January Dining Room Tablescape and Family Recipe

 

Hello Everyone!

I can’t think of too many people who LOVE the months of January and February unless you live in Arizona, Florida, California or something similar 🙂 It is cold, the holidays are over and it can just drag on.

 

Decorating for this time of year can create challenges too. I strategically thought about it while putting my Christmas décor up. I like to decorate with a lot of evergreen and pine cones sprinkled throughout the house. For Christmas, I incorporated red berries and ribbon. After Christmas? I just simply removed the red berries and ribbon. This left me with many evergreen, pine cones and a very simplified winter décor. Plus it helps cut down on time decorating because let’s be honest with a teething 6 month old, 2 full time jobs, my loving husband and sweet little gal Laila there isn’t much time to go around 🙂

 

 

 

The next thing I focus on this time of year is bringing in REAL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS! I cannot tell you how much fresh flowers change my mood! It really does brighten up and bring life to your home! I always find the best prices at our local Trader Joes, Costco and Sprouts. It is a wonderful and affordable way to instantly change your winter décor from drab to fab!

 

 

 

 

 

I absolutely LOVED putting this tablescape together. I wanted something that was winter-with a twist. I added a lot of mercury glass votives and vases to bring in the winter-vibe. I then opted for a more fun and spring-like vibe on the plates and florals. I absolutely adore the dark blue checked plates from Hobby Lobby. They complement my Pottery Barn – Cambria bowls and plates SO WELL!

 

 

 

If you are in the market for new dishes or are about to get married and are registering for gifts I HIGHLY suggest my PB Cambria set. I love this set because of how versatile, timeless and relaxed it is. You can dress it up or down!

 

 

 

 

I wanted to share my favorite family “Vegetable Soup”. My Grandmother Theresa Mary was not only one of the most extraordinary women I have ever known but she was also that good of a COOK! Here is the secret though…it has beef in it! 🙂  I never knew exactly why we called it vegetable soup but whatever the case it is delicious! It is the perfect soup to throw together with some bread on a cold night. Plus it is pretty easy to make.

 

 

 

There is something so special about old recipe cards. My grandmother’s hand writing and all the little stains, worn edges and wrinkles that make the recipe even that more special to make. It reminds me of all the times my mother used the same recipe card when she made it for us as kids.  The recipe is listed below for those who want to try it out!

 

 

 

And what is a blog post without an appearance from our little Laila girl 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

 

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Grandma Theresa’s Vegetable Soup

2 lbs. Ground Beef

1 Cup Chopped Onion

1 46 oz. Can Tomato Juice

1 6 oz. Can Tomato Paste

3 Tablespoon Beef Boullion

2 Bay Leaves

1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

4 Cups Hot Water

1 16 oz. Bag Mixed Frozen Veggies (I use a Green Beans/Carrots/Corn mix)

2 Cups Frozen Corn

 

• Spray a big pan with cooking spray.
• Over medium heat add ground beef & onion. Cook until brown.
• Add tomato juice, tomato paste, beef bouillon, bay leaves, cayenne pepper & hot water.
• Cover & simmer 30 minutes.
• Add remaining ingredients.
• Cover & cook 30 minutes more (or until vegetables are tender)
• Add seasoning to taste and remove bay leaves.
• ENJOY!

*This recipe can be frozen and reheated.