Have you lost your marbles?

I realized what it was like to find my marbles when I saw this incredible selection in a museum store. Sold by the bag (you get to choose the size & color), imagine what fun you could have with these. And I can't think of a child who wouldn't want to plunge their hands into this gorgeous bin? And believe me they did - I could hear the glass balls rolling around together from across the store.

Personally, I would like these strung together into a necklace. It would be fabulous with a red t-shirt and jean jacket, don't you think?

Limonata Bouquet

I'd like you to meet my favorite bouquet, Limonata. I have been making and giving this arrangement all Summer and I think it is perfect.

Fill an empty San Pellegrino Limonata can (Tip: Drink the sparkling lemonade while you are cutting the flowers!) with water and add:

• one yellow rose
• a few orange nasturtiums
• a small pink rose
• a sprig of banana-colored lantana

It is such a "happy" bouquet - one that is sure to bring delight!

Coastal Living on Lake Michigan

Every time of day has something special to offer when you are living on the water. Early morning beach walks. A picnic lunch after a long swim.

Six o'clock in the evening is another magic time. The sun is still high, but the relaxed feeling of "a day well done" sets in. 

You still have hours before the beach fire and all you can do is give in to the moment.

My dear friend invited a few of us over for wine & appetizers on the patio. It was perfect.

Surely, this is what they mean by Coastal Living.

Day Breaker Rose in Beaker Vase

There is nothing like a small bouquet in an unexpected place to brighten a room.

In this photo, my newest rose, Day Breaker, is in a glass test tube vase from CB2 (a modern store in Chicago that is owned by Crate & Barrel).

The neat part is that it can hang from the lock on the armoire in my family room. I simply threaded some coordinating ribbon through the hole in the glass test tube, added water, roses and hung it from the key.
When they glance around the room, my guests can't believe that the flowers are real!

Picnic Salad in Glass Jars

Want a great picnic idea? Nothing is more fun than sitting on a blanket and enjoying a layered salad in a glass jar. I got this idea years ago from Southern Living magazine and it is my "go to" item for picnic dinners.

Simply fill glass jars with:

• lettuce
• tomatoes
• diced orange bell pepper
• chick peas
• black olives
• cucumber chunks
• steamed green beans
• cooked bacon pieces
• and slivers of Parmesan cheese

Take along a few salad dressings and when the time comes, let your guests add their choice of dressing and shake! It is a delicious dinner every time. I also served marinated grilled chicken breasts and crusty French bread. Clean-up is a breeze...simply snap the lids shut and tuck the jars away in the picnic basket. Voila!

Doll House

National Museum of American History has a 23-room dollhouse on display! Faith Bradford's (1880-1970) childhood love of miniatures grew and developed over a lifetime as she decorated this spectacular dollhouse. She donated her mini-masterpiece (along with the scrapbook where she recorded her plans and methods) to the Smithsonian in 1951.

My favorite part of this kitchen is the loaves of bread rising in the pan on the table. Such a sweet depiction of everyday life in the late 1800's.

And look at this darling little girl. She is completely transfixed.

I think Faith Bradford would be proud.

Herb Pot

I love love love having an herb pot just outside my kitchen window.

It makes it easy to add a sprig of rosemary to roasted potatoes, some basil to an heirloom tomato salad, even a "bit of green" to a bouquet of flowers.

Every year my Dad and I plant strawberry pots with our favorites (pineapple sage, lemon thyme, chocolate mint) and tend them all Summer long.

I even designed a day bag (click "Delight Totes" button on link) called "Herb Appeal" in honor of our tradition. The leading article is:

"Pot + Water + Sunlight = Herb Appeal"

Wine Cork Candles

There is nothing quite like candlelight in the living room. I wanted to show you one of my favorite things right now - wine cork candles!

Putting a candle in an empty wine bottle has been a tradition for ages. It memorializes a special bottle (and the associated event) and is a simple and romantic way to add ambiance to a room.

But to have a candle that looks like a cork is a very fun play on the idea. I've started mine in a bottle of 45 North, a winery that references the 45th Parallel.

What luck that the labeling matches the room so perfectly.

90 Days of Summer

Are you enjoying the 90 Days of Summer? I have been bouncing between tending the garden, grilling dinners on the deck, watering the herbs (and working on my next book), all while photographing everything in sight.

As a photographer, every moment has a "time stamp" on it. The magnolia, lilacs and peonies are gone now, but the hydrangeas, delphinium and roses are at their peak. I can no longer make fresh strawberry jam (but believe me the freezer is stocked!), but I am looking forward to peach ice cream.

There are so many wonderful festivals, outdoor concerts and "things to do," it makes my head spin. I hope your 90 days of Summer are filled with things you love.

When Lunch is Edible Art

Do you eat flowers? Have you dusted your plate with powdered sugar?

Each year I make a pilgrimage to the Scandinavian shop Punzel to enjoy a lunch so beautiful, it is worthy of a picture frame.

The elements of this work of art (horse-shaped "Dala" pasta, shrimp, begonias, a crepe) was completely unexpected and absolutely delicious.

What do you consider to be edible art?

Paul McCartney Rose

It is time to get out our calenders and pick a date for the Roseglen Garden Club's Annual Garden Walk.

There is a mental checklist we go through to know when the time is right.

• Are there many rosebuds about to open?
• Are the hydrangeas blooming?
• Is the herb pot thriving?
• Are the nasturtiums ready?

The answer to those questions is: Yes Yes Yes!

(This beauty is the The McCartney rose!)

Japanese Paper Art

This is a tiny pop-up paper scene of a Japanese celebration called Hinamatsuri (or Girl's Day). A 2.75 x 2.75 card opens into this charming scene, where even the star-filled trees expand to the side as the guests settle into place.

I found this at The Morikami Museum and have been looking for the right place to display it for some time now. But today things fell into place. I have it on my cream plate rack next to a glass cup filled with 3 pink roses.

Wishing you good health, great happiness and good fortune.

Swedish Style: Wallpaper Offers The Perfect Touch

My new wallpaper is up! I chose "Chester Stripe" (metallic on aqua) from Thibaut's Serendipity Collection and I just love it. The leave-life detail is actually created with tiny metallic dots.

The tonal stripe really brings the plate rack (with my grandmother's dishes), sideboard and oval back chairs "together."

It is a little bit like a dollhouse...and it is a gorgeous place to entertain.

Cup of tea, anyone?

Grocer's Daughter Artisanal Chocolates on the Leelanau Peninsula

You are looking at 6 glorious chocolates from Grocer's Daughter. On this particular Summer day, I had my heart set on one of their "fudgesicles". A perfect, ice cube-size frozen delight on a stick. Yes, I think that sums it up. But, alas, they had sold out by afternoon.

So I made up for it with one each of Lavender, Rosemary, Mint and Basil truffles plus 2 Sea Salt caramels. Did I really need chocolate on any old Monday? Umm...yes!

Grocer's Daughter is a small batch chocolatier that boasts using "local and/or organic dairy products, herbs and edible flowers come straight from our gardens. Honey, maple syrup, berries and loads of other local/organic fruit & nuts are used whenever possible." Doesn't that sound wonderful?  You can taste a little bit of northern Michigan in every bite.  

Vineyard Vines

The "Spirit of Summer" - that is what I think of when I see the name, Vineyard Vines.

Preppy, happy clothes to wear all Summer long. On the beach, cocktails at the cottage - a brand that is appropriate anywhere you might see a boat. Seriously.

I had seen the clothes for years and heard the story - 2 brothers that founded their business on brightly colored neckties.

So, I was very happy to come across one of their shops while I was in Georgetown. As we walked across the street, I gave a quick brand profile to the girls so that they'd know what we were about to see. A gorgeous shop packed with plaid, seersucker and nautical details. My favorite thing? A whale-print tote with a rope handle.

The bonus? I left with a large pink foam whale - a promotional item that they give away "for fun." I like their spirit.

Blueberry Gateau

Our micro-crop of blueberries is coming along nicely. We may have upwards of 100 blueberries this year! A real landslide compared to the crop of ten we had last Summer.

These little garden beauties are destined for a few bowls of cereal, nothing more. But even though there are hardly enough to speak of, we grew them ourselves and that will make them the best we've had all season!

Alas, the farmer's market is my actual source for blueberries. I need cartons and cartons to keep up with the Blueberry Gateau requests. It has become my signature dish in July and I just can't make it enough.

Have you ever made Blueberry Gateau? Make it once and they will ask for it for the rest of your life.

Casual Floral Arrangements

I love love love to make flower arrangements with the roses in my garden. I try to use interesting containers (hand-painted jam jars), add unexpected greens (mint) or showcase interesting connections between the color of the flowers and an outside element (ribbon/packaging).

And then there are days that I glance over at my "harvest" and remember that, although I am having fun, they really need nothing at all. What's growing in your garden?

***To see more of my casual flower arrangements, click here.

Lavender Farms

The lavender fields are in bloom!

I know that Summer weekends are busy busy busy, but if you are looking for an afternoon of girl fun, may I suggest a trip to a lavender farm?

July is the month for lavender festivals and events in the Midwest. I took this photo last year at Lavender Hill Farm in northern Michigan. What a day! I came home with some lovely culinary lavender to use in my shortbread. Yum.

Berry Season

Are you reeling from the choice of berries? You simply have to take advantage of this incredible season. I made jars and jars of strawberry jam this week, using my tried & true method. If you have the chance, give it a whirl. All you need is a packet of Ball's No-Cook Freezer Jam Fruit Pectin, 1 1/2 cups sugar and 4 cups of crushed fruit - see my description here.

Lake Michigan Beach Fires

I was lucky enough to sit by two beach fires this week. We watched the sun go down and the flames start up. What a delight.

I roasted marshmallows on a stick and indulged in one too many S'mores. Sitting out in the quiet was just so peaceful. And it was all topped off with a sighting of the "Big Dipper." I wish you many starry nights.

Kayaks, Tubes & Canoes

Imagine the luxury of drifting down this river in an inner tube. Feet dangling in the water, drinking a cold pop with nothing but time on your hands.

I saw this picture perfect scene on the Platte River when I was driving across the county a few days ago. I had to turn my car around and take a photograph. The life jackets hung by the river, canoes lined up on shore. Everything was perfect for a day on the river.

The last time I drifted in a tube down a river, I was in the Texas Hill Country. Have you ever spent the day on a river in a inner tube?

Oh, boys!

I can't make this stuff up. Three "teenage" foxes out in broad daylight at the cottage. I pulled in the driveway and there they were. I watched them play and romp for a while and then when they all climbed to the top of the woodpile, I rolled down my car window and said "Oh, boys...I want to take your picture" and they all looked my way. Priceless.

Dairy Dreams

When you stumble upon an artisanal ice cream shop (this one called Sylvan Beach in Baltimore, Maryland), life is good.

I devoured these fantastic flavors.
"Chocolate Zinfandel"
"Banana Walnut Chip"
"Honey Graham"

Happy 4th of July

My goal was to get The Blue Angels and the American flag in the same picture. I lined up my shot and patiently waited for the planes to fly by. They are F/A 18 Hornets - so fast it is hard to compose a shot at all.

In my wildest dreams, I never thought that the wind would blow the flag "just so" and that the planes and jet stream would line up with the stars and stripes! This is one of my favorite photos.

Wishing you a delightful 4th of July.

Mount Vernon

I made it to Mount Vernon! It was beautiful the day we toured George Washington's historic home and grounds. The paintings on the wall, the tapestries on the bed, even the dishes gave a real peek into the life of our first president. My favorite part was sitting on the grand porch overlooking the Potomac River. The breeze was wonderful and I know that "retiring to the porch" is exactly what George Washington did with his guests. Loved it.

Dean and Deluca spices in Georgetown

"Anne, do you want to go in Dean an..."
"Yes!"

It is no big secret that I love to cook. When I saw a Dean & Deluca shop in Georgetown, it instantly moved to the top of my "must visit" list. We had a relaxing day shopping the area and finished with a culinary whirl inside this beautiful store. Long glass cases were filled with the finest meats, salads, cheeses and pastries. Everything was a picture. But what did I choose to represent my trip? A display of their signature spice tins. I have always wanted to have a ridiculously large selection of spices in tins from Dean & Deluca and here they all were before me.

How did the afternoon end? At Dean & Deluca's outdoor gelato bar. I indulged in two beautiful shades of green: pistachio and mint chocolate chip.

Julia Child's kitchen

This is Julia Child's actual kitchen...right down to the utensils! It was donated (by Julia) in its entirety to the Smithsonian and is displayed at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. It was wonderful to be able to see it in person. I was happy to hear that Julia (at age 90) was able to visit this exhibit after it was complete - imagine how that must have felt to her...the world would soon be lining up to see where she mastered the art of French cooking. I can think of no finer tribute.

What was my favorite part? Seeing her library of cookbooks on the shelf. She had written "KITCHEN" down the spine of the books she had written, to use as her own reference point at home. Can you imagine having written a series of cookbooks and then keeping a "kitchen" copy for yourself? How cool.

Bon Appetit!

Georgetown Jaunt

We were able to carve out a little "girl time" on our trip and shop Georgetown one afternoon. I kept making gasping sounds from the passenger seat as we drove along looking for a parking spot. Each little house was cuter than the last and I wanted to stop and photograph them all.

I think this street view sums up the look of the area. Candy-colored houses that look like the childhood home of an American Girl doll.

Our yummy lunch destination was The Tombs - a local spot near Georgetown University. We ate big tomato, turkey & avocado sandwiches and welcomed the chance to sit and visit for a while. Every family reunion needs a day just for "the girls."

Washington, D.C.

How lucky were we?

The 4 days of rain showers never materialized and it was sun, sun, sun for our family reunion in Washington, DC.

We spent 4 glorious days visiting museums, eating out and most importantly...talking!

When you plan your next family reunion, take theses factors into account.

You need a place that is easy to travel to, offers a variety of attractions and is centrally located.

I must say, Washington, D.C. is a wonderful place to convene. Okay, now, start planning!

A Tisket A Tasket

This picnic basket is very important to me. It literally reminds me of when I discovered that I could "make" things.

I had always done needlework, light sewing, painting etc. But about 15 years ago, when I my Mom offered me some beautiful yellow floral "plasticized" fabric, I really wanted to put it to good use.

How I "leaped" to a reversible picnic blanket, I'll never know. But I remember taking the yellow print to the fabric store to find a coordinating print. I found a cute pink & blue stripe and sewed the 2 together to make a picnic blanket. Then I bought an inexpensive picnic basket, some batting and a glue gun and started "lining" the picnic basket. It was so cute, I surprised myself. I even made a padded "arm rest" to make it easier to carry the basket on a picnic.

Every year since then, we have packed a picnic dinner in this basket and gone to an outdoor concert of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Tonight is the night and I
simply can't wait.

A tisket, a tasket, I love my picnic basket.

Pinks and Yellows

I am finding myself drawn to pinks and yellows lately.

• Pink & yellow roses arranged with yellow lantana
• Lemon sorbet and rosewater shortbread
• Pale pink monograms on light yellow totes

I have even been thinking about the Sweet Corn ice cream (with raspberry swirl) that I had at Jeni's in Columbus last year. Have you been drawn to any color combinations lately?

Cotton + Glass + Paper

Who wouldn't be thrilled to find their place at this beautiful table? I attended an outdoor luncheon at a lavender farm last year and each place setting was simply gorgeous.

I wanted you to see how some simple, inexpensive and sturdy elements can make a fantastic show. At your next Summer party, enhance a card (or folding) table with a few yards of beautiful cotton fabric, glass plates, paper napkins and a sprig of lavender. Get thee to the fabric store and make a few yards of quilting fabric part of your next tablescape.

Bon Voyage

I kept getting texts from my best friend one Friday afternoon.
"Have u left yet?"
"Need to see u"
"Almost there"

She knew that I was heading up north for the weekend and she wanted to give me these before I left.

I love Lily of the Valley and adore how they grow wild in her backyard. She finally pulled into the driveway and jumped out of the car with this gorgeous bouquet (with the stems in a baggie wrapped with wet paper towel) all ready for our long car ride.

I can't think of a nicer way to say "Bon Voyage."

Thank you, Kim!

Good Ship Lollipop

Oh, to be a girl with a giant lollipop. I saw this display and stopped in my tracks. Who could resist one of these?

I bet buying one would be like when a guy walks down the street with a bouquet of flowers - everyone gives an approving glance. I think a big lollipop would have the same effect.

My favorite is the pink & green "preppy" one on the bottom right. Love it!

Heritage Rose

Each type of rose opens and displays petals a little differently. This gorgeous pink rose (front & center) is a David Austin English rose called "Heritage."

I picked it from the rose garden and created this arrangement when the bud was just beginning to open. You can see that it is sandwiched between two peonies and as it started to relax into bloom, the peonies held their ground and limited the space available. The result is this amazing circular bloom.

In the garden, wonders never cease.

Rain gear

When I heard that all 4 days of my trip to Washington, D.C. had thunderstorms in the forecast, I did what any taxed crafter would do. I made myself a waterproof purse!

I simply love oilcloth and always keep a stash on hand to make cute things in the Summertime. Since it is waterproof, it should be the perfect purse for me as I dash about the city. I designed it to be a styled like a Bermuda bag, but shaped like a classic cigar box purse. Yes, that's the matching wallet with a strawberry flap.

When life gives you rain showers...make rain gear!

MacKenzie-Childs

I think one thing that makes me love housewares so much is that they are timeless. Unlike shoes or clothes, a beautiful dish never goes out of style.

A dear friend gave me this beautiful MacKenzie-Childs dish as a house-warming present twelve (!) years ago and here it is today looking as cute as ever holding our first "crop" of strawberries.

Perfect Plans Are No Plans At All

In January/February/March, I always make grand plans in my mind for "Summer." New restaurants I want to try, adventures to have out on the peninsula etc.

But in the end, on a perfect July night like this, I never want to go anywhere. Watching the sun go down with a cup of coffee is what I "want to do" every time.

This photo was taken at 7:26 pm. The sun was still warm, the water was perfectly calm and I just wanted to sit and talk over the day.

As you are organizing your Summer, remember that sometimes the perfect plan is no plan at all.

Epitome of Delight

Today we are going to take a moment to reflect on the magnificent
"Raspberry Sundae" peony.

The giant cream petals represent a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while the pink petals are the sauce on top, as well as some pooling in the saucer below. Have you ever heard of anything so cool?

This variety is the epitome of what I try to blog about: things that are both beautiful and interesting.

In this photograph, you can also see that I converted a Lorina sparkling lemonade bottle into a candle (!) using a ceramic bottle candle with wick. So pretty and romantic. It is my kind of repurposing.

Mango & Mint Appetizer

I know what I want in a Summer appetizer recipe. I want something:

• that tastes delicious
• that looks beautiful
• that is easy to make
• that no one has ever tried before

I created these appetizer skewers for a "Cuban theme" party a few years ago and they were devoured on the spot! I have relied on them for "parties on the deck" ever since. Trust me, the flavors are delicious together.
Mango & Mint skewers

1 jar (24 oz) of Del Monte mango
1 container of fresh mozzarella balls
1 package (8 oz) hard salami
fresh mint leaves
wooden skewers

Cut each mango section into chunks.
Cut each mozzarella ball in half.
Cut 2 long strips of salami (about an inch wide) from each slice.
Wash mint leaves.

Thread one end of salami strip onto skewer, then thread on mango, mozzarella, one mint leaf and then finish by threading on the other end of salami strip. Chill until serving.

Iris Farm

When I mentioned that I had gone to the iris farm someone asked me, "What exactly does that mean?"

The idea of wandering through rows of blooming iris does seem a bit like a fairy tale, doesn't it? Now add in an old barn, perfect weather and a basket overflowing with flowers and it was as if the pages of Mother Goose had been brought to life.

Guests pick up a basket and scissors at the little "iris shop" inside a smaller barn and then are free to wander the farm cutting stalks for a magnificent arrangement. When you are finished, you pay by the stalk and return the supplies. (Tip: Bring a bucket of water in your car to help get these beauties home safely.)

What could me more fun on a perfect June day?

This farm is also where I took the all-white barnyard photograph that I love so much. Love it!

Cutting Garden

This week my friend, Phyllis (mother of the Garden Club Girls) invited me to a "School's Out for the Summer" lunch at a her house.

The picnic fare was all taken care of, so I needed to think of something I could bring that would enhance the party. It didn't take me long to realize that a bouquet of flowers for the table would be a welcome addition.

I went outside, picked
peonies, gerbera daisies, dahlias, zinnias and roses, and then arranged them in a pink Maxwell House coffee can (with a glass jar of water inside).

It looked lovely and resulted in a discussion about "Cutting Gardens." Most landscape plans are based on the exterior look (and maintenance requirements) of a house.

I think your landscaping should also include a plan for flower arranging. What you grow outside = bouquets for the inside. Hence a cutting garden. Simply plant flowers that bloom repeatedly (in colors you love) so that you can make flower arrangements at a moments notice. A garden of delight.

Lemon Pear ice cream

I'm not sure what you thought you were doing this weekend, but I think you should make this ice cream instead. Seriously. It is that good.

Lemon Pear Ice Cream
1 can (29 oz) of pear halves
1 cup pear juice (from can)
1 small (5 oz) 2% fat plain Greek yogurt
1 cup whipping cream
1 box (3.4 oz) of lemon Jell-o gelatin
1/2 box (3.4 oz) instant lemon Jell-o pudding


Open can of pear halves and drain 1 cup of pear juice into a measuring cup. In a food processor, pulse the drained pears to a fine slush. In a large bowl, whisk or beat together the yogurt, whipping cream, lemon jello, lemon pudding, pear juice and pear slush. Pour into an ice cream maker and process until it is the consistency of soft-serve ice cream. Serve immediately with a garnish of fresh mint.

For hard ice cream (shown above), you can spoon the ice cream into an airtight container and freeze. Although, when frozen solid, the ice cream is so cold that the complex flavor profile is harder to detect. I find that the soft-serve consistency allows the subtle flavor to come through.

Mobile Travel Guide

What is the perfect lunch? A cup of beet soup (pink!) and homemade cherry chicken salad. The funny thing about this photo was that it suddenly turned me into a mobile "travel guide."

We had this darling lunch at Martha's Leelanau Table and then, while shopping a few doors down, we ran into an old friend. As we were chatting, I mentioned that we'd had the perfect "girl" lunch in town and I pulled out my camera to show her. The next thing I know I am scrolling through lunch photos and explaining the combinations available. Then other shoppers started listening. Too funny.

(National buzz: I just heard that in Esquire magazine's Spring 2009 "Big Black Book" issue, Mario Batali singles out Martha's Leelanau Table for its "simple Alice Waters sensibility." How wonderful!)

Frommer's here I come!

Marsh Marigolds

We hit the jackpot! My Mom and I went driving around "up north" looking for marsh marigolds in bloom and look what we found!

Thirty years ago, my Mom took some gorgeous marsh marigold photos (great composition of flowers, water, log) in this area, so our mission was to find the same stream and try again.

We had so much fun leaning "way out" off of a low bridge to frame this photo just right.

These marsh marigolds were crowding the banks of the river and left a golden trail way up into the woods behind. Gorgeous!

A Gift from Mackinac Island

The doorbell rang yesterday and it was the Garden Club Girls bringing me a present! Their Girl Scout troop went to Mackinac Island for the weekend (jealous!) and I had told them all kinds of "things to think about" while they were there.

#1 They would be visiting Mackinac Island during the Lilac Festival - I reminded them that "we" have lilacs on the side of the house.
#2 The most romantic movie ever made (Somewhere in Time) was filmed at The Grand Hotel - since they were scheduled to have lunch there I wanted them to really look around this famous hotel - we're already planning a family movie night to watch Somewhere in Time this summer.
#3 The view from "The Cupola Bar" at the tip-top of the Grand Hotel is breathtaking. I told them to try and take a picture from up there if possible.

So....the girls came and told me all about their adventures. The trip was a big success - they took a horse-drawn carriage tour around the island, saw lilacs in bloom and made it to the Cupula Bar to take panoramic pictures.

My favorite quote was:
"Mrs. Reeves, there was so much stuff you would've liked, it was crazy."

The girls brought me this beautiful bar of handmade lilac soap. We decided that we had to try it out, so we stood in the first floor powder room 3-across washing our hands with sudsy lilac bubbles. Thank you girls!

Seasonal Eating

When I say that I love fresh asparagus, I'm not kidding. And for a shopping experience like this, I go right to the source -
a self-serve stand at Norconk Farm near Empire, Michigan.

With my bounty I will make asparagus soup (my super-easy recipe is here), roasted asparagus (with olive oil and sea salt) and even a healthy breakfast frittata (asparagus sauteed with grape tomatoes, spring onions and mushrooms).
This is seasonal eating at its finest. Enjoy!

Detroit Eastern Market

"Oh, what a beautiful morning..." How I love this time of year! This morning my good friend, Barb and I went on our annual pilgrimage to Detroit's Eastern Market (the largest historic public market district in the United States) to shop from the best-of-the-best local produce. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and we strolled the market stalls for hours admiring everything from bunches of asparagus to pots of herbs.

What did I buy? An armful of rhubarb, spring onions, new potatoes and some gorgeous flowering kale. Am I making you long for fresh fruit and vegetables? You can locate your local farmers' market here.

Place & Thing

How can you make your desk seem a little more yours? Create a simple paperweight that really says something about you.

You know that I love people, but this time I am suggesting that you highlight a place & thing. In my case, I chose a map of Paris and a gorgeous clip-art butterfly. It represents me "fluttering" around Paris. I am using a craft to do story-telling.

You will need an empty glass or acrylic paperweight, an interesting background paper and a smaller flat item layer on top.

You could layer:

• a candy wrapper with a ticket stub
• a beautiful magazine ad with a clip-art butterfly
• a map of your grandparents' town with an antique stamp
• a wedding invitation with a pressed flower

Have I started you thinking? What combination would you like to make?