Chateau A La Mode

Sweet Spring Surprises

Image Pinterest.com

I've already shouted it from the mountain tops, but here I go again...I LOVE SPRING!!! Why? I think it's mostly because it's a time of beginnings, everything is new and fresh. It feels as if this is a do-over season. A season that means we can start, begin, launch, commence, you get the picture. There's something that feels really good about that. A new season and a beautiful season. Everywhere I turn there's beauty in God's creation. Flowers are blooming, grass is green, trees are full. It's all good. So because I'm so happy, I'll share some ideas to help you get in the Spring season yourself and share in my merriment.

Image Kinfolk.com

 

I love picnics and this time of year is probably the best time for that. Just grab a basket and raid your fridge, add a blanket, a good book, a Frisbee and your favorite beverage Then find a gorgeous place to enjoy nature and you have a picnic. I think eating outside and enjoying the splendor of the countryside is so peaceful and a real treat. It's a great way to spend an afternoon. So grab your basket!

 

Image Pinterest

 

As I just mentioned, I love being outside this time of year and enjoying a beautiful meal outside is a great way to enjoy the Spring. I love this table setting. It's just asking for a few friends to come by and spend an afternoon munching on chicken salad sandwiches, coleslaw and ice cold lemonade.

 

Image Pinterest

 

 

I just plain old love this idea for decorating your table. A galvanized bucket filled with beautiful Tulips. Just simply elegant.

 

Image Martha Stewarat.com

 

What's not to love with this basket? Love the greenery and the chocolate rabbit peeking out to say hi! 

 

Image BHG.com

 

Simply in L - O - V - E with this table!!! I don't even think I need to say anything more.

 

Image Martha Stewart.com

 

So Martha, right? We can all do these and what a statement they would make. I think they are so lovely.

Martha Stewart.com

Does Martha ever have a bad idea? I think not. Such an easy, lovely way to welcome Easter.

 

Image BHG.com

Just love the easy idea of placing a gorgeous flower in a glass. Love how it looks like a ray of sunshiine on your table.

 

I hope I was able to inspire you to reach out and embrace this lovely season of new beginnings. Plant some flowers, have a picnic, learn something new, take on a new project. Let me know how you will enjoy Spring. I love hearing from you.

Blessings,

Easy Recipe for Lovin' on People

 

Image Country Living.com

I have been so happy these last few days. The weather here in LA has been AmAZing! It's been in the mid 80's all week. I have been coming downstairs in the morning and opening up all the windows and leaving them open until I go to bed in the evening. The skies are blue, the birds are singing. It's definitely Spring here and it just makes me giddy with happiness. So the perfect dinner on a night like tonight is a South of the Border Salad. My son works at a local restaurant here in our valley and this is a huge seller on their menu. I've copied the recipe the best I can and make it every now and then because it tastes super yummy, super easy and it's the perfect way to love on your family. Even if Spring still hasn't sprung where you are you just might feel like it has if you have this for dinner.

Image Donna Hay.com

 

South of the Border Chicken Salad

Don't forget you could always use those roasted chickens from your local grocery for the chicken. You could even substitute the chicken for tritip.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast (cooked and sliced)

Chopped Romine Lettuce

Black Beans (rinsed and drained)

Red Bell Pepper (chopped)

Red Onion (chopped)

Red Cabbage (thinly sliced)

Cheddar Cheese (grated)

Cherry Tomatoes (chopped)

Chopped Avacado (top with)

Lime Wedges (to serve with)

Tortilla Chips

Directions

Okay, seriously, there really aren't any directions. Depending how much you're making is how much you need of all the ingredients. Put all in a large bowl and pour on fresh homemade Cilantro, Lime Vinegarette. Top with chopped avacado and tortilla chips.

 

Cilantro, Lime Vinegarette

1/2 cup Canola Oil

1/3 cup Fresh Lime Juice

1/4 cup White Vinegar

2 tbls Honey

dash of Cayenne Pepper

Large handful of Cilantro (chopped)

2 Cloves Garlic (chopped)

Directions

Everything goes into the blender with the exception of the Canola Oil, blend.  Then blend while pouring in the Canola Oil so that it emulsifies.

 

 

 Easy, delicious way to love on people. The perfect recipe for Spring :)

 

Blessings,

 

Lovin' on People -- Step 4, Don't forget the Family

 

Image Kinfolk Magazine

So the now that you understand the Lovin' on People concept, Don't Forget your Family. Let's face it, all of us get busy. It really doesn't matter what season of life you're in, it just happens. The busyness bug bites us. It's hard to remember that our own family needs lovin' on too. There's something about the daily ins and outs of the people we live with that makes us all take our loved ones for granted. I wanted to share with you a few ways to make time for Lovin' on People in your own home. 

 

Image Kinfolk Magazine

First of all, a simple smile and a cheery attitude does wonders around our home. I'm surely not perfect and sometimes it does take an attitude adjustment to put my mental state in check. Probably the best way to remember this is the old treat others as you want to be treated. It will make a difference I promise.

Image Coastal Living

Secondly, and trust me, this is probably the hardest one for me, keeping our houses tidy. Do you realize you can bless those you love by keeping house? I'm not going to get into the whole cleaning house routine, because this post isn't for that, but way back when I started a 15 minute tidy plan. If I tell myself to take 15 minutes and just tidy up, the room usually ends up pretty clean. Pick up mail, stack the magazines, put away jackets and shoes. A feather duster will be your best friend for a tidy. Smoosh up the pillows and maybe a fast vacuum. It will make a world of difference. It won't get rid of dust bunnies, etc. but it will look nice. I think our loved ones feel special if when they come home from a long day they are greeted by a clean and tidy home.

Image Jo Malone.com

Third, light candles. If you know me through this blog or personally, you know my candle addiction. I just think they make your home feel special. Not only is candlelight the prettiest light there is, day or night, but the scents that can permeate your home are amazing. I like to light seasonal candles. Apple cinnamon in the fall, citrus scents this time of year. You get the picture.

 

Image Kinfolk Magazine

Don't forget a few sprigs of greenery or a rose bud from the yard in a vase. Bring the outside in and your home will feel special.

Lastly, cook for them. I've already explained how important it is to bless people through food, just don't forget your own family. Now, personally I love to cook. There are few places I'd rather be than my own kitchen mustering up some roasted chicken and potatoes. Trying out a new dessert recipe. That is where I love to be. If you're reading this and that's not you, not to worry. There are lots of ways to bless your family through the kitchen without being Julia Child. The internet is a surprising place to find recipes and that means easy recipes as well. If you absolutely refuse to cook, there are lots of places that make prepared foods that you can bring home and warm up. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have lots of those options. Buy a Trader Joe's lasagna, warm it in the oven and then make your own salad. Prepacked salads are really good. Nothing's easier than that. Just make your own salad dressing. Warm up some really good Italian bread. Make some Nestle snap and bakes for dessert. Serve your family at the kitchen table complete with linen napkins and a candle and you're Lovin' on Them! See you can do it! We all can. Make it happen and let me know how it goes. I love hearing from you guys. You all bless my heart when you respond with comments, emails and those of you I know personally that give me encouragement after reading my posts make my heart happy.

xoxo,