Curbside Appeal San Francisco Style

I like to go on walks around San Francisco. I really enjoy looking at all the work and detail that goes into making some homes here so very beautiful and special. The pictures above are from the Pacific Heights neighborhood. In the early days of San Francisco these magnifiencent homes were built to rival those of another neighborhood called Nob Hill. This neighborhood was essentially rescued from destruction in the in 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire by the sacrifice of many stately homes that were given up so that these could be saved. This part of San Francisco today is considered an architectural museum of 19th century Victorian mansions.

Beautiful Butterfly Cards To Make

I just love these beautiful butterfly cards that open up like an accordion. You can decorate these cards with just about anything - ribbons, beads, colored paper - or jewels! Write a sweet note on the largest butterfly and you will make a fabulous impression.

I have a template ready to go for your here. Have fun!!!!

Make it for Monday at Cottage Instincts ; Metatmorphisis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch ; Making the World Cuter Monday at Making the World Cuter ; Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative ; Make Your Monday at Twice Remembered ; Make It Mondays at at Persimmon Perch ; Brag Monday at The Graphics Fairy ; Made from Scratch at Poppies at Play ; Tout Your Horn Tuesday at A Little Sparrow ;;Transormation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage ; Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple ; Get Your Craft On Thursday at Life As Lori ; Thrifty Thursday at Bloggeritaville ;; Frugalicious Friday at Findings Fabulous ; Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home ; Friday Fun Finds at Kojo Designs

Two Little Dolls On A Swan

The faces of childhood - happy, full of joy, innocent and sweet - as seen through the eyes and pen of my favorite children's writer and illustrator, Joan Walsh Anglund, are unforgettable and touching reminders of my own childhood.

These two little dolls represent two generations. The little doll on the right is my childhood doll which was my constant companion. I will treasure her forever. The little doll on the left is my daughter's little doll which she also loves dearly today.

Today these two little dolls are having fun together riding on their favorite swan through the garden...

I entered these pink little dollies in Beverly's Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound. Click here for a direct link to How Sweet the Sound. Please pay Beverely a visit, her site it is fantastic!!!

Flowers - Fresh and Extraordinary

In my garden there is a large place for sentiment.

My garden of flowers

is also my garden of thoughts and dreams.

The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers,

and the dreams are as beautiful.

-Abraham L. Urban-

Treasures from Venice

On two recent trips to Venice, my parents have brought back these delightful little mask for my daughter. We hope to continue to add to this little collection...

The Carnival tradition in Venice can be traced back to the 14th century. During Carnival -Venetian people used to wear fancy dresses and elaborate masks. Carnival as you may know, is the time of year to let loose -party and feast before the fast of Lent. During this time the streets of Venice become full of people in masks. Of course, in days gone past (and maybe today too), the reason which made them dress up and conceal their faces was the most obvious one: they did not want to be recognized.

I hope you enjoy these little masks as much as I do :-)

It's Thankful Thursday at Petite Little Bee - Feburary 18, 2010

I drive through Golden Gate Park everyday. We have amazing blossoms all over....especially around the Japanese Tea Garden. It is just so delightful to see and I am so very thankful for them!
(The mosaic above was made with photos found on flickr. Photo credits here.)

Chocolate Souffle Cake From Petite Little Bee

Decided to make my favorite Chocolate Souffle Cake. This cake is very soft and moist - and has no flour at all -just butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla and chocolate. Mmmm scrumptious.

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Petite Little Bee's Chocolate Souffle Cake

Ingredients:

1 and 1/4 cups sugar divided; 8 large eggs at room temperature (I often cheat and take them straight out of the frig); 10 ounces melted semisweet chocolate pieces (I use toll house because I think they taste just fine); 1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter melted and cooled.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, prepare a 9 inch spring-foam pan, butter and coat with sugar instead of flour; in a large bowl beat all of the egg yolks and 3/4 cup of sugar at high speed for 5 to 7 minutes; at low speed add your melted chocolate and butter mixture until well mixed; in a separate bowl beat all of the egg whites until soft peaks form then add 1/4 cup sugar; very gently fold the egg white mixture into the chocolate mixture; pour into prepared sugared pan and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a cracked crust forms.

I like to serve this dessert with creme Chantilly! You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

Happy Baking!

Update: This was entered in Designs By Gollum -Foodie Friday. Go check out this amazing blog if you have not already.

This was also entered in the fabulous Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch. Please visit this amazing site for wonderful tablescape inspirations.

This is an antique sterling silver tea set - shown above is the coffee pot, creamer and sugar.