Artfully Graced

BABY SHOWER

2012-02-10T02:27:00.000-05:00

Our household is in the party-mode...

We're having a.....

If you remember, Miss Julie and my firstborn were married last year...on April Fool's Day.

And at the end of February (if not sooner!), we will be greeting our first grandchild...

and it's a GIRL!

Photos of our "girly" shower will be posted soon...

In the meantime, I've got to get back to work on the favors.

See you soon!

Distracted...Worried...Fearful...JOYFUL!

2012-02-03T13:04:00.001-05:00

Distracted...that's what I am.

I don't know why I cannot keep focused on anything... I cannot seem to even pick up a paint brush.

Well, maybe I do know why...
MacDaddy's job came to an end back in October. That's OK...he really wasn't happy with the direction the company was headed. Said company decided to close its US market and concentrate on the international business. Hence, MacDaddy's services (heading up the US market) were no longer needed.

A new business is evolving...and it looks quite promising. It's his own consulting business... and he's getting a lot of interesting feedback...and companies want him to rep them...It looks GOOD.

But...I worry. Yes, I know, God has all our needs met before we even need them...He is in control. BUT...
Well, that's my problem. I am having trust issues. I worry about tomorrow...about next month...about bills...about...well, just about everything. Pretty lame, huh?

This journey is not one that was expected at this point in our lives...

I have actually searched for jobs...but each time I find something that is suitable, doors close. So...I guess I am supposed to wait...to TRUST...to be patient. (Not one of my strong points!)

And so I try to concentrate on my art...but as I said, it's been difficult to pick up that paintbrush...or that pencil.

But then, just today, I received a commission...just what I needed to get my mind racing with ideas. Thank you, GOD!

And MacDaddy just came into my studio to share some really good news. Thank you, GOD!

And in just a few weeks, I'll be holding my first grandchild (due at the end of the month)!!! THANK YOU, GOD!

And THANK YOU, GOD, for reminding me that you hold me in YOUR hands...that you truly understand my hurts, my fears, my worries, my sorrows...and my JOY. You KNOW me...and you LOVE me...FOREVER.

Thank you, God, for walking with me...and carrying me...and challenging me...and loving me...through this new adventure...throughout my whole life.

GASPARILLA CONTINUES WITH MERMAID FEST!

2012-02-01T18:52:00.000-05:00

THIS IS NEW TO ME.....

THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM IS HOSTING

MERMAID FEST

Wear your best mermaid (or "mer-man") costume and head to the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Pirates are welcome, too!

At this festival, the Florida Aquarium will be promoting awareness of ocean habitat conservation.

It's a really cool place to visit!

At the Mermaid Fest,

there will be performances by the Weeki Wachee Mermaids.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with WW...

There's a spring, north of Tampa, called Weeki Wachee. It's one of the most beautiful springs in Florida...about an hour up the road from where I live!!! Since the 1960s, "mermaids" have been enticing travelers to come watch them swim in this spring. (I'll share more about this wonderful state park in another post.)

(When we were young, Leigh of "Tales from Bloggeritaville" and I dreamed of being one of these mermaids! Alas...we're both too old, today. But we're still mermaids in our hearts!)

So...all you mermaids out there in blog land, and all you pirates, come continue the celebration of Gasparilla with us.

This is my dining room table...all decked out for Gasparilla.

Beads, treasure chests, doubloons, feathers in antique silver pitcher, pirates and more...

GET YOUR GASPARILLA ON!!!

The party lasts all month!

I'm posting with Outdoor Wednesday

THE PIRATES ARE COMING! THE PIRATES ARE COMING!

2012-01-20T11:01:00.000-05:00

THE ANNUAL GASPARILLA INVASION IS IMMENENT!

Driving through south Tampa, yesterday, evidence of the annual pirate invasion was in full force.
All along the parade route (right down Bayshore Blvd), spectator areas were being fenced off. Food and beverage kiosks were being raised. And ROWS of porta-potties lined the median...all the way to downtown Tampa.

Homes, all along the parade route, are dressed and ready for the big day/weeks! (Wish I could have captured the homes with pirate skeletons climbing the pillars and on the rooftop. They rivaled the scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean! Bayshore Blvd. is dressed to the nines, but too busy to stop and take photos.)

(This photo was borrowed from the Gasparilla Event website)

This Saturday is the Children's Parade...a watered down parade geared to the young set (Thank goodness!). Children and parents stroll on a much-shortened parade route. They dress the part, and ride in wagons, on bikes, etc. So cute!

The Children's event is capped off by an early evening fireworks display...

Next weekend is the "official" invasion!
That's the day when Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla arrives in Tampa aboard the ship, Jose Gaspar. The ship arrives, guns blazing, at the docks of the convention center, were the mayor of Tampa hands over the keys to the city, in the hopes that the Pirates will not destroy it. Then the real festivities begin!

There's "Breakfast with the Pirates" at the Gasparilla Brunch, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival (10am-10pm) with live music from 5pm on, and FOOD...did I mention FOOD? Lots of it...everywhere!

Move over Mardi Gras! The Pirates are coming!!!

WOOD STORK

2012-01-17T19:29:00.002-05:00

You know how much I love the variety of wading birds here in Florida...

Here's one I have rarely seen...until this year!!!

A woodstork!

This one was just gracefully walking through the neighborhood...
Notice the line of black feathers...Those are the flight feathers. (see photo below)

The wood stork is the largest wading bird native to America. It has very long legs and a distinctive featherless head with a very thick beak, which curves downward. The feathers of the wood stork are white with black flight feathers. Its wingspan is around 5 1/2 feet. The wood stork flies with its neck and legs extended, interrupting strong wing beats with brief glides.

(Yeah...I'm an information junkie.)

These birds are endangered...
mostly due to man changing their natural habitat.

As I said, I rarely see Wood Storks, but during the past week, I have had the privilege of seeing 6 of them...all in different locations.
(Photo by Ira Runyan)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=795843

I found this image on the web...It's a good photo of the Wood Stork's head.

Not the prettiest face, but it's so interesting...and the edging of black in the feathers is gorgeous...
http://www.floridawildlifeviewing.com/

I think this may be my next subject to paint....

posting with Outdoor Wednesday and Watery Wednesday

IT'S A CONSPIRACY!

2012-01-10T08:00:00.003-05:00

Between football games, MacDaddy and I took a "get me outta here" drive to the beach. A weather change was imminent and the birds were standing in shallow water, facing the wind. Among the hundreds of sea gulls, sandpipers and plovers were some strange-looking birds...black-tipped wings, red beaks that tapered to black. I had never seen these birds before, so I "googled" them...

(photo from web)

Black Skimmers are tern-like birds and the ONLY bird in the world whose lower mandible is longer than the upper. They are so named because of the way they feed...they fly just above the water's surface and skim the top with their lower beaks open "like a pair of scissors". They are the most interesting birds...with their sleek bodies, black tipped feathers and brilliantly red beaks and legs.

And they just stood there watching me, as I walked within a few feet of them. I leaned that they often nest in this area of Florida, but that we're also on the migratory path. The most fascinating thing I learned, though, is that a group of Black Skimmers are calls a "CONSPIRACY". Pretty cool, huh?

I am linking with Outdoor Wednesday and Watery Wednesday.

ROCKING IN THE NEW YEAR...

2012-01-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

NEW YEAR'S EVE 2011

Turn back the clock...to the 50s and 60s. Kathleen's and Scott's house was filled with the sounds of Elvis, Little Richard, Gene Pitney, Pat Boone (Kathleen's favorite),girl groups from Motown and more... Aromas of classic foods wafted through the air...Chicken Divan, Shrimp Cocktail, Cheese Balls, Bisquick Sausage Balls, Deviled Eggs, and lots of finger sandwiches. Hula Hoops lined the sidewalk, greeting guests as they arrived. A dance floor was cleared and dance contests were held...along with trivia questions, hula hoop contests, and more. Prizes for these contests were waiting on silver trays...Slinkys, Play Doh, Boston Baked Beans candy and Wrigley Spearmint Gum...all items introduced in the 1950s and 60s.

This photo was taken after the meal was done...
(We didn't arrive until after the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Of course,
watching Auburn play took precedent over anything else...and we had a
huge group at our home, eating chicken nuggets, in honor of the sponsor of the game.)

There were even "POODLE" cookies for dessert!

Photos from the 1950s and 60s were copied from the internet and framed in "Dollar Store" black frames. These were displayed on the mantle, the coffee table, and other surfaces throughout the room. These photos included Audrey Hepburn, James Dean, Elvis, Lucy and Marilyn Monroe, ads from this time period, and so much more...

The foyer table had framed photos (from the internet), album covers, sundae dishes with bubble gum...

and a CD of the host's high school rock/garage band. He's the bass player!
(That was a loooong time ago, Scott!)

For the mantle, we interspersed the framed photos with record album covers and LPs (from Salvation Army). A round-bulbed light string was added for a festive touch.
And a purchased "car" was placed in front of the opening.
This was later used for photographs of the guests...

The table was covered with a black and white checked cloth. There was a runner in the middle ...made from a 50s car covered fabric. The centerpiece was made from a GW cupcake stand, 45s and glue. Salvation Army LPs were placed on the table. Bubble gum was tossed all over the table, and Good and Plenty Candies were in old-fashioned sundae glasses.
LPs were also fastened to cake stands...just a little dot of hot glue did the trick. These stands were used for some of the finger sandwiches.

How to make the centerpiece...

One GW cupcake stand - $3.05
Gently pull out a few of the "springs" and tilt them.
Run a bead of hot glue to the uppermost part of the spring and attach a 45 record.

Fill in as needed...I used 9 records.

FINGER SANDWICH FILLINGS

1. Pimiento Cheese (purchased - I love the spread from The Fresh Market) on VERY THIN Pepperidge Farm white bread

2. Chicken and Pecan (finely diced white chicken meat, finely chopped pecans, a tiny touch of mayo or (gasp) Miracle Whip...just enough to bind the ingredients) on VERY THIN Pepperidge Farm whole wheat bread

3. Cream Cheese and Green Olive on soft white bread

To soften cream cheese, add diced green olive and mix together.

Add a little of the olive juice to make it easier to spread.

4. Cucumber Sandwiches on soft whole wheat bread

Spread a very thin layer of Ranch Dressing on one slice of the bread.

Spread a very thin layer of whipped cream cheese on the other slice of bread.

Top this slice with very thin slices of seedless cucumber. Top with the remaining bread.

5. Lemon Curd and Cream Cheese on soft white bread

Spread one slice of bread with a thin layer of soft cream cheese. Top with a thin layer of

lemon curd (purchased). Top with another slice of bread and gently press together.

6. Cherry Nut Spread on soft white bread

To softened cream cheese, add diced maraschino cherries and finely chopped pecans. (The filling will be a light pink.)

The SECRET to slicing crusts from bread and cutting these tiny sandwiches is using a serrated edge knife. (I share this because the ladies who were preparing the sandwiches were mangling them by pressing down and cutting with a regular knife. We had to toss several sandwiches away.) With a very light touch, hold the sandwich together with your fingers and gently "saw" the crusts from the bread. Then gently "saw" the sandwiches into triangles, rectangles or squares. The Lemon Curd/Cheese sandwich is easily cut with a round tiny biscuit cutter, if you desire.

Judging from the way the guests ate...these tiny sandwiches are still CLASSICS and ENJOYED today. Any of them are good for tea, parties, showers, game nights. They are an economical way to serve tasty food to guests without breaking the bank!

A-wop bop-a loo-mop, a-lop bam-boom!

Jane

I am linking up with Foodie Friday

Love...is all you need!

2011-12-31T10:16:00.003-05:00

MacDaddy....See what LOVE started....

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Family portrait...Tessa, WG, Beau, and Julie (Baby-Mama).
Beau and Tessa were dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. So funny!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

MG and his sweet friend, Miss J...

LOVE LOVE LOVE

DB and SC...

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED...

Palette Love....made for MG's new place
(So glad I was a first grade teacher...I can print in a fairly straight line...
even with a paintbrush!)

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and an adventurous

NEW YEAR...

filled with LOVE.

Jane

PS...Fifi Flowers...SC LOVED her "Hurley" painting!

THE BIRDS

2011-12-29T17:10:00.001-05:00

Today, I had the most amazing experience...and NO CAMERA!!!

I was visiting my brother's home and passed a pond in his neighborhood...FILLED with the most incredible birds... (I am borrowing photos from National Geographic and other online sources.)

What first caught my eye were the 30+ ANHINGAS floating and diving in the pond. As I left, they were all sitting together, drying their wings...

BLUE HERONS were scattered along the shore. Interestingly, they seemed to be spaced apart at equal distances. I wonder if that was a territorial thing or just a coincidence. My SIL and I counted 8 of these beauties...

Of course, there were many EGRETS feeding...and walking about...

and some ducks... floating...

The most amazing birds were 3 rare WOODSTORKS wandering together along the banks...and a few more at random points of land. We counted a total of 7...

All in all...there were about 100 wild birds in this one medium-sized pond. I hope to head back there tomorrow...just in case the birds are still hanging around...and I'll BRING MY CAMERA!!!

I am linking up with Outdoor Wednesday.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS...

2011-12-23T13:18:00.000-05:00

WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS...A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON...AND A PROSPEROUS

NEW YEAR!!!

This is the only kind of snowman we'll probably see...it's 80 degrees, today!

Praying that the true meaning of Christmas fills your home...

May you find JOY!

and PEACE...

MAY YOUR DAYS BE MERRY and BRIGHT...

and MAY ALL YOUR CHRISTMASES BE WHITE...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Jane

DECEMBER BEAUTY IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

2011-12-19T11:44:00.000-05:00

This weekend, my (patient) husband and I drove my sweet mama up to my sister's home in Mt. Dora...in central FL. For the first day in a month, the skies were gloomy...no rain, just clouds and gray....and the colors of Florida were truly displayed against the soft backdrop...

We were greeted by this beautiful coyote...He was laying right in the middle of the drive into my sister's neighborhood. As our car approached, he balefully looked at us, stood, and slowly ambled under the fence and into the pasture, where he, once again, laid down.

The presence of the coyote did not faze these cows...they were just feet away from each other!

The grays of the skies and lake were a perfect backdrop for the colors of the leaves, the reeds in the lake, and the bouganvilla. This is Lake Harris...and the view from my sister's home.

Remember this turtle planter? With his "filling" dormant, you can see the patterns on his shell. Don't you love the aging on him?

A few examples of the ground covers on the slope down to the lake.

It's FALL/Winter! See the colored leaves?
Notice the waving Spanish moss? Most natives of the south do NOT remove the moss from the trees. We think it's beautiful...

Cypress "knees" in the lake

Bouganvilla....

Red and white impatiens...planted by my mama on one of her trips to Mt. Dora.

These are tangerines...

This lone tree stands outside the pasture...down a rutted road, across from the orange grove. It's just there waiting for someone to find it...to share its bounty. This small tree (about 6 feet tall, and skinny...really small by grove standards) had HUNDREDS of tangerines. And I picked a basketful!!!

Some of the wildlife in a pond...look carefully, there are coots, ducks, an anhinga, an egret and a heron.

A pair of Sand Cranes...

COOKIES!!!

2011-12-14T13:20:00.000-05:00

Last night was our neighborhood's annual cookie exchange. As usual, it was so much fun...and delicious!!!
And, of course, I forgot my camera! DUH!!!

This is a photo taken from my friend's phone. As you can see...there are so many wonderful offerings...everything from the classic Peanut Blossoms to cupcake "Christmas Trees" (these were so cute...a regular-sized cupcake, with a mini cuppie and cookie star on top). There were Ritz Cracker/Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies (covered in dark chocolate and red melts), Pretzel-Toffee cookies, Chocolate Crinkles and Chocolate Chips, Classic Shortbread and Peppermint Cookies, Apricot Bars, Decadent Oreo No-Bake Cookies, and 2 kinds of Buckeye Candies...one in the traditional "buckeye" form, the other shaped like little MICE...sliced almonds for ears, skinny fruit roll-up for the tail. SO CUTE!

My contribution...thanks to bloggers!!!...was a Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Chunk cookie.

I made a few adjustments with the size (I used a Whoopie pie pan in place of the muffin top pan...made 4 oz. cookies), plus added an additional bit of caramel sauce on the top (drizzled it from the tines of a fork).

These cookies were truly fabulous! (Yes, I splurged and tasted one, or two...or five!) And they won our CE contest for best tasting cookie. Here's the link for the recipe. TRULY...you have GOT to try these!!! (photo is from picky-palate.com)
http://picky-palate.com/2010/05/20/salted-caramel-dark-chocolate-chunk-cookies-the-la-cookie/

I also made Chocolate Covered Grahams...again, thanks to a blogger.
(photo is from Shugarysweets.com)

I had difficulty with "dipping"...not because of the recipe, but because I am too impatient!...so I used a knife to spread the chocolates. I also pulverized the candy canes in my processor...to DUST. For me, this was better than biting into peppermint candy...which my teeth don't like very much.
http://www.shugarysweets.com/2011/12/chocolate-peppermint-grahams.html

Since I am ~~unable~~ not supposed to indulge in sweets, I used the neighborhood ladies...and their families...to test these recipes. And they were both HITS. And now that they have passed the "neighborhood test", I'll be making them for our Christmas party.

Happy baking....
Jane

IT'S HARD....

2011-12-07T23:54:00.000-05:00

To get motivated to finish decorating.

I started...and the tree is done

Special ornaments are in place...

And so is the mantle (except for the candles and stockings, and a bit more garland)...

But what did I do today?

I painted! (and it felt GOOD!)

Tomorrow, I will complete the entrance...and the new painting will hang above the bench (this was last year's entrance)

And all will be merry and bright...

Merry Christmas!

Jane

DOWNTOWN CHICKS...

2011-11-29T23:08:00.000-05:00

My 92 (almost 93!) year old mother and I went to lunch at one of her favorite restaurants in Ybor City. It's a place near her childhood home...and one of the "haunts" that she and my dad used to frequent.

La Tropicana Cafe is a landmarks in Ybor...

It's known for its Cuban cuisine...well, cuisine is really too fancy a word to use here...It's know for its FOOD!... Cuban sandwiches, ostrich egg-sized deviled crabs (my FAVORITE!), beans and rice, and cafe con leche.

Every morning, you will find the restaurant filled with old guys, dipping their Cuban toast into frothy cups of cafe con leche, reading La Gazetta (the Spanish newspaper), and discussing the events of the day. As lunch time approaches, the clientele shifts to business folk, locals, and the occasional tourists. The scent of Cuban sandwiches and black beans permeates the atmosphere...

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

The other day, Mom and I stopped in for a deviled crab and cafe con leche.

As we left...this is what we saw:

Yes...your eyes are NOT deceiving you.

That's a hen with chicks!

Actually, there were 10 chicks...and a few sparrows...feasting on the sidewalk.

They live in this hibiscus bush, right next to the restaurant. As we approached, several scooted under the leaves and into the branches...a foot above the sidewalk.

This was definitely NOT something you would expect to see...in the middle of town!!!

(I sure hope these little guys are not on the menu...Maybe I'll not order yellow rice and chicken, for awhile!)

Cheers,
Jane

I am linking with Outdoor Wednesday...

MY FIRST ANNIE SLOAN PROJECT...

2011-11-29T03:12:00.000-05:00

Found...one cabinet at the local Hospice Thift Store...HALF-PRICE DAY...only $17.00!!!

Bought...1 can Annie Sloan, Emperor Silk (Bright red) paint, clear and dark waxes...more than $17, but well worth it!!!

A little elbow grease...one door with dark wax, the other with clear wax. Lots more to do...

A beautiful, new cabinet to hold my dishes!

I LOVE THIS PAINT!

A NOVEMBER AFTERNOON...ON THE CAUSEWAY

2011-11-16T17:37:00.003-05:00

Saturday was a picture perfect day here on the Gulf coast...

After being cooped up in my studio, preparing for Art at Home, I needed a break. So MacDaddy and I drove down the street to the Dunedin Causeway...the entryway into Honeymoon Island...and the place we go just to get a tiny taste of "AHHHHHHHH.....".

We weren't the only ones with this idea...

This man was feeding (gasp!) the crows and sea gulls. This time of year, the crows migrate...usually they rest in the huge trees in our backyard. The sounds they make can be so great, that it's impossible to make conversation on the lanai.

Today, there were hundreds of crows in the palms that lined the causeway. It was an amazing sight to see...especially when they all swooped over the water and back. Sections of the blue sky were completely blocked out! It was an amazing sight!

And then there were the gulls....these silly guys actually posed for me!

(See that huge drift log at the top right corner? I WANT that!)

This guy actually seemed happy to be alone...but what you cannot see are the tiny birds scampering in the seaweed. There were about a dozen running about. So CUTE!

Then there were the brave souls on sail boards, paddle boards, and in kayaks. Brave, I say, because we have seen many sharks in these waters. MacDaddy actually hooked a hammerhead that was bigger than his kayak! Yikes!

This grandmother and grandson were having a ball...didn't see them catch any fish, but they caught a lot of seaweed...and giggled a lot!

On the other side of the causeway, the egrets and seagulls were fishing...and waiting for handouts from the fishermen who were lining the shore. The BIG guy had lots of tasty treats...but he really worked for them.

A few sandpipers were scampering in front of me...as I walked back to the car.

Time to get back to the studio...

For those of you in the Tampa Bay area, please stop in on Saturday...we'd love to see you!!!

Jane

I am linking up with Outdoor Wednesday at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com

and Watery Wednesday at http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com

PAINTING...PAINTING....PAINTING!!!

2011-11-06T17:36:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have not been around lately...I'm getting ready for the fall Art at Home....

Just 2 more weeks to go...

Here's a sneak peak at some of my painting projects...
Let's just say there is still a lot to be done...

Many more layers...
some new techniques (for me) to perfect...

and there are a couple of commissioned pieces to complete...

So, I'll see you when I finish....

Art at Home...November 19, from 10:30 - 3ish.
If you are in the Tampa Bay area, please stop by.
You can email me for directions...

Jane

Hallo-WINE

2011-10-30T11:17:00.000-04:00

Last night, MacDaddy and I attended a

"HALLO-WINE"

party.

Each guest was asked to bring a bottle of wine for a tasting. BUT...the wine bottle had to be in costume.

What a fun twist on the usual dress-up party!!!

There were some really creative costumes...

We had witches, mummies, and ghosts, a Geisha "girl", a hula dancer, a "poison" bottle complete with skull, Santa Claus, a Ninja, a flamingo, and more...

Can you guess which bottle we brought????

Hey...the game was on (that's the only way Marty would have attended. And Auburn won!)

OOPS.......

2011-10-18T16:27:00.001-04:00

I have learned that if there is anything around me that would cause me to fall...

be it HUGE like a boulder in the road...

or just a tiny shell resting on the sand...

I will always find a way to trip, stumble, and fall.

And so I did...

So to give me a little more time to paint, as my arm and wrist heal...

I am moving the date for our Art at Home show.

For those of you who are in the Tampa Bay area...and beyond...You are invited to join us on

Saturday, November 19

10:30 - 3:00 (ish)

Hope to see you here....

Hugs,

Jane

I'M LATE...I'M LATE...

2011-10-12T10:04:00.001-04:00

I'm late, I'm late

for a very important date

No time to say "Hello", "Goodbye"

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late

And when I wave,

I lose the time I save

My fuzzy ears and whiskers

Took me too much time to shave

I run and then I hop, hop, hop

I wish that I could fly

There's danger if I dare to stop

And here's the reason why

You see, I'm overdue,

I'm in a rabbit stew

Can't even say "Goodbye", "Hello"

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late.......

I am feeling a bit like the "White Rabbit"...there is so much to

do and so little time left. Our fall ART AT HOME
date is looming (November 5) and as usual, THE MUSE
is just beginning to hit full force. All my free time will
be spent in front of my easel (and my fingers will be
covered in paint). So I will be taking a leave from blogging
for a couple of weeks. I will try to stop by your blogs for a
visit... Hopefully, I will have paintings up for you to see...
and possibly purchase (if my guru gets things done in time).

See you soon...

Jane

ps For those of you in the Tampa Bay area, I hope you will

be able to stop by Art at Home. Shellbelle, Becky (the quilter) and I would love to see you. We have five artists sharing

their work...photographs, quilted art, paintings and driftshells. And we're gonna have some of Catherine's Cupcakes

(Sounds of Sight blog). They're worth the trip!!!

Email me for more information...

THE EARTH WITHOUT...

2011-10-03T12:34:00.000-04:00

My dear friend, Becky (One Shabby Old House), just sent this to me via FB... Isn't that the truth?!!!

So...I'm doing my part and PAINTING!!! See you soon...
Hugs,
Jane

FRITTATAs

2011-09-30T09:39:00.002-04:00

You know, it always amazes me how blogging opens doors for wonderful friendships...not only in written word, but in REAL LIFE. And it's really wonderful when the husbands/wives can share in the fun...

While in St. Augustine, MacDaddy and I had the wonderful privilege to share a meal with my dear friend, Mrs. Magpie (Sheila from Quintessential Magpie) and her husband. We met them at La Pentola...an absolutely wonderful restaurant in Old Town....for Sunday brunch. The menu was a mixture of Latin and Mediterranean cuisine...

As usual, I did not bring my camera with me, so no photos of the meal and the diners...

(restaurant photos courtesy of La Pentola website)

My meal was a chorizo frittata... one of the "comfort foods" from my childhood. Several times a week, my mother would make frittatas for lunch. Of course, she did not use the "special" ingredients used by the chef at La Pentola. She used the refrigerator...and all the leftovers from dinner the night before.

All those little bits of meats and veggies, plus a little sliced potato and onion, were sauteed in a pan with a little olive oil. Beaten eggs were added and the frittata was born.... It was always delicious (except when she added green peas. I didn't like them!)

Since we returned from our trip, I have been making frittatas for my lunch/brunch at least once a week. They're quick, easy, and oh, so good. Here's how (and you DON'T need a "frittata pan"!)

BASIC FRITTATA
Ingredients***:
1. a few pieces of thinly sliced potato
2. a little chopped sweet onion
3. 2-3 thin slices of deli ham, chopped
4. salt and pepper to taste

In a small, slope-sided pan, saute the potato and onion in a little olive oil. (I find covering the pan for a couple of minutes helps the potato to thoroughly cook). Add the ham and saute until it's lightly browned on the edges. In a bowl, scramble 2-3 eggs, then pour over the ham mixture. Gently lift the edges to allow the wet egg to get to the bottom of the pan. When the egg is set, gently slide the frittata onto a plate, and flip it over, back into the pan. At this point, I cover it for a minute, to make sure it's thoroughly cooked. Slide it onto your serving plate...and enjoy.

***You can use any combination of meats, vegetables, cheeses...whatever you like. It makes a wonderful light lunch or dinner...even breakfast. (I especially love a combination of chorizo (a Spanish sausage) and diced avocado. I serve this with a little salsa and a dollop of sour cream.)

Enjoy!
Jane

Check out all the wonderful recipes at FOODIE FRIDAY!

SIXTEEN!

2011-09-27T21:50:00.000-04:00

16!

That's the number of pelicans in this row...

When our boys were little, we played a game...counting the number of pelicans in the long rows over the beach and condo. We all tried to be the FIRST to count...and to find the longest row.

Well...on our recent trip to St. Augustine, I overheard my son and his wife playing this "game". My heart swelled....he remembered!

Nine!

* I'm linking with OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY

AND THE WINNER IS....

2011-09-25T11:45:00.000-04:00

Number 22..... LISA of
MOORE MINUTES.

Congratulations, Lisa! I know you will enjoy this cookbook. Send me your address and I'll get it mailed this week. (And I'll note some of our family favorite recipes, too.)

And for all the rest of you....keep watching. I'm going to have another contest soon...

Have a great Sunday!
Jane

DO YOU REMEMBER....

2011-09-19T14:57:00.001-04:00

THAT MISSPELLED SIGN I BOUGHT?

I promised I'd share my "repurposed" project with you...

and here it is...

Whatcha think???

(note the newspaper print...it's an article about the cookbook I am giving away)

Don't forget:

50th Anniversary Edition Gasparilla Cookbook giveaway...

The drawing will be September 25.

All you have to do is leave a comment...

For an extra chance, become a follower.

If you tell others about my giveaway, you'll get another chance.

Just be sure to tell me... LEAVE A COMMENT!!!

Have a great week...

Jane

PRIZE PEACH COBBLER (and a giveaway)

2011-09-16T12:48:00.001-04:00

My favorite cookbook is 50 years old! I read about it in the local paper today...

50 years ago, a group of women in Tampa's Junior League were looking for a way to raise money to help with their civic projects. They decided to write a cookbook. Little did they know that this book would become iconic...a staple gift for a young (or old ) bride, a housewarming gift, a tourist souvenir... Even Jackie Kennedy Onasis bought a copy at the Florida Pavilion at the 1964 Worlds' Fair. Her photo, carrying the cookbook, spurred nationwide sales of the cookbook!

What I love about this cookbook, is the glimpse it gives to the way of life in Tampa during the early 1960s. Each chapter is prefaced with beautiful stories of family, food, and the culture of the day. An example of this is the story telling of the manner in which Cuban bread was delivered...
"Long ago, when the 20th Century was still young, Cuban bread was delivered in a horse-drawn bakery wagon, and the deliveryman, swinging the loaf of bread like a bat, would impale it on a nail hammered to the side of the customer's house."
Another favorite example of the times is "Here in Tampa we women look forward to the Fall of the year when our men go forth in the morning as hunters, and return in the dusk as providers....There is something primitively satisfying in receiving from your man food for the table."
Throughout the book, recipe contributors are identified by their MARRIED names...such as Mrs. Joe Black. There is also a wonderful mixture of Spanish, Italian, Greek, Cuban, and Southern recipes found in its pages, reflecting the diversity of Tampa...and Florida. I especially love the recipes from favorite restaurants of my childhood...places that closed many, many years ago.

The artwork throughout the book is quite special. It was done by a local celebrity...Lamar Sparkman. His drawings were found in the pages of the Tampa Tribune, for years. This is one of his drawings of the pirate, Jose Gaspar, and his (decorated for the Gasparilla festival) pirate ship.

(You can read more about this festival at: http://artfullygraced.blogspot.com/2010/01/pirates-are-coming.html )

OK....why am I telling you about this cookbook...besides the fact that I love it so much that my copy is beginning to fall apart (It is 35 years old...)?

On September 25, I am going to give away a 50th Anniversary edition to one lucky winner. Here's how you enter...
1. Leave me a comment.
2. Become a follower of Artfully Graced
3. Tell others about this giveaway.

Here's one of my favorite recipes from the cookbook...

Prize Peach Cobbler
from Mrs. Julian Lane (Frances and her husband, Sen. Julian Lane, were very dear family friends. I have used her cobbler recipe for 35 years...and ALWAYS receive raves!)

3/4 cup flour
Less than 1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 cups fresh sliced peaches
1 cup sugar

Sift flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix with 1 cup sugar; slowly stir in milk to make batter. Melt butter in 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan. Pour batter over melted butter. Do not stir. Carefully spoon over this the peaches and sugar, mixed thoroughly. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Serves 6. Delicious hot or cold. Serve with cream, if desired.
***I have cut the sugar in half... 3/4 cup in the batter, and 1/4 cup in the peaches. I also use the batter recipe with different fruits or fruit mixtures, such as blueberry and peaches, together. Yum!

I am linking with Foodie Friday

Ahhhhhhhh........

2011-09-13T19:46:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful couple of weeks...

This was the view through our bedroom window...what a way to begin a vacation!

Just steps from our patio...the boardwalk to the sea.

Each morning, we were greeted with a different sky scene...always beautiful...always a gift!

We were even treated with TWO complete rainbows...an incredible sight!

The beach was really crowded....

And the waves were PERFECT for surfing and body-surfing.

(See the shrimp boat trawling behind the waves? We ate fresh shrimp

almost every day!)

There are not a lot of shells on this beach...but those I found were GORGEOUS!

Sunsets were colorful over the marsh...

On our last morning...the sea was saying goodbye until next time...

I really hated to leave!

I came back refreshed and inspired.
Now it's time to paint!

“The waves of the sea, Help me get back to me.”

--Jill Davis

Jane

I am posting with Outdoor Wednesday.

GUESS WHERE...

2011-09-01T09:06:00.000-04:00

I'M GOING.....

Internet service can be a bit sketchy, so I'll probably not see you for a couple of weeks. But I'll be thinking of you...well, maybe not. I'll be busy swimming, walking, sketching, reading, snoozing, hanging out with my hubby, exploring, shooting photos...You get the idea.
I'll see you in a couple of weeks...

Have a wonderful holiday weekend.....and WEAR SUNSCREEN!
Jane

IT'S ALMOST HERE...

2011-08-29T10:00:00.077-04:00

COLLEGE FOOTBALL BEGINS THIS WEEK!!!
ARE YOU READY?

Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar
All for FOOTBALL, stand up and holler!

More importantly....at least around our house...

AUBURN FOOTBALL BEGINS!

Bodda Getta Bodda Getta Bodda Getta Bah!
Rah Rah Rah!
Sis Boom Bah!
Weegle, Weegle
War Dam Eagle
Kick 'em in the butt Big Blue!
Hey!

Can you tell I am excited? Around here, my husband has been giving us all the Auburn stats...who's the starting QB...who's the fastest...which high school recruit is showing the most promise...and so on, and so on.

Track 'em Tigers

Just like beagles!

Give 'em hell

You War Damn Eagles!

Hey!

Our flag and banner are waiting to be hoisted onto the house and into the trees (we're even taking one to St A!)...orange and blue dishes have been washed and are ready to hold their goodies...

And I already have a bet going on with "Constant Chatter..."

Now, all I need are some delicious "tailgating" recipes...
If I could figure out this "link" thing, I'd start a "Tailgate Recipe" party. But, I am computer-challenged...so here's the deal...
If you have any special tried and true, favorite recipe that would be a great addition to a football tailgate, please send it to me. I promise, I'll post it...and I'll share my recipes, too.
Email is fine.

Here's one of our favorites:

Jalapeno Popper Spread

2 blocks cream cheese, softened

1/2 jar diced jalapeno peppers*, plus some of the juice (more or less, to taste)

Parmesan Cheese, shredded (I use freshly grated cheese, adding some to the spread and enough to cover the top.)

1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs (actually, I just sprinkle on top until the spread is covered)

Fold the peppers and juice into the softened cream cheese. Put the mixture into an oven-proof baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan Cheese on top, to cover. Sprinkle the Panko crumbs on top. Bake at 350 degrees until warmed through. Serve with pita chips, baguette slices, tortilla chips, etc.

*I use Mt. Olive Diced Jalapenos.

**There are many versions of this dip online...some call for mayo and green chilis, some add cheddar or Mexican cheese blends. They're all very good. Since I am not a big fan of mayo in spreads, I try to leave it out. The result is a lighter version of the spread. Just play with this recipe...make it your own.

ENJOY THE GAMES!
and
WAR EAGLE!

(Can you tell I was a cheerleader...)

Hugs!

Jane

The World of Robyn Story...

2011-08-26T00:35:00.000-04:00

Enter the world of Robyn Story Design and Boutique...

It's a magical place, filled with treasures to make your heart soar...and inspire your creativity.

Robyn and her staff go out of their way to ensure that you have a wonderful experience...

From the moment you enter, they are ready to assist you in any and every way. Both times I have visited, a cool beverage was offered, and there were things to nibble all around the store (Robyn loves to cook!)

And if you are not sure how or where to use something you see, Robyn and her incredible staff can advise...

Every direction you turn...
look up, look down, look behind and under...and you will see beautiful accessories for your home.

Robyn is already getting into the Christmas spirit...after all, it's August and retail. You have to be ready...

Speaking of florals, this is just ONE room of flowers. I was totally in awe of the varieties. The photo does not do it justice...you cannot see the depth of the room!

As someone who has taught floral arranging, I was enthralled by the sheer amount of flowers, not to mention the unusual assortment...
My hands were itching to arrange a bouquet...or decorate one of the trees.

Here is one of the Christmas trees...
Can't you just see it gracing a table in your foyer, or in my case, the piano...

Santa was holding court...making sure the customers were being Nice, not Naughty...

I fell in love with these bookends...They were hiding on a table filled with...EVERYTHING!

(I really love the use of burlap throughout the store... You know how much I love burlap!)

As I turned another corner, this is what I saw....

A group of bloggers, playing with the Annie Sloan Chalk Paints!!! (and lots of food!)

It was one of Robyn's "Luncheon Functions". These bloggers came from all over central Florida...many met in person for the very first time.

And all had a wonderful time...

I even got to play with the paints...

This is my practice piece...and the color I purchased...

Emperor Silk.

I have read of the love for this paint in so many blogs, but I was still skeptical....that is, until I tried it. As the old Monkee song says...

"I'm a believer".

(I just finished my first project...an old dresser mirror. I'll share it with you soon.)

If you are in the Tampa area...be sure to visit Robyn Story and her boutique. You will have so much fun!!!

You can visit Robyn's blog here:

http://robynstorydesigns.blogspot.com

Jane

PLAYING TOURIST...

2011-08-23T15:49:00.002-04:00

Living here in a major vacation destination for both domestic and international tourists, we often overlook some really interesting activities. We have busy lives and often get caught up in the "catch-up around the house and yard" mentality and we forget to appreciate the beauty of our city...

This day, MacDaddy and I had breakfast at one of our favorite joints...Lenny's (this place gets its own post!), then headed toward the beaches. They're just a short hop from here...We began driving in and out of the streets of an old neighborhood along the sound and discovered...

This pier in Bellair...It juts out from the shore into the bay. It was a favorite spot for many fishermen this morning...

There's something special about these crusty ol' fishermen...they just LOVE to talk with you about their casting techniques and about the "one that got away". This man had some great shark stories!!!

This is the view across Clearwater Harbor to Sand Key (on the barrier island, just south of Clearwater Beach)...Sand Key is primarily condos and private homes. There are two major hotels there, but they really blend in...the Sheraton Sand Key, which faces the Gulf, and the Marriott, which is bayside. Both are wonderful properties. There is also a county park with lots of beach access, pavillions, dressing rooms, and parking. (Pinellas County has some of the most beautiful parks!!!) The buildings in the above photo are all condominiums. The one in the center is where my brother has a beautiful hideaway. Although he lives right across Tampa Bay, he and his sons spend as much time as possible in this apartment...It's a wonderful respite from the stresses of the work week...

And this is what he sees from his balcony... Ahhhh......

Looking from the pier to Clearwater Beach...hotels, condos and private homes.

All along the sound are boats...huge and small.

From the pier, we spy a private island enclave...never noticed it before! The only way to get into this neighborhood seems to be through a guarded gate/bridge.

Here in Bellair and Clearwater, there are mansions which rival those found in Palm Beach. Many are behind huge walls...for privacy. And yes, there are many celebrities who live (or have lived) behind those walls...

We headed north, to Dunedin. It's the community just north of Clearwater...Lots of marinas, restaurants and shops. Our destination is the fish market...for tonight's dinner.

Right next to the fish market is a delightful open air restaurant. We thought we'd sit awhile, and enjoy a coffee., but.....

there was a tremendous clash of thunder. And we noticed the skies to the east were BLACK and rolling. Imagine...BLACK clouds on one side, gorgeous blue skies with billowy white clouds on the other. Which ones do we pay attention to? BLACK!!! Head for the car...lightning strikes a short distance away, and the skies open up.

It was our typical summer storm...and time to head home.

Come down for a visit!
Jane

I will be linking with Susan for Outdoor Wednesday.

M is for MUFFINS

2011-08-19T01:38:00.000-04:00

There is nothing MacDaddy and I love more than muffins for breakfast. They're quick, easy, and delicious!
This time of year, with all the fresh blueberries available, I make LOTS of blueberry muffins.

My absolute favorite, versatile muffin recipe is straight from the old red-checked Better Homes and Gardens cookbook I received as a wedding present in 1976. The muffins are crumbly, slightly dry, not too sweet, and have lots of crannies just waiting to hold melting butter....the way muffins are supposed to be! Mmmmmm......

Using this recipe, I make not only fresh blueberry muffins, but date-pecan muffins, apple muffins, cinnamon-struesel muffins, and more...

Jane's Favorite Muffins

1 3/4 cup sifted all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup oil (I use "Best Blend" or vegetable oil)

Sift dry ingredients and put into a medium bowl. Add slightly beaten egg, milk and oil. Gently stir until ingredients are moistened. (DO NOT OVERWORK THE BATTER). Gently fold in desired fruits or nuts*. Spoon into prepared muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees. Yield 1 dozen standard-sized muffins or 3 dozen mini-muffins (reduce the baking time for the minis) .

*For Blueberry Muffins:
Fold in 1 cup or more fresh blueberries (I use almost a whole pint. I LOVE blueberries!!!)

*For Date-Pecan Muffins:
Fold in chopped dates...about a cup (or more if desired) and chopped pecans...about 1/2 -3/4 cup. (I use the Dole Chopped Dates, found with the dried fruits at your grocery store)

To complete our breakfast, we often add a bowl of fresh fruit with Greek yogurt, a cool beverage, coffee, and the Wall Street Journal. And of course, sitting poolside makes a simple meal, an experience!
Enjoy...
Jane

I am linking with Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum. Be sure to stop by to check out the wonderful recipes there.

"For the War Effort"

2011-08-12T15:12:00.000-04:00

Today, I visited the blog of one of my young TX friends.. Her mother and I have been friends for many, many years, and I have watched this young woman grow from a child into a beautiful wife and mother.
Her post was interesting, as usual...

This is the photo that captured my attention...

At first I though Anna's 4 children were preparing for an onslaught in their back yard...maybe water balloons or flour bombs (I wouldn't put it past them to do this!).

But, no, they were preparing for an even greater war...

They were readying to do battle FOR the Lord!

The children were making parachutes for a Bible drop to guerilla controlled areas in Columbia! Each parachute had the message "Dios es Amor" (God is love.)

"I imagine a young soldier in fatigues looking up to the sky and seeing this billowing gift. As the spiritual war rages, God gave us this unique chance to send his message of love to the war weary. " (Anna)

If this intrigues you, you can find more information on this project/mission at the link below. There is a short video on the link that demonstrates what these missionaries do.

What a wonderful project this is for the young people in your church!

http://etools.vomusa.org/a/vomso/bg_vomso_wdbm-20110707-colombiaParachutes_443.html

"Put on the armor..."

Jane

SHRIMP AND PASTA SALAD with BASIL AND GARLIC DRESSING

2011-08-04T20:19:00.000-04:00

AUGUST HEAT...IT'S JUST TOO HOT TO COOK!

But we still love to entertain our friends...
Here's one of our favorite company meals...

SHRIMP AND PASTA SALAD
with Basil and Garlic Dressing
Chilled Asparagus Spears
Chilled French Green Beans
Fresh Tomatoes
Fresh Mozzarella slices
Assorted crackers and garlic toasts*
Lemon Basil Sorbet and Shortbread (from Fresh Market)

The recipe for the Shrimp and Pasta salad was given to me by my wonderful sister-in-law. It's simple, make ahead, and super delicious...perfect for a hot summer's day! It's even easier when you purchase cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp from your local grocery or fish market!

BASIL AND GARLIC DRESSING
(makes about 1/2 cup)

2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
Pinch of freshly ground pepper
1/2 tsp. Tabasco sauce
1 heaping tsp. fresh basil, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

SALAD
1 4oz. jar/can marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup sliced ripe (black) olives
6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. salt
1 pound small shrimp, boiled, deveined, and chilled
1/2 pound Penne Rigate, cooked (al dente), rinsed and chilled
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Red-tipped leaf lettuce to line the plates...

Prepare the dressing by combining all ingredients except the olive oil in the work bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade.Process until smooth. With the processor still running, slowly add the olive oil through the feed tube. Process an addition 15 seconds to form a strong emulsion. Refrigerate.

To prepare the salad, combine all ingredients except lettuce leaves in a large bowl. Toss to blend well. Add the dressing and stir to incorporate. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve the salad on individual serving plates lined with the lettuce leaves.
Serves 4-6.

THIS DISH WAS SO EASY TO PREPARE...AND DELICIOUS!

The Lemon Basil Sorbet was made with my Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker...the recipe was from the accompanying cookbook. It was quite TART...which may be due to the fact that I don't think I added all the suggested sweetener. (I experimented with using a sugar substitute. OOPS!) Thanks to our innovative guests, we learned that the sorbet was delicious when added to our glasses of water. It made a refreshing lemonade-style beverage. (Thanks for experimenting, Becky!)

Remember...even when you goof up a recipe, you can laugh about it with your guests. It just adds to the fun and the stories...and the teasing! (One day, I'll live this one down...)

Especially when it's HOT, I like to purchase parts of the meal. Not only does it keep the kitchen much cooler, it keeps me more relaxed and allows me to truly enjoy my guests. (There was a time when I wouldn't be caught dead doing this...I finally got smart!)

* For this meal we served flavored Triscuits (Olive Oil and Rosemary, and Fire-roasted Tomato) and garlic toast rounds purchased from the bakery department at our local grocer. (Both Publix and Fresh Market always have these on the shelves.)

Our table design was simple...

My favorite burlap fabric
Rattan chargers (WM)
Coral plates (C&B)
Rattan candle holder (hg)
Asst. Shells and Starfish
Fishing Floats (found on various beaches)
Coral printed napkins (The Fresh Market)
Starfish Dessert Plates (TJM)
Dessert Dishes (C&B)*

We kept everything very simple...ate in the breakfast room, overlooking the pool. Lots of wonderful Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde (wine) accompanied the meal...mmmm.
(This is my new favorite...and it came in pale blue bottles...they're already on my bottle tree!)

*In case you are looking for a very versatile dessert dish, check these out... They're from Crate and Barrel...$2.50 each or 12 for $24.95. I think I have used these dishes MORE than anything else in my cabinets. They can be used for so many things...and they hold just the right amount of dessert.

I am connecting with Foodie Friday! See you there...

Have a wonderful weekend...and stay cool!

Jane

ONE MORE MONTH...

2011-08-03T12:45:00.001-04:00

and AUBURN FOOTBALL BEGINS!!!

We're already gearing up for gamedays...checking out tailgating recipes to try...planning trips to Alabama for a few games...getting our flag ready for mounting on the tree...practicing our cheers... COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS!

Will we have another season like last year's? Who knows. But will we have FUN? Heck YEAH!

Get your voices ready....

Waaaaaaaaaar Eagle, HEY!

Do you have a favorite college football team?

What are some of your traditions?

Jane

THREE YEARS AGO...

2011-08-02T23:53:00.000-04:00

This lovely lady joined our family....our first "daughter".

HAPPY 3rd ANNIVERSARY TO SC AND DB!!!

May you celebrate many, many more years of happiness, joy, and love.

AND YES, SHE'S BECOME A HUGE AUBURN FAN!!!

DAY IS DONE...

2011-07-27T01:05:00.003-04:00

Golden sunlight...It's the end of the day.

We head out to the dock to watch the progression of the sun as it

sets over Lake Harris...(Tavares, FL)

The light begins to dim...

gentle waves lap the shore as a boat glides by...

Just a little bit to the left, you can glimpse the sun as it heads into the horizon....

And the show begins...

Then goodnight, peaceful night,

Till the light of the dawn shineth bright.

God is near, do not fear,

Friend, goodnight.

*This final verse, in one of the lyrical adaptations of Taps, was written by Horace Lorenzo Trim

May your day and night be filled with peace...

Jane

I am linking with Laura at Wayfaring Wednesday and

with Susan at Outdoor Wednesday.

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER TRACY'S ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY...IT ENDS ON JULY 31.

ON AUGUST 1, SHE WILL DRAW THE WINNERS...THERE WILL BE 5 OF THEM! (AND ONE OF THE PRIZES IS A PAINTING FROM ME)

YOU CAN CHECK IT OUT HERE...

http://msbake-it.blogspot.com

It's the new.....

2011-07-26T01:13:00.002-04:00

Cake Pops....it's the new cupcake!

No one can make these like my sweet daughter-in-law, SC!
She uses imported chocolate, imported vanilla, and European butter to make her gourmet pops.

This sweet lady made 100 of these pops for my great-niece's bridal shower. Each cake pop was inserted into a clear sleeve and tied with a green satin ribbon. She presented them in small terra cotta flower pots, fitted with 1/2 rounds of florist foam, to hold the pops in place. Each pot held 12-15 pops...so no filler was needed. (With less, she would have added a little moss or raffia to cover the foam.)

SC also provided these adorable party favors...

They're peat pots, filled with raffia and tied with a ribbon. In each pot, we placed 2 cake pops for each guest to take home with her.

My 14 year-old great nephew filled a little pot with as many cake pops as it would hold, then took a bunch in his hand. Needless to say, he LOVED them!

(You can meet SC at Sounds of Sight blog. Maybe she'll share one of her cake pop recipes...)

GUESS WHO'S HAVING A BIRTHDAY TODAY...

2011-07-25T00:00:00.001-04:00

HERE ARE A FEW CLUES...

She LOVES the beach...the ocean...anything that has to do with the sea...

She lives in Florida...was raised in California...

She LOVES sea shells....SHE SELLS SEA SHELLS...(driftshells, that is)

She loves her kids...2 of them!

She loves her friends...tons of them!

She is fun! (It's so much fun to hang out with her!!!)

She is passionate about the ocean...and engages us to take care of it...

SHE IS A MERMAID AT HEART!

She has a huge heart!

She is one of those rare people that you meet...and think that you've been friends for years, not minutes.

She is my FRIEND...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHELLBELLE!!!

and may you celebrate many, many more special days!

Love,

Jane

I am linking up with Loui, at Mountain Mermaid for a virtual party for our friend, Rhonda. Be sure to send best wishes...

BLUEBERRY SALSA

2011-07-21T12:26:00.000-04:00

While browsing the magazine rack at my local bookstore, I came across a wonderful Southern Living special edition cookbook...
101 ESSENTIAL SOUTHERN RECIPES.

With a title like this, what self-respecting southern girl could pass up the opportunity to browse through the pages...

The first photo in the appetizer section caught my eye...and enticed me to purchase the book. (See it on the left). It's a photo of BLUEBERRY SALSA.

Now, I LOVE salsas...and I LOVE BLUEBERRIES (and they're healthy and diabetic friendly!!!) So this recipe called to me.... It lived up to the photo...and was worth the price of the cookbook. (There are many fabulous recipes in this book...well worth the cost!)

BLUEBERRY SALSA

2 cups coarsely chopped fresh blueberries
1 cup whole fresh blueberries
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (I used lime, because I had it on hand)
3 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1/3 cup red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 tsp. kosher salt (I used sea salt)

Toss together all the ingredients in a large bowl. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 8 hours.

I served the salsa with baked flour tortillas...
Cut flour tortillas with a pizza cutter. Lay in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lightly spritz with no-stick spray...or spritz with a little vegetable/olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt (I use VERY LITTLE). Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Then store in a plastic storage bag or airtight container until ready to use.

* In the photo of the Salsa, the tortilla strips look like fried flour tortillas. These would be excellent, but I am watching my diet...the baked tortillas were a healthier alternative.

This little cookbook is jam-packed with southern goodness. You will find everything from Heavenly Angel Food Cake to Southern Style Collard Greens to Cornbread Crostini... "Classics Every Cook Should Know! Check it out....

Gotta run...I've got a Watermelon-and-Tomato Salad calling to me....
Jane

Check out all the wonderful recipes at Foodie Friday...
Thank you, Michael Lee, for gathering us "foodie" bloggers together.

I SCREAM....YOU SCREAM...WE ALL SCREAM FOR....

2011-07-17T14:45:00.003-04:00

ICE CREAM!

It's NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY!!!

visit www.bluebell.com
They make the BEST store-bought ice cream!

Have you ever craved something so badly that your teeth ached...your head ached...you could almost TASTE it? Share your story...

Here's mine:

When MacDaddy and I were househunting in Philadelphia...some 30 years ago...every store in downtown Philly had photographs of huge cones of strawberry ice cream. My visual sense was tantalized and my taste buds followed. Oh, how I wanted a cone...or even just a spoonful...of strawberry ice cream. BUT...we could not find a single store that sold strawberry ice cream!!! Not even the ice cream store!!! (They were out...) I cannot tell you how many places MD and I visited... I was in TEARS!!! (of course, I was newly pregnant!)

After apologizing to me over and over again, MD finally called room service at our hotel to ask for this delectable treat...A single scoop of strawberry was found in the back of the freezer and delivered to our room (for a VERY HIGH PRICE, I might add). It was covered in ice crystals...and had a "freezer burn" taste...but oh my, that was the best strawberry ice cream I ever ate! (Actually, the ice cream was not very good, but it was exactly what this pregnant mama wanted.)

To this day...I LOVE STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM!!!

Hmmmmm.....I have all the ingredients....I think I'll go make some.

See ya!

Check out Ms Bake-It's giveaway...one each day for a week!!!

ARTFULLY GRACED IS FEATURED IN MS. BAKE-IT'S GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-07-15T10:56:00.001-04:00

Imagine my SURPRISE when I stopped by Ms. Bake-It's blog this morning!! I knew Tracy was going to give away one of my original paintings, but I never thought she would share so many photos of my work...Wow! I am overwhelmed!!!

Tracy is celebrating her 2nd anniversary of blogging with a week of give-aways. And believe me, there are some wonderful things on her list. (I am partial to the gorgeous notecards from KTDesigns!) Each of them are drool-worthy... And if you don't know Tracy, you are in for a TREAT!!! She is one of the sweetest women I know. And boy, can she cook!!! She shares many of her recipes (Check out her blueberry pie. It's incredible!), lots of gorgeous "sky" photos, and her love for her family...especially for her grandbaby. (He's truly precious...and has the sweetest cheeks and lips!!!). Stop by to see her...and get on the list for her give-aways...

As for the painting I am working on for this giveaway...imagine whimsical dragonflies...similar to these. (It will be smaller...for mailing purposes. This one is huge and heavy!) These comical guys have been hanging around on our lanai for 3 years...and they seem to eat bugs. Or maybe it's the turquoise painted wall in the background that's repelling the critters...

(Did you know...bugs don't like blue. )

Here's a few more examples of my whimsical art...

My favorite egret...NFS

Big Shoes...a commissioned item

Easter Bunny...sold

Oh what a beautiful morning...NFS

Funky Rooster...sold

Egret scratching...sold

Gobi Fish and Tropical Froggies...both sold

Be sure to visit Tracy...and come back for a visit here at Artfully Graced. I am hoping my computer ~~nerd~~ guru will get my website up and running soon. There I will share my newest paintings...and even offer some of my items for sale.

Have a wonderful and creative weekend.

Jane

A WALK IN THE WOODS ON A SUMMER"S DAY...Amicolala Falls, Dawsonville, GA

2011-07-14T12:19:00.007-04:00

Amicolala Falls State Park is only an hour and a half from Atlanta...in the Georgia mountains. Winding through the tall trees of the Chattahoochee National Forest are beautiful hiking trails...and the trail head of the Appalachian Trail, which winds 2000 miles from here all the way to Maine. The park gets its name from
Amicolala Falls...the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River...729 ft. There are many ways to enjoy the park...camping, hiking, fishing, picnic pavilions, cabins for rent, rooms at 2 lodges...

The following photographs are from the Georgia Parks website

http://galodges.com/lodges/amicalola/ Take a minute and visit...It's a beautiful place.

A view of the mountains...

A view of the exterior of the Lodge..and some of the hydrangeas...

While we were there, a couple of rangers did a talk about some of the wildlife in the part... Our show was conducted by twin rangers....We were introduced to a variety of owls. I loved the barn owl. He was a "houdini"...

There are presentations by the rangers...these little guys were part of the show.

The following photos are from my own camera...

Our view from the table...in the Maple Restaurant (at the Lodge)

View from our table at the Maple Restaurant...in the lodge. It was a hazy day...

I finally saw a bear!!!

Hydrangea bloom...in front of the lodge, there is a large bed of hydrangeas...in FULL bloom!!!

Reflecting pool...the water was a bit low...

Lower falls....

Spills....

Water, lights and shadows...a perfect combination

I love wild flowers....

Dappled light on the rocks....

Shadows on the leaves....

Splashing water in the lower falls...

A little color along the path...

Sun and shadows...

Tree stump...

Snake sunning himself on the rocks above the falls....there were warning signs all over.

These are some of the BIGGEST tadpoles I've ever seen! They're about 6" long and 3" in diameter.

The sound of the water was so soothing...

Old tree...I wonder who lives in here....

Note the juxtaposition of these trees...fascinating!

BIG CANOE...

2011-07-11T18:20:00.003-04:00

borrowed form the Big Canoe website

Over the 4th of July weekend, Marty and I flew up to Atlanta, then drove to Big Canoe...a GORGEOUS community in the foothills of north GA. My sister and BIL recently purchased a home on top of one of the ridges, and they graciously invited us to visit. Ahhhhhh....it's such a beautiful place. From their deck, you look over valleys and up to the next ridge. All you hear are the rustling of the leaves...and the deer...and the squirrels...and the BEARS! Yes...I said bears! Unfortunately, all I saw was the backside of one bear, as he ambled toward the caves. But the morning we left...before I got up, darn it!...my BIL was treated to the sight of 3 cubs, scrambling down his driveway and up a tree, and their momma calling them down to head away from the house. (Max, the labradoodle, had been barking and scared the little guys.)

We explored the community . It's an INCREDIBLE place with something for everyone...fishing, boating, swimming in both pools and lake...golf...hiking...restaurants...tennis...and so much more! (remember Aunt Hortense...the 99 yr. old kayaker (6/28/11)...She and her husband were the first managers of Big Canoe...back in the '70s!) We also shopped at the Williams-Sonoma Outlet in Dawsonville(!)...visited Amicolala Falls (the highest falls east of the Mississippi)...and explored an incredible furniture store - Lakota Cove.

Here are some photos of our weekend adventures... All of these are taken in Big Canoe...

From the deck of the cabin...

A young buck...at the neighbor's house...Yes, he's real. His eyes just look like a zombie...or maybe he's a vampire deer.

Tree stump at the cabin...

The view from the Big Canoe club restaurant...

View from the Big Canoe Club restaurant...You can see some of the golf course...

Another view from the country club restaurant...

Hungry squirrel...

Reflection on the lake...

Is it a bear????

Even in beautiful communities, trash is left behind. My BIL picked these items up while on a hike...

This is the only "bear" I could capture on film...MAX.

Check in later this week for photos of Amicolala Falls...

Hugs,

Jane

***I am linking up with Wayfaring Wednesday at decortoadore.blogspot.com and Outdoor Wednesday at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Another Year....

2011-07-06T19:04:00.000-04:00

Fifty-eight years old...where has the time gone? I still don't feel like I have that many years behind me. In fact, there are days I think I'm still in my 20s!!! And I certainly do not look like the 58-year-old women portrayed on TV...no gray hair (and no salon hair color, thank you very much!) In fact, my hair seems to be getting blonder! My face has few more wrinkles...and it sags a little under the chin. My joints do not ache too much...but it IS difficult getting up from the floor. (YUK!) Yeah, I am carrying around a few too many pounds...but I am still working on that. And this spring, I became a PWD - person with diabetes. (And I am working hard to reverse that!) And then, I catch a glance of my reflection in a mirror or window and I wonder "who is that old woman?".Where has the time gone? That's the question I ask each year...

The past 58 years began with the usual growing up years: school and all the activities which go along with that...then college (3 of them...Mercer, FSU, and USF). With all the college transferring, I met some truly amazing people. But much to my regret, I did not make those really "close" college friends that follow you through life. I married a wonderful man, taught bright young kindergarten and first grade children for several years, then began to have my own brood. I worked hard to settle our family into many different communities as we moved with MacDaddy's jobs. Together, MacDaddy and I raised three incredible sons. Thanks to our unorthodox education plan...home school, plus private school, plus public school, plus college...our sons have learned to think for themselves - outside the proverbial box. Each has chosen his own path...not the roads I always "thought" they would take. But how could I ever expect anything differently from my boys? They love their family, love their country, and, most importantly, they love God. They are all self-sufficient! And in the past couple of years, two of them have married wonderful young women...the kind for whom we have been praying since the day they were born! For what more could a mother ask?

I have made some wonderful friends in my life...the kind that you might not see very often, but you always pick right up where the conversation last ended. These are those wonderful people with whom I "do life". I have also deepened my friendship with my sister. Having her live just a couple of hours away has truly been a blessing! And I have made some wonderful friends in the world of blogging. Now this, I find amazing! The women I have met "here" have been so encouraging...even more so than my family!!! Meeting up with several of them has been a joy. And there are some I so look forward to meeting in person, one of these days (JM...you hear that?)
Through my 58 years, I have held many different jobs...I have been a speaker on many diverse topics, a youth group leader, an administrative assistant for a HUGE youth program, a Bible teacher (never thought I could do this!), a craft instructor, a designer, an artist, a wedding planner, a party and event planner, a fundraiser, the team mom for many sports teams, and a sales and marketing consultant with three separate companies. I've even been on TV! Some of these jobs paid, some were strictly voluntary. As my nest emptied, I approached the next life question many of us ask: What do I want to be when I grow up?

Well, for the past year, I have been concentrating totally on my painting. I have found fulfillment in doing this. And I have actually sold quite a few paintings. Most importantly, I LOVE painting...and creating. I find it to be relaxing, motivating, satisfying, frustrating...well, you get the idea. Now, I need to see how far I can go with this passion. Who knows...

Have I grown up? Who knows. Will I find a new passion? Well...I guess that will be determined as I move throughout my life. After all, life is a journey...........and I am going to enjoy the trip!

Happy Birthday to me!

Pomodoro with Butter...

2011-07-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

Light! Tasty! Filling! Healthy!......And a great way to get your family to eat more vegetables!

For what more could you ask?

When my boys were young...and in the "I hate vegetable" stages...I frequently made this wonderful sauce. The recipe was given to my by a fabulous young chef.* (She was in her teens, at the time.)
Using fresh plum tomatoes (or whatever you can get your hands on), carrots and onion, this sauce makes a very light and tasty dish. (Don't tell my guys...I used to add an extra couple of carrots and grind everything up in the food processor. They never knew they were eating carrots!!!) If you are in a pinch...you can used canned tomatoes or boxed...I prefer Pomi - it has no ingredients except TOMATOES (imagine that!)

POMODORO Sauce with Butter

2 lbs ripe plum tomatoes

1/4 lb. butter, cut into 8 pieces

1 medium onion, peeled and quartered

1 medium carrot, peeled and quartered

1/4 tsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 Tbsp finely chopped basil

freshly ground pepper

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Wash tomatoes and cut each in half. Cook over low heat in a covered saucepan for 15 minutes. Put them through a food mill to puree. (I use my food processor)

2. In a medium saucepan, place butter, onion and carrot, sugar, salt and basil. Add the tomato puree. Simmer over low heat for 40 minutes, uncovered. Stir frequently and be sure the simmer does not come to a boil.

3. Remove onion and carrot pieces. Adjust sauce for salt seasoning and serve over freshly cooked pasta (I prefer this on Angel Hair pasta). Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and Parmesan cheese.

***Today, with my new "lifestyle", I use Dreamfields Pasta or Whole Wheat pasta. Not bad...not bad at all.

Hope you enjoy this recipe...

Jane (Artfully Graced)

I an linking up with Foodie Friday...Check it out!

*Thought you'd like to know...that young chef went on to graduate from CIA...has been a on TV, a private chef, worked in some of the best restaurants in TX, headed up research and development for two of the largest restaurant companies...among other things. And she's in her 30s!!! Pretty impressive...

Age is Just a Number...and an ATTITUDE!

2011-06-28T09:29:00.002-04:00

This is my Aunt Hortense. Last Sunday, she celebrated her 99th birthday by going kayaking with her grandson and several other family members. Four generations of family gathered for this historic adventure...

If ever there was a role model for how to live life to the fullest, it's my sweet aunt. She lives in a retirement village...not in assisted living, thank you very much...and has such a lust for life.

She and my Uncle Bob had 69 years of adventure together. During those years, they lived all over Florida and Georgia. Many of those years were in Jekyll Island, GA, where they managed The Buccaneer hotel. (I loved visiting with them there!!!)
Aunt Hortense and Uncle Bob also spent 5 years living on a houseboat on Lake Lanier...in northern GA. I remember my aunt saying they were among the oldest residents up there...and that all the "young" people kept THEM young. (I can relate to this.)

In this photo, Aunt Hortense really looks like she knows what she's doing...

She agrees..."I do know what I'm doing. I'm standing here looking like an idiot." (Typical response!)

Now that she has celebrated her 99th birthday with such a special adventure, she is already contemplating what she can do for her next birthday...100!
Sky-diving?????

You can read more about her adventures at this link:
http://jacksonville.com/video/news/metro/2011-06-26/watch-hortense-morris-goes-kayaking-her-99th-birthday

*** All photographs were taken by BRUCE LIPSKY/The Times-Union

I am linking up with Susan for Outdoor Wednesday.

MY "Monday Dose of Cuteness"

2011-06-27T14:32:00.002-04:00

Guess who came for a visit...

That's right. Tracy's (Ms. Bake It) "Little Darling"!
He is so CUTE!!! He's just begun walking...and he walked and walked and walked...all around the family room. His favorite "trick" was tossing the bristle blocks down onto the hardwood floors...I think he liked the sound.

Little Darling has the sweetest cheeks and lips...You just can't help wanting to kiss them!!!

It's been a long time since a little one was in my house...

Unless you count my "grand~~kids~~-pups". Here's my "Monday Dose of Cuteness":

My Rowdy (his name doesn't fit...at least not the definition of "rowdy". All he does is sleep, eat, and beg to have his behind scratched.)

The queen bee, Hurley
(a Boggle...Boston Terrier and Beagle, mix)...owned by Drummer Boy and Sweet Catherine

Bogle..."Beau"
(A lab mix)...owned by "Wine Guy" and his Lovely Julie

This is Hannah May (Catahoula Hound mix) owned by DB and SC.
Hannah thinks she's a person...sits on the couch like a human. It's hilarious!

This is Tessa, our newest "grandpup". She's owned by WG and LJ. She's a Boxer mix...and a ball of energy. (Hence the name, Tessa...for "Tesla Coil"*. She's a ball of energy!

No "real" grandkids, yet...so I will have to make do with the
4-legged kind for now...

Have a wonderful Monday!

Jane

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_coil

"transmission of electrical energy without wires."

Paletas...frozen Mexican Treats!

2011-06-24T08:21:00.000-04:00

photo from turevistalatina.com

As my readers know, I love Cuban food. It's a part of my heritage. And I love Mexican food (actually, more Tex-Mex...from my years of living in Texas). But...with all the many foods I have eaten...prepared...studied...I have never heard of PALETAS (at least not called by this name) until I read an article in the local newspaper food section.

Paletas are Mexican popsicles. (That's the easy way to describe them). They are made with very ripe, fresh fruits that are pureed (left a bit chunky) and minimally sweetened with sugar or agave. (I am betting that you can substitute stevia or artificial sweetners for the sugar, if needed.) They can be "icy" or made with dairy for a creamier texture (dulce de leche, coconut cream). And spices, such as dried chilis and chipotle chili powder, can be added to the fruit for a little zing. The combinations are endless...WOW! And all you need to make them is a blender or processor (to make the process easier) and ice pop molds or even paper cups and popsicle sticks. What could be easier!!!

Below you will find a few recipes I have discovered online. But recipes are not really needed for this...just use your imagination and your taste buds. What a great way to cool down...and eat your daily fruits!

Pineapple-Chili Paletas (coconutandlime.com)

12-16 oz fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
1 dried chile guajillo, seeds removed freshly ground
3/4 cup pineapple juice
1 teaspoon chipolte chile powder
1 tablespoon sugar (if needed)
juice of 1 lime

Directions:
Add 3/4 of the pineapple chunks, all of the pineapple juice, chile guajillo, sugar, lime juice and chipolte powder in blender and pulse until almost smooth. Stir in remaining pineapple chunks. Divide evenly into ice pop molds, leaving a 1/4 inch at the top for expansion. Seal and freeze until solid.

Mango and Chili Paletas

3 cups frozen mango

11/2 cup cold water

1/4 cup sugar, or to taste

1 teaspoon chili powder

3 tablespoons lime juice, or the juice of one lime

Put all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour the contents from the blender into Popsicle molds and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Makes 8 ice pops.

Source: newstaco.com

Strawberry Ice Pops

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and cut into quarters

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Combine strawberries and sugar in a bowl. Let sit until strawberries start releasing natural juices, 20 to 30 minutes. Place in a saucepan with the water over medium heat, simmer until they are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor, add the lemon juice, and puree until smooth; alternatively, you could leave some chunks in if you like.

If using conventional molds, divide the mixture among the molds, add sticks and freeze until solid, about 6 hours. If using glasses or unconventional molds, freeze until the pops are beginning to set (11/2 to 2 hours), then insert the sticks and freeze until solid, 4 to 5 hours. If using an instant ice pop maker, follow manufacturer's instructions.

Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice and Aguas Frescas by Fany Gerson (Ten Speed Press, 2010) and St Pete Times

Watermelon Paletas

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

11/2 pounds peeled and diced watermelon (about 4 cups)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Pinch of salt

Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until mixture comes to a boil and sugar has dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.

Pour the syrup into a blender. Add the watermelon, lime juice and salt and blend until smooth.

If using the conventional molds, divide mixture among the molds, snap on the lid, and freeze until solid, about 5 hours. If using glasses or other unconventional molds, freeze until the pops are beginning to set (1 1/2 to 2 hours), then insert the sticks and freeze until sold, 4 to 5 hours. If using and instant ice pop maker, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Makes 8 to 10 ice pops.

Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice and Aguas Frescas by Fany Gerson (Ten Speed Press, 2010) and St Pete Times

Pineapple Chile Paletas

4 cups chopped fresh pineapple

2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup water

1 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded, stemmed and diced

1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice

Put all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until desired consistency. Adjust to taste with additional lime juice or sugar. Pour into desired molds and freeze overnight.

(seriouseats.com)

Banana Paletas

1 cup milk

3/4 cup smoothly mashed ripe banana

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup sugar

Combine ingredients and pour into desired mold. Freeze.

Cucumber-Chili Paletas

3 cups 1-inch chunks peeled, seeded cucumber

2/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 rinsed, stemmed and seeded jalapeno

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Whirl until smooth. Push mixture through a fine strainer over a 2 cup glass measure. Discard residue. Pour into desired molds and freeze.

Pina Colada Paletas

In a blender, combine:

1 cup milk

1/2 cup chunks fresh pineapple

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp coconut extract

Whirl until smooth. Pour into desired mold and freeze.

(The last 4 recipe are from www.myrecipes.com

Guess what I'll be doing later today.....

Happy eating!

Jane

ps I am linking up with Foodie Friday at designsbygollum.blogspot.com Check out the fabulous recipes....