Thursday, May 29, 2014

Set Your Table With Flair--Tea and Tea Tin Florals

Hello, friends!  Thank you for stopping by!  As we transition into beautiful warm weather, it makes me think of lazy childhood Sunday afternoons post-church, reading and taking naps in the warm beams of a windowsill....ah, the ease of youth!  I need to make a mental note to do those types of things more often.

Since I am in such a whimsical state of mind today, I'd thought I would discuss one of my loves, the tea tin.  I love them, whether new or vintage!  There is something so charming and sweet about finding a tin rich with history, and passed down from collector to collector.  Obviously, there is market for the love of tea tins; companies such as HomeGoods carry charming vintage-looking reproductions.  
Whether or not you have a collection, one sweet way to utilize a tea tin is to arrange florals inside.  If you are looking to make an arrangement that is simple yet elegant, florals in a tea tin is a lovely way to go.  

Here, I have set up a cozy corner to take tea.  I began with my little side table set against a curtain of soft natural light.  I added a pretty vintage tea napkin.  I love the delicate edges and how sheer it is!


Next, pretty crocheted doilies. 


My sweet tins came next,


followed by soft roses.  Love this muted peach color, and they smell amazing!  Because I want a vintage feel here, I purchased these a couple days ago, and they are wilting.....pretty!



Finally, my teacup and saucer.




Such a cheerful cup!  I love this stout little fellow!!


From my collection:
Cup and saucer, Royal Albert flower of the month collection Morning Glory pattern
All linen, local vintage shop
Rose tea tin, Ikea 
Green tin, Bentley Green Tea, one of my favorites❤



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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Bug Off!!

Hello, friends!!  Thank you taking the time to stop by my blog!

All Photo Credits in this post: Wikipedia unless otherwise stated

I love warmer weather, don't you!?  Unfortunately, when entertaining in the warm outdoors, you can also become the main course of pesky insects!  Blech.  The most annoying for me personally are mosquitoes and flies. The following are some suggestions to repell those buggers so that your time outside is an enjoyable one. I hope you enjoy the post. 

Plants 
If you are a person who prefers to repell in a natural way, adding certain plants to your garden is an excellent way to go.  

     Mosquito-specific Repellers 


Citronella

Citronella or lemongrass, is an attractive shrub that mosquitoes simply do not care for. What is great about this plant is that it also has medicinal value, including helping to aleive headaches, vomiting, and high blood pressure.  It is also used as lemon flavoring in herbal tea.  




Scented Geranium

Scented Geraniums differ from standard in that their scent comes from their leaves rather than their blossoms.  In addition to deterring mosquitoes, scented geraniums' leaves copycat other flowers' aromas such as rose, apple, and mint; are edible, and often used to scent foods such as sugars and jellies.




Catmint

Catmint, which is more commonly known as catnip, is an excellent mosquito repeller that also repels deer, aphids, and other garden pests.  They are drought-tolerant, and have long blooming periods that can span from Spring to Autumn. Catnip has medicinal purposes as well; often used for headaches, anxiety, and insomnia. 




Rosemary

Rosemary is an aromatic shrub/herb often used in cooking. What is great about rosemary plants is that along with being aesthetically appealing, they are very hardy, and therefore thrive in both borders and in containers.




Rose-scented Monarda

Monarda is a lovely rose-scented plant known for being rich in geraniol.  It is the geraniol which gives the plant its rose scent, and the extracted oil is often used as the active ingredient in some commercial mosquito repellents. 




Flossflowers

Flossflower or Ageratum, are really appealing plants used mostly in classic flower beds or as border plants. Along with deterring mosquitoes, this pretty bloom is also deer resistant. What is wonderful about these plants is they are also available in pink, white, purple, lavender, as well as blue!




Marigold

Marigolds (Calendula) are aesthetically appealing plants commonly used in gardens. They are known for their strong, pungent odor, and for their use in cosmetics or as an herb in skin ointment treatments including eczema, scars, cracked skin, rashes, and other inflammations. 




Horsemint

Horsemint, or Beebalm, is another genus of Monarda (monarda punctata) used for an array of medicinal purposes.  Its scent is similar to thyme. Used in tea, it can help soothe flatulent colic, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and rheumatism. They make great border plants, and are attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.  



     Fly-specific Repellers




Bay Leaves

Bay leaves have long been used in cooking soups, sauces, stews, and casseroles. In addition to repelling flies, bay leaves are a great source of Vitamins A and C, and are high in iron.


     Fly and Mosquito Repellers 



Tansy

Tansy is an excellent companion plant, because it works so well as a biological pest control. It repels flies, mosquitoes, ants, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and Japanese beetles.




Pennyroyal

This plant has a strong scent similar to spearmint. Typically utilized for its essential oils, pennyroyal is used in aromatherapy.  The oil is extremely toxic if taken internally, so use with caution!




Basil

In addition to repelling both flies and mosquitoes, basil has many, many uses. It is known for its wonderful flavor and is commonly used in cooking. They make excellent border plants, can be used in baths as a soothing element. When steeped in tea, it can aid digestion.  It can calm coughs, be used as an anti-inflammatory, and also relieves rheumatic and arthritic conditions.  Also, basil is thought to cure insomnia.  





Lavender


What can I say?  I love lavender!  It is a beautiful vibrant-colored plant that can add charm to your garden,
Photo: PDD


gathered,
Photo:  PDD


dried and hung,
    Photo:  PDD                        View post 


used in potpourri sachets,
Photo: PDD               View post


as well as in soaps, shampoos, et cetera. Lavender can be used for aiding restlessness, insomnia, headaches and migraines, toothaches and joint pain.  


Other Methods
If reconfiguring the garden isn't for you, consider placing a large fan to ward off mosquitoes.  Mosquitoes are weak fliers, and a good strong breeze from a fan will keep them away.  Of course, you can always use the tried-and-true method:  douse yourself with deet.  :)

I hope these tips have been helpful!  




If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,

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Monday, May 26, 2014

Transitioning to Summer

Happy Memorial Day, friends, and God bless our heroes and their families!!  Thank you for stopping by. 

How do you transition from Spring to Summer?  Is it done by planning a romantic soirée with friends?


 Preparing a lighter menu?

Or is it choosing a wardrobe fit for the season?  When choosing a wardrobe for summer, for me comfort is a must!  I typically waffle between two styles: nautical/preppy, and I cannot get through the summer season without my staple the Maxidress. Nautical is classic, never dull, and effortlessly clean and fresh.  Maxidresses are easy, low-key, and come in an array of styles.  Here, I am going to share a few looks from my closet.


Nautical Looks

This is one of my favorite outfits because if I wear it solely with a crisp white tank, it is very youthful and fresh.  It translates to evening attire immediately by simply pairing it with my crested jacket.  
Banana Republic Nautical stripe skirt
Ralph Lauren Crested Blazer, Rope Necklace, and Link Bracelet
Michael Kors handbag
Sandals by Christian Dior


This look is so much fun!  The gold embellishments on both the short and sweater take a more literal approach to nautical style without being costume-y, and is both refined and fun, which I adore!

Banana Republic Black Cardigan 
Sailing shorts by Forever 21 Exclusive
Ralph Lauren Loafer, Rope Necklace and Link Bracelet
Michael Kors Small Leather Wallet


Maxidresses

I love this Maxidress because it is soft and flowy, because of the seafoam blue (of course), and I love the asymmetrical hemline.  Platform or chunky sandals usually go hand in hand with this look.
Willow & Clay dress--Nordstrom Rack
 
On the model:



This maxi is so much fun because of the vibrant colors, whimsical pattern, and full skirt.  I usually pair it with a low sandal or Birkenstocks. So comfy!  
Sandy Starkman--from Neiman Marcus

On the model:




Finally, a last look......with me in it, lol!  This is one is my favorite Maxidresses!  I love that it incorporates nautical style and that this dress translates easily from day to night, contingent upon how I accessorize.  At the Metropolitan Musuem of Art, June 2012.
Maxidress, Victoria's Secret 
Gold chain and cuff, Ralph Lauren

Closer look with jacket
Handbag, Lambertson Truex 
Jacket, Ralph Lauren 


If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,

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Sunday, May 25, 2014

Easy-Peasy Universal Meat Marinade

Hello, friends!  Thank you for visiting my blog!

Although Memorial Day to me is mostly a day of reverence, it is a national holiday during which we also get together as a family and barbecue. The following is a meat marinade I'd like to share from my blog Parsimonious Pabulum.  I hope you enjoy the post.


Universal Meat Marinade
The backyard barbecue epitomizes summer for my family and I. Even my ten year old has gotten into the act by creating his own signature sauce. Great fun. 

The following marinade is one we use every time. What I love about this marinade is that it is universal.  It can be used on steaks, Chicken, ribs, and chops.  It is also very easy and takes no time. 

You will need:
Lemon juice
1 medium Onion
1 whole Garlic
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Seasoned salt
Pepper 
Fresh cilantro (coriander)

Begin by peeling and slivering the garlic. Peel and slice the onion. There is no need to chop the onion; large pieces are perfectly fine. After rinsing, remove stems from cilantro. Season the meat with the garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt and pepper. I call it coloring the meat...I sprinkle an even amount across the meat. Flip and repeat.  Place meat into a large bowl.  Douse with an ample amount of lemon juice. Add onions, garlic, and cilantro. Here is where you get in and get your hands dirty. Mix all ingredients together in the bowl using your hands. It's somewhat like kneading.  Make sure all the meat gets covered with the lemon juice, vegetable, and herb mixture.  Place in refrigerator and allow to sit. I prefer for the meat to marinade at least an hour, but if you are in a time-crunch, the minimal amount of time is one half hour.  
This will give your meat such a wonderful flavor that you may not even need to use sauce. (We love yours, though buddy!)  :)




If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,

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Thank you for stopping by! ❤

 
 

 

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Set Your Table With Flair--Summertime Tea



Summertime Rolls 



Fell into a sea of grass, 
And disappeared among the shady blades---



The children all ran over me, 
Screaming tag---
And you are the one!!





He trips her as her sandals fail,
She says, "Stop!  I'm a girl!
Whose fingernails are made of her mother's pearl---"




Yellow buttercup, helicopters, 
Orange buttercat chasing after---
The crazy bee mad about somebody!


Me and my girlfriend don't wear no shoes
Her nose is painted pepper sunlight
She loves me,
I mean it's serious,
As serious can be!!


She sings a song and 
I listen to what it says----
Well, if you want a friend,
Feed any animal---


There's so much space, 
I cut me a piece with some fine wine,
It brought peace to my mind in the Summertime,
And it ROLLS!!!!-----


Summer, ohhhhh----
Oh, oh, oh....
Summertime rolls!! 





From my collection:
Basket, local antique
Teacups and saucers, Princess House Hammersley for Spode
Doilies, vintage
Hat, by yours truly, view the tutorial on my blog The Crafting Table here 
Book, Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, Puffin Classics, from TJ Maxx
Spread, generic

Lyrical excerpt:  Dave Navarro, Perry Farrell, Michelle Branch, Eric Avery, Stephen Perkins and Richard Sambora







If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,

The Marvelous Maison, a lifestyle blog hub and 
Frugal Fab Fashionista, my fashion blog hub. 

Follow me on Pinterest!!  Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest!  Thank you!  

Thank you for stopping by! ❤