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Hello and happy Sunday to you. Hope you are having a great and relaxing weekend. Rainy and dreary here, but no complaints as it makes it a great excuse for a lazy Sunday. I hope all those who were in Matthew’s path are safe, as that was one massive storm. There is simply no going up against mother nature. Her wrath is one to always prepare for, we sure learned that over here with Sandy.

We were supposed to be away for a North Fork wine weekend with good friends but the weather sadly did not cooperate so we are going to have to make it for another one, hopefully soon! Having friends over later today for drinks and of course gearing up for the big event, the other storm…..the debate of course:)

Here we go with my Seven on Sunday…..

 

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1 ONE SPECTACULAR ALL WHITE WEDDING. I love all white anything and a wedding is the perfect event for an all white color scheme. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise I didn’t have a daughter after all…I cannot imagine me planning her wedding, it would keep me up for months, lol.

But an all white wedding is one “sure thing” and this one with flower overload is simply amazing!! Held in a place I have been to many times, the magnificent St. Regis in Dana Point, California. Talk about all the stars being aligned! From Style Me Pretty, click here to see entire event.

 

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2. . INSTAGRAMS OF INTEREST. One of my favorite parts of my job is scouring Instagram for all the blue ribbon winners of the week. Truly there are many more, so it’s often hard to narrow it down but alas I did and here are this weeks faves, with a heavy emphasis on fall of course:)

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3. A MOST DELICIOUS SOUP! I posted this on Instagram last week and many asked for the recipe so here it is. This is a hearty soup which could double as a meal….it is so tasty. I make this over and over from fall to end of winter, and it’s always a huge hit.

The pancetta gives it an amazing flavor and if you can get a seasoned quart of fresh tomato sauce, that is preferable (even at a place at Whole Foods), vs. getting a canned tomato sauce. Add a nice loaf of crusty french bread and you are in business-

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PASTA FAGIOLE SOUP

  • 6-8 garlic cloves
  • Olive oil
  • 3-4 slices of pancetta (cut in 2″ pieces)
  • 2 large or 3 med. carrots (diced)
  • 1-2 stalks of celery (diced)
  • 2 shallots
  • About 1-1 1/2 cups of chicken stock (to taste)
  • 1 container of fresh tomato sauce (1 quart) or 1 large can of stewed or tomato puree (seasoned with salt, pepper and basil)
  • Fresh Thyme
  • 2-3 bay leaves
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan
  • 2-3 cans Cannellini beans ( I use 3)
  • 2 -3 Tbsp heavy cream
  • Half a box of ditalini (or any very small pasta)

Heat your olive oil in a large soup pot, add garlic and cook for about 5 min. Add the pancetta, let cook and lightly brown for about 10 min. Add your fresh herbs (bay leaves and thyme, 2 stems)  diced carrots, celery and shallots. Saute for about 5 min add your chicken stock and tomato sauce.

Let cook for about 30 min. Add beans with heavy cream, season to taste with salt, pepper and Parmesan. Let cook at least another 30 min, I let mine cook for a few hours on lowest setting possible. At this point boil your pasta in a separate pot and drain once they are still a little crunchy (very al dense).

I always keep the pasta on the side in a little Ziploc bag until I am ready to serve then I add a small amount to each bowl of piping hot soup. I cannot stand mushy pasta in soup so this way its perfect!  Serve piping hot with toasted crusty bread, garnish liberally with freshly grated Parmesan. Freezes very well too…enjoy!

 

 

4. DEAL OF THE WEEK! Had to alert everyone of this amazing deal on this very Chanel-ish jacket. Too good to not share and a price that even I had to do a double take on. I love this with all white but could also see it with black in the colder months. So very pretty !!  Click here to see

 

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5. ANOTHONY BOURDAIN’S LITTLE SECRETS ABOUT THE RESTAURANT BIZ. Interesting and believe me I am taking notes! Found the video of a younger Bourdain most interesting….

1. Most restaurants recycle their bread.

Since the first rule of classical cooking is to “waste nothing,” Bourdain says if a busboy sees a basket of untouched bread, he’ll probably bring it back to the kitchen to serve again later. Hey, at least this means you don’t have to feel guilty about leaving a few rolls behind.

2. Hollandaise sauce is a risky order.

Turns out, the raw eggs in this brunch staple are very attractive to bacteria. “Any place that makes hollandaise should throw it out about every hour and make a fresh batch, otherwise it can hurt you,” he says. You might want to consider this the next time you order Eggs Benedict.

3. Seafood is freshest from Tuesday to Friday.

Bourdain says most wholesale seafood markets are closed on the weekends and some chefs like to unload what’s leftover onto their Monday customers. “So Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, you are more likely to get a fresher, more impeccable piece of seafood. That’s when I eat my fish,” he says.

4. Brunch is all about the scraps.

Even though Bourdain admits he hates cooking brunch, any cost-conscious chef knows it’s a genius way to use up Saturday night’s scraps and “charge $14.95 for two eggs,” as he puts it. “Brunch offers the dubious benefit of being able to unload one’s little odd bits into cute dishes like seafood frittata, seafood salad vinaigrette,” he explains.

5. Bathrooms reveal the quality of your meal.

Can you really trust that blue “A” near the front door? Bourdain recommends going straight to the bathroom and taking a look around. If it’s clean and tidy, he says that’s a good sign — but if it’s filthy, he says that’s bad news for your meal to come.

 

6. BOOKS. Doing my best to get back to reading, which I love but frankly have little time for. A few books on my nightstand that are being hailed as a few of the best books of the year, have you read them?

This first one is supposed to be really good, so I ordered it. I had read her other book, Where’d You Go and really liked it, it was a book club choice. The witty and engaging author used to write for sitcoms like Mad About You, Arrested Development and more. Look forward to delving in, click here to read more

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Very excited to read A Gentleman in Moscow as I loved Rules of Civility, this is his newest and all the reviews have been nothing less than glowing, click here to find out more

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If you love blue and white and there is a good chance you do if you are reading my blog, you simply must if you haven’t already get your hands on this book. It is a treasure chest of amazing interiors nearly all enhanced with blue and white porcelains…a real treat!! Click here to order-

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7. SUNDAY’S SURVEY. The other day I was in line to pay for something, and next to me there was a very long line for the customer service/returns. There were two seats, both which were occupied by two men.

A very pregnant woman walks up to the long line, looking exhausted before she even started waiting. I am talking, looks like she was due any day or carrying twins! I waited and wondered how long it would take for either of these two men to offer her their seat. DID NOT HAPPEN. I was incensed!

I was stunned and really wanted to go over to say something, I grew up with a dad and married a husband who would have within seconds insisted she take their seat so to witness this to me, was foreign. And very sad. What say you?

 

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So that’s whats on my mind this week, plenty more but that will be saved for another day:) Excited that the Provence planters are being delivered this week, we will be in touch with all who ordered,  to start getting them right out to their rightful owners.

The first order of ornaments are due in around Oct. 13th, can hardly wait! The second round will in around Nov. 20th. Lots of exciting things happening over this next month. Hope you have a wonderful and relaxing Sunday, thank you as always for stopping in!  Until next time…..

besttina

Do not forget! Already about half full so far-

A NEW CONTEST-

It’s time for the Enchanted Fall Love contest! As the temps start to drop and the leaves begin to fall, capture those special moments that best capture the essence of autumn!

Whether its your decorated pumpkins, flower arrangements, front door fallscape,your darling kids playing in fall leaves,  whatever…as long as it has to do with fall and you think it’s a winning shot, plesae send it in!

  • There is a cap of 70 pictures, so once 70 are received the contest is closed.
  • Accepting submissions as of today through Oct. 19th
  • Up to 2 pictures per person (please be sure they are not copied from internet and not of same exact thing)
  • Please email your winning shot(s) to [email protected] and on subject line put “Fall Love contest”  (get lots of email so need to separate those)
  • You will get an acknowledgement email stating that we have received your pictures
  • The winner will win one of these amazing statuary fiberglass pumpkins

 

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Good morning, dear Tina. For once, I think I got up before you this morning. I am sending your link to all of my family members today. All for different reasons. That white wedding is to die for!!! Love all instagram winners – can always find a new one to follow. That soup looks delish. Hopefully chivalry is not dead. Have a fabulous Sunday. Hope you take time to put your feet up and read your new book!

I look forward to my Sunday mornings with my cup of coffee and your blog! Just a few relaxing minutes before my three young children get up and the crazy day begins. Thanks for sharing the beauty!

Being polite seems to be something that is rare anymore. I lived in Minnesota for 6 years and was astonished by the rudeness. I have since moved back to Texas and it was a relief. Men no longer try to knock me down getting to the door first to close it in my face. I should also note that I am originally from California and even though it is crowded never experienced the rudeness I did in MN. I used to say it was obvious that those men didn’t have a mama. My son still lives in MN and whenever I visit and meet people he knows they tell me how polite he is. Considering that being nice and being polite costs nothing, it just says some people just don’t care.

Wonderful blog today. So varied and interesting. Am I the only one who finds the White Wedding over the top? The tablecloth just blew my mind.
I loved the Bourdain video. Good to know!
Thanks for sharing!!

I find a big difference in politeness when I travel. When people are polite to me in other parts of the country, I always say “you’re not from NY are you?” They never are and it always gets a small laugh…….

Hi always such fun to read these posts, that wedding is so beautiful. We stayed at that St. Regis, a beautiful property. I love all white too.

The soup will be cooking on my stove today- my husband loves soup as do my kids, and this sounds like one that everyone will enjoy, so happy to posted the recipe.

Tina, I just read Today will be different and it was great, very enjoyable and well told. I think you will like it. Hope you get that lazy Sunday you were looking forward to.

Good morning and I hope that you’re having a relaxing day. Every once in awhile, I find a man that is courteous and it’s a rare treat, indeed. My biggest complaint is men walking in front of women, whether it is from the car and into a building or just general walking. I do find men, and people in general, are more polite in the south. I love to hear, “Yes mame” or “No mame.”

Cut to the chase…It’s interesting that you used the word “foreign” in your story. Do you think it was a cultural thing?? I’m sorry, but that’s what I’m thinking. Yes, I’m with you and feel your distain. My husband and sons, with out question, would have given up their seats. I’ve seen them do it and in my sons’ case not with any prompting by me! I will take credit for teaching them at a young age this simple rule of good manners ( and civility!). Another thing is people who do not say thank you when a door is held for them! Ugh! Why are we in this hand basket!!

Lol…I’m taking a deep breath..Thank you for including your soup recipe..I think I’ll try it on my bridge group this week.

Have a good week, Tina.

Oh my, eggs Benny are my favourite breakfast choice and the only reason I would get dressed so early to go to a restaurant. I’m quite distressed by this. I must ask how often they change it and see what their comment and/or reaction is to that.
Love the blue pumpkins on Instagram. And, I’ll take one of those gorgeous over the stove fans, please!
I have noticed that manners are on the wane. Sad for us as a society. I would have been very tempted to comment, albeit nicely to these two men. I recently watched a women struggle to get a big heavy parcel in her vehicle as two men stood close by chatting. I did ask them if they could give her a hand. They jumped right to it. Perhaps, folks are just self absorbed these days.a little nicely put prompt from those who still see might help others notice.

I share your outrage, Tina. Similar scenarios have happened to me; e.g., no strong, strapping man would give an elderly lady his seat, I happily gave her mine. She was grateful, and the young men? They smirked because they thought I was an idiot. Men are worse than women. Not just chivalry, but kindness itself is on the way out except possibly here in the South. On an encouraging note, the soup ingredients are already on my shopping list! Thank you again.

Chivalry is not dead in Texas. I split my time between Dallas TX and Madison CT and have been back in Texas now for three weeks. I have had doors opened for me more in the past three weeks than the last two years in CT, not to mention all the “yes/no/thank you ma’am’s!!!

WOW! I loved all your Instagram picks this week! And that all white wedding!! I can’t even begin to imagine what they spent on white roses alone. And I know what you mean about finding time to read. I get caught up on reading when I travel. My book club is now picking books for next year and I’m going to recommend your two suggestions. I couldn’t put down “Where’d You Go, Bernadette?” so I’m sure I’ll enjoy her new book. Have a lovely day.

Good morning /afternoon Tina. ( I am in California and it is late morning and I believe afternoon for you) :). I found the post on chivalry interesting as a couple months ago I read somewhere that after women turn the age of 46 men aren’t as chivalrous as they are to younger ones… Now this could be completely just silliness as I can’t even remember where I read this. However, I have been more aware as I turn 46 this November. What I am finding is that men do still hold the door open for women after a certain age ( a man held it for me a week ago as I was entering the movie theatres , and I even had a young high school man hold the door open for me recently as I entered a coffee shop. There are more that have occurred too. I have also found some men not do it… I agree with Piper’s comment and fully believe it starts with how they are taught by moms and dads at a young age for both boys AND girls. (Thank you Piper for teaching your kids the act of being polite, kind and thoughtful).
I have two girls age 4 and 7 and they know I expect them to say please, thank you, your welcome, and that we will hold doors open for women, children and men! 🙂 also, as a side note, I have held the door open for both men and women and there are a lot of women who do not say thank you!! So sad! 🙂 wishing you a wonderful day!

Good evening Tina,

I hope that you had a relaxing evening with your friends. I personally cannot wait until the election is OVER! Perhaps we should adopt the English way if doing things, they campaign for 30 days and then have an election. It is a shame that we waste hundreds of millions of dollars for this S—!

Love all of your finds. Going to check out the instagram and have bookmarked the soup!

Have a wonderful week.

Can not wait to try the pasta fagiole recipe, it looks absolutely delicious!! Many thanks for the feature, it’s always an honor!! Wishing you a great week!!

Ladies, we need to do a better job of teaching our children manners – they are as natural as breathing to anyone raised in the South! In fact, when our son was touring with the American Boychoir throughout the South (and stayed in the home of the author of Forrest Gump), he told me that he’d probably end up marrying a Southern girl because they were so much nicer and more polite than the girls he went to school with in New Jersey! (How’s that for fightin’ words?)
My son was saying ‘please; and ‘thank-you’ very early on simply because that’s how I spoke to him. When we visited Toronto for the first time and he took his first TTC subway ride at age 8, he immediately got up and offered his seat to an elderly woman who got on the train and stood close to our seat.
Just tell your sons that girls are impressed with guys with good manners, maybe that will help…And girls, always smile & say thank-you when someone holds the door for you. Never let a small kindness go unacknowledged.

You are spot on, Elizabeth. In Canada when an election is called it is held around the 30 day mark as well. This circus has got to stop. That debate was a sad commentary on the state of “civil” discourse in this country. Wouldn’t it be great if politicians’ noses grew every time they told a lie – some people wouldn’t be able to make it out of the debate hall?

My husband’s mother and grandmother made Pasta Fagiole. He will love to see this updated recipe! My pregnant daughter has experienced this lack of manners on the part of others as she rides the T to work in Boston.

Tina:

This is my first time leaving comments, but wanted to let you know how much that I enjoy your site. I look forward to it each day. Thank you for sharing with the rest of this. You have great taste!

I must say that it is so sad with the lack of manners that we see today. I recently attended a funeral and was surprised to see some of the mourners coming in casual attire. I thought it was so disrespectful, but many see it as no big deal. I often wonder what it will take to turn this around, but am perplexed.

I loved seeing the wedding, clothes, recipes etc. As usual, you bring a treat to your readers. As for chivalry, I have been observing this recently and just yesterday experienced the lack of it myself. I was checking out at the grocery store. The checker was by herself so I started to bag my groceries. As I was doing this the man behind me began inching his cart closer and closer to me while obviously loosing his patience. When it came time for me to pay I nearly had to crawl over his cart to swipe my credit card. It really un-nerved me. After all, I had bagged my groceries as fast as I could trying to help move things along. This would have been the same if a woman would have done this but it just seemed the man was not a gentleman. For some reason, I have noticed the total lack of manners more at the grocery store than any other place. Men and women have nearly run me over with their carts which is really saying something since I am usually on two wheels myself. But even in a hurry I still maintain basic respect for other people. It is just as easy to be nice and cordial. I myself have two sons and both my husband and I taught them to respect people and try to help them out. Manners matter if used to help people. I am often reminded that you never know what another person is going through so its best to always try to be kind.

I always look forward to your Sunday posts even if I end up reading it on Monday!!! I will definitely need to try the soup recipe – it sounds delicious and I love the tip about adding the pasta before serving. I SO agree about the lack of courtesy these days – thank goodness our boys know better. Hope you are feeling better and have a great week – it finally feels like FALL! xoxo

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