Isn't this a great idea?

Sometimes, you need shade, but not necessarily a big table.  I know there are all kinds of heavy iron, stone & wood bases for umbrellas.  But this is just so pretty!  It adds more life and softness to this little destination.  I'd love to use this idea in my garden.

What ideas are you dreaming of for your outdoor spaces?  I'd sure like to collect more for my inspiration folder!

Cheers!  Chris

Nourishing Traditions

Whew! It’s been a while since I posted, hasn’t it? All I can say is that I’ve been crazy busy!

Between my full-time job, my Tupperware “career”, church, family & friends, I meet myself coming and going sometimes. Not complaining. I’d rather be busy, than bored. But I am ashamed to have neglected this blog for so long.

Life is good, I am happy to say! It’s not without up & downs, but I am very content. One reason is that I am feeling better, more energetic. I am 3 weeks into a new way of cooking and eating based on the principles of Weston A. Price and “Nourishing Traditions”, by Sally Fallon.

The subtitle of Nourishing Traditions; “The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats” appeals to me so much, since I have long believed that we are being fed “a bunch of hooey” when it comes to nutrition. Humankind has survived for a couple of thousand years, at least, on a traditional, natural diet. I am convinced that we know intuitively what is good for us, if we will only listen.  The need to eat REAL food, raised locally and sustainably, is another passion of mine.  You're sure hear more about that in the future.

So, I have my first batch of Kombucha fermenting in the darkest corner of my pantry, and this afternoon, I am making my first homemade sauerkraut! (I’ll be sure to take some photos to share later.)

Kombucha

I don’t plan to bore you continually with this stuff. If you’re interested in knowing more, I linked to the Weston A. Price Foundation above, and Nourishing Traditions can be found @ Amazon.com . I will write occasionally about my successes (and probably a few failures) as I learn this lifestyle, and spend time in my kitchen.

Finally,  here are the links to a couple of cooking blogs where the authors live "Nourishing Traditions".  Jenny at The Nourished Kitchen has lots of recipes, beautiful photos, subscription updates and even online cooking classes.  Kim is cooking through Nourishing Traditions, ala Julie & Julia on her blog, The Nourishing Cook.  Both of these women have provided plenty of inspiration for me already!

Eat Well!  Chris

Flowers - Indoors at Filoli

When my friend & I visited Filoli a couple of weeks ago I took loads of photos in the gardens, some of which I'll post later. I also took some of the flower arrangements and potted plants in the house. These are done by the volunteers & docents, and are always from the Filoli gardens, so they are seasonal.

This beautiful asymmetrical arrangement was in the ladies' receiving room. 

Here's one of two matching arrangements that flank the fireplace in the grand reception room.

This unusual plant was in the kitchen. 

I loved it, so I took down the name. 

Now, I can't find it!  Anyone have an idea what it is??

This arrangement of peonies in the swan container (I want!)  is on the counter in the butler's pantry.

I love this example of Ikebana.  They offer classes in this form of Japanese flower arranging at Filoli.

This angel wing begonia is in the garden house.

Isn't this one just delicious! (Also in garden house.)

I would love to fill my home with arrangements!  I think I'd better get out to the garden & plant more flowers!

Cheers!  Chris