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Saturday, November 23, 2013

Rachel Ashwell's "The Prairie" in Round Top, Texas

I am just returning from a delightful spot in Texas. 
My friend, Mariterese and I spent several nights at Rachel Ashwell's 46 acre ranch
 in Round Top, Texas. 

Being the founder of Shabby Chic, she transformed the property into a feminine gem.
 

 
As you round the bend on the dirt and gravel road, you see a lamb statue and you know you are close.


You can see the buildings in the distance.
 
You travel up the long gravel and dirt road and enter the property.


Guests are directed by signs to the barn.


 It is getting dark and white lights twinkle on the trees.
 


Entering the barn, coffee and tea are to the right, while an open kitchen is to the left.


No fancy stove, no fancy refrigerator, no fancy sink- just granny's kitchen!




Romantic dining space to the back
 

 
The lounge has lot's of comfy seating




 
Lots of books for reading
 
We found a note for us directing us to our cottage- the Lilliput!  It tells us that the key is in the door, and they will see us at supper!
 



 Lilliput's kitchen!








Comfy beds dressed to the nines in Shabby Chic Couture bedding.








 
 
Back to the lodge for dinner- a Texas Steak dinner prepared by Danny.
 
We were served dinner, because it was a Monday night and nothing was open in the area!
Danny is known for his yummy breakfast served every morning! That boy really knows his way around the kitchen!

 


The Pearl Barn- perfect for weddings.
 



 
The Shabby Chic Store on property.






 
 
So fun shopping for linens and dinnerware.
 
 
On our final night at the Prairie- the Texas sky really gave us a show!
 
 


 
We were not in Round Top, while the big antique show was  happening. However,  we did manage to leave a few dollars in town.
 
First of all, let me say this- I am amazed at the high caliber of the following stores in these Texas small towns.  Must see's if visiting the area-
 
Leftovers in Brenham Texas
 



 
 
an emporium of high end linens, for example Bella Notte, china, gourmet food, holiday, home accessories , furniture and antiques. Displayed in "over the top" style.  We went back twice!
One of the best stores in the country!
 
Also in Brenham- Beadboard Upcountry
 




 
 
Incredible Italian linens that were purchased at the Paris gift show!
I could not resist buying a couple of linen and lace tablecloths! Such a surprise to find this high end retailer shop in a small Texas town.
 
 
Nothing Ordinary Antiques
 
 
 
Located in Bellville, Texas, an antiques shop filled with tasty finds.  We loaded up on transferware and majolica at awesome prices.  And while they were packing up all our treasures, we went around the corner to ---
 
Mimi Bella
 
A clothing store full of linen and velvet sportswear.  Both of us left with a bag in our hands!
Adorable selection of sportswear.  They have several stores in the area!
 
 
And closing, I must add that if you like Fried Chicken, go to JW's Steakhouse in Carmine.
Forget the sides, just get the Fried Chicken and Pie! 
 
 
This was such a fun trip.  Relaxing, peaceful times were spent with so many nice people.
From the staff at The Prairie, my friend Mariterese ,  to the shop keepers we met- truly delightful beings!
 
 

Monday, November 18, 2013

The Patisserie Stand

One of my favorite things in my home is the Patisserie stand on my kitchen island. I love re-doing it for every season.  It gives me the chance to rotate some of my treasures and enjoy them  for a little while.  This week, I took the time to polish the silver and clean the crystal and set the stand up for the holidays. 
 
I get to re-live some memories as I place the objects on the stand.
 
 
The excitement of finding a complete set of crown embellished dinnerware.

 
Finding this "Friendship" glass at the Paris flea market.

 
Spotting this silver wine chalice in Cashiers, NC with my friend Jill.

 
Finding these crown embellished spoons on Victoria Island, Canada.

 
The vase was a gift from my friend, Marlene, in Tennessee.

 
The black swan salt cellar, a gift from Mariterese
and the pretty crystal glass, a gift from the Romancing the Home girls.

 These pretty mint julep spoons from the "Antiques in the Field" show here at home.


Old Paris Porcelain from my favorite haunt in Wisconsin.
 
 


 
a find on Ebay

This past weekend with Laurell at an antiques show.
 
To add a few finishing touches, a bit of Christmas sparkle. Just a bit for now- more after Thanksgiving!


 
 
It just makes me smile remembering all these times!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Croissants and Pumpkin Macarons

I love to peruse the aisles at Trader Joe's.  You never know what you will discover and I love the hunt! A couple of weeks ago, I purchased Pumpkin Croissants and a couple of packages of their frozen macaroons to take home to try!  I love the chocolate ones, but was excited to try a new flavor!


After about 7 hours on the countertop, that go from a totally flat rectangle of dough to a large puffy little package of  delightful goodness!


I took them out of the freezer the night before baking them, place them on parchment paper on a baking sheet  and left them on the counter for about 8 hours.




Bake according to the package directions and they puff up into golden brown pastries. 
 


Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy while hot!



Very flakey crispy crust just melts in your mouth! The pumpkin seeds add a bit of crunch!
 



Each croissant is filled with a pumpkin pie filling that is so good!  What a treat!
 I went back to get 12 boxes for the holidays! 
Such an easy hassle free treat to prepare  for my family and guests!
 
 
This weekend at our Romancing the Home Holiday House, we tried the Trader Joe's Macarons.
 At $4.99 a box for 12 cookies, that is quite a bargain.  I have never paid less than $2.00 for a single macaroon.  I took them home and stored them in the freezer.
 
 
There is an assortment of 6 flavors inside the box.

 
I also bought a box of Pumpkin Macarons - again 12 in the box for $4.99.

 
The pumpkin macaron really tasted like pumpkin- light exterior, not at all crumbly. Very good!
The overall size is perfect- 3 to 4 bites per cookie!
Serving these with a caramel mousse for Thanksgiving would be a wonderful dessert!






 
Open box of the multi flavored macarons- such a pretty color combination!
My favorites were the coconut and fig ones! 


                The fig and lemon macarons.  The fig one tasted like a Fig Newton, but much prettier!





 
They are such a pretty cookie!  A perfect little bite of sweetness!




 
 
I am definitely heading back to Trader Joe's for more of these.  Great value for the money!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Christmas Shopping Event

I can't believe it is already time for our annual Holiday Shopping Event.  Here's a peak of what's in store- new things are being delivered daily!


 
One of a Kind Holiday Decorations with lots of detail work!



Beautifully decorated holiday boxes - so pretty under a tree!


 
Thanksgiving goodies too!





 
Many new sets of antique crystal -

 
One of a kind Christmas fairy!




Hope to see you !

Thursday November 7th from 3pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8th and 9th   11 am to 4 pm

42 Sherwood Terrace
Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044