Lela Rose Pret -A - Party Book Signing

I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with fashion designer, Lela Rose, during her book signing at the Boston Design Center.  Below are just a few photos of the fun event and I have to add, I love her book!

Diced Vegetable Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe

When I'm looking to make something simple to bring to a party, or make at home for something delicious and healthy, I create a delicious diced salad with feta cheese or a Caprese salad with a balsamic glaze. 

The items I diced up for this salad:

- Tomatoes
- Yellow Peppers
- Orange Peppers
- Red Peppers
- Green Peppers (very few for us, the flavor can overwhelm the salad and I used mainly for color)
- Olives (I purchased a small can of pre-sliced)
- Red Onion
Crumbled Feta Cheese
Add a little salt to taste

31 Home and Garden Gates, Fences, and Grand Entrances in New England

There is no doubt about it, I love making a grand entrance, but this post is about actual grand entrances 

Below are just a few photos of what I feel are beautiful gates and fences that welcome visitors to what lies ahead of them. Some are ushering you into a home, others gardens and private sanctuaries.  

Please keep in mind most are unedited and being presented in a casual manner. :-) 

Enjoy! Linda

North Andover, MA

40 Things My Mother Taught Me

Today is Mother's Day and while I sit and sip my morning coffee, I am enjoying fond memories of my childhood and some of the many things my mom taught me whether by her words or through her own actions and pure osmosis.   Some are very important, some are frivolous, while others are her own personal thoughts and habits that I chose to emulate or at least strive to.

In no particular order, these are just a few things my mother has taught me whether she knows it or not.

Rainy weather dampens wedding garden party project for a bit.

Spring has decided to remain a rainy one here in New England.  We are on a full week of dreary gloomy weather, but the flowers and plants sure seem to be enjoying it.  Not me! This week I find myself starting to feel a a bit anxious and behind in my outdoor chores, which is worrying me out a wee little bit. See, in most cases, I would not mind the weather, but this year Ben and I are hosting a very large outdoor garden cocktail party in our back yard in just a few short weeks.