Oktoberfest!

October 19, 2015 By Leave a Comment

.......Have you been to Oktoberfest yet? This is such a beautiful month, Autumn has brought with it brisk, sunny days filled with pumpkins and the smell of cider and of course all those festivals that only this month has........ ...........But where did all this start? Oktoberfest - German Pronunciation: (ok ' to; be fest) is the world's largest Volksfest (Peoples Festival).  Held annually in Munich, Bavaria and Germany, it is a 16-day Folk Festival running from mid or late September to the first weekend in October, with more than six million people from around the world attending the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Things Food, Cooking, Party Hardy!

The kitchen at PineRidge Hills…

September 16, 2015 By Leave a Comment

 Thank you for joining me on our "Anniversary Tour" .... Some of my favorite entries are those that come from The Kitchen at PineRidge Hills! It's been two years since that first publish button was hit.  I've received so many emails from folks across the country sharing their recipes with me. Many have become tried and true in my kitchen.....to all of you - Thank You! today I wanted to revisit some of my favorites.....are you hungry? Grab a cup of Earl Grey and a scone and lets head for the kitchen....... Potato Latkes anyone?....I can eat a dozen of these! Homemade Beef … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Things Food, Cooking, Crafting, Idea's, Party Hardy!, Recipes, Welcome!

Autumn Revisited……

September 15, 2015 By 2 Comments

Autumn Revisited!....It's been two years since we launched PineRidge Hills......where did the time go? We have been through two Christmas', Easter Sundays', Summer BBQs', but this is our third Autumn so lets start our anniversary trip with our first season.   This is absolutely my most favorite time of year. The crisp air and vibrant colors, the wool blankets coupled with hot spiced tea.....the fireplace ablaze with the smell of hickory. Even my "Fur babies" love Autumn. They actually prance around when they see their sweaters coming out of the closet. This year, we have finally made a dent … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Things Food, Cooking, Crafting, Daily journal of two Westie's and a Yorkie, Decorating, DIY's, How To's, Idea's, Party Hardy!, Places To Go, Recipes, Room by Room, Sunsets, Tablescapes, Uncategorized, Welcome!, What Now?, Wishing Well

Happy Anniversary PineRidge Hills

September 14, 2015 By Leave a Comment

 Happy Anniversary PineRidge Hills....Anniversaries carry such emphasis on our lives, they mark important times and events. And this anniversary is not disappointing! Yup, PineRidge Hills Blog started two years ago! I can't believe it! I want to thank all of you for joining me on this exciting adventure...I've met such wonderful people across the country....and for so many who have visited us on FaceBook and have become "Family".....Thank you for an amazing story. I hope I have bought some laughter to your day, a few new recipes to your table, maybe a reason to take a road-trip and visit my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Things Food, Cooking, Crafting, Daily journal of two Westie's and a Yorkie, Decorating, DIY's, How To's, Idea's, Party Hardy!, Pennsylvania Roads, Places To Go, Recipes, Room by Room, Sunsets, Tablescapes, Uncategorized, What Now?, Wishing Well

Country Style Afternoon Tea…..

August 17, 2015 By 2 Comments

I have been in love with "Tea Time" since I was a little girl growing up drinking tea the way other kids drank soda! Both grandmothers were Irish and English so afternoon tea was a normal event at Nan's house.....Although I married an Italian, who drinks Espresso in the afternoon, I still kept my "Tea Habits".....and keeping the tradition doesn't mean Afternoon Tea has to be over the top, as laid back as we are here in the country, my Country Style Afternoon Tea is simple but a tradition none the less.... Where did all this start? well Tea Time Magazine explains the origins of Afternoon … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Things Food, Cooking, Idea's, Party Hardy!, Recipes, Tablescapes

Weekend Brunch….

June 13, 2015 By 2 Comments

Well, its Saturday morning and we got a call last night that our "City Friends" need a weekend in the country! So it looks like summer has un-officially started. A weekend brunch came to mind. The guest bedroom is done and waiting, the deck is clean and the menu is planned and simple. This is going to be a hassle-free, fun-filled weekend for catching up on all the goings on in New York City. I remember those days, running to catch a train along with five thousand other people, the heat coming up from the concrete, having to walk up to the 9th floor cause the elevator was out.....hmmmm, no - … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Things Food, Cooking, Idea's, Recipes, Uncategorized

Country Farm Stands….

June 8, 2015 By Leave a Comment

 Time to start visiting your country farm stands....Summer brings out the best in what the farmers market and orchards have to offer......living in the country has its advantages when it comes to fresh - everything! The blueberries and strawberries are best in mid-summer. When it comes to Apples and vegetables we have two local farms that we visit weekly.  We also have several Farmers Markets in our area....but did you know.....not everything is as it seems.  Farm stands are big business now a days.  especially within city limits.  When you shop at a farm stand remember that New England … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Things Food, DIY's, Idea's, Places To Go

Book club and Spring DIY Designer Plates….

June 4, 2015 By 25 Comments

Remember when  made my DIY Designer polka dot plates?....here....well I've decided to go at it again! I'm addicted to this easy-peasy plate knock-off! For just a few dollars I can actually match my plates to my linens.  What did we ever do before Mod Podge? Today I am sharing our book club lunch, unfortunately only two of us could make it, with summer starting schedules are in over-drive! The book this month is a "Poolside / Lakeside" reader.....Nantucket by Nan Rossiter. Here is a little intro from the New York times..... " A tender, moving story of rekindled passion, set amidst the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Things Food, Cooking, Decorating, DIY's, Recipes

Memorial Day Ideas

May 15, 2015 By 2 Comments

Memorial Day Ideas... could the holiday almost be  here?....I need to get busy...... I've been so involved with my little Yorkie "Elvis" and trying to get him over his allergies that it has literally taken up my days! He started two weeks ago, after his third visit to vet we finally got him started on prednisone and hopefully this will do the trick. So my poor little baby has been under the weather and wanting to be held all day.....Now that Daddy's home, I can get some Mommy time! But first I have to let go of him... And now to start thinking of how to entertain on the first "Official" … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Things Food, Cooking, Decorating, How To's, Idea's, Party Hardy!, Tablescapes

Soup Day!

April 24, 2015 By Leave a Comment

I know most people think of Autumn when they hear Soup......but not me - I am a soup-crazed lady! It doesn't matter what month it is, there is always room for soup! And one of my favorite soups is from Chef and Entertaining Stylist John Hadamuscin....he is a down home family style chef......I have all his cookbooks. He was raised in the Midwest, and his cookbooks are not only filled with delicious recipes but a story accompanies each one....about his mom's kitchen, life on the farm and his life in New York City! Today I'm making his version of "Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup".....one of my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Things Food, Cooking, Idea's