Got Herbs?

I have the most boring kitchen ever.  It is totally white, except for the stainless steel appliances.  Believe it or not, the wall color was even white before we painted it.  White, on white, on white.  Snooze fest.  No inspiration to cook, or clean for that matter.  Kitchen update plans: on hold indefinitely, because my bathrooms (all 3 of them) have got to come first, but at least they have some color!  What's a girl to do on such a limited budget?   First things first, ugly window coverings (multi-colored pastel horizontal blinds), out!  Paint - wall color same as the rest of the first level, indulgent mocha by Behr.

I know, you can't tell the paint color with these night photos I took, buy my kitchen during the day is so white, and so bright, you have to wear sunglasses in there in the afternoons.  No, seriously, you can ask my friend's Mom, my new and wonderful house-sitter and dog-sitter.  "Nancy, I had to wear sunglasses to work in your kitchen."  Okay, I have to wear sunglasses in there too, prescription none the less.....but I am not covering those windows and blocking a view of a pool, canal and my coconut tree!

My choice of window decor----fresh herbs!  I was so tired of paying $2.99 at the supermarket for a handful of fresh herbs, that would not last beyond 5 days, no matter what tricks I tried.  So this girl is growing her own, and in addition to the window herbs, I have a huge planter by the pool with a rosemary bush.

Here are some pictures:

right side of kitchen

L-R - Mint, Rosemary, Lemon Thyme, Oregano, German Thyme, Chives, Italian Parsley, Sweet Basil

See how white it is?  Why multiple utensil holders?  Those two corners that look like 4 drawers, NOT!  They are faux drawers, therefore I only have 1 large drawer, 3 small drawers, and 2 tiny drawers......

left side of kitchen, pantry left of refrigerator.....but you've seen that. :)

So, to tone down the white, I added color at the top, thanks to gifts, a trip to Hobby Lobby, Kirklands, Home Goods,  Marshalls, TJ Maxx..........

The wonderful hubby put shelves above the window for me.....oh yeah, Burlington Coat Factory.....

Coffee side of wine and coffee bar......

kitchen table

wine side of wine and coffee bar,  open at noon, DAILY!

Coffee and Wine Bar......again

last picture I promise, but who doesn't love a "Bon Appetit" sign?

Herb note ~ if you're a fresh dill fan, good luck pal!  I think you need more than a green thumb to grow dill, you need green hands, arms and legs.  For me, it just would not happen.  If anyone knows how to make it happen, please share your secret with me!

So, this is how I function in the world's most boring kitchen, I add some color, decorate, and keep wine very close.  After all, I do love to cook!

See you next week!  I hope your week is wonderful!

Nancy :)

Investing in your kitchen..........

So, how long have you had your current every day dishes?  When you think about it, it is something that you probably rarely every replace, even though a casual dish set is not that expensive.  Most of us put the investment in our "company" dishes, or our "good china" that is maybe used just a few times a year.  Our every day dishes, on the other hand,  are miss-matched, missing, chipped, but we hang on to them.

I decided to invest in everyday dishes, that would also be nice enough for when company came.  I chose white square dishes, because I love them, and because white gives me the versatility to change up my colors anytime I want to with table settings.  I got the idea from watching "The Barefoot Contessa".  Ina Garten, who I wish was my next door neighbor.  She creates the most beautiful table settings, but always with white plates.  The white plates make the food the star, and I definitely appreciate the difference in my own food pictures using them.

I purchased these at Pottery Barn.  I got a set price (2 sets of 4 servings-8 total) even though the dishes are sold a la carte.  That's great, because if I break or chip a piece, I can buy just the replacement.  It's a first for me, because I've always just gone to the department store, i.e. Target and bought a boxed set.  This was an actual investment, in me, and for my kitchen.  Another benefit, any white accessories, serving dishes, or color serving dishes will still make a pretty table.  I am looking forward to shopping for napkins for every season, mood, color desire, and holiday, because I no longer have a huge assortment of dishes.  The white dishes will go with everything!

Think about getting a set of white dishes and give them a try.  I think you will enjoy the change back to a classic.

Have a wonderful day!

Nancy