GARDENING: GARDEN TOUR PART I

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW3NwVFM7BkP0aDfHAUhyphenhyphenXffcDrvziA0gleBWGpftD5nDDw2rquIv-26ZBsMS8EMN9Lg9jOfByaVKGyF4ec2EspiGhsct-9ZQ8HKDewCc9xRHtl6Ex2A79oV9hnJ5MqShdIuYM6585dk/s1600-h/shawna's+gate+bouquet.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344045683263044146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW3NwVFM7BkP0aDfHAUhyphenhyphenXffcDrvziA0gleBWGpftD5nDDw2rquIv-26ZBsMS8EMN9Lg9jOfByaVKGyF4ec2EspiGhsct-9ZQ8HKDewCc9xRHtl6Ex2A79oV9hnJ5MqShdIuYM6585dk/s320/shawna's+gate+bouquet.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 411px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 339px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xNJ903IHlfi_9qTmglwMsDLuTjL4NvVyh9rrUJdRwGfjYjHAbhJNZSatcgVch27wHWh9-6HEFGymB42CXwtt2cl81G2VJEpNOBqiCJ2k1ojEl3LWN268DzOYfYe5JwEeI2BtHLOniAs/s1600-h/IMG_1729.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><div align="center"><div align="center">Once a year I host a Garden Tour. It has become an annual tradition that I look forward to. This year, the theme was Alfresco Entertaining. Where else, but in Southern California, can we truly enjoy our outdoor spaces - almost year round. We also celebrated Lemons . . . featuring them in both our tablescapes and our refreshments. </div><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">thank you</span></strong> to all who attended and </div><div align="center">a <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">big</span> <span style="font-size: 180%;">giant</span> <span style="font-size: 130%;">thank you</span></strong> to our gracious hostesses - </div><div align="center">it looked effortless, but I'm sure it took a lot of time and effort -</div><div align="center">sprucing up their homes and gardens for visitors.. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I promised recipes and photos . . . </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;">SHAWNA'S HOUSE </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: 180%;"></span><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343538691386352370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRdefbnD3yg9UM6yuiNdbdo74Eyh3IvTaS6QCAmDbvqr8bOGfuLZGP6enqnSq3Y_P9-wIdFYi5jcPdid2LdYIy3YcWwL_CGPR8004k_SwPy03kh0bxzJTS-P9G9hB4tD6cTDc0I7fvxE/s320/IMG_1706.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="267" /> Shawna has an amazing talent for making people feel at home. Her welcoming courtyard featured a bubbling fountain and tiny mercury glass votives dangling from a low spreading tree. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Shawna has a talent for floral arrangements and you can see some of her handiwork on her blog: <a href="http://www.twomanyjohnsons.blogspot.com/">http://www.twomanyjohnsons.blogspot.com/</a>. She also creates these beautiful succulent pots - a tapestry of little works of art together in one beautiful spot. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-luTTOBmz-5lDN4ehImO41RS1acm_T_Kmx4lQD1Vj3QuOpG_oyEkasH2JGgsX3P-f4GiAzcWzj6TTdh-aICi3_RH6k2477iHxnn2Gj60f8cnSkGP4pTN7HjCNo0HCdVPrgDKjHgRg0f4/s1600-h/IMG_6228.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343538098845217234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-luTTOBmz-5lDN4ehImO41RS1acm_T_Kmx4lQD1Vj3QuOpG_oyEkasH2JGgsX3P-f4GiAzcWzj6TTdh-aICi3_RH6k2477iHxnn2Gj60f8cnSkGP4pTN7HjCNo0HCdVPrgDKjHgRg0f4/s320/IMG_6228.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 181px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 296px;" /></a> <br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BNF8Sw1IiN2PjJs1-dpX2YOlqMyRKwSpGA8s8WxsteDw-6ycqZ-90mlg6-NBn9D_XVKb3_azINKedLCQFTFnoaa_S_RhA-CuGJo-sMHlZEkM7OyZgjBpiVybYRRMEC1tsruWyg8Nu60/s1600-h/IMG_1703.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343538086596199266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BNF8Sw1IiN2PjJs1-dpX2YOlqMyRKwSpGA8s8WxsteDw-6ycqZ-90mlg6-NBn9D_XVKb3_azINKedLCQFTFnoaa_S_RhA-CuGJo-sMHlZEkM7OyZgjBpiVybYRRMEC1tsruWyg8Nu60/s320/IMG_1703.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="320" /></a> The focal point of her garden is the t-shaped pool, crowned with this spa, waterfall, and a trio of bubbling urns. What enchanted me about her garden/yard was that </div><div>it could have been formal and stuffy. </div><div><strong>It wasn't.</strong> </div><div>Her plants and shrubs were deliciously un-manicured, growing in contained abandon. Her hardscape was interrupted by little areas or 'rooms' that invited intimacy for sunbathing, gathering by the fire, family dining and meal preparation. The effect was inviting and casually elegant - perfect for a little alfresco entertaining. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvK1wvql9qQ21pYOcFMtmMKHufxB59ufw_2fYp3Z8cL0T-aGM8QVm2I1EqFi9BFdf_JZ-d9tSvSNMpsaVKbe0pIyMlYdNAcNdKa_w3e6BY9IsYKFoihNd4ov_MI6MDwqUlGyQyX-rPH4/s1600-h/IMG_1699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="239" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343538088502655122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvK1wvql9qQ21pYOcFMtmMKHufxB59ufw_2fYp3Z8cL0T-aGM8QVm2I1EqFi9BFdf_JZ-d9tSvSNMpsaVKbe0pIyMlYdNAcNdKa_w3e6BY9IsYKFoihNd4ov_MI6MDwqUlGyQyX-rPH4/s320/IMG_1699.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAebDju7YzWSEpCLg5FdxGTQfILAyUJhuaNnkrpWlMsfRTN1Ucru4Eor17XgmjWPyx2sDJ1zFjWI2OJg_4p5I-2BizX4li1GAR1LujsYVoG44nf2hhyv3Rd_lkhjg67mxtRxvWhPHYP0/s1600-h/IMG_1692.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343536447290800930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAebDju7YzWSEpCLg5FdxGTQfILAyUJhuaNnkrpWlMsfRTN1Ucru4Eor17XgmjWPyx2sDJ1zFjWI2OJg_4p5I-2BizX4li1GAR1LujsYVoG44nf2hhyv3Rd_lkhjg67mxtRxvWhPHYP0/s640/IMG_1692.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a> So we set up a tablescape - a little casual - a little elegant - </div><div align="center">a little contemporary - a little traditional. </div><div align="center">A lot like Shawna. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxJU3Wf_TOSN6ATUDipdkYwL-X3gBvFCiJvJ09GrlnkdZfBXP0NF7Zjk8ggSkuVQTD0Uegt53ZYZcihpsw-JN9DmBB1e_Wux9aS2vPImTmRHB3iseiB7TmGKadH2xtbQKQ9dnHyx6lQ8/s1600-h/IMG_1690.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343536446897406450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxJU3Wf_TOSN6ATUDipdkYwL-X3gBvFCiJvJ09GrlnkdZfBXP0NF7Zjk8ggSkuVQTD0Uegt53ZYZcihpsw-JN9DmBB1e_Wux9aS2vPImTmRHB3iseiB7TmGKadH2xtbQKQ9dnHyx6lQ8/s400/IMG_1690.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="300" /></a>Shawna's two tiered iron candle chandelier twinkles invitingly over her table. </div><div align="center">A new acquisition, she confessed to finding it on Craig's List for $20. </div><div align="center">If only I'd seen it first. . . </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2wLrDpsP9ldIUe3y0rHOHpO63utElfPnn4y-50r6NeeyD4BCKN_2IwmfcENuG6V76vXHdJ6A2hMMIFovpozbjLKIsfxtrTSFPz4T4L3VP54dYWKgktBtQR_jQLCsUWRhm15rcSK5ehE/s1600-h/IMG_1691.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343536443648544594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2wLrDpsP9ldIUe3y0rHOHpO63utElfPnn4y-50r6NeeyD4BCKN_2IwmfcENuG6V76vXHdJ6A2hMMIFovpozbjLKIsfxtrTSFPz4T4L3VP54dYWKgktBtQR_jQLCsUWRhm15rcSK5ehE/s400/IMG_1691.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a> Keeping it casually elegant - I chose table runners over a tablecloth (too formal) or placemats (too casual). We used two across the table - using them placemat fashion to set our dishes on - topped by two lengthwise down the center of the table. </div><div align="center">A wooden beaded mat covers the place where they overlap in the center of the table and makes a perfect spot to place our centerpiece of lemon tree branches, with lemons still attached. </div><div align="center">More lemons cover the branch stems in the vase interior. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAWj7DG3wt9UHoKrOR0uCY_cbnlFcGH3pUPbvBPXEefZt5PqrYYbkixtFIfXCVgt61lNGibeVR-r6p3XgUdfEdx-SzfniRQCGyjqkZ0LdrieFWncGlYo_d6VAufjSHeg8CEAdzgTj5Co/s1600-h/IMG_1687.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343536437468376802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAWj7DG3wt9UHoKrOR0uCY_cbnlFcGH3pUPbvBPXEefZt5PqrYYbkixtFIfXCVgt61lNGibeVR-r6p3XgUdfEdx-SzfniRQCGyjqkZ0LdrieFWncGlYo_d6VAufjSHeg8CEAdzgTj5Co/s400/IMG_1687.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="300" /></a>Our table runners coordinate, rather than match - another way to create a more casual atmosphere. We used dishes and glassware that Shawna owned, mixing patterns and styles. Polished stones with the help of a sharpie pen were transformed into placecards. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1QPkjJtFGygL3sbPX57_sZNPCkHgbDQls7x2ompBSfPV4Man0BppOQk7sKMwP0SmIg7_U8GRk2nvXL9p57NnLD0UvUahzuziGDGrptd3Ys-PaIBR1Du3QmnvLITIE_fPzvApJMKPuGk/s1600-h/IMG_1689.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343536439898307682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1QPkjJtFGygL3sbPX57_sZNPCkHgbDQls7x2ompBSfPV4Man0BppOQk7sKMwP0SmIg7_U8GRk2nvXL9p57NnLD0UvUahzuziGDGrptd3Ys-PaIBR1Du3QmnvLITIE_fPzvApJMKPuGk/s640/IMG_1689.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> I wanted to demonstrate several ways to present napkins so I folded some to create pockets for silverware, and tucked some into the glasses themselves with accents of lemon leaves. </div><div>The watercandles were both fabulous and a disaster. After assembling this great concept - a candle <strong>inside</strong> a vase <em>inside</em> another vase - <span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>surrounded</strong></span> by water (tinted with a couple drops of blue food color) - the effect of a lighted candle underwater was completely lost when the candle wasn't heavy enough to keep the smaller vase it was in from floating . . . . </div><div>I had to weight the inner vase down with glass pebbles </div><div>and then the candle was too tall for the full effect. </div><div>So..... <strong>NEXT TIME</strong> I will use a shorter candle. </div><div>The cylindrical vases were purchases from Michaels and TaiPan Trading. </div><div>The great urban chic faux grass accents were also from TaiPan.</div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>REFRESHMENTS:</strong></span> Now for the important stuff! Shawna and her daughter Emma made the most fabulous <strong>Cupcakes</strong>, and I made <strong>Pink Lemonade Thins</strong>. The recipes follow... </div><div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>emma's coconut cupcakes</strong> </span><br /><br />duncan hines white cake mix-make as directed (instead of oil, substitute applesauce.)</div><div>add 1 cup coconut to batter.</div><div>(the applesauce makes the cupcake a little bit sticky...but oh so yummy) <br /><br /><strong>frosting:</strong> <br /><br />1 box powdered sugar <br /><br />1 8oz cream cheese softened <br /><br />1 cube butter, softened <br /><br />1 tsp vanilla beat until smooth, dip frosted cupcake in coconut <br /><br /><em>note: these were made mini size and were perfect for refreshments!</em><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">pink lemonade thins (betty crocker)</span></strong> <br /><br />1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, softened <br /><br />2/3 cup powdered sugar <br /><br />2 tablespoons grated lemon peel <br /><br />1 tablespoon lemon juice <br /><br />2 - 2/3 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Pink Lemonade Glaze </span></strong><br /><br />1 1/2 cups powdered sugar <br /><br />2 teaspoons grated lemon peel <br /><br />5 to 6 teaspoons lemon juice <br /><br />1 drop red food color <br /><br /><br /><br />1. Heat oven to 350°F. </div><div align="center">Lightly grease bottom only of 15x10x1-inch pan with shortening. </div><div align="center">In large bowl, beat butter, 2/3 cup powdered sugar, </div><div align="center">2 tablespoons lemon peel, 1 tablespoon lemon juice </div><div align="center">and 2 drops food color with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, </div><div align="center">or mix with spoon. </div><div align="center">Stir in flour until well blended. </div><div align="center">Press in pan, using floured fingers (flour fingers several times to prevent sticking). </div><div align="center"><br /><br />2. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown. </div><div align="center"><br /><br />3. In medium bowl, mix all glaze ingredients until smooth and spreadable. </div><div align="center">Pour glaze over warm bars; spread evenly (glaze will be very thin). </div><div align="center">Cool completely, about 1 hour. <br /><br />Bars are very tender; remove from pan using very flat-edged metal pancake turner. </div><div align="center">For bars, cut into 8 rows by 8 rows. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>Enjoy!</strong> </span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">Be sure to leave a comment -</span></strong> </div><div align="center">and check out the postings you have missed on the right hand side - </div><div align="center">under what else - <strong>'what you missed'</strong></div></div>

GARDENING: GARDEN TOUR PART I

Once a year I host a Garden Tour. It has become an annual tradition that I look forward to. This year, the theme was Alfresco Entertaining....

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