Friday, June 28, 2013

Lisa and Nikki's Friday Finds!


Hi Friends:

What has inspired and delighted us this week? Here they are - the sights, sounds, tastes and one-of-a-kinds we loved!
Georgia's picked up this vintage large silver plate sugar bowl at the Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck, NY. Doesn't it make a great planter?
Found! Vintage dessert glassware - just right for fruit cups, pudding or ice cream. Perfect for affogato!
And if you're going to make affogato, you need espresso. Have you heard of Laughing Man Coffee? Hugh Jackman and his buddies have started a company that helps give individuals the "opportunity for freedom, dignity, livelihood and laughter." Dukale's Dream, one of many products, is an organic espresso that was developed in conjunction with Dukale, an Ethiopian coffee farmer. The espresso is truly wonderful, smooth and well balanced. We love Laughing Man's moto - ALL BE HAPPY! And we love that 100% of Laughing Man revenue goes back to education and community development.
Can you identify this wooden utensil? It's a molinillo, a traditional Mexican turned wood whisk. Invented in the 1700's by Spanish colonists in Mexico, it's used primarily in the preparation of hot beverages like hot chocolate. The molinillo is held between the palms and rotated by rubbing the palms together. The rotation creates froth in the drink.
Looking for a great chip? Here's one that's good for you. All natural Beanitos are made from nutritious beans and are free of preservatives, gluten and trans fats. There are several varieties available and all provide fiber and protein along with a delicious crunch!
July 4th is approaching; are you having a barbecue? Look what we found at Sur La Table! Plastic sandwich baskets along with matching paper liners and baking cups. These baskets are more fun than paper plates and you can pick them up for about a buck! Complete the look with coordinating cups and utensils!    
What's your favorite summer song? This may date us a little, but we love the 1972 hit Summer Breeze by Seals and Crofts. Check out this live performance posted by stardustdays on You Tube.

Have a good weekend! 


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Bottle Drying Racks or Hedgehogs!

Hi Friends: 

What do you know about bottle drying racks? The bottle dryer or hedgehog hails from France where they are called Egouttoir or Herisson bouteilles (bottle hedgehogs). Made of iron, zinc or galvanized steel, they were originally used to do as the name suggests - dry refillable bottles.  How impressive is this bottle drying rack covered with vintage commercial mugs? 
When Georgia's spied it at Fishs Eddy in New York City, we stood in awe. Later, at ABC Carpet & Home, we came across this small countertop rack.
We loved it, bought it and immediately headed back to Fishs Eddy  for some vintage mugs.
Happy with our purchases and preparing for our road trip to the Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck, New York we thought, if only we could find vintage bottle dryers at the fair. Imagine our delight when we found two! Here we show them with vintage Fire-King jadeite dishes stacked on top of one and a plant nestled into the top of the other.    

How about this wall mounted version! 
We love them in the kitchen, the office/craft room, the laundry room, even the potting shed. Hang mugs and glasses, ribbons and tags, mittens and hats, herbs and garden utensils and even ornaments on them. Whether vintage or reproduction, why not let a bottle dryer bring a little French country flair to a corner of your home.  

Friday, June 14, 2013

Lisa and Nikki's Friday Finds!

Hi Friends:

What has inspired and delighted us this week? Here they are - the sights, sounds, tastes and one-of-a-kinds we loved!
Georgia's found this vintage solid oak porch swing with original green paint at the Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck, NY last weekend. It's in amazing shape (structurally very sound) and ready for an over-stuffed cushion!
You can't go to New York City without going to Eataly! We love browsing the aisles of imported Italian pasta!
Georgia's ducked into Fishs Eddy, a commercial quality dish and glassware store in New York City, and found a world of inspiration. We loved this vintage gravy boat repurposed as a planter!
More from Fishs Eddy; just look at these awesome sugar bowls! Match them with a lid that speaks to you! Click the link and shop online - you deserve it! 
A healthy peanut butter? Yes, indeed! Earth Balance Natural Peanut Butter has added flaxseed, Omega-3s and is sweetened with Agave. If you like coconut, try the creamy coconut and peanut spread, too! Delicious!
 Peony love! So fragrant!
To all dads - this oldie from Nat King Cole says it all - you are "Unforgettable!"

Happy Father's Day from Georgia's! 


Sunday, June 2, 2013

Care for a Toddy (wait...what's a Toddy?)


Hi Friends:

For those who have followed Georgia's for the last several months, you've surely noticed our coffee obsession. You know how we brew the hot stuff, so let's talk iced coffee now that temperatures are rising (finally for us Midwesterners).

Coffee, an acidic beverage, can have a bite or bitter taste when we brew it hot. Plus, brewing hot java then adding ice waters it down. I suppose we could go the brew it hot then stick it in the freezer route; but come on, when we brew coffee, we want to reap the reward instantly.

Our lives changed when we discovered the Toddy Cold Brew System. Easy to use and the best way to reduce acid in your coffee, this system is a must have for any coffee connoisseur. And, the deliciously smooth coffee concentrate the system produces is just what this summer heat calls for. Here's the how to.

You start by setting up your Toddy; it has four parts: the bucket, the handle, the plug and the filter. Slide the handle on your bucket, put in the plug, then wet your filter before placing in the bottom of your bucket.
Next add 1 cup of water then half a pound of coffee. As you know, we are all about organic so we make a quick trip to Whole Foods to pick up a medium to dark roast variety. Be sure to coarsely grind your coffee.
Add 3 more cups of water in a slow circular motion. You don't want to clog the filter by compressing the coffee grinds into it.
Wait 5 minutes then add the remainder of your coffee and 5 more cups of water. Your bucket will be very full so be careful.
The hard part's now done. On to the waiting game...a 12 hour waiting game. We recommend setting it up in the evening so it can steep overnight. (Side note, we add a plate to cover the top of our toddy bucket to seal it off from the elements in our kitchens.)

12 hours later: voila! The smoothest, best-tasting coffee concentrate you can find. Simply pull the plug and drain your coffee concentrate into your carafe, then refrigerate. The concentrate stays fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge!
To enjoy: pour a shot of coffee concentrate into your vintage glass, add water and a splash of milk (we recommend trying almond milk) and you are ready for a caffeinated summertime treat.
Don't forget the whipped cream!