Home Sweet Home Is Homemade

Good afternoon darlings, I cannot believe how fast the days, the weeks, and the months have gone by so far this year. It is only days away from May - my birthday month. Today, I thought I'd write about some things that have happened lately...

Two weeks ago, I received my copy of Susan Branch's book Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams. I spent one afternoon at my local coffee shop reading. I was there for several hours until I noticed I should get home. I finished it that weekend. She is such an encourager, and although I'm, 29, and she's 69, I feel like we have a lot in common.

Oh my goodness, guess what? Susan Branch is going on a book tour this summer, and one of her stops is in Asheville, North Carolina. I cannot wait, obviously.

In other news, I got a bee in my bonnet one weekend and decided to re-decorate our powder bathroom. When we moved in two years ago, we installed a new toilet (with flat sides, as I abhor pipes) a new vanity, and flooring. I painted the walls, the trim, and ceiling.

I shopped for décor items from around our house. Before, I had a beach sign, and two seagulls. I replaced it with a antique gold mirror and my golden birds. My mother's maiden name is Bird, so I collect pairs of them and have them in several places around our home.

While we're talking about keeping home, I made a pecan cake, with light vanilla frosting and chopped walnuts. It turned out delicious.

I like the moisture of adding icing, but don't cover it excessively, as it becomes far too sweet. I've also considered making a glaze, any ideas?

This week, I also watercolored my childhood home, set in an idyllic village, in the heart of England.

I'm writing my childhood memoir, which will be a collection of my memories, with many watercolors, and photos from the 1980's and 1990's. I've never written a book before, but realize how important it is for family history and the least I can do is try.

Lastly, I wanted to share that we recently went to see My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. Have you seen it? We enjoy watching wholesome family movies - especially these days. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, but I may have teared up when the daughter went to her prom. Aww.

Once I get over a case of spring fever, I'll post about our Queens Tea at Ballantyne, where we celebrated Her Majesty's 90th birthday.

Have a blessed week,

Kiki Nakita

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Linked up to:

The Homemaking Party

Grace at Home #200

Thoughts of Home On Thursday #12

Share Your Cup #195

Five on Friday #

Cauliflower Pie Recipe and Watercolored Thanksgiving Menu

Last night I made Cauliflower pie. Here's the recipe:

I used a store bought a pie shell, but you can make your own. Set it out, to thaw out at room temperature. Separate the shells and poke the base with a fork, this helps it get that crispy texture instead of a soggy texture while it bakes.

Pre-heat the oven at 400 degrees.

Use 1 cauliflower head, cut off the stalks and place into a bowl with water. Place in the microwave for 10 minutes. Depending on your microwave setting, it may cook faster or slower. Test a cooled piece to see if it's cooked to your liking.

In a frying pan sauté 1 diced onion, 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables and 1 diced pepper.

Add all the ingredients into a mixing bowl; the cauliflower, the sautéed vegetables and 1 can of cream of broccoli.

Stir well, then place into your pie shell. Add the top pie shell and press the edges. I found that slowly lifting the corners before removing helps it stay on better.

Then decorate. I cut out a heart, which allows steam to get out and pressed the edges with a fork.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool down, before serving.

***

I also water colored our Thanksgiving Menu

In the evenings I enjoy watching old movies and water coloring. I have lots of watercolors of my childhood story, memories, recipes and traditions that my husband and mum think I should compile a book. If I do, it would be lovely to pass down to my children one day.

We usually used canned cranberry sauce, but have been looking for recipes to make my own, any suggestions?

Today, I'm linking up with Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday #188
and with Kelly's Corner SUYL Favorite Holiday Recipes

FOURTH EVER 5 on Friday

Happy Friday.

ONE

This week has been a relaxing one, we've spent a lot of time in the pool, enjoying the last few weeks we'll be staying in Florida.

Oscar has been taking a few naps...

TWO

I ventured into Trader Joe's and bought some marinated chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables. You can read about that here. I also treated myself to some sunflowers.

THREE

My hubby brought be a pint of coffee chocolate chip gelato from Publix. Oh my goodness, it is so delicious, I treat myself to a few spoonfuls every few days. 

FOUR

If you know me well, you will soon find me surrounded by my watercolors. I have been working on a hand lettered, watercolor collection of both mine and my hubby's childhood memories. Here's a sneak peak at my work space...

I love to look in magazine's for inspiration, and in this image I was inspired by this Victorian style roll top bath and the pink peonies. 

FIVE

Last, but not least we went to see The Butler the other evening. Such a moving film, with references to The South, past President's and to our country that now has fairer equality than  fifty years ago. Oh, and in the scene from the 80's with Oprah...my hubby says his mom had the exact same sweatsuit. Cringe! Ha ha.

Have a wonderful weekend.

I'm linking up with 5 on Friday HERE.