Foodchic

Harvest Recipe: Mushroom and Red Wine Risotto

2010-07-26T16:14:00.001-05:00

For the end of our harvest day

every family went home to clean up

and prepare a dish to bring for the harvest dinner

I decided to contribute my Mushroom and Red Wine Risotto

and I offer it here to you

for your own harvest day.

carpe diem!

the pantry:

sliced white and baby bella mushrooms

3 small shallots, sliced thin

good red wine, about 1/4 a cup

olive oil

sea salt

coarse ground black pepper

fresh sprigs of thyme and rosemary, about 1/4 cup each

polenta

goat cheese

** a cast iron pan makes this the best! **

the stove:

slice ingredients (the size/shape of the polenta and mushrooms is up to you)

in a cast iron pan, heat up a couple of tablespoons of olive oil

glaze the shallots

add in and saute mushrooms

as they start to soften, add wine and half of the thyme

season with salt and pepper

cool until wine cooks down into a nice sauce

Next, remove the mushroom and red wine mix

add more olive oil to the pan

and saute the sliced polenta until it gets darker and firmer

Place warm polenta on plates

cover with mushroom and red wine mix

crumble goat cheese on top and

add the rest of the thyme leaves and the chopped rosemary

EAT!

Grape Harvest At Eden Hill Vineyard

2010-07-26T11:12:00.000-05:00

Pardon my silence for a bit.

We've been busy at the farm

preparing for harvest.

We began by picking the Temperanillo yesterday

and tried to stay true to Carpe Diem -

which actually means "pluck the day."

:: Images by wendy dooldeniya, more here ::

Soaring Above: Anna Wili Highfield

2010-07-20T16:06:00.000-05:00

ahhh. Her paper sculptures soar into my heart.

Thailand Vista

2010-07-19T14:46:00.003-05:00

I can imagine being in a boat on this lovely lake.
After a lazy ride, I would stop at a local food stall
devour some Tom Kha
and say "Bliss."

:: Image by buttonmoOon ::

of sand and rain

2010-07-14T13:30:00.000-05:00

summer + rain + sand

= engineering feats

= squeals of joy

= "no I don't wanna go home!"

Plato's Whimsey and a good ride

2010-07-13T13:13:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I come up with fun titles for books I'll never author.

Some of my favs:

Plato's Whimsey

The Shadow Light of the Dawn

A Flash in the Glass

An Act of Civil Disobedience (to eat healthily)

And today, a merger happened between my

right and left brain:

Republic Bike and the Plato Model of my dreams

I cannot decide.

Which would you choose?

or would you make something different?

PJ & Magnetism

2010-07-13T12:54:00.001-05:00

Photojojo provides my child-like self a place to dream and play.

Like a portable toy store.

And I can squeal with joy in the privacy of my own house.

The new "do not pull" lever is soooo addictive. I dare you try NOT to try it!

And these animal magnets? Coming toys, animals and photos all in one swell item?

Brilliant!

Made to order: Neighborhood tasting stand

2010-06-30T09:46:00.000-05:00

A little day-dream:

Wake up and brew coffee

Wander the garden in the soft morning light

Select today's delights

Peruse my cookbooks and create new dishes

Open up a tasting stand in my neighborhood

Just for fun.

All these lovely items are from FogLinenWork in Japan

(that's a day dream for another day)

they do ship international ...

2010-06-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

Because it made me laugh and I thought you might like a giggle too.

:: from Life ::

Flickr: Interior Sweetness

2010-06-28T08:11:00.001-05:00

wishing this was my table

:: image from absoluutly ::

In love with these

2010-06-28T08:07:00.000-05:00

lovely

Of things to come ...

2010-06-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

Soon.

I am awaiting.

The future looks grand.

staying here

eating here

dining here

enjoying this

wearing these

browsing this

:: image from the crossing ::

Uncle Sam Makeover

2010-06-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

I think I've shared before that I'm a high school art teacher.

In my line o' work the "why do we have to do it this way?" question pops up frequently.

Anything that is old school or might pop up on a test

begs my students to challenge it.

Like Uncle Sam.

He really does need a makeover.

He is soooo way last century.

Why don't you show what you're made of

and throw in a New Sam of your own.

Twyla Tharp dares you.

:: image from here ::

Dreamy Postal-ishiousness

2010-06-24T12:59:00.000-05:00

It has arrived.

A little bundle of joy from

the amazing, up-and-coming artist Linda Kim.

The mail-person

snuck it into my mail box

whilst I was gardening...

I must now curl up with her little booklet

of amazingness

and dream happy dreams.

Found in Searching

2010-06-24T07:10:00.000-05:00

Found in the midst of searching.
A new series.

Pit Stop: Rudy's BBQ

2010-06-23T13:38:00.000-05:00

Nothing like the "worst BBQ in Texas"to make your day.

:: images by Wendy Dooldeniya of Rudy's ::

Taking a Look

2010-06-23T08:57:00.003-05:00

How often do we really get to take a good look?

We glimpse.

We catch a glimmer.

We sneak a peek.

We glance.

(sometimes sideways)

But our culture does not value

looking

searching

pondering

stopping

I love how David Eustace took the time to really

look at his daughter

search for something with her

get a chance to know her

as she transforms before his eyes

So, I dare you-

Take some time

Look at someone

Search for something with them

And get to know their insides

What beauty will you uncover in the journey?

:: images by David Eustace and daughter Rachael ::

MOMA on Music

2010-06-18T08:22:00.000-05:00

a little ditty for your weekend

see more here

:: thanks bobulate for the inspirations ::

Flickr Friday: Going Places

2010-06-18T07:43:00.000-05:00

1. IF: ripple, 2. day╱35, 3. yellow hill (a.k.a. find the bee),

4. Untitled, 5. Untitled, 6. Amelisweerd,

7. fåtölj, 8. Untitled, 9. galake3

Sahara and Swissalot

2010-06-17T14:03:00.000-05:00

I've been telling stories of a make-believe lost town

in the Sahara Desert

called Swissalot.

It was a haven for fondue

and weary travelers. And was founded

by a few very adventurous Swiss.

:: sahara image from flickr ::

Searching for New

2010-06-17T13:07:00.000-05:00

We watched Nova's special on Pluto a few nights ago.

It has conjured a sense of wonder and questioning within me.

...

What new will be found?

Do I think Pluto is a planet?

How do ordinary people do extraordinary things?

Are there people in my life that are blessed with this

seeker-spirit?

What inventions are awaiting a builder?

...

What do you ponder? Would you share?

:: artwork here ::

Texas Sky

2010-06-15T23:42:00.000-05:00

There is something to be said about a Texas sky.

It is akin to "things are bigger and better in Texas," but a wee bit less pompous.

The skies in Texas are breath-taking with spotted clouds

and kaleidoscope colors saluting the sun.

I've seen Japanese artists gaze at them with wonder.

"We don't have wide open spaces like this in Kyoto."

I've seen children lay on the ground

and be awed silent by the vibrant airborne landscape.

If you've been to Arizona or New Mexico, or Montana

you know the power of a big sky.

Yet, each is so different with the altitude and dust,

the smell of the air.

For now, I'll share a little sky with you

and imagine you are here enjoying it with me.

see more here

or here

and here

Summer Series: Day of Rain

2010-06-15T14:58:00.001-05:00

Recently we had a lot of rain

and set aside our badminton and swimsuits

for boots and pencils.

Sometimes I wished it would last for a week

so I could sketch all those things I've been collecting

and bake all the goodies I've been dreaming of.

(except my children would go insane, and take me with them...)

Follow my blog with bloglovin

On Turning 40

2010-06-11T08:50:00.000-05:00

In 35 days, I will be turning 40.

I don't know if you all have reached this cultural age mark yet,

but it seems so different than when I turned 30.

As my family has learned about caring for grape vines

I find myself comparing life to the vine.

A new vine is gorgeous and supple, so much like our youth.

But the best wine comes from older grapes & a strong thick vine.

You and I are approaching our peak vintage.

...

Last summer I asked a handful of seasoned people (most aged 50+)
what they had thought about their 40s.
They ALL said they were fabulous
and they were so happy to leave the 30s behind.
I was shocked by that - the joy of 30s past.

I'm beginning to understand that better already.
No "I must do this" lists
Less "who am I?" questions lingering

My list of accomplishments is finished.

I've weathered storms and have come out more calm for it.

(broken hearts, cancer, loss of a job, loss of loved ones)

So what does that leave me to ponder at 40?

Thankfulness.

Joy.

Hope.

I do not know what tomorrow holds.

But I have learned to be thankful for today.

It is glorious.

And so much better than 30.

Summer Series: Day 4

2010-06-10T13:51:00.000-05:00

Childhood visions of water, glistening rocks, elusive turtles

It has been a fabulous, very good day.

Must See: Oly

2010-06-10T11:49:00.001-05:00

Ohhhh, the lovely OLY and her quirky style

stumbled across my screen one day in a flickr walk.

She's got style, funk and some

mad-sweet little sayings from her heart

in her shop.

Like this one:

my dear dear friends, this is my song for you, no matter where you are on earth,

the 3rd planet in our little solar system.

i wanna share with you, of all the magical little moments,

of all the bitter and sweet small details,

of all the endless small ( soft ) talks,

of, the music that made of our everyday life,

like heartbeats, like smiles,

like, being alive, like, being in love :)

If you have a moment to relax in your day,

why not join her in her world

of images and illustrations

for one moment

her blog

flickr

shop

:: images by oly ::

project alert: sticky circles

2010-06-10T06:23:00.000-05:00

I stumbled upon the greatest old thing yesterday,

japanese dot stickers

and - viola! - inspiration

and then a search began

for those also inspired by dots...

labokoff

restlessthings

the lovely ray eames

and the Ben-day dot man himself - lichtenstien

Must See: Spartan

2010-06-09T07:40:00.000-05:00

As I was wishing I could hop a plane to Toronto

to visit my favorite shops like this and this,

I found that a great one was right here in Austin -

Spartan.

The online shop has excellent curated stock and images

Go dream there with me.

Summer Series: Day 3

2010-06-08T20:11:00.001-05:00

We've been busy around here -

swimming lessons

rocks and beads mixing (a new version of mud-pie)

playing with the over-powerful air hand dryers at public bathrooms

(who knew it could bring little ones such joy to see their skin blow around?)

gazing on the wild, summer sunflowers

debating strawberry or raspberry jam is best with peanut butter

ahh, summer

Summer Series: Day Deux

2010-06-04T09:45:00.000-05:00

They awoke with the sun today

and a backyard adventure followed shortly thereafter...

The wind of inspiration

2010-06-03T21:36:00.001-05:00

The lights are out in my home

and outdoors

as the world quiets down.

I am up late sketching,

visions blooming in my head.

I need to send out these ideas

into the expanse beyond my house

as inspiration to the unsuspecting

as hoped delight to the recipient

as a life buoy to the wind

Where will the ideas land?

The anticipation is like that of a 3rd grader

sending up a balloon with a postcard attached

and awaiting the moment when it is returned

to plot the course it traveled upon.

:: image by Wendy Dooldeniya ::

Summer Series: Day 1

2010-06-03T16:29:00.001-05:00

Announcing a summer series

Each week I will share images of summer

Use them as inspiration

as conduit

as reflection

as nostalgia

Most of all, I want you all to

ENJOY SUMMER!

A backyard afternoon of laughter

and the introduction of badminton

to my daughters.

Tea Time: Danish Ceramics

2010-06-02T21:19:00.002-05:00

Ahhh, those Danes have got it.

Create: the Sketchbook Project

2010-06-02T08:26:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of this?

You purchase a special Moleskin with a library barcode,

then create artwork on a theme (20+ to choose from)

then send it in.

You become part of a world-wide sketchbook project,

and your work lives on in the Brooklyn Art Library.

It reminds me of another fabulous library/art collaboration.

I am so inspired to create!

Won't you join me?

Lost at the Farm

2010-06-01T12:53:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of images and words here

over the holiday weekend.

I was lost at the farm.

Nights gazing up at the stars -
when was the last time you spied a shooting star?

Days working in the vineyard
and foraging for berries, onion, tomatoes and potatoes -
Delicious.

:: images by Wendy Dooldeniya ::

Going Monochrome

2010-05-26T09:13:00.000-05:00

As a photographer, my heart has a special place

for the delight of black and white.

These send me back to the days of darkrooms

bulk-loading film

and the hum of yellow lightbulbs.

from left: cocktail napkin, mug, drawing

Light My Way: RISD Pendant

2010-05-26T08:51:00.000-05:00

I love light and texture combined.

This makes me think of a

molecular breakdown of a cloud

the top of a wildflower

flipped upside down.

check out more here

::image from RISD::

To try: Sunday Baked Tomatoes

2010-05-24T10:44:00.000-05:00

My darling man

made lunch Sunday

Baked tomatoes, goat cheese, basil, olive oil

divine goodness

No, I won't share him. He mine, all mine.

A rarity

2010-05-22T21:08:00.000-05:00

OK, so I seldom if ever

show you all jewelry

It is in times like these that

you should be ready for a surprise

Viola! Jewelry!

Aren't these lovely?

Truly.

Lovely.

from the lovely miette

Say Uhuru

2010-05-21T14:01:00.000-05:00

Now to relax.... Happy Friday!

:: from Uhuru ::

Inspirations: Sharon Montrose

2010-05-21T10:24:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have a day when you just ask WHY?

Why do this?

Why is it not working?

And then you take a break,

a creative time out

and try something completely different.

Like mixing chocolate and raspberry jam.

WHAM!

There it is again, that creative juice.

That igniting of the spirit.

Here's a great video

of photographer Sharon Montrose

on her simple and successful

something different.

Handmade Portraits: Sharon Montrose from Etsy on Vimeo.

Thanks to Miss B for bringing this front and center.

Texture

2010-05-20T16:24:00.000-05:00

so lovely

I wish I could just stoke it with

the little tip of my finger

:: From Jardino ::

-- see more on her blog too --

Dreaming I'm Flying: Seattle and Puget Sound

2010-05-19T09:13:00.000-05:00

I often dream of the low light

of Puget Sound.

How it mingles with the soft waves

the smooth stones on the beach

the driftwood with its ancient tales

I'm dreaming of flying to Seattle

and eating in Bellvue

and a night at Inn at the Market

Then off on the ferry to Friday Harbor

and Whidbey Island

where seafood and views

are never scarce.

:: For image credits, click on image link ::

To Try: Sunny, Woody Meal

2010-05-18T21:24:00.000-05:00

Simply photo knows how to create and capture

a good meal.

What is your ideal, beautiful plate?

Dreaming I'm Flying: London And Lake District

2010-05-17T11:08:00.002-05:00

Each year, about May, my spirit dreams of flying.

Far away places.

New adventures.

Food, divine food.

Gorgeous vistas.

Today, the spirit says London.

I would definitely stop in at Graham and Green

and grab a latte and a
brie, tomato and basil baguette sandwich at Pret

and then drive to the Lake District

enjoying the views of age-old stone walls

sheep and wildflowers.

ahhh, the spirit has the right idea.

(and yes, it really is that gorgeous)

:: click on images for credits ::

Dornith Doherty and an Apology

2010-05-14T15:12:00.000-05:00

And now for an apology.

I've been swamped with life

and my chats with you have dwindled these past few weeks.

Please forgive the random silences.

Here's a few images that have offered me peace in the midst of end-of-school-year-gunk.

I hope they do the same for you.

I'll try to be a better uploader next week.

Summer cometh!

:: Images by Dornith Doherty ::

Must See: Margaret and Joy

2010-05-10T14:55:00.001-05:00

Don't know where I found Margaret and Joy,

but I had to share.

Clean images, delicious looking food, inspiring combinations

Kitchen Inspiration: Mjolk

2010-05-10T14:48:00.002-05:00

A slew of people talked about this super fab store last week

And I became even more in love with Scandinavia.

2010-05-07T06:55:00.001-05:00

This is peaceful and lovely.

:: Via Design for Mankind inspiration ::

I heart...

2010-05-06T13:57:00.001-05:00

Here are some people who lead. And I follow.

Are you in need of inspiration?

Do you want that special something that makes you happy on a stressful day?

Then come and hear their words and see their visions.

Frank Chimero, designer and thoughtmaker

Simon Sinek, Advertiser and thoughtmaker

Janine Joles, Image maker, thought and image sharer

Tina Roth Eisenberg, Designer, inspiration sharer

Tanakawho, image maker extraordinaire

:: image by Tanakawho on flickr ::

iPhone Dreams

2010-05-04T15:59:00.000-05:00

I love wood (my daughters are named after trees)

and these iPhone covers from Grove Made are divine.

Inspiring Words

2010-05-03T16:04:00.000-05:00

A student of mine finished her

Inspirational Poster Assignment today.

It made me smile

so I thought I'd share.

Le Sigh - Monday

2010-05-03T09:44:00.000-05:00

Ahh, a relaxing weekend

Full of sun

Fresh air

Sunsets

May it creep into your week

like a blooming jasmine flower

caught on a Spring breeze

:: image from Les Brumes' ::

Inspiration: Bookhou

2010-04-30T08:24:00.000-05:00

Oh Bookhou.

you woo me with your modern curves

your wanton triangles

your letterpress tones

You would make my home a place

to sew myself up in

and never leave

except for Pho

:: Images by Bookhou ::

Divine Design

2010-04-29T12:56:00.001-05:00

Recently, I have become enamored with delicate fiber work.

I'm sure this stems from my utter lack of ability

with thread and needle,

yet the heart wants what the heart wants.

These two dazzling artists make me swoon

and I'd thought they'd like a try at your hearts too.

Enjoy.

Daniaelle Simonsen

Susie Cowie

Peaceful Tuesday

2010-04-27T08:47:00.000-05:00

Many people have found that Tuesdays are harder than Mondays.

So, here is a peaceful moment in your hectic Tuesday.

You can get it all done!

1. Untitled, 2. silence, 3. Untitled, 4. bluegrass

A thought: Patience

2010-04-24T09:25:00.002-05:00

I love the insight and heart at Shutter Sisters.
Today, I'm wrapped up in the thoughts on Patience and Photography.
I had to share with you.
____________________________

Passion has always held a high regard in the hearts of photo-hopefuls, willing their visions into manifestation. And persistence is the rule preached at school. If we just keep at it long enough, we will make our way into our definitions of success. Then there's little old Patience, tying it all together, striking a stone to a flint under our bums when the film doesn't come out right, when we're not as far along our paths as we'd like, or when our credentials only fill up a post-it note. Patience leaves her mark when that photograph would have been perfect if we'd just waited a little while longer to release that shutter, but instead snapped the last image on the roll or had just had enough and walked away with the digital in tow. Those are the moments Patience pops up again, hopping around in our faces, creeping into the frames, a haunting reminder that she is not to be forgotten.
If we walk with Patience by our side long enough, she will generously give us a certain presence that will enrich our lives and practices, photography or otherwise. And in our quiet successes we can exalt and raise our hands, cartwheel or dance, because we got that shot, we savored that feeling or made that new memory without measuring or making comparisons, we have our friend to thank. Patience brings passion to the surface and fuels persistence that mile further because she has a co-conspirator and her name is Photography.
____________________________
From Shutter Sisters friend Rachel Wolfe

Fresh Vista: Yangtze River & the Cloud Bunny

2010-04-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

I tell stories with my daughters at bedtime, as most parents do.

But I have to say, I truly love our make-believe world.

A world of hot air balloons.

Bunnies that live in the clouds

and

talking elephants that live in tents.

Mice that paint and can jump into their make-believe worlds.

Fairies that give fairy dust for extra far away grand adventures.

Recently, the cloud bunny has been picking up the girls for trips

with great cloud-views.

We have been to the Arctic for the aurora borealis,

the Yangtze River for the diversity,
the Pyramids for the golden light.

On each trip the girls captured aerial images

through the window the bunny has on his cloud floor.

And each morning I pull up images from
flickr or Yann Arthus-Bertrand
to encourage their imaginations
and to grow their
adventurous spirits.

What stories to you love?
What dreams do you have?
Where would you go to see through a window in a cloud?

:: images from flickr, flickr, flickr and flickr ::

Must See: Wolf and Badger

2010-04-22T10:28:00.002-05:00

On a leisure "losting" on the web

(where one randomly clicks article links and you are taken to a variety of unexpected places)

I ran into Wolf and Badger.

The web intro is fun and cool

(see below)

and the collection of wares in the shop

is a bit quirky as well.

Have a Look?

Try It: Almond Cake

2010-04-21T16:40:00.000-05:00

Today I practiced the art of Baking.

Usually I am too busy to don the apron,

pull out the Kitchen Aid mixer

and stroll my finders through a cookbook.

But today, filled with the joy of Spring sunlight

through my windows,

I succumbed to the urge to bake.

And it was so worth it.

Tonight we have almond cake with raspberries!

Interior: Möben Kitchens

2010-04-20T21:05:00.000-05:00

Today, I had the rare treat of mistyping

a web address

and stumbling upon Möben Kitchens

I love the modern feel and natural tones.

Now if it was just in the US instead of

across the pond...

:: Images by Möben Kitchens ::

Ode to Mom

2010-04-20T11:19:00.001-05:00

A few ideas for Mother's Day...

Treats: Whimsy and Spice

Spa: Gilchrist and Soames

Garden: Terrain

:: Images by the shops, tape by Pugly Pixel ::

Inspiration: Ryann Ford

2010-04-19T12:52:00.000-05:00

Austin photographer Ryann Ford

is diverse and powerful with her images.

Each is bright, bending light with vibrance.

Above is from her story on California's Salton Sea

Her work can be seen in Texas Monthly

and many

Austin magazines.

:: Images by Ryann Ford ::

I see you how you see me?

2010-04-19T12:07:00.000-05:00

I love infographics.

Here's some new smashing work from

Yang Liu

comparing the Germans (blue) and the Chinese (red)

How the Chinese and Germans see each other

Sound in Restaurants

How to stand in line

:: Images by Liu, via BrainPickings and Information is Beautiful ::

Inspirations: Hadley Hutton

2010-04-15T13:25:00.000-05:00

Hadley is like love in spring with a side of dark chocolate...

:: artwork by Hadley Hutton ::

Fresh Vistas: Germany

2010-04-15T08:30:00.001-05:00

A place to contemplate the questions of life and love,

whilst sipping an orange soda and eating a sandwich...

:: image by Laura Levins ::

On a roll

2010-04-15T08:22:00.001-05:00

ToDryFor is an amazing new tea towel depository and exporter

that Design*Sponge introduced this week.

This Jelly Print towel belongs in my

kitchen-lab.

Quirky, pink and fun.
(scroll down for the pink wiggly design)

Fresh Vistas: Cape Town with Jardino

2010-04-14T08:16:00.000-05:00

This Spring I participated in Souvenir Foto School.

An amazing class hosted by the fabulous MissB

One of the participants, Jardino, spent six weeks

dazzling us with the view

from her house in Hout Bay, Cape Town.

Needless to say, "me want to go there."

Jardino - Thanks for sharing the fresh view

you receive each day!

Inspiration: Anu Tuominen

2010-04-13T14:07:00.000-05:00

inspiration: orange

2010-04-13T12:03:00.000-05:00

I just see daisies in here ...

Fresh Vistas: Say WOW!

2010-04-13T10:24:00.001-05:00

From Lucas Rodriguez

Pillow Talk

2010-04-12T15:56:00.000-05:00

Find a good pillow or two and be dazed by Roland Bello

Fresh Vistas: Say ahhhhhhh

2010-04-12T14:32:00.001-05:00

Brandi Strickland

Ceramics: Red, White and Blue

2010-04-08T08:25:00.000-05:00

Anthropologie has some smashing new things

and they make me feel

very patriotic.

Enjoy!

vase

salad plate

paper straws

(not ceramic, but fun!)

small vase

:: images by Anthropologie ::

Win a Public Bike

2010-04-08T08:16:00.001-05:00

Wet those pens,

invigorate that mind

feel the wind whipping through your ideas

go get signed up!

Ceramics: Hella Jongerius

2010-04-07T10:11:00.001-05:00

As I look into ceramic craft

I am more in love with the use of texture in design -

a blending of natural

materials to make something

kinesthetic and utilitarian

yet

ever intriguing to the eyes

In comes Hella Jongerius.

Her work, creative and ever evolving, inspires.

:: Images by Hella Jongerius ::

Inspirations: Piet Hein Eek

2010-04-07T08:36:00.001-05:00

OK, so Piet Hein Eek has the coolest name ever.

Piet - famous artist-like name

Hein - foodish name

Eek - well, its Eek!, isn't it?

Now, to live up to that name comes items like this

that really should be in my backyard.

Really.

Don't you think sometimes they should "test" things out

in real people's (aka - me & you) lives?

wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

really.

... and I'm also in love with, well, EVERYTHING by Eek.

Check it out.

I bet you'll drool too.

Now these, I think I could actually, maybe, own some of.

:: images by Piet Hein Eek ::

Ceramics: Big Cartel

2010-04-06T13:58:00.000-05:00

White Porcelain Berry Bowl, Isabelle Abramson

Storage Jar, Olive and Marie

crocus vase, Kim Westad

Dark and Light: Ceramics

2010-04-05T08:33:00.000-05:00

I am in love with the raw, earthy

feel of Kaori Tatebayashi's

ceramics.

My hands crave the touch of them

My eyes love the lush earthy colors.

I see red raspberries or blood orange slices

in the dark bowls.

Jasmine Pearl tea in the dark cup

with affugato and warm beignets

in another of her lovely bowls

Cheese lusciously laid out on the serving plate

with grapes and honey

Oh! to be in England now, where her wares are homed...

Celebrate Today!

2010-04-04T08:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter Sunday to all.

May your day include sunshine in your eyes and in your heart!

:: Illustration by Katie Daisy ::

Dinner with Friends

2010-04-02T16:22:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I'll take some time and walk in the footsteps of others.

Come together and dine, as Jesus did with his friends tonight.

Share big, loving words with each other.

Celebrate blessings.

Do a little Hope Mongering.

Yes, this weekend is going to be fabulous.

:: Image via Formafantasma ::

:: Via Busy Being Fabulous ::

Must Make: Cookie Clouds

2010-04-02T08:46:00.001-05:00

Forty Sixth At Grace has the best tutorials.

This week she posted about cookie clouds.

So classic for an Easter picnic that will hopefully be sans clouds of the sky kind.

:: Image from FortySixthAtGrace ::

download her recipe here

Must See: Sarah Greene Reed

2010-03-30T07:55:00.000-05:00

An Austin treasure: Sarah Greene Reed

Two to Try: Teas

2010-03-29T15:27:00.000-05:00

PLUS

Teaposy glass tea pot

and

Manhattan Earl Grey

(no sugar needed)

both at the Tea Embassy

By the Light of Tom

2010-03-29T14:34:00.006-05:00

New from Tom Dixon

Snap it Up

2010-03-26T09:12:00.001-05:00

I love photojojo.

Truly.

It sits in a special place in my inbox

always delivers a smile to my face

And now they have taken the 'Keep Calm and Carry On" slogan

and made it my way:

"Keep Calm and Snap On."

Ahhhh. Now this will be on my classroom wall come fall.

hansel - GRETEL

2010-03-26T09:03:00.001-05:00

Gretel sells the most modern, lovely goods

I hope some will son adorn my table

Until then, I shall happily gaze at their simple, clean images and dream

Invite by Envelop

2010-03-24T09:54:00.000-05:00

Meal Accessories by Envelop

1. hot pot mit by Jackie Bos

2. apron by Genna Correll

3. placemat by Thomas Dabner

Polaroid Lives!

2010-03-23T13:50:00.000-05:00

You may have heard the crazy news already -

Polaroid Lives!

Thanks to the impossible project, grit and gumption

It is Back!!!

Break out your SX-70 and get busy with it again!

More on the "new" Polaroid here.

:: Images from the Impossible Project Collection ::

Must Try: Lemongrass Dry Soda

2010-03-23T09:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went on a culinary field trip with my photo students

to Central Market in preparation for our Food Photography Shoot.

The gelato awed the student's bellies and

the Dry Lemongrass Soda wooed me.

Refreshing and light, not sweet.

Come on, try it.

(image via Dry)

Spring Break and Cake

2010-03-22T12:42:00.001-05:00

Sorry for my absence.

Spring Break came early (my laptop had a nasty cold and had to go see the doctor)

and then annual Family Fun ensued.

More on San Antonio, Mi Tierra, the McNay Museum

Austin, Asti, picnics and the Hong Kong Market

Inner Space Caverns,

the garden,

and Anthropologie finds

this week.

Now, for a little dreaming of Cakes from Living, Etc.

How about a Kebab?

2010-03-11T15:00:00.000-06:00

Murray, on HBOs Flight of the Conchords, loves a good Kebab.

I'm with Murray since my taste buds visited Turkey last summer

and were properly introduced to the true Kebab.

This recipe is true to my summer bliss

and is cheaper on the wallet than a flight to Turkey.

Enjoy!

:: image from Gourmet magazine ::

Picnic in Paradise

2010-03-11T09:16:00.000-06:00

As Spring Break is almost here, my mind is wandering

towards summer-like warm weather wishes.

Wish #1: I wish I could be here eating from this basket.

Would someone have the number of my Genie?

:: top image by Johner ::

:: bottom image by Roland Bello ::

YUM! Alert

2010-03-10T15:39:00.001-06:00

Ricotta and Herb Spread via Real Simple Magazine

:: photo via Real Simple ::

Here comes the Sun

2010-03-10T14:27:00.000-06:00

Field Notes Special Edition Sunshine!

(A 3-pack with a pack of seeds to plant...divine.)

Get them while you can.

Light My Way

2010-03-10T09:49:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, just sometimes, it seems as if you are in sync with those around you.

Today, for me, is one of those days.

I went early onto Etsy this morning in search of some lighting ideas

for a project I'm doing with my art students.

On the front page was a great article on - lighting!

Here's some fruit from that article and my own Etsy light-romp.

Each is made of multiple parts and is unique in its styling.

Enjoy!

from TKid

by Touch Design Studio

by Soft Decor

By Drivvt

by JeanPelle

Gulliver's Delight

2010-03-09T10:32:00.002-06:00

As a student I always loved Gulliver's Travels.

I imagined little worlds with big ideas and

I often dreamed of the rabbits in Watership Down.

No wonder the Horton Hear's a Who

and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatball's

have a place of honor on the ol' bookshelf.

Enjoy this tasty take on smallness

from French photographer and child-at-heart

Dongedy

Drawing Delicious

2010-03-09T09:49:00.001-06:00

Another fabulous illustration from Oswald Flump (gotta love that name)

Go forth and make brownies!

Terrain

2010-03-08T06:55:00.000-06:00

Today I went on a virtual shopping trip to Terrain.

The Flight of Honey and those neutral nesting dishes

create visions of Southern France in my head.

I see a dinner party blooming!

(Thanks Design is Mine for the heads up on Terrain!)

Thursday Breakfast Favs

2010-03-04T09:44:00.000-06:00

1. Ichigo Daifuku (Strawberry Mochi), 2. Sables Bretons, 3. Untitled, 4. apricots in bucket 9146,

5. blackberries 4017.jpg, 6. cinnamon bun dome 2885.jpg, 7. scones on round 5533, 8. inspired:november, 9. Brussels waffles with a milk chocolate sauce

made with flkr toys