A California Christmas HOME Tour

Hello, Welcome to Marcia’s Cottage by the Sea. ♡ I’m so happy to see you today my friend. ♡ Shall we have a little tea. ♡

I’m just returning from a vacation in California.

Other than a couple of days in a hotel, my stay was at the home of a dear friend.

I’d love to share my experience of her beautiful HOME with you.

The home is nestled up in the hills, and has a park like setting…

The weather is often a little cooler

and exemplifies California living at its best. Less traffic, and an opportunity to see the beauty of nature all around. My cup of tea.

From the moment I arrived I felt welcomed, and at home.

A pot of homemade vegetable soup was simmering on the stove. Warm cornbread, (just waiting to be buttered)

and a delicious berry dessert.

Table was set.

Candles were lit.

And the warmth, love, and feeling of what a HOME should be was experienced.

Even though I’m now back HOME on the coast where I live. ..

I’ve been thinking about the idea of HOME.

This is what I’ve concluded.

There are all kinds of houses.

But, a HOME is created by our inner judgements on how we perceive those things around us.

The items we love and collect.

Our personalty shines through decisions of decor.

Our HOME will always reflect those choices.

I’ve learned that if I think something will work, it usually does. This is a confidence that comes from trusting my instincts. Trusting our instincts is so important for many things in life. However,  for me trusting them when creating a HOME is essential for living.

Those who know me,  know I often run with an idea when I have one. ..even if I don’t quite know if it will work in the end.

So dear reader If you really love something, find a way to make it work.

And, more than likely before you know it you might be feeling right at HOME.♡

Lillian’s Lentil soup

Saute vegetables in olive oil, adding as you chop:

1 onion, minced

3 celery stalks, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 carrots

2 medium potatoes (Lillian used red, with skins on), cut in chunks

about 1/4 cabbage, cut up

green beans, or any other vegetable you like

While sauteed, season with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin to taste, parsley flakes, or whatever seasonings you like.

Add 1 small 8 oz can tomato sauce and 4-6 cups water.

When boiling, add about 1/3 package lentils, more or less as desired.

Allow to simmer at least an hour.

Taste for more salt and seasoning.

Lillian’s Cornbread

Preheat oven to 350

Melt 1/2 c butter, or 1 cube

3 eggs, whisk with fork to blend in 1 c milk (use at least 2% milk. Lillian used used 1/2 c evaporated milk diluted with 1/2 water…seems richer)

Mix well by hand

Add dry ingredients one at a time and then mix in:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup cornmeal

1 1/2 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 Tablespoon baking powder

Mix by hand until smooth

Bake in greased pan for 30 min.

Enjoy!