Coveted Ceramics...

Being my first trip to the East Coast I was excited to see the Atlantic coast line. The colors of the ocean, the tide pools and the different rocks and shells (mostly snails) were amazing. I wanted to gather them all up in an L.L. Bean bag and bring them all home with me.

Fortunately, the array of potter's galleries had a variety of items that captured the colors of Maine. My most coveted piece, my Edgecomb coffee mug (center). I never thought I'd spend $40 on a single coffee mug but, when I saw it I couldn't resist. If you're a coffee lover like me the colors and design on the inside of the mug make the last sip almost pleasing ;-) My husband opted for the more colorful, larger, less expensive mug from a local Maine potter's studio.

My niece, Sorija (with Mom's help of course) wanted to purchase gifts for all of the family from one of the galleries in Old Port. She has excellent taste and a good eye for paying attention to what people like. I must have picked up the blue bowl (front) at least three times and contemplated purchasing it myself. When we got back to my Brother-in-law's we found it wrapped up on our bed. Sorija is such a sweetheart and not only will we remember that day but, her sweet gesture and her excitement as we opened it.

We had a wonderful trip and picked up the rest of our pieces at various galleries. If you're ever in the Portland Maine area and covet ceramics like I do, make sure to visit Edgcomb Potters and Maine Potters Market in Old Port. You won't be disappointed!

Traditional vs. Progressive

As an avid bed-time reader I've recently contemplated purchasing a Kindle. My husband has one and doesn't go anywhere without it. I've been weighing the pros/cons and although the pros seem to outweigh the cons I fear that I will still be drawn to the one thing I love most about traditional books – the tactility.

Being a graphic designer, I've always had an obsession for paper – it's texture and the appearance of the ink and typography on the paper. I also love the colorful artwork and the new and innovative printing techniques that are constantly being incorporated onto the covers. You don't get on a Kindle.

Seeing these gorgeous embossed embroidered-look covers which Penguin Threads will release on this set of classics in October makes the decision to switch even harder. I found an interesting article which talks about how printers are competing with electronic readers at:  http://www.atissuejournal.com/2011/04/03/books-that-make-you-feel/#more-5596.

I have plenty of time to contemplate. Until then, I will continue to enjoy my traditional books at my bed-time reads.

Living on the Edge of Tradition

This weekend, my husband and I finally got to see the quilt my mother-in-law has been secretly working on for months. "Living on the Edge of Tradition," as she named it, is our belated wedding gift, and it couldn't be more perfect!

I love quilts - I always have.  I love the way they feel:  the fabrics, the patience and planning involved, and the various techniques of executing them. And, in today's day and age, they are no longer simply a means for keeping warm; they are works of art. So, when I first learned that Maggie was going to make a quilt for us; I was ecstatic.

 My Mother-in-law payed close attention to all of the fabrics I pointed out in her collection and made sure to incorporate each and everyone of them into "Living on the Edge…" The majority of the fabrics she used on our wall quilt are batiks, which I absolutely adore. The fabrics are a mix of natural and spice colored palettes with the exception of a couple of additional fabrics - one of which is my very favorite - the Egyptian fabric on the medallion square (above center square).

Each of the twenty squares is a different pattern; and a few are embellished with beads, crystals, buttons and pendants. My Mother-in-law, being an artist herself, knows how much I appreciate a balance of clean yet detailed design. She did a fabulous job achieving both. I could sit and admire our quilt for hours. For me, handmade quilts are one of the most precious, meaningful gifts you can receive.

Thank you so much Maggie, we love it! And , we love you!

Sharing the LOVE

Valentine's day is in a few days so I thought I'd post this FREE Printable Card and Envelope I designed. It's easy to make and should take less than 30 minutes. The card printout will actually make two cards. One with "for my love" and another with "be mine".

Supplies you'll need:
- An Inkjet or Laser Printer
- White Cardstock (for card)
- Light Weight Text paper or Vellum (for envelope)
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Double sided tape or glue

Optional Supplies:
- Stylus (for creating a score line)
- Bone Folder (helps to make a smooth crease)

Card/Envelope PDF files (FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY, all rights reserved):
http://www.anisegraphics.com/FreeStuff/vcard.pdf
http://www.anisegraphics.com/FreeStuff/enveltemp.pdf

Instructions:
-Download both files
-Print the "vcard.pdf" file on Cardstock
-Print the "enveltemp.pdf" on Vellum or Text weight paper
-See diagram above. Cut Card in half vertically to make two cards. Each card will be 5 1/2" wide by 8 1/2" high.
-Next, you can either measure, score and fold each card at 4 1/4" across or just fold it in half and smooth it out with your bone folder or the handle part of your scissors.
-For your cards, you can either leave them plain or you can embellish with rhinestones or glitter and let dry while you put together the envelope.
-Score envelope where indicated on template. If you are using vellum be careful not to press to hard and cut through, as I did on my first envelope.
-Cut along edge and fold in sides, bottom and top.
-Make sure the printed side of paper is on the outside of your envelope and apply double sided tape to the sides of the BOTTOM piece. Flip it up and adhere it to the side sections of the envelope.

The inside of the card is blank so you can write the perfect message for your Valentine.

If you have any questions on the assembly feel free to email me. Happy VDay!

Winter surprises in the arboretum

After our long drive home from California my husband and I are happy to finally be home. And, although California experienced it's share of rain while we were visiting it's nice to be back to the northwest, even if it's just to experience more rain.

We had a great time visiting family and friends and gorged ourselves for two weeks straight . That being said we ready to get back to our regular diet and get some exercise. So, we decided to go for a long stroll through the arboretum. I love the arboretum, Spring and Fall are my favorite times of year. In the winter most of the foliage is dark green and the paths can be pretty muddy.

On this particular day there were a few "sucker holes" so, we got to enjoy a bit of sun on occasion and I was able to get a few shots of some unexpected surprises. Well, being that I love nature, color and texture they were surprises for me.

I'm no botanist, so the only tree I know the name of is the Chinese Red Birch, which I call "Copper Ring Trees". These are my favorite trees in the arboretum. As the bark peels off, literally in rings around the trunk it reveals this amazing deep copper color with a smooth texture. This one was exceptionally bright.






















I also couldn't resist this friendly moss covered tree that looks as if it wants to reach out and shake your hand. And lastly, these caramel colored birch looking trees (I have no idea what their correct name is) looked as if they were just aching for someone to meander through them.

After seeing these photos I think I may just have to add "Winter" to my favorite seasons to stroll the arboretum!

Holiday leftover Brunch!

Sunday brunches are just a few of my all time faves. This morning (or shall I say this afternoon) I thought we were long overdue for a Sunday brunch. And, I just happened to have a few leftovers that needed to be eaten up.

I love doing brunch in the oven, it's so easy and it left time for enjoying the last of our Costa Rican coffee. I usually start with the potatoes, which is just a mix of whatever I have. Today I happened to have 1/2 a bell pepper, 1/2 an onion a couple red potatoes and one sweet potato. I decided to be completely evil and toss them with an olive oil/bacon grease mix (just a tiny bit gives them that little bit of bacon flavor :-), sprinkle with sea salt and parsley and roast at 400° for about 40 minutes, or until they are crispy.

Meanwhile, you can start your frittata.  I used the leftover ham my mother-in-law had sent us home with, some 12 month aged Manchego (which I might add was simply divine) and some roasted baby heirloom tomatoes. Frittatas are so easy, and you can use what ever veggies/cheeses you have on hand. Just sauté the veggies a bit, then pour over a few beaten eggs, top with cheese and bake in a 400° oven for about 15-20 mins, or until light and fluffy.

Today it was all about easy, so I decided to do the toast in the oven as well. I buttered it first and just stuck it in the oven with everything else. OMG, it was the best! It stayed light on the inside and was nice and crispy on the outside.

Oven brunches are very forgiving but usually everything ends up working out to were it's all done at the same time!

Whole Grain Heaven!

I discovered a new fave this weekend while visiting my cousin this weekend in Portland, Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Store. I had heard of and actually used some of Bob's whole grain products before, but I didn't realize that the company was located here in the Northwest. We originally planned on going there for lunch, but got delayed and missed out since the restaurant closes at 3pm. We decided to go to the store anyway.

I had no idea Bob had such a variety of whole grain foods. They carry pretty much every grain you can think of, either pre-packed, or in bulk. I opted for the bulk as it's considerably lower in price.  My husband and I bought everything from quinoa to warm cereal blends to nuts and lentils. And, I can't  forget about the amazing pre-baked corn muffins that are to die for.

Bob's Red Mill store also carries a vast array of gluten-free items, baking items, including specialty bread making tools, pans and baskets. They even have a file cabinet in the back filled with all of Bob's recipes for you to take as you please.

Needless to say, I was in heaven! My husband and I walked out of there with a full bag of grains, nuts and baked goods for only $14, and NO tax, since it was Oregon :-)  If you're ever  near Portland or Milwaukie, Oregon stop by for a visit, you won't be sorry!

Here is a link to the Bob's Red Mill website where you read about all of their great products, their employee-owned company, or find recipes: http://www.bobsredmill.com/bobs-red-mill-whole-grain-store.html