Red Bulls NBA Team: Steinmart

Showing posts with label Steinmart. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

If I can only be young at heart, that is good enough

When I was twelve, I was crazy about two things. One was the music of Ray Charles (I had just discovered him!) and the color combination of green and purple. I was so crazy about green and purple that my friends would look for things in those colors for me, even when they were on vacation!

Eventually, I found other colors that I loved and really forgot about green and purple – until now. I was trying to find something new to use with my Lenox “Solitaire” china, when I saw some purple glass plates that were on sale at Sur la Table. For some reason, the website would not let me purchase the plates and I, eventually, gave up.

A few days later, my sweet daughter found purple Pyrex “Festiva” glass plates at Big Lots and bought them for me. I thought they would look good with Solitaire, but what else could I use?

Another earlier Big Lots purchase had been some lavender place mats, so they went on the table.

I had purple goblets from Pier I.

Then, the great inspiration came! I discovered the most wonderful website, Saffron Marigold, and they had green and purple napkins! You must visit this online store. I have absolutely nothing to do with it, but they have the most marvelous linens. They are hand blocked in India and the cotton fabric is so incredibly soft. You really have to feel it to believe it. Anyway, I ordered the green and purple napkins and they certainly have rekindled my love of that lovely color combination.

A “Solitaire” dinner plate went on the lavender placemat…

Then, I added the purple “Festiva”. These plates are nine inches – perhaps, they are luncheon plates. I am not sure, but the swirl design is really pretty.

Next, I added a “Solitaire” salad plate as an under plate for the soup bowl. I needed something else green to go with the green and purple napkins, so I made a chilled green soup (Creamy and Cold Avocado Soup – recipe to follow). Perfect!

I used Barenthal flatware in an ivory color – a Tuesday Morning purchase.

I bought some yummy rolls at Fresh Market and put them on a "Solitaire" bread and butter plate. The butter spreader is from Steinmart.

The lovely cut glass butter dish was a gift from my mother-in-law.

For the centerpiece, I used a purple bowl that belongs to my daughter and simply placed a bird’s nest in it, in honor of spring – lots of green to go with the color scheme.

With dessert in mind, I added a sugar and creamer, a coffee pot and coffee cups to the table. All are part of my “Solitaire” collection.

Now, maybe I will get out those Ray Charles CDs and entertain my guests with “Hit the Road, Jack” or “Georgia on My Mind”. It is so much fun to feel twelve, again!!

Diane

Creamy and Cold Avocado Soup

2 medium ripe avocados, seeded and peeled

2 ½ cups cold water

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

1 (7.6 ounce) can of Nestle Media Crema (this is evaporated cream – usually found in the Hispanic cooking section of the grocery store)

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 cloves of garlic, quartered

4 teaspoons of granulated chicken flavored bouillon

Garnish with avocado or cilantro

Place avocados, water, 1 cup cilantro (optional), media crema, lime juice, garlic, and bouillon in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate one hour. Garnish and serve immediately.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Oh, to be in Augusta now that spring is here!

Living in Georgia certainly has its ups and downs. The summers are brutal with the heat and humidity. Oh, but the spring! It is too glorious in Georgia right now and the best place to be is in Augusta during Masters week.

Many of you may be golf widows, so I am sure that you have heard of the Augusta National golf course and the famous Masters golf tournament. Tickets to the tournament are the “Holy Grail” of golf and many Georgia residents never get to go. My family has been very fortunate to have been on many occasions, because my husband has a co-worker and friend who sometimes is able to get tickets for us to attend. Thanks, Keith!!

Did you know that the land where the golf course is now was once a plant nursery? That explains why the course is so beautiful and the holes are named for different plants and trees.

My husband is a golfer and, when we attend, we always bring home many souvenir items for us and our family.

Here are some of our caps and visors.

These are only a small number of my husband’s Masters’ golf shirts.

I have some, too.

I, also, have charms (one silver and one gold) for my charm bracelets…

And a wonderful Christmas tree ornament.

We have a collection of Masters plastic drinking cups. Some have “walked away” during the years!

The absolute highlight of my husband’s golfing life came, when he was able to play at Augusta National. A friend in Augusta arranged for my husband to play a round of golf there a few years ago and I think he is still on cloud “nine” (or, maybe, 18!).

For this year’s Masters tournament, I am thinking that I will prepare a light breakfast for my husband. He can fill up later on the famous pimento cheese sandwiches that are served during the tournament.

A Panera Bread bearclaw (a favorite of ours), scrambled eggs, orange juice and coffee should be just enough, before the trip to Augusta.

For the setting, I used a Sunflower yellow Fiestaware tablecloth and a Masters golf towel for a placemat.

Then, I added a Mikasa “Yardley” plate and chunky flatware from Steinmart.

A Masters cup (please excuse the plastic!!) holds the juice and a coffee cup bought at the Augusta National gift shop keeps the coffee nice and hot.

For a napkin ring, I used a golf club bag tag.

The centerpiece is made from azalea and dogwood blooms from our yard. These are to remind my husband of the beautiful flowers on the course.

Hole number two is “ Pink Dogwood” and “Azalea” is hole number 13, which is part of the very famous “Amen Corner”.

Yes, spring has definitely “sprung” in Georgia. I cannot show you the August National course in full bloom, but I can leave you with a couple of pictures of spring in our back yard. I will, also, leave you with a wish that all of you will have the chance, just once, to witness the glory of a Georgia spring day on the most famous golf course in the world!