Gardenia Lover

Sometimes the closest we can get to a real gardenia is to buy one molded of soap and scent by Gianna Rose Atelier.  Have you seen their Tresors du Jardin with 3 Gardenia Soaps in Soap Dish?  The soaps are beautiful and it is such a lovely gift.

I have a particular affinity for gardenias because my mom used to mail them to me.  You read that right.  For a time they had a house and garden in Florida and when the gardenia bloomed she wanted to share it with me.  A Ziploc bag full of damp paper towels and near perfect gardenia blooms would arrive at my house in Michigan in the middle of Winter.  Can you imagine?  It was a wonderful (and fragrant) moment in time.

But on this bright day in Palm Beach, a perfect (and I mean so perfect it must have opened that morning) gardenia was in bloom on a tree within reach.  I zoomed my camera a bit and this is the result.  The pure white waxy petals looked other-worldly and luckily no bug dared to land on this scented masterpiece.

Do you know what a gardenia smells like?  If you do, close your eyes and imagine breathing it in right now.

Looking Forward to Eden

My job is to inspire and delight.  I love this time of year in particular because I can ping pong around different topics and really surprise you with the photo of the day.

While June feels far off, we can all delight in this rose.  It is an "Eden" climber and when the sun rises over the brick wall on my patio, the effect is beautiful.

Nature requires me to be a morning person!  If I am not camera ready around 8 am, I miss all the good light.  On cold and snowy mornings like this one, I remember quiet mornings like this and I can hardly wait to sit outside in my pajamas with a cup of coffee and my camera.  

I hope that the longer days of sunlight and the promise of Easter right around the corner, helps to make your wait for Spring a little more delightful.  

Las Vegas: Gordon Ramsay BurGR

Did you know that Burgers are a new trend in Vegas restaurants?  I considered all of my choices and decided that BurGR was the perfect place to go on our last night in Las Vegas.  It's brand new Gordon Ramsey restaurant (opened in Jan 2013), has a really interesting burger menu and is located in the lobby of the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.  I was impressed with how the restaurant embraced technology.  When we gave our name at the hostess stand, she took my cell number to text me when the table was ready.  Fabulous! That freed us up to go wander around the casino for a few minutes (don't miss the Go Go dancers up on the tables - this is Vegas, alright).

Out text came within 10 minutes and our table for two was on the glass wall, so we could see a lot of casino action as we ate dinner.  The atmosphere of the restaurant is young and fun.  I enjoyed my Chanterelle Burger with chanterelle mushrooms, arugula and figgy-onion jam, while Dan had an Uber Cheese Burger with fontina, raclette and goat cheese melting on top. We shared a cone of hand cut Just Fries french fries.  

A waitress will bring an iPad to the table with an interactive drink and dessert menu.  We couldn't resist the idea of a pudding-topped milkshake and decided to share a thick chocolate shake topped with 3 inches of homemade caramel pudding and a crisp toffee cookie.  Yum and "I can't eat anymore!"  It was cold and thick and delicious.  A fun splurge and a little bit of memory-making too.  We'll never forget sharing a pudding topped milkshake.  Thanks, Gordon!

Las Vegas: Cityscape

I promised one of my readers in Denmark that I would take a lot of photos of Las Vegas to give her some perspective on the city.  Tah-dah! 

A little like Times Square in New York City, the Vegas Strip has gotten a lot of new texture lately.  I notice jumbo trons (giant TV screens) playing video of popular Vegas shows to increase ticket sales everywhere and giant "ad wraps" on buildings (see Gordan Ramsay's face on the column below the Planet Hollywood sign) are promoting restaurant openings and special events.  

Plus the city practically has a soundtrack, now.  Popular music is piped onto the street, into the moving walkways areas, outside by the taxi stands.  There are speakers everywhere.  Las Vegas is no place for a headache.  But it is fun and lively and the lights, music and action certainly makes 4 o'clock in the afternoon  seem just as fun as 1 o'clock in the morning.  But then, that's Las Vegas.

And in the daylight, you can see these glorious mountains in the distance.

Las Vegas: Border Grill

It was a lucky stroke.  And Vegas is all about luck, isn't it?  Dan wanted to go out for Mexican the third night of the conference and by doing an online search, I found Border Grill at Mandalay Bay.  When I clicked their menu and started reading about the restaurant, I quickly realized that this restaurant was owned by the 2 chefs (and lifelong friends) that I had come to admire on Top Chef Masters.  Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger are known for their gourmet Mexican classics and I found their restaurant by accident.  Hallelujah.

The chips and fresh salsas were very satisfying to munch on after a busy day.  The restaurant atmosphere was fun and lively - though a little loud for my taste.  Noise dampening tiles, maybe?  Can you see my orange tin purse?  I made it out of a Fauchon cookie tin!  I love a purse with a pop of color when I am out on the town. 

The menu was full of interesting choices.  My dinner was: Fish Tacos Ensenada: grilled sustainable fish, tomatillo, avocado crema, handmade corn tortillas, red rice, green rice, black beans was absolutely delicious.  The fish was hot and flaky.  The sides were fresh and flavorful.  I would return again and again.

Dan had Chicken Poblano Enchiladas: smoked chicken, handmade corn tortillas, poblano crema, grilled corn, wild mushrooms, charred poblano chiles and he said it was the best he'd ever had.

Thank you, Mary Sue and Susan!  We loved every bite and are so happy that we were able to try your cooking.   

Las Vegas: "The Bride" Bridal Shower Cake

This is a cake!  The bride has come to life in this spectacular (and edible!) sculpture by Jean Philippe Patisserie.  You can see more of Jean Philippe's creations online here, select the "Dolls" option.

The cake revolves in a display case (at the Jean Philippe Patisserie in the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas) so that guests can admire the work from all sides.    

The patisserie (where I indulged in this) has a video playing on a monitor that shows his skilled staff making the chocolate creations that are available in the shop.  Watching it was like sitting in on a chocolates class and I watched the whole presentation - candies moving down a conveyor belt under a wide ribbon of chocolate, an artist painting the side of a cake, a white chocolate mum being formed, petal by petal, out of individual pieces (comma-shaped smudges) of white chocolate.  I loved it.  

Maybe I should take a class in working with chocolate? 

Las Vegas: Dale Chihuly

It was wonderful to be able to admire the spectacular Chihuly glass installation on the ceiling of the lobby of The Bellagio.  The display is enormous and you always have to be careful walking through the lobby because almost everyone is looking up, instead of where they are going.  

The large glass discs look a lot like melted Lifesavers and are beautiful with the light illuminating them from behind. The artist, Dale Chihuly has a shop selling his books, videos about the art of glass blowing and a few select pieces of tabletop art sculpture.

Las Vegas: Bouchon

The theme? Pretending we were in France.  

Dan and I had reservations at chef Thomas Keller's Bouchon (within The Venetian Resort) in Las Vegas and were looking forward to a simple and delicious bistro meal.  

Five years earlier, we had come specifically for Bouchon's Steak Frites (Steak Frites: Roasted flat iron steak, caramelized shallots, maître d’hôtel butteror sauce Béarnaise served with French fries) and fond memories of our wonderful meal brought us back. 

Wine was served with a dish of pistachios and loaf of bread called an "epi."  
Here's a quick video I found on YouTube to showcase how an epi is cut before baking to create this classic French loaf.  It has a marvelous crust and is delicious with butter.

Dan ordered Gigot d’Agneau, roasted leg of lamb with sweet potato pain perdue, wilted Swiss chard, confit of chestnuts, spiced quince & lamb jus and a side of sauteed spinach.  I assure you, enjoyed every bite.  
   
I loved my Poulet Rôti, roasted chicken with caramelized savoy cabbage, forest mushrooms & whole grain mustard jus.  The cabbage and mushrooms were a nice addition to the perfectly roasted chicken.  Merci!

After dinner, we wandered through The Grand Canal Shoppes in the Venetian, window shopping and listening to the gondoliers singing to their passengers.

Las Vegas: Warhol Out West

I considered myself lucky to be staying at The Bellagio in Las Vegas when the largest collection of Warhol art work ever to be showcased in Nevada was being exhibited in their fine art gallery.

The "Warhol Out West" exhibit is fascinating.  If you buy a ticket ($16) for the 2 o'clock time slot, a docent will accompany your group as you view the gallery.  Our docent was an art major in college tour and she did a great job filling in the background of Warhol's life.  

The exhibit has 60 pieces of art, including the celebrated Campbell's tomato soup cans, a series of neon-edged screen prints portraying images of "The West", an interactive exhibit of silver Mylar pillows filled with helium and a series of casual portraits taken of celebrities (Sylvester Stalone, Liza Minnelli, Mick Jagger, Grace Jones) with a Polaroid camera.  My mind was racing.  

You can see 4 examples of the art on display here.

Do you remember when I saw the limited edition Campbell's soup cans at Target?  It was a special collection of 3 label styles designed to salute the 50th Anniversary of Andy Warhol's tomato soup can.  I happened to still have this photo on my phone and when my group was viewing and discussing the Campbell's soup can series, I was able to show them this picture and tell them about the 50th Anniversary.  No one had seen this display so it was fun to be able to share it. 

Las Vegas: Modern Vacationing

Sometimes technology is a delight.  When I saw this kiosk and realized that it would snap a digital photo of us and post it to Facebook, Twitter or in an email, I couldn't resist.  Dan and I were walking through Mandalay Bay on our way back from dinner at Border Grill when we took this photo.  Cute, eh?

You simply stand in front of the screen, tap to take a picture (and, yes, you can do retakes) and then log into your email/Facebook/Twitter to send it out to your friends.  What a great idea!  

It gives a plug to the source (Thank you, Mandalay Bay) and shows your family and friends that you are having a great time on your vacation.  It also reinforces Mandalay Bay's new branding of guests as "resortists," rather than tourists.  Interesting.  

Las Vegas: Jean Philippe Patisserie

Oh me, oh my!  When I arrived at The Bellagio in Las Vegas, I made a beeline for the Jean Philippe Patisserie, which is to the left of the conservatory not far from the lobby.  You know, just to make sure it was still there and that I could go ahead with my "travel plans" of having a pastry a day.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but a girl has to dream, doesn't she?  In truth, I have been here 3 days and have actually spread my sugar consumption around.  

Day One: a multitude of mini-pastries at The Buffet at The Bellagio (it was our travel day and we hadn't had lunch or dinner, so a buffet was a fun way to go.) 

Day Two: a red velvet cupcake at Jean Philippe.  The cake was delicious - dense and moist.  The frosting encased in this glorious red lacquer was sweet, fluffy and satisfying.  Would I order this again - absolutely! 

Day Three: I ordered myself a small cup of gelato at Cafe Gelato, which is inside The Bellagio, next to the Fine Art Gallery.  I had Bailey's and Dark Chocolate side-by-side and I have never been happier.  I was able to eat it outside on the terrace that overlooks the pool.  I stood in the sun (it was about 62 and sunny today) and enjoyed the fresh air and sweet treat.

I still have two days left on this trip, so there are more pastries in my future.  

Las Vegas: Floral Clothing

Interesting, aren't they?  Now look closely and realize that the clothing worn by the Chinese children in the Bellagio's Chinese New Year display are made from FLOWERS!

Carnations and mums attached to wet floral foam "garments" (like Oasis) make costumes that are lush and vibrant.

The garden team were refreshing the display early one morning and I took a photo to show you the fantastic structure (made of wet floral foam and wire) that allows flowers to make their own floral print!

I asked a gardener about the designs and she said that they start off with a plan, but as they refresh it through the weeks, the design often changes based on the flowers and colors they have that day.  I love the fuchsia pants above, that look like they have a pleat of kiwi green.  Imagination at work.

At 2:15 am today (March 3, 2013) the crane rolled in and started removing the Chinese New Year decorations and preparing for the Spring display.  I saw this just in time!

Bellagio: Las Vegas

I am staying at the beautiful Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.  My husband is attending a conference and I am here searching out things to bring you delight.

I have stayed in 3 Las Vegas properties in the last 5 years and the Bellagio is by far the best.  Look at our beautiful room on the 28th floor.  It has a 5 ft x 5 ft picture window with a view of the city and mountains.

(When writing about Las Vegas, I have to mention indoor air quality in the public areas of the hotels:
MGM Grand: The strong smoke and fake raspberry scent pumped in to mask it, is enough to keep you from spending too much time there.  In the same vein, I visited the Venetian Resort last night - on my way to Bouchon - and the fragrance/air freshener in the lobby almost had me running right back out the revolving door.  I pressed on and thankfully, the air freshener was not noticeable in the area in and around the restaurant, Bouchon.  The Bellagio is pleasant and as the day progresses, it's the smoke that will bother you, not the fragrance.  I award the "best air quality within a casino" status to Mandalay Bay.  Breathing felt clean and pleasant and I couldn't "taste" any perfume/air freshener.  Those sensitive to scent and smoke, beware in Las Vegas.) 

The water fountain show (on the half hour, daily, and every 15 minutes, starting at 8 o c'lock) is spectacular and in sync with classical music.  It is a lovely way to enjoy a few minutes outside on a crisp Las Vegas night. I took a video on my phone and I will try to attach it here when I get home.  The temperature was approx 39-45 degrees at night, so bring a jacket and pashmina for a February visit.

I am just getting settled and have started taking photographs to bring you the latest on Las Vegas. Stay tuned!

Tweeting from an IT Conference

I thought that this was an absolutely genius idea.  As attendees checked into the HR2013 conference in Las Vegas, they were offered the chance to pick up an "I Tweet" adhesive banner.  If they were active on Twitter, they could attach the banner to their name badge and let people know that they tweeted on topics related to the conference as well as Human Resource IT concepts.

By wearing this little prompt, attendees could more easily identify, meet and "follow" industry leaders.  I told my husband that I wish I could wear an "I Tweet" badge in my daily life.  So many people are just beginning to participate on Twitter, but they don't know who to follow, other than celebrities.

I tweet "of the moment" ideas and photos from my daily life that can bring delight.  New products that I think are noteworthy, images from art exhibitions, beautiful photos of food.  Often they are something with a time constraint - a sale on something that usually isn't on sale.  A limited edition product that is in stores now etc.  I don't tweet every day, but I do share things when I think that they are valuable and interesting.

This post is my sticky badge saying: I tweet!

Capture A Moment

I was in Paris with my parents in 2005 and I was determined to take photographs that would jog our memory in years to come.  Images that were atmospheric.  

I see this photo and "poof!" I am at a table at Chez Fernand with my dad on my left and my mom right across from me.  We found this little gem as we wandered the streets near our hotel (Hotel d'Aubusson) on the left bank.  It is a classic little bistro with excellent food, warm atmosphere and kind service.  We were able to get in without a reservation and I vividly remember my beef bourguignon, served in an individual copper pot.

While I was in the most photographed city in the world, I also wanted to take pictures that would show my cigar box purses out and about.  I wanted to show how beautiful my purses looked when they were "out to dinner." 

The design and colors of original cigar boxes often led people to believe they needed to match their outfits to the unusual shades.  I rarely wear mustard yellow, but I love to use this vibrant purse (Cuesta Rey, shown here) as a "pop of color" when I am wearing a more classic color palette.  I am packing for a trip to Las Vegas and I'm having fun choosing which cigar box purses to bring along.

I'm hoping to capture even more beautiful moments next week. 

Lemon Souffle

When I see this picture, all I can hear is my aunt saying, "Take this! Oh, just look. Take this!"

I must admit, my mies en plas (French for "everything in it's place"), did look a bit like art against the blue counter.  The photo above is from my first try at lemon souffle, when my aunt was visiting us at the cottage. 

You see, lately I have been on a kick to try difficult recipes/cooking methods during the quiet times of my life.  My reasoning is that when a worthy occasion does arrive, I can make the appropriate dish with confidence.  An anniversary dinner? Souffle.  A Winter Ski Weekend? Chocolate pot de creme. 

I don't want to wing it when it counts.  I want some practice.  So today, I give you individual lemon souffles.

I'm sure my dear Facebook friends thought that I was just being annoying, making souffles on a Wednesday, but I needed a second try at the recipe and measurements before I shared the recipe with you here.  Success!

Individual Lemon Souffles 

4 egg yolks, room temperature

5 egg whites, room temperature

1/3 cup white sugar (1/2 used in lemon mixture, 1/2 used in egg white whipping)

1 1/2 Tablespoons white flour

1 Tablespoon fresh lemon zest, finely grated (or more, I gave up after getting 1 Tablespoon worth)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (recipe) and 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (to butter ramekins)

1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature

loose white sugar to sprinkle into buttered ramekins

Preheat oven to 375.  Butter 4 ramekins (I'm using Emile Henry) and then coat each dish with white sugar, turning dish to move sugar around.  Set the ramekins onto a cookie sheet.

In a stand mixer, using the whisk attachment, whisk egg yolks, half of the 1/3 cup white sugar, flour and zest.  Stop mixer.  Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Turn on the mixer and whisk constantly as you slowly stream the hot milk into the yolk mixture.  Whisking and doing this slowly prevents the yolk from cooking in the hot milk.  Now pour this mixture back into the saucepan and cook (whisking with a hand whisk constantly) until the mixture is thick like pudding.  Strain this hot mixture through a sieve into a large bowl (to remove any cooked bit or lumps).  Stir in lemon juice and 1 Tablespoon of softened butter.  Set aside.

In a clean stand mixer bowl with whisk attachment, whisk egg whites.  After the foamy stage, slowly stream in the remaining white sugar.  Beat until peaks form, but it is not dry.  Stir about a cup of the whites into the lemon yolk mixture with a rubber spatula.  Fold in the rest of the whites - be sure to fold well.  

Divide batter between the 4 ramekins.  Gently smooth the top with spatula and run your finger around the inside rim, removing any batter.  This will allow the souffles to rise straight up without clinging to the rim. Bake for 15-18 minutes.  Souffles will rise about an inch above the rim!  You can sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.  Enjoy!

Anne Reeves, Entrepreneur and Maker

When I was applying for the first-ever Country Living magazine "Pitch Your Product" event (which ultimately led to me being chosen and honored as one of their Women Entrepreneurs) I needed to submit a bio. Whenever I turned to the end of a particularly good magazine article, it always said something along the lines of: "So-and-so lives in Connecticut with her husband, 2 children and beloved Golden Retriever, Sam." Yawn.

I mean really, is that any way to summarize a person? And since I don't have any children or pets, my "standard" bio was non-existent. I countered with this ridiculous, clear and possibly obnoxious (?) bio in my application.

Who is Anne Held Reeves?

A hip craftster who repurposes vintage tablecloths into aprons?

No.

A fern-loving antiques dealer that lives & breathes Limoge boxes?

No.

A devoted scrap-booker that makes 3-D murals of Disney vacations?

No.

A Perrier drinking, cookie cutter collecting, photograph taking,

hydrangea loving, candy eating entrepreneur?

Yes!

_______________

I have an imaginary magazine that allows me to photograph & design magazine covers & then build them into modern day bags made entirely of plastic & tape. They are fresh, durable and push graphics into fashion.

I also own a design company, ANA, that specializes in one-of-kind

cigar box purses, tin wallets & ANA Delight Totes. 

I knit, sew, glue, tape, plant, bake, buy, try, think, feel, and live like

I am starring in my own movie.

That is how I described myself and my business (before I started writing).  I couldn't put artist, because that conjures up images of paint and galleries. I couldn't put professional girl because that makes me sound crazy. I wanted to describe myself as a maker - someone that succeeds in making things in many categories, but my mom vetoed that on the spot. I think she thought it sounded odd and old fashioned. 

When I tried to explain to her how "maker" made sense by enumerating all of the things that I did (knit, sew, glue, tape, plant, bake, buy, try), my mom said "Bingo! That - say that!"...and I did. 

Why am I telling you all about this now?  Because I was just reading Fast Company magazine and a business was described as having "a maker attitude." 

With the growth of Etsy (a website selling handmade and one-of-a-kind items) and Pinterest (an online inspiration board showcasing designs to buy, recipes to try and projects to make), the term "maker" has become part of the American lexicon.  Finally.

That being said, now that I can change my bio, I don't think I will.  I mean, being able to put that I "live like I'm starring in my own movie" is pretty accurate and very fun.  What do you think?

Poster Celebrating Individuality

Couldn't this be a poster to celebrate individuality or following your own path?

This one cloud caught my eye.  He just wasn't ready for the day to end and refused to turn apricot or otherwise.  I felt the same way.

Peter Anton, Box of Chocolates

How appropriate!  Here is a box of chocolates for you on Valentine's Day! 

An art gallery in Palm Beach is showcasing Peter Anton's oh-so-tempting artwork in their gallery this month.  Oversize but not overdone, these chocolates beg the question, "Which one would you choose?" 

I love that the artist left one paper cup empty, as if he couldn't resist eating one as he was preparing the sculpture for display.

You can read about Peter Anton (who has been called "Candy Warhol") in these online articles.  What a treat!

Happy Valentine's Day.  I hope you have been wearing red, eating chocolate and spreading the warmth and friendship of the 12 Days of Valentine's Day and that my posts from prior years (click "12 Days of Valentine's Day" in sidebar on top) have inspired you. 

Lavender Hibiscus

If only I lived in a different zone.  Plant Hardiness Zone, that is.  If I lived in a warmer climate I could have this lavender hibiscus in my garden and enjoy it year-round. *sigh*  I guess that is part of the allure of travel.  Being able to see and experience things that aren't possible in your own backyard (literally!).

I photographed this hibiscus at a farmer's market on Oahu (hybridized by The Hibiscus Lady). She is a color genius, don't you think?

Day 9 of the 12 days of Valentine's Day: Buy yourself some flowers for the kitchen table.  I arrived home from Florida this afternoon and found a bouquet of tulips on the table! That is what is fun about celebrating The 12 Days of Valentine's Day, you never know what is going to happen on any given day.  Most plans are arranged by you, but you may find that those around you get in the spirit!

Pizza in Palm Beach

Having "Pizza in Palm Beach" is practically a tradition.  I've come here for lunch for the last three years and how anyone could pass up spending an hour in this gorgeous courtyard, I'll never know.  

This is Pizza al Fresco and their pizza is delicious.  We ate every bit of our margherita pizza and "small" mixed green salad.  The photo looks a little fuzzy to me - I'll upload it again when I get home; I promise it is a clear as a bell.

Today is Day 6 of the 12 Days of Valentine's Day - maybe tonight is the night to order a heart-shaped pizza!

Chanel in Palm Beach

I love to go window shopping, especially on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.  The world's most luxurious labels can be found on this lovely palm-lined street. The window displays of ball gowns, jewels and accessories are some of the prettiest I've seen. 

The Chanel window was my favorite (wouldn't it make a great poster?) and since I have been wearing a lot of Chanel No. 5 lately, it seems appropriate.  I was on a Chanel (the woman) kick a few years ago and I was renting movies about her and reading a novels about her life.  

 

My husband was inspired and decided to get me Chanel No. 5 for my birthday.  I had never worn her perfume, but I knew the story of Chanel No. 5 from my "research" (read for yourself in the link above) and I really loved the scent right from the first day.  It was later that my mom told me it was what her mother wore.  I love that.

 

Day 5 of the 12 Days of Valentine's Day: Spritz on some perfume!

Paper Garden

This is an optical illusion for sure.  You are looking at a paper water garden (complete with koi fish!) in Ray Marshall's magnificent book, Paper Blossoms.  It was given to my mother and she brought it along with her to Florida so that they could have flower arrangements any time they wanted.

Book is contains 5 perfect pop-up bouquets.  It is a masterpiece, really.  I can only imagine the vision and determination it takes to get an intricate book like this produced.  Each morning during my visit, I come out into the family room and see a bouquet open on the table.  This lily pond is a favorite.

On this 4th day of the 12 Days of Valentine's Day, go buy some Valentines and send them off to those who would love a surprise in their mailbox.

Hand-Dipped Beeswax Tapers

Isn't this beautiful! I stopped in my favorite bee-inspired store, Bedazzled (in Benzie County) this Summer and behind the counter was this display.  Except it isn't a display at all, this is simply a rack that allows candles to set/cure after making them. 

The shop girl had just finished dipping these outstanding beeswax tapers.  The scent was heavenly and I bought some (that were packaged and ready) on the spot.  When I asked her if I could take this photo, she quickly and casually blurted out, "Sure!"  To her, this display represented a job well done.  To me, it was as beautiful as art.

For this third day of the 12 Days of Valentine's Day, why don't you delight in candlelight this evening.

Punch Embroidery

Can you say darling?  I love to make all kinds of things.  Sometimes I mold chocolate, sometimes I knit, sometimes I decoupage vases.  A little of this, a little of that.  And often when I see a new kind of project, particularly if it involves colors of yearn or thread, I have to try it.  I had honestly never heard of punch embroidery before I saw a kit for this Colonial-style house at a quilt shop.  The kit contained the fabric printed with the design, a paper instruction guide and the necessary thread.  I bought a punch needle tool too.  I have only made this project so far, but it was really relaxing and fun.  

When I saw the kit, I immediately thought "dollhouse rug!"  The finished piece is approximately 2 x 3 inches.  Now that I have finished it, I really want it to be seen.  You see, my dollhouse family just doesn't have company often enough to make me want to leave it there.  I don't want to put this rug in front of my dollhouse fireplace and then turn out the lights and close the door.

I think that it could look really sweet with a narrow mat and old fashioned dull gold frame.  Perhaps it will become something that I can keep on the piano?  I just love it and I want to be able to see it.  Have you ever tried punch embroidery? 

Day 2 of the 12 Days of Valentine's Day:  Feel like crafting a little something for someone?  I made my mom a necklace!

Mad Magazine Movie

Did you or your kids love MAD magazine? Is it possible that it brought you delight?  I myself wasn't a reader, but I think this film project documenting the history and effect of Mad magazine is worth mentioning to you. 

My good friend Alan Bernstein is producing/directing a documentary film honoring MAD magazine. He has already filmed 20 interviews with the original writers/creators - the movie trailer is in the link below.

He has a Kickstarter campaign to crowd-fund his movie. People around the world can donate a little as $10 to help him reach his goal.  He has five days left in his Kickstarter campaign (he's already received $30,000 in pledges) and if he doesn't reach his goal of $50,000, none of the pledges will be collected. Consider sharing this information with those who loved MAD magazine too - maybe they want to be a part of getting this film produced. 

I am impressed when someone follows their dreams.  Alan's dream is to make a documentary honoring the artists and writers that brought him issue after issue of laughter and happiness.  Isn't that delight?

Good luck, Alan!

*2/9/13 Make that "Congratulations, Alan!" The project has been funded!

12 Days of Valentine's Day 2013

Hip hip hooray! The 12 Days of Valentine's Day are finally here. This is a wonderful time of year to do the little extra things that make life nice...and you get to do it all in honor of Valentine' Day. For the next 11 days leading up to Valentine's Day show your love for family and friends in a way that feels right to you.

I have collected all of my Valentine's blog posts from prior years and linked to them in the top of the blog sidebar.  You can click as you wish and read suggestions and see photos about celebrating the 12 Days of Valentine's Day.  After all, love is timeless.

Set the table with red placemats, put a heart-shaped paper doily under a dish of pudding, wear pink. It's up to you. And if someone comments about your actions ( or compliments your heart-shaped necklace), tell them it is for the 12 Days of Valentine's day.

Today, I am buying a bag of pink and red wrapped Hershey kisses to put in a glass bowl for the coffee table. We all need a little (or 6!) bites of chocolate. The photo is the chocolate fountain at Jean-Philippe patisserie within the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

I'm on vacation this week, so I will be posting about other topics, but I will close each day with a 12 Days of Valentine's Day suggestion. Have fun!