Let’s Make a Fall Wreath

Let’s Make a Fall Wreath

Let’s Eat Corn!

Let’s Eat Corn!

Take a Walk on the Wild Side with Safari Stylye

Take a Walk on the Wild Side with Safari Style

By Carla Jordan  //  Decorating  //  No Comments

Photo credit: Roger Davies, www.ElleDecor.com

Got jungle fever?  You’re not alone.  Animal prints and jungle motifs continue to be a strong trend as designers embrace their inner-Tarzan (or Jane, as the case may be) to up the ante on style from a global perspective.  What I’ve always loved about this look is how quickly it changes a room by infusing graphic pattern and color.

Photo credit: Nathan Kirkman, www.ElleDecor.com

A leopard-print rug runner turns this neutral foyer into a dramatic entryway.

Photo credit: William Waldron, www.ElleDecor.com

In this library of a New York City apartment, designer Todd Romano has turned the floor into an op-art focal point with a custom zebra rug.

Photo credit: William Waldron, www.ElleDecor.com

Mixing an antique ikat bedcover with a cheetah-print crewelwork rug and leopard slipper chair might sound nuts but it looks great in this guest bedroom.  Why? The safari prints are small enough that they serve as background to the the big ikat print; and all of the color palettes coordinate.

Photo credit: William Waldron, www.ElleDecor.com

Any designer will tell you that a little safari goes a long way. A leopard-print throw is all this Hamptons bedroom needs to anchor the room visually and tie the color palette together.

Photo credit: Roger Davies, www.ElleDecor.com

Decorators love pillows and here’s why.  All it takes are two–yes, two–zebra pillows to make this subdued modernist sitting room roar with style.
Accessories are an affordable way to layer in this look without breaking the bank.

 These Serengetti Zebra and Tiger prints look equally good displayed as a pair or separately.  Leopard candle holders add a contemporary touch and would look great on a mantel or dining table.

At just 5 x 8-inches, the Mom & Cub figurine is sized right for a desk or bookcase cubby.

This hammered metal Tropical Leaf sconce delivers a subtle jungle feel.

Girly Girl Decor

Girly Girl Decor

Grab Those Zip Ties–Let’s Make A Flowerpot Wreath!

By Jeff Floyd  //  Decorating, Tips  //  No Comments

As many of you know, I love zip ties!  These handy little helpers have saved the day more times than I can count and are one of the most versatile tools in a decorator’s bag of tricks.  This flower pot wreath shows why.  No glue gun, floral tape or ball of string required.  Just a few supplies and quick-fix zip ties.  So, don your DIY hat and grab a hand full of zip ties.  It’s time to transform your door for Summer!
 Supplies
30-inch grapevine wreath
2 Celebrating Home Garden Foliage wreath/garland
2 Celebrating Home Daisy Fresh swags 
8 4-inch terra-cotta flower pots
White acrylic paint
Water
Sponge
Zip ties
Directions:
Create whitewash by squeezing paint into a small container, then adding water to thin it.
Dip sponge into whitewash and lightly wipe onto the outside and inside of the pot.  Let dry.
Use zip ties to adhere Garden Foliage wreath/garland to grapevine wreath (remember to overlap the garland ends!).  Hide zip ties by fluffing garland over it.
Attach each flower pot to wreath by feeding a zip tie through the pot’s bottom drainage hole up inside the pot to its top, then through wreath branches.  Secure zip ties to wreath base.
Snap Daisy Fresh swags into four equal sections, then space around wreath perimeter and weave around pots.  Secure to wreath base with zip ties.

Drink in Summer with Crunchy Punch!

By Heather Chastain  //  Entertaining, Lifestyle  //  No Comments

Heather and her family enjoy a summer day with their daughters trusty red wagon in tow!

If the four seasons were up for a vote, hands-down, Summer would win at my house. Shawn, Pfifer, Finley and I are all about making the most of warm, sunny weather.   We love to cook out, picnic in the park, splash about in the pool and hang out in the yard.

While our outdoor time is decidedly casual (bare feet abound!), I still try to make it special whether that means styling up the picnic table with a cool denim runner, bandana napkins and bright red stoneware (a nice change from paper plates) or treating everyone to a tasty beverage like Crunchy Punch.
This recipe’s perfect for Summertime–it’s simple to fix and serves up icy cold.  It also uses readily available ingredients and modifies easily with the change of just an ingredient or two.
CRUNCHY PUNCH
Ingredients
3 small packages flavored gelatin, any flavor
9 cups boiling water
4 cups sugar
4 cups boiling water
16 ounces lemon juice
2-46 ounce containers of pineapple juice
2 liters of 7UP® or ginger ale

Directions
Dissolve gelatin in nine cups of boiling water.
Dissolve sugar in 4 cups of boiling water.
Mix together all ingredients except for 7UP® (or gingerale).
Pour mixture into four ½-gallon containers (I use milk jugs), then seal.
Freeze for 36 hours.
Several hours prior to serving, remove containers from freezer and place in refrigerator to partially thaw.
When ready to serve, add 7UP® (or gingerale).
Punch should be icy and crunchy.
Tips:
•Chill a Celebrating Home stoneware bean pot or serving pitcher for 20 minutes in the freezer prior to serving, then add punch. Because our stoneware is designed with insulative qualities, the punch will stay colder longer if served in it instead of a conventional punch bowl or pitcher.
•This is a good recipe to make with your kids.  Let them add everything but the boiling water (you do that!).  Watch them giggle as the gelatin adds color and the 7Up® makes the punch fizz.
•Remember to add a colorful, bendable straw to each glass; then watch everyone smile and sip like a kid!

Drink in Summer with Crunchy Punch!

Drink in Summer with Crunchy Punch!

Mother’s Day Gifts Kids Can Make

By Carla Jordan  //  Decorating, Lifestyle  //  No Comments

Photo credit: Arvind Balaraman, www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a homemade gift.  Just ask my mom whose walk down memory lane is filled with more paste-encrusted cards and popsickle stick creations than you can shake a stick at. Over the years, I’ve encouraged (ok, begged) her to give the lot a toss but cling to them she does.  That says to me–DIY gifts fashioned by kids still rule.  So as Mother’s Day nears, here are two terrific projects (from those clever craft editors at Better Homes & Gardens) worth pointing your kids toward.
•Clothespin Easel

Photo credit: www.BHG.com

How cute is this?  An ideal project for young kids, this clothespin easel stands above the rest!
What You Need:
Oversize wooden clothespins
Stickers
Colored markers
Assorted craft embellishments like small flowers, butterflies and faux gems
Craft glue
Directions:
Embellish each side of clothespin, then clip mini artwork or photos to pin.
•Pretty Posy Pins

Photo credit: www.BHG.com

These sweet corsages are throwbacks to more simple times, yet, hit on today’s trend of wardrobe accessorizing with decorative brooches. This is a perfect project for older kids.
What You Need:
Bunches of tiny fabric flowers
Fabric leaves on wire stems
Utility scissors; ruler
Green florist’s tape
2-inch piece of 1/4-inch-wide balsa wood
1-1/2-inch-long pin back
Thick white crafts glue
Directions:
1. Separate flower bunches. Choose a few favorite flowers to make the corsage. Arrange two or three leaves with the flowers. Trim the flower and leaf stems to measure approximately 2 inches long. Wrap the stems with florist’s tape. After wrapping the bottom of the stems, wrap back up to the top. Trim the tape.
2. Wrap the tiny piece of balsa wood with florist’s tape.
3. Using florist’s tape, wrap the wood piece to the flower bunch.
4. Glue the back of the pin to the back side of the wrapped stems and balsa wood. Let glue dry.
FYI–If you’re a scout leader, 4H instructor or Sunday School teacher, these projects are easily managed with groups of kids, too!

3 Steps to the Perfect Easter Brunch

By Jeff Gillis  //  Entertaining, Lifestyle, Recipes  //  1 Comment

Photo credit: Shalen Gillis

An Easter brunch is a fantastic kick-off to a special day that revolves around faith, family and…fun. Here are three quick-fix recipes that will make yours a snap to prepare.  The Spring frittata is light but bursting with flavor. The lemon brioche, served with fresh berries or slightly sweeter caramel sauce, is guaranteed to produce sighs of delight!  And for those guests who want to eat and run, there are Cinnamon Roll Pinwheels. This elegant brunch, sure to impress, is fast and easy; and best of all–each dish can be made in advance so you can get a jump start on the day’s festivities and, perhaps, even the bunny himself!

Photo credit: Shalen Gillis

Lemon Brioche
Yields 8 servings
Ingredients:
20-24 ounce loaf of brioche (or other egg-enriched bread)
2 lemons, zested and juiced
4 eggs
1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
3 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1-1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar  (aka powdered sugar), more for dusting
Directions:
Lightly prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
With a bread knife, slice bread into 1/2-inch thick slices, then cut each slice in half.  Arrange half of bread in overlapping layers in the baking dish. Sprinkle bread with half of the lemon zest.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs until creamy. Whisk in next six ingredients, ending with cloves. Add remaining  lemon zest and pour half over layered bread. Layer rest of the bread on top and pour rest of liquid over to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
When ready to bake, remove brioche from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bake brioche for 30 minutes or until slightly golden on top and puffy.
Whisk lemon juice with confectioners’ sugar, then drizzle glaze over brioche while it’s still hot.  Dust top of brioche with a little confectioners’ sugar.
Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with carmel sauce or fresh berries.

Photo credit: Shalen Gillis

Spring Frittata
Yields 8 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup (8-12 thin/small) asparagus, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup radishes, minced
1/2 cup (4-5) green onions, sliced–use white bulbs & green tops
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
8 eggs
3 tablespoons feta cheese crumbled
2 tablespoons Celebrating Home Spinach Artichoke dip mix (#05056)
Directions:
In a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté radishes for five minutes or until tender. Add asparagus and green onions, then sauté for another minute. Remove from heat, add salt and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs. Stir in sautéed vegetables.  Add feta cheese and CH Spinach Artichoke mix. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously prepare a cooking/baking spray either a pie plate, iron skillet or individual baking dishes.
Pour egg mixture into  baking dish, bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the eggs are set.
Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to release frittata. With a sharp knife, cut frittata into eight wedges, then  garnish with additionally crumbled feta cheese. Frittata can, instead, be turned out onto a cake stand or oval platter for a more formal presentation.

Photo credit: Shalen Gillis

Cinnamon Roll Pinwheels
Yields 16 servings
Ingredients:
1 package Celebrating Home Monkey Bread (#05047)
1 cup flour
16 lollipop sticks
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, prepare CH Monkey Bread mix according to package instructions.
Sprinkle a little flour onto clean work surface and knead dough, folding into itself about 6-8 times adding flour as needed. Dough needs to be firm.
Drizzle additional flour onto work surface and use rolling pin to work dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Let set.
Mix cinnamon sugar packet with the one tablespoon milk. Spread over dough, then firmly roll into a log starting with the longest side. Cut into 1/2-inch thick wheels and place on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove tray from refrigerator and uncover. When oven is at temp, place in oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly brown on top. Remove from oven and cool.
Insert a lollipop stick into each pinwheel.   When thoroughly cooled, place each lollipop into a small treat bag.  Secure with a twisty tie and embellish with ribbon.
Recipes courtesy of Jeff Gillis. http://www.celebratinghome.com/sites/52646159

How to Shop Smart for Candles
http://www.celebratinghome.com/sites/52646159

By Carla Jordan  //  Decorating, Tips  //  No Comments

Photo credit: Simon Upton, www.ElleDecor.com

Candles are my friend.  Pillars, tapers, tea lights are all welcome in my home year-round.  I use them so much that my father once suggested I just disconnect the electricity and spend the extra on…more candles (ha, ha, Dad!).  Yet, there might be something behind Pop’s joke when I think about it. This past winter, candles lit up my living room, dining room and kitchen nearly ever night; and thanks to a warmer Spring than usual, they’re already adding a warm glow to my patio when I head there after dinner.  And I’m about to check my candle closet (yes, I have one–doesn’t everyone?) to see what to stock up for both myself and for gift-giving (Mother’s Day, graduation, weddings, weekend hostess gifts).
If you, too, are crazy for candles (bet you are since Americans ring up $2 billion in candles sales every year), then you know what I do–you can’t swing a stick without hitting a candle when it comes to shopping.  So the question is…how can we shop smart for candles amidst this sea of oh-so fragrant wax?
For the answer, I tracked down Tracie Henson, Celebrating Home’s home fragrance division director of product development (and a top industry pro with over 20 years of experience).  I persuaded CH’s Queen of Candles (without even tying her to a chair!) to answer the top five candle questions I’ve obsessed about for years.
1-Size
•When is bigger better, when is it not?

”Go for big when you really like a fragrance and want to use it it repeatedly over time.  Go smaller if  trying out a new scent and don’t know for sure if it’s the one for you; when you want to mix scents to create one uniquely yours (more economical) and if you aspire to create scent continuity throughout several rooms.”
2-Color
•Anything to the “color determines scent” myth?
“Color and scent are two separate things.  Color is simply the hue infused into the wax–it has nothing to do with scent.  Your goal is to match color with scent.  Want a candle that smells like a granny smith apple? Then you want it to be apple green-hued, not ocean blue or orange. Seems obvious but a lot of people get hung up on color, thinking that just because a candle looks a certain way, it’ll smell that way, too.  Select your candle based on sight and smell.”
3-Scent
•When sales people tout their candles as containing the highest percentage of fragrance in the industry, is that a reason to pay more?
“No.  Candlemakers adjust percent of fragrance to the potency of the specific scented oil.  For example, rose is a very heady scent so a smaller percentage of it is used than with a lighter scent like ocean breeze.  There’s chemistry to candle-making–it’s not one formula fits all.  So go by how the candle smells to you.  Is it strong, weak or just right?”
4-Wicks
•What’s up with all the wicks? 
“Most wicks today are cotton-braided, paper-braided, paper-core or wood, and there’s a reason for so many.  Candlemakers vary wicks by type of candle (and sometimes fragrance) in order to provide the proper amount of fuel (flame).  Fuel is key to achieving maximum burn time and hot throw (the distance scent travels throughout a space). Cotton and wood wicks are good picks.  Cotton maintains a very consistent flame and burn because it can be braided exactly the same every time.  Wood wicks deliver unique burn characteristics that enhance your sensory experience.  There are also candles with metal core wicks which I recommend avoiding because you don’t know where the wick are made and the metal might contain lead (here in the U.S., there’s a law against lead being used in metal core wicks)—better safe than sorry.”
5-Price
•Does high price always equal high quality?
“Not necessarily.  There are good quality candles at all prices.  Designer candles, typically, cost more because you’re paying for the designer’s name and reputation; although sometimes rare ingredients (like an hard-to-get scent or special wax) may also have been used in manufacturing.  Fancy packaging can also bump up the price.  The key to how much to spend is looking at the candle as a whole and paying for what’s most important to you.  Is it great fragrance, designer name association or simple illumination?  Budget accordingly.”
On the hunt for great candles?  Here are some of my favorites, based on Tracie’s tips:

At just $6.98 each, Scents of Home Petite Jar candles make it affordable to mix scents to create your own unique fragrance and to create scent continuity throughout several rooms.   They come in 15 scents so you can mix and match until the cows come home.


Pure Palm candles match color to scent (kiwi papaya shown here) and they feature a wooden ember wick made from the bark and husk of coconut palms that emits the sound of a crackling fire.

For just $10, the Celebrating Hope candle delivers the bells and whistles of designer candles that sell for much more including: a high-quality custom fragrance (vanilla with exotic notes of fig and amber), soy-blend wax, a remarkably long 27-hour burn time for its size and an embossed lid.  Plus, $3 from the sale of each candle benefits the Celebrating Hope  Foundation’s charitable partners–the Celebrating Hope Foundation like Habitat for Humanity, Hope International and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Orange” You Glad I didn’t Say Banana!

By Jeff Floyd  //  Decorating  //  No Comments

Photo credit: Karen, www.Flickr.com

I’m often asked, “What’s your favorite color?” My answer–“This week” (or “this season”) it is”…because it changes often.  Yet for a while now, orange has been my “go to” color for home décor and casual entertaining.  Why? Because orange re-energizes a room like no other.  Often called the social hue (because it’s so stimulating and lively), this vibrant color is no longer held to a single season—we’re seeing orange paired, year-round, with lot of other colors; as well as working alone to liven up a space.

Recently, I swooned for orange again when I came across an apothecary jar filled with cheese balls (because of their color, not their tastiness!) in a chic market showroom.

Photo credit: www.Pantone.com

Then, New York fashion week was all about orange and Pantone (our industry’s top color forecaster) declared “tangerine tango” its color of the year. Voila! Orange has finally arrived in all its yummy glory.
This is a hue that plays well with virtually every color in the crayon box.

Photo credit: www.DenverBrocos.com

Who knew Tim Tebow and the Broncos were such fashionistas with their pairing of orange and blue (for once we guys led the way on style!)?



























Look how great orange mixes with fuschia on these global-inspired pillows; and how much impact this solid orange textural pouf (a fancy name for foot stool) delivers.







One of my favorite springtime events happens in Round Top, a small Texas town (population 77).  Aptly named, The Round Top Spring Fair is held during the first weekend in April.










The pastures and meadows surrounding this community are filled with circus-sized tents where dealers and creative retailers offer their wares.  Susan and I love to walk the tents looking for that diamond-in-the-rough.

By pairing orange  with the “re-use/re-purpose” trend, this season’s show will likely be filled with treasures like this buffet just waiting for a fresh coat of vibrant paint that transformed it into a fashion must-have.
Hesitant to jump in with both feet?  That’s ok. By taking a few pieces swathed in this color of the year (tangerine tango) and adding it to your existing décor, you’ll get instant gratification and update your home at the same time.







 http://www.celebratinghome.com/sites/52646159 T check out more of Jeffs Blogs







For example, pair our Vibrant Poppies wrapped canvas art with a couple of throw pillows and a Mango Cooler candle.
All it takes are three touches of orange somewhere in your home and you’ll be dancing the trendy tangerine tango before you know it!

Tagged as: decorating with orange | featured | Pantone's color of the year | tangerine tango

Author: Jeff Floyd

Vice-President of Merchandising & Designer in Chief, Celebrating Home
Jeff Floyd leads 50,000-plus Celebrating Home Designers coast-to-coast sharing his vision, talent and innovative design. Jeff inspires confidence in design and provides how to tips on decorating and entertaining. He resides in Marshall, Texas where he values quality time with Susan, his best friend and wife of 28 years, with whom he also works beside every day at Celebrating Home. Jeff is especially proud of Preston, his 18 month old grandson, whom he shares Coke Floats with on a daily basis. Jeff Floyd has written 6 articles for our blog

4 Ways to Spring Forward Now!

By Carla Jordan  //  Decorating  //  No Comments

Winter’s here and brrrr…it’s cold as ice.  Even Harry, my sturdy little corgi, is dutifully suiting up in his tartan plaid coat before venturing out into the yard.  But, indoors I’ve found a way to beat winter at its game by infusing my home with touches of nature that are warm, colorful and inspiring.




















The Brits have been doing this for centuries.  Homes with beautiful conservatories (like this one that I photographed when in London recently) and garden rooms date back to the 16th century but blossomed during the reign of Queen Victoria. Designed to liven up interiors during bleak winter months, these spaces are typically filled with dramatic examples of nature ranging from soaring trees and heady scented plantings to chirping birds and even the occasional butterfly or two.
Alas, my grand English home with conservatory must wait until the arrival of my prince with trusty trust fund (where is he???).  So in the meantime, am I doomed to a home of wintery blandness?  No way! We fashionistas never turn down a challenge (or reason to shop) so shop I did. In a nano-second, I zeroed in four fab furnishings that’ll add a little Spring to your step…and your home right now.

Mother Nature would feel right at-home dining at this table filled with award-winning artist Susan Winget’s Somerset Song dinnerware (exclusive to CH). The Homespun bell jar with stand mimics a classic garden cloche in this gorgeous centerpiece of moss, bird nests and eggs.





















This Floor Standing bird cage takes its cue from English Victorian homes that used these structures as architectural elements and filled them with all sort of things (sometimes even birds!)


















Our Field of Flowers wall art adds a modernist touch with its square, unframed canvas.












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Cindy Allen



One of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to create atmosphere is via scent.  Light Heather’s Garden soy candle to fill the room with the fragrance of a lovely bouquet of flowers.

Tagged as: decorating ideas | decorating with nature | featured

Author: Carla Jorda

Videos

How to get a romantic room

	Creating a Romantic Room Romantic decorating is all about creating a space that feels both safe and thrilling. You want your partner to be comfortable and able to relax, but you also don’t want them to fall asleep. There are a number of decorative elements which you can engage in order to accomplish this task. Lighting: Illumination is a vital tool when trying to create a romantic atmosphere. The way the light shines on the space will have a profound effect on how people will view and react to it. In general you want to avoid harsh direct lighting, and opt instead for soft ambient fixtures that will create a gentle flickering glow. This can be done through the use of candles, string lights, globe lanterns, and other soft novelty fixtures. Colors: Red is generally recognized as the color of love. However you don’t want to go crazy completely washing the space in bright red colors that will be harsh and glaring. Rather use these hues as accent points which can contrast in powerful ways with the lighter more subdued colors surrounding them. Textures: Decorating is about more than just how things look, it is also important to consider how they feel to the touch. In a decorative setting you want to emphasize textures which are either soft, or smooth. Soft can include things such as plush velvet curtains, spongy rugs and cuddly pillows, all of which will make the space feel cozier. Smooth textures such as soft silk and satin sheets or throws can create a languid luxurious feel. Music: One of the quintessential elements of a romantic atmosphere is music. The right melody can allow you and your love to drift soft into a sweet dream. However you want to be careful that you don’t choose tunes which are boring and sleepy. Rather you want to try and select music that will inspire both of you, and which plays to your individual tastes. Aroma: You can complete the effect by using scented candles or incense sticks to fill the air with enticing scents. There are a wide variety of aromas which you can choose. Here too you want to follow the tastes of both you and your beloved, as scent is a very personal sensation and taste can vary from person to person. http://www.celebratinghome.com/sites/52646150

Valentines

Treat Your Valentine to a Romantic Salmon Bake for Two

By Jeff Gillis  //  Entertaining  //  No Comments

Looking for a way to shoot Cupid’s arrow that your special someone will remember long after Valentine’s Day? No need to labor in the kitchen for hours to create a culinary meal worthy of the celebration. Try this one-dish wonder that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes.  No fuss, little mess, yet, guaranteed to impress!











This salmon bake is also great as a portable picnic–something my wife and I love to do lakeside and in other scenic areas of our historic town.  So this Valentine’s Day, make like a culinary cupid.  Then whisk your honey away to a special spot for an evening filled with fine food and romance!











Ingredients:
1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 russet potato, peeled and sliced paper thin
1 carrot, cut into 3-inch matchstick lengths
12 stalks asparagus, cut into 3-inch lengths
2 planks of salmon, room temperature
1 tablespoon Celebrating Home Spinach artichoke dry mix or like product
1 teaspoon dry Greek seasoning
Garniesh: 1 small can diced olives; small bunch chopped fresh parsley; and capers.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray individual portion cassoulet baking dishes (or an 8-inch baking dish) with spray release (like PAM™)
Lay potato slices in the bottom of the dish one at a time, making two to three layers.
Combine the chopped artichoke hearts and 1 tablespoon of the spinach artichoke dip dry mix. Sprinkle artichoke hearts on top of the sliced potato, divided evenly between the two bakers. Do the same with heavy cream.
Bake covered for 20 minutes at 400 degree, then remove from oven and lower heat to 300 degrees.
Place salmon planks on top of potato artichoke mixture, dividing the carrots and asparagus evenly between the two bakers.  Top with Greek seasoning.
Bake covered for additional 5-9 minutes at 300 degrees.
Remove and garnish with a pinch of capers, diced black olives, and fine chopped fresh parsley.
Tips:
•Use any fish you like.
•Greek seasoning is salty sweet, lemony with herbs.
•Spinach artichoke mix is comprised of onion, garlic and dill.
•Do steps 1-4 up to three days in advance, then place cold salmon on top with veggies and seasonings; and increase bake time to 10-15minutes.
•Cut veggies 1-2 days out and store in an air tight container. Make sure  the potatos are covered in water so they stay crisp and don’t brown in color.
•This meal tastes great served with a unique beverage.  I like an icy color pitcher filled with a combination of half unsweetened black tea and half lemonade. http://www.celebratinghome.com/sites/52646159

Ding Dong, Cupid Calling! 6 Ways to Romance Up Your Home

By Carla Jordan  //  Decorating, Entertaining  //  No Comments

Photo credit: Renjith Krishnan, www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ever since the first love birds kissed or Hallmark printed its first valentine (as a cynical ex-boyfriend once noted–surprisingly, he proved not to be a keeper but I digress…), I’ve looked for a sure-fire way to reel in my one true love, especially on Valentine’s Day. So far, Mr. Right has alluded me but this year may be it for I’ve discovered not one–but six–ways to romance up my home and these ideas are so good, I feel bound to share them because we, the forever romantics, must stick together. 
Had a hunch I could count on those clever DIY editors at Better Homes & Gardens for ideas so affordable I could still afford a box of chocolates (for myself).  And, they delivered–big-time–with three three quick and easy projects.

Photo credit: www.BHG.com

Decorate your kitchen or home office with cards collected or made over the years.  Cut frames from craft paper and adhere card to frame (or slit each frame corner, then slip in cards if you prefer a temporary fix).  Glue a mini magnet on frame backs, then display your card collage on the fridge or file cabinet.

Photo credit: www.BHG.com

Here’s a perfect project to get the little valentines in your life involved.  Help kids create “Be Mine” place mats and coasters with stencils, construction or scrapbook paper, scissors and a bit of glue.

Photo credit: www.BHG.com

Score points for creativity with this message-in-a-bottle.  Fill a glass bottle (vintage ones are easy to find at flea markets) with heart candy, red and white confetti and a hand-written love note.  Top with a cork and tag.
If DIY’s not your bag, no worries. Here are three ways that clever shopper can shoot Cupid’s arrows through the house without lifting a single glue gun.
















These utility baskets are smart picks because they can find new purpose after the big day to hold files in the office, pantry produce and stuff in the garage.  For Valentine’s Day, use one ot create a custom gift basket.  Line with a red or white linen, then fill with your honey’s favorite things.  Add a valentine, then tie with a festive ribbon.















If there’s any true in the adage “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” I figure that Southwestern Chipotle dip mix ought do the trick.  Roasted red chipotle peppers add a little zip to this dip.





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Set the mood with this two-piece set of Honey/Red flameless candles. They fill the air with vanilla fragrance and come with a remote control so you can effortlessly operate them in mid-smooch.