe

Easy Berry Lemon Tart Recipe

Detox Water Recipe

This post may contain an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in! Thank you for the support!

Easy Green Onion Cheese Ball Recipe

Easy Green Onion Cheese Ball Recipe

Easy Green Onion Cheese Ball Recipe

Hello Pretty Ladies, 

I hope you had a great May. Man, did it fly by so fast? Did it for you as well? I felt like I blinked and it was over. Today, I’m hopping on the blog to share one of my favorite quick and easy recipes, perfect for a quick appetizer. These are ingredients most of us have on hand, which means you can throw them together quickly if you need to take a dish to a party or serve a little something to guests who drop by.

I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and friends do. If you try it, I would love you to leave me a comment and let me know what you think. OX

Easy Green Onion Cheese Ball Recipe

Easy Green Onion Cheese Ball Recipe

The perfect quick Appetizer that’s sure to please every time. Even better, you can make it ahead of time, as its taste is even better.

Green Onion Cheese Ball Recipe: 

1 pack of softened Cream Cheese

One cup of shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1/4 cup to roll a ball in)

1 cup green onions (reserve 1/4 cup to roll ball in)

1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt 

Crackers of your choice (wheat thins are best), it’s a hard enough cracker to scoop up without breaking.  

To create your Recipe:

In a medium-sized bowl 

Use a mixer and whip up the cream cheese. When softened, add the cheese and mix until smooth. Then, add the green onion and garlic salt. Mix up. 

Form into a ball, roll in the reserved green onion and cheese, place it back in the bowl, and cover. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use. 

I prefer to make this a day in advance for optimal flavor. 

Serve with crackers. 

Great on cucumbers as well. 

*Makes a great baked potato topping too

Easy Green Onion Cheese Ball Recipe

 

Easy Green Onion Cheese Ball Recipe

 

Follow my Amazon and Liketoknowit storefronts.

Need more inspiration? You can follow my Amazon storefront here and shop for everything I share on my Liketoknow. It shop.

Have a beautiful day, ladies, and remember that your smile is your best accessory.

Thank you for stopping by.

 Thank you for stopping by and reading “Easy Green Onion Cheese Ball Recipe ” If you haven’t signed up for my weekly Newsletter, you can do so here.

“Helping women look and feel good at any age!”

You might also enjoy the following:

4th Of July BBQ Side Dishes Recipe

Easy Berry Lemon Tart Recipe

Detox Water Recipe

This post may contain an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in! Thank you for the support!