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Vashon Island Pickles

January 21, 2020

This is a quick post about some mighty fine pickles. The fact that they are made on our beloved Vashon Island only makes the story even sweeter. Or in this case, sweet AND tangy-er. We have carried them at our First & Spring shop now for quite some time, and they just keep getting more popular. I love it when a customer quickly picks up a shopping basket and heads right to them and loads up said basket with jars of pickles. They really are quite something. The mix of spices that make them tangy and sweet. We have taken to opening up a jar and having it be part of a cheese board. Simple as that.

Ted’s Tip No. 235

January 20, 2020

For simple, and quite easy, flower arrangements, choose one type & color of bloom. Mass them together. The simplicity of the grouping allows the beauty of each stem to shine.

Presto Chango

January 19, 2020

Changing a table setting can take no time at all if you leave the ‘bones’ of the table intact. Then you just swap out the basics, like the plates, silverware, glassware and napkins. Which can create an entirely different look in a matter of minutes.

I like to have a set table for us at the ready so when we get home from a busy work day it welcomes us. Plus it is one less thing to do so you can focus on putting together the meal. Even if that meal is take-out. For this table the greens went away and whites & creams took its place.

The placemats, flowers and most of the accessories on the table stayed as they were. Then a few new visuals were added to spice things up, like the English matchstriker, candlesticks and vase. Then we were all set to enjoy our time at the table.

A Saturday Thought

January 18, 2020

As days pass so darn quickly, the concept of time becomes more and more precious to me. How do I want to spend my time? Who do I want to spend it with? Connected with this thought instantly. The word ‘negativity’ can be swapped out with ‘drama’ too. As well as go together hand & hand–they are so often intertwined. Cheers to living a positive life!

Single Stunning Stem

January 17, 2020

Often, one single spectacular fleur can do the trick. Flower Friday this week is about such a bloom. I have long been a fan of white lilies. Something about the bend of the stem and each bloom being very singular amongst the many. Plus, I find the scent heavenly. When the elevator door opens, we are greeted with the heady fragrance as well as the dance that the stem/blooms do.

Happy Friday! Hope your week-end is grand. X, T

A Snowy Late Lunch, Early Supper

January 16, 2020

Monday the first of the snow arrived. We stayed in the city to enjoy it. Being on the island, getting back into town from WestWard if it is a big snow, can be a challenge. Last year we had a nerve wracking afternoon trying to get our car up our icy road. So this year we thought we would avoid that possibility and make it a Seattle snowy adventure. It was a pretty swell day from start to finish. Ending with a meal at the dining table as the snow fell.

It was still light out but I decided to light the candles anyway. It was late afternoon so I knew the flicker of the flames would be pretty as the darkness of the eve fell. Plus this was a very late lunch or a super early dinner. Linner? We had picked up lilies when we were driving around watching our fine city get a light blanket of snow that day. They were the starting point of this table. The green from the leaves and the white of the blooms made me think cabbage plates. A little green setting it would be.

The white ceramic stack of books my gift from TPS this anniversary having a place of honor under the lilies. A favorite key from a favorite Paris flea market placed atop. The topiary in an old trophy and the oversized cloche with a bird vignette along with all the brass candlesticks pulled it all together.

The Wandering Goose

January 15, 2020

Wine & Dine Wednesday is all about a very, very happy place in Seattle, The Wandering Goose. Monday morning was snowy so we headed out to enjoy it, heading up to 15th Avenue to grab a little breakfast first. On our list forever has been this beyond charming eatery. Why have we not been here sooner, was the first thing to enter my mind after we entered the space. You instantly feel like you received a hug. The space and the folks working gracious and warm. This will absolutely become a new breakfast/lunch place for us. Above, a biscuit & gravy with poached eggs. At this early hour writing this, I am dreaming about it already. Crazy good. We have carried owner Heather Earnhardt’s book, Big Food Big Love, since it first came out a few years ago. So happy we finally made it to enjoy one of her comforting and deeply satisfying meals. They are open every day of the year, from 7 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon, except for Christmas Day. As well as Friday night from 5 until 9 serving her famous Fried Chicken Dinner. Which, oh my, we can’t wait to try! Click here for the full menu. A Seattle gem.

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