Cowhide Rugs

Create Impact, Start with the Rug

I have long been a fan of the cowhide rug.  Whether it is printed with a zebra pattern,


classic black and white,


Or a solid pale tan.
I love them all!

Cowhide rugs add an element of surprise to any room.

They are great paired with a sisal or jute rug ( the bottom rug serves as the rug pad).

They look terrific with traditional furnishings -

Especially those zebra printed ones.

AND, they look great in modern rooms too.

The classic black and white cowhides add great pattern and texture to clean, crisp rooms.

Remember, cowhides are not just for living and dining rooms...

They can add impact in the bedroom too.

While these rugs can easily run $600 - $700, IKEA has a great selection for only $199!

IKEA has many patterns and colors too!

Gigi's Black Bean Dip

Very few dishes manage to serve as both an after school snack and an horderve when guests pop by. But this Black Bean Dip does and it is super easy to make! My mother-in-law, Gigi,  has been making this recipe for years (it is a family favorite). 

Ingredients:

1 15oz can of Organic Black Beans, drained

1/2 an 8 oz package of organic cream cheese

2 Tbsp (more or less depending on the level of spice you like) pickled jalapenos

1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro PLUS 1-2 Tbsp more for garnish

Several slices (3-6) red bell pepper (optional)

In a blender combine black beans, cream cheese, and pickled jalapenos. Blend until smooth (this may require pressing the cream cheese into the blades using a wooden spoon). If the mixture is too thick add a little vinegar from the jalapenos.

Pour the bean and cheese mixture into a small decorative bowl, fold in the 1/3 cup cilantro. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro and arrange red bell peppers in center.

If you are looking for a fancier presentation, do not fold in the cilantro into the bean dip. Instead, place one or two cilantro leaves in the bottom of  scoops tortilla chips (the ones shaped like a bowl) then pipe the dip into the tortilla chips. Looks rather impressive with limited effort.

Note:

If your family enjoys spicy foods, add 1 fresh, coarsely chopped, jalapeno pepper in addition to the pickled jalapenos when blending.