Las Vegas: Modern Vacationing

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

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

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

Las Vegas: Jean Philippe Patisserie

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

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

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

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

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

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

Las Vegas: Floral Clothing

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

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

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

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

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

Bellagio: Las Vegas

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

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

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

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

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

Tweeting from an IT Conference

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

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

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

This post is my sticky badge saying: I tweet!

Capture A Moment

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

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

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

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

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

Lemon Souffle

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

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

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

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

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

Individual Lemon Souffles 

4 egg yolks, room temperature

5 egg whites, room temperature

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

1 1/2 Tablespoons white flour

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

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

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

1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature

loose white sugar to sprinkle into buttered ramekins

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

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

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

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

Anne Reeves, Entrepreneur and Maker

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

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

Who is Anne Held Reeves?

A hip craftster who repurposes vintage tablecloths into aprons?

No.

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

No.

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

No.

A Perrier drinking, cookie cutter collecting, photograph taking,

hydrangea loving, candy eating entrepreneur?

Yes!

_______________

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

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

cigar box purses, tin wallets & ANA Delight Totes. 

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

I am starring in my own movie.

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

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

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

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

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

Poster Celebrating Individuality

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

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

Peter Anton, Box of Chocolates

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

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

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

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

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

Lavender Hibiscus

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

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

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

Pizza in Palm Beach

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

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

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

Chanel in Palm Beach

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

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

 

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

 

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

Paper Garden

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

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

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

Hand-Dipped Beeswax Tapers

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

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

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

Punch Embroidery

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

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

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

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

Mad Magazine Movie

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

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

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

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

Good luck, Alan!

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

12 Days of Valentine's Day 2013

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

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

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

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

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

Bead Show Fever

Have you ever been to a bead show?  If you have the basic jewelry making knowledge (how to string beads on a wire, secure a crimp bead and attach a clasp with a jump ring), then attending a bead show could be a really fun thing to do with a friend. 

I had never been to a bead show before my friend Corinne took me to this show in Honolulu.  Up until then I had relied completely on Michaels Craft and Joann's for my materials.  The sheer variety of colors, materials and styles is reason enough to take this field trip.  If you have a new blouse or sweater that you want to coordinate with, bring it along! Your brain will thank you, as you often need an inspiration piece to start with.

I found this terrific list of bead shows around the United States.  I know that Corinne has found one for us to attend in Michigan this Spring and I'm already looking forward to it.  I love adding color to a classic outfit with a beautiful necklace and since most jewelry shows are open to the public, we can all enhance our wardrobe with a custom necklace.

Doll Face

Ha! I thought that today's moment of delight could be a laugh.  Isn't this photo ridiculous?  I knew that dolls came in all shapes and sizes and here's the proof!  When I was in Shipshewana with my friends, one of the stores we wandered into specialized in dolls.  I was thinking more along the lines of doll clothes, but this proves that they start from scratch.  

The store was full of doll enthusiasts and I seemed to be the only one who thought this display was more than a little bizarre.  I took a quick picture so that I could show you. 

Pantone Color of the Year 2013: Emerald

Pantone announces Emerald is the Color of the Year for 2013!   
GO Green!  I couldn't resist showing you a little Spartan Spirit.  You see, "Go Green" is part of the chant for my Alma mater, Michigan State University.  The team colors are green and white and the football stadium practically vibrates with the fans are cheering, "Go Green! Go White!" back and forth.

Do you have accessories, home decor or paper goods that are emerald green? If not, keep your eye out for ways to bring a little green into your life.  I've chosen this photo steeped in emerald green that highlights water lilies and the beauty of a quiet river.  As for fashion, I have just relegated a favorite spring green cardigan to the front of the closet. Happy New Year!  

Decoupage Candle Making

I've found a new project that I love...decoupaging vintage images and ephemera onto religious-style pillar candles.  This one depicts my husband's great grandmother sitting jauntily for a formal portrait.  I paired the image with a pale pink receipt that says thank you in lavender and tied a cotton ribbon around the glass to add texture.  

I have the candle in my living room and I like to think that the thank you is from me to her, for sharing her image and from her to me, for bringing her into modern times.  We somehow know each other through this photo and now she has a window into our modern life.

Part of what I love about this project are the perfect (and inexpensive) white pillar candles.  They are a blank slate and each combination of image and paper gives a completely different effect.  At Christmas, I made a series of candles with copies of the same vintage Christmas card layered over old sheet music.  Each candle was a gift for our guests at Advent By Candlelight to take home.  They loved them and I heard later how they enjoyed lighting them in their own home throughout December.

Fairy Godmother's Gift

Look what my fairy godmother sent me!  Remember when I broke one of my beloved glass teapots?  I blogged about the crash-bam-boom that happened in my kitchen that resulted in a lot of broken glass and the loss of one of my teapots.

My dear friend, Donna, found a glass teapot before I did and mailed it to me, along with the latest issue of Tea Time magazine!  A fairy godmother indeed.  I am completely spoiled.  I brewed a pot of "Royal English Breakfast" tea by Marie Belle and relaxed for a while yesterday with my new magazine.  It has been around 10 degrees outside all week and I have been relying on cups of tea to keep me warm.  Tea and a new magazine on a snowy winter's day - this is a moment of delight.

Linda Nelson Stocks Puzzles

Not all puzzles are the same.  I love when they include a village; a patchwork of fields and hills; a lived-in house and garden to walk through.  I like to imagine myself walking around and spending time in and among the buildings.  I wouldn't chose this kind of image for myself as wall art , but as a puzzle it is exactly what I'm looking for.  

There is something about the folk art paintings of the late Linda Nelson Stocks that make a perfect puzzle in my book.  My parents first discovered her work years ago and are so dedicated to her style that they will only work on puzzles painted by Linda Nelson Stocks.  Once in a while they send a puzzle over to our house for us to enjoy when we have the time.  

I had seen this puzzle (Frog Mill Pond) being worked on at their house sometime last year.  I remember it because the box is signed, "Best Wishes, Linda Nelson."

My mom is famous for writing on things in permanent pen, most memorable is her Tupperware which says "Please return to the Queen" on the bottom.  So when I saw this autograph I assumed that my mom was joking around when she bought it for my dad.

Well the joke is on me because the artist herself signed this box!  Every once in a while my parents go on a puzzle surge and order 4 or 5 new ones online.  One of their purchases must have been from the Linda Nelson Stocks web page (now closed) because Linda Nelson signed their box as it went out in the mail.  I love it.  A signature is a simple gesture on her part, but it shows a lot of love.  

As we sit by the fire on cold January nights like this, listening to music and clicking pieces into place, we will enjoy the simple act of building a puzzle.  Have you worked on a puzzle lately?  It just might bring you a moment of delight. 

Unusual Vases

Throughout the cold (It's 3 degrees here tonight!) and snowy Winter months, I like to sprinkle in flower arranging ideas to help keep my head in the game and preparing for Spring.  Now is the time to be on the lookout for unusual containers for flower arrangements.  Today I'm putting the spotlight on tin boxes (often filled with cookies!)

I made this pretty arrangement of peonies and roses in an aqua tin with a hinged lid.  A few years ago, Martha Stewart sold toffee and peppermint bark in these beautiful tins at Macy's.  I bought a few, devoured the candy and now I can use the beautiful aqua tins in different ways - to hold office supplies, as a casual jewelry box or as a vase!

I put an open gallon-size Ziploc bag in the tin, nestle a block of water-filled Oasis (that I cut to size) inside the bag and then tucked the extra edges of plastic bag down into the tin.  The Ziploc bag keeps the water and Oasis contained; the tin won't leak or rust and I can safely display the flower arrangement anywhere I want without fear of a watermark.

Lately I have seen a variety of cookies packaged in tin boxes at TJ Maxx and Homegoods.  These French butter cookies have been on the shelves recently and as you can see they come in yellow, orange or pink tins. 

2013 could be your year for exceptional flower arranging...you just need the proper supplies!

Mitten Sisters

My friend Nancy and I have decided to be "Mitten Sisters."  We met for coffee right before Christmas and talked (and talked and talked) for 2 hours at the Caribou Coffee that is equidistant between our houses.  Nancy is celebrated children's fiction author and her specialty is writing inspirational stories for Catholic children. Do you remember when I brought her a religious metal from Paris?  We talked about writing, friendships and finding the quiet moments in a really busy season.

When we were gathering our things and leaving, we noticed a display of winter items for sale.  Including these finger-less gloves (the link shows a different color) which double as a drink cozy (shown on my drink above)!  The pretty oatmeal-colored weave will keep our hands warm and leave our fingers free to operate our phone, or can buffer the heat from a grande nonfat latte - I love it!

We each bought a matching set and called ourselves "mitten sisters."  Happy New Year, Sis!

Paper Pastries

The Japanese shop girl had no faith in me at all.  That makes my paper pastry triumph all the more sweet.  

You know by now that I love things made of paper.  I have constructed paper houses.  I made a paper clock for my office.  To me, paper is as wonderful as fabric. It holds the same limitless possibility for color and texture, just in a difference medium.  

I have a few Japanese paper scenes that I love.  So when I was scouting for treasures at the Japanese department store, Shirokiya, in Honolulu last year, I had high hopes of finding something neat made of paper.  And I did!  

My heart stopped when I saw a packet of essentially origami pastries. Can you stand it?  I had to have them.  The packet contained a stack of printed papers and instructions in Japanese. 

There were 3 sets ($5 each) - two of the themes were dessert and one was sushi.  I was really happy as a swooshed up to the register.  When I asked the sales girl what she knew about these projects she was was very discouraging.  She said they were hard and that I would be okay if I already practiced origami or if knew how to read Japanese- blah, blah, blah. 

Well I won't say that it was easy or that I avoided tape in the final steps, but the paper pastries I have made are above and I couldn't be happier.  A cup of green tea, anyone? 

Fruit Slices - I Love Lemon

The forward of my book, Finding Delight, includes the statement: "I believe that the best life is a varied life.  When hobbies and travel collide with friendship and collecting.  Where sugar rules and stories matter."

Where sugar rules, Anne?  Really?  Yes.

I love sweets.  And I like sharing them with my friends and family.  I want to go out for cupcakes.  I want to make cookies when a friend is coming over for tea.  I have wonderful memories associated with candy and I want to be reminded of them as often as possible.  

My maternal grandmother, Anne, loved fruit slices.  I spent most of my time with her during summer days at her cottage up north. On the glorious days that it was just the two of us, we always ate candy.  Her two favorites were Sanders Dark Honeycomb Chips and Fruit Slices.  

If you clicked on the fruit slices link, you'll see them as I remember them. A white tray with 16 slices on it - four each of cherry, lemon, orange and lime.  There weren't very many slices and I remember that when the occasion called for candy, we only ate one.  It was special and we savored every chewy bite.  

I am nothing if not sentimental, so it shouldn't surprise you that two of my favorite candies are dark chocolate honeycomb chips and lemon fruit slices.  But times have changed, things are more plentiful now and I can actually buy fruit slices (just my favorite, lemon!) in a bulk box at my local grocery store.  I know Nama wouldn't believe it if she saw what I had access to.  

I try and show restraint; I don't always have them on hand.  But on Sunday afternoon as I passed by the candy aisle, this box of sugar made its way into my cart.  I eat them with abandon while they last and think of my grandmother every time.  Yes, my friends, sugar is a powerful memory maker and I wouldn't have it any other way.  

Button Necklace

It is sew simple, but sew effective!  Yes, I am going through a button phase.  I made my mom a chunky necklace made of all gold buttons (the kind you find on a blazer) and it is fabulous!  She wore it to a luncheon over the holidays and caused a stir.  That is what I love about jewelry making.  I like "whipping something up" that will makes people feel beautiful.  Of course I never make more than 2 or 3 of any one design.  I can't focus long enough to really make a lot of any one thing.

This necklace has large gray and tan buttons (some stacked) that are held together by a new favorite thing, DMC Memory Thread. I'm sure it is fabulous in needlework, but I put it to use making jewelry!  It is beautiful fiber-wrapped copper wire that adds stability for when you, say, want to "stitch" buttons together.  After connecting the buttons, I clipped off the excess memory wire, twisted the end back onto itself and tucked it under another wire in back.  Then I was able to attach a connecting loop to the wire and attach the grey chain from there.  I love it! 

Have you ever made jewelry from buttons?

Sewing Notion Stickers

Look what Santa put in my stocking! A set of stickers inspired by sewing notions.  Does he know me or what?

The set is made by the "French General" division of jolee's boutique (manufactured by EKSuccess).  Each button has a foam adhesive square on the back and can be attached to letters or scrapbook pages. In my case, I think the most likely place for me to attach one is on paper-covered match box.  It would look sew cute. 

I actually have 2 sets - this one called "turquoise notion kit" and another with buttons and trim in shades of red.  The arrangement is so artistic, I plan to frame one of them - I'm just not sure which!  Don't you think it would make a sweet piece of art on a desk in a bedroom?      

Wander an English Garden

When I was in England, I was in the right place at the right time.  For whatever reason, the route I chose to travel was quiet and free of tourists.  It was as if I entered a store and went left, when everyone else walked to the right. Do you know what I mean?  As a result, everyone I encountered was surprised and happy to see an American and had all the time in the world to chat, answer my questions and suggest things that I might like to see.  

That is how Dan and I came to have this private estate garden all to ourselves.  We were staying at Frampton Court Estate in Gloucestershire and the woman that minds the estate arranged with the owner for us to have a self-guided tour of the garden at the Manor.  We walked through a door in the garden wall and wandered the paths, walked across green spaces and sat happily on the bench you see here.  

Isn't it remarkable how many layers and textures there can be in one place?  So many shades of green, all of it alive and all of it perfectly suited to the surroundings.  I loved it here.  Can you imagine having a real English garden to tend?  The pink flower is a Bombast Rose peony. I felt as if the pages of The Secret Garden had come to life.      

Glass Teapot Collection

My glass teapot "collection" has been reduced by one this week.  I had it on the shelf below the melange of Tupperware containers and when things got a little top-heavy, everything seemed to fall out of the cabinet at once.  I know you've been in my shoes.  Things happen and glass breaks.   

I am hoping that I can find another glass teapot at Homegoods. It was a few years ago, I found this teapot there for only $11.  You see, I like to give each person their own teapot when they come to my house.  At book club last month, the four of us sat around the table eating cookies and drinking tea, each with a different type brewing.  It is an easy way to make people feel special, so I've got to find another! The hunt begins!

Resort wear Ribbon Watches on Etsy

There was a time in my career when I would have a booth at juried art shows.  One of my most popular items was the ribbon watch.  Each January, in anticipation of travel out of the cold weather, I reevaluate my own personal ribbon watch collection.  Which ones will I take to Florida?  What are the resort wear colors this season? I get excited and I sew some watchbands.  This is where you come in.

I have a small stash of brand new watch faces and brand new ribbon watch bands that I've sewn and am selling on Etsy for only $21.  Since I was sewing for myself, why not make a few extra for the store?  Some watches have a small face and some have a large face (like the ones shown above) so be sure to read the description. Smaller watch faces with band are only $18.50) 

If you are in the mood to add a super cute ribbon watch to your winter escape, you can shop for them here.

Clean and Quiet

Many times over the last 10 days, I've wanted to pick up the house and "shake" all of the Christmas decorations into one corner.  Can you relate? Every January I am certain that I have too many holiday touches!  But as of this morning, the house is finally clean and quiet, with all of the decorations safely stowed in the basement.  

The only colors in the house right now are the many shades of cream, white, aqua and oatmeal and that is okay with me.  It's relaxing.  It's peaceful. It is what I need after a hustle-bustle put-a-bow-on-it holiday season.  

I often talk about decorating your home so that you can "look at what you love." It is just as important to put the extraneous stuff away once in a while so that you can give your eyes a rest.  Your treasures will be all the more special when you bring them out again.