You can do it.... flower arranging

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karinlidbeckbrent

Flower Arranging

The best book even if you are not new at it.  There are so many wonderful ideas inside.

Brass planter

Beautiful brass container for a large floral arrangement.

Art Glass Vase

This gorgeous vase would look just as pretty with big white hydrangeas in it as it would a colorful red and yellow bouquet.

Experiment with some of the things in your kitchen, they make great containers for a single flower or a large bouquet. Use your tureens, Turquoise Ball jars and anything else you can think of.

Have fun!!!!!
A Bientôt
Audrey

Winter White

photo by animals-zone.com

I have always loved the color white, especially in winter.  The beautiful snow falling down, the gorgeous animals who live in this environment and the designers who go all out for "Winter White".

Karl Lagerfeld blouse

Donna Karan skirt

Donna Karan satin blazer

Ralph Lauren sweater... I love it

And to go with this sweater, how about this darling purse.

Moyna handbag

I love it.......

Vince gorgeous cashmere sweater

So, that's my idea for winter white.  I hope you like it.

Now for a couple of recipes.

I love Lemon Drop Martinis so here is my favorite and easiest recipe.
Perfect Lemon Drop Martini recipe

1 1/2 oz Grey Goose® vodka
1/2 oz triple sec
1 tsp superfine sugar
3/4 ozfreshly squeezed lemon juice

Dip your martini glass in lemon juice and then sugar for this lucious edge to your glass.

photo by sanjuanparent.com

Chef Jose Andres recipe for Mashed Potatoes with olive oil and Manchego... simply delish

1. 2 heads of garlic, top third of each cut off
2. 1/4 cup Spanish extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3. 6 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
4. Water
5. Salt
6. 3 cups heavy cream, heated
7. 1/2 pound young Manchego cheese, cut into 1/4-inch dice

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Stand the garlic on a large sheet of heavy-duty foil. Drizzle with oil and wrap in the foil. Bake for about 1 hour, until the garlic is very soft. Squeeze the soft cloves from the skins into a small bowl and mash with a fork.
2. Meanwhile, bring the potatoes to a boil in a large pot of water. Salt the water and boil over moderately high heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Shake the pot over moderately high heat for 1 minute to dry the potatoes.
3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher, then mash in half of the hot cream. Add the remaining cream and mash again. Stir in the Manchego to melt, then slowly stir in 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the mashed garlic. Season with salt and transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and serve.

I hope you enjoy .

A Bientôt

Audrey

It is hard to believe that 2013 has ended and 2014 has begun.  Where do the days go? 

The first Tuesday of the month bloggers are writing about changes and resolutions and I thought a lot about this and decided I didn't want any changes.  I would like a year just like the last one and I would be very happy.

It started out and ended with travel and being with my family.  Living half the year in France and half the year in Dallas, I have to really plan well to see everyone.  We are an immediate family of 20, children and grandchildren,  and getting together isn't always easy.  We had a gorgeous wedding in Chicago in July and a ski trip to Utah for the holidays so that was two times this year we were all together.  That's a blessing.

Sunrise in Deer Valley Utah from my bedroom window.  

Sitting around the firepit and watching the skiers whiz by.

A few days in Paris is just around the corner as I head back to the States for a couple of months.  I always think of food when I think of Paris, why is that?

huffington post photo

I will be in New York for a few days before I go to Dallas.  I think of food there too.

mykikicake.com photo

I am still trying to think of what I would like to change.  I am not worrying about the few extra pounds I might have added this year, nor am I thinking about the new crinkle around my eyes.  Just make 2014 as happy as 2013 was and I will be happy.

This always makes me blissful.  My lovely Skye.

A bientôt
Audrey