Showing posts with label the thanksgiving project. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the thanksgiving project. Show all posts

Friday, November 25, 2011

Giving Thanks

We feasted yesterday! Some new favorites, some old classics- all of them delicious. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving too.

We started with a few nibbles, one of which is an all-time favorite appetizer, Crab Salad in Endive Leaves. {Since it's a family recipe and I don't have a link, I've shared the details below!}
And thanks to many helping hands, we set the table with all the fun stuff that I don't get to use on a day-to-day basis. I love pulling out the "fancy" stuff.
N0te to self- if you wait until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to pick up flowers, the pickin's are slim. Good thing my mom knew how to spruce up the pink roses with rosemary and thyme.
And here's the spread and our bird!
The piece de resistance this year? A pumpkin trifle, yup, I bucked tradition and didn't make a pumpkin pie. And you know what, no one missed it a bit. This guy will be part of my yearly to-do list from now on.
I have so much to give thanks for this year. A loving family, good health, a supportive and perennially lovable husband and my furry son, Major. But I would be remiss to not mention the place this blog holds in my heart. While I may not post as frequently as I would like, the community and comments that you all provide are something I treasure. Thanks for visiting Pink to Green!

Recipe: Crab Salad in Endive Leaves
Ingredients:
1 lemon --- zest and 2 tablespoons juice
1T chopped fresh tarragon
2T chives
2T parsley
1T Dijon mustard
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup diced celery
24 Belgian Endive Leaves

Directions:
In a bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, tarragon, chives, parley, mustard and mayo. Mix well. Stir in the crab and celery and season with salt, ground pepper and cayenne. Cover and put in the fridge for 6 hours {or more}. To serve, spoon the crab mixture into the endive leaves.

Friday, May 27, 2011

And the show goes on

Yup, that's right. I'm taking this show on the road- again. Headed to spend time with my in-laws and to celebrate a very special birthday. Remember how I told you we'd get better at packing together? Well you've got to see this if you haven't already.
It is perhaps the most chic, multi-purpose and usable bag I've ever come across. It's called the O.G {overnight/gym bag} from Lo & Sons and I'm pretty sure that you'll be as blown away as I was by how much you can stuff in there. Just check out this video for proof. I think I need this bag.

In other news, I've been behind on giving thanks. And lately, I've got something to be very thankful about. I hope you'll check out my new gig over on WFAEats blog which is part of Charlotte's local NPR station. I'll be doing a monthly series on learning to cook southern favorites. This month, I'm starting with the basics.

I hope you'll also check out the other notable contributors. I'm particularly smitten with Prerna's blog, Indian Simmer. The pictures and cuisine are incredible!

Speaking of food, if you're looking for something to make this Memorial Day weekend, I'm eyeing this icebox strawberry pie recipe.
Wishing you a very happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!!
xx

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Thanksgiving Project

Our gigantic magnolia tree has begun it's yearly show; this being the first spring in our new home, I've been anxiously awaiting this moment. Catching sight of it's first bloom yesterday was like the punctuation mark at the end of a very long week. It's my favorite time of year in the south when the magnolia trees are in bloom. They announce their excitement for spring with jubilee and seem to proclaim that we should do the same. With that sentiment in mind, I hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Thanksgiving Project

I missed a few weeks of the thanksgiving project. It's not been because I haven't had things to share, but rather too many things dragging me from behind the lens. Hopefully this post will make up for some lost time!

My rhododendron and peonies are in bloom and I'm enjoying pink blossoms on the mantle

Our whiskey barrel planters are in the works; I'm so excited to have herbs and tomatoes right outside my window

And I discovered that succulents are a great way to utilize some of my pretty silver vessels

Last but not least, this sweet little guy turned 1 years old last week, his constant cuddling is something for which I'm very grateful
What are you thankful for this week?

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Thanksgiving Project Week 17/18

Some may call me indecisive; I tend to vacillate when making large decisions. Such was my reaction when facing a recent opportunity to potentially relocate overseas. My stomach flip flops just writing that sentence.

You see, I have a powerful case of wanderlust coupled with an adventurous husband who is the only person I know who has had to order more pages for his passport. I can't say I wasn't tempted to move to Europe {cue La Vie En Rose} and jaunt from cafe to cafe, chicly bike around and blog about the experience. But in reality I know that moving abroad can be less romantic that the visions dancing in my head.
We've been around the globe and back within the last couple of years and while I cherish my time in New Zealand as a defining experience in my life, it also gives me a benchmark with which to compare subsequent opportunities.

This is perhaps the most personal post I've ever written and forgive me while I become a bit mushy. These past two weeks have been monumental for me. In the process of deciding that this is not the right time for us to pack our bags again, I discovered how deeply I have come to love my life.
I am SO thankful for the home I share with my husband and the pup who greets me everyday after work. I grateful for a neighborhood that is filled with people who epitomize Southern hospitality and beautiful trees in full spring bloom. I cherish the circle of friends we have here and the bonds we have forged. I am thankful for the way that Charlotte has become our home. My love affair with the South has not abated; I feel this place is very much a dream fulfilled.

So maybe it's a good thing I waffle when making a big decision. While we weighed the pro's and con's of another big move, I came to discover things that make me feel grateful for exactly where I am today. God has a funny way of answering prayers sometimes, and I have a feeling that the stress of the past couple of weeks was a powerful lesson learned.
{pretty spring images by moi}

Friday, March 25, 2011

Thanksgiving Project Week 16

So thankful we're in South Carolina for a weekend of family fun. Hopefully I'll have lots of pictures to share upon our return. Hope you have a great weekend too!!
{pillow from here}

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Thanksgiving Project Week 15

I reminisce about New Zealand a lot- I will always remember fondly the time we lived there. I know I've mentioned it before, this week I was feeling particularly thankful for the time I was able to spend there.

New Zealand has been at the forefront of my mind recently for a number of reasons. Our Kiwi friend was visiting the this week! It was refreshing to reconnect, it was SO fun to hear a NZ accent again and it made me feel more committed than ever to returning to New Zealand.

Unfortunately, New Zealand has also been at the top of my mind due to the tragedy in Christchurch. The death toll is creeping up and what is left behind has been deemed a national state of emergency.

I feel compelled to mention it here because my heart goes out to all those touched by the earthquake-- to all my friends and readers in New Zealand, I'm sending you love.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from our time there; I think you'll agree it's a very special place.
If you're interested in donating; one of my favorite finds has been this site which allows you to download New Zealand music for free with a donation.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Thanksgiving Project Week 14

This week I'm thankful for the little plot of land that we've made a garden. I'm especially thankful for a husband who took charge of the project and did a great job! Who knew little rows of lettuce could be so cheery in the morning sun?!
Happy Weekend Friends, what are you thankful for this week?

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Thanksgiving Project Week 13

Happy Weekend! I'm a bit behind on blogging and blog reading, but it's not too late to share some of what has made me thankful this week, right?

I'm my mothers daughter, endlessly delighted by gardens and plants. While my Mom has a degree in landscape architecture and can keep finicky plants blooming, I think I could kill a cactus. I'm hoping that someday with practice {and patience} my yard with flourish like hers! Until then, I'm exceptionally thankful that spring has brought life to my yard without me doing a thing.
PS- Could I love living in the South any more? February and the plants are blooming is something this Chicago girl can really appreciate!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Thanksgiving Project Week 11

Happy Friday!
A few things I'm thankful for this week:
  • Thank you to my parents for gifting us a Senseo machine; boy do I love that thing. Frothy cafe-style cups of coffee really make my morning
  • Thank you weather for giving us a glimpse of spring
  • Thank you Kayne; I've been listening to this embarrassingly loud in my car
  • Thank you to Major for making me laugh everyday
  • Thank you to my sweet husband for bringing me flowers, it was the perfect way to get in the Valentine's day spirit
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Thanksgiving Project Week 10

I'm grateful for yoga. I'm grateful for the peace it brings to my life. I'm grateful for the peace it allows me to bring home with me and share with others. I'm eternally grateful that it has given me an outlet to dump my excess worry and anxiety {sometimes I have a lot of excess}.
For a while I had slipped into a non-yoga habit; busy with work has been my excuse. Well, I found a new studio close to home and am back on the mat and couldn't feel better chanting namaste.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Thanksgiving Project Week 9

Happy Friday! Mat and I are headed out of town this weekend to Charleston, SC and I couldn't be more thankful for our impending getaway! This week was a loooong one! I'm looking forward to southern charm, sunshine {fingers crossed} and time with my husband after a busy week of work trips and late-nights. Wishing you a wonderful weekend too xx

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Thanksgiving Project Week 8

This week, I'm particularly thankful for all the sweet comment you've been leaving for me lately. I can't tell you how encouraging it is to share pictures of our home projects and feel like you have a team of people cheering you on. I'm also very thankful for "meeting" so many new bloggers recently- especially those in my area.

In fact, Anna Applegate, is one such blogger. She is a designer in Raleigh, NC and I'm so flattered that she recently added me to her list of Stylish Bloggers. Also, big thanks to Melissa at Veranda Interiors for listing me as well!
Here are the rules:
After receiving this award you have to pay it forward and follow the rules:
Rules
1) Thank and link back to the person who awarded you
2) Share 7 thing about yourself
3) Award 10 great bloggers that you have RECENTLY discovered
4) Contact those bloggers and tell them about the award

Hmm.... so 7 things about myself... in no particular order:

1) Vanilla coffee-mate makes my morning on a daily basis. This in a cup of coffee is the best way to greet the day.

2) I don't feel "dressed" without perfume. Its a daily necessity for me rather than the occasional indulgence. I really love scents from L'artisan Perfumer.

3) My birthstone is emerald and lately, I just can't enough of that green hue. Aren't these earrings fun?

4)I have an infatuation with all things Italian. Since studying abroad in Florence in college, I'm been dying to go back.

5) Growing up, all I wanted was a dog. Since my sister and I have allergies, my family never got one. The day that my husband and I brought home Major was one of the best days of my life. He is a goldendoodle {most people find them hypoallergenic}. We took a chance, and I feel beyond thankful that my allergies have not reacted to him. He makes me happy everyday!

6) One day, I hope to cultivate a green thumb. I'm very inspired by potage gardens made famous by the french and used by great cooks universally. Fresh food from a beautiful garden is the ultimate indulgence. I hope to create one in my own backyard in the future.

7) I guess you could say I'm old fashion, but white roses make my heart melt. Yup, I'm that easy.

I'm passing the Stylish Blogger Award to some of my new local favorites:

Friday, January 14, 2011

Thanksgiving Project Week 7


Wow, week 7 already?! It has been a memorable one. A snowstorm hit Charlotte on Monday which then turned to ice. It was a winter wonderland indeed and it allowed me to work from home with my two favorite boys {Mat and Major} for two days in a row. For those who work from home, I envy you! It was such a treat to take a lunch break and walk around our snowy neighborhood!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Thanksgiving Project Week 6

I had a vidid dream last night about one of my favorite places on earth- New Zealand. Perhaps more than I'm willing to admit, my mind wanders back to those islands in the Pacific and my friends there. It got me thinking about what I'm thankful for and couldn't help but smile at the memories. I'm infinitely thankful that I got to call Aoteroa home for 20 months because this is the type of image that haunts my dreams.
Happy Weekend, dear readers!

Friday, December 31, 2010

Thanksgiving Project Week 5: Goodbye 2010

2010 was a banner year. So much to be thankful for!

We added a furry addition to our family

We purchase of our first home

Made wonderful memories made with family on trips to Michigan and Canada


Looking forward to 2011 has me more excited than ever. Resolutions this year are easy because the things I hope to embrace are at the forefront of my mind and this blog holds a large place in these endeavors. I again thank you for reading along on this ride!

Resolutions 2011:
  • Keep the Thanksgiving Project going and take pleasure in the little things of daily life.
  • Become more educated about interior design; I look at beautiful images daily as a part of this blog community, but the real joy has come from the opportunity to start creating my own spaces. I'm resolving to learn more about the process, step 1 this book.
  • Get creative. Really get the juices flowing: paint, photograph, dream, write- do something!
  • Music- more of it.
  • Entertain more; I love being surrounded by family, friends and good food.
Wishing you a very happy and safe New Years celebrations tonight!! Do you have resolutions for the new year?