Monthly Archives: October 2015

Too Cute for Smokes

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I know you’re probably wondering what’s up with that title…right? Well, this is why I gave it such a title.  Lately I’ve really been eyeing vintage ashtrays.  I’m not a smoker, never have been, but looking at these cutey pies would make me feel classy if I did. Vintage ashtrays are truly works of pottery art and were/are used as home decor items.  When manufacturers began making them they were originally made for a purpose but seeing them, I just can’t imagine dumping ashes inside these beauties.

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The colors are just so vibrant and strong.  Each of these are crafted to perfection, and all are American made pottery.  I see the Autumn colors like Orange, Brown, Green were very strongly used, although many come in a different array of colors.

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Then the designed was stepped up a notch by creating the hanging ashtray.. This one is gorgeous!

Look at the marbling that was created for this snail-shape ashtray

These are so darling because they have their own cigarette compartment

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These leaf patterns are absolutely stunning..

Then you have the standing ashtrays..  Those are in itself chic furniture pieces

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Ok, so do you feel me on this.. These are just too gosh darn cute to use for ashes. I could clearly see using these as decorative pieces, perhaps candy dishes, jewelry trays or key catchers.  You can also use them on a bar cart to catch bottle caps and corks.  One thing for sure is they’re definitely not good for ashes. To read more about vintage ashtrays and designers visit The Big Ashtray Museum  and also follow my “For Smokes” Pinterest board to see more of my favorites.  I hope you enjoyed my picks and perhaps you’ll be adding these swanky pieces to your home decor.      For now.. Tah-tah.  Smooches!

Jamala

Salmon Cakes & Aioli

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Yum
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It’s Friday and if you’re like me, I try to spend as little time as possible  in the kitchen.  Traditionally speaking Friday is fish day, so I figure I’d share this easy recipe with you.  A while back I posted my recipe for Salmon cakes, and I normally have them with a salad.  Lately, I’ve been wanting to try them with a cream sauce to make a delicious Salmon burger.  After trial and error, I found the right aioli to dress my burger.  First let’s re-visit the salmon cake recipe:

Salmon Cake

1 16oz can of Alaskan Salmon  (I use Kirkland brand at Costco – already deboned)

1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/4 cup chopped onion

2 1/2 tblspn Ole Bay Seasoning

1/3 tsp garlic powder

1/3 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp of paprika

1/4 tsp black pepper

4 lrge eggs well beaten

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

In a medium mixing bowl, empty entire contents of salmon (do not drain).  Remove bone cartilage. Flake the contents and add the spice ingredients along with peppers and onions.  Stir until all is blended.  Lastly, add well beaten eggs to the batter.  The batter should have a very loose consistency (if not – add another beaten egg). In a medium frying pan coat the bottom with olive oil to about 1/4 inch.  Heat oil for frying (careful not to burn oil).  Scoop out batter and place into pan ( I use an ice cream scooper because it makes the perfect size pattie) and gently pat down to form pattie.  Fry until the edges begin to brown.  Flip and continue to fry until the other side is browned.  Remove and repeat with the remaining batter adding olive oil as needed.  Set aside and keep warm

Aioli

1 cup Hellman’s mayonnaise

1 1/2 tblspn lemon juice

1 1/2 tbspn dijon mustard

1 tblspn sweet relish

1 tsp dried tarragon

1 small clove of garlic (minced) or (1/4 tspn garlic powder)

Put all ingredients into a small mixing bowl and stir to blend together.

For making a burger, use Aioli instead of mayonnaise, top with romaine lettuce and tomato – or simply use it as a topping for your salmon cakes. Either way, it’s going to be delicious.

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Serve warm and enjoy… mmmmm.. don’t they look scrumptious..  🙂

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As always, Cooking is easy with “TLC” – TwinsLuvCooking!

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Guests Are Coming

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The holidays are approaching and I’m sure you’re going to have guests.  Today I’d like to share a few tips to prepare for their arrival.  Aside from the usual dusting.(lol).. it’s always good to refresh the sheets.  I always give them a quick spray with  a favorite linen spray.

Have a welcoming station nearby to show them how happy you are to have them.   I created this with two unused items I had lying around the house.  This little project cost me $3.50 to make – you can view how to here

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I leave a spare key for them to use (just in case I’m not home and they need to get back in)

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Utilize the dresser drawer space for spare toiletries.

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(don’t think I’m crazy, but yes, that’s a burned out candle) I keep that tucked in there, because even though I can no longer use it, the smell is still strong, so it acts a freshener ( I remove it prior to the guest arrive and place it back in there when they’re gone).  That one candle keeps all the drawers smelling fresh.

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One special touch is to get a photo of who’s coming (if you have one) and place it in frame, it’ll make them smile when they see a photograph of themselves in your home.

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Have ample room for them to place their luggage.  A trunk at the foot of the bed is always good to have to stow the pillows and for guests to place the suitcase on.

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A small bedside lamp or overhead lighting with a low watt bulb is always good at night when the ceiling light is too bright.

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A soft bedskirt placed across the end of the bed can also be a foot-warmer for additional comfort.

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Keep a trinket dish on the nightstand to hold small jewelry items (i.e rings, necklace)

Of course having magazines or books are also good to have for late night reading materials.  I really enjoy having guests come and truly cherish the moments while they’re here. Making guests as comfortable as possible and providing that home-away-from home feeling not only gives me joy, but knowing I made their stay a pleasurable experience,which ensures they’ll be happy to come back.

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I hope I offered some wonderful tips that will help you make your guest’s stay with you all the better.  If you have any other tips, please share – I’d love to hear them.

Sending smooches..

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Gift Winner!

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Hey everyone, I want to thank you for all the lovely birthday wishes.  It really made my day even more special.  I’ve gotten over the feeling “50” blues and danced my way around the house!  Except now I just take a couple more breaks than before – lol! Okay, now getting to the point.. I just want to take a quick moment to announce the winner of the signed print.

Thank you all for participating in the giveaway – and Linda- Enjoy your art 🙂

I hope it brings a subtle smile when you think of me and our blogging memories.  Linda blogs at Lindaglovinghome.  Please visit her blog for more beautiful inspirational ideas and sewing tips to decorate and love your home.

Once again, thank you all for the birthday wishes and I’ll see you in the next post.

Smooches!