Under the Sea

Me, snorkeling in St. John

We are still getting back to normal around here after our escape to the paradise of Caneel Bay on St. John.  I shared some photos with you last week from our trip.  We just got the photos from the underwater camera developed and I wanted to share them with you.  John and Conor were mesmerized by them.

It was just a disposable underwater camera so the actual water color and the vibrancy of the fish were so much greater.  In my daily life, and in decorating my home, I'm so inspired by the ocean.  But this side of the ocean, I have never seen in such and up close and personal way.  

Here is the coral reef in all its glory:

Sergeant Majors swimming amongst the reef

Our friend the sea turtle:

Sea Turtle off Scotts Beach

Beautiful rainbow fish:

It was thrilling (and a little scary) to be swimming so close to the stingrays:

A stingray and his friend

They weren't too interested in us though.  Look at all the amazing coral - delicate fans and organic brain corals - so many for the eye to see:

It was so beautiful down there.  My photos do not do it justice nor do images on the TV.  It is just so amazing to see all these creatures swimming and dancing in the waves.  Hearing my heart beat and my rhythmic breathing, it was so amazing to see this whole new world living under the sea.  I especially loved seeing all the fish hiding and exploring the caverns of the coral.  I can't wait to visit again (with my two little guys in tow):

Can you see the little fish peeking out?

Spag Bol

Spaghetti Bolognese

One of my favorite dishes to make and eat!  Oh, and guess what?  It is a favorite of many Brits (who knew?) my husband and sons included.  When living in the UK, a few years back, Spag Bol was voted the nation's favorite dish.

I grew up on a steady diet of Italian.  You may remember Nonni's meatballs and cutlets.  My kids go crazy for these.  Growing up, I used to love when my mom cooked Italian our whole house smelled of basil, tomatoes, onions and garlic.  Whenever I make this dish, I'm transported back in time.

Last night, we had Spag Bol.  Here is how I make it:

My Spag Bol

- 1lb ground beef (or turkey)

- EVOO

- 1 onion

- 2 carrots

- 2 celery stalks

- 1 pepper

- 2 cloves of garlic

- 1 jar of favorite tomato sauce (I love Giada's sauces - you can get them at Target)

- small heirloom tomatoes

- herbs (parsley, fennel seeds, oregano, basil)

- parmesan cheese

- spaghetti

1. Brown your beef (or turkey) in a small amount of EVOO.  Once browned skim off the fat.

Brown meat.

2. Chop veggies and throw them in once the meat is browned.  I usually use carrots, onion, celery, fresh tomatoes and garlic.  Last night, I didn't have carrots so I put in pepper. This is a great way to get your kids to eat those veggies without even realizing.

3. Once veggies are softened, add jarred sauce, ground pepper and shake in your herbs.  The more the merrier.

My sous chefs!

At our house some sauce doesn't always make it in the pot (John was so busy stirring, that he didn't realize some was going on the floor).

4. My secret ingredient is Tuscan Herb Olive Oil from the Roman Table in Scituate Harbor.  It just give that extra little something.  I guess you could say a taste of Tuscany in a bottle.

Tuscan Herb EVOO from The Roman Table

5.  Simmer over low heat.  Cook spaghetti, I usually use Barilla whole wheat or Dreamfields Low Carb Spaghetti.

6. Serve with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

Spag Bol Lover!

Thumbs up here!  I'm sure it will be the same at your house.  Hope you enjoy!

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Coco Corner Cabinet (Before & After)

Sometimes furniture isn't just a piece of wood and some hardware.  Often times a piece of furniture is so much more than that - it may be the turn of a leg, beautiful molding, a great crystal knob or a gorgeous patina from years of age.  My favorite pieces of furniture are ones that have a story.  Ones that I grew up enjoying in our homes when I was little.  I still have a cabinet in the kitchen that my mom stored all my school papers.  I treasure a console table that was handmade and passed onto my mom.  Finally, I couldn't give up the bedroom set that I had since I was two and is now John's.  I transformed it with the Union Flag and still need to work on his nightstand.

Anyway, when a friend told me about this corner cabinet that she wanted help with I was happy to oblige.   It was the only piece of furniture she has from her childhood home and while it may not be expensive it is priceless (holding so many memories of the past).

Before

Over several moves and the passage of time, the little corner cabinet needed some TLC.

Before 

 I first washed the furniture down with mineral spirits, denatured alcohol and then warm water.  Luke removed the hook and eye and patched several holes.  Knots were shining through which I spot primed with zinser and then I started painting with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Coco.  I had never used Coco before - it is a warm gray brown - but have to tell you I love it.  I ended up doing three coats on the whole piece.  Then Louis Blue was done behind the shelves and on all the detailing.  I just love the color combination of the blue and the brown!  Then light distressing and two coats of clear wax.  Here is the updated corner cabinet:

After

Some close up photos:

The shelf:

I love this delicate curve:

My friend also got this sweet little glass knob at Anthropolgie to replace the brass one:

What do you think?  Do you have any pieces of furniture from your childhood that you treasure?  If so, I'd love to hear about them.

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