Christmas Cards - A Holiday Project

My 2009 Holiday Card Creation

This year for my holiday card I chose to use a photo I captured during my trip to Paris this past May. While this is as close as I got to the Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre - I was really pleased that this photo was snapped inside the Pompidou Center. I opted to have the photos developed in a sepia tone to work with my holiday theme.

For those who did not receive their cards - my apologies - time management!! They're in the mail!

To all my friends and followers - may you have a blessed holiday.

Merry Christmas!

Gift Wrap - A Holiday Project

Handcrafted gift wrap and gift tag.

One of my past project goals that never came to fruition was creating my own gift wrap. I always admired those that were able to create something of their own, from the simple to the extravagant; I'm a sucker for a smartly wrapped gift, regardless of the occasion!

Gift wrap making in the process!

While this year's attempt didn't exactly match the image in my head - I am still, nonetheless, pleased with my creation! I chose to use a snowflake-shaped foam stamp with a soft blue paint - to mimic the crispness of a wintry sky. To simulate the sparkle of snowflakes, I added a dusting of finely ground crystal glitter (that sadly - I'm afraid, more ended up in the Dyson than on my wrapping paper!) For the background, I wanted something that was "rougher" in appearance to provide that contrast to the glittery snowflakes, so I chose good 'ole Kraft paper. The irregularity of the stamping added to the overall character of the gift wrap, adding that special handmade touch - something I wanted to achieve. The process was simple enough, although time-consuming; I learned lots and look forward to my next gift wrapping project!

May all your holiday shopping and gift wrapping tasks be complete!!

Happy Holidays!

Gift Tags - Revisited

Gift tags for R & L, using school photos from years past.....

Over the years, I have learned (the hard way) how important it is to have names on each wrapped gift sitting under the tree. While you may think that I inadvertently gave the wrong present to some poor soul, but no, I was on the receiving end ? from my parents! Many years ago while I was still in college and my mother was filling the job of office manager for my father?s then new accounting firm, one Christmas morn, I watched as my brother opened my new blender! We all had a good laugh, but I could tell how mortified my mother was when she realized her shorthand hieroglyphics did not serve her so well that particular Christmas.

So, as the abiding daughter, I have tried over the years to ensure that each smartly wrapped gift has some type of obvious gift tag. Of course, I need to make a project out of this task as the store-bought peel and stick gift tags will just not do this year, especially claiming to achieve three holiday projects!

I wanted the gift tag to serve more than one purpose, so I crafted a chipboard ornament that will serve gift tag duty! I used a chipboard kit, but embellished to my heart?s content. The picture above illustrates the ?ornament? in a tree ? but, ultimately, the tag will find its way to the present! I will also post photos with my next project ? I can?t give away all my projects in one post!

Holiday Cookie Baking

Anise Cookies - always a crowd favorite!

My family has had a holiday tradition of baking cookies for as long as I can remember. My memories began with my grandmother who always had a platter of cookies at every family gathering, regardless of the occasion or holiday. The flavors varied from the adult palette of fruit and nut to the child friendly chocolate and candy filled confections!

While my grandmother has passed on to the cookie clouds in heaven, my mother and I continue the tradition of baking holiday cookies each and every year. While the hope is to satisfy every one's tastebuds, we know that there is still one more batch to make, one more kind to test; inevitably a few batches of cookies go unbaked (our waistlines thank us!)

One of the most requested holiday cookies that I continually receive is a recipe that my grandmother created to match the flavor of a childhood cookie my grandfather enjoyed. My grandfather remembered an iced cookie with an anisette flavoring that his mother made when he was just a child, unfortunately an early death prevented my great-grandmother from passing along the recipe to future generations. My grandmother adapted the refrigerator cookie dough recipe from the Betty Crocker's Cooky Book (provided below) and topped each cookie with an anise-flavored icing. My grandmother always colored the icing bright pink, duplicating my grandfather's childhood memory, but I prefer a dark periwinkle colored icing to serve as a wintry backdrop for white snowflake candy toppings.

May you enjoy the confections of the holidays and create your own family tradition!

Happy Holidays!

Caramel Refrigerator Cookies

1/2 C. Butter

1 C. Brown Sugar (Packed)

1 Egg

1/2 tsp. Vanilla

1-3/4 C. Flour

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

Mix butter, sugar, egg and vanilla thoroughly. Stir in flour and baking soda. Form dough in roll, 2-1/2" across. Wrap in wax paper. Chill until firm.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut dough in 1/8"TH slices. Place slices a little apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes approximately 5 dozen cookies.

Adapted from Betty Crocker's Cooky Book, 1963 Edition

After cookies have cooled, I make a simple frosting with butter, cream/milk, confectioner's sugar and anise flavoring. While there are no exact measurements - I make sufficient amounts to top each cookie with a smattering of icing and top with some type of holiday candy topping.

Enjoy!

Diana: A Celebration

One of the lovely Spencer family artifacts.

Removing myself from my holiday project mindset, I took a break yesterday and met some coworkers at the National Constitution Center for the current exhibit, Diana: A Celebration. While the weather was extremely gloomy here in Philadelphia, the occasion was one of celebrating the extraordinary life of Diana, Princess of Wales.



Once upon a time, I was quite infatuated with anything royal, but especially the fairytale princess, Diana Spencer. Yes, I was one of the million Americans who set their alarm very early on July 29, 1981 to be a witness to the union of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. In fact, my senior Enlgish research paper chronicled the entire wedding celebration from engagment to their departure on The Britannia for their honeymoon. Yes, I was captivated by it ALL!



The special exhibit running through January 3, 2010, was a tribute to Lady Diana's life and all that she accomplished. Organized by her brother, the Earl Spencer, the exhibit recorded Diana's life, starting with her childhood, viewing family photos, letter and home movies. In the movies, Diana became a familiar image, that little girl playing, being silly, just like our very own childhood memoires.



The exhibit went on to illustrate Diana's school days, here engagement and wedding to Prince Charles, her sense of fashion, her death and finally the causes and special interest groups that she supported. I suppose the two things that stood out the most, included: a) the amount of handwritten notes, letters and albums of memoriam that were crafted for Diana's family and b) reading the unedited version of Earl Spencer's tribute that he gave during Diana's memorial service. If you recall the words that the Earl used to describe the Royal Family, the frosty tone was warmhearted compared to the words crossed out in his own handwriting. Very telling.



If you find yourself in Philadelphia and have a couple of hours to spare, I recommend catching the exhibit at the National Constitution Center before it departs.

Ribbon, Braiding and Trim, Oh My!

New ribbon round-up!

Part of the allure to scrapping for many is the acquiring of supplies: the hoarding of paper, the frenzied purchase of the newest, coolest gadget du jour and the mounting masses of stamps, scissors and adhesives. Once upon a time, I suppose I garnered a bit of hoarding myself, but as my years as a scrapper mellow, I have all but eliminated my hoarding tendencies.




Well..............................except for one.




RIBBON!!




Somehow, I always manage to find more room for ribbon - the perfect accompaniment for oh so many projects. The little bit of satin or cording can make the simplest scrapping layout pop with the added color and texture and somehow handcrafted cards don't have the same sparkle without a tad of trimming so needless to say, I use lots of ribbon which fuels my hoarding habit!




With coupons and the local craft store sales flyer in hand, I set out on a mission to boost my current inventory (or rather, collection) of ribbon, braiding and trim! As I mentioned in my previous post Holiday Project 1 - ORGANIZATION 101, I have set out on a few holiday projects. No doubt, ribbon is a part of each one of these projects. Hmm, how did that happen?




So, now that I have amassed a new supply of ribbon - there's no excuse - it's off to work I go!

Holiday Project Number 1 – ORGANIZATION 101

With the holiday frenzy in full swing, my holiday readiness has just gotten off the ground! I’m a traditionalist when it comes to the holidays; enjoying each holiday in its respective calendar occurrence. It’s hard for me to think about mistletoe, holiday cookies and evergreen wreaths when jack-o-lanterns and corn stalks still clutter my neighborhood!

This year my family will be traveling for the holidays, with me leaving Philadelphia prior to the 25th. Traveling at the holiday forces me to enter the holiday season with a game plan, a list and a fierce determination to prevent procrastination! Each year I have grand ideas of things that I will craft, specific gift wrapping ensembles and holiday confections that I will assemble. Often, more times that I would care to admit, I fall short of my original game plan. Was my list to ambitious? Were my expectations beyond physical realization? Perhaps. But part of the fun, at least for me, is the planning. I suppose it’s something carried over from childhood, “with sugar plums dancing in their heads”!

So this year, my game plan is more realistic. My day job, the 9 to 5, can be time-consuming - far exceeding the standard forty hours depending upon project deadlines; so needless to say – that can hinder even the best planner’s game plan. This year’s plan includes one major crafting project per week in the month of December, leaving me sufficient time (hopefully!) to complete current project before moving on to the next, while still leaving ample time for daily chores, responsibilities and daily enjoyment of seasonal pleasures! While my goals may appear somewhat rudimentary, it’s what will work for me. Time management appears to be a popular topic, and as a dear friend noted on her blog, susanbethstudio, “Don't be too hard on myself but don't be a slacker either.” Well said Susan!

Let’s see if I can stick to my game plan!



The beginning of a long & prosperous baking craze! Christmas, 1971.

Ode to the Brussel Sprout

Growing up, I was only ever exposed to the frozen variety of brussel sprouts – the kind purchased in a little cardboard box, wrapped in printed wax paper. Cooked beyond recognition on the cooktop, and to my mother’s credit - she was and remains a fabulous cook - this was not one of those memorable family favorites; the mushy miniature cabbage round held no culinary attachment for moi. This is what I knew, so as an adult I chose not to eat brussel sprouts; they were not included in my cornucopia of vegetable options. (Frankly, after my description – who would?)

Then, through my re-education of food with Ali Shapiro, I rediscovered the brussel sprout. What I learned is that when prepared correctly, this compact little green gem packs a punch of flavor, not to mention a healthy dose of Vitamin A and C. Brussel sprouts have become my autumn go-to vegetable, a welcomed addition after enjoying the last of the Indian summer’s harvest. Roasted in the oven at a high temperature till browned and caramelized, these yummy morsels are a delightful addition to my vegetable repertoire! The little leaves that break away from the sprout and turn crispy through the cooking process are the cook’s treat – a bonus for those who need a little pre-dining sample….

So the next time you pass fresh brussel sprouts at your local farmer’s market or grocery store – don’t judge the brussel sprout – give it a try; you may be surprised!

Step 1
Wash and halve each brussel sprout.

Step 2
Add olive oil, toss till coated; sprinkle sea salt to taste.

Step 3
Roast in oven at 400 degrees till soft and browned to taste.

And most importantly, Step 4
Enjoy!!

Wake-up Call - Part Deux

I never expected to be away from my blog for this long, but….technology. Where would be without it?

When I embarked on “blogville”, I planned to include an image with each post as I whole-heartedly support the concept of a “picture speaks a thousand words”. Unfortunately, when I updated my Windows software, somehow my Canon Digital camera software vaporized and do you think I could find the original installation CD? No. And to make matters worse, somehow Canon does not offer replacement CD’s and while the online forums were informative, I am still in search of Canon’s XM Browser software.

Now, playing catch-up I have images that illustrate my wake-up call from several weekends ago!

Enjoy!

Hot Air Balloon Touches Down!

Deflation Process Commences!

Crew Assists with Deflation

Wake-up Call

You just never know what a brand new day will bring you.

This morning, waking after a busy day of chatting, scrapping and swapping recipes, I was summoned to the front door of my friend’s home to see an unbelievable sight. There, before my very eyes, was the most beautiful hot air balloon making its early morning landing on my friend’s front yard. The bright blue sky and still crisp autumn air made the perfect backdrop for the brightly colored aircraft.

As the balloon descended before us, a basket full of attentive passengers waited patiently as the crew worked at a feverish speed to control the incoming balloon. Once landed, the crew continued their routine by guiding the inflated balloon to the perfect spot and then gently began the deflating process. Slowly, bit by bit, the full-bodied balloon started to falter and show signs of escaped air; the glorious structure was returning to a heap of brightly colored silk.

Today’s wake-up call was the perfect end to a wonderful weekend of returning to my creative roots – a weekend of cutting and pasting! I needed to awaken my creative mojo and this weekend was just what I needed to get back into my artist groove.

My travel home brought ambitious thoughts, plans and wishes of finishing started projects pushed to the side by work-related deadlines, and plans of future projects yet to be realized. As I drove down my street from an invigorating weekend of productive creating – I look forward to tomorrow and what my morning wake-up call may bring.

The Overzealous Blogger

In my overanxious state of posting my first week’s-worth of blog entries, I failed to accurately use the labels to their fullest potential. For the most-part, their fullest potential was not realized as I failed to include the information! Yet another lesson learned on my way to blog-ville! Since I have only been blogging for a week, I will front-load this particular blog with lots of labels, which if you have the desire to follow the path – will lead you to one of my five previous posts!

A Summer’s Harvest
Chicken with Lime Dressing
Recipe
Produce
Avocados
Just One Year Ago…
France
Provence
Sablet
Le Four à Chaux
Vaucluse Region
Purging is Good for the Soul
Cleaning
Memories
Scrapbooking
Lauren
Practice Makes Perfect
Lessons Learned
Posting Photos
First Blog
First Blog

A Summer's Harvest

Now that summer has come to a close – I still can’t let go of the bounty of fresh, in-season produce found at my local farmer’s stand. I’m a sucker for the bright colored fruits and vegetables that look so perky and fresh longing for me to pick them, smell them & place them in my basket only to retire on my table in just a few short hours. I look forward to the change of the seasons – as the next season brings a new assortment of fresh goodies at the market. But before I totally bid adieu to summer – there are a few favorite dishes incorporating some of my favorite flavor profiles that I must have one last time before the summer produce is replaced with winter squash, winter kale and pumpkins!

One of these flavor combos would have to be mix of cilantro, lime and avocados. And yes, there are more recipes than guacamole that combine these ingredients! My favorite recipe that marries these flavors together would be Chicken with Lime Dressing. A yummy combination of chicken breast with mashed avocados, sautéed peppers with almonds all topped with a citrusy lime dressing. This dish is great fresh, hot with a green vegetable and even better served at room temperature the next day with a green salad. Sometimes I make extra lime dressing to have when using the leftovers as salad mixings – it really perks up those salad greens!

Get one more trip to your local produce stand and enjoy!



Yummy Chicken with Lime Dressing

Chicken with Lime Dressing

Lime Dressing
1/3 C Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
¼ C Chopped Fresh Cilantro
1 TBSP Chopped Scallion
1 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Chicken
4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Halves (pounded to ½” thickness)
2 Medium Avocados, Peeled and Pitted
1 TBSP Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
2 tsp Salsa
1 tsp + 1 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Medium Red Pepper, Finely Chopped
1 Clove Garlic, Minced
¼ C Sliced Almonds, Toasted

To make the dressing:
In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, cilantro, scallion and olive oil; set aside.

To make the chicken:
In a large glass dish, combine the chicken with 3 TBSP of the lime dressing. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with 2 TBSP of the lime dressing. Stir in the lemon juice and salsa. Reserve the remaining lime dressing.

Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add the pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 minutes, or until the pepper is tender and lightly browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove to a bowl and add the almonds.

Heat the remaining 1 TBSP olive oil in a large skillet over medium – high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 minutes on each side, or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest portion registers 170°F and the juices run clear. Place the chicken on 4 serving plates and equally divide the pepper mixture, sprinkling over the chicken. Drizzle the reserved dressing over each serving. Serve with a side of the mashed avocados.

Adapted from The South Beach Diet Cookbook, by Arthur Agatston, MD

Just One Year Ago...

I was breathing fresh air at every moment of every day.

I was drinking wine made with grapes harvested from vineyards within view.

I was dining al fresco with fish and produce purchased from our daily visit to a local market.

I was basking in the sunshine in the south of France.

I was in heaven.

Is it possible that the trip I had been planning for too many years to count has come and gone? The goal was to travel to Provence and celebrate a milestone birthday by renting a residence for a week before touring to Paris (again) before returning home. I scoured websites to find that perfect residence that blended the needs and met the expectations of me and my friends. I found the perfect property, Le Four à Chaux. We booked our week for the last week in September 2006. Perfect.

Le Four à Chaux, Front Exterior
Sablet, France – 2008

Le Four à Chaux, Rear Terrace off Bedrooms
Sablet, France – 2008

Well no, not so perfect. As my friends and family recall so vividly, I experienced a freak accident (another story for another day!) just 17 days prior to our departure that resulted in a severe compound fracture to my left ankle. Needles to say – we did not make the trip. Luckily for us, the owners of the property were extremely understanding and allowed us to postpone our trip with no penalties.

So, in September of last year, we journeyed to the village of Sablet, a tiny village tucked between Nyons and Orange, just a short drive from Vaison La Romaine. It was just wonderful. We woke to locals picking grapes in the backyard – first time for everything! We spent most days trolling about the region, learning about the culture and people that populate this corner of the Vaucluse region of provence. I can not say enough about the house, our experience, the people, the food, the scenery – it truly was an unforgettable trip. I can’t wait to return. I will return.

Grape Harvest in Vineyard at Le Four à Chaux
Sablet, France – 2008

Purging is Good for the Soul

Wanting to relocate back to Center City for the past 12+ months, I have been in a sporadic mindset of preparing for the “move”. Boxes have started to litter my closets in anticipation of the impending change, a temporary inconvenience I can live with; keeping my eye on the ultimate goal. With this infrequent task fitting between business travel and desire, I have spent snippets of time cleaning out drawers, closets, cabinets – filling many trash bags ultimately retiring at the curb or Goodwill.

Purging is good for the soul. It allows one, at least for me, the chance to breathe a sigh of relief; a sense of accomplishment knowing that unused, worn, and unneeded stuff has been removed from my surroundings. Less is more. I’m finding as I get older I yearn for simplifying my life: purging the unwanted, removing unnecessary anxiety, acquiring only must-have possessions and ultimately, relocating to Center City. I find no need to harbor “things” that serve no purpose; keep it simple is my new mantra. Purge. Purge. Purge.

My ongoing purging process has also provided free entertainment; I have enjoyed many laughs, smiles and moments of reflection. Sifting through photos, cards, and random postcards and notes, I am able to relive captured moments of time; my memories. Luckily for me, my most treasured keepsakes are maintained and archived for future viewing pleasure, but my purging exercise has revealed I have more work to complete! Enjoy my purging prize (a scrapbook layout of my almost-adult goddaughter, Lauren) and no, it will not find its way to the curb!

This was a snapshot that I captured the morning of my goddaughter's first birthday. (For those who know Lauren, yes - she's 17 now; I don't scrapbook chronologically!!)

Journaling Reads: Your beautiful face brings me joy each and every day. May 1993.

Practice Makes Perfect

Now that I have lost my blog virginity – I have come to learn that this will be a constant learning experience. I’m ok with that. Besides, how else will I learn to navigate the waters of blogging?

My first post went off without a hitch, or so I thought, until I went to view it. Unfortunately, the full photo was not realized, and while some may think “no biggy”, I, on the other hand feel as though the image fell short. The whole reason for selecting the photo for my first post was to show this beautiful composition made up of ordinary umbrellas, hedges and skylights found in a Parisian courtyard – you know – that beautiful simple pleasure; which due to my poor blogging navigation skills, was unseen. So, without further adieu – let’s try this again!

Paris, France. May 2009. View from hotel (Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel) room to courtyard below.

First Post

The time has come.

I set up the graphic portion of my blog some months back; and for those who know me, can appreciate the time I spent determining which background and associated text fonts and colors were just the right combination to represent ME – not to mention the countless choices of photos and gadgets! So here I am, months later just now posting my FIRST post!

After first thinking that I would BLOG, I did some research by perusing those blogs that I find either inspirational or those I turn to for reference and/or guidance. What was it that attracted me to that particular blog? No doubt there was a certain aesthetic quality that made me smile, but in the end it was the presentation of information, the content.

So, now that I have embarked on this new venture you may be asking yourself what topic exactly will I tackle on my blog? As a commercial interior designer, one would think that I would have daily opportunities to fulfill my inner creative soul however, having to accommodate client’s wants and needs – my soul yearns for something more tangible; something produced by my own two hands, cutting and pasting, chopping and stirring or possibly witnessed by my two eyes on my latest adventure by touring and viewing. Get the picture?

Welcome to Life’s Simple Pleasures! So grab a latte & join my adventure! Thanks for stopping by!

Paris, France. May 2009. View from hotel (Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel) room to courtyard below.