Keeping in the Pink...Friday Flowers

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

What is Breast Cancer?

It is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease—differing by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves. Obviously no woman wants to receive this diagnosis, but hearing the words "breast cancer" doesn't always mean an end. It can be the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts and finding hope.

So, for those of you in the fight, we are with you.
We pray for you and we are here to help get you through.

For the rest of us...
remember your monthly self exams
...and the yearly mammogram.

On the 17th of this month, I will be riding 62 miles in honor of the survivors
and in memory of those who fought bravely.
xo

Read All About It

Do you have a cozy space that is your "go to" spot to read?
Are you like me where your books can be easily found or must you go on a treasure hunt to find where they were last placed?
I like shelves with books and other items integrated along side.

What type of reading space do you fancy?

Looks like the kitties like this place...I can see enjoying the afternoon here turning the pages and getting lost in another world.

Or cuddle up with the little ones...

Or how about spot with lots of natural light with modern flair?

This looks snuggly, a bit Bohemian, wouldn't you say?

Move the pillows over and make yourself comfortable!

Or on a day like today, go out to the porch and enjoy the outdoors with a glass of champagne and a good read!

It's my Bloggyversary!

Time to celebrate and a toast to all of my new friends!

Cheers!

Birdie Love

My birdies love their new feeder....

their 4-legged friends...

will have to find what hits the ground!

Friday Flowers and a little comfort food for the weekend!

Rachel Ray's Firey Chicken Chili....so yummy!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 whole green bell pepper, chopped **
• 1 whole red bell pepper, chopped **
  
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro **
  
• 4 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large chipotle chile in adobo sauce, finely chopped, sauce reserved
  
• 3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced (I use all chicken breasts)
  
• Two 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes with their juice ( I use 1 28-oz petite cut tomatoes and 1 28 oz crushed tomatoes)
  
• Three 15.5-ounce cans pinto beans, rinsed
• Chopped avocados, cilantro leaves, grated cheddar cheese, chopped scallions and sour cream, for serving

Smart move
Freeze the chicken for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Directions:

1. In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt and paprika and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and the spices are fragrant, about 7 minutes. Stir in the chipotle and 1 tablespoon adobo sauce. Add the chicken and cook, stirring, until the meat begins to turn opaque, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and beans and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover, increase the heat and simmer the chili briskly, stirring often, until thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.

2. Add more adobo sauce to taste, serve the chili with avocados, cilantro, cheese, scallions and sour cream.

** what I add to the recipe

Antiquing in the "OC"

Being house bound due to constant downpours and taking care of a loved one that is a bit under the weather, I took a virtual tour to Newport Beach, CA, via 1st Dibs and found a few things for my home. Thought I would share....such great eye candy!

Isn't this the most beautiful Architect's Cabinet?

It is from Belgium and dates back to 1880 and stands 8'10" high. It will be perfect in my living room and will make a lovely bar!

This is an early American primitive cupboard with the original paint. I wish I could show you the inside, turquoise in color!

I have a bathroom that has extra room and tall ceilings that is calling for this. It will be great to store extra linens and candles and yummy smelling soaps.

This is a beautiful 12' dining table 18th century from Spain.

The top is one piece, can you believe it? Gorgeous....my whole family can sit around this. Now all I need are some chairs...what do you suggest?

This is called a "Jail House" Iron Wine Cage, early 1800's.

The two doors in front open to reveal the wooden shelves. Wouldn't this be fun to fill up? Just right in the cellar that is cooled to the proper temperature.

Rare framed mirror from Italy, 18th c.

Hmmm...love this...now where to put it!

I'll take two of these French painted chests....

I have been on the hunt for just the right thing to go on each side of my bed...how about changing out the hardware? Something a bit funky!