Rose and Thistle

A Shopping We Will Go.....

2012-01-25T15:17:00.015-05:00

Gina and I love to hunt and peck for all the special things we add to our houses
that we call Home. We have shopped from Florida to North Carolina and every nook and cranny of Summerville, SC. We start our day with tea and Homemade scones on my side porch. Then shop till we drop but always end
each adventure with a yummy desert for two!! I hope this post finds you enjoying
your day!!

Behind the Gates of Charleston

2012-01-15T15:13:00.011-05:00

Have you ever peeked into the Gates that surround all those Charleston
gardens...wondering, wishing, dreaming. Here is your chance.

Trip to Cally

2011-01-05T11:20:00.012-05:00

I was lucky enough to visit Los Angeles, California this October, my oldest
daughter moved from Chicago to LA last year. The photos are all taken at the
Getty perched in the Hills with gorgeous vistas from all sides. It is well worth
the trip from the art to the gardens!! Enjoy.
*Gardens-Maze at Getty
*Fainting Couch
*Decorative Arts Building
*Over the Top French Bed

2010-12-29T12:52:00.002-05:00

Charleston has only had snow one time in the last 10 years, Sunday, Boxing Day,
surprized us with the second snow of the decade.

Still Decorating.....

2010-08-12T08:41:00.008-04:00

In my boredom of looking at blank walls, my creativity apparently peaks. As I look at each wall, I see picture, picture, picture. I certainly cannot do another picture on the wall. But it is sooooo blank. Lets see, I could put wood trim on the wall and paint inside the trim??? What about another medium??? Fabric....but I do have a lot of drapes and finals.....this all came to be one evening while being bored watching
TV, apparently I'd rather decorate than watch TV.
I thought I would buy a tapestry, Ive always loved tapestries, the history of them
all, the in·tri·cate' beauty but I had been looking for just the right tapestry for about 5 years now and not found one. (another story) so then I thought to myself,
I could buy some fabric that looks like tapestry and then I said to myself, Kate
You have so much fabric, why don't you just go look at it!!!! And Wa La!! I did
have the perfect bolt of fabric I hadn't even touched....
Here is how I made my custom tapestry.
1) Measure size of wall area, to decide size of tapestry
2) Cut the fabric to size
3) I decided I liked the fraided edges,so like pulled threads out on the opposite
side and bottom of fabric (quite a project)
4)Measure pole you will use to determine rod pocket size and sew one seam for rod
pocket
5)Decide how you want the finished project to look, ie: finials, tassels etc.
6) I think I am going to add long blue and gold tassels to mine on both sides
7) Hang brackets for wood pole

Roosters, Roosters Everywhere!!!

2010-08-06T10:09:00.007-04:00

Seems everywhere I go now I see Roosters!!!
A few photos above:
Rooster's available at Dillard's Homestore
Rooster picture Linda painted for the Saluda Showhouse
opening tomorrow in Flatrock, NC

Bring Your Appetite!!

2010-08-03T08:51:00.010-04:00

1) Start with the Cool Mountain Air
2) The Freshest Ingredients
3) Good Company
4) Bon Appétit
( I took all the photo's except the watermelon sorbet, which I did
make from fresh watermelon, but forgot to photograph, (as we were
having to much fun by the time we got to that course) mine wasn't
as pretty but tasted wonderful!!)

Two Peas In a Pod

2010-07-25T08:11:00.006-04:00

When I was in the UK, one of my favorite things to do was to walk down to the
Tesco every day. You don't keep as much food in England as we do here, it's more the custom to get your food fresh for each day's meals, I was in the habit of taking a nice walk after breakfast, taking in the local ambiance, as I walked to the post (to drop off my cards), the bakery and Tesco.
The first aisle as you enter Tesco are the magazines and newspapers (Daily Mail and Sun) I loved to stand there and browse!!!! Can you imagine, a kid in a candy store!!
When I returned home to the States, I was always disappointed that I could not get many of my favorite reading materials here, or if I could it was a huge shipping price.
Fast forward, Gina and I being the two pea's in a pod that we are, (I swear we have the same brain!!!)I from Charleston found a great subscription to one of my favorite
English Magazines, (see above English Home) and Gina from Florida was at the same
time looking for her beloved Scottish Magazine. We both were elated and on a weekly phone call decided to tell each other about our great finds!!!!
Even more proof that two great minds think alike....please ck them both out I'm sure
you will get as much enjoyment as we both have. I will always think of Gina now
as I take my English Home out of my postbox!!!
Kate

Happy Birthday Gina from Karen White!!!!!!

2010-07-13T20:04:00.003-04:00

Surprise, Surprise, I was privileged to meet Karen White one of Gina's and my favorite authors!!
I told Karen the story how I had moved to Charleston from Florida and my best friend and I started a blog to stay in touch. Months later Gina had told me about a great author who writes about Charleston (Karen White).Gina and I started with House on Tradd Street and have since read all Karen's other
books. When Gina visited me in Charleston on my birthday, we went down to Tradd
Street, walking as we discussed the houses, the ghosts, the stories that Karen had
started for us.
Here Today on Gina's birthday, I display my proud photo of Karen signing Gina's books for her bookshelf (she reads from a Kindle) as keepsakes of all our memories!!
Happy Birthday Gina!!!
Love, Kate

Visit Flat Rock North Carolina

2010-07-07T09:58:00.012-04:00

I visited Hendersonville/Flat Rock, NC this 4th of July weekend. Most of you know
I have been vacationing in the Mountains for over 15 years via Florida.
Last year Linda Spry, owner of Mountain Home and I went into a joint venture and opened a shoppe on Main Street in downtown Hendersonville, NC.
Fast forward a year and Linda and her husband Charles have moved there
business to 317 N. Main Street in Downtown Hendersonville. (Mountain Home)We visited the upcoming Showhouse in Flat Rock over the holiday weekend. I'm giving you a
peek at the 2010 Flat Rock Designer Showhouse, opening August 14 - 29th.
Linda owner of the now Mountain Home is transforming the kitchen of this marvelous home.
Above are photo's of
* the beautiful Saluda Cottage, as it was named in the 1800's
* Linda and I relaxing at a new pub after a long day of having fun....
I can't wait until August to see the end result!!!

Everyone Loves Toile!!!

2010-06-30T07:54:00.004-04:00

Look closely, this is not a kitty, but a possum eating out of a kitty bowl off a blue toile place mat, only a daughter of mine would put out such a lavish feast for a possum!!
(My oldest daughter Lindsey just moved to a new house in California and apparently all the neighbors love to come for lunch!!)

Life's Memories

2010-06-29T08:52:00.009-04:00

Above are memento's of the adventure's of my life.
On my kitchen bar:
* Hunter Green Tea Jar from my first trip to Harrod's.
I carried it home wrapped in a sweater in my carry on to keep it from breaking.
It reads, Harrod's Food Halls.
On my coffee table are:
* Autographed Salamandre book from the trip Linda
(http://mountainhomekd.blogspot.com/)and I took to theFlorida
design center, we had an afternoon of champagne, pastries
and design mega load, to was wonderful!!!
* Chinese Ashtray from the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, I
took my daughters to Christmas Tea the first year they
opened my eldest daughter was attending the Chicago Art Institute
and was home for Christmas break, it was the first time my
youngest daughter and I saw her smoke (she doesn't any
longer!!) it was a great afternoon of mother and daughter's
one that can never be duplicated...
* Blue and White covered jar, a favorite piece I have left from
my antique store I used to own in the 1980's.
* Enamel box of Toulouse-Lautrec, I purchased in St. Petersberg
Florida, when my daughters and I visited a traveling exhibition of
his. Another great day.

Beverage Dispenser for Lindsay

2010-06-23T18:26:00.010-04:00

http://www.dillards.com
This is for Lindsay at Lee La La, http://lindsay-thelees.blogspot.com/, she loved the Drink Dispenser in a blog featured earlier this
week and I told Lindsay we sell them at Dillard's Home Store where I am the manager in Charleston, Here is a great selection for all of you to see....they are so fun to decorate and serve with!!!

The Main Ingredients Etched Drink Dispenser Mimicking the look of a decorative vase, this clear glass drink dispenser boasts a bamboo-etched design. 24" tall x 9.8" in diameter. Holds 2.4 gallons. Only at Dillard's.

02371249

$52.00

Sun Room TableTop Tuesday!!

2010-06-22T08:31:00.010-04:00

As I said last week, I recently moved, I am having fun creating spaces just
for me, I was married 19 yrs and always had my girls living with me, they are
off on there own now and Mom is trying to find a life on her own.
Hence my new Sun Room. If you all remember I raise orchids and in Florida that
was not much of a challenge but since I moved to Charleston to be closer to my
youngest daughter, I have taken to Charleston but my orchids are not quite sure.
The summer months are fine for orchid growing but in the winter I must bring them
inside and recreate the rain forest indoors. So in this new Carriage House of mine
I have planned a made a room just for them I have called the Sun Room. It is filled
with pieces I love the stained glass window my dad made, my garden wellies, a darling tic, tac, toe piece I found at the Biltmore Garden Shoppe years ago, (see the little
frogs and dragon flies are the xx's and oo'x) some topiaries and bird's nests. As well as the most important feature my terrarium ( I found at Marshall's, I got a
great deal on it) I use it as my orchid Hospital, for those little failing orchid's
that need some TLC)
I hope you've enjoyed our Tabletop Tuesday, thanks to Marty at A Stroll Through Life
for hosting again.....until next week.
Kate

Mason's Ironstone (made with Cornish Clay)

2010-06-20T12:00:00.010-04:00

I spent quite a bit of time in England (mainly Cornwall) over the last 4 yrs.
You cannot go to Cornwall (esp. St. Austell) without seeing the huge impact Cornish Clay had on this village. If you were born from the 1920's to 1930's in this area, your husband would have worked in the industry in some way or another his entire life. (I will write more on this in an upcoming post) Charles James Mason patented the famous 'PATENT IRONSTONE CHINA' in 1813
The Mason patterns and moulds this firm made were renamed 'Mason's Ironstone China Ltd' in 1968.
In 1800-13 Mason PATENT IRONSTONE CHINA impressed it's mark in various forms with the name 'MASON'S'.
Mason used a mixture of Cornwall clay, ironstone slag, flint and blue oxide of cobalt to produce a hard, opaque, bluish white pottery that had a smooth, glossy finish after glazing and firing. The earliest ironstone items were decorated, many with hand painted oriental designs or blue transfer patterns. (See
my butter dish above) (funnily enough purchased in the States not in the UK)

The landscape north of St. Austell and covering 25 square miles, is a long range of flat topped hills with occasional white conical peaks which gave the area its old nickname of the Cornish Alps. Until 1746 fine porcelain had been Chinese. But then William Cookworthy found china clay near Helston. The main area mined is north of St. Austell. As you drive through you get only glimpses, the heart of the clay fields and then onto the Charlestowne Harbour, where
they exported the china clay but now a holiday maker's town known for its tall ships and Shipwreck Museum.(Where Aunt Doris lived)(Her husband worked there 33 yrs)(also home to one of my favorite pubs) Now clay is shipped from terminals at Par and Fowey (my favorite village in the whole of Cornwall)
Above are photos of:
My Mason Butter Dish
Cornish Clay Hills

Little More Of Charleston

2010-06-17T08:18:00.009-04:00

Love this new website I found on Dream Cottage blog. It's so fun, why should I spend
hours drawing whenI can now do this in seconds?....Photofunia.com I've posted some summer photo's in Charleston.
*Myself on Mother's Day in front a full bloom Magnolia
*Gina in pencil drawing
*Jasmine growning around an arched doorway
*New Ravenel Bridge (view from Charleston Aquarium)
*Jasmine (one of my favorite scents)
Best to you
Kate

Getting It Together.....

2010-06-15T08:25:00.008-04:00

I've just moved and have been working on vignette's in different parts of the
house, it's a lot of work but very gratifing. I have been creating for about 3
weeks now but working at the same time, I do have 3 days off this coming
weekend so hope to get more done, that is if I don't go downtown and have fun
instead!!!Kate

Hot Enough to Grow Cotton!!!

2010-06-14T20:15:00.007-04:00

Yes, in deedy do, it's hot enough to grow cotton here. I guess that's why we
have so many plantation's here in the South. Sometimes I just show my Yankee roots
too much!!! It was 106 in the shade today. Driving to work at 9:00 am it was 90 degrees by lunch time, my car thermometer read 110, it went down to 106 as I drove
around doing my errands....go thing for air conditioning!!! It cooled down to
a mere 97 by 6:00 pm, thank goodness for small favors....
Kate

Antique Abbey New Member

2010-06-12T09:58:00.001-04:00

Antique Abbey Member Area
Look at the Great New Sight I've Joined, please come spend the afternoon with me
Antiquing!!!!
Kate

Quintessentially Charleston

2010-06-10T08:11:00.008-04:00

I was driving to the grocer in a light drizzly rain that it does here in Charrrllleston (that is our we pronunciate Charleston ) and there to my right at a busy
stop light was the most brilliant blue hydrangea in full bloom. The shade
of blue was breathtaking in the rain. I was transfixed to make a u turn in
the middle of the street to take a closer look (a stop and smell the roses
moment) I pulled into the narrow gravel drive which to my surprise was a
small cemetery hidden next to a very busy intersection. I parked my car
and walked to the hydrangea in the light rain. Sure enough hidden next to
the brilliant blue hydrangea was a head stone. I was taken from my normal
everyday life into the days of your in Charleston. I was pulled into its
history once again. Taken back into time as I love to go. To my further
surprize the gravestone read Ameilla Middleton. Anyone who know's Charleston
knows the name Middleton, one of our largest plantations is the "Middleton
Plantation" but why here? Why is Ameilla's gravestone in the middle of
heavy traffic, was this once the country? Was this her old path, she used to
travel? I am now driven to research Amellia. Just another adventure unfolding
in my new life here in Charleston.
Kate

Just Getting Caught Up!!!

2010-06-07T19:35:00.005-04:00

I'm just getting back to blogging again, it's been a long road, but I'm back and
hope to be for a long while. I thought I would post some photo's taken in Charleston
the last couple months.
1) Magnolia's blooming on Mother's Day
2) Wisteria all over Charleston for just two short weeks
3) Peek into a front gate
4) Jasmine growing all over a house on the Battery

Rosanna In Charleston

2010-06-02T10:22:00.005-04:00

I am so excited to host Rosanna Bowles owner of Rosanna Dishware at my Dillard's
Homestore this Saturday from 1-4 pm. It will be at the Citadel Mall in Charleston
SC.
We are having a local bakery make her cake, from her new cookbook. Coming Home.
Hope to see ya"ll there!!!
Kate

Spring At the Biltmore.......

2010-04-27T21:41:00.008-04:00

Im so lucky to have been an April baby. To always get to celebrate my birthday each spring. As of late at the Biltmore.
Please enjoy the photos of the Biltmore this year and last.....nothing like spring flowers!!!! Except good friends to
enjoy them with.
Kate

Tea And Me......

2010-04-21T21:16:00.012-04:00

A Few Photos to share with you.
~ Wedgewood Tea Pot ~
~ Tea on the Morning Porch ~
~ Gina having Tea at the Ritz ~
~ Me having Tea at the Drake ~
~ My Tea Box ~
~ Tea at the Orangery ~
~ Cream Tea in Cornwall ~

Orchids and More Orchids

2010-04-15T20:40:00.005-04:00

I was lucky enough this past Birthday Weekend to visit a Orchid Nursery in Horseshoe, North Carolina. As you all know
I have been raising Orchids for over 20 years. In Florida orchid raising for me was a cinch. Here in Charleston, it is a challenge
I have not con corded but I love a challenge......so I keep going forward.
The photos above are a computation of my past orchids and the orchid nursery.

Charleston Fashion Week

2010-04-14T18:35:00.004-04:00

Well, better late than never. I attended Fashion Week in Charleston with some of my lovelies.....we had
loads of fun, not to mention Mimosa's!!

Night Out

2010-01-30T12:09:00.008-05:00

I Was suppose to have a long weekend in the North Carolina Mountains this weekend with my girlfriend from Florida
but Mother Nature decided to intervene......so I'm home writing blogs to you from my very warm sitting room in Charleston, SC. ( See other Blog http://mountainhomekd.blogspot.com/)
Last night I had tickets to see Kris Kristoffersen, I saw him years ago in Michigan. My daughter Lindsey was 1 year old ( she is
27 now!!) , it was
1983 on a rolling hill somewhere in the small wine country of mid Michigan. (in the winter it was ski country) but this sunny day
was all about wine, hot air balloons and to finish it off Kris Kristofferson preformed al fresca for everyone. I always loved
his raspy voice as well as his looks, loved all the movies, A Star is Born, Christmas In Connecticut.
I decided to go early last night and stop at a very modern bar/hotel across the street from the concert venue but being this
is South Carolina and I am completely out of my element the evening didn't pan out the way I hoped it would. After a drink and
what they called appetizers I drove to the concert. It was ample set with only a standing microphone. Needless to say Kris
didn't disappoint. His humor, strength, voice and heart were all still there. I only wish he would stop calling himself an old
man, he's still very manly in my mind.
Kate

Fresh and exciting wallpaper pattern

2010-01-24T10:26:00.001-05:00

NONO

This is the Flo collection from Nono wallpaer.

I love the colors.

It will be spring before we know it!

Giving Thanks.......

2009-11-26T20:14:00.004-05:00

href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QA87oGn1rL0/Sw8oGwio73I/AAAAAAAABgU/Q2LLZM2rQ_s/s1600/charleston+fireplace.jpg">

Well, Ive tried it again, I gave up having Thanksgiving about 4 years ago. I "was" the hostess with the mostess. I had
Thanksgiving at my house for 21 years and then 4 years ago, I said i wasn't cooking anymore. Was it my hectic work schedule? Was it my inane sense to do everything perfect? I loved
setting the table, planning the meal, setting all the dishes, having all the friends and family over. i even invited people I had met that
had no where to go on Thanksgiving over. Am I the only person who doesn't like to make Thanksgiving dinner? After reading all the blogs, everyone but me seems to love making Thanksgiving. It just seems 5 hours of cooking, let alone the shopping and planning. Two hours of clean up, all for 30 minutes of eating just isn't adding up to want I want to do. My daughter and I
tryed going away a few years ago and then I just felt guilty on Thanksgiving Day. I have tried going out to eat and lets face
it, no one cooks Thanksgiving like you can. So what is the answer? I now have to go to work tomorrow on Black Friday, tired
along with everyone else who did the same thing I did today........cook and clean.

Sixty and Counting....

2009-11-20T21:25:00.010-05:00

A Good Friend of mine turns Sixty tomorrow....so with Birthday Wishes of
the Day....For He's a Jolly Good Fellow, Cheers to you and yours....
Let's share a Pint together.....and a Good ole Happy Birthday...

A 60th birthday is a wonderful occasion. You have crossed several milestones, but life just keeps looking for more challenges. Enjoy the bliss of sixty; enjoy the fruits of your labor. Surround yourself with your children and grandchildren, and tell them tales of the yesteryears. Relive the magical moments of life even while you look forward to new experiences. It's great to be sixty!

Maurice Chevalier
Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative.

Bernard Baruch
To me old age is always fifteen years older than I am.

William Butler Yeats
From our birthday, until we die, is but the winking of an eye.

Joan Rivers
Looking fifty is great… if you're sixty.

Mark Twain
When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it happened or not.

Lord Hood
Some people reach the age of sixty before others.

John Dryden
What, start at this! when sixty years have spread
Their grey experience o'er thy hoary head?
Is this the all observing age could gain?
Or hast thou known the worl so long in vain?

Pablo Picasso
One starts to get young at the age of sixty and then it is too late.

Happy Birthday and Best Wishes of the Day....Patrick
Love, Kate

New Moon

2009-11-20T20:24:00.003-05:00

Today my oldest daughter and I saw the 3rd showing of the Twilight saga New Moon.

It opened at 12:00am this morning but we didn't go then and decided to catch it at a reasonable hour. It was great. I just wish I didn't have to wait another year to see the next movie Eclipse.

For those of you that have not read the series it is a love story and a great one.

Thinking about......

2009-11-06T14:47:00.002-05:00

getting another dog

Does anybody have a Papillon?

We have a female Chihuahua she will be 3 in January.

What do you think??

Turkey Day Dishes......

2009-11-06T07:49:00.008-05:00

I think I love making the table, more than the cooking!! i love to decorate the
table a few days before, then cover it with a sheet, so it is ready on Thanksgiving.
I never seem to have enough days to get ready for Thanksgiving, it is one of
those holidays, that i always have to work the day before or after and I am always the
one cooking. But I love the smells in the house and the parade on TV, and all
the relatives mulling around, while I slave in the kitchen. Not really I do have
many fond memories and hopefully many more to come.

Gina and Thanksgiving

2009-11-03T20:38:00.003-05:00

Ive been thinking about Gina this Thanksgiving, anyone who knows her knows she loves dishes, decorating and making
Italian food. Well, that is a great time to have Thanksgiving to do all the things Gina loves together on one day.
Last year she got new beautiful Thanksgiving dishes and made a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, for her husbands
family.
She served a wonderful Antipasto as a beginning course. The first comment of the day she heard after ordering imported
meats and cheeses was, "I dont think my kids like that kind of lunch meat"
Poor Gina, is so scared from that comment, she is dreading Thanksgiving this year......lets all hear your Holiday stories
and make Gina feel just a little better.......

Antipasto (plural antipasti), means "before the meal" and is the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal. Traditional antipasto includes cured meats, olives, roasted garlic, pepperoncini, mushrooms, anchovies, artichoke hearts, various cheeses (such as provolone or mozzarella) and peperone (marinated small green bell peppers,

Another Great British Film......

2009-11-01T12:54:00.005-05:00

I watched Firelight today, a wonderful British film with Stephen Dillane (who stared in my favorite movie Deju Vu 1997)
Why I have waited so long to watch his films is beyond me, but if your in the mood for a wonderfully filmed British period
movie please be sure and get this one!!!
By the way, I'm on my way to buy The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White, out in the Bookstores a few days early
than they had let us to believe!!!! Can't Wait....

British Series Lovers...

2009-10-29T17:56:00.005-04:00

The show's tagline was "Liverpool, 1920. Three girls on the edge of womanhood, a world on the brink of change."

Lilies details the lives of Iris, May and Ruby Moss, three Catholic sisters living with their widowed father and brother in a terraced house in Liverpool in the early 1920s. The story is set in the years immediately after First World War and, as such, the after effects of that conflict are apparent.
The story depicts a life lived on the edge of poverty. All three girls must make their own way in the world. In the course of the series, each sister tastes passion for the first time, and their lives are changed forever.
I've just finished watching Lilies, I was fascinated by it. I couldn't stop watching it, for three days. The series comes on
three disc's from Netflix.
Wonder if any of you Blogger's have ever seen Coronation Street? It's a nightly soap opera in England. I had been traveling
to England six years before I ever even watched Tv. We started going to the Uk for 3 weeks at a time and that's when I
became addicted to British TV. This series doesn't really remind me of Coronation Street, but all British TV, is higher
quality than in the US in my opinion.
If you are a British Movie or TV lover as I am, order it on your Netflix or library connection ASAP.
Kate

To Market To Market...................

2009-10-26T14:36:00.001-04:00

Hi all I am back from market

Please visit my blog to see post

http://purdywallcovering.blogspot.com/

Gina's In High Point NC

2009-10-21T20:37:00.011-04:00

In Gina's absence I thought I would tell you about High Point, NC.
Gina and I were both Interior Designer's in Florida, most designer's
travel to DANIA, Fl. (the only design center in the state of Florida) (they
recently opened a new design center in Naples (Estero) but its so small
it really doesn't count)
Linda, from Robinson Spry Interiors and I went to DANIA, many
times, they wine you and dine you at each showroom. We met so many
interesting people there including Carlton Varney and the owner's of
Scalamandre. We listened to them speak and got autographed books
from both.
If your lucky enough
to have a client that
want's to pay you to go to a REAL DESIGN CENTER and buy for
them, of course you go....... and that's where Gina is ......off tooooo
High Point

Welcome to High Point, North Carolina, the "Home Furnishings Capital of the World!™"
Here, you can stay, play, and shop til' you drop with over 50 discounted furniture stores
and a variety of things to see and do. You'll find the World's Largest Chest of Drawers in
High Point as well as the largest furniture store in the nation.
When it comes to meetings and conventions, High Point means business.
We offer unique event venues with a variety of accommodations just minutes
from each other and meeting facilities.
Can't wait until your back Gina, miss talking to you!!!!
Kate

Tea at the Drake

2009-10-18T17:13:00.007-04:00

One of the fine old Hotels in Chicago still serves a wonderful Tea.
You all know I'm a great critique of Tea. We'll believe me Tea
at the Drake is worth every penny. The room has been re
modeled since our last visit 9 years ago. They did a good
job trying to spend there money wisely. Old hotels are
expensive to restore. It's now time now for the powder rooms
to be re done (see previous post) powder room at Mills
House in Charleston.
Enjoy the photos of our High Tea.
My daughter Lindsey and I loved it, on a cold rainy
day in Chicago.

Off to Chicago!!!

2009-10-07T22:34:00.003-04:00

I''m off to the Windy City Friday, it will be a melancholy trip. Can't wait to see
my oldest daughter Lindsey. But will visit my mom for the first time in a nursing home.
She was a wonderful mother, the epitome of a mother of the 50's and 60's. Our
house was always perfect and so was she.
This is also the first year in 22 years my dad has not gone to Florida seasonally
i will visit him, on this trip I hope he is not too broken of a man, getting old.
And last I will say Good bye to my lovely oldest daughter, she and fiance are
moving on to California. I will spend glorious time with her for four days and
then say good bye. My little baby all grown up on her own, such a lovely woman
she is....
Will post photos when I'm back
Kate

I am the Cookie Monster

2009-10-05T13:56:00.004-04:00

I love cookies. I love cookies more than cake and I love to bake.

(where is Dr Seuss ?)

I have a large family and we always have dessert.

(maybe this is why I am on a diet)

Well with Thanksgiving just around the corner there will be a lot of baking to do.

These are 2 of my favorite cookie recipes.

I hope you all take the time and make them with your family.

Cowboy Cookies

Ingredients
Makes about 5 dozen (you can freeze some dough for later because it make a lot)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, cut into 1/4-inch chunks (1 cup)
3 ounces (3/4 cup) pecan halves
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat baking sheets with cooking spray, line with parchment, and spray parchment. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder into a medium bowl.
Beat butter and sugars with a mixer on medium-high until pale and creamy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
Reduce speed to low, and slowly add flour mixture, beating until just incorporated. Beat in oats, chocolate, pecans, and coconut until combined. (Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.)
Using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop or a small spoon, drop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart.
Bake until edges of cookies begin to brown, 11 to 13 minutes. Transfer baking sheets to wire rack, and let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to racks. Let cool. (Cookies can be stored up to 3 days.)
From Martha Stewart Living, October 2008

Everything but the Kitchen Sink Cookies

Ingredients
Makes about 18 cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup toffee bits
3/4 cup roughly chopped dark chocolate
3/4 cup dried cherries
3/4 cup roughly chopped pecans
3/4 cup roughly chopped salted pretzels
Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and both sugars. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well blended. Stir in vanilla.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low, gradually add to the butter mixture; continue mixing until well combined. Add the oats, coconut, toffee, chocolate, cherries, pecans, and pretzels and mix on low until just combined.
Using a 2-inch ice-cream scoop, drop batter onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press tops down with the bottom of a glass, sprayed with nonstick cookie spray, to flatten cookies evenly. Transfer baking sheets to oven and bake until golden, 12 to 14 minutes.
Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
From The Martha Stewart Show, September 2009

Another Reason to Love Charleston

2009-10-04T22:12:00.007-04:00

Last week I was having brunch in downtown Charleston. After three glasses of yummy peach
iced tea, I jumped into use the powder room at the Mills House Inn.
I was mesmorized by the lovely bathroom. The designer had the great for sense to cover the
walls in a beautiful chinoiserie fabric, not only did she pad the walls, so there is great definition
to the fabric but she (or he) had a double piping at all the edges. I was so thrilled I had to photograph
and blog there bathroom!!! Here it is:

North Carolina Mountains

2009-10-04T10:52:00.016-04:00

I was lucky enough to be In Hendersonville, NC, this week and promised some photos of
my great but short trip.
So here they are.......Gina and I were here in April for my birthday celebration at the Biltmore
House in Asheville, we drove through the same Blue Ridge Mountains and stayed at the same great
hotel. I have to recommond this hotel to everyone.
It is called Mountain Lodge and or Mountain Inn and Suites (which was the origanal Hotel)
they built Mountain Lodge pictured here, just last year as an addition to there hotels
It is located off the exit for Flatrock, NC just south of Hendersonville off Highway 26. Scott your host,
welcomes you back each visit, as if your coming Home. I hope you enjoy my photo's as much as I enjoyed my trip!!

Driving into the Mountains from Charleston.

The leaves starting to change.

Mountain Lodge

Autumn at Cath Kidson

2009-09-30T13:28:00.002-04:00

Don't you just love Autumn Colors, maybe its me, I've always love fall. The
smell of the air, the cool change of the breeze.
Living in Charleston now, after 22 years in Florida has been a wonderful
change.
My front porch is decorated with pansies and purple mums. Can't wait to
break out the sweaters. Each morning brings a new coolness.
I'm here in Hendersonville,NC, yesterday and tomorrow. The mountains are lovely
this time of year. I will post photos tomorrow.
Kate

Listen to Scottish bagpipes

2009-09-30T07:15:00.000-04:00

http://www.4shared.com/file/5206425/5426d086/Auld_Lang_Syne__Scottish_Bagpipes_.html

Little Girl Heaven

2009-09-21T22:26:00.008-04:00

I was so excited to see the Little Girl Winter Coats out in the Stores.
1) I'm still stuck in Little Girl Land (my girls are 27 and 20, guess I'm
really ready for grand babies)
2) I've lived in Florida for 21 yrs where they don't have winter coats,
this is the first time I've seen winter coats in years......
I decided to share them with you, so we can all ouuu and ahhh together!!!
Enjoy.....

What every stylish Girl would want this Winter....

Karen White Does it Again

2009-09-17T20:30:00.006-04:00

I have just finished Karen White's book, The Lost Hours, as most of you know, Gina and I loved her previous
book , House on Tradd Street, we even visited Tradd Street, when Gina was in Charleston in April.

Karen White writes a fast reading book, for mystery lovers. Her book The Lost Hours, will not disappoint.
Those of you who love the South, esp Savannah, Horses, well written characters, and like to solve the
mystery laid before you.
We are anxiously awaiting her new novel to be released on Nov. 1st, House on Legare Street, another
famed street in Charleston with the same characters as House on Tradd Street.
If you have not picked up a book by Karen White yet, run don't walk to your favorite book store or library
and jump on the band wagon with us.
Kate

100th Post

2009-09-13T08:49:00.004-04:00

Please be sure and visit Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for her
100 Post Gift Give Away, her are some goodies shes giving away

Cloche Party

2009-09-10T21:39:00.007-04:00

Hi, Ive been moving and then vacation, but did so want to participate
so here I am......the Botanical Cloche by Tracy Porter, is my favorite
$83.00 retail but soooo pretty, best to all of you!!!

New Digs...

2009-08-31T10:27:00.002-04:00

Sorry, all Ive been moving for two wks now and working as well.
This is the first time Ive moved while still working, Im about worn
to a frazzle!!!
I will get to blogging as soon as I can, I miss all you and haven't
given up. Just moving into to my fiance's house and getting things
beautiful, also must get my computer back up and running, all
my photos are in it.
Best to everyone
Love
Kate

Wedding Bells????

2009-08-17T15:21:00.003-04:00

Dr. Jim & Kate

Kate's wedding dress
made from TEA BAGS and adorned with vintage tea cups
(looks like Lindsey Kate's daughter is the model)

Paired with the perfect shoe by
Marc Jacobs

Ok That's all a little over the top but FUN.
Kate will probably wear something
English and Beautiful

........we are all waiting to hear the dets

New Bath

2009-08-16T19:43:00.015-04:00

Being that I'm moving soon, I've been thinking about redecorating the
guest bath. I'm going through photos I've saved of bathrooms, I thought
were fabulous. I'll share a few with you, while I go through the design
process in my head.

Kate

Pink Saturday

2009-08-15T07:00:00.001-04:00

Biltmore Gardens

The Queen Mum in Pink

Happy Pink Saturday!

New Painting

2009-08-12T21:35:00.005-04:00

We went to the Waterfront Art Gallery opening a few weeks ago. I thought a night of bubbly and art would be a fun way to spend an evening in downtown Charleston. We made dinner plans for after and talked about taking a pedicab back to our parking garage (such fun) We walked booth to booth looking, sipping, talking, laughing.
We came upon Morgan Kuhn's new painting. I fell in love. Morgan
was at the opening, we spoke, she is a ball of fire. So vivacious. She told us she literally just finished the painting and it was still wet. Oil of course.
http://www.morgankuhn.com/index.htm
We bought the painting. She was so sweet to dedicate the back of the painting to us. Our first piece. I love looking at it. Now I just need to find the just right spot for it

Wallpaper Wednesday

2009-08-12T07:00:00.002-04:00

Alessandra Branca

Wallpaper Wednesday the day to do a post on Wallpaper!

This is a lovely room.

New Posting

2009-08-11T21:29:00.004-04:00

I went and saw Julia & Julia last night, I can't tell you know how much I loved each
and every element of it. And of course an idea has stemmed from it.
I came to the idea that I will watch (from my Netflix account) some if not all
of Marlon Brando's film's and post each one in order of my watching them.
I will start with the oldest first. I can't explain where this
idea all stemmed from other than there was so much Butter
in Julia Child's recipes
and that the other Julia keep talking about butter all night, it apparently
stuck in my head.......Kate

Pink Saturday

2009-08-08T07:00:00.001-04:00

Jane Churchill

Peter Rabbit Fabric and Wallpaper

oh how we love Peter Rabbit

Kate's orchid May 2009

Happy Pink Saturday
Please click on Beverly's logo to visit all the other Pinkies.

Greenhouse

2009-08-07T08:07:00.007-04:00

With a New Life comes a New Greenhouse, I'm so excited, these are photos
of it now. I will post updated photos as my "creative genius" takes place.
Funny. The first photo is of my orchids. That I'm sure will love there new
home as much as I will.
Kate

Wallpaper Wednesday

2009-08-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wallpaper Wednesday the day to do a post about wallpaper.

This is Cole & Son Wallpaper.

I love this bathroom with the contemporay tiles,

natural light, organic branch for towell holder.

Cath Kidston ReVisited......

2009-08-03T19:25:00.007-04:00

Hi Everyone and welcome to Gina and my New blog.....as we had sooooo many problems
with our old blog we decided it was time for something new, we hope you are as
excited as we are.......Above please find a few select items from Cath Kidston, one
of our favorite shoppes in the UK.....you can see why, they have a myriad of housewares, clothing and don't forget our favorite Wellies.....
Kate

New Blog

2009-08-02T23:00:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone our blog (kandgbookclub) was having some problems so we have had to start over.

I hope to see everyone from the old blog on our new one.