Archive for Mary’s Raves
Swing into Summer…
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 Love the fabrics and the ropes! Photo from This Old House Just imagine. It’s a quiet, lazy afternoon at Lake Gaston. You are worn out from a busy work week and it’s time to relax. Grab your book and head to the porch or covered deck, climb into your porch swing bed and your week’s demands just fade away. Get the picture? Remembering my grandmother’s front porch swing makes this new swing version so appealing to me. There are many different varieties and styles. I love the idea of mixing outdoor fabrics, colors and patterns to create your own outdoor look. Here are a few of my favorites. |
 Show your patriotic colors. Photo by PB  Double Swing Bed Duty Photo from Coastal Living |
 Modern Porch Swing Porch bed swings are one of my favorite new trends. I am “dreaming” of where I may use one of these! |
 Comfy swing chair for the garden by Magnolia Casuals A smaller and comfortable swing option is the fabric swing chair. It is available in a wide variety of colorful outdoor fabrics. |
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Once you have selected your way of “swinging into summer” here are a few tips to get a longer life out of your outdoor swing cushions or any outdoor fabric products:
Here are some helpful links for more different swing bed style and a DIY video about constructing your own outdoor bed! http://www.livinglocurto.com/2009/07/hanging-porch-beds/ http://www.houzz.com/Porch-Swing-Bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIbrgLQY48g
Happy swinging and outdoor “Lake Living”!
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Now you see it, now you don’t!
Posted by: | CommentsSummer at Lake Gaston is quickly approaching. With summer come visits from lots of family and friends. That’s what lake living is all about.
Where, oh where do you bed down all these visitors?
With the use of a Murphy convertible bed you can create a multifunctional space that helps to ease the sleeping predicament.
Now you see it...instant guest sleeping space!
Now you don't...sleeping space hidden behind closed doors!
Now you see it! Hidden bed all ready for guests!
Now you don't...no one would ever know that behind these decorative shelves lies a bed in waiting!
Do you have a need for extra sleeping space? Where would you like to incorporate a Murphy bed?
Let’ hear your comments!
Light Up Your Countertop with this Transformation
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Before photo of original countertop
Lake Gaston is a great place to live! Living on the lake attracts lots of family and friends which provide lots of reasons to entertain.
In this project, to help our client entertain in style, we updated this wet bar.
We replaced the standard Formica countertop with this gorgeous piece of glass, then backlit the countertop with warm LED lighting. We added a ceramic and glass mosaic tile backsplash to complete the look. The results are stunning!
Glass countertop with LED lighting
Whether you’re looking for a conversation starter or it’s just time to update your wet bar, man cave, or even your counter down at the dock, this is a great way to transform a countertop into a unique component in your design.
How would you incorporate a backlit countertop into a project?
Let’s hear your ideas!
Happy lake living!
Close up view of this gorgeous countertop
Loving Tile Dots!
Posted by: | CommentsIn our new demonstration kitchen we found a wonderful new accent tile to incorporate in our design. Tile Dots are created by ceramic artist Kim McGinnis of Rocky Mount, NC. This is a truly custom product. There are over 30 colors to choose from. Mix and match the size and colors of the dots. Add an accent shape for a coastal or nature look. We can help you create the perfect tile accent design for your kitchen or bath project. But don’t stop with the kitchen or bath…how about a table top of tile dots or a small accent wall in a niche? Let’s explore the possibilities!
Watch this video as Autumn tells us all about Tile Dots!
How creative can you be? How would you like to use Tile Dots?
We love your comments!
Be Thankful Food Drive
Posted by: | CommentsAs we are preparing for a wonderful Christmas holiday with family and friends we should take a minute to remember that not everyone will be able to have a bountiful feast. Our “Be Thankful” FOOD DRIVE is one way we can help. We have selected the Bethlehem Food Pantry of the First United Methodist Church of Roanoke Rapids as our benefactor. We will be collecting food items through Dec 21. We challenge you to help us reach our goal of at least 25 bags of the twelve food items listed below.
Here are a few facts about this ministry and the items they particularly need.
The Bethlehem Food Pantry
Did you know that from April 7, 2009 to December 22, 2010:
We have helped a total of 805 families in the Roanoke valley?
These families consist of 2024 individuals, including 647 children under the age of 18?
These families also include 239 seniors over the age of 62. In 2009 we served 240 families averaging 58 per month.
In 2010, we gave 2403 bags of food to 719 hungry families in great need, averaging 200 per month.
This past year, The Panty has distributed $27,109 worth of canned/dry food, plus hundreds of donated items to our clients
The present cost per family is approximately $11. Each family receives 1 bag of food consisting of:
1 box of cereal
1 can of spaghetti sauce
1 box of spaghetti
3 cans of vegetables
1 can baked beans
1 box of saltine crackers
1 can of fruit
1 jar of peanut butter
1 box of Mac & cheese
1 6-pack Ramen Noodles
Other non-perishable will also be accepted.
Thank you for your contributions!
Wishing you a very joyous holiday!
Hey good looking what ya been cooking?
Posted by: | CommentsCooking classes may seem like an unusal offering for an interior design business. Think again! What do interior designers do? They create spaces in which to cook, to entertain, to play, to sleep and to be with family and friends. To do all of this we have to eat. (I think you can see where this is going.) So, cooking classes seem to enhance all the other parts of interior design. 
Thanks to many loyal supporters our classes have become a hit. Here are a few of the things we had cooking at our 50′s cooking class presented by Lake Gaston’s cooking diva, Kathy Dikeman!!!
If you are as old as I am you may remember a lemon flavored, sponge cake cookie made in shell shaped molded pans called madeleines. These cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for a light luncheon dessert or an accompaniment to a raspberry sorbet. Sometimes these cookies are partially dipped in chocolate ganache for extra flare of flavor. In the 50′s they were frequently served at department store tea rooms and at ”ladies’ luncheons”.
Madeleine's made in molded pans
Shrimp Cocktail Aspic is an updated version of the traditional tomato aspic of the 1950′s. With V 8 juice and the right amount of spice this recipe made a tasty cold soup (similar to a gazpacho). With the addition of more gelatin you can create a variation of this recipe which can be poured into a mold or loaf pan and congealed before serving.
Savory Shrimp Cocktail Aspic
The favorite recipe of the class was Smoked Gouda Cheese Fondue. Reflecting back to the days of the fondue pot this recipe adds a new twist. The fondue is prepared on the stove top and served in individual small boules created from whole wheat, crusty dinner rolls from the grocery bakery. Topping the fondue with bacon bits and toasted, sliced almonds made this recipe the winner.
Warm and Savory Smoked Gouda Fondue Boule
Smoked Gouda Fondue
Ingredients:
8 ounces Gruyère, shredded
1/2 pound, about 6 ounces, smoked Gouda, shredded
1 rounded tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 large clove garlic, smashed away from skin
2 tsp. lemon juice
3/4 cup dry white wine
6 slices thick cut bacon
1/4 cup smoked almonds, coarsely chopped
Individual hard rolls, the top third cup off to form a cone shape in the inside
Directions: Make the fondue: combine cheeses in a bowl with flour and set aside. Rub the inside of a small pot with smashed garlic then discard. Add wine and lemon juice to pot and bring to a bubble over medium heat. Reduce the heat to simmer and add cheese in handfuls. Stir constantly, melting the cheese in batches. Stir in a figure-eight pattern with wooden spoon. Transfer the fondue to the rolls and top with chopped bacon and smoked nuts.
50′s cooking trivia was a big hit with the class. The Betty Crocker Cookbook was the bible of the 1950′s kitchen and the “in” way to find recipes. Do you know the first Jello flavor? What was the most frequently prepared food? What popular snack food was developed from a crop by Fred Mennen in 1959? What brand of doughnuts were introduced in 1950?
Send us your answers. Add your own 50′s trivia.
Upcoming Cooking Classes… Mark Your Calendar!
April 16 Bruschetta is not just an Appetizer presented by Yvonne Hoffman (just back from an Italian Cooking School)
June 4 Cranking Up the Heat with Grilling Flare presented by Gene St.Clair
Mary Sherwood Lake Living working with you to create your lifestyle at Lake Gaston and beyond!
Sparkle, excitement, shopping, food and friends all in one place at Lake Gaston!
Posted by: | CommentsYesterday we had a crowd of people in and out of our store to take in the “sparkle, excitement, shopping, food and friends” at our annual Christmas Open House. The “buzz” that circulated the showroom was amazing! People came for all sorts of reasons. Some came for the chance to learn some quick holiday decorating ideas. Others came for the tasty food samplings and recipes. Others were just enjoying an annual “girl’s weekend out”. And of course there was shopping . Our customer’s little red shopping baskets were full to the brim. The hottest item was a silver garland spray with multicolor ball ornaments that we used in the seminar to adorn a wreath and a tablescape. That item was the first to sell out. The second popular item was the “water pearls” in both clear and red. The use of “water pearls” was shown in several glass vessels during the seminar.
Snowy mantel scape with lights that simmer in glass balls and silver candlesticks by Traci
This year, due to popular demand, we brought back the holiday decorating seminar after a five year hiatus… with a few changes. Limited admissions assured us all would have better opportunity to see the presentation as well as a safer environment. The seminar included tips on holiday wreaths, mail box swag, mantel scapes, table top ideas and the multiple uses for water pearls. Thanks to those who took the time to listen to our program. We hope you learned a few new ideas to help you this holiday season.
Seminar attendees awed by the the holiday decor presentation
Our food supply dwindled fast. We may need to increase the quantity for next year. You are a hungry bunch! :) We are glad you enjoyed the food buffet.
Red Hat Ladies enjoying the wonderful buffet samplings!
Here is one of the recipes:
Moroccan Road Infused Turkey Meatballs
Make a large batch to have on hand for unexpected holiday guests. Prepare in advance and freeze extras.
3 lbs ground turkey
3 eggs
1 large white onion
4 cloves of garlic
1 cup Italian herbed or plain dried bread crumbs
8 tbsp ketchup
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
9 tsp olive oil
3 tsp salt
4 tbsp Moroccan Road Spice Blend
Chop onion & garlic finely, place all ingredients in large bowl, hand mix
Scoop turkey with small stainless steel scoop so they lay flat on pan.
Bake 350 degrees about 20 minutes until brown. Lift off with metal spatula.
Place extras in Tupperware container and refrigerate or freeze, place back in oven to reheat.
Garnish with half grape tomato and lemon cream cheese secured with toothpick.
Compliments of Mary Sherwood Lake Living Christmas Open House 2010
Thanks again to everyone involved in such a wonderful day!
Please give us your comments and help us make it even better next year!
Mary
And the Winners are…
Posted by: | CommentsWe are pleased to announce we have two winners of our “We showed you ours, now show us yours…Pumpkin that is” decorating contest.
Sue Williams and Ivon Hauenstein tied for first place.
We are so pleased they submitted their entries.
Each will receive a $50 MSLL gift card.
Let me tell you their stories…
Sue has been a faithful supporter of Mary Sherwood Lake Living for many years. She always greets us with a big hello and hug! We first met through her Pampered Chef parties some 20 years ago and I am still using many items in my kitchen thanks to Sue. Over the years Sue has volunteered her time in support of many local causes. She also is a person with incredible creative energy. She has worked in many different arts and crafts mediums. She submitted her entry very early on after we announce the challenge. We were so pleased to have her as our first contestant.
Sue's Boo Ya'll Pumpkin
Ivon ‘s story is entirely different. We had not met Ivon prior to this endeavor. He was told of the Pumpkin Decorating contest by his neighbor, Paula Wood. Ivon was very interested in submitting an entry but wanted to wait until close to the deadline so his pumpkin would be “freshly” carved. As the deadline approached his energy diminished but his desire to enter did not. Encouraged by his friend, he and Paula decided to give it a go. The day of the deadline, Paula called in his intention to enter. She was helping him with the carving but didn’t know if they could bring it to MSLL by the end of the day. I told her not to worry and submit it as soon as possible so we could publish the winner.
Ivon and Paula with their spooky pumpkin!
The next morning, escorted by Paula, Ivon presented his pumpkin entry. It was a pleasure to have him want to participate and become so excited by the challenge. Paula says: “This pumpkin carving contest has really been a boost for him.” Thank you, Paula for making it happen.
Each day I am truly amazed at how important it is to be “connected”. Connections make it possible to be a positive difference in someone’s day. That’s what Sue and Ivon did for me.
Thanks!
Let’s stay connected!
Best regards,
Mary
Working together to create your lifestyle here at Lake Gaston and beyond!
Strong Trends from High Point: Part One
Posted by: | CommentsAutumn and I returned from the High Point Furniture Market with lots of new product photos. There were several recurrent themes which have been emerging for some time. We selected four strong categories. Our trend series will feature a few photos from each of these categories: Shiny Metallics, Everywhere (indoor-outdoor) Rugs, Floral Fabric Upholstery and Painted Chests.
There are so many things we want to share. We took a total of 497 photos at this market!
Here is Part 1 of a four part series: Shiny Metallics
If you need more information about any of the items shown just let us know. If you are dying to have first “dibs” on any of the items featured we can arrange that! We will be bringing many of these items into our showroom early 2011.
We would love to hear your comments.
Enjoy!
Mary
“Working with you to create your lifestyle at Lake Gaston and beyond.”
Global Views has done it again! Fabulous mix of shinny metallics, ceramics and natural materials. Love the vertical asymmetrical presentation.
This bed display has it all! The mix of gold and silver, symmetrical pendant lighting, and the sparkle and glow of all the elements.
Metallic finishes were shown in many forms including this beautiful serpentine, pewter painted chest by Hooker Furniture.
The shinny mix of metal finishes and crystal-like accents make this mirror stand out in the crowd of new market introductions.
Paul strikes again…
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The Fall is a very busy season for all of us. There are lots of festivals, football games, tailgating parties and community events. As we are in the countdown days of the local Fall for the Arts event my wonderful husband, Paul, strikes again but not in a way you may imagine.
Read here for his latest “heart felt” blog post.
Paul writes:
“Tonight is a night for celebration. Mary and I ate dinner together!
I guess that bears a little explaining.
Today I had a need… (Don’t go there!). Mary and I have been working really hard, thanks to all of you (come on! That was a genuine “Thank you”!). Recently, I’ve been catching up on taxes (Oct 15th). To do so I had to go into the office about 6 AM each morning for several days. Once that was done there was a delivery to be made in Maryland. Before I could get home from that trip Mary and Autumn left for market and were gone for 4 days. In addition, we’re ramping up to Fall for the Arts this weekend at Lake Gaston. As Chairman I’ve had a lot going on. Then, there is still Mary Sherwood Lake Living requiring time and attention. So there sometimes isn’t enough time for Paul and Mary.
So, it’s been about 2 weeks since Mary and I have even had the privilege of having breakfast together!
If you’ve been around me at all you know I love to kid about how it’s necessary for the guy to keep his head down or how that information may be above the guy’s pay-grade! Most of my buddies agree: things would be a lot simpler and easier if we didn’t have to translate woman-speak into man-speak.
All of which is pointing up the differences between Mary’s and my approach to things in general.
I don’t know how it is for each of you, but it appears that, none the less, I do miss my wife when I don’t see her for a while. And I have to say, I needed some time where Mary and I just enjoyed being together. And that’s what we did at the dinner table last night. The conversation was all work-related, but we both just enjoyed being able to share something we both love.”
Thanks, Paul! How I do love this man!
Now that we have totally become sentimental for a brief moment in time I have to remind you there is still time to purchase tickets for the 3rd Annual Fall for the Arts sponsored by O’Sail. It is this Saturday, October 23, 10 AM – 5 PM. Purchase tickets from our store or at the site(s) the day of the event.
I’ll be roaming the sites and hope to see a lot of MSLL friends.
It is going to be a beautiful Fall weekend at Lake Gaston for the art tour!
Enjoy!
Mary
BTW… Coming soon-our picture blog of Hot Trends from High Point!
