A few projects...

With a little over a month away from Farm Chicks, it's time to put the pedal to the metal and get things happening around here!! Progress is slow, as life is inevitably busy with four active children, but little by little I get there (no, I "aint" no overachiever, that's for sure...!!) I have been working on a few projects, and still have many more to finish. I thought I would share a few I have finished...

This box was already darling but a bit plain... Instant transformation with a stencil and paint!

I found this little cabinet at a garage sale, but the body had some hand painted flowers that were not my style... So, a little stripper did the job, I love how it turned out!

Another thrift find, this chair was unpainted and had a brown leather seat cover (sorry, I forgot to take a "before" picture...!). Some paint and a stenciled linen cover and the transformation is dramatic!

This table was a lovely CL find, I love how unusual it is... 

I gave it a first coat of turquoise and a dry brush coat of white over it, a little distressing and glazing, and it looks awesome (even though I had a hard time painting over that gorgeous wood...!!)

I've also been sewing up a storm, but I will leave that for the next post... Have a wonderful weekend!

Easter in Portugal

 Easter in Portugal and the days leading to it are filled with joyous celebrations of the Resurrection of Christ, be it through colorful processions, masses, theatrical plays, street faires and the church bells reminding everyone to celebrate Life, in all its forms.

As a child growing up in Portugal, I knew a few things would happen at Easter, for sure... I would eat lots of chocolate and our family would gather together for a true banquet. One of the Easter specialties I remember well is the Folar da Páscoa, a sweet bread traditionally flavored with anise oil or seeds. Along with the majority of Portugal's sweet traditions, the Folar originated in the convents and monasteries of the 1700's. As I share this tradition with my children, I thought I would share it with you, too...

FOLAR DA PÁSCOA

400g Flour (about 3 cups)

15g Fresh Yeast or packet yeast – (fresh yeast is best) (1/2 oz)

45g Caster Sugar (or Icing Sugar if you don't have caster sugar) (about 1/3 cup)

90g Butter (about 1/2 cup)

1 Egg

300ml Milk ( about 1 1/4 cups)

1 tspn powdered Aniseed

1 tspn Cinnamon

pinch of sea Salt

To decorate:

1 or 2 hard-boiled eggs (leave in their shells)

1 beaten egg for brushing

Method

In a bowl combine the yeast, 1/4 of the flour, a 1/3 of the milk (warmed but not hot) and half the sugar.

Mix together to form a dough, cover and leave in a warm place for 1/2 hour

Whisk the eggs with the salt and spices and remaining milk and sugar.

Kneed in the flour and egg mix to the dough gradually then kneed in the butter.

Cover the dough and leave it to rise for about three hours in a warm place.

Break the dough into two (or leave whole) and plant the eggs on top. Make a cross with two rolled lengths of dough to put on the top, holding the egg in place.

Brush the bread with the beaten egg.

Cook at 425F/Gas 7 until golden brown.

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Twinkly greys

I never used to give grey much of a chance, but I have to say that lately, I've been drawn to it more and more... I love the way the grey tones in this home bring warmth to all the white details... Grey, you have made me smile today!

  

  Via

Objets trouvés

... wood signs...

... old laundry basket...

... darling little child's lounge chair...

... old wool carding tools...

 

... old hook (please, help with what to call this?)

... vintage pink crinoline full of ruffle goodness...

... old cookbook...

... vintage petticoat...

... old stamp holder...

... handmade baskets...

... old baby bonnets and crocheted valance...

My friend Amy travels frequently to France, and finds the most amazing treasures to share with us... I am beyond excited with my french treasures!!!

... sweet velvet box...

... can you say a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e...??!!

... old fabric covered photo album...

... old linen towels...

... sweet chemise...

Monticello Garden Show

The Garden Show at Monticello starts today, and it is absolutely incredible!! If you have a chance to visit, you will be as impressed and inspired as I was... If not, I hope these pictures will serve as comfort...!!