FOOD & WINE

Top 20 Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants includes Canteen; Portland, OR and Natural Selection



The hip café’s hearty grain bowls feature ingredients like quinoa, kale, maple tempeh and local hazelnuts. canteenpdx.com.



Aaron Woo spotlights vegetables in dishes like morel mushroom ragout with preserved lemon and almonds. naturalselectionpdx.com.

21 years!

Thursday, Bev and I celebrated 21 years of marriage by dining out; just the two of us. Yes, after that many years we still enjoy being a couple with many things to talk about. We chose Nuestra Cocina at 2135 SE Division St, Portland, OR for dinner where we exchanged two anniversary cards each.

We had an very nice and knowledgeable wait person. Instead of ordering a main entree, we went the tapa way by ordering Albondigas de Coedero or lamb meatballs and tender cactus strips in a spicy chipotle sauce; Camarones con tamarind or shrimp with a tamarind dip; Pollo enchiladas in a tasty, smokey mole; and pork tacos.

Everything was delicious and people were waiting in line to get in when we finished. I probably would not order the lamb meatballs again, but more tacos and enchiladas. For me, the meatball sauce was just too spicy. The tapas average about $9.00 and the four we ordered were filling.Our whole meal with drinks cost us $59.25 plus tip.

We both decided during dinner that we would re-up for another 21 years!

Home Libraries That Ignite the Imagination

Photo via Haleh Design.

Deisgned by Martin Kemp. Photo by Andrew Twort via Architectural Digest.

There exists home libraries of all styles, but one common denominator is that each one is certain to tell a unique story, as every bookshelf holds a one-of-a-kind collection by its owner(s).  Whether you have Shakespeare or Murakami residing on your shelves, or keep special display of mementos, a home library's contents can reflect a great deal about one’s identity and personal history.

Photo via tumblr.

Bookshelves allow the opportunity to display a variety of marvelous keepsakes, but many may not realize it's also a wonderful way to display artwork and other framed treasures as well.  The charming library above applies color to excellent purpose, which is further highlighted by plenty of natural light.  The lemonade-fresh sofa, bright pillows and accent rug make for a cozy retreat - a perfect setting for settling down with a favorite book.

Photo via Beautiful-Libraries.

Style a hand-carved wooden desk and vintage accent chair with historical artifacts and art to inspire learning and curiosity within your home library.  We can’t help but admire the floor-to-ceiling shelving, which is enough to make any bookworm’s heart skip a beat.

Photo via Home Ideas.

An executive desk and formal sitting area complete with an elegant loveseat, sets an ideal ambiance for casual meetings, should you also choose to utilize your library as a home office. Stunning glass-paneled bookcases are perfect for safely keeping coveted first editions.

Photo via Designing Rugs.

Placing a uniquely-patterned accent rug such as the one pictured above can create an inviting coziness within your library. Add a comely pedestal round dining table and a few graceful arm chairs to make a truly welcoming setting.  However, it's the art deco pendant lamp above it that steals the show here.  Who wouldn't want to read or write by the luminescent glow of that magnificent lamp?

We love this look so much (pedestal table within library), here are a few more examples to gaze upon:

Photo via tumblr.

 

 Designed by Alexa Hampton. Photo by Kim Sargent via Architectural Digest.

These curved built-in bookcases particularly compliment round tables, which lend a sense of infinite space as the eyes will never reach an ending.  The powder-blue curtains and tufted sofa enhance the room with a subtle pop of color.

There’s no denying we like pedestal tables. Here are a few:

Photo via Maitland-Smith.

Photo via Century Furniture.

Photo via Home Adore.

Photo via tumblr.

Home libraries will always endear to us, as they continue to endlessly fascinate, offering a unique assortment of books, magazines, journals and collections that pique curiosities and encourage learning.

No matter what you chose to display and keep in this special space, the main appeal of home libraries is that they are the only room in any home that guarantees adventures beyond its four walls - the stories contained within teach ideas of the past, concepts of the future, and infinite travel of the imagination.

Woman Stops Grizzly Attack

What a remarkable woman!!!!   Woman Stops Grizzly Attack With 25 Caliber Pistol !

This is a story of self-control and marksmanship with an "itsy bitsy shooter" by a woman facing a fierce predator.   What is the smallest caliber you trust to protect yourself?

The 25 cal. Beretta Jetfire:   Here's her story: While out hiking in Alberta Canada with my husband we were surprised by a huge grizzly bear charging at us from out of nowhere.  She must have been protecting her cubs because she was extremely aggressive.  If I had not had my little Beretta Jetfire with me I would not be here today! Just one shot to my husband's knee cap was all it took.  The bear got him and I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace.

Vote Today For Landfair on Furniture

Kothea, The Fabric Blog For Passionate, Knowledgeable Fabric Information wants your vote for the Top 99 Interior Design Blogs. 

We would like to be included on that list. Will you write our name, Landfair on Furniture, in the blank marked "other?"

Credit: Wiki

We have created a list of the Top blogs and web based resources for interior designers in this post on The Top 99 Interior Design Blogs & Websites.

New From Bernhardt Interiors

Aurelia Dresser
Item: 340-052

Flat cut walnut veneers in Ebonized finish
Nine drawers with Silver Leaf finish drawer fronts
Top left side drawer has jewelry divider
Metal ferrules in White Gold finish
Adjustable glides
Anti-tip kit

New From Uttermost

Elton Table Lamp

Lamps Collection

By Uttermost

Cat: 26271

Size: 7.5" w x 7.5" d x 38.25" h; Shade: 12"h (Overall) 9"w x 17"d (Top) 12"w x 20"d (Bottom)

Lead Time: 2 - 4 Weeks

Tips on Styling a Large Living Room

 Photo via Digging Decor.

“When you arrange your living room furniture, think less of symmetry and more of comfort.” - Billy Baldwin (Interior Decorator)

When designing a living room area, many will immediately plan on placing a sofa, loveseat, coffee table and maybe a few arm chairs together.  However, if you have a larger living room area to furnish, and need some tips for how to utilize the extra space, we've got a few.

Photo via Michigan Design.

One thing that may be helpful to consider: symmetry in design is generally visually appealing to the eyes, however it is not necessarily the only method for pleasing the senses when it comes to interior design.  So we suggest forgetting that idea for a moment, and reflect on the possibilities within asymmetrical design.  This may mean going with one lamp table by the sofa, but adding an occasional table elsewhere in the room.  Or it could mean mixing different shapes and styles of accent chairs throughout the space.  This design approach is not only freeing, but adds a depth of character to your overall space, as you will undoubtedly have implemented more of your personality into your design.

Photo via Pinterest.

Photo via Architecture View.

As shown in the living areas above, asymmetrical layouts can appear just as visually arresting and pleasing as symmetrical design.

 Photo via South Shore Decorating.

We are always inspired by beautiful interior designs which put comfort as a priority, especially within a living room.  Living rooms after all, are intended for living in, and your comfort level within your home plays a significant role in your overall well-being.  For this reason, a cozy, tufted occasional chair and ottoman placed next to the patio doors to enjoy a cool, summer breeze is, we believe, a most ingenious design choice.

 Photo via Tumblr.

Photo via Savannah Collections.

Photo via Point NY.

Photo via South Shore Decorating.

With a larger living area to work with, extra seating is always welcome.  Perhaps you'd like 4-5 individual accent chairs, or prefer a large sectional or a mixture of sofas.  What you decide upon should chiefly depend on your lifestyle – formal or casual, or may you have little ones running around the home.  Whatever approach you decide, take into consideration how you would like to spend your time within that space, and work your design style around it.

 Photo via Baker.

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