Nov 30, 2006

Sia home fashion flowers


Rug


Bar at home


Here's our well equiped bar.
The good stuff is underneith!

Dave at Imbu


Here's Dave resting in the shade at Imbu das Artes, Sao Paulo.
Nov/2005

Sylvio


Meet Sylvio.
He's my sister twin brother that comes to visit once a year on Halloween!
All the first graders in Sylvia's class behaved very well when Sylvio substituted on Halloween while Sylvia was away for the day...
OK so we have a few nuts on our family tree :O)

Mom and Austin


Beautiful picture of Grandma Olga (my mom) and Austin.
Dave said that it took a really long time for Larry to grow hair when he was a baby, apparently Austin is the same way :O)

Stuffed Apples

4 large apples, cored
1 tablespoon butter (generous tablespoon)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Core apples and set aside.
In a small bowl whisk together oats,sugar and pecans;Thoroughly cut in butter.
Pack mixture firmly into cored apple from both top and bottom to get all the filling inside.
Place apple on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes,or until apple is tender to the tip of a sharp knife.
Serve hot,unaccompanied or with cream -whipped or drizzled -or with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

http://www.recipezaar.com/197573

Bacon Ranch Dressing

3/4 cup low-sodium mayonnaise
3 tablespoons fat-free buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon vinegar
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute
1/4 teaspoon paprika
3-4 slices reduced-sodium bacon, crumbled


Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and let chill for 1-2 hours.

Found at: http://www.recipezaar.com/16234

Wrap It up Turkey-Vegie Melt


This is what were having for dinner tonight.
2 burrito-size flour tortillas
4 thin turkey slices
1/2-1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 green pepper, sliced
1 small onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small tomato, diced
black pepper, fresh-grated
1 tablespoon melted butter

Preheat oven to 400.
-Saute green pepper, onion and garlic in Tbsp of olive oil in small skillet until the vegetables are tender.
-Spray a sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray.
-Lay two tortillas flat on sheet pan.
-Close to an edge, layer two slices of turkey, half of the shredded cheddar, green pepper/onion/garlic and diced tomato.
-Grind some fresh black pepper over ingredients.
-Roll up tortilla towards center, bring in sides and continue to fold in a envelope-like fashion. Make sure seem-side is down.
-Using knife, cut two slits in tops for steam to escape.
-Brush with melted butter.
-Bake for 15-20 min or until the outside is golden in color.
-Let rest for 5 min before cutting.
-I like to serve mine with a little cup of ranch dressing (or your choice), for dunking.

Chop Suey de Frango


Here is a wonderful recipe blog - but you'll have to be able to read Portuguese to create these recipes!
I made this Chop Suey and it turned out wonderful!
Ingredientes:1/2 kg de filé frango 2 colheres (sopa) de óleo de gergelim 1 alho-poró pequeno fatiado1 cebola média picadas em pedaços grandes1 cenoura média picada1 pimentão verde médio picado1 dente de alho em tiras finas1 colher (chá) de gengibre em pó 2 colheres (chá) de maisena 1 xícara (chá) de caldo de galinha 1 colher (sopa) de shoyu 200 g de broto de bambu em conserva picado1 xícara (chá) de cogumelos em conserva picadossal a gosto.
Modo de Preparo: Limpe o frango, lave-o, seque com papel toalha e corte-o em tiras. Reserve. Coloque o óleo em uma panela wok ou em uma frigideira funda, deixe aquecer e refogue o frango por 13 minutos, mexendo sempre, ou até a carne dourar. Retire a carne e reserve. Junte o alho-poró, a cebola, a cenoura, o pimentão e o alho e refogue por 3 minutos, mexendo sempre. À parte, dissolva o gengibre e a maisena no caldo de galinha e no shoyu. Despeje no refogado de legumes, misturando sempre. Cozinhe por mais 5 minutos, sem parar de mexer, ou até o caldo encorpar. Acrescente o broto de bambu e os cogumelos e deixe por mais 3 minutos. Retire do fogo e sirva.

Sofa Adriana


Loose pillow back.
Arm Height: 37(94cm)
Seat Height: 21(53cm)
Ultra Down cushioning
Classic Cherry Finish.
From: http://www.drexelheritage.com

White Dresser



Nine drawer dresser.

Dimensions: 58" x 46" x 19" (WxHxD)

From: http://www.drexelheritage.com

The Art of Colour


SPAIN

Pink Suzani Pillows




These can be found at: http://www.madelineweinrib.com

Nov 29, 2006

Halloween Party Inspiration





Some ideas for a Halloween party!

Originally Uploaded by Chantel Valentene
From Flickr.

Halloween Floral



Floral boquets

Martha Stewart

Halloween

Dinner Party


How would you like to be at this party?
Originally uploaded by Chantel Valentene.
From Flickr.

MARCIANOTABLE LAMP


Antique mirror base and black silk shade.
Found at Worlds Away.

ZEBRA Rug


BEAUTIFUL!

This picture is from Elle Decor (US) Setp/06.

What is Italian Cooking?


If you enjoy Italian Cooking then I highly recommend this site.
It's got great recipes, clear instructions and lots of photos!

Cookie Gift Craft from My Own Labels



Here is a cute cookie gift craft idea from: http://www.myownlabels.com

Instructions, labels, etc... are on the site.

Nov 28, 2006

peonies


peonies
Originally uploaded by MatthewA.

Look at what you can do with old bottles!
I don't throw any of mine away.

Uploaded by MatthewA from Flickr.

Frosted


by audreyjm529
Single flower.
Originally uploaded by audreyjm529 on Flickr.

Flores p/ Tania


These are the flowers we've ordered for Tania.
She'll receive them tomorrow for her birthday!
ordered from floresonline.com
Description:
Caixa de madeira especial para guardar "coisinhas", com 24 unidades de bombons ao leite da tradicional doceria paulista Amor aos Pedaços, acompanha um delicado mix de flores brancas e verdes, juntos embalados com muito charme.

Glass Drop Ornament-Millefiori by MacKenzie Childs


I've yet to start my MacKenzie-Childs items collection.
I doesn't matter what, I love everything they make.

Parmesan-Pesto Dip



1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
2 Tbsp. pesto
MIX all ingredients until well blended; cover.
REFRIGERATE several hours or until chilled.
SERVE with assorted cut-up fresh vegetables, WHEAT THINS Snack Crackers or chips.
Recipe from: http://www.kraftfoods.com/Philly

Dad & Nancy



Dad and Nancy.

Picture taken on my birthday!

Sao Paulo nov/2006.

Fustão de rosas


Flower Business Cards

Business cards by Kim Carney
Found on Flickr, originally uploaded by Something To S.
Flower Business Cards
Originally uploaded by Something To See.


Horchow_Garden


Horchow_Garden
Originally uploaded by Something To See.

Beautiful garden dinnerware from Horchow.

Originally uploaded by Something To at flickr.

Nov 27, 2006

Black Rug



Hand-tufted wool and silk rugs.


Found at Horchow.

Golden Rum Cake


INGREDIENTS

· 1 cup chopped walnuts
· 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
· 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
· 4 eggs
· 1/2 cup water
· 1/2 cup vegetable oil
· 1/2 cup dark rum
· 1/2 cup butter
· 1/4 cup water
· 1 cup white sugar
· 1/2 cup dark rum

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan. Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the bottom of the pan.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix and pudding mix. Mix in the eggs, 1/2 cup water, oil and 1/2 cup rum. Blend well. Pour batter over chopped nuts in the pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Let sit for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto serving plate. Brush glaze over top and sides. Allow cake to absorb glaze and repeat until all glaze is used.
To make the glaze: in a saucepan, combine butter, 1/4 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat and continue to boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup rum.


SUBMITTED BY: Jackie Smith at http://allrecipes.com

Monogram Cookies

Buttery shortbread cookies, hand-decorated with a script initial.

Found at Horchow.

Playful Ornament


Personal holiday ornament.
Made from white glass with handpainted pink/red initial and green polka dots.
From Horchow.

Dream Sofa



Aptly named, this Custom Peacock Sofa shows off its a lavishly carved frame with scalloped skirt and Queen Anne legs, plus five pillows for luxurious comfort. Kiln-dried beechwood frame has a hand-rubbed burnished, antiqued finish and eight-way, hand-tied spring construction. 85"L x 34"W x 46"H. USA made of imported materials.

Sofa from HORCHOW.

Tia Iliana and Adilson



Tia Iliana and Adilson!

Saudades Tia!

xoxoxJo

Tiramisu - William Sonoma


Most of us have been to the Williams-Sonoma stores in our local malls, so we know the quality of their products. Here is their version of this heavenly dessert.
This recipe serves 12 to 15.
Ingredients


EGG YOLKS, 6
SUGAR, 3/4 cup
MASCARPONE CHEESE, 1 pound, softened
HEAVY CREAM, 2 cups chilled
RUM, 2 tablespoons
VANILLA EXTRACT, 1 teaspoon
ESPRESSO, 2 tablespoons, plus 2 to 3 cups brewed
EGG WHITES, 5
LADYFINGERS, 40 to 50
COCOA POWDER Directions


In a mixing bowl set over but not touching a pan of simmering water, beat the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and thick ribbons fall from the whisk (4 to 5 minutes).
Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer.
Add the mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth and creamy (2 to 3 minutes).
In a chilled large mixing bowl, beat the cream to stiff peaks.
Add the rum, vanilla and the 2 tablespoons of espresso and beat until smooth.
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks (when the whisk is lifted straight out of the bowl and inverted, the whites should hold their shape).
With a rubber spatula, gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the cream until blended and smooth.
Add about 1 cup of the beaten egg whites and fold gently until blended.
Add the remaining egg whites and fold gently until the mixture is smooth and blended.
One at a time, submerge each ladyfinger into the remaining espresso, then it on the bottom of a 6-quart glass or ceramic baking or serving dish (about 2 inches deep).
Continue to form a complete layer.
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers until evenly covered.
Arrange another layer of soaked ladyfingers over the mascarpone cream, then spread the remaining mascarpone cream evenly over the top.
Dust the Tiramisù with cocoa powder to create a rich, dark topping.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 1 day before serving.


Olive Garden 5-Cheese Lasagna (Copycat Recipe)

8 to 9 servings

CREAM SAUCE
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk

CHEESE FILLING
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, minced
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
3 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
3 eggs
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated romano cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1
teaspoon black pepper

OTHER
4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup spinach lasagna noodles or regular lasagna noodles, if unavailable
marinara sauce, as desired extra parmesan cheese, freshly grated


Melt butter with medium heat in heavy 1 quart saucepan.
Add flour and stir until well blended; cook until frothy.
Add milk, stirring constantly with wire whisk as mixture comes to a simmer.
Cook and stir until thickened (3-4 minutes).
Chill while mixing other ingredients.
Drain and mince tomatoes and garlic.
Place other cheese filling ingredients in 3-quart mixing bowl with tomatoes and garlic.
Add 1-1/2 cups of cooled cream sauce and mix until well blended.
Refrigerate, reserving 1/2-cup for later use.
Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
Cool under cold water and drain.
Place 3 lasagna noodles in a 9x13x2 lightly oiled baking dish, overlapping slightly.
Spread 1-1/2 cups cheese filling over noodles; sprinkle with one cup mozzarella and 1/4-cup fontina cheese.
Repeat pasta and cheese layering; top with remaining three lasagna noodles.
Spread 1/2-cup of reserved cream sauce over top and cover lightly with foil.
Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 1 hour.

This will be tonights dinner. I'll post my ratings tomorrow.

Originally posted by Teresa M. on http://www.recipezaar.com

Tiramisu - Olive Garden

Tiramisu - Olive Garden Style
6 servings

1 (8 inch) sponge cakes
3 ounces strong black coffee or
instant espresso, Prepared
3 ounces brandy or rum or other liqueur
1 1/2 lbs cream cheese, at room temperature or mascarpone, at room temperature (Mascarpone is available at some Italian specialty food stores and some gourmet food stores.)
1 1/2 cups extra finely granulated sugar or powdered sugar cocoa powder, Unsweetened


1 - Cut across the middle of the sponge cake to form two disks, about 1"-1-1/2" thick, each.
2 - Blend the coffee or espresso and liqueur together.
3 - Sprinkle the bottom half of the cake with the coffee liqueur blend, enough to flavor it strongly, but don't saturate the cake so much that it will collapse.
4 - Mix the cream cheese or mascarpone with the sugar and beat the cheese until the sugar is completely dissolved and the cheese is light and spreadable.
5 - Spread the bottom half off the cake with half of the creamy cheese, in a fairly thick layer.
6 - Set the second half of the cake on the bottom half and repeat the process ~ sprinkle the coffee/liqueur blend and spread with the remaining cream cheese.
7 - Put the cocoa powder into a wire strainer and coat the top layer of cream cheese completely with cocoa.
8 - Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours before cutting and serving.

I'm making this for dessert tonight, I'll let you know how it turns out later!

Originally posted by Helena Peagram at http://www.recipezaar.com/3121

Fondant Chocolate Cake

Favor Idea


mel-l

Cute edible favor ideas. Can't go wrong with this color combination either! Originally uploaded by mel-l on flickr.

Wedding Flowers


What a simple and beautiful idea! I'll have to try it at my next dinner party!
Wedding Flowers
Originally uploaded by gregsdumbflickr.

Nov 24, 2006

Syls Art



We are a family of artists!

Here is a painting of Gilly done by my sister, Sylvia.

I love this painting, but she wont give it to me... its hanging on her bedroom door.

Jo & Micky


Here we are on a lazy Sunday afternoon at my sisters.
Syl and I were painting and the guys were watching a soccer game.

Dads trip to China 2005



Heres dad at the Great Wall of China.

foto taken in 2005.

Meu Papi, Syl, eu & Gilly


Finally a picture of my dad! Here we are at home (Sao Paulo) with Gilly (my cat).
Im not sure what were celebrating this time... our family is know to gather and celebrate... everything!

Vovota Angelita


Vovota, te amo, idem, idem!

This is my grandma, Vovota Angelita. She has Alzheimer. In this picture she is doing "dog" therapy. The results are very positive! In Sao Paulo there is only one person who does this kind of therapy, at least my dad only found one. If there is anyone out there interested, e-mail me.


Boxed Correspondence Cards from Harrod's, of course.
Hand finished luxury stationery made in the UK. Box set of 10 correspondance cards with gold heart foil motif & matching envelopes. Wouldn't that make a greata Christmas gift!

Harrod's Luxury


Can you say cooozzzyy!
Velvet bedspread and pillow sham and fur cushions, all from Harrods.