Lunch at Devils Backbone

Summertime is the time to do a little exploring. My husband and I had opportunity to have lunch at Devil's Backbone in Roseland, VA. This is a brewpub in the finest sense of the word. They have an expansive menu, and everything we tried was delicious. The beer cheese spread, made with their Vienna Lager, was superb. And their summer beer selections are tasty and adventurous.

I was surprised to find out that I really enjoyed their BERLINER METRO WEISS German -style Sour Ale. Gold Medal 2012 Great American Beer Festival German-style Sour Ale Lactobacilli were added to this brew to provide a tart & snappy sourness. Straw in color and light bodied. Berliner Weiss is often served with a shot of syrup to sweeten it; traditionally woodruff or raspberry. 3.8 abv, 21IBUs I ordered it with blackberry syrup. And then opted for a growler to take home. If you are headed through Nelson County, make Devil's Backbone a stop on your travels. Here is a link to their website so you can peruse their menu of food and beer. Devils Backbone

The peonies are in bloom

I think peonies are some of the prettiest flowers, and there are so many varieties. Here is just a sampling of what is blooming in the garden right now.

Making Your Own Baby Food

When I found out the Little Man was going to be arriving, I decided I wanted to make my own baby food. Everything in those little jars always looked gross to me. So I have been buying organic produce all winter, pureeing it and freezing it in ice trays. I did buy some pouches of food(organic) at Target and found those to be so convenient when you're shopping or travelling. No mess, proper portions and easily stored. Then I was walking through Target the other day and found what I think is the perfect happy medium. The Fresh Squeezed Squeeze Station You can make your own pouches. Here it is in action at my house this morning, making applesauce. And here are the finished products! 20 pounds of apples made 33 4 oz. pouches of food and I took me about an hour. I love that I know exactly what is going into the little man's food and it's in a convenient package. If you would like to find out more about the Fresh Squeezed Feeding Line from Infantino, here is the link.

Goodbye to a Fashion Icon

The world has a little less sunshine in it. Lilly Pulitzer passed away. More from the Lilly Pulitzer Facebook page: Early this morning, Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau passed away peacefully in Palm Beach, surrounded by family and loved ones. Lilly has been a true inspiration to us and we will miss her. In the days and weeks ahead we will celebrate all that Lilly meant to us. Lilly was a true original who has brought together generations through her bright and happy mark on the world. I discovered Lilly when I went to the University of Virginia. It was what you wore for the warm weather football games and for the Foxfield Races. I have worn Lilly ever since, getting matching dresses for my Minnie, finding Lilly swim trunks for my new little man. A true example of the entreprenuerial spirit. She will be missed.

Merry Christmas

Luke Chapter 2 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

The Magnolia Garland

I hosted a Christmas luncheon on Wednesday and the night before I thought the stairs needed a little decoration. So I pruned the magnolia trees in the front yard and made a garland. Who needs to finish cleaning the rest of the house if the stairs look beautiful?

Glitter, Glitter Everywhere

A few years ago I found a huge box of the old Christmas lights with big blue bulbs. I always thought I would make one of those huge trees with lights, but my husband informed me how not energy efficient these lights were. So they have sat in the barn for a while. This year I grabbed a bunch of the bulbs and glitter them.

I then filled vases of different sizes with the bulbs and added them to compliment the displays on my china hutch and buffet.

SO find some old bulbs and glitter away. Use Martha Stewart glitter of course.