Creative Potential Blog

Art Journaling

2011-07-05T22:42:00.000-04:00

My Muse is waking up....

It's been a while...

2011-03-04T21:09:00.001-05:00

...and I am feeling a bit frustrated.
Needing, wanting to do something creative and having some kind of block.
It's almost painful. Like a loss. I have been sitting with it, waiting, trying not to force anything, let it flow...
but nothing is coming out.

It is swirling around inside of me feeling trapped. In my stomach...then up to my head, down my arms...back up...trying to find an exit.

I have never felt quite like this before. The creative juices always poured freely out of me in the form of many mediums/styles/techniques. This is new and uncomfortable.

Any wisdom, guidance, thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

- from a greatful heart

Chaos

2010-07-20T05:30:00.000-04:00

“Our real discoveries come from chaos,

from going to the place

that looks wrong

and stupid

and foolish.”

- Chuck Palahniuk

Pretty Useful

2010-07-13T05:30:00.001-04:00

I purchased this chest of drawers because I needed the top surface to place things on and because it fit the tight space where I wanted it to go. I liked the look of the small drawers but thought they would be pretty useless...because they were an odd shape and for me, out of sight is out of mind.

Then, laying in bed one night, I had an idea.

I could use the small drawers to store and organize our tools that we use on a regular basis.

Hammer, screw drivers, random nails and screws, washers, zip-ties, tape measure, garden gloves, etc...

It worked perfect!

Then I made little tags from some glitter, scrapbook paper leftovers and tied them with surplus, exotic yarn from my stash.

Now a functional...and pretty piece.

Movement

2010-07-06T05:30:00.000-04:00

“The dance is a poem

of which each movement is a world.”

- Mata Hari

An Angel on My Shoulder

2010-06-29T05:30:00.001-04:00

This is a favorite little treasure of mine.

I picked it up many years ago at a Renaissance faire.

It was just hanging there...magical!

Small and hand sculpted out of clay...

so feminine.

June

2010-06-22T05:30:00.000-04:00

What is one to say about June,

the time of perfect young summer,

the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months,

and with as yet no sign to remind one

that its fresh young beauty will ever fade.

~Gertrude Jekyll

Happy Summer!

2010-06-21T21:43:00.000-04:00

Well, it's official...

today is the first day of summer!

Yea!

Because I feel summertime should be family time

I am going to be creating blog posts on a "summer" schedule.

It's just too nice to be inside...or even outside if I am on the computer.

I will probably post about once a week...I still have lots of stuff to share.

Enjoy your summer

Enjoy your family

Enjoy yourself!

Paired Up Tiles

2010-06-20T05:30:00.011-04:00

These are some fun decoupaged tiles I made using my daughter's artwork.

I chose these to show how I might pair them up to make earrings.

I like when things coordinate and don't match exactly.

Se how they "go" but aren't the same?

New "TEA" Bags!

2010-06-18T05:30:00.016-04:00

Click here to see my new handmade zippered Tea Cup purses!

An Industrial Solution

2010-06-16T05:30:00.011-04:00

I needed a place to hang my scarves that I use on a daily basis...

but I didn't want something ordinary.

I decided to use some metal pipe for a more edgy look.

They come in lots of lengths and widths and are super easy to install.

Check out your national big box home improvement store

for other decorating options!

Leftovers - Necklace

2010-06-15T05:30:00.007-04:00

A pretty showcase for random, surplus beads

from my stash.

Kind of gypsy-like, I think.

Purse Inspiration

2010-06-14T05:30:00.010-04:00

So amazing and funky on it's own,

I think this sea urchin type thing would make

a wonderful inspiration for a purse.

Maybe marabou feathers on top?

LOVE the pink, polka dot, slouchy base...

wheels are turning!

Jewlery Supplies

2010-06-13T05:30:00.006-04:00

I think that sometimes,

basic jewelry supplies

can be pretty enough on their own.

Check Out my New Food Blog!

2010-06-12T12:35:00.002-04:00

Creative Potential Food Options

Discovering healthy, safe and delicious food options for my family and others with multiple food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities or just those exploring special diets.

Tips, Ideas, Recipes, Products, Restaurants, Markets, etc...

"Raw-Vegan" is Not Just About Salads!

2010-06-11T05:30:00.013-04:00

Check out these beauties.

Pie, ice cream and mmmm...caramel sauce.

All Raw,

All Vegan.

All Amazing!

My new food blog is in the works...take a peek!

Click below

Creative Potential Food Options

I wanted a place

where I could share

our tasty, healthy food finds, recipes, etc..

Fun with Findings

2010-06-10T05:30:00.007-04:00

I glued tiny jump rings, metal spacers and some wire scraps

to small wood tiles.

I coated them with a thick, clear finish for protection.

These small, three-dimensional, sculptures

can be used to make jewelry, keyrings, book marks, etc...

Click here to view my Mini Tiles Blog Post

Painted Garden

2010-06-09T05:30:00.005-04:00

A painted garden...out of necessity.

We had some paint chips on our wall

and I didn't feel like repainting the entire wall.

What to do, what to do...

I know,

Paint random flowers to cover the chips!

Instant garden.

Studio Help - Wire Holder

2010-06-08T05:30:00.010-04:00

I wanted an easy, convenient way to store my wire spools.

I found that if I removed the top off of a plastic craft storage box...

(the kind that has the partitions that could be used for beads or needlepoint floss)

the small spools would fit perfectly and I could see what I have.

It is easily transported or stored on a shelf.

Simplicity

2010-06-07T05:30:00.007-04:00

Life is really simple,

but we insist on making it complicated.

~Confucius

Sitting Pretty

2010-06-05T05:30:00.017-04:00

My mom needed some colorful ottomans

so I created these for her, many years ago.

The base is made from a ready-made, sturdy, unfinished wood cube.

I primed and painted it with different patterns on each side.

I pulled pattern ideas and colors from some of the fabrics in my mom's house.

We used a round plywood disc for the top,

that my mom had upholstered and tufted.

I trimmed the base with some navy grosgrain ribbon as a finishing touch.

They were all coated with a water based polyurethane for protection.

You could easily accomplish the same idea using

wall paper, decoupage or even photographs.

Fun, whimsical and useful!

Cooking Tools for Clay

2010-06-04T05:30:00.010-04:00

I just really like to look at these little shapes.

I think they are pretty.

They are also very useful.

I purchased them from an online restaurant supply site.

I think they are actualy used for making candy...not sure.

I use them for cutting my PMC (silver clay).

They are small and come in a wide variety of shapes...sold in sets.

By pulling the edges with pliers,

I was even able to alter

some of the shapes I didn't care for

into custom shapes!

Red

2010-06-03T05:30:00.003-04:00

“Red is the ultimate cure for sadness.”

- Bill Blass

Mini Tiles

2010-06-02T05:30:00.029-04:00

Anything can be a fun backdrop for art.

These are little tiles,

cut from a wood place mat.

You can pick the place mats up for a couple of dollars

at most big box or import stores.

They come in a variety of colors/finishes/shapes.

I simply cut the string holding the tiles together

and was left with dozens of small, square canvases.

I painted them, decoupaged them, collaged them...

Pretty much, anything goes.

The tiles can be made into

custom jewelry, key rings, book marks, etc...

These were decoupaged with my daughter's artwork

that I copied, edited and reduced on the computer.

I finished the edges with a silver metallic paint pen

and coated the top with a gloss varnish.

Imagine, Will, Create

2010-06-01T05:30:00.015-04:00

“Imagination is the beginning of creation.

You imagine what you desire,

you will what you imagine

and at last

you create what you will.”

- George Bernard Shaw

The Right Light

2010-05-31T05:30:00.007-04:00

These little lights came with my light box.

Before purchasing this set,

to help make my product photographs better,

I didn't realize how important the right light is.

They have made a huge difference.

Click here to view my post on The Light Box

Clever Imposter

2010-05-30T05:30:00.004-04:00

This looks like a rug, right?

ah, but it is just an illusion.

It is a tile inset on a vertical wall...behind a restaurant

in Palm Desert, California.

Clever.

Nilak's Bed

2010-05-29T05:30:00.028-04:00

We have an Mini American Eskimo...that we love...

but anyone that knows anything about this bread

knows that they must be with you at all times.

Literally. It's like it's her job...life or death.

She has to have us in her view.

I bought her a special pillow for our bedroom,

but she was not happy that it was on the floor and she couldn't see us.

She continued to drag it to the door and then get on our bed.

When we didn't take the hint,

she peed on it...lovely.

I had a small antique bench that my mom gave me

so I had an idea.

I made a protective pillow...

lined with a water resistant lining and removable cover.

I added ribbons to the corners and attached the pillow to the bench.

Voila'

A custom pet bed...

and she can see us.

She loves it!

Light

2010-05-28T05:30:00.004-04:00

When you possess light within,

you see it externally.

~Anaïs Nin

Scrap Happy Pillow

2010-05-27T05:30:00.007-04:00

I have a hard time parting with fabric...

even little scraps.

This was one of the last pillows I made

for my son's school fundraiser.

Fabric was getting low

but I was able to piece this together.

All of the fabrics just worked.

It took a little maneuvering

but it actually became one of my favorites!

Bird and Bunny Pillows

2010-05-26T05:30:00.010-04:00

A pillow set I made

to display these adorable fabric animals

made by some students.

I loved the swirl pattern of the trim fabric

and while it didn't really "match" exactly

I thought it coordinated well

and gave the pillows a fun feeling.

The expression in the bunny's eyes

looked silly - in a cute way

and I thought the swirls echoed that.

I think that trimming the edge in this way

made the overall pillow a bit more sophisticated

and finished looking.

They were also part of the fundraiser raffle

for my son's school.

I wanted to win these...

even though I made them!

Polka Dots and Animals Pillows

2010-05-25T05:30:00.007-04:00

Another pillow I made

to showcase cute fabric animals

made by students at my son's school.

They were all so different...it was inspiring!

Camo Animal Pillows

2010-05-24T05:30:00.011-04:00

A pillow I made to highlight

whimsical, handmade, fabric animals

that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders made

at my son's school.

They were raffled off as a fundraiser.

I love the camo background!

Pillow Collaborating with Kids!

2010-05-23T05:30:00.012-04:00

Kids are so naturally creative.

These funny little fabric animals

were made by some students at my son's school.

I added the background, by making the patchwork pillows.

voila'...cute, stylish home accessories

that would fit in any specialty boutique!

All inspired by 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders.

You will see more of our collaboration

over the next few posts.

Something From Nothing

2010-05-22T05:30:00.018-04:00

We love to juice!

Anyone that has juiced carrots knows

that you end up with a humongous amount of pulp/fiber.

We didn't want to through away it's goodness

so I hunted for some easy recipes to utilize it.

I found one for a raw carrot cake type thing...

it was amazing!

A bit more like pumpkin pie and completely decadent.

Throw all ingredients in a food processor and press in a pan.

After a bit in the fridge...

this is what you end up with!

yes, this is carrot pulp!

...and as usual,

no dairy, no eggs, no wheat, no refined sugars.

All real food.

Brought to Life

2010-05-21T05:30:00.013-04:00

This is my latest creative passion!

I have listed a bunch of these little zipper pouches

in my ETSY shop

Creative Potential Etsy Shop

I am now on to making new patterns and will be posting about them soon.

I LOVE FABRIC!

It just makes me smile.

The Birth of an Idea...

2010-05-20T05:30:00.011-04:00

This is where it begins for me...

a pile of random fabric.

I love the challenge of coordinating

and working with what I have.

This assortment became a series of pillows

that I helped make for my son's school.

It sparked and renewed my love of sewing...

more to come.

Creative Canvas

2010-05-19T05:30:00.012-04:00

We LOVE a group of restaurants called

California Pizza Kitchen.

In addition to great food,

they all have very clever artwork.

They display hand painted and decorated pizza boxed framed in acrylic.

Each is different...

different art, theme, colors,

but the frames are all the same

which unifies the eclectic assortment.

Just shows you that ANYTHING can become a work of art!

Passion

2010-05-18T05:30:00.012-04:00

Renew your passions daily.

~Terri Guillemets

Wild Wire Bail

2010-05-17T05:30:00.008-04:00

I was playing around with wire...

I think this is an interesting alternative to a simple, ordinary bail.

There is no right or wrong...just keep twisting until it pleases you.

I did hammer it a bit for added stability.

Embellished Out of Need

2010-05-16T05:30:00.028-04:00

I found this pretty camisole...it was on sale and it fit well.

A great combination!

The only problem was that I wouldn't be able to wear a bra with it and the top was very sheer.

NOT a great combination!

I had a brain flash...I'll just embellish the top so that it is thick enough to be discrete.

That is what I did...at night, sitting in front of the TV.

I used fabric scraps, buttons and some crystals to make small flowers and leaves.

They were layered which gave them some body and construction.

I didn't have a plan...just sort of added as I went.

If a spot looked empty, I filled it.

I am very happy with the outcome
and can't wait to wear it!

Creative Framing

2010-05-15T07:23:00.000-04:00

We picked up the components of this little treasure on our recent trip to Europe.

We booked our cruise based on the price, dates and basic geographic location...

as it was the easiest place for Steve to meet us from Afghanistan.

So when I looked closer at our ports of call I realized that one of them was Malta.

I knew nothing about Malta...truthfully, I wasn't even sure where it was exactly.

It ended up being a highlight of the trip!

Turns out The Knights...the actual Knights began there...

The Knights of Malta.

So cool if you are traveling with a 10 year old boy.

We visited their church and the entire floor was constructed of

marble, mosaic tombs of the Knights.

A little creepy but pretty amazing.

I picked up this piece of handmade lace and framed it with images of some of the tombs that I cut out of a post card.

I used a "floating" frame so that it would look a little more special and so that you would be able to see the items from both sides if you wanted to.

It was hard to get a good picture but it is a really special piece.

Two inexpensive, readily available souvenirs...transformed into a personal work of art.

Think about that on your next trip!

Painting With Fabric

2010-05-14T05:30:00.017-04:00

I love fabric! I always have...

These are some small children's quilts my son and I made in the beginning of the year.

I didn't know what I what I was going to do. I didn't have a plan.

I prefer to wander the fabric store and get inspired by what I find.

I start with a focal piece and then I build around that.

I usually don't like things that match exactly...

I prefer when they coordinate.

I also love to work within a budget...weird, I know.

It takes time...much to my son's dismay.

When I am in the middle of it, it feels like painting...

only I am working with someone else's art/pattern creation.

Having time to wander a fabric store is the biggest treat!

A Small Touch

2010-05-13T05:30:00.001-04:00

An old piece of lace can really change the look of a plain cotton camisole.

This was an applique I had been holding on to for a while...I really love the patterns and texture but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it.

I ended up using some variegated metallic thread to roughly hand stitch it to a brown cotton tank top of mine.

It is so delicate and I love how it looks peeking out of an open sweater or blouse.
I also like that the lace (being old) is a small link to the past.

Snow?

2010-05-12T05:30:00.000-04:00

This seems so far away...
Spring has definitely sprung here!

Fabric Give-Away!

2010-05-11T05:30:00.007-04:00

I just found this exciting offer through another favorite blog...and what perfect timing with my current sewing obsession!
Check it out....there are lots of interesting things to see on her blog.

FABRIC GIVEAWAY! Drawing on Friday, May 14th!
http://dianeknottsmusings.blogspot.com/2010/05/fabric-giveaway-drawing-on-friday-may.html

A Sneak Peek!

2010-05-10T05:30:00.002-04:00

I have been in a sewing frenzy!
This is a little peek of some new lovelies I have whipped up. They will be in my Etsy shop soon!
Stay tuned...

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T05:30:00.004-04:00

Wishing all of the beautiful, life-changing, dream inspiring mothers a wonderful day!

Many Hands Mirror

2010-05-08T05:30:00.000-04:00

This is beautiful example of what can happen when the individual artwork of many little hands is combined with a little thought.

This mirror features mini ceramic tiles hand painted by the students in my son's class (4th, 5th and 6th graders). Each child painted two tiles and then another parent and myself created the over-all wall art.

My friend's husband made the copper sun mirror and edged the frame in copper.

It was recently raffled off as part of a large fundraiser for my son's school.

What a wonderful expression of youthful art.

Z is for Zebra Stripe

2010-05-07T05:30:00.002-04:00

On a recent trip to New Hampshire, we stumbled on this really great restaurant…The Flatbread Company in Portsmouth, NH. They had the best oven fired pizza and even had gluten free crust and desserts. Yum!

I would highly recommend it.

They give you blank paper and crayons so that you can design a menu cover and then they choose some to insert in their rotating menus. This is one that Logan and I did during lunch. The waitress came by and took it right away…next thing we knew it was in a menu!

There was a big graphic painting of a zebra on the wall in front of me that inspired the pattern. Logan helped with the pizzas…

Y is for Yarn

2010-05-06T05:30:00.002-04:00

I sometimes get into a knitting frenzy.

I love specialty and exotic yarns and with their availability these days I find myself using them for lots of things other than knitting.

Just a few examples….

I use a handful of them to finish off a gift, I use single strands to tie on jewelry or attech gift tags, several braided make wonderful necklace cords for handmade pendants, a remnant can be tied to a handmade keychain for a touch of texture and color, I have hung holiday ornaments with a strand or two, etc…

Because they have so much yardage, it becomes a really economical alternative to thin ribbon. For more bang for my buck, I like to buy the variegated/multi color yarns….that way they work with many projects and color combinations.

• Tip: For more permanent projects you can add a tiny bit of “Fray Check” to the ends to prevent unraveling. You can find Fray Check at any sewing department or craft store.

X is for ??

2010-05-05T05:30:00.003-04:00

The only thing I could think of for X is Xanadu...

A movie I loved when I was a teenager...and recently showed to my daughter. It was really out dated...but I still enjoyed it.

Gotta love the leg warmers!

W is for Wanting More

2010-05-04T05:30:00.003-04:00

As I get older and hopefully a little bit wiser I find that I want less.

Less stuff

Fewer commitments

Less to manage

It feels good to simplify…

V is for Valentine’s Juice

2010-05-03T05:30:00.000-04:00

A happy accident...on Valentine's Day we whipped up a random juice. I used what felt good and what we had in the fridge. The result tasted great and was very pretty.

The perfect color for Valentine's Day.
If you have a juicer, I have included the details below.
It make a lot...about 4 large glasses to share!

Valentine's Fruit Punch

1-2 heads of romaine lettuce
1 lemon
3 red beets
5 or 6 apples
1 pear
1 inch of ginger
half a cabbage (we used napa)
half a canaloupe

run all through a juicer and enjoy!

U is for Up in the Air

2010-05-02T05:30:00.005-04:00

Taking a cue from my son’s school, on our recent plane trip, I decided to bring along cloth napkins to use as a kind of placemat. The tray tables always skeeve me out and I thought it would be a nice civilized way to enjoy the food we handcrafted and brought along.

Such a small thing and it made a huge difference.

I felt less rushed and like we were really able to enjoy our meal. They didn’t take up a lot of room and we didn’t have to touch the dirty tables!

Next time I think I will break out the prettier ones.

T is for Tourmaline

2010-05-01T05:30:00.001-04:00

During my husband’s stay in Afghanistan he was on a hunt to find a natural stone for me, that was native to that region. After doing some research he discovered that Tourmaline was the safest bet.

He searched for just the right stone and surprised me with it on his first visit home last June.

It is beautiful! It is a deep, dark green pear shaped stone.

Since I don’t know how to set a stone like this, I found a local artist to design a setting.

This is the finished product. I love it and wear it every day.

In a way I feel a physical connection to the stone…I have from the first time I touched it.

Maybe it was mine in another life? You never know...

S is for Superheroes

2010-04-30T05:30:00.004-04:00

The wonderful art teacher at my son’s school recently did a great “Superhero” project with the Lower Elementary class (1st, 2nd and 3rd grades). I thought it had great meaning...

Check out this link to her blog.
http://questartists.blogspot.com/2010/03/sneak-peak-quest-superheroes.html

R is for Raw Ice Cream

2010-04-29T05:30:00.003-04:00

After giving up conventional desserts about 7 years ago and then more recently putting down dairy products, I just figured my ice cream days were over.

Then I discovered raw ice cream! Yea!

By adding a few extra natural ingredients, you can turn almost any smoothie into creamy, delicious, decadent raw ice cream.

The best thing would be to google “raw ice cream recipes” for specifics…but most of them simply add coconut oil and young coconut meat to a fruit smoothie type thing.

Throw it all in the blender and blend till smooth. Then you chill it in a bowl in the fridge. Later you can add things like vegan chocolate chips, fruit or nuts.

An ice cream maker isn’t imperative but it does help with the consistency when freezing. I picked up an “out of the box” Cuisinart model for about $30 at a national bed and bath store. I just load the chilled mix into the frozen bowl, turn on and wait about 30 minutes.

Just think, in the time it takes to clean up the kitchen after dinner, you could have a custom blended, healthy raw treat that you feel good about putting in yourself and your family!

I store the bowl from the ice cream maker in the freezer
so that it alway ready to go!
If you put it in a plastic bag
it won't get frostbite.

Q is for Quest Montessori

2010-04-28T05:30:00.001-04:00

Someone we know has always referred to it as “Having drank the coolaide”…

Quest Montessori has been a huge blessing in our lives. My son started Montessori in preschool and is now a 4th year…which is the equivalent of a fourth grader. The classrooms are multi-aged so they don’t go by the traditional school grades.

Through these last 6 years, I have witnessed the infusion of character, compassion, strength, personal responsibility and self awareness the Montessori method has given Logan. This, mixed with a support for curiosity, exploration and an eagerness to learn, creates a beautiful, well rounded human being.

P is for Pigs

2010-04-27T05:30:00.002-04:00

My son loves pigs and it all started from a series of nicknames his best friends at school gave him…
follow this…

His name is Logan

Which they stretched into Lo-guinea-an

Which then got shortened into just guinea
(we are Italian so I was a bit alarmed about this one until I learned the origin)

Then it went to guinea pig

Then just to pig

So there you have it.
Now all of his closest friends just call him pig and he loves it.
And he loves pigs.

O is for Organization

2010-04-26T05:30:00.001-04:00

I don’t think I would ever be described as organized…not by anyone that really knows me.

I like the thought of organization…I even feel better in an organized environment, but it seems to elude me.

Over the past several years I have begun a process of simplifying which does help me stay a bit more organized but I still want more.

Sometimes I see pictures of those homes where they have like one table…with one item on it…and everything is sleek and clean and maybe even all white…and I think “ I want that”…. then I look around my house and realize how far away I am.

So, for now, things are the way they are…and the way they are supposed to be, I guess.

When the time is right, if the time is right, things will change. Until then, this is where I am supposed to be.

N is for Nilak

2010-04-25T05:30:00.000-04:00

The many faces of our “Eskie”

M is for Maria Montessori

2010-04-24T05:30:00.009-04:00

“An educational method that shall have liberty as its basis must intervene to help the child to a conquest of liberty.

That is to say, his training must be such as shall help him to diminish as much as possible the social bonds which limit his activity.”

- Maria Montessori

L is for LOVE

2010-04-23T05:30:00.001-04:00

...my gift

K is for Kayak

2010-04-22T05:30:00.001-04:00

My son’s school is building a beautiful wood plank, two person kayak to be raffled off as a fundraiser for their new school.

It has been an amazing project, lead by one of our parents.

It was done on a “drop in” basis where kids could stay after school and lend a hand. They got to use power tools and help with sanding and cutting.

It is a wonderful work of art that they will all sign before the final sealer.

J is for Jamie

2010-04-21T05:30:00.001-04:00

Jaime is the best sister-in-law anyone could ask for! She has become the home away from home for our American Eskimo - Nilak.

It is such a gift that we can have the freedom to visit my parents and not have to worry about our family pet. The great thing is that they have a Cairn Terrier named Ozzie and the two dogs LOVE each other!

Ozzie gets tons of exercise and Nilak doesn’t have to be in a kennel…win/win.

I is for IPOD

2010-04-20T05:30:00.001-04:00

Christmas 2008, my husband surprised me with an IPOD Touch. It wasn’t anything I asked for…I didn’t even know what it was…but nevertheless a thoughtful gift.

Four weeks later he was leaving to begin his year in Afghanistan and I decided that it would be better served by him having it while he was gone…so I kind of gave it back to him (in a nice way).

He took it and used it every day…sometimes it was the only way we could keep in touch and communicate.

Then last November a package came in the mail. I opened it and it was from the

Apple Store. A shiny, new IPOD Touch…with an inscription on the back from a song that has meaning to us…”Lucky I’m in love with my best friend.”

I am just beginning to learn all that it can do…it is actually pretty cool. My son loves to play games on it and I enjoy having a digital photo album with me wherever I go.

H is for Hair

2010-04-19T05:30:00.003-04:00

My daughter was recently in a high school production of one of my favorite musicals…HAIR.

It was fabulous. The sets and costumes were perfect...fluid, natural, colorful.
I felt that the production and staging were very professional.

It made me want to go home and drape some tie-dyed fabric somewhere!

G is for Grandparents

2010-04-18T05:30:00.005-04:00

We recently visited my parents in California and I feel so grateful that my children have them in their lives.

With the exception of one, all of my Grandparents died before I was born. My one Grandma did live to meet me but I was under 2 when she passed away.

I never had the joy of that kind of relationship. I see it with my children though. My parents are fantastic Grandparents. They shower love and affection.

F is for First Dance

2010-04-17T05:30:00.000-04:00

How fun it was to help set up for my son’s first “All School Dance”.

Crape paper streamers, colorful balloons, lemonade, music…they all had a BLAST!

E is for Example

2010-04-16T05:30:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite quotes is

“The life you live, is the lesson you teach”.

I have come to use that as my mantra. The example I want to set for my children is all about taking care of yourself, being good to others and giving back.

We try and live that to the best of our ability.

D is for Dips

2010-04-15T05:30:00.000-04:00

I love dip…in fact, my whole family loves dip. All dips…sweet, savory, spicy.

We just love to dip.

On our recent trip we decided to make and bring a favorite dip to enjoy on the plane. Since finding out about my food allergies over a year ago, I have had to give up most dairy…which was not easy for me. I have always been a cheese lover…to the point of addictive and unhealthy. So it doesn’t really surprise me that I developed a sensitivity to it.

Anyway, not long ago, I found a recipe (actually two) for vegan nacho cheese dips. I tried both and was thrilled. They are similar but with one being mild and one having more kick.

My whole family eats them now. We pour them on tacos, we spread them on

sandwiches and of course, we dip!

C is for Clouds

2010-04-14T05:30:00.004-04:00

These were some that my son noticed out the airplane window on our recent trip.
I love that he appreciates nature’s beauty.

B is for Baking for our Trip

2010-04-13T05:30:00.002-04:00

We recently traveled to visit my parents in California. It’s a long day of flying from Rhode Island. Because of personal food choices and food allergies, there is rarely anything my son and I can eat in airports or on the plane. This trip I decided to plan ahead and do a little baking so that we would be able to have yummy treats that were safe for us to eat.

We made a vegan and wheat free carrot cake (from a mix) and some homemade vegan frosting. I cut the frosted cake into individual slices and wrapped them in plastic. We refrigerated them overnight and put them in a little soft cooler the day of the trip.

How wonderful it was…mid flight…to open and enjoy fresh, healthy, delicious food that we made.

I don’t know why I never did this before. It seems so obvious and simple. We also brought some homemade, vegan cheddar cheese spread with our favorite chips.

A is for Assassin’s Creed

2010-04-12T05:30:00.001-04:00

For those of not familiar with this…it is a popular video game.

Now, I am not a huge fan of video games…in fact I often complain about them being played too

much in my house…but the other day, my husband was playing this one called

Assassin’s Creed and I was really intrigued by the graphics.

His character was roaming through Italy…Florence, I think…and the detail of the

architecture and landscapes was amazing. As he moved the character you could see

all sides of the buildings…he could go inside and on top too.

It was actually kind of fun to watch him play, although I was reluctant to share

that information for fear he would have license to play more!

From A to Z by Me

2010-04-11T05:30:00.001-04:00

Recently, I was looking for a fun challenge for myself regarding my daily blog posts. I wanted some kind of "short run" theme like I have seen other bloggers do.

After thinking about it for a little while I decided to focus on letters of the alphabet.

I made a list of topics and ideas for each corresponding letter, so here goes...
check back tomorrow for the first in the series

From A to Z...by me

Pretty Things

2010-04-10T05:30:00.002-04:00

As I get older I am realizing how important it is for me to surround myself with things I like to look at.
Even simple things...like my carry-on bag for trips. The colorful dots are cheery and make me feel good.

Things don't have to be expensive...they just have to be right for you!

Partners

2010-04-09T05:30:00.001-04:00

Love is a friendship set to music.

E. Joseph Cossman

Yearbook Time!

2010-04-08T05:30:00.005-04:00

A personal expression of my beautiful child. It was time for the students to design their individual yearbook pages and this is Logan's creation.

He gives me ideas of what he wants...then I help him get all the components....then he assembles it as he sees fit.

I love it. It shows where he is right now. What is important to him...what he finds enjoyable.

It is really fun to look back at previous years and see the growth and progression!

Yellow Tomatoes

2010-04-07T05:30:00.000-04:00

...mmmm...yummy and so pretty!

Vegan Caesar...Enjoy!

2010-04-06T05:30:00.000-04:00

We were at a veg cafe while visiting my parents a couple of weeks ago and they had this recipe in their newsletter menu. We tried it the other night and LOVED it!!

Thought I would pass it along.

Enjoy!

Functional Beauty

2010-04-05T05:30:00.000-04:00

We stumbled on this contemporary wire trellis, attached to a wall...waiting for the bougainvillea vines to wind their way up.

I thought it looked really cool on it's own...like a garden sculpture.
Got me thinking about where I could do something like this in our own garden.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T05:30:00.000-04:00

...and Happy Spring!

Picture It

2010-04-03T05:30:00.002-04:00

Taking pictures is a wonderful creative outlet for me. I enjoy all aspects of it - finding something that I like, selecting an interesting angle, figuring out the right setting and even the cropping and editing on my computer.

For me, it's kind of like painting without paint.

Composition, balance, color, light...
so much fun!

Good Eats - Palm Greens Cafe

2010-04-02T05:30:00.000-04:00

A great find on our recent trip to visit my parents.

When we travel, I always google the area for new healthy restaurants and cafes...places we can eat with our personal food choices and multiple food allergies.

I have spent many, many years in Palm Desert and Palm Springs but this was a new find for me.

Lunch at The Palm Greens Cafe was such a treat that we went back two days later for dinner!

There were many organic/vegan/vegetarian/gluten and dairy free options...from stir-frys to wraps to blueberry pancakes. I was even able to have have pizza! The best part was an amazing vegan ranch dressing that would fool anyone.

If you are ever in the area...I highly recommend it. It is a small unassuming place and the food was really good.

Palm Greens Cafe
A Natural Alternative
611 South Palm Canyon Drive, #6
Palm Springs, California
760-864-9900

www.palmgreenscafe.com

Hot Glue Lamp Trick

2010-04-01T05:30:00.000-04:00

I wanted to pass along a really simple tip that can be used to transform an outdated home accessory or piece of furniture.

This is one of a pair of ginger jar lamps that needed a little update.

They started out white with a smooth black harlequin pattern and I refinished them so that they would look like antique silver with a decorative, raised scroll pattern.

I had this idea but wasn't sure if it would work. I used a hot glue gun and free handed the scroll pattern. It didn't matter if it was a bit messy because I wanted an old look anyway. Once the glue dried I coated the entire lamp with a primer that I tinted gray.

I used a bonding primer so that it would adhere to the smooth jars. Then I painted them with a metallic silver paint and washed some black paint into the crevices to age them.

These are in a low traffic area but if they were going to get more wear I would have finished with a water based polyurethane for added protection.

I use water based paints and work in layers...being careful not to wipe of the previous layer.
If you didn't want to freehand you could actually draw a pattern before applying the glue because you are going to paint over the whole thing anyway.

I think this would work well on a piece of accent furniture too...maybe painted like a wood pattern over the top?

Date Nut Torte

2010-03-31T05:30:00.000-04:00

Last week, my parents had a dinner party and out of selfishly wanting to be able to have something sweet, my husband and I offered to make dessert.

We whipped up this Date Nut Torte...a raw, whole food, yummy treat.

We topped it with a drizzle of homemade raw/vegan caramel and chocolate sauce...and for everyone else, a small scoop of (conventional) vanilla ice cream.
(we made some raw/vegan vanilla, chocolate chip ice cream for us to pair it with)

Everyone loved it and had no idea that it was so healthy!
I love being able to show people that you can have delicious food without compromising your health.

Another World Mural

2010-03-30T05:30:00.000-04:00

A clever application on an empty expanse of wall in a strip mall.

I have always loved this scene...somewhere exotic I would like to visit.

What a difference a little paint...and some talent...can make!

Raw Chocolate...Yummy!

2010-03-29T05:30:00.002-04:00

I choose not to partake in conventional dessert...loaded with fat, dairy, refined sugars, bad oils, etc...but I do enjoy raw, live treats, made with real food.

A raw foods chef and teacher (Kristen Suzanne) turned me on to these beautiful raw chocolate bars and I wanted to pass along the gift.

I tried the caramel...which I LOVED
and the maca...which I really liked

I think you can get them at Whole Foods. I found mine at a local natural foods market while visiting my parents in Palm Desert, CA.

I visited their website and was really inspired by their mission and story. Check it out...

Enjoy!
http://www.earthsourceorganics.com/index.php

Rabbit Food

2010-03-28T05:30:00.000-04:00

This made me smile...why waste time with a knife and fork?!

I Am...

2010-03-27T05:30:00.000-04:00

My son's class hosted an "Author's Corner Cafe" recently featuring a variety of writing projects done by the students.

This project was my favorite.

They all wrote "I Am" poems that were mounted on their silhouettes. His is the one all the way to the left...with the huge hair!

below is his poem...

I think it is so important for children to find multiple ways to express themselves. I thought this was a beautiful expression of him. (he is 10)

Juiced Art

2010-03-26T05:30:00.000-04:00

My husband made a fresh juice the other day and snapped this picture because he thought the the way the fruits and veggies layered was really cool.

I agree...it is really cool.

It reminds me of a semi-precious stone...I forget what it is called...watermelon "something".
Watermelon quartz? Watermelon agate?

I am not sure...but it is very pretty.

Don't Forget the Streamers!

2010-03-25T05:30:00.002-04:00

Never underestimate the supreme festive power of child hung, crepe paper streamers!

I took this picture while setting up for my son's first all school dance. Some white lights and colorful streamers and the lodge was transformed!

I had completely forgotten about the simple streamer. Inexpensive, easy to find and able to coordinate with almost any color.

Hand a roll to a child and watch what they do....

A Quick Fix for Chairs

2010-03-24T05:30:00.000-04:00

We inherited these two beautiful, antique captain's chairs from my parents. They get a ton of use and the seat fabric was starting to show the wear. My mom had originally had the fabric professionally laminated because they were being used in the kitchen but over time the lamination has begun to dry and crack. The fabric underneath was exposed and tearing.

I decided to do a quick fix and since I am not an upholsterer I wanted to leave the existing upholstery in tact.

I purchased some thick, camel colored, ultra sued type fabric that was on sale. I applied that first to protect the chairs and to camouflage the cracked laminate.

Then I applied a cotton zebra striped fabric over that base.
I didn't touch the backs or arms because they are in good condition...and I liked the mix of fabrics.

Below are the finished chairs.
Now granted this might not be a permanent fix but for now it worked perfect!

Beauty at Grezzo

2010-03-23T05:30:00.000-04:00

We spent Valentine's Day at one of our favorite restaurants in Boston...Grezzo.

It is in the north end section but it is surprisingly not Italian...it is raw-vegan.

The tables were speckled with rose petals and a few even made it into our drinks.

A very special and romantic touch, I thought!

Nilak

2010-03-22T05:30:00.000-04:00

"Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in?

I think that's how dogs spend their lives."

- Sue Murphy

Explore

2010-03-21T05:30:00.000-04:00

On a recent day trip to the Cape, I had hoped to take some inspiring pictures as blog fuel.

Alas, nothing inspired me to photograph but we did stumble on a wonderful Inn where we shared a true New England lunch.

Called The Orleans Inn...in Orleans, Cape Cod, MA...we had a beautiful view of the water, friendly service and many forms of delicious seafood.

I would highly recommend it if you are ever in the area and in need of sustenance!

Every Little Bit Helps!

2010-03-19T05:30:00.001-04:00

This month, my small, local health food market started a rewards program!!!
Yea!!!

It's the little things.

Cats

2010-03-18T05:30:00.001-04:00

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life:

music and cats.

- Albert Schweitzer

Are you Wearing Green Today?

2010-03-17T05:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!