GOSH, IT'S GRAY

I'm all about the grays. I love black but I found it was becoming boring. Who would ever think black was boring but...I found GRAY. It's the new "It" color for this season. Enjoy, it's here for a while.

JUST PRETTY..

OUTDOOR ATTITUDE

We always think where will we go for holiday. Why not your own backyard patio. It's not such a far fetched idea!

L

ITALIAN STUFFED ARTICHOKES

My husband is Italian. His mother was an amazing cook. Unfortuntely, for our family I didn't get enough of her family recipes to pass onto our children. I did however, get to sample her meals. Recently, my son asked me about his grandmothers Stuffed Artichokes. Here it is...I can taste them already. So delicious! Bon Appetit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88Fceyw-CBc

Serves 4
1 cup bread crumbs

½ cup grated Pecorino-Romano Cheese

1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

6 tablespoons olive oil

4 artichokes

2 cloves of garlic, sliced



1. Combine bread crumbs, Pecorino-Romano Cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium bowl. Mix together well.

2. Cut stems off artichokes, flush with bottom. Cut pointy leaves off the top of the artichokes. Spread leaves of each artichoke out and push stuffing in between them.

3. In a pot just large enough to fit the artichokes, add the sliced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the artichokes. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top of the artichokes.

4. Turn heat on to medium and cook until sizzling about 1-2 minutes. Add water to reach half way up the sides of the artichokes.

5. Cover and cook until the artichokes are tender and a leaf is easily pulled out, about 45 minutes. If liquid is evaporating too quickly add a little more water.

6. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle a little of the liquid from the pot over the artichokes and serve.

BUCKS COUNTRY, PENNSYLVANIA GARDEN HOME

I find the more decor I see, the more I am drawn to it all. I found this home in PA and thought it looked mighty inviting. An artist uses her inspiration for art by observing her garden. Nice work!

NEW COLORS NEW IDEAS

I love design. I mean when you look at the vast array of colors and use of furnishings you can't help but be inspired. I found in all of these designs there was that POP factor. What I love is that no longer is there a need to use dark bold color on the walls, but instead add a dramatic choice of fabric or carpeting/rugs. The lighting has really come a long way in design. I love that we're back to elegance. In kitchen design we've created such an inviting extra room to our use of space. We get to enjoy the family or friends as all interact in the kitchen/den concept. Don't even get me started on the baths...a spa for relaxation. I can honestly say there are times one can just lie in bed and enjoy all that the age of technology has to offer right at your fingertips...and in your cosy PJ's and those over 400 count sheets, down comforters and pillows. Ahhhhhhhhhhh.