European Flair For The US Home

Knitting is the process of creating loops of threads that interlock row by row, through the use of yarn and needles. Knitting dates back to Egypt in 1000-1400 A.D.  As a result of trading with the east it was introduced to Spain and used by the Catholic Church to create liturgical garments. Arab-knit silk pillows were found in Spanish royal tombs in the 11th century. In the 1350’s, several paintings of the Madonna showed her knitting. They were called the Knitting Madonnas. Spreading throughout Europe and later to the colonies, knitting became very popular. Today, simple knit patterns turn up frequently in home decor, from rugs as in this photo, to occasional throws. I think there is a physical pureness to walking barefoot on a knit rug, something akin to walking barefoot on powdery sand. 

  A simple European cheese platter on a weekend afternoon.  Blue Cheese from Cashel, Ireland  Triple Cream Brie de Meaux from France  Smoked Gouda from the Netherlands  In the Tub, La Tur, a creamy soft goat cheese from Italy  Compliment with some dried Michigan Cherries and Apricots.  Enjoy! 

  The Herringbone Throw: Use of the herringbone pattern can be traced back to Egyptian textiles, jewels of ancient kings and the patterns of paving stones used for Roman highways.  Herringbone design is named for its resemblance to the skeleton of a Herring and has Celtic roots dating back to 600 BC, with the traditional use of the motif seen in wool tweeds from Ireland.  This week on March 17th, as the world celebrates Saint Patrick’s day, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on the influence of this simple weave pattern. Like many people of Irish descent, this weave can be found all over the world. In modern day home design, we have tiled shower walls, brick walkways, tufted carpets and parquet floors, all in herringbone patterns of varying materials and creative interpretations.

  Simple delish Sunday brunch for 6  8 fresh eggs 4 slices of cheddar cheese 6-9 cups of arugula greens 20 small cherry tomatoes Sliced red onions Dressing ½ cup of olive oil  ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard Salt and pepper Directions Break or cut the cheese into small pieces Whisk the eggs, add salt and pepper and the cheese pieces Heat a pan with two tablespoons of olive oil  Cook the egg cheese mixture  Wash the tomatoes and arugula Slice the red onion  For the dressing Place the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon and salt and pepper in a bowl and mizuntill completely blended  Assemble on your plates and drizzle the salad with dressing 

  A simple weekend cocktail 1/2 a glass of rose 1/2 a glass of sparkling water One glazed cherry  Enjoy!