Hello and happy Superbowl Sunday to you! We are in Palmetto Bluff and it’s a gorgeous day after few cloudy/rainy days.  I must admit I am not a huge football fan but of course always enjoy the Superbowl festivities and to boot I am in Palmetto Bluff so we will likely head over to the Montage to join in the football fun.Plus let’s face it, Super Bowl snacks are the best and a definite perk to watching the game:)

Hope whatever you are up to or whatever team you might be rooting for….you enjoy. Onward to my Seven on Sunday…

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1 A FAVORITE FLORAL ARRANGMENT. So it was a dreary wintry day and I had not done any flower arranging in what felt like a long time so off I went to Whole Foods and found a bevy of beautiful blooms, all incredibly reasonable.

I came home and played to my hearts content. I didn’t expect to love this so much and even set up a very impromptu luncheon table. I spent a total of about $90 and must say these went really far. Then to really up the ante, I took some of my faux pale pink peonies to make the main arrangement even bigger and wow, I loved it!

So here is a look. Many asked for a tutorial so I am hopefully going to come up with something in the next few weeks.  Click here for the post I did on these.

 

2 A TRAVEL SECRET I WILL MOST DEFINITELY BE TRYING! So I read this article on Bloomberg and was instantly  intrigued. Something surely worth trying. I wanted to share with all of you, as it is something I personally have not heard about but I have always been curious as to how the release of seats works.       Click here for the lowdown

 

 

3 RECIPE ALERT! Made this for the first time last week and boy was it good. My husband had the flu and after three straight days of making my go to soups, lentil soup and Chicken Dill soup I wanted to try something new. Had bookmarked this one from 31 Daily to save for a rainy day so this was the perfect opportunity!

Super hearty, this Tuscan bean soup is a meal in itself with a side of a crusty baguette:) Healthy with all the greens and beans, it is delicious and one I will double next time so that I can freeze some. Great for those cold winter months when you crave something a little heartier.

INGREDIENTS

1 1⁄2 cups dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight (or 2 to 3 15-ounce cans, drained)
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1⁄2 yellow onion, chopped, plus rings for garnish
3⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic (3 minced, 1 halved)
10 oz. butternut squash peeled and cut into 1⁄2″ cubes (about 2 cups)
1 small zucchini, cut into 1⁄2″ cubes
4 large kale leaves, stemmed and chopped
1 medium waxy-style potato, peeled and cut into 1⁄2″ cubes
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (or a handful of cherry tomatoes chopped)
2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock, reduced-sodium, plus extra water if needed
1 – 2 bay leaves
1⁄2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon dried)
8 thick slices country-style bread
Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated

DIRECTIONS

Drain beans and transfer to a 3-qt. saucepan and add 4-5 cups water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, until beans are tender, 40–45 minutes.

If you are using canned beans, skip the first step.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion and minced garlic and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the squash, kale, potato, tomatoes with liquid, chicken stock, and bay leaf. Season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes.

Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Add zucchini and cooked beans (or canned beans) and simmer another 5-10 minutes or until both the beans and veggies are soft. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves.

 

4. INSTAGRAMS OF INTEREST What a round up and it was kind of an accident that so many of my choices this weekend center around travel….what’s not to love. Makes me want to jump on a plane pronto!

 

5. SNEAK PEEK FOR YOUR EYES ONLY OF NEW GOODIES ON THE HORIZON! You can imagine how exciting it must be to dream something up and then actually watch it happen. Well, needless to say I am over the moon about these items below. Almost all are now out of production and getting packed up for their maiden voyage. As we always do we will hold a presale on this container a few weeks before it’s arrival. So be on the lookout for the sale in a week or two.

Gorgeous progress being made on the murals

So excited about the belljars-

New large 15.5″ centerpiece bowls

Just a few of the fabulous new lampshades soon to be here!

6. A HIGHLIGHTER I CANNOT RECOMMEND HIGHLY ENOUGH. So we all know that highlighters and “glows” are all the rage. I think particularly for skin above 30, it is a plus to have a bit of a glow or dewiness. I am a sucker for any product that promises it and have tried my share.

I have a few favorites but must say this is my favorite so far. I have read and heard nonstop about the Charlotte Tillsbury products. I tried two. One I liked but one I loved and will be an item that I remain loyal to. It is REALLY GOOD. Say hello to your skins new best friend

Click here

7 SUNDAYS’ SURVEY This week I need a simple opinion on something I need to make a decision on very soon. The creation of my tulipieres are perhaps one of my most successful endeavors, they are gorgeous and as you might know, typically very had to find. I have had people over the three or so years I have had them ask about bringing other colors.

I have toyed with the idea and would love your take on his Please assenter below, fist a picture of the tulipieres in the three style we offer. So impinge in other colors

Check all that apply

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And that’s a wrap! Hope you enjoyed the post, hope you are off to having a beautiful day.   The sun is shining here in Palmetto Bluff and I am looking forward to a day of bike riding, chilling and maybe hitting a few art galleries…..down time is good for the soul:) Thanks for stopping in, until next time…….