Sunday, June 6, 2010

a decluttered corner and a spontaneous giveaway

We do not have an updated or remodeled kitchen, but I find I am minding it less and less. I like that the kitchen is so large and abundant with counter space, but of course the most important thing is the people in it with me. To that end, I've been working on decluttering and opening up this little corner at the end of the kitchen. It was previously littered with paper (mostly recipes printed out from online and catalogs and stacks of extra books) and blocked by the learning tower (I love it, but I had to find another place to keep it when it's not in use--it's in the dining room now). Now this little corner is much more hospitable to my kitchen visitors (mostly Dieter, Faith, and Rainer) and is a little perch for me too when I need to consult a recipe, look something up, or watch a pot.
Dieter doesn't use his Tripp Trapp chair anymore so it provides extra seating in the nook. There's also an Ikea ottoman that is another little perch--I cover it with our beach blanket when it's not in use. It's surprising how often this little corner gets visitors! Dieter likes to finger knit here and both children like to listen to music, request songs, and look out the windows. Faith likes to visit with me. Sometimes she'll bring in her laptop and show me things she's been seeing online.

Which brings me to the giveaway. In cleaning my shelves, I see it is time to give away this duplicate copy of Nigella Express. I love Nigella and this is a fun book full of quick recipes. I've made maybe four or five so far and they've all been good--and I love her writing, as always. I have two copies of this but ended up writing notes in both (oops!). So if you love Nigella like I do and don't mind a used/previously loved book, feel free to leave a comment on this post and I'll choose a random winner later this week--how about Thursday night?
Definitely want to add this "cloudy lemonade" to my summer recipes-to-try list.
I've made these mini meatloaves before. They are yummy and I love that they are intended for picnics or lunchboxes--I think that's a clever idea.
Doughnut french toast sounds yum.

Ok, so leave a comment if you'd like a chance to win the book. Good luck!

90 comments:

Michele @ The Hills are Alive said...

big fan of french toast so would LOVE to give donut french toast a go and those mini meatloaves do look perfect for picnic or lunchboxes.
Love your little corner - you have inspired me to do some cleaning up I too have pages and pages of recipes that need to be somehow taken control off

natalie said...

This is my first visit to your site, and it will not be my last! I love Nigella! Thanks for the opportunity to win her book.

beth said...

she has been featured on npr several times this last year and she never ceases to crack me up - i love that she uses real food and thinks like i do about eating... which is to say a lot - and what's next! i'd love to browse through her recipes - especially if there are pictures to go with them!

Carrie said...

I love your little corner!

Erin said...

I don't have any of her recipes, count me in for the giveaway!

Sarah said...

giveaways are great...but I don't want to win another cook book right now as it would feel glutenous. I have several new ones to keep me busy for the summer, but I will be adding it to my list of ones to check out.
I like your simple ways of re-creating space and enjoy that you are so thankful for what you have.

Anonymous said...

i LOVE Nigella.

Simply Montessori said...

Yum, I would love this!
Thanks!!!♥

nicole said...

Looks like a good cookbook.

Natalie said...

Very cozy corner, job well done!
I love Nigella's shows but don't have any of her books yet. Would love to try out her recipes. Thanks!

Kelli said...

I love your little nook - makes me want to make my own for my little sweeties and organize my cookbooks to get ready for summer cookouts. Love your blog too!

Rachael @Mogantosh said...

I love Nigella too- and your little nook is very sweet. Nice to have a spot that you can enjoy a beach blanket in the winter too.x

Anonymous said...

I love your sweet nook. It looks very cozy and I adore your gorgeous bookshelves. I need to do something similar to organise my cookbooks. I love Nigella.

Susan said...

I've promised myself not to buy any more cook books but never said anything about not winning a cook book! :)

Aussie Mum said...

That sweet corner looks so inviting for little visitors. I love the blog and Nigella too so fingers crossed.
Thanks for sharing.

BellaBree said...

looks very sweet and cosy - and I LOVE the book! x

allison said...

Please please let it be me! I have been checking your blog for quite a while now and you really do inspire me. All the decluttering it really does simplify your life its amazing the effect it can have on the way you feel. And the nigella book looks fantastic! The little notes only make it better!!

Our Adventures As A Family of 4.... said...

I love Nigella and do not have any of her cookbooks yet. My kids love mini meatloves. The ones in her book look great.

Love your corner. It looks inviting and comforting and I like that your children love to come and sit and talk to you. What a wonderful way to open the lines of communication.

Molly

http://lillypiccolina.blogspot.com said...

Hi Mary Beth,cool giveavay!! I love Nigella so much, and I have almost all his books but, this one miss!!! Bye bye, a big kiss from Italy =^_^=

Lisa Boyer said...

Looks yummy! Thanks for the giveaway. Love your beach blanket, too!

Studio Paars said...

Your kitchen looks great! I think it would be nice to have a little corner like that where your kids can come and visit.
I love Nigella, and would love one of her books.
And I adore your beach blanket!

Daniela B. said...

I love cooking..so why not?It would be fun to get this book with your notes too! :-)
Daniela
www.ilcoltellodibanjas.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I've never had the pleasure of reading a Nigella book. Maybe this might be my lucky post, and I will win the book .;)
Love the corner, it is really fresh and bright.
hope all is well with everyone.

Oona Nicholas

Fiona @ Innerpickle said...

I don't have that Nigella and I'm a huge fan!!! Count me in please!

tessica said...

donut french toast? how have i lived in this world not knowing that existed?
i love your corner, you are lucky to have so much light in your kitchen!

Unknown said...

Hooray for giveaways! Not sure why I am entering, I never win : )

Diane said...

How kind of you to give this book away! I would love to enter :-)

Well done on the decluttering. The title of this post inspired me - I always feel overwhelmed at the thought of all the decluttering that needs to be done here, but I could probably manage a 'corner'...

nico said...

I'm moving right now and so have been de-cluttering too. But I would gladly add a Nigella book to my boxes! I love her :)

Thanks for the give away and your very sweet blog!

Dana said...

I've been collecting large amounts of "stuff" and you are inspiring me to have more with less! I'm enjoying spending more time with my family, my husband and my babies (dogs!) and enjoying the outdoors.

Unknown said...

I love your redone corner, and I also love notes in cookbooks. Look how much light you get in your kitchen, so nice! Thanks for the giveaway.

Jennifer said...

I LOVE Nigella and would LOVE to win this book! She is just about as delish as her recipes.

emily said...

i'm always wild for new recipes, and while i'm not familiar with the writer, the book looks beautiful & "quick & easy" is right up my alley!

maid marian said...

I love Nigella and would love this cookbook. Thanks for your spontaneous giveaway!

saraelise said...

Don't you just love freshly organized spaces? I know I do and Nigella! I don't own any of her cookbooks but I do hear her on NPR and she is wonderful.

Allison said...

i definitely need to declutter, too. of course, one more cookbook wouldn't be too much to add. i love lemonade! thanks for the giveaway.

pilgrimama said...

I'd love to win this-especially because of your notes in it! I would think of you then as I cook....

Crystal said...

Good food, fast? Yes, please!

Jessica (jessicatk@tds.net) said...

gosh, that looks good. as always, love a look into your processes as you navigate life with love and simplicity guiding you. thank you!

Kathy said...

Thanks for the chance to win. In continuing in my efforts to declutter, if I win I promise to pass on one of my seldom used cook books.

Anonymous said...

those recipes sound so good. I've not tried anything from her before.

your corner looks great!!

Tonia said...

I love Nigella's books, and this one especially! I would love to own this book!

PatsyAnne said...

Oh my goodness - I love her and her shows! Not only that but I love my daughter's husband more now that I know he is secretly addicted to her show also! Her recipes are incredible and easy to follow and the little "blurbs" she usually writes bring it home to you. I hate cookbooks that simply put the recipes down in black and white - I need the added "color" of a small commentary - something that makes that recipe appeal to me and mine.
Hope I win - am cutting back on costs and so can't afford to buy this book but would love to use it.
PatsyAnne

Katie said...

I love cookbooks! Especially well-loved ones. My family is out-growing our kitchen breakfast nook this summer. We'll be eating in the dining room full time now. Maybe I'll turn it into a book nook!

Carrie said...

I've seen this book at our used book store and thought of picking it up! I think she's ever so witty and fun.

Ayelet said...

this book has been on my wish list for a while! great job on the declutter...you've inspired me this morning!

Raye Marie said...

I love Nigella. I could listen to her talk for hours. I have one of her cookbooks and would love to add this one to my collection. Thanks for the giveaway!

melissa s. said...

decluttering is always so freeing. and did somebody say doughnut french toast??? yum!

Katherine said...

I love Nigella! I don't have any of her books yet but I love to look through them at the bookshop.

marné said...

I have to make those little meatloaves! I've loved Nigella forever, yet still don't have any of her books. What is wrong with me?

Your little corner is so great. I'm in the midst of the same sort of de-cluttering project, it feels so good to find new spaces in old ones :)

Jennifer said...

I would love to own this cookbook! Thanks for thinking of your readers!

Nicole said...

I'm a long time "lurker." Your blog is so inspiring to a new mom like me. I would love the cookbook!

Julie said...

Your home always looks so warm and inviting. I've never tried any of Nigella's recipes.

Elizabeth said...

that cookbook looks lovely! your nook does too!

Unknown said...

Hi! I have read your blog for a while now and I get a lot of inspriation from you! I have several Nigella books, but somehow this slipped through the cracks, I would love to add it to my collection! Thanks for the opportunity!

Unknown said...

I love to visit your blog. You are like a ray of sunshine, really. Thanks for the chance!

Amber said...

I would love (love, love, love) the chance to own this book. Psh. I love easy & great (and healthy! duh!) food. So, count me in!

ponto guloso said...

I am a first-time visitor, but I will definitely come back. Never tried a recipe by Nigela, but have seen her a few times on TV, and everything she does looks yummy + she makes it all seem so easy to do. I would love to get this previously loved book :)

Teddi Taylor said...

Sounds lovely. Thank you for your encouragement to be content with what we have. It looks like a lovely little corner.

coffeechris said...

Hi - love your cozy new uncluttered corner, you are inspiring me. I would love to win the cookbook and join you in making in a lemonade toast.

momma rae said...

i am embarrassed to say that i do not know nigella. gasp! i do know and love your blog! i have been reading for over a year although i don't comment much (shame on me). i added your giveaway to my giveaway love post. check it out. giving is in the air!

stacief said...

I hope that I am not too late to enter!

Janae said...

You are SO good at making goals and then implementing them. Something I'm working on constantly to improve! The cookbook looks lovely and thank you for being willing to give it away.

Sharon S said...

I've never heard of Nigella before. I'm always up for a new cookbook. Thanks for the giveaway : )

Anonymous said...

I always love a good cookbook!
:o) Amanda

Hill Country Hippie said...

I would love to get my hands on that cookbook!

renee ~ heirloom seasons said...

I really like your kitchen corner. And thanks for the great book offer!

Dawn said...

How fun! I have checked out a few of her cookbooks from the library and am always so bummed when they go. Her chocolate loaf cake is so good! I'd love a nook in my kitchen and I think it's great how you have been organizing and decluttering! Very inspiring! :)

Hedi said...

What a lovely little corner, your house looks so sunny and homely!

I would so much like to win nigella cookbook.

Kelly Dahl said...

I would love a quick recipe cookbook since that is how I must cook!

I love this space you have created. Thank you for sharing your life and providing so much inspiration. I really enjoy reading the happiness project updates!

steph said...

those look like some yummy family- friendly recipes !

live.each.moment said...

I've been planning to try homemade donuts...but french toast seems so much easier. A tasty combo would be great. As always, I love reading your posts.

Jenna said...

Thank you for the wonderful giveaway-- I could definitely use some new ideas in the kitchen!

christina said...

Looks like a lovely book, I am familiar with Nigella but have not ever cooked "with" her... the cloudy lemonade sounds delicious!!

erica said...

just stumbled upon your blog - you're now bookmarked:) i like your list - i've recently started running - (running!) so, that's hopefully one thing i can cross of my "to do" list.
thanks for the chance to win the book!

Breanna S. said...

OOOH I do love a new good cook book!

Laura said...

Oh, I just popped in to "see" you and would like to enter this giveaway :) I love cookbooks and would have a TON if I had a TON of $$$$$....I usually check out a bunch from the library, which is good too. So excited for you as you wrap up your school year. Enjoy your summer with your DARLING family!!!!

mom2dagny said...

Hi! Love reading your posts...you are most inspiring!!! Your givaways are adorable and make so many people happy...you are a true gift yourself!!!

Carrie said...

Have checked this one out of the library a lot! Would love to win it. Hoping I am not too late! Thanks for a great blog!

Chris said...

i think your kitchen is a galley with a little 'breakfast nook' like ours? we have a table with 3 chairs there and a cupboard full of art supplies so the boys can do art while i cook (and perhaps later do their homework), but i think a comfy seat and a bookshelf would be great when the boys are older and maybe friends could lounge and drink a cocktail while i cook. :) the cookbook sounds interesting, i tend to look at several recipes of similar things and then do a mash-up!

Vanessa said...

looks like yummy stuff! Would love your used copy!

Vanessa said...

yum!

Alison said...

I adore cookbooks and would love to win a new-to-me one!

savvychic said...

What a lovely corner. I am hoping to make a couple of those beach blankets for gifts for family expecting babies (from Handmade Home right?). Yours is gorgeous.
Oooh I wanted to get this cookbook when it came out. Yum. Count me in.
cropcafe[at]bigpond[dot]net[dot]au

Rika said...

What a great giveaway and idea. I have never tried a Nigella recipe. I check your blog each day. Love it.

Cheers - Rika in Utah

mindi said...

I LOVE Nigella! I've checked this book out at my library several times, so I would LOVE LOVE to own it. :) Thanks!

Lorena said...

Let's try to win this great giveaway, I love Nigella too!

PatsyAnne said...

Its Thursday! - Its Thursday! and this evening your dear one will be drawing/deciding who wins the cookbook - I've crossed my fingers, my toes and my eyes - I've said a prayer to the Goddess of the Food Channel and even forwarded on all "chain emails" that I've gotten since I read about your giveaway - can't take a chance of breaking the lucky streak - but I've not sent any to you - so see there is a Goddess out there ... now I've to simply simply sit here and breath deeply and close my eyes and - well if I drop off - you'll understand as I've been up all hours forwarding those "lucky chain emails"...
please nudge me if I win :-)

Suyai said...

I would love to win! I really enjoy the honesty of your blog.

shannon said...

Thanks, for a chance to win.

wayfarer said...

Great job decluttering. The kitchen is my most cluttered room. It's where we do EVERYTHING. Book looks great!