Comments : 15

Hello everyone and happy Sunday! Finally feeling significantly better, just about there and tomorrow it will be a matter of making up for lost time. Finally will get out of the house tonight to go to a birthday dinner and then  hopefully tomorrow I will make it back into civilization (aka office)  and best part, reunite with little Philip! But I know full well to not rush things as I certainly don’t want a relapse so will take it slow.

One very productive thing that has happened in my almost 7 day home bound isolation is adding a lot of lifestyle pictures to our website. We have so many beautiful images to share.

So many of you, over the years have stated how much it helps you visualize a product and I could not agree more. When I am buying something its really helpful to see a product “in action” so you will see changes every day as we continue to add more. You may have also noticed beautiful new banner pictures which we will be rotating more often. So lots of prettiness to come!

Also, our Holiday Love contest will begin next week. OK, onward to my Sunday post….

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1 A DREAMY ESCAPE IN PROVENCE Oh my gosh I saw this dreamy little cottage in Provence and immediately told my sistter we need to put this on our bucket list for THIS year! This to me, encompasses everything I could ever want in a charming little house in southern France. This is absolutely on my 2026 bucket list, such a dreamy little house! I am ready to go…..

 

2 MY CHICKEN DILL SOUP TO THE RESCUE! I have shared this before but just getting over the flu and with the flu being so rampant,thought it was timely to share it once again. I am convinced it has healing powers! Plus it is so good, make it all the time in winter- I don’t have to be sick to make it:) My family loves it and its hearty enough to serve as a meal with a nice crusty baguette on the side.

  • 2 lbs chicken breast
  • 4-5 purple turnips
  • 3 Yukon gold potatoes
  • 4-5 carrots
  • 1 bunch of fresh dill (try to get fresh it not you can use about 1/2 cup of dried dill- sometimes I use both)
  • Juice of one lemon (keep another half of a lemon on the side for a final squeeze)
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 2 stalks of celery (optional)
  • cooked orzo, rice or ditalini
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3-4 Knorrs chicken bouillon cubes

Bring a stockpot with approx 8 cups of water with chopped pinon and parsley to a boil. Add chicken, chopped dill and let simmer. Then add all vegetables as well as the lemon juice. I let this cook on low/medium for at least an hour then simmer for about another hour. When serving, I take about 1/2 cup of cooked orzo (or whatever you use) place it on bottom of bowl, then add the piping hot soup on top. The orzo will continue to cook a little with the hot liquid. A squeeze of lemon and you are set to enjoy a delectable bowl of yummy comforting chicken soup!

 

 

3 EGGS BUNNIES AND PAGODAS!  It about that transition time where we move from holiday decor to spring vibes. And like we have extended keeping holiday decor up, why to start with spring a little early for maximum enjoyment!

Our amazing collection of tole and porcelain eggs along with our pagodas are the perfect spring accessories to dress up an entry table, a dining console, a kitchen island…anywhere you want a bit of spring cheer! I am surprised at how fast eggs are going out of our warehouse, lots of retailers stocking up for the season. So this year, looks like everyone is eager to transition from holiday to spring (me included).

We will will have a sale event on this collection on Thurs and Friday , so stay tuned. Here are some beautiful combination to give you a few good ideas!

 

 

4 INSTAGRAMS OF INTEREST Always so much beauty to share!

5 DELFT TILE When I started daydreaming about my new and final kitchen (wow that sounds so final)! One thing I knew for sure was that I was going to incorporate delft tiles. We built our first home  about 25 years ago and I used delft in that kitchen, it remained one of my favorite decisions. It is just so classically beautiful and I think paired against a creamy white, its a hard combination to beat.

There are many manufactures out there, many here in the U.S. but the truly authenticity ones are based in Holland. Nearly positive I will be going with Poarte (a sister company to Regts- the largest exported of antique delft tile). I so enjoyed reading about this process as to how they are made, gives you an appreciation for what goes into making a single tile. Click here to learn about how they are made and here to explore their wonderful product line.

 

6 FABULOUS NEW CLASSIC JACKET WORTH SHARING I saw this and immediately needed to order this. So classic and a great transitional piece as well. I love that you can pair this with beiges, grays, creams, etc…a beauty! I wore it last week with brown velvet pants and a beige blouse and it was such a great look. I have always loved a good structured blazer with a Austrain style/stand up collar. Runs true to size/a little large. Size up if you want to put a sweater underneath! Click here

7 SUNDAY’S SURVEY Would you ever support (and yes, I know this will never happen) if there was a one day ban per week on using any devices, except for an emergency? Imagine a day that we cannot use our cell phones or iPads. Can you imagine?

I kind of can! I have been there…not by choice but on an occasion or two where I forgot my phone and though panic set in the first hour or so I actually kind of loved being “off the grid” for a bit. Guess what? Nothing changed, my family and and friends were all fine, the world kept spinning and it was proof that we can indeed go through a day without a phone. I would so be in favor of this personally especially for our youth. Curious where you fall?


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And that is a wrap! Thanks for swinging by on this Sunday morning, wishing everyone a wonderful and relaxing day.  Until next time….


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I could definitely go a day without a device, but banned by who? It sounds like overreach if it was to be implemented by a government entity.

Hi , Re: this week’s poll : Just thought I’d let you know that for religious reasons, (I am orthodox Jewish ) I already practice a one day ban on all devices and all electric items from sundown Friday to sundown on Saturdays. My family and I focus Saturdays on going to services, inviting friends and family for dinner or lunch, and our focus on family and friends, books, learning and rest. I have grew up practicing this, raised my children this way because it is part of our Faith’s precepts. The huge benefits in the quality of our lives has been a side benefit.

Tina, I so enjoy your blog! I am going to Amsterdam in early April for 5 days before getting on a River Cruise. I remember last year when you were there, you went to Delft, to the pottery factory. How did you get there from Amsterdam? Train? Private transport? Tour? I’m traveling solo and am wanting to spend the day in Delft and go to the factory. . Looking for advice and suggestions on how to get there. Any recommendations? Thank you!

Lucky lady! We actually rented a car, it was super easy and the scenery and drive was so worth it, plus it gave us lots of flexibility with our schedule. Have fun! The Royal Delftware factory is also the last remaining original factory that you can visit..it was a little slice of heaven!

Not to hijack, but we were on AMA river cruise from Amsterdam and the Delft Factory was an optional tour you could take. Maybe all lines do this.

Working from home would not allow me to discontinue using devices. It is the gateway to almost everything I do. I love the delft tiles and the background. Thank you for sharing.

So glad you’re feeling better. Your poll on device detox a day a week got me thinking – what if we committed to this with a twist that if you need to communicate with someone you wait a day or you actually call them! My spirits are positively impacted when I actually speak with someone v just texting. !!

So glad you’re feeling better, and thanks for the soup recipe. It’s perfect for the cold, gray days ahead.
The house in Provence is delightful. I could easily spend a happy month there.
I’m already arranging spring florals with your round, metal lattice planters. The Christmas florals are being replaced with forced hyacinth and tulips. I string a satin ribbon through the scalloped openings at the top and change it with the seasons. Those planters are a show stopper! It really is a nice refresh between winter and spring.
As for a “ban,” I’m definitely against it, but assuming that you are referring to the spirit of self discipline, yes. I am all for turning off the electronics and going outside or working on some of my favorite things.

Glad you are feeling better! That video in Provence has me dreaming too…so perfect.
Love the delft tiles and all your beautiful spring items, some of which I own and plan to buy more. They are such beautiful quality.
I would happily sign up for one day of no devices, especially because my pre teen and teenager are tethered to their phone like their life depends on it! Makes me crazy! Too much 24/7 information is not healthy for anyone. Of course big tech and our corrupt government would never allow it or even consider it.
Have fun seeing Phillip!

Oh I am ordering that jacket, going to London next month (accompanying my husband for a business trip) and that would be such a nice piece to add. Love your blog, your beautiful products and your positive outlook on life. A vote here for a mandated “time off” from all tech- its just too much!

It’s great that you’re able to stay productive while recovering! The new lifestyle photos will definitely make shopping on the website more fun. I totally agree that seeing items in real-life settings really helps visualize how they’ll work in my own space.

Of course, any of us could choose to leave our devices at any time, for any period of time. I know several people who have retreats of silence in their lives for at least hours and some for a few days at a time, periodically. It requires intentionality but is totally doable,. We are not carried along by the stream unless we stay in it!!

Dearest Tina
Just to wish you get well soon and hope your week goes well with some fun with Philip. Also, a belated Happy New Year. I don’t think I have left a comment recently, although I have loved every one of your posts. That will have to change in 2026!
I still have the handmade blue and white tiles I bought in London for this house, many moons ago. I love them so much, and I know your forever kitchen will be very special for the Delft tiles you choose. I hope you get to go on some super trips this year like the one you took to Amsterdam. Provence in lavender season is just spectacular.
Much Love
Sallyxx

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