Posts in Musing
Bonjour 2022!!
French Blue Door  Provence

New Doors to Open This Year

I wish I could share with you that I was in Provence this past month, celebrating the holidays and making a great start to 2022. Although my thoughts and visualizations were there, I was gladly home at Domaine de Manion enjoying quiet and relaxing holidays. Now I am planning my 2022. It appears already for me, this is a year of upgrades and improving on many fronts.

Having said that, if you haven’t been to my website recently, www.bonniejomanion.com please visit. This fall I worked on refreshing and updating it. One of the new changes is offering my photography online, Purchase My Photography on my home page. My photos are my inspiration, and the source for my ideas and content to share with you.

I have selected a few photos to begin with, like the French Blue Door photo above, where you can see them all at once, or click on individual categories like Provence, Burgundy, Domaine de Manion. I will be adding more photos from time to time. If you have a favorite photo from my blog, Instagram, or website, please feel free to contact me at bonnie@vintagegardengal.com and I will add it to this category. Some of these photos currently grace my home, and I enjoy them everyday. Perhaps some of these photos will resonate with you too!

I am sure all of you have thought through your 2022 with hope, goals, resolutions, and intentions by now. To make this year a spectacular year for you all, I wanted to share with you a very special list. This list came from a Mira Costa College Business Class taught by Tom Severance, I took years ago. Going through some of my old files, I recently found it again. Many of these points I imagine you already know and do now, but it never hurts to revisit the list to keep them fresh in your daily living, and kick start your year. Wishing you your best year yet!

 

It is a list to unlock the best kept secret in the world—YOU!

1) Live your ideal life …now.

2) Do things that are extraordinary and nearly impossible.

3) Believe that: If it’s to be, it’s up to me.

4) Think BIG. Dream lofty dreams. Plan. Act immediately.

5) Keep in contact with the best, meet people engaged in the best, experience the best.

6) Be your own boss. Do what you love and get paid for it.

7) Duplicate your efforts and receive a percentage on other’s productivity.

8) Increase your income daily…whether you work, play, or sleep.

9) Do what you do so well that people enthusiastically refer others to you.

10) Inspire others by your example.

11) Build your reputation for honesty, integrity, quality, and superb service.

12) Aim for excellence in your field.

13) Support others in achieving their goals.

14) Develop influential friendships worldwide.

15) Take total responsibility for your past, present, and future experiences.

16) Strive to accomplish more with less time, money, and energy.

17) Do and say things that benefit all concerned.

18) Be open to new ideas, relationships, and experiences.

19) Realize that all events happen for the best.

20) Take calculated risks to get ahead.

21) Read books by and about exciting people you admire.

22) Simplify your life, have more fun per hour.

23) Know that you are equal to everyone and everyone is equal to you.

24) Accept people the way they are and the way they are not.

25) Forgive and love everyone.

26) Do what you feel is best, no matter what people think of you.

27) Save 10% of your income.

28) Give something away daily…a postcard, letter, gift, smile, hug, compliment.

29) Collect pictures of what you want to be, do, and have in your life.

30) Do not criticize, condem, or complain.

31) Act as if it were impossible to fail.

32) Live in an elegant dwelling.

33) Dine at the finest restaurants.

34) Stay at the best hotels in the world.

35) Dress to look and feel great! Mostly solid-colored clothing.

36) Collect quotes that motivate you.

37) Speak and write only positive words.

38) Carry a crisp $100.00 bill with you at all times.

39) Learn something new every day.

40) Exercise at least 20 minutes daily to achieve and maintain your ideal body.

41) Eat mostly fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains.

42) Minimize alcohol, tobacco, sugar, salt, white flour, coffee, pork, beef,and unnatural foods.

43) Avoid saying: can’t, hard, difficult. Instead say: I can, it’s easy, it’s simple.

44) Keep your home, desk, closets, car…clean, neat, and organized.

45) Use a simple time management system.

46) Listen to music which motivates you.

47) Maintain a good-looking tan. Spend more time with nature.

48) Act as if all your goals and intentions are already accomplished.

49) Constantly escalate your goals.

50) GO FOR IT! JUST DO IT!

 

Related Post Link:

What I Love About January

Vegetable Edibles to Plant in January

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Elegant Risotto with Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash from the Garden

When I was looking through recipes around Thanksgiving I happened up this recipe, Risotto with Butternut Squash, Gorgonzola, and Toasted Pecans. This has been a favorite of mine from the December 2003 Oprah magazine. Somehow I had forgotten about it.

I still have home-grown butternut squash from the garden, and on a recent trip to an Italian specialty store, I picked up a pound of Carnaroli rice, considered the best risotto rice overall for making the creamiest risotto due to its very high starch content. Carnaroli rice is available on Amazon, specialty food stores, and gourmet food websites. This recipe calls for arborio rice which is a more common available rice for making risotto.

Home-grown butternut squash, fresh sage leaves, and a new box of Carnaroli rice said it was meant to be.

This is a delightful recipe full of flavor, depth, and texture with soft golden butternut squash, sweet Gorgonzola, and crunchy toasted pecans for crunch. Chef Rori Trovato recommends serving this risotto with a California Zinfandel or Central Coast Syrah. She also provides below simple interesting variations on this recipe. Enjoy!

Sauté the Rice and Butternut Squash Together

Risotto with Butternut Squash, Gorgonzola, and Toasted Pecans

Lovingly Adapted from Chef Rori Trovato

Oprah Magazine, December 2003

Ingredients

  1. 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock

  2. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  3. 1/2 small onion , finely chopped

  4. 1 cup arborio rice

  5. 2 cloves small garlic , finely chopped

  6. 1 medium butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

  7. 8 large sage leaves , chopped

  8. 2 tablespoons butter

  9. 2 teaspoons salt

  10. Freshly ground pepper

  11. 1/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola

  12. 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans

Directions

In a saucepan, bring the stock to a boil. Then reduce heat to low.

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over a medium-high flame, heat the olive oil. Add the onion. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the rice; stir until well coated, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and squash and continue to stir another 30 seconds. Lower the heat to medium and add 1/2 cup hot stock. With a wooden spoon, stir until the liquid is absorbed but the rice isn't sticking to the pan. Continue adding 1/2 cup stock and stirring until the stock is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Recipe Note: I was taught to stir your risotto in a clockwise direction, the whole time, for waking up the starch and in turn creaminess in your rice kernels. I also used 1 teaspoon of salt rather than two.

Remove from heat; add the sage, butter, and salt. Season with pepper. Stir to combine. Place risotto in a serving bowl and top with Gorgonzola and pecans. Makes 4 servings.

Recommended variations

  • Cranberry Risotto: Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries with the garlic and squash.

  • Barley Risotto: Substitute one cup barley for the arborio rice and use one additional cup of stock. Barley has a nuttier taste and a less creamy texture than rice.

  • Indian-Spiced Risotto with Shrimp: Omit the squash and add one teaspoon cumin, 2 teaspoons curry powder, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. When the rice is about two-thirds done, add 1 1/2 pounds medium-size peeled and deveined shrimp. Continue cooking until the rice and shrimp are cooked through. Finally, substitute 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for the sage, omit the Gorgonzola, and increase the amount of butter to 4 tablespoons.


Elegant Risotto with Butternut Squash

Please share if you have a favorite risotto recipe you like to make.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend….Bonnie

Jewels of the Garden

Woodland Girl Garden Ornament

I could write a book on garden ornaments, so containing it to this short post could be challenging. In the midst of grocery and holiday shopping I found a lovely garden statuary, a vintage woodland girl at Consignment Classics Decor Store. I wasn’t actually going to the consignment shop, but parked nearby, and thought to pop in for a moment.

When I speak to groups, I always mention to keep your eyes open for unique pieces. If it calls to you, buy it, and ponder later where you will put it. Usually these unique finds come out of nowhere, maybe off your beaten path, and at the most unexpected times. It almost presents itself as a challenge. Where will I put it? How will I get it home? Will I be sorry if I don’t buy it? Will it be beautiful as well as functional? What is the history of this piece?

We all have our unique property and garden style, color palette, and ambience that we create. There are garden ornaments, and actually garden jewels, that punctuate, elevate, and enhance your garden simply by their presence and where they are located. They can tell a story, or create a feeling for your garden, with one glance.

I have a Mediterranean European garden, and so keep to this style. Stone is one common medium, in water features, statuary, furniture, and materials for walls, pathways and driveways.

This vintage woodland girl, and I am going to have to aptly name her, is solid concrete, showing a bit of patina exposure, is perfect scale, and blends beautifully in her new shaded home under the Torrey Pine tree surrounded by acanthus mollis and camellias. She exudes contentment and serenity. What was once a nice shaded garden, now has a bit of interest and intrigue to draw your eye.

Beauty in the Shade Garden

Where to find your garden jewels? Some sources where you might find your treasures are favorite garden centers and shops, nurseries, friends, consignment stores, flea markets, garage sales, antique shops, home decor stores, retailers, and more. I have gotten some nice pieces from HomeGoods in late winter when they stock their spring garden items. Just keep your eyes open when you shop. It is different for everyone.

Please share a story about finding one of your favorite pieces for your garden.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

A Plan for a Perfect Thanksgiving

Autumn Moving Towards Thanksgiving at Bates Nut Farm

A large part of a relaxed Thanksgiving at home with family and friends is careful planning and smart organization. Here are some of my following tips and suggestions to help you with this. If by chance you are travelling this year, well, that is another story!

Organize Yourself

1) Get haircuts, manicures, pedicures, in advance of Thanksgiving.

2) Take in your dry cleaning, tailoring, well in advance.

3) Shop in advance for any necessary wardrobe details.

4) Make sure you have tables and adequate seating for your Thanksgiving crowd.

5) Have your home and garden in order.

6) Polish your silver, copper, and pull out your favorite soup tureen, if using.

Organize Your Thanksgiving Menu

1) Plan your menu. Find your recipes. Check for food allergies. Plan your menu timeline.

2) Check your pantry for ingredients to have on hand. You don’t want to be running last minute to the store for pumpkin pie spice, apple cider, vanilla extract, etc.

3) Delegate menu dishes. Take family and friends up on helping with the cooking and baking, by bringing one of their favorite sides or desserts.

4) Make it ahead, as much as you can! We all know Ina Garten has written a very popular cookbook, Make It Ahead, that details out recipes for making ahead, even Roast Turkey & Gravy, and other delicious recipes.

5) Look back on previous Thanksgiving menus for a refresher. I keep a journal of my dinner party, cooking class, special events, and holiday menus as a reference. Make your traditional dishes, but try a few new ones too.

Create Your Table

1) Set your table a few days in advance, using your preferred tablecloths, napkins, dinnerware, candles, and glassware. Maybe you will want to use your best china and silver, maybe you will want to mix and match vintage finds with character. There are no set rules, only that you love what you create for your table.

2) Keep table decorations low and beautiful for easy conversation and communication with everyone. Think natural centerpieces from the garden such as rosemary sprigs, pyracantha berries, pomegranates, and small pumpkins.

3) Dining by candlelight is magical. Reserve scented candles and votives for perhaps the foyer and powder room. Let your guests enjoy wafting scents of their feast cooking and baking.

4) Allow enough space at the table for each guest, so they don’t feel crowded and cramped.

5) Create a special kids table, young adults, grandchildren, or cousins table. A special table creates a special ambience.

The Art of Seating a Table

1) Consider making fun place cards for your table, especially if you are having more than six people. It is worth creating a good seating plan.

2) Separate couples and partners. Seat extroverts next to introverts. Seat people next to people they have never met before for interesting conversation.

3) As host or hostess, make sure you have easy access to the kitchen from the table.

Make Your Thanksgiving Day Special and Fun!

1) Invite family, friends that are family, new friends, and strays. Invite them into your kitchen to nibble on appetizers, and help with last minute details.

2) Except for photo taking or FaceTiming long distance loved ones, ask everyone to leave their phones, electronics, etc. by the door. Concentrate on engaging conversations. If you do have long distance loved ones to contact on Thanksgiving, designate a special time to call, so as not to be interrupted as you are sitting down at the table.

3) Plan a Thanksgiving playlist that sets the mood, and carries the day effortlessly. There are many, many playlists to choose from on Pandora, Amazon Music, iHeart. Traditional Thanksgiving Music, Thanksgiving for Kids, George Winston Autumn, Thanksgiving Piano Music, Thanksgiving Country, Swingin’ Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving Classic Music. Better yet, if you have musical family and friends, encourage them to play a little for everyone throughout the day/evening.

4) Set up a self-serve bar with Champagne, Cocktails, Wine, Sparkling Water, and maybe a Holiday Punch.

5) Plan your day as a marathon, rather than a sprint. Allow time for socializing and mingling. Spread your menu over several courses such as salad, main course and sides, cheese plate, and finally desserts. It is a shame to spend hours in the kitchen, to have Thanksgiving meal finished in twenty minutes. Pause, and pace.

6) Take a break before desserts for a walk on the beach, walking the dog, walking in the woods, catching the sunset, or enjoying a cozy fire. Live in the moment the whole day.

7) Pull out the family albums of years past to look at. Encourage everyone to share stories and fun times.

8) Be ready with games such as Scrabble, Monopoly, Yahtzee, Scrimmage, Charade, or cards for everyone to enjoy! Later in the evening, maybe there is a traditional family movie you always watch together, or share a special movie together.

9) Designate a special someone in advance, to say grace and a blessing for Thanksgiving. It can be someone who does it beautifully each year, or someone new each year. It could be even multiple people too!

10) Maybe you have a special volunteer clean-up crew who would like to help you out, by clearing the table, doing the dishes, and making “take it home” packages. Sure, take them up on that!

11) Ask everyone to wear a hat for fun!

Setting the Scene for a Perfect Thanksgiving

Remember to…

1) Live in the moment, especially on this very special day.

2) Really look at the smiles, twinkling eyes, and perhaps sounds of “oohs and ahhs” in response to the Thanksgiving feast.

3) Reflect on what you are thankful and grateful for in your life, and with surrounding loved ones.

4) Take in the aromas, scents of the beautiful food before you.

5) Think of loved ones, past and present who are not able to join you on this day.

Bon Appétit et Happy Thanksgiving….Bonnie

With the holiday, there will be no blog post next week!

Perfect Holiday Salad

Side by Side, Bibb Lettuce Salads with Persimmons and Candied Pecans

Would you like to know a perfect holiday salad, easy, and elegant for your holiday gatherings? It is “Bibb Lettuce Salad with Persimmons and Candied Pecans.” It is chock full of fresh seasonal ingredients like cranberries, Fuyu persimmons, and pecans.

Visually, a treat for your table. Healthy and good for you. It is what I call a composed salad, which is layered with a drizzled dressing on top, rather than tossed all together. You can make this salad ahead of time on individual salad plates or on large serving platters. It has different textures of crunch and softness, and sweetness from the cranberry dressing and candied pecans that stand up well to the tang of bold crumbled blue cheese. Your family and guests will love this salad!

 

Bibb Lettuce Salad with Persimmons and Candied Pecans

Lovingly Adapted from Bon Appétit Magazine, December 2005

 

Ingredients:

3/4 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce (purchased or homemade)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon golden brown sugar

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 heads of Bibb lettuce, coarsely torn

4 Fuyu persimmons, peeled, sliced

1 cup (generous) crumbled blue cheese

Candied Pecans

 

 

Directions:

-Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl; whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper.

-Mound lettuce in center of 8 plates. Top each with persimmon slices, then drizzle with dressing. Sprinkle with cheese and Candied Pecans.

Recipe Note: I often substitute Bibb Lettuce with a Baby Spinach & Green Lettuce Mix, or when I can find it, a Baby Red Butter Lettuce. Trader Joe’s carries a ready-made Candied Pecans 5 oz. bag, perfect for salads or snacking.

 

If you make this salad, please share with me your comments. I would love to hear from you!

Another Related Post:

Beet & Goat Cheese Arugula Salad

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend….Bonnie

 

 

Autumn Splendor into Holiday Tablescaping Ideas

Vintage Tray Proudly Holds Autumn Splendor

A couple of years ago I gave a tablescaping workshop for one of my garden clubs. I thought it would be fun to revisit my notes and handout and share these with you. This is the time of year when we start thinking about the holidays, gathering closer our families, more entertaining, and heightening of our home decorating.

First, think about the basics of tablescaping. Second, don’t be afraid to mix faux and real. Third, use what you love. Fourth, when decorating, choose objects and pieces that can easily transition from fall to holiday (see some ideas below). Fifth, can I use the “beauty and function” principle, will it be beautiful as well as useful in my space.

Here are some of my ideas and suggestions to get you started.



Tablescaping Ideas

 

“Simplicity is the best elegance.” Tablescaping is the art of decorating your table with your personal signature, and for the pleasure of sharing and bring joy to others.

 

Elegant Holiday Tablescape. White. Gold. Monogram China. Pearl Napkin Rings. Rosebud Centerpieces.

Basics:

Know and start with your style. Classic, Country, Eclectic, Modern, Rustic, Traditional, etc.

 

Find your theme. What do you collect, what do you love.

What types of pieces can bring interest to your table and hold materials.  Baskets, Brass, Ceramics, Copper, Crystal, Ironstone, Mercury Glass, Pewter, Silver, Transferware, Wood Pieces, etc.

 

Use pieces that can do double duty and easily transition autumn into holiday.  Antlers, Burlap and Burlap Ribbon is your best friend, Magnolia Leaves, Whole Nuts, Moss, Tabletop Topiaries, Pomegranates, Pinecones, Silver, White Pumpkins.

 

What is your color palette, and color accents?  Blue, Brown, Green, Grey, Gold, Neutral, Pastels, Red, etc.

 

Use what you have. What is in your garden and on your property? What might your neighbor share with you? What have you collected over the years? What do you have which can be re-purposed?

 

Include an element for a pleasant surprise. Something unexpected that might evoke a smile.

 

Keep in mind your intention, menu and presentation of food. Buffet style, formal sit down, or simply a pretty vignette that creates a mood. Elevate serving pieces when using buffet style.

 

Step-by-Step Flow

1)    Place your tablecloth, table runner, antique shawl, etc. on your flat surface. Select neutrals easily carry into different seasons.

2)    Place your desired theme or objects in place.

3)    Start layering your tablescape by filling your theme.

4)    Continue to layer with smaller objects.

5)    Add accent color, glitter, and glow.

6)    Remember simplicity, and less is sometimes more.

7)    Transitioning from autumn to holiday is as simple as using neutral table runners, tablecloths, and pieces that double duty. Take out autumn pieces that don’t, and add in your favorite holiday choices.

Autumn Suggestions

 

Setting the Mood. Carolyn Roehm says “Texture is the preeminent design feature in fall.” Fall is all about abundance and warm tones.

 

Branches

Eucalyptus branches and berries, Dried Kiwi Vines, Lemon leaves, Grapevines, Magnolia Branches and Leaves, Olive Tree Branches, Smoke Tree Burgundy, Pink Pepperberry Stems, Pyracanthus Branches and Berries.

 

Foliage

Acacia, Cypress, Dried Leaves, Juniper, Privet and Berries.

 

Flowers

Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, Ornamental Millet, Roses and Rose Hips, Sunflowers.

 

Dried

Bark Pieces, Indian Ornamental Corn, Ornamental Grasses, Hydrangeas, Seedpods, Wheat. 

 

Fruit

Apples, Clementine, Figs, Kumquats, Oranges, Pears, Passion Fruit, Persimmons, Pomegranates.

 

Nuts

Chestnuts, Hazelnuts, Walnuts, Macadamia Nuts.

 

Gourds, Pumpkins, Squash

All kinds, colors, and shapes.

 

Miscellaneous

Antlers, Baskets, Burlap Material & Ribbon, Candles, Copper Pieces, Feathers, Plaid Material & Ribbon, Pine Cones, Silver.

 

 

Holiday Table Ready for Tea

 

Holiday Suggestions

 

Setting the Mood. Holidays are about anticipation, celebration, glow, glitter, heartfelt giving, and joy.

 

Foliage

Boxwood, Juniper, Magnolia Branches, Tabletop Topiaries, Pine Branches, Privet Branches,

 

 

Flowers & Bulbs

Amaryllis, Dusty Miller, Paper whites, Poinsettias, Star Hydrangeas, White Chrysanthemums.

 

Fruits

Whole Cranberries, Dried Pomegranates, Oranges.

 

Nuts

Chestnuts, Hazelnuts, Walnuts.

 

Objects:

Beeswax Candles and Figurines, Candles, Crowns, Ornaments, Santos, Strands of Pearls.

 

Pine Cones

Natural, Colored, Glittered.

 

I would love to hear how you decorate for fall into the holidays, and your favorite tablescaping ideas. Please share.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Autumn in the Vineyard

Sunset Over Domaine de Manion

I have taken you through a whole year in our vineyard. Winter, Spring, Summer, Harvest, and now Autumn. The grapes are in, the vines are slowly going dormant and turning beautiful fall colors. Light frequent rains, have already transformed the vineyard floor into a verdant carpet. If you look closely you can see that the grapevines almost mirror the spectacular color of a recent sunset. Yellow, orange, red, tawny, leaves give a spectacular visual display before soon dropping to the ground and starting the process all over again for next year. Like life, each year is different, and full of surprises. It is a time of reflection.

At this moment, I would like to “thank all of you” who read this blog, and so many who have reached out to me, in person and online, about the information shared, great recipes, or tip they gleaned in one of the posts. If you have friends who might enjoy it as well, you can sign them up on my website homepage, bonniejomanion.com or email me and I can sign them up.

I am very thankful and grateful for your kindness and support. Blessings! Merci beaucoup!

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend….Bonnie