Incredible Beauty!

When I saw this I knew I had to share it with you all! These incredible beautiful trees are right in front of our home....and what a joy of life it has been to us! Our daughter said to me yesterday that these trees are so beautiful that she had to stand still and take time to take in all the beauty.

This tree is called the "Royal Poinciana tree" (Species name: Delonix regia) and is native to Madagascar. The most striking characteristic is its brightly colored flowers that range from bright red, to orange and even yellow.

Because of the bright colors of the flowers this tree is sometimes also called the "flame tree".

I hope you enjoyed these gorgeous trees!

All images taken by me

Veal Piccata With Capers In A Lemon Sauce

Lately I have been trying to prepare much healthier food and instead of too much red meat I started to make more fish. I also tried this veal recipe which is easy to prepare and delicious.

Ingredients:
4 large veal cutlets
Plain all purpose flour (I use 100% whole wheat flour) seasoned with salt and pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken stock
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

Place the veal between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until an even thickness. Lightly dust each side with flour.

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large frying pan. Fry the cutlets over moderately high heat for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden. Season and transfer to a warm plate.

Add the wine to the pan, increase the heat to high and boil until there are just 3 - 4 tablespoons of liquid left. Pour in the stock and boil for 4 - 5 minutes, or until it has reduced and slightly thickened. Add the lemon juice and capers and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Taste for seasoning, then return the cutlets to the pan and heat through for 1 minute. Sprinkle with parsley and serve at once with mash potatoes and a fresh salad.

Enjoy!

All images taken by me

Modern Mexican Interiors

Beautiful interiors are one of my greatest passions! While growing up in South Africa and then married to an architect and building contractor I was exposed to different kinds of architecture styles, interiors and gardens. We moved to the USA thirteen years ago and that is when I discovered and fell in love with the warm, rugged and stylish Santa Fe Style Homes. These homes with their romantic beauty originated from the Spanish and the Pueblo Style homes. Originally native materials were used in the construction.

I decided to share two lovely homes built and designed by a blogger friend of mine Ryannan Bryer and her husband Jim. Please visit her inspiring blog at http://sottoilmontevineyards.blogspot.com/2009/12/modern-mexican.html  

Ry and her husband built these homes in the Modern Mexican Style. All the rooms of the first home opened up into a central enclosed courtyard and they enjoyed dining outside most of the time.

Double adobe walls finished with hand troweled plaster tinted with pigments from Italy gave the walls a rich colorful texture.





























































The natural materials and colors used in the Pueblo and Santa Fe style homes create this desired feeling of harmony with ones surroundings and make the homes feel "at one" with nature.


The exterior colors of Ry and her husband's second house was done in bolder colors because they got tired of the traditional brown color used all over in Santa Fe.

Clean lines characterize this modern mexican home and the kitchen counter tops were made of concrete.
































A lovely idea of a stream of water coming out of the ceiling to fill the tub in the bathroom is unique but Ry said it wasn't too practical because water splashed everywhere...












































Terra cotta planters and a beautiful painting bought in Mexico add character to this intimate space













































































































































































































I hope you enjoyed and found much inspiration from these beautiful homes built by Ry and her husband!

All images taken by Ryannan Bryer and she can be contacted at RyBryerPhoto@gmail.com

To All Women!

`

I know this coming Sunday is Mother's day but this post is for all the women out there! Many women do not have any children but precious pets they love and care for. There are those women who do not have pets but care for elderly people, the poor, sick and needy. I therefore dedicate this post to all women....thank you for all your love, care, patience and encouragement! I salute all of you!







Super Mom



Mom, you're a wonderful mother,
So gentle, yet so strong.
The many ways you show you care
Always make me feel I belong.



You're patient when I'm foolish;
You give guidance when I ask;
It seems you can do most anything;
You're the master of every task.



You're a dependable source of comfort;
You're my cushion when I fall.
You help in times of trouble;
You support me whenever I call.



I love you more than you know;
You have my total respect.
If I had my choice of mothers,
You'd be the one I'd select!


By Joanna Fuchs

This is our precious cat kid Tomi

This is our precious cat kid Elijah

To all the wonderful women out there, thank you for all your love and care...... whether it is for a person, pet or animal.....blessings to all of you!
All images taken by me