Father's May Herb Pot: Planting a Tradition

Every year, my Dad & I celebrate Father's Day...in May. You see, our tradition is planting matching herb pots and we want to plant when the herb selection is best.

First, we shop for mint & sage & thyme, oh my! Then there are discussions about dirt (bagged or from the garden), who has the Soil Moist (usually me) and how the weather is looking for Memorial Weekend (gorgeous!). 

We plant a different herb in each hole of our strawberry pots. Sometimes, as a crowning touch, we add a "Sweet 100" cherry tomato plant next to the dill and orange mint on top. Sometimes the cherry tomato plant grows too big and it dominates the pot; other times it is just right. I certainly love seeing the bright red cherries, but in truth, it is probably best to stick to just herb. What choices there are!

Our little herb garden is compact, beautiful and smells divine. Happy Father's May.

Asian Fusion

Be still my heart. Tiny fabric & paper kimono. I found these little treasures in one of my favorite museum gift shops - Morikami. But I can't keep them in a little paper envelope anymore - they need to be seen! 

Today I am going to try and find the perfect little black frame for them. I think they will look darling on the tea cart in my living room. Come to think of it, I have a Japanese black noodle bowl that I could plant with a Maidenhair fern. 

Ohhhh...it is all starting to come together. Sake, anyone?

Moomers

Did you have some ice cream over the holiday weekend? I did. As a matter of fact, I had "the best ice cream in America."

Good Morning America searched the country for the most delicious ice cream and announced on Saturday that Moomers (our local ice cream shop & dairy in northern Michigan) had won!

We went for a scoop that night to celebrate and this sweet spot in the middle of the rolling hills of Traverse City was packed. The parking lot was part "ice cream line" and part "ice cream eaters." 

Cars roared by and honked their horns in celebration. It was a wonderful night. 

What flavor do I like? Cherries Moobilee (cherry ice cream with fresh cherries & chocolate brownie swirled in).

Second Spring

The beauty of Michigan is that you can experience a beautiful "Springtime in the Suburbs," wait a few weeks and then drive 5 hours north to the Lake Michigan shoreline and start all over again. The northern climate is about 3 weeks behind and offers an opportunity to "catch" any blooms that you missed the first time. I love the chance to appreciate the apple blossoms and magnolia trees in my second Spring. And look at this glorious weeping Shogetsu cherry against a bright blue sky. Magnificent.

Paris Delight

I love this photograph of the Eiffel Tower - a surprisingly good shot taken from a moving vehicle. 

My parents and I were whirling around Paris by car when my Dad called out "Take it! Take it!" 

He was sure that I could capture the neat angles and striking lighting that he also saw at that moment. So "take it" I did, and this is the super cool result.

Thanks, Dad.

Color of the Year

The June issue of Country Living magazine reminds us that the Pantone 2008 "Color of the Year" is Blue Iris. I couldn't resist showing you this spectacular blue iris that I photographed in northern Michigan. I hope the timing is right this year and that I can be there when the plants are at their peak (mid June?). This was a picture perfect day with bright blue skies and light breeze - simply lovely. Now that the holiday weekend is here, there is so much fun ahead! I hope you have a Happy Memorial Day.

New York, Paris, Charlottesville?

Caspari has long been my favorite brand of papergoods. They combine sophisticated colors & patterns to make beautiful products. I've found myself wanting to learn to play bridge, just so that I can have a scorepad and matching deck of cards (I mean it - they are beautiful). So a few years ago, when I left my hotel in Paris to explore Rue Jacob, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this shop window. The Caspari line is sold in fine shops all over the world, but to find a Caspari store was magic. Later when I looked online, I found that their design office is in New York, they opened their first store in Paris and their second store is now in...Charlotteville, Virginia. I live in Michigan and I rarely get to Virginia, so imagine my surprise when I was shopping on our Monticello trip and I found the only other Caspari store by accident! I was so thrilled, that I rushed inside and I forgot to take a picture of the storefront. Believe me, the entire space is magnificent. And I bought the sweetest periwinkle & white polka dot paper table runners. Lunch anyone?

S'more Cupcakes

Hershey bars & graham crackers are on every grocery store endcap this week. It's Memorial Weekend and parties are planned! Want to have them saying "Mmmmm" long before they take a bite? Tell them you made S'more Cupcakes.

My version is super easy and tastes great.
1 Betty Crocker Butter Pecan (trust me) box cake mix (plus the 3 eggs, 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil, and 1 1/2 cups of water - notice that I increased the water from the box instructions)
2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tubs of chocolate frosting
(Hershey's syrup to enhance frosting, if desired)
Bag of Mini Marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cupcake liners in cupcake pan. Combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, water and graham cracker crumbs. Fill cupcake papers 2/3 full. Bake 17-22 minutes. Cool cupcakes. Frost cupcakes with chocolate frosting (I chose one with Hershey's syrup in it...then added a few extra tablespoons of Hershey syrup for good measure). Top with a sprinkling of mini marshmallows. Give them one and they are sure to want s'more!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Moments of Delight - Anne Reeves

Today is the first day in an exciting new "chapter" of my career - Author & Photographer of my first book! It is available on Amazon or click the link on my blog. So exciting! And you must give me feedback! Each moment is titled (i.e. "Sugar Secrets" or "Football and the Movies"), so I am curious to hear what people's favorites are.

Moments of Delight is 140 pages of stunning photography, creative ideas and simple pleasures that put the spotlight back on the beauty of every day life.

Thank you!

Pot of Herbal Tea

So cute! I was at the green house shopping for herbs and roses when I saw this beautiful collection of plants in a light green pot.

Literally a "Pot of Herbal Tea," it is loaded with Orange Mint, Chamomile and Lemon Balm to make tea from fresh leaves. 

It smells so bright & wonderful, I am going to keep it by the kitchen sink for as long as it looks "happy." After a few weeks, I'll move it to the kitchen deck to keep it flourishing.

Can't you see bright green leaves steeping inside a glass teapot? Gorgeous!

Pink Dogwood

This beautiful pink Dogwood is blooming in my neighborhood. My tree is pure white and has finally started to relax and drape like it should. For years it looked like a Q-tip stuck in my lawn.

With blossoms like paper, Dogwood is a lovely tree to recreate in paper. One year I made Dogwood blossoms out of tissue paper and they turned out really sweet. 

I noticed that Martha Stewart Crafts sells a paper flower kit so that you can make your own little bouquet that will last forever.

Soap Bundt Cake

When I make something, I want it to be both beautiful and interesting. This soap Bundt cake is both, and it smells divine. I have seen soap Bundt cakes in gift shops with "slices" for sale. To me, the beauty is in the perfect molded cake, so I decided to make one for myself and leave it whole. I took a plastic Jell-O mold (the fact that it was plastic made it super easy to remove), purchased some dyes, scents (cucumber!) and a block of glycerin soap at Michaels and before I knew it I had my new favorite thing. I display it on a cake stand with a paper doily and it serves as art. Love it!

Sheep-ish

Today is the Mt. Bruce Station Spring Fiber Day. A chance to visit a sheep farm, shop for wool and yarn from local vendors and even participate in a yarn craft workshop. All while enjoying a beautiful Spring day outdoors.

Did you know that sheep have names? I didn't. One year at this event, I started chatting with a woman who was operating a spinning wheel. I asked her about yarn weights etc. and as she began to elaborate, she kept mentioning "Stanley." She was spinning his wool at the time and seemed to know exactly how it would turn out because it was his. Interesting. Why was he named Stanley? He was born during the hockey playoffs when the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup...she missed the winning goal to be in the barn when he was born.

Stop The Presses!

Okay, actually they are starting the presses.

My first book, Moments of Delight, will be available online May 23rd at www.anadesigns.com and www.subscribetodelight.com.
Finally, a paper version of my photos, recipes and more!

140 pages of beautiful photography, creative ideas & simple pleasures that put the spotlight back on the beauty of every day life.

"Anne Reeves' brand of story-telling brings 'Delight' to life."

Antique Coffee Pots

I love this antique coffee pot and had always considered the hand-painted blossoms to be violets. But look! They actually match the lilacs perfectly - even the slant of the leaf.

I feel like whoever painted this years and years ago is sending me a message saying "You got it!"

Button It

Can you believe the selection? Seeing this makes me want to design a necklace out of novelty buttons. Loaded with color and texture (and a dash of humor), it could be the perfect Summer accessory. Talk about taking a plain red t-shirt from zero to sixty! Maybe this will be my Memorial Day project...

Wisteria

My wisteria has outdone itself this year. Loaded with lily-scented blooms that hang like bunches of grapes, the effect is magnificent. It's probably the one time I would use the verb "cascade" without being overly dramatic.
Last Summer, one of the Garden Club girls showed me a drawing she had done. She pointed to the part of the page that was light purple, looked at me and said that she had used the (heavy emphasis) "Wisteria" crayon. She wanted to make sure that I knew she understood why that crayon is called wisteria. Mother Nature would be proud.

A Room With A View

Can you hear the quiet? This is the view from the Garden Pavilion (shown here) at Monticello. Only a visionary would (in the early 1800's) build a 1-room building in the middle of a garden. The pavilion has full-length windows on all four sides to maximize the view and minimize the elements. It was constructed at the halfway point of the 1,000-foot-long garden terrace and provides unobstructed views of Jefferson's 8-acres of orchards, berry plots and vineyards. He built a room with a view. I want one.

Island Brie

How do you know when an appetizer is a hit? I knew that my Island Brie was a success when looked over to see my husband's grandmother sitting on the floor by the coffee table so that she could reach it easily. Seriously, it is that good. Rich and sweet and chewy.

Island Brie
1 round of Brie cheese
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
4 Tbsp. honey roasted peanuts, chopped
3 Tbsp. flaked coconut, preferably unsweetened
1 baguette of French bread

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place Brie on a beautiful oven-safe platter (with sides to catch drips). In a small saucepan, stir pineapple, peanuts and brown sugar until heated through. Spoon over cheese and bake 8-10 minutes until cheese is softened. Top with coconut and return dish to the oven to brown. Cut open with a pretty knife to invite your guests to dig in. Serve with baguette slices.

Photograph: Pineapple Fountain in Charleston, South Carolina.

Bradford Pear

More than 10 years ago, when our neighborhood was doing the main landscaping plan, I brought a picture with me to the meeting and chimed in "Bradford Pear" every chance I got. As a result, a ring of 5 trees were planted in the cul-de-sac by my house and they are spectacular.

One Saturday afternoon the "Garden Club Girls" ran into our backyard asking for me and proclaiming, "It's an emergency!" Knowing that their Mothers were nearby and that no one looked hurt, my husband asked, "Girls...Is something blooming?"
"Yes!" they shouted.
It was the Bradford Pears.

A Gathering of Friends

What occasions do you celebrate? Most of us probably have the same list: Weddings, Birthdays, Holidays. Repeat. Well, today I was invited to celebrate
"Friendship." A table for 8, bountiful salads and the most precious element, conversation with old friends. We laughed and talked and shared bits about ourselves. Every one's shoulders started to relax and by the time the gorgeous desserts arrived we all felt even closer. The next time you are looking at your calendar, see if you can pull together "something" for your friends. They will love being invited. They will love looking forward to it. They will love attending. Now how can you resist?

Carbon Copy

People with a lot on their mind often keep a pad & pencil by the bed to capture ideas that come to them in the night. Thomas Jefferson kept his entire office next to his bed. By building his bed into an alcove, he could rise to the right and immediately begin working at his desk. Or he could rise to the left and start his day by the fire in a large private bedroom. You can see a lovely interior photo of the room here. Jefferson is said to have dedicated his mornings to "correspondence," personally answering over 10,000 letters. How can we know what happened 200 years ago? He kept a duplicate (!) of the letters he wrote on the double pen polygraph machine on the desk.
Remember what I said about VISION? Amazing.

Fruits, Roots & Leaves

Thomas Jefferson organized his spectacular 1000-foot-long garden terrace into plots by plant type: Fruits (tomato), Roots (carrot) or Leaves (cabbage). The beds look very "Martha Stewart" and I feel so lucky to have been to Monticello in Spring when the plants are at their best. I purchased seed packets from the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants to try in my own garden. One seed packet reads "Thomas Jefferson sowed 3 rows of Alpine Strawberry on March 31, 1774." Neat, eh? So this Summer it will be Fraise des Bois and cream for me! You can order seeds harvested from the gardens at Monticello and start your own kitchen garden!

Monticello in Spring

I am back from a beautiful long weekend in Virginia and Maryland. It was a picture perfect day when I toured Monticello - 73 degrees, full sun with a light breeze from the Virginia hills. I promise to show you the gardens & grounds in the coming days. But you should know that the overall theme of this trip was VISION. I love Thomas Jefferson's "mechanical novelties" that show how (in the late 1700's!) he designed his home to be beautiful, efficient and above all, cool. My favorite was the two-faced Great Clock in the main entrance hall. Not only does it have an indoor & outdoor face displaying the time simultaneously, but it was designed to tell the day of the week! As the pulleys move, the weights rest next to the day of the week marked on the wall. Yes, it still works, and right now the weight is resting next to "Wednesday." How cool is that?

Beekman 1802

Look at the beautiful goat milk soap that I just received from Beekman 1802. Handmade & wrapped in Sharon Springs, New York, this artisanal soap & farm was just featured on The Martha Stewart show (click link). The fragrance I chose is called "May" inspired by the scents of this month - love it! A virtual tour of the property and dreams of an heirloom vegetable garden are worth an online trip! Enjoy.

May Day

Did you have a lovely May Day? Isn't it wonderful to think of all the warm days ahead of us - Spring is here! I like to celebrate the 1st of May by hanging a paper cone full of fresh flowers on my front door. It is a nod to the tradition of making and leaving May Baskets on a neighbor's door and it is the first thing to say "Hi!" when someone comes to visit. So pretty...

Dick & Jane Baking Company

Today I spent the morning with my brother, Dick, working on marketing materials for SMART cookies. They feature the 50 states & their capitals and are made by the Dick and Jane Baking Company.

Yes, my brother's name is Dick, his wife is Jane (and she's a 2nd grade teacher) and they have their own line of educational cookies...how cute is that?

I like to snack on SMART cookies and say things like..."Florida is delicious." or "I ate the Midwest."

Teacup Bouquets

Short and sweet, a teacup bouquet is the perfect arrangement for when you want to make a lot, out of a little. Say, when your neighbor's magnolia tree is in full bloom. You'll only need the courage to ask for 2 buds to make a darling old-fashioned arrangement. Thank you, Phyllis! A pretty little addition to any room, I plan on making lots of teacup arrangements this Summer. Care to join me for a cup?

Store Manager

A trip to the feed store this weekend was Step 2 in my quest for happier roses this season. I am going to try a recipe for a "radiant rose cocktail" that I tore out of a Mary Engelbreit Home Companion magazine years ago. Needing a variety of odd ingredients, I found this charming store that sells everything from Epsom salt to hummingbird feeders. I gathered everything I needed and at the checkout I ran into the store manager (pictured here). He reviews each sale and, I assure you, he doesn't miss a thing. I even think I heard him mutter something about sales tax.

Gift Wrap

Now is the time to let Spring take center stage in everything you do. To achieve this pretty package, take a tuft of Bradford Pear blossoms and wrap the stem with floral tape. Then attach it to the package with clear tape - voila! It will be the prettiest gift at the party and you'll have Mother Nature to thank.

Tulip Time

Check your calendar - Tulip Time is May 3-10 this year in Holland, Michigan. A festival that celebrates Dutch heritage, tulips bulbs and community fun, Tulip Time is a major event in western Michigan that draws over a half a million visitors. "Klompen Dancers" dressed in traditional Dutch attire (handmade) wear real wooden shoes (ouch) and perform folk dances in the street. Cute, eh? What if I told you that over 1,400 dancers participate? Tulips are taken seriously in Holland, Michigan. An incredible 6 miles of city streets are planted with tulip bulbs in the Fall, so when Tulip Time arrives the streets are blooming. I really enjoyed myself last year - drinking lemonade, strolling the town & watching the occasional "klompen dance." It was the perfect Sunday afternoon. While in Holland, stop at the Veldheer tulip farm, where you can see 5 million tulips blooming, seriously.

Spring is like the Circus

Every year I say, "Spring is like the Circus. It only comes once a year and you don't want to miss it!"

I want to show you my favorite tree. It is part Bradford Pear and part Weeping Cherry and I purposely drive by every day in the Springtime. The trunks were grafted together long ago and I am sure that it was expected to be a sweet little ornamental tree by the front walk. But look! Over the past 30+ years, it has grown into a magnificent full-size tree that has billowy white blooms on top and draping pink blooms below. You can only see it blooming for about 10 days each Spring. I took the Garden Club girls here on a "field trip" last year. We simply rolled down the car windows and applauded.

Tea & Cookies

My Mom was given the prettiest package of floral cookies for her birthday this week. We decided that they were the perfect thing to serve when my Aunt came for a visit. These sweet treats elevated "a cup of tea" into a little birthday party. We made a pot of English Breakfast, arranged the cookies on an antique plate and settled in for an afternoon of catching up. The next time you are considering extra-special cookies - get them! They can turn an afternoon into an occasion.

Violet

My grandmother loved violets. There were always ten or more plants growing happily on her table by the back door. One time I commented on the sprig of artificial violet flowers she had tucked into one of the non-blooming plants. She said that when they weren't blooming, she liked put the fake blooms in there to "give them the idea." As if the power of suggestion worked for plants too! I think she was onto something and whenever I'm in floral department of Micheal's, I'm tempted to buy myself a little sprig of violets...
Want to try growing violets? Read some care tips from the experts here.

Pretzel Candy

I was going to a Euchre card party and I wanted to bring a snack that was delicious and easy to eat while playing. What did I make up?

Pretzel Candy
1 bag Snyder's Pretzel dipping sticks
1 (12 oz) bag of Nestle white chocolate morsels
1 bag CK Products Toffee Crunch
1 bag CK Products Toasted Coconut Flakes
1 bag CK Products Toasted Almond Crunch
(CK Products are available at many candy & cake decorating supply stores - you can search for a retailer near you here.)

Pour toppings into 3 separate dipping bowls.
Melt 1/2 bag of white chocolate morsels in the microwave for 30 secs (repeat as necc.) stir until smooth (careful not to burn it), dip 1/2 of each pretzel dipping stick into the white chocolate and then gently roll in one of the toppings. Place each dipped pretzel on a waxed paper lined cookie sheet. When the cookie sheet is full, place it in the fridge for a few minutes to harden. Repeat for all 3 toppings. Make some plain pretzel rods dipped only in chocolate. It is pretty to display these in a sequence that repeats (for example Toasted Coconut, Toffee Bits, Toasted Almond, Plain - repeat). Yum!

Monticello

Thomas Jefferson's estate in Charlottesville, Virginia is called Monticello. I have wanted to photograph it for as long as I can remember and I will finally have the chance next month! Jefferson loved Paris, cultivating fruits & flowers and the elements of design - a man after my own heart! Back in college, I began this octagonal building and grounds in counted cross-stitch. I was sure that it was Monticello (known for its octagonal rooms) and have been telling everyone that I wanted to visit it ever since. My question to you is: Have you been? Do you have any advice for me? I will be photographing architectural details, floral portraits and landscapes. What would you like to see?

Storybook Setting

I had been "oohing and aahing" at gardens all over Paris when my French friend said, "I want to show you something."
We drove down a narrow lane and as we turned into a gravel driveway, I looked up and saw this house! I assure you those pink hydrangeas are real. I had never seen hydrangeas planted in window boxes before and combined with the light blue trim work, it was simply gorgeous. I found it hard to leave. I was sure that if I peeked in the windows, I'd see a grandfather clock dancing with a teapot! You see, storybook settings really do exist.

Threads

In honor of the new Martha Stewart "Color" issue, I have taken a photograph of thread.
When I was 8 and first saw a Coats & Clark thread display, it was love at first sight. I remember feeling giddy when I realized that they were for sale...that I could choose color after color and have them to look at all the time. It was purely form over function. I didn't know how to sew, but I had to have that thread.
To add to the mystique, my maternal grandmother had small James Bond-inspired dresser in her bedroom. From the front it looked like a 4-drawer dresser, but when you pushed on it, the entire facade spun to reveal a secret place to stash your sewing supplies. Every chance I got, I'd push on the cabinet door to peek at the spools and thimbles and needles, oh my. Sewing was obviously very important and very special to have a cabinet like this. Yes, when someone says "color" I think thread. What do you think of?

Angelique

Would you believe this is a tulip? Similar in look to a peony, Angelique is a gorgeous double tulip that I simply adore. We are just beginning to get warmth in the air here and my tulips are up about an inch. Besides Angelique, what else am looking forward to? The grouping of tulips called "Easter Basket" that I planted in pots last Fall. The collection was loaded with pale yellow, rose pink and soft apricot tulips - all chosen because they look like dyed Easter eggs. I can't wait to see them!

Spring Risotto

I have the perfect Spring Risotto for you. It is an oven-baked variation, so the major challenge with risotto (stirring faithfully as the cups of liquid are absorbed) is eliminated. I think this recipe, which incorporates asparagus, fresh herbs and lemon, is simply delicious.
I cook this dish in a 2 quart Le Creuset round French oven. It moves from stove top, to oven, to table beautifully. Make sure to choose a pot that has a lid & can go from stove top to oven.
Anne's Spring Risotto
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. butter
1/4 c. chopped onion
1 c. fresh asparagus, chopped 1 inch pieces
1 c. fresh red/orange bell peppers, chopped
3/4 c. arborio rice
2 c. vegetable stock
1/4 c. white wine
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon rind, grated
1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped fine
1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 Tbsp. fresh mint, chopped fine
1/4 tsp. ground coriander
1 squeeze of fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On stove top, place oven safe saucepan/stockpot on burner over med heat. Add oil & butter and melt. Add onions, asparagus & peppers - saute 2-3 min. Add rice and stir until coated - about 1-2 min. Add stock & wine. Stir in lemon zest, all the herbs and the coriander. Cover and place in the oven to bake for 25 minutes. When timer goes off, stir in a squeeze of lemon juice, remaining 2 Tbsp. of butter, parmesan cheese and salt & pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Food For Thought

Did you ever read 500 Words to Grow On? It is a visual dictionary for children with scenes (a kitchen, a neighborhood) in which each object is labelled. I vividly remember the country scene with a "meadowlark" sitting on a "fence" with hills, cows and farmland in the distance. I like to think that my Cavallini print of gourmet foods as a grown-up version of that wonderful book. I showcase it in different spots around the house depending on my mood in a lightweight 18 x 24 frame. If you like food illustrations, you might also want to check out Cook's Illustrated magazine. Bon appetit!

Floating Island

I just about dropped the dessert menu when I saw that "Floating Island" was offered at Brasserie Jo in Chicago. It is a childhood favorite that I hadn't had in years. The restaurant's version had a perfect meringue island floating in a pool of vanilla custard - delicious! Growing up, my grandmother's recipe for floating island was a homemade vanilla pudding topped with a meringue puff. I loved the name, the flavor, and everything about it. The next time you are scanning a French menu look for my favorite dessert or, if you are feeling adventurous, try one of the recipes for Floating Island here.

Art and Craft: Books as Sculpture

It worked! Remember when I  talked about the art of book sculpture here? Well, today was the day I tried "3 repetitive folds" and I am really happy with the result. I was reading a memoir about a woman who fell in love with a Frenchman and rearranged her life to live with him in Paris. 

Sounds great, eh? Well, the writing was terrible and at some point yesterday I decided I would enjoy it more as art, then literature. Got a book club book you just can't make it through? I think this is the ultimate in re purposing. The process is surprisingly like knitting. Slow, repetitive and you can see your progress almost immediately. 

I encourage you to source a sculpture pattern and try it! 

Inspiration Everywhere

In Spring, you can find inspiration everywhere - the garden, the kitchen, and online! I have admired the work of designer & stylist, Matthew Mead for a long time. He has a light & fun approach to the holidays that is always beautiful. I loved the 2006 special issue "Country Home Holiday with Matthew Mead" and I just found out that he will have a Halloween issue on newsstands this Fall. His latest book, Easter Eggs: 40 Fabulous Projects for the Whole Family, is loaded with darling projects and his entertaining book will be out in November. Can't wait!

Bamboo & Bananas

I am really drawn to the color banana right now. T-shirts, yarn, paper - you name it. My latest project is a scarf with wide cream & banana stripes - yum! I am going to wear it with a ivory t-shirt and a blue jean jacket. For the first time, I am knitting with Bernat's bamboo yarn. This 86% bamboo yarn feels like silk and is the perfect weight for Spring. Now, if only I had some banana bread in the house...

Mint Wagon

I have pinned this linen dishtowel up to remind me of all the glorious days in the garden ahead of me. After last weekend's blast of snow, the weather forecast for Sunday is 64 and sunny! It is finally time for the rose cones to come off, the burlap to come down and the evaluation to begin! I saw a very sweet garden planted in a wagon. Plants were trailing over the side and it could be rolled to a sunny spot when needed. Last year, I filled a wreath form with different varieties of mint (ginger, pepper, chocolate). It smelled divine, but it was a little crowded. Maybe a little mint wagon is just what I need!

Petit Dejeuner

Could this be where I found my love of blue & white china? A simple breakfast in the heart of Paris. This was set before me at the Hotel d'Aubsson and it looked like such a fairytale breakfast that I snapped a picture of it. When someone says "Petit dejeuner," this is what comes to mind. Are you dreaming of Paris?

Women Who Inspire

I was honored to return to the Country Living Women Entrepreneur event this year as a 2007 Pitch Your Product winner. It was there that I met the ladies of Make Mine Pink and was asked to be a part of the "Women Who Inspire" series at Make Mine Pink.com

You can click the "Women Who Inspire" link above to read my interview and get a sense of who I am and how I founded my business, Subscribe To Delight.