Velvet Pumpkins and Sweet Potato Fries

A couple of weeks ago my friend Kathy and I took a little "field trip" into Los Angeles. The first stop was to the Farmer's Market where we had a delicious lunch. This was my first visit there and I learned that it is more of restaurant row than rows of produce. There are a lot of different meat vendors and bakeries as well.  

Our next stop was Sprinkles Cupcakes. So delicious!

Our main purpose was to buy velvet at Mood Fabrics to make some velvet pumpkins. Of course, some other pretty fabrics made their way into my bag. If you're a fan of Project Runway, you've heard of Mood Fabrics.  Did you know that you can buy from them online as well?  Below is just the shirting aisle!

 Later we spent some time perusing through Anthropologie at The Grove. Because, you should always check out Anthropologie when you're close by.  Look at all the cuteness.

 Finally, we stopped for dinner at Umami Burgers.  So good.  Especially the SWEET POTATO FRIES!! Oh wow, they were awesome!  It's basically because after they're fried they are tossed in brown sugar.  Good grief, they were amazing.  Heather Bullard told me that Ina Garten has a similar recipe, which is actually baked.  You can find it here.  

 All it all, it was a wonderful day!

Waffle Sandwiches and Antiques?

My friend, Kathy and I traveled in to visit Old Town Orange before heading to the Women of Faith conference in Anaheim last Friday. Well, maybe it was a week ago, Friday actually.  It was highly recommended that we eat at Bruxies for lunch which is a waffle place. We ordered a chicken and waffle sandwich and for dessert, creme brûlée with burnt brown sugar and fresh fruit. Unfortunately, we bit into the sandwich before taking pictures. Here is the dessert waffle for you to imagine. Waffles for sandwiches is surprisingly delicious. They're light and not sweet. 

They were both delicious! We took a walk by some lovely cottages on the way to Country Roads Antiques. 

The shop across the street sells vintage clothing. Isn't this dress adorable?

Country Roads is full of treasures. 

I found a globe just like one I bought at a garage sale. I bought mine for $1.50. Wait for it!

Lookie there! $48.00! Of course, it hasn't sold for that price yet. Melinda pointed out that the tag was for ice skates. Hmmm, somebody messed up. They might've made a lot of money off of that globe! 

Another antique store had this beautiful French Armoire that wanted to go home with me. It told me so, but I had to look the other way. And plug my ears. Kind of like when you plug your ears with your fingers and sing, la la la la. You understand me, right?

Next I took Kathy to Muff's. I don't think there is really any furniture for sale at Muff's. 

Just rows and rows of old hardware. 

And books. And stuff. And more stuff. 

It was a fun way to start a great weekend. Next post is the Women of Faith Conference! Have you attended WOF yet?

Friends and Neighbors

I'm going to backtrack a week. My close friend, Denice, came to visit from Florida last week. We kept busy all week and took a ton of pictures. We took a walk every morning and of course, I had to introduce her to the neighbors.

 These two came over to say hello.

The next ponies were having breakfast and were very skittish.  

They didn't want to be interrupted, I guess. 

We went to Ponte Winery for lunch.  It's one of my favorites.

Kathy joined us.  It was fun to introduce friends from different places. We shared a salad, a pizza and a salmon dish, just so we could all taste the different entrees.  

 We walked through the grapes to check out the new hotel built on the property.

There was a lovely garden and patio out back.  Perfect for a wedding. 

I love days like this!

Going Home

If anyone actually consistently reads my blog you know that recently I had to go home for some scary reasons. See why here. Home is Kansas City. Those who are familiar with KC know to ask whether I'm from the Kansas or Missouri side. If you're from there, that's an important question. Each region/county has it's pride. I recently found a nice article from Country Living about Kansas City. I haven't been to all their suggested locations, but personally recommend several of their suggestions and more.  The photo above is one of the famous fountains by the Country Club Plaza.  Our first date was on the Plaza 30 years ago on June 24th.  I know, it's crazy that I remember that.  My husband was not a big spender that night.  It didn't matter.  I was just taken with him.  He has since made up for that many times.

Many husbands (mine especially) would be interested in a baseball game at the beautiful Kaufman Stadium to watch the Kansas City Royals. Even if they don't usually win, it's a fun evening.  There could also be a fun day for the family at Worlds of Fun. Lawrence, KS is home to KU and is a fun college town with good restaurants, antiques and shops. Say hello to my DD1 and SIL for me.  

{Kansas City Royals Kauffman Stadium, originally uploaded by TeresaHsu.}

Country Living mentioned some wonderful shops and antique malls but failed to mention two of the best shops in the area, Curious Sofa and Mary Carol Garrity's stores, Nell Hill's, Garrity's and Nell Hill's at Briarcliff Village.

You absolutely cannot go to Kansas City without eating some BBQ.  There are many to choose from, but my favorite is Fiorella's Jack Stack.  The most interesting location is the downtown Freight House.  You can also order their yummy sauces and more online.  I recommend their cheesy corn bake and burnt ends.  Okay, this is making me hungry and it's only 9:00 a.m! 

I know there are many other fabulous places to visit in Kansas City.  These are a few to get you started.  Enjoy!

Bueno!

I'm forgoing my usual Floral Friday post to bring you a luscious Italian lunch!  Several of the ladies from our neighborhood Bible Study took a "field trip" over the mountains into Orange County for the specific purpose of enjoying lunch at Mangia Bene! Ristorante in Laguna Niguel, CA.  

You can tell by all the boxes and bags that we took food home for dinner, too.

They slipped up on me and sang Happy Birthday.  Not till Sunday, girls!

Butternut squash ravioli with cherries and pine nuts!

I had risotto with sausage, peppers, mushrooms and peas.  It was SO GOOD!

Only about half of us got to go.  Next time, girls!

Sheryl on the left and her husband are the owners of this lovely restaurant.  Nina and I are anticipating our lovely lunch.  See girls, I DO reflect light.

Maryl and Regina

Jessica

Jenny is the matriarch of this Italian restaurant family.  She had a famous restaurant in St. Louis for years.  Mangia Bene! uses her recipes.

Sheryl and her Mom, Gloria