State Silhouette Sweatshirt

This is my Michigan State sweatshirt! Ha ha ha...  Isn't it fabulous?  I really wanted a casual Summer sweatshirt that I could throw on and wear: to beach fires, on the boat etc.  Something that said I was happy to be away from it all and at the cottage.  There are many northern Michigan sweatshirts but most of them have giant typeface splashed across your chest.  Not exactly what I was looking for.  I had seen someone last Summer with a blue on blue "State of Michigan" silhouette and I loved it, except for the blue on blue part.  And it was a hoodie.  So I was inspired to create something just for me.  It's so cute, I am showing you how to make it just for you.

I had this pretty periwinkle sweatshirt from the GAP (circa 1994?) and chose to make my state silhouette in peach.  Pretty, right?  Here's how you do it:

I found this State of Michigan silhouette at a free download website.  I downloaded the image and saved it to my computer.  Then I opened the software called Microsoft Publisher and chose "New Document."  Then I chose "insert picture" and chose the State of MIchigan image from where I saved it on my computer.  You can choose "Forma", "Size" and increase the image until it fills an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper, which is the largest you can print.  (I actually increased it so that the lower peninsula filled the sheet (and saved it), then I went back and increased the upper peninsula by the same percentage (and saved it with a different name) so that they would match and stay in scale.)  Put your mouse on the image and "right click". Chose "format picture", "Recolor" and then click the drop down arrow to see the variety of colors to choose from (you can see even more if you then select - "more colors").  Click on the shade you want, click "ok" and "ok and you will see the State of Michigan in your new color!  Now you will print it on a Printable Fabric Sheet.  When the ink has dried, iron the area to set the ink according to the package instructions.  Then peel away the protective sheet.  Now follow the instructions on a package of double sided fusible interfacing and iron an 8.5 x 11 piece of it onto the wrong side (no color) of the sheet of fabric that you printed Michigan on.  Now painstakingly, cut out the entire state.  Position it onto your sweatshirt where you want it and (follow the double sided fusible interfacing packaging) to iron it onto your sweatshirt.  The double sided interfacing makes it adhere to the sweatshirt and kind of acts like double-sided tape.  Wear and enjoy!   

If you don't want to make your own, you might find a combination you like with a silhouette of the State of Michigan on this website.

Recommendations Bring Delight: Trillium

Look at this woodland with waves of trillium in full bloom.   A spectacular sight and one that I would never have known about if it hadn't been for a tip from a friend.

Trillium is a wild flower that blooms in the Spring in northern Michigan. I believe this variety is the Great White Trillium.  The woods by our cottage have a few lone trillium plants (at one point they were an endangered species), so I am used to seeing a handful of white blooms at the base of the trees, but I had never ever seen an area covered in trillium. In fact, the photo might trick your eye into thinking that you are seeing dappled light.  Most of white you see in the woods above are blooms!

I am writing this post to showcase some beautiful wild trillium, but I also want this post to remind you to share what you know with others.  I rarely see the  topic of "making recommendations" discussed.  We often leave it to the magazines to show us what's new or point us to a destination.  I think that the wealth of knowledge you have should be put to good use.  

When you are having a conversation, listen to what is really being said.  Is the person living a "rush rush" life? Maybe they'd like the piece and quiet of reading the book you just read.  Is someone having guests come into town?  Why don't you pass along what you know about that new restaurant you tried.  Or loan them a bouquet from your garden.  Think of your life as a directory of experiences that you can share.  

I say this because I was at an art opening a few weeks ago and spoke of how I'd spent part of the afternoon photographing marsh marigolds.  A woman I know heard me gushing about the flower-filled river and said since I had enjoyed that so much, maybe I'd like to drive up toward Northport and see a particular area of woods that was covered with trillium in bloom.  Would I!  It was very kind of her to put on her thinking cap and suggest other things I'd like to see - something that was also a limited engagement! If I didn't get up there within a day or two, I'd miss the bloom.

So off I went the next day, with her directions in mind.  I took a disc full of photographs and I mailed her a note of thanks on a photo card featuring these trillium-filled woods.

Have you been making recommendations lately?  You never know how it will bring delight.            

Fairy Godsister

Imagine my surprise (and delight!) when I opened a box that came in the mail and found all of these goodies from Paris, each chosen just for me.  

I am being spoiled by my customer-turned-friend, Sue.  She bought my book, "Paris: Delight in the City of Light" and as we emailed back and forth, we realized that we had more and more in common.  We both went to Michigan State University.  We both spend a lot of time in the small town resort areas of  Michigan.  We both love a lot of the same things (Paris, Caspari papers, travel).  She "got to know" me by reading my book, which is a very personal account of what and how I make the most of my trips to Paris.  

In one of our emails, she posed the question, "Were you in a sorority?"  When I responded, that I was a Theta, she responded triumphantly, "I knew it!"  We found that we were sorority sisters too.  What a small world.  We are kindred spirits, for sure, and have a "Theta is for a lifetime" connection as well. 

Sue has since been to Paris twice and brought back little goodies that she know I would like.  She knows because I wrote about so much of it!  Above you can see packets of vanilla sugar, buttons and cord to make a necklace, artistic postcards to frame, a pop-up card with a scene from Paris and a package of pastry post its from my beloved Laduree.  How can I be so lucky?   

I decided that Sue is my Fairy Godsister.  Isn't that a wonderful way to describe her?  We have yet to meet, but are sure that our paths will cross some day...perhaps in Paris?  Friendship is a delight. 

Blueberry Lemon Mini Cakes

Lemon Blueberry Cakes - I baked mine in blue checkerboard cupcake liners to enhance the cute.  It worked! These little beauties are dense, moist and packed with flavor.  I'd say they are picnic ready.  It is blueberry season - enjoy!

Individual Lemon Blueberry Cakes

2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
2 cups of white sugar
Zest of one large lemon (2 1/2 Tablespoons)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
3 eggs
2 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon table salt
2 cups fresh blueberries, washed and dried

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.  Blend in zest, juice, yogurt and eggs.  Mixture may look separated or curdled, but don't worry.

Blend flour, baking powder and salt together.  Slowly add mixture to wet ingredients until just blended.  Stir in blueberries.  I use a 4 T cookie scoop to put batter into individual cupcake liners.  Makes about 18 individual cupcake size cakes.  Sprinkle with large grain sanding sugar, if possible.  The additional sugar gives the cakes a gourmet bakery look and crunch. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.   

Rose Garden Tour by Anne Reeves

I can finally take you on a garden walk!  It is June 16, 2013, my roses are in full bloom and I made a short video to show you each variety, what it is named and what it looks like.  May this private tour bring you a moment of delight. Enjoy!

The roses currently blooming in my garden are: (in order shown)

Honey Dijon by Weeks Roses
Graham Thomas by David Austin
Lillian Austin by David Austin
Paul McCartney 
Veterans Honor
Royal Amethyst
(antique magenta pink)
Abraham Darby by David Austin
Eden (climber)
Bill Warriner 
Koko Loco
Brandy 
Heritage by David Austin
Abraham Darby by David Austin

Meditation Garden

If you need me, I'll be in the garden.  This is my favorite time of year.  June usually has cooler mornings and temperatures in the 70's during the day.  I can do my gardening in the morning and freshen things up for enjoying the patio the rest of the day.

This "floral portrait" is the Abraham Darby English rose by David Austin. 

Each morning that I am home, I deadhead the roses, violas and geraniums.  I water the pots (mixed flowers, herbs, pepper plants, tomatoes) with a hose.  I cut all of the flowers that I want to make into bouquets.  Then I put on gloves and spray any buds/plants that show signs of disease or bugs with Orthonex.  Please note that I cut the flowers first, because I don't want to interact with any plants with bug spray on them.  I fertilize when necessary (I'm about to put down my "June" application of Rose Tone).  And then I sweep the patio to clean things up.  

A lot of tasks, I know, but it is oh so worth it.  I like Martha Stewart's explanation. She says that she doesn't think of it as "working in the garden" or having a list of "garden work" that must be done. To her (and me) it is simply the act of gardening and we love it. I don't play music.  I'm not on the phone.  I am in the garden - thinking and relaxing in my own space.  For me, that is meditation. 

I think any garden you can take care of is a "Meditation Garden," don't you?  

Patricia Wells Cooking in Paris

I want to go back to Paris!  I have been thinking of doing lectures on finding delight in Paris to inspire travelers to get the most out of their trip.  I could do a Power Point presentation (my photos are glorious!) and use my book on Paris ("Paris: Delight in the City of Light") as a guide.  Wouldn't that be neat?

As I have been brainstorming, I've been going through my photos from my trips and came across this fabulous photo from my time with Patricia Wells in her cooking school in Paris.  The week exceeded my expectations.  I remember shelling peas at a table with Patricia Wells - I was so happy my heart was pounding.  She loves what I love and it was so very fun to be able to look her in the eye and talk about food, cooking techniques and our mutual respect for the 45th parallel (FYI - the 45th Parallel is known around the world as having a climate perfect for growing stone fruit. It also happens to be where I spend my summers).  Patricia was a wonderful teacher and exceptional host - I cherish the time I spent in her kitchen creating meal after meal.  I loved it!

I need to get back to Paris! 

Dreamy Sunset on Lake Michigan

A moment of delight: sunset on Lake Michigan.  I was drawn to these clouds, particularly the fact that the sky was periwinkle and apricot.  Some of the clouds appear to be raining, with wafts of texture pulling down.  I was on the phone when the sky looked just like this.  Apparently I was failing to make good conversation and the person on the line said, "What's going on?"  

I confessed. "I'm taking a picture of the sunset and it's hard to hold the phone and set the camera at the same time."  I explained that the sky was too beautiful to miss photographing it.  I promised that she would see this picture in the blog and could decided if my distraction was justified.  What do you think?

Fancy Orange Toasts

I've perfected another new recipe for tea time!  Fancy orange toasts.  I was introduced to a similar item at a bakery, but found their version is more like biscotti, crisp and dry.  I wanted to experiment with a buttery orange toast that was chewy, like a cookie just out of the oven.

Fancy Orange Toasts

1 loaf of Pepperidge Farm Very Thin white bread
2 sticks of salted butter, softened
1 cup of sugar
Zest of one fresh orange
Juice of one fresh orange (I used a navel orange)
a splash of vanilla

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.  Mix butter, sugar, orange zest, orange juice and vanilla together into a paste.  Trim the crusts from a slice of bread.  Cut the crustless piece of bread into 3 bars.  Spread a not-so-thin layer of orange butter on each bar of bread, covering the top of the bread completely.  Repeat slice after slice until the orange butter runs out.  (I believe that preparing each slice individually, instead of cutting the crusts off the entire loaf at once, helps maintain the bread freshness and results in a chewy but firm toast.)  I filled two cookie sheets with orange toasts.  Bake at 250 degrees for 35 minutes.  Cool and store in air tight container.  Serve with tea or coffee.  

Marsh Marigolds in the Leelanau Peninsula

If anything makes me live in the moment, it's Mother Nature.  When something starts to bloom, I have to act quickly or I'll miss my chance to delight you.  On this particular day, I was up north for Memorial Weekend with my husband.  We were on an afternoon drive, heading towards Northport, when it suddenly occurred to me that the marsh marigolds might be blooming.  I am only up north a handful of days in May and early June and I often miss this bright yellow beauties.  Looking for marsh marigolds is normally an expedition I take with my mom but since she wasn't up north that weekend, I had forgotten about them.  I said to Dan, "Good grief! What if they're blooming!"

My mom normally drives us to "the spot" that we've been photographing for years.  Dan had our Garmin (navigation system) turned on, so I told him to look for a river running close to the road.  Voila!  He saw water denoted on the map, pulled over and there they were.  Marsh marigold mania.  I told Dan that all I needed was a moose to walk out of the woods and I've have my shot.  Ha! No moose, but I think it is lovely just the same.

Thankfully it was a bright sunny day. It is gorgeous this time of year, get your camera and go outside.

Rhubarb Crisp with Orange Juice and Zest

It isn't Spring without rhubarb crisp.  I love the tart and tangy flavor tamed by a scoop of vanilla Edy's Slow Churned Yogurt Blend.  For years I have tweaked this Martha Stewart rhubarb crisp recipe.

These are the things I do differently:

• Bake in a buttered 13 x 9, not ramekins
• Use 1/4 cup of Splenda Brown Sugar, instead of 1/2 cup of regular brown sugar.  The Splenda version has a sweetness that compliments the rhubarb perfectly.  This is the only recipe I make with a Splenda product. 
• I use a touch of vanilla extract and skip the vanilla bean

   

Serve a generous portion in a bowl with a scoop of Edy's vanilla yogurt blend.  

Yum yum yum yum yum.

Queen Elizabeth 60th Anniversary of Coronation

Long live the Queen! My collection of china pieces that commemorate life events of the royal family just got bigger.  You probably remember from earlier blog posts that I started this Princess Diana collection when Diana and Charles were engaged.  I was eleven years old.  

Then my cousin in Germany bought me this mug when William and Kate got married - yea!  My friend, Renate, in England has promised to get me a plate or mug when William and Kate have their baby next month.  I can't believe that I have a plate commemorating William's birth and now he's having a child of his own.  And I haven't aged a bit!

This year, the Queen has had a huge milestone of her own.  The Diamond Jubilee mug (shown above) honors Queen Elizabeth's sixty year reign.  My niece was studying abroad in London 2012 during the Diamond Jubilee Celebration (I was so jealous!) and she was able to bring this mug back safely to me.  The perfect gift for me, don't you think?

Now this is where the story gets interesting.  This week is the 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.  A special service to honor this milestone was held at Westminster Abbey - click this link to watch a clip of the service.  

When I was at my church's rummage sale last month, I found this cup and saucer (above) for sale...an original souvenir from Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1953!  A sixty year old treasure that happened to be donated to the church sale a month before the 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.   

The inscription on the saucer reads: 

"Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II  June 2, 1953." 

Can you believe that I found it?  I can't. I love that both pieces have a portrait of the Queen - one showing the beginning of her reign and one now, after 60 years of dedicated service.  Fascinating.  If you want to get a souvenir for your china cabinet, you can order  a little something from the Royal Collection shop.  

Northern Michigan Girl

If you are a northern Michigan girl in the summer, this is the scene you long to see after a long winter in the suburbs.  A sandy cut in the landscape that leads to a public beach.  Ahead lies swimming, sunbathing, picnics, beach walks, Petoskey stone searches and ever-changing sunsets.  This is where we northern Michigan girls live in the summertime...on the shores of Lake Michigan.

My favorite sandwich to take on a picnic?
Crusty French bread spread with softened cream cheese.  Press chopped green olives into the cream cheese.  Layer thin sliced turkey, slices of tomato and fresh spinach onto bread.  Wrap in Saran Wrap/cling wrap and take to the beach (or outdoor concert!)

Bald Eagle

Delight in America! I took this photo of our national bird, the Bald Eagle, on the beach in front of the cottage on Lake Michigan.  I was easily 200 feet away, but was able to get this photo be using the zoom on my Nikon CoolPix P90  and shooting through a window on the second floor.  What a thrill!

My parents confirmed that we have a pair of bald eagles that nest nearby and that they often see them soaring over the water or sharing a fish on the beach. Up until now, I had only seen them in the sky.

Pastel Stripe Marshmallows

Target has done it again! Bringing limited edition or otherwise hard to find items to their store shelves.

Do you remember when I wrote pastel marshmallows by Rita Farhi?  Well I found these lookalike pastel stripe marshmallows at Target in the specialty candy section!  Not everyone has the resources to order specialty candy from Europe, so here is a readily available option on this side of the Atlantic.

2013 Leland Plein Air Painting Event

Painting by Brenda J. Clark

I was "up north" in Leland, Michigan when the Leelanau Community Cultural Center (at The Old Art Building) hosted their first Plein Air Painting Event.  

Artists were to register online and then on the day of the event, they were to bring their canvas to the Old Art Building between 9-10 am to be stamped (on the back) by the Plein Air committee to complete the registration process.  Then the artists were free to chose a spot somewhere in and around Leland to paint or draw.  The art was to be completed by 4 pm and submitted with a frame to the committee.  At 6:30 that night, the artists and public were invited to a reception at the Old Art Building.  The paintings and drawings were on display for the guests to admire and purchase.  A portion of each sale went to support the Leelanau Community Cultural Center.

What a success!  I was jealous of the talent and amazed at the landscapes that these artists were able to create in just one day.  I was fascinated by the entire process.

While Dan and I were out and about that day, I noticed several painters next to streams or on bluffs throughout the bright and chilly day, painting from their chosen perspective.  We noticed so many, that I felt that I was pointing out rare birds. "Look! There's another one!"

When we walked down toward Fishtown, I ran into Brenda J Clark.  I had stopped to admire her work - her painting of Fishtown is shown on the easel above - and as we chatted, I realized that I had met her before.  She taught my best friend, Kim in an art class at Michigan State University and they have remained friends.  A few years ago, Kim had taken me into Brenda's art gallery, which is now located in Suttons Bay, Michigan.  

I absolutely love Brenda's bold use of color.  Her work table reminds me of so many of my projects mid-stream - you can instantly tell that big things are going on.      

Viva la Plein Air!  Bravo, Leelanau Community Cultural Center for bringing such a wonderful event to Leland!  

Blossom in A Pear Tree

So sweet!  I know that my blog can't consist solely of birds and blossoms, but since my philosophy is to find delight in the beauty of everyday moments, I must share these Springtime beauties with you.  A pear tree is only in bloom for a week or so (luckily I was at the cottage to capture it!) and I particularly like this photo with the blurred blossoms in the distance. I know that you can get this effect with certain lenses (or is it afterwards with Photoshop?) but I assure you that this was completely by accident.  It makes me love it all the more.

Memorial Day Party at The Cove in Leland

The famous "Here Comes The Sun" Party on Memorial Day at The Cove in Leland, Michigan could be heard for blocks.  The live music and shoulder-to-shoulder crowd proves that this party tradition is here to stay.  Mild mannered me was heading into the local grocery store (The Merc!) when I heard the commotion and was reminded of the annual fun.  I walked out on the bridge over the waterfall in Fishtown to take some pictures and admire the fun.

If I'd had a Diet Coke with me, I would have leaned on the bridge and stayed awhile to enjoy the music.  The walkway was full of onlookers and it felt so good to stand in the sun enjoying the view.  Here comes the sun, indeed.

The Cove restaurant is such a favorite of chef Mario Batali, that he has it named it (along with loving the Traverse City area in general) in his top 10 Foodie Destinations in-the-world.  Imagine!

Art is Personal: Vintage Sheet Music Sets the Mood

I made my own art!  I was given a few scores of vintage sheet music from a friend whose step-grandfather had been an movie theater organist during the silent movie era.   He contributed live music and sound effects to bring the silent pictures to life.  Throughout his life as a pianist and music lover, he amassed a huge collection of sheet music.  

My friend's family inherited his boxes of music and, knowing that I love paper, he chose a few pieces that he thought I would like to craft or decorate with.  I was given free reign to do with them whatever I wanted, but I have been too chicken to actually use the originals.

Being a photographer, I had the brainstorm to photograph the cover art (from the 1906 sheet music) and send it to the printer at Costco.  I ordered a poster of my JPEG made from "museum quality semi board."  It is stiff enough to stand on it's own on an easel (shown here, it is propped on another painting temporarily) and light enough to mount with poster putty.  Neat, eh?  I am so happy with the result and am really pleased that I did all this while still preserving the antique papers.  I love when art and technology collide!

Paula's Veggie Sandwich

I am working on a recipe from memory.  When I was growing up, I spent my summers in northern Michigan.  Every so often my mom and I would be at her good friend, Paula's beach house at lunchtime and she would make us veggie sandwiches.  I had never had anything like it and to this day it sticks in my mind as one of my favorite sandwiches ever.

As an adult, I've asked her what her secret was, but between us we can only remember that it was a variety of ripe vegetables mixed with a bit of mayonnaise and shredded cheese mounded between bread and then grilled like a grilled cheese sandwich.  I remember that it included fresh shredded lettuce (which I thought was outrageous in a hot sandwich), cauliflower, green pepper, tomato, onion and zucchini. Oh to be twelve years old again and eating a sandwich in the sun on her patio.

I decided to try my hand at this beloved sandwich yesterday and this is the result.  Delicious and close...but not perfect yet.  I used smashed avocado to bind it all together (instead of mayo) and chose a sharp shredded cheddar.  Next time I am going to choose a milder shredded cheese and add more light mayo and less avocado - my version was too much like an avocado sandwich.  

Delicious, but not quite right. I want the fresh taste of the other veggies to shine through.  Part of the success of this sandwich is chopping the vegetables into tiny cubes.  They hold together easier and are oh-so-good.  Have you ever had a grilled veggie sandwich? 

Delightful Work Event

Look at how pretty my "work events" are!  I am so very lucky to have met my new friend, Julia.  She was introduced to my blog and books through a friend of hers that is a Presbyterian minister.  Julia liked what I was doing to bring the world delight and wrote to me to see if I would like to speak a tea party.

What fun! She arranged the whole thing and invited a variety of friends to spend a "delightful" afternoon having tea and hearing my thoughts on finding delight in everyday moments.  We enjoyed this table full of beautiful tea party fare and relished a little "girl time" in the midst of a hectic Spring.

Lily of the Valley

My best friend has a large backyard that is beautifully landscaped with sun and shade areas.  The shady sections are almost completely covered with Lily of the Valley - my estimate is at least 5,000 pips!  Her family loves it and for a week for two in May, the air is heady with muguet du bois.

And right around this time of year when I get an 8 am text - "are you awake?"  She stops at my house on the way to work bearing 2 giant bouquets of Lily of the Valley that she picked that morning.  One bouquet is for me; one is for my mom.  In the language of flowers, this gesture most surely means: love.

Thank you, Kim, from the bottom of my flower-lovin' heart.

My Own Little Muppet Baby

I don't think I'll ever take another photo of a baby robin that I will like better than this one.  This is Gayle, with her beak wide open and her hair all askew.  She is my own little Muppet Baby.  Tiny, cartoon-like with a big personality.

I was so very happy when a mother robin came back to nest in the crook of the gutter on my house again this year.  Remember last year when she had 3 baby boy robins named Reggie, Brice and Steve?  This year I decided that they were girls and named the three little darlings, Charlotte, Stella and Gayle.

One of them is far more insistent for food, eager to try squawking and most often found hanging her head out of the nest looking for someone to talk to.  I've named her Gayle.

You can see Gayle (above) in the nest craning her neck past Stella in hopes of being fed.  I love this photo because both Mother and Father Robin really look like parents.  They are sitting next to each other on the nest, looking at the kids and considering what is best for them.  I can see the nest from my family room window.  The photo isn't as clear because I'm shooting through glass, but it is nice because they can't see me (due to glare) and be bothered in any way.

When it was lunchtime (above), the Mother Robin didn't mind me standing in the yard and photographing them at all.  I used my zoom and stayed still.  I think she is used to me puttering around the patio tending the roses and watering the herbs.  It was just another day with triplets for her.  Notice the winged bug in the tip of her beak going right into Gayle's mouth. A worm is farther up her beak to be fed to Charlotte or Stella. 

If I get any more great shots, I promise to show you.  Happy Spring!

Spatterware Violas

Do you know what I mean when I say "Spatterware Violas?"  I'm posting a link to a website that sells new enamelware in the Spatterware style, so that you can see what I mean.  I have a vintage enamelware gravy boat in a light blue Spatterware pattern and it looks so much like these violas!  In truth, this speckled variety is called "Viola Columbine."  

I made a little bouquet of violas (and pink and white stock) and put them in a vintage blue glass bottle.  Love love love.  Doesn't it look charming with my collection of Chelsea china?  I love having fresh flowers on this bakers rack in the entryway and these violas will tide me over until my deep blue clematis blooms.  Spring is here and I can finally have bouquets in the house!

Cookie Monster: School Birthday Cupcakes

I'm sure it wasn't an accident that the "Garden Club Girls" moved in next door to me all those years ago.  They have brought me an incredible number of delightful moments just by being themselves and allowing me to share with them the things I know about baking, sewing crafting etc.

I helped Anna put a plastic spider onto a necklace for Halloween (She was a vampire).  I was able to help Cate with her shoe box-size "dream bedroom" project by contributing scraps of pretty fabrics to make the bed.  And, of course, our specialty is baking a Trick or Pie when we can in October.

But time marches on and the girls have grown up into lovely young ladies (14 and 16!) with far more time spent on school and sports and far fewer hours to horse around with their neighbor.  Until last week, that is, when Cate requested my help in frosting her birthday cupcakes.  Yea!  She had seen Cookie Monster cupcakes (where the Cookie Monster was eating a cookie) and was sure that we could re-create it.  

We made 24 bright blue monster cupcakes and the fact that we frosted them together made them the most delightful cupcakes in the world. Happy Birthday, Cate!

Candy Pearls for Sweets and Treats

I know I'm kind of girly, so I can only feel proud that my friend saw these beautiful French sugar pearls and thought of me.  My friend, Alison surprised me at euchre with these beautiful edible decorations.  She said that I "had to have them."  Isn't that the nicest!  

I love to bake - these will be so pretty on my cakes and cookies. 
I love these colors - they look so pretty in my aqua kitchen that I've left them out on display, and my friends have been commenting on how beautiful they are. 
The company that makes them is based in Paris - my favorite place!

I guess these are the picture perfect thing for me.  Alison, you know me well, thank you - thank you.

I had never seen any products from Eric Bur in stores, but when I went to his website online, I could see item after item that I would love to try.  The standout?  Candied lilacs!  I found them for sale online here.  

I love using candied violets on sweets and treats, but I had never heard of candied lilacs, have you?  My own lilacs are just beginning to bloom, so I am in a lilac-loving mood.  I took this photo this morning and tomorrow I plan on making some lovely arrangements for the house.  Are your lilacs blooming?

Decaf Ice Cream

I know! You've never heard of decaf ice cream before.  I thought I would make my point about the perils of enjoying certain late night desserts, while sharing
my wonderful coffee ice cream recipe.

I love love love coffee-flavored desserts, especially Tiramisu (which contains espresso) or a simple bowl of coffee ice cream.  The problem is, I am very sensitive to caffeine and one great coffee-flavored dessert means that I will still be awake at 2 o'clock in the morning.

Why restaurants don't make decaffeinated desserts, I'll never know.  So I decided to promote this rather simple concept by posting my recipe for: 

Decaf Coffee Ice Cream 

Mix 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed 2% milk, 1 (5 oz) can of evaporated milk, 2 cups of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 4 Tablespoons of instant decaffeinated coffee crystals (or 2 1/2 - 3 T. of decaffeinated espresso crystals) together and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour to chill. Once the mixture is cold, pour it into the freezer container of an electric ice cream maker and follow the ice cream maker instructions.  If the consistency of the ice cream isn't firm enough, place the container in the freezer to set. I sprinkled my decaf coffee ice cream with a few mini chocolate chips. 

Serve and enjoy during Saturday Night Live with no worries.  Good Night!

Burpee Healing Hands Salad Mix

I know a good thing when I see it.  This pot (shown on top) is my new "Salad Garden."  When I was at the garden center, I noticed pots of Burpee's "Healing Hands Lettuce Mix" already growing and ready to harvest (the link is for the seeds only; check your garden center to see if they sell the lettuce already growing!).  I can cut lettuce as I need it and watch it grow and replenish itself all Summer.

I found the pots of lettuce at my local garden center (Meijers).  I bought two containers and planted them next to each other in a pot of soil.  Each mix has several types of lettuce plants growing together.  The label claims that this "Boost" lettuce collection has 30% more beta carotene and 20% more lutein than other salad blends.  Sounds good to me.

I love it! It looks fresh and pretty when I look out the kitchen window and see it   on display next to a pot of herbs (thyme, rosemary, flat leaf parsley and a Hungarian pepper plant) on my deck.  I amuse myself when I'm rattling off "what's for dinner" by pointing to the deck and saying "salad."  I've clipped 2 small salads from my container so far and it is still healthy and full.

Isn't this a wonderful idea?  It is unlikely that I would grow lettuce from seed, but I will definitely harvest a salad from a pot on my deck.  Viva la garden!

Marine Vinyl Clutch

This is my latest favorite purse design - a simple to construct marine vinyl clutch with clip on hardware.

What do I love about it?

1. It is light-weight and durable.  Wipes off easily.
2. This is a minimal sewing project (1 tab, 2 side seams, one reinforcement panel)
3. The clip on tab lets me hook my valuables to my belt loop when shopping at a Farmer's Market or Tag Sale
4. I happened to find this metal "bolt" embellishment (in the same shade of blue!) in the jewelry section of Michael's Craft.  The metal charm is too weird to be a necklace, but looks wonderful on a clutch
5. The whole purse cost less than $12-15 dollars to make

I don't have time to write up a tutorial right now, but if you look at this project it is very straightforward. Keep these things in mind:

• You only sew 4 sections with straight lines (sew the tab into thirds for strength, sew the left side of clutch, sew the right side of clutch - with dog leash threaded on tab, trap tab in seam, and sew a triangle of vinyl to reinforce flap and hide magnetic closure)
• Put the top half (it's flat with a little nub) of the magnetic closure into the point of the triangle of extra vinyl; bend sides to secure.  Then sew that flap to the underside of the clutch flap.  This hides the prongs of the closure on the inside of the flap and reinforces the strength of the flap.
• Magnet the other half of the closure to itself and close the flap on the clutch. Make a dent in the vinyl where the closure touches.  That is how you know the perfect place to attach the other half of the closure.
• Peel sticker backing off of a piece of adhesive Pres On board and stick it to the inside of the clutch to add stability and cover the prongs of the magnetic closure. 

You can buy a piece of marine vinyl (sold by the yard at Joann Fabrics) in many different solid colors. I have used blue, pink and orange.  Such a great material!

You will need:  

• A sewing machine
• A "jeans" sewing machine needle (stronger than a regular needle)
• One piece of marine vinyl that is 10.5 inches by 15 inches (clutch body)
• One triangle shape piece of marine vinyl that fits just inside the flap
• One piece of marine vinyl that is 3 inches by 2 inches (the tab)
• One Pres On mounting board - cut to size of 10 inches by 4 inches 
• A dog leash clasp
• A magnetic purse clasp
• A charm or adornment of some kind to sew to point of flap
• All purpose thread in the color of the vinyl

Look how much my marine vinyl clutch will hold!  A narrow wallet (I made mine from a map of Scotland from a pattern featured on Martha Stewart show), a phone (that's a Cath Kidston iPhone cover) and a lipstick.  When I'm out and about, I attach the keys (the ribbon key chain can be purchased at my Etsy store) to the clip on the purse!

Collecting Vintage Ornaments

Oh Santa!  I know, I know, I have more than enough vintage Christmas decorations already.  Remember when I strung them on my fireplace mantel?
But look at the detail in these vintage ornaments I found at a church rummage sale.  How could I resist?

There were 3 with an inset of a Winter scene - a pink ornament with a reindeer on snowy branches, a snowman (out of view on the gold ornament, top) and a blue ornament featuring a deer in the woods.  Also, notice the 2 light blue ornaments that have a wire crochet detail. I've never seen anything like it!  I bought all of the ornaments shown above for 25 cents.  Total.  A paper bag filled with ornaments for one quarter.  

I had to bring them home and give them forty more years of holiday spirit.  

6 Year Anniversary for "Moments of Delight"

Can you believe that I have been blogging for 6 years?  Today is my blog-iversary.  Since May 7, 2007, I have written 1,758 posts (paired with one of my photographs) at www.MomentsOfDelight.com

Why do I blog?  

It makes me feel good to put beautiful photos and inspiring ideas out into the world.  I like that my readers can rely on me to post ideas on flower arranging, baking, friendship, collecting.  

Etsy is exciting if you want to buy handmade designs. Pinterest is fun if you want to see photos; I blog because it is important to me to provide inspiring text as well.  Remember, thinking is good for you.

I tell people that my blog is "where sugar rules and stories matter."

I hope that over the years I have: shown you something you had never seen, inspired you to try a recipe or flower arrangement, answered a question or simply gave you delight.  

I am here, still blogging and committed to this delightful life.  All the best, Anne

In honor of May

Why have I got the house looking so pretty?  It's in honor of the month of May, of course.  

The flowering trees are blooming in the neighborhood, my rose bushes have started to leaf out (the beauties on the kitchen table are from the grocery store) and these bright colors make the whole house look happy and welcoming.

The fabric (Patchwork by Vivian Gomez) I used on the table makes it look like I spent hours quilting complimentary pieces of fabric together, but is actually one printed piece! I bought a few yards and serged the edges to make an easy tablecloth.  The periwinkle blue polka dot place mats are plastic and help me to prolong the time that the tablecloth is clean and fresh.

If your kitchen table is a little dull after a long Winter, pull out some bright linens and see what a difference it can make.

Patchwork Sail

"If you're shipwrecked on an island..."  How many of us have heard that conversation starter?  The point of the question is to learn about the person; to see into their heart and find out what is important to them.

When I saw this small boat in a quilting shop in Shipshewana, filled to the brim with fabric, I immediately thought of the "stranded on a desert island" riddle.  Yes, this amount of fabric would just about do it.  I could make a patchwork sail and find my way back to civilization.  Or I could settle in and make a shabby chic beach tent.  

I started thinking about it and I would also need some : candy, music, cook books, lip stick, yarn and needles, my camera, a few Rosamunde Pilcher novels...