Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Searing on Salt


That pink slab on my grill may look like a piece of marble or granite but it is actually SALT!
Yep!  A thick hunk of Himalayan Pink Salt.  When heated, this brick of salt will "grill" food. The salt is slowly heated on the stove top, in the oven or on a grill.  
When the correct temperature was reached, I moved the salt block to the picnic table.  Be careful...it is EXTREMELY HOT! 
 I had shrimp, scallops, calamari steaks and some thinly sliced vegetables to grill.  No need to season the raw food, the salt block will do that for you.  The raw food sizzles and sears on the hot salt and is fully cooked in a matter of minutes.
Our first attempt at cooking on a salt block was a success.  We stayed with seafood and veggies.  The food was seasoned perfectly by the salt block and a squirt of lime added just enough fresh zest.  This is a really fun way to cook and would be a perfect way to involve guests at a party.  Have them select and cook their own appetizers.  
When the cooking was completed, the salt block retained some food residuals.  I dampened a Scotch-Brite green cleaner pad and scrubbed the surface.  Allow the salt block to dry for at least 24 hours before reusing.  Do not submerge the salt block in water!  

I'm planning my next salt block meal of thin beef strips and asparagus.  What would you try?







Thursday, April 11, 2013

Crafty Hand Painted Glassware


I saw this crafty, DIY idea on The Chew.  I don't know where I've been but I just discovered this show hosted by Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall, and Daphne Oz.  While the show is mostly about food, there is a crafty segment on occasion.  OK, I digress...

from Clinton's Craft Corner on The Chew
About a month ago, the craft segment was hand painted glassware.  Now don't click off yet, this is very easy and fun.  
All you need are:
 some drinking glasses
Q tips
 acrylic paint
I spread out newspaper and found some little containers for mixing my paint.  You could easily use a paper plate as your paint mixing palette.  I bought paint to match some dishes I already owned.  You can use multiple colors or make an ombre effect by adding with white to your base color and making the dots lighter as you work your way up the glass.
Once you have your paint ready, just dip a Q tip into the paint and dab it straight onto the glass.  Press and release.  
View from the inside of the glass.
When the paint is dry, place the glasses upside down on a baking sheet and place in a cold oven.  Turn on the oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 30 minutes to set the paint.  Turn off the oven and allow to cool in the oven for 1 hour before handling.  Hand wash your glasses rather than using the dishwasher.  
I'm really happy with the way these turned out.  I bought these cheap dishes and glasses at Ikea for use on my deck.  These glasses are fun and really pull the look together.  

Click here to see the video and read the instructions on how to paint the strip and chevron patterns.  








Friday, March 29, 2013

Easter Decorating Inspiration

I needed some inspiration for my Easter table and turned to Martha Stewart.






You can click here to view more Martha Stewart Easter decor.

For those of you who observe the day, Happy Easter!





Monday, March 25, 2013

Monday Inspiration

some things I'd like to do today ...

Walk through a field of lavender.

See a kangaroo in the wild.

Witness the aurora borealis.

Take a cooking class with a real chef.

Take a riding lesson.

Read a book on the beach.

What would you rather be doing today?
























Monday, February 11, 2013

Monday Again


Happy Monday dear Spiral Style followers.  I hope you had a lovely weekend.  I don't know if I'm quite ready for Monday but I don't seem to have a choice.
                                               Source: camillestyles.com via Deborah on Pinterest

A little something to think about as we start our week.

The east coast was slammed with winter storms and many of us are still struggling to keep warm.  
 












Quilts and quilted clothing are essential for warmth.  As a style statement, the quilted look is not limited to the classic Chanel bag and Barbour jackets.

Quilted


Monday, January 28, 2013

Friday, November 9, 2012

Take Time


Take time...that's what I did this past week and it was wonderful.  I'm rested and relaxed and ready to get back to normal life and work.


The holidays are fast approaching and life will get even more crazy.  Take some time to breathe and relax.  Maybe make out a plan to accomplish your tasks early so you can really enjoy the meaning of the holidays and enjoy family, friends and yourself.  Have a a wonderful weekend. See you on Monday.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Wishing You a Lovely Day

                           : mytwobutterflies.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest


Make your day even more lovely with:
a latte in a pretty bowl from Anthropologie,

then moisturize with this fluffy, whipped, body butter.

Envelope yourself in this exquisite fragrance from Chanel


Step out in these comfy shoes from Aerosole.

Pick up some fresh groceries for dinner and take them home in the Baggu bag you have stashed in your purse,

and when you get home, light a deliciously warm, scented candle.

Happy Monday










Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Autumn Arrangements: Pinterest Picks

Some midweek inspiration.  Have a lovely day.

                                              Source: marthastewart.com via Deborah on Pinterest


                                                     Source: bios.weddingbee.com via Deborah on Pinterest


                                              Source: marthastewart.com via Deborah on Pinterest


















                                              Source: marthastewart.com via Deborah on Pinterest


                                             Source: marthastewart.com via Deborah on Pinterest

                                       Source: centsationalgirl.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Cantaloupe and Mint

 
Simply refreshing salad; cantaloupe balls, cucumber ribbons, a squeeze of lime and tiny mint leaves.

Cantaloupe and Mint Color Inspiration

Daydreaming $30 Etsy

senescence  $32 Etsy

Seashell Voices $30 Etsy

Upside Down $15 Etsy

Mod Pears $26.95 Etsy







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