What's Cooking?

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Rita Higgins Gallagher circa 1983

Friends - I am not what I would call a marvel of culinary genius. My mom Rita - having helped in the kitchen from the time she was 7 yrs old and could stand on a chair by the stove and follow her mother’s instructions (who was in a wheelchair with MS) - was a utilitarian cook - she had a smallish repertoire of dishes she prepared well and after 28 yrs I still dearly miss her roast beef. And that’s the type of cook I am as well - I’m not inventive - I follow recipes unless it’s something I’ve been preparing forever - like my mother’s Hot Crabmeat Dip. I’ve also recently fallen in love with Trader Joe’s many prepared dishes that are simply too tasty! But, with the new calendar I find myself excited to try my hand at a few new recipes.

Here are the three cookbooks whose dishes I feel comfortable to prepare or have prepared and most importantly - dishes I know my family will enjoy.

I received Savor and a fabulous charcuterie board at Christmas and there is nothing I like better than to graze… I love to serve snacks that are hearty enough to become a meal. We own a Fondue Pot I’m excited to use again!

How Easy Is That is a tried and true favorite from my collection. I have served the Tomatoes Roasted with Pesto so many times! They are so delectable!

Scandinavian Gatherings is not only about food from the different countries of this region but, there are wonderful crafts to incorporate into the celebration and use as decorations for the table and room! I keep hanging onto to the sliver of DNA from my Swedish Great Grandmother! Every Christmas Eve we enjoy Swedish meatballs my sister prepares with Felix Lingonberries on them!

Mom’s Crab Meat Dip Recipe:

Are you embracing any new foods or recipes lately?

Til next time be well!

Liam's Lair Reimagined

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Hi Friends I hope your Christmas was magical, fun and full of all the very best!

This week I’m trying to relax in-between my son’s hang out dates and starting his bedroom redo. Back in spring 2018 the space was completely revamped. We swapped french doors to the galerie for windows, changed the color story and added a desk. Click here to read.

Well here we are 3 + years later and it’s time for some much needed updates. Our son is now 10 and a larger bed has been ordered, we’re moving things around; pulling down art and he’s deciding what will and will not stay. I will share the completed space in a future post but, here is where we started.

June 2018

It’s a tight space and to maximize every inch Liam’s new bed will remain in it’s current location. Previously when we moved his bed into the corner we installed a bolster that hung on the wall with a cleat - this accomplishes a few things - it allows him to feel comfortable sitting against the wall, keeps him warm in the cold months and cooler in the warm months.

When I found this image of interior designer Liz Caan’s daughter’s room I knew this is what I wanted to emulate. I want to create a double headboard niche!

The headboards have been delivered and fingers crossed we’ll come as close as possible to the above inspiration.

The funnest thing we’re planning is a paint detail. Possibly a wall mural inspired by my Insta-pal Racheal Jackson - here are some inspirational images she’s created for clients that resonated with my son.

Liam is very creative and an artist. I really want his space to reflect the design and color choices he feels passionate about. We also love Carey & Johan color-blocking inspiration in this hotel room they designed for a client.

Diamond Stitched coverlet set

He already picked out new bedding in dark charcoal grey. As of today the color scheme will be grey, blues with hints of green and orange with the ceiling and walls remaining white. But, that could change depending on the paint detail we settle on.

Til next time friends be well.

Thank you all so much for being here! I wish you all blessings and joy in the coming year. Happy New Year!

CHALET CHRISTMAS 2021

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A very Happy and Merry to you my friends. Today I’m sharing this years Christmas Decor. With each year I find I take away less of my everyday design elements - preferring to weave the baubles, greenery, nutcrackers, stars and other festive touches in with my existing decor.

Welcome!

Our tree is filled with a lifetime of mementos.

Here’s a peek at the Diningroom.

The Sunporch boasts some colorful touches.

The skate stockings and blowmolds live upstairs in the hall.

If you follow along on Instagram and I certainly hope you do… you may have viewed by Gift Wrapping Tutorial. Here’s a pretty gift I can’t wait to share!

I am really pleased with how the Chalet looks and feels this holiday season.

Cheers and Thank you as always for taking your precious time to be here!

If you like what you’re seeing please make sure you are signed up for my mailing list - you can do so in the sidebar and I would love if you would share this post with a friend!

Wishing you all very Merry and Blessed Christmas!