(Grande Renaissance by Reed & Barton)

What I have found most thrilling in this past year are the many personal connections I’ve made in the blogosphere. I am also astounded at how much I’ve learned! A visit to Paris, reading many wonderful blogs and books, and studying designers’ Pinterest boards has so much broadened my understanding of the history of design and the details that deem an item “quality.” The vocabulary alone fascinates me: Rococo, bergére, 925/1000, Irish linen…all terms or concepts that were foreign to me just a short time ago.

One downside of learning about the history of American silver has been coming to the realization that this is a seemingly dying industry. I visited Reed & Barton’s factory in Taunton, MA this year, only to find that much of it was abandoned. As with Gorham, International, Wallace, Towle, and other silver companies, much of the business has moved to Asia. They also seem to be downsizing or being bought out by large companies such as Lifetime Brands. R&B discontinued many of their patterns in 2011, including the one I had just purchased! While I knew on a conceptual level that many of America’s historic industries had moved overseas, this was the first time I had a personal connection to the trend.

So, while all of what I have learned isn’t rosy, I am grateful for this most unexpected journey that is a very separate world from my professional life. Here’s to another year of reading, writing, and learning!

I’ve long been a fan of cast-iron cooking ever since my mother sent me off to college with a few of her seasoned skillets and was thrilled to find that Denver’s Army/Navy Surplus store carried quite a few pieces for a fraction of their retail price.

In the near future, I plan to try out the Lodge Cast Iron Cookbook. Does anyone else have this? What do you think?

However, it has gotten to where I would much prefer to write on this blog about “lifestyle” topics (including food) while saving Future Schooling for education-related topics, thereby eliminating the need for a third blog. Prior to 2011, I never imagined myself wanting to write about decor, silver, table settings, etc. – hence my limited “foodie” blog. Now, my interests have widened, but NRMO has maintained its limited focus.

So – thank you, NRMO – for giving me my first training wheels in blogging about something that interests me outside of my chosen profession. I learned so much about writing in general that I plan to apply to Mountains & Magnolias.

Sante!

Reblogged from No Rocky Mountain Oysters, Please:

I grew up on pimento cheese, at least what I thought was so, in the deep South and I have to admit – I thought it was one of the grossest dishes I’d ever encountered. Little did I know that this “Southern caviar” could be something besides the over-processed, mayonnaise-heavy goup that one would find in the grocery store. February’s issue of Southern Living piqued my interest somewhat with several different recipes that actually looked appetizing. Still, I was a little skeptical. I did a complete …

While I love the hunting, I’ve always wanted a straight pencil skirt in the more formal Ross Red. In fact, when my husband asked what I wanted for my birthday this year, it was the ONE thing I really wanted. I ordered  the skirt from Linda Clifford, who did a great job!

I also loved seeing, instead of a size, a little tag that reads, “Made to Measure.” I’ve never had anything “bespoke” before and, I must admit, it’s the best fitting skirt I’ve ever owned.

I finally found a set of very reasonably-priced ones at Grandin Road. For $29, you get a set of twelve and they monogram for free!

I miss him terribly and would love to spend an afternoon with him, asking questions about his early life, World War II, sites he saw when touring Europe. It’s hard to believe he has been gone from my life for almost two decades.

I’ll share one quick memory that I have of him. One night, I asked for special permission to stay up and watch the Grammy’s. I especially wanted to see the highlight of the show, a band that I’m now embarrassed to admit I liked as a pre-teen. (But won’t put here so that I don’t insult anyone…particularly the band.) The artists finally came on and he watched patiently without saying a word as they performed their hit . When the performance was over, I turned to him and said, “So…what did you think?”

He shrugged and gently said, “It was all just gimmicks, gal. All those neon drumsticks and silly dancing. Real musicians wouldn’t need all those props.”

Here’s to you, Pepa.

I’ve heard several stories about what each ingredient means, but I tend to go with:

• rice for luck
• black-eyed peas for prosperity
• pork for optimism (as it always forages forward)
• I like to add tomatoes (let’s say it’s for love)
• served with collards or other greens (again, prosperity)

This year, I roughly based my Hoppin’ John recipe on this find from Garden & Gun. I substituted fresh kale instead of collards and added a dash of Tobasco’s Green Chili for a little spice.

This afternoon, we’re cheering on the Broncos against the Bears. Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy, & prosperous 2012.

Tuesday evening, we dined on King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese from January 2012′s Southern Living (featured on the cover). I loved that it incorporated green bell peppers, spices, and tomatoes and was served right from the cast iron skillet. I did not love the suggested ingredient of “packaged pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed” so I instead simply substituted cheddar cheese.

Thursday, I made Pioneer Woman’s Mac and Cheese, which I read about on Monograms & Manicure’s post in October. Though definitely not a dish for those counting calories, this recipe did have much more wholesome, natural ingredients.

The verdict? They were both amazing! It really depends on your mood. If you want a classic mac and cheese from the most basic of ingredients, Pioneer Woman wins, hands-down. However, if you want a little protein and a spicy kick, King Ranch Chicken was most satisfying, especially after substituting for real cheese.

This evening, hubby and I are staying in – a break from Colorado’s historic hotels where we’ve spent the past few New Years’. I’m making Sara Foster’s deviled ham from Christmas leftovers, we’re popping open a lovely grower champagne recommended by the gentleman at our wine shop, and having a “picnic” in front of the fireplace.

Wishing all of you a safe and happy New Year! See you in 2012.

Sticking with my blue and white theme from Thanksgiving, the centerpiece is a silver platter with blue tulle, white roses & juniper in blue bud vases or silver shot glasses, blue/white/silver ornaments, and my three sterling silver snowflakes.

We moved my newly painted desk into the main room to serve as a cocktail table.

I am so thankful this year for good health, a wonderful husband, my career, friends & family, and my home!

This is probably my last post before Christmas. Wishing everyone a joyous holiday!