EVERYDAY LIVING ...BIRTHDAYS, RECIPES, GARDENING and PUMPKIN CAKE

Good Morning Kindred Spirits...
we find ourselves coming to the end of July!
This month has flown by at warp speed...
It's impossible to believe that in a few weeks,
school buses will be appearing in the early mornings
and late afternoons....such a short summer vacation
for children these days, which is a shame..

July is family birthday month for us....
we celebrate three family members
and enjoy the time we can gather in one place
for a bit.... 



Brunch was just scrumptious as we met over near Keller....

Enjoying Mimosa's and Blood Mary's is not a bad way to begin the day

The darling and I had a lovely evening celebration
for our birthdays in our downtown historic district.
Everything was top notch...the ambiance, the cocktails and 
the service...we loved every minute!

One of my sweetest gifts was this darling garden bunny
which I am choosing to keep inside....

It is the best time to take advantage of those summer fresh berries...
I whipped up a beautiful berry trifle...with custard and whipped cream...

I tried out the Viral Chicken Cobbler for dinner one evening....

We are replacing some dead shrubs in the garden
and chose Texas Sage as a new addition...

I actually love this so much more.....

It is time to think of fall and all the goodness that it
will bring our way.....

I have always been a fall color girl,
and purchased this beautiful new quilt which will go
on the farmhouse table, along with a beautiful leaf and candle....

And, it's time to test out a few new recipes....
this cake is divine and will definitely be offered at Thanksgiving

PUMPKIN CAKE
submitted by Southern Sideboards, Mrs. Donald Seago 1978

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup cooking oil
2 cups self-rising flour
2 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. salt
1 cup canned pumpkin

Mix well the eggs, sugar and oil. 
Sift dry ingredients together and add.
Beat 3 minutes on medium speed of electric mixer, add pumpkin.
Bake in prepared bundt pan at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.

'One remembers all those tables, some grand and richly laden,
some humble and bearing simple fare, 
over which flowed the talk, the tales, the exchanges that

have made up the histories of our lives, the tables which
loving eyes have looked in loving eyes, spirit to spirit...I think 
of vanished loved ones, and simpler times, of youth and wonder..
the seasons in which we were blessed with Heaven's gifts...."
~Wyatt Cooper

SUMMER ENTERTAINING FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Good Morning to all....
Yes, I know....summer is in full swing,
and it is just too hot to enjoy the  outdoors!
The big news here at Estelle's is that
we are preparing for company!
It's time to plan a party~~~ 

FAMILY TIME



The Divine Miss M is flying in from ATLANTA
for a short visit and bringing our Luke the Duke with her....

It's hard to believe he is now 18 years old and will
begin his senior year of high school in just a few weeks.
I cannot wait to see them and make our time meaningful and fun!
We treasure the time our entire family is together under one roof!!

We are hosting game night and cocktails for a fun
evening indoors!
The theme has been decided upon and we do love
a good mystery game.....

This promises to be a fun evening....
who will be the best detective?

I am so excited for this menu.....
I love attending a party where the food
is all homemade...with  love.....

The color story will be vibrant

The accessories will add a bit of glamour and whimsy

We will enjoy a cocktail hour, then the party shall begin...
as they say...

'let the good times roll!"

COTTAGECORE SUMMER KITCHEN DECOR

Good Morning Kindred Spirits...
let's start a conversation....
what is your favorite style of decorating your home?
Do you follow current trends? Are you into the currently
popular 'Nancy Meyers" or do you lean more to embracing
your own unique style?
I am a traditionalist at heart and choose things
that evoke a memory or bring me a sense of happiness....

One of the features that I find necessary to have in a home,
is a kitchen window over the sink.....and our bay window
in this home, brings me great joy everyday...

I may have found the secret to decorating at this age
as I have chosen pieces I absolutely love, and plan to leave them
where they are, then simply change out a few seasonal decor pieces 
throughout the year..
The pieces I chose for this vignette are mostly in shades of green
which will work beautifully for all seasons and allow me to 
enjoy a few of my all time favorite collections...

I love using my two favorite collector canisters which
represent the summer Farmer's Markets and they are just
so beautiful to look at every morning.
The cruet set belonged to my Mother-in-Law and I keep these
on display all year round....

And, yes I love to add a few whimsy items
like this darling chicken candle holder..
I love to mix Primitive pieces, with Cottagecore .....

Love this wooden base touch tone light...
it's a soft warm light during the evening and before sunrise

For some reason, this evokes memories of my
Grandmother's kitchen...and I really love that....



And, choose a lovely scent of hand soap along with
a pretty soap dispenser

Choosing the color story of GREEN, was the right choice...
it's calming and serene....
find what you love and let your creativity run free....

it's a wonderful feeling...hugs to each of you and
thank you for visiting Estelle's today....

DELICIOUS SUMMER FOODS AND COASTAL COTTAGE STYLE LIVING

SUMMER,....It calls to mind images
of shorts and flip-flops, of rocking chairs on the 
massive front porch as evening falls....
of wildflowers in the gardens and relaxing
by the water.....

Some of us have planned a getaway for spending
quality family time while school is out for the season....

 

The Atlanta family is spending a week down in Apalachicola
in a quaint bayside home,...

Time for the most divine Bloody Mary's

Fishing on the Bay as the sun sets upon the water..

She finally caught one....



A successful day of fishing with Captain Jimmy.....

This property is stunning....

Now, we turn the conversation to food...
I have been productive making long time family
favorite summer recipes which were requested
by the popular vote...

Texas Caviar is a marvelous appetizer for pool days....

And for a lovely snack, those summer cherries are just delightful....

How about Hot Beignets served on Sunday morning....

And, I just crave my Mother's Southern Squash Casserole....

I Love, love, love this..

And, for a cool refreshing treat on a hot afternoon....
the well known Strawberry Pineapple Pretzel Salad...

There is something to say for Comfort Food....
I encourage you to bring your loved ones together
by serving long standing family favorites...

SUMMER IN THE GARDEN

 
Welcome back to Estelle's..
we love to have you stop by
and enjoy an afternoon of
sun and relaxation.....



Before the long hot days roll in,
it is so lovely to have a backyard oasis by the pool
to become one with nature and enjoy those zen moments....

I so enjoy creating a vibrant entertaining space
that helps to create the feeling that summer brings....

Ice cold sparkling lemonade is being served....

Snickerdoodles are baking in the oven....
let's take a little garden tour of what's in bloom....

The garden flag for the season

TRUMPET VINES

CANNAS IN MAE'S MEMORY GARDEN

DAYLILIES

FOUR O' CLOCKS

ZINNAS

GARDEN WHIMSY

SUN PATIENTS

FRAGRANT LANTANA

PLUMBAGO

HYDRANGEA

What's on your schedule for this season?