The Good Life

In other words beyond me....

Welcome 2014

This holiday I've deliberately kept my activities to a minimum.  Doing nothing was the main item on my to do list.  We've had a rough two years and I felt we needed some serious downtime.  I puttered about in my pj's and cleaned out closets, cupboards and took care of all the little things I never have time for. Today for example, watching the Rose Bowl parade, a walk along a trail with my golden retriever - she loved it.  Not so much the bath afterwards but getting her groomed up takes time and right now I have the time.  This year is going to be about slowing down, relaxing and enjoying the little things in life more.  In essence - this year is going to be all about me.  Whatever strikes my fancy.  At least that's the plan.  I hope to be able to stick with it.

Some imagery to inspire me for 2014.

 

A trip to New York in the Spring would be nice.

 

My son has decided that he wants a new look - something more classic.

 

The drama of black and white

 

and more inside black and white glamour.

 

Some serious skin repair - this winter is taking it's toll. 

Some new luggage.

 

Definitely more beauty sleep.

  

 

And a serious bathroom cleanout.  I have no idea how old some of my cosmetics are.  Not to mention that some of my towels are at least ten years old.

 

 

And not so inspiring a garage cleanout - removal of the wheel chair ramp, clear out the basement and a storage area that houses 35 years worth of stuff from my parents.  Where to begin on that one.... for now - later - in the words of Scarlett O'Hara - "After all tomorrow is another day".

 

 

 

 



 

Some Favorite Williams Sonoma Recipes

Lately I haven't had any time to try any new recipes or cook anything new.  We're on a restricted diet around here based upon my dad's limited ability on what he can and can't eat.   As such I've gained 25 lbs. and he's maintained his weight which is good considering his health issues.  However, it's left me craving new taste sensations.  I found myself sifting through some old receipes looking for some inspiration a tonight nd found a few that I had printed off from the Williams Sonoma Recipe site.  So I'm posting my favourites here. I recommend all of them.  Enjoy.

 

Artichoke & Leek Lasagna

 

 

Guacamole with Corn Chips

 

 

Leek and Potatoe Soup

 

 

Potatoe and Onion Gratin

 

 

 

 

 

Explanation Time

For those who follow me, I think it's time for an explanation.  I had been pretty busy on this blog for quite awhile befor running into some computer issues.  Resolved, I was ready to move on, but it was not to be.  My new computer is fine, it's the insane life I lead that isn't.  I started this blog as a place for a sense of calm, serenity and peace and once again my life is anything but... to the point that I haven't even got time to post anymore.  Oh I'm not quitting - it will just be less frequent.  However I have a really good excuse...

Image - Williams Sonoma

As previously stated my father has been diagnosed with a serious illness.  Specifically ALS or Lou Gehrigs Disease.  Anyone familiar with this disease will realize that its a fatal disease that is both cruel and frustrating to the victim and everyone associated with it.  Its hits each victim differently but in my fathers case it appears to be moving quite quickly.  So much so that its been difficult to keep up.  Recently my father moved in with me in order to help care for him until his time comes.  As such major changes have taken place in our lives.  Renovations have been put on hold and other renovations and construction are taking place to adjust to my fathers disability needs.  As the main caregiver in the family who also works full time you can imagine how little free time I have anymore.  So forgive me my lapse in blogging and remember I am still out here and will continue whenever possible.

Just Enjoying The Day

The perfect day for something like this....

Williams Sonoma

Margarita Time

I need one of these...

Image William Sonoma

Ingredients

• 1 (6 ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
• 6 fluid ounces tequila
• 2 fluid ounces triple sec

Directions

1. Fill blender with crushed ice. Pour in limeade concentrate, tequila and triple sec. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

New Spring Bedding

These look so luxurious in soft spring colours...

Williams Sonoma

What's with this Chilly Weather

This is for today,

Image - Caroline Reed Interior Design

but the rest are for what I’m already craving..... SUMMER.  It’s going to be a long winter for me.

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma - this reminds me of something????

Image Source Unknown

Image Source - Garance Dore I think - correct me if I'm wrong

A New Kitchen Light Fixture

I’ve been making due without one for a while so I’m thinking this might work...

Williams Sonoma

Loving These Lamps

I love the modern clean lines of these lamps from William Sonoma.

Crystal Block Lamps from Williams Sonoma

Poached Salmon

I've been thinking about getting one of these for quite some time since I love poached salmon.  However, I keep hesitating because it just looks so awkward to store and I've got limited space anyway.  Then comes the next question - would I use it enough to make it worthwhile? 

Williams Sonoma

If anyone has any great recipes for this thing let me know. 

Thanks

Pots and Pans

My pots and pans are looking pretty dismal so I’m thinking of going for a set of these from Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma

If anyone owns a set of these and can give me some idea if this is a good set I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

Miscellaneous

Time for some additional miscellaneous inspiration...

Image Source Unknown

Image Source Unknown

Ralph Lauren

Hermes

Nicole Kidman for Vanity Fair

Ralph Lauren

Image source unknown

Ralph Lauren

Image Source Unknown

Williams Sonoma

Thomas Pheasant for Kohler Interiors

Angelina Jolie for Vogue

Vera Wang finepaper

Angelina Jolie for Vogue