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Friday, March 28, 2014

Progression of a Tulip

Sometimes it is nice to arrange flowers as a single bloom in an interesting or pretty antique vase. Here was a lone pink tulip placed in the windowsill for a party. The rest of its bouquet was scattered in other equally pretty vases throughout the room. This way you have more to look at as you look around! This tulip served its purpose artfully...

Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
The First Day - The pink Tulip brings life and color to the room in contrast to the grey day outside.
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
That Evening - The Tulip provides a bright note to a white shade.
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
A Few Days Later - The Tulip still brings a colorful charm, although upside down by now...

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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Recipe: Make your own Pan Con Tomate!

We had a wonderful rustic Catalan meal in the middle of olive groves just outside of Barcelona, after visiting Montserrat mountain. One of the most fun parts was making our own pan con tomate, or tomato bread, right at our table! It is so easy to do!
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Rubbing the bread with a whole peeled clove of garlic.
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Rubbing the bread with the cut side of a tomato.
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Washing it down with local wine, directly from the carafe! This takes a lot of skill!
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Tomatoes hanging from the ceiling rafters - they are so soft they would burst if left on a counter!
Recipe:

-extra juicy ripe tomatoes (the most juicy you can find)
-garlic cloves
-thickly sliced peasant bread, in large slices and toasted
-olive oil
-salt

Take a whole clove of garlic and rub vigorously on one side of the bread. Slice a tomato in half, and use the entire half rubbing against the bread. Sprinkle with salt, and olive oil. Enjoy with some red wine - especially if you can master the skill of pouring from the carafe to your mouth!

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Monday, March 17, 2014

Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Soup

I started making this soup around Thanksgiving, when I had leftover pumpkin from making pies! This is a nice soup for cold weather - comforting, with a hint of sweetness.
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous

1 small can pumpkin purée
1 large container (32 oz) chicken or vegetable stock or broth (home made if possible!)
1/2 white or yellow onion, finely chopped
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small piece of ginger, grated
1 TBS agave or maple syrup
1/2 C milk or cream or soy milk
1 TBS Olive oil
Salt, pepper, cayenne pepper

Heat olive oil in pot. Add onion and shallot and cook until translucent (not browned). Add garlic and ginger, cook another minute.

Add stock and cook 10 minutes. Add pumpkin, agave and spices. Stir together and cook 30 minutes covered. Add milk or cream at the end.

Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche if desired.

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Sunday, March 16, 2014

Montserrat Mountain - Barcelona, Spain

While in Barcelona, we took a day trip with friends up to Montserrat mountain. The view was incredible! We felt so far up, and the view seemed to go on forever... According to our friend, the mountain is named after the teeth of a saw, which it resembles when gazing up. 

The mountain was a place of spiritual pilgrimage. While at the top of the mountain, we visited the Benedictine abbey, where we heard a boys choir sing, and visited the famous statue of the Virgin Mary. 

It is quite an amazing place, and a recommended day trip for those visiting Barcelona!

Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous

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Thursday, March 13, 2014

Trees in Spain - Like Being Inside a Painting

While in Barcelona recently, we took a drive up Montserrat mountain. Afterwards, we ended our day with a late lunch at a hidden restaurant, nestled amongst olive tree groves. There I was delighted by these beautiful trees in bloom!

How to be Fabulous
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous
Stephanie Swinton How to be Fabulous

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone