I'm planning to make this tasty treat over the weekend or my next get together in a week or so. A concoction of ricotta, golden syrup, ground almonds, sweet shortbread biscuits, etc. Mmm...
Picture from Donna Hay magazine issue 58
9/27/11
RECIPE: Salted Caramel Cheesecake
I've had a hankering for something sweet lately. Something Fall-like. I'm also a huge fan of the sweet and salty thing. You know...where you take a big bite and your tastebuds say, "Whoa! Is this a dessert or salty snack?" So after browsing some of my favorite sites, this delicious looking recipe caught my eye courtesy of Donna Hay. Take a minute to check her out and you won't be disappointed. Lots of great DIY's and yummies.
I'm planning to make this tasty treat over the weekend or my next get together in a week or so. A concoction of ricotta, golden syrup, ground almonds, sweet shortbread biscuits, etc. Mmm...
I'm planning to make this tasty treat over the weekend or my next get together in a week or so. A concoction of ricotta, golden syrup, ground almonds, sweet shortbread biscuits, etc. Mmm...
9/24/11
B O M B S H E L L S
How would you like to wake up one morning and while sleepily driving through downtown you were smacked in the face by a magical wonderland? I know!
The Bombshells of Cincinnati made their mark again on an almost mile strip of grassy median on Central Parkway this week. Per Channel 9 News: "They're putting their own blend of non permanent and non destructive fiber creations on some of Cincinnati’s statues and other fixtures around town. Yarn bombing is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth rather than paint or chalk. The group says they “aim to soften the edges of an otherwise cruel, harsh environment.” The Bombshell’s are a group of ladies, and a few lucky gentlemen. For more information on The Bombshell’s Yarn check out their blog. "
"Ooooh girl...look at this one!"
"Awww...that's tooo cute!"
"Whoa...what is that? How cool!"
"OMG...I HAVE to make that."
You get the idea.
I'm inspired by the Bombshells' and all the volunteers / partners hard work and obvious dedication to beautifying our neighborhood. And of course drawing attention to the Arts in that area. (and in general) Especially ArtWorks. WELL DONE TO ALL!!!
Oh - and for you dudes out there that say, "All this is just a little too girly for me." I'm here to inform...you certainly don't need lady bits to enjoy fiber arts! Here's the proof:
The Bombshells of Cincinnati made their mark again on an almost mile strip of grassy median on Central Parkway this week. Per Channel 9 News: "They're putting their own blend of non permanent and non destructive fiber creations on some of Cincinnati’s statues and other fixtures around town. Yarn bombing is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth rather than paint or chalk. The group says they “aim to soften the edges of an otherwise cruel, harsh environment.” The Bombshell’s are a group of ladies, and a few lucky gentlemen. For more information on The Bombshell’s Yarn check out their blog. "
"Ooooh girl...look at this one!"
"Awww...that's tooo cute!"
"Whoa...what is that? How cool!"
"OMG...I HAVE to make that."
You get the idea.
I'm inspired by the Bombshells' and all the volunteers / partners hard work and obvious dedication to beautifying our neighborhood. And of course drawing attention to the Arts in that area. (and in general) Especially ArtWorks. WELL DONE TO ALL!!!
Oh - and for you dudes out there that say, "All this is just a little too girly for me." I'm here to inform...you certainly don't need lady bits to enjoy fiber arts! Here's the proof:
Could easily pass as the Imperial Navy's Twin Ion Engine Fighter.
Pictures of Hot Girls!
Dirty joke possibilities waiting patiently JUST for you.
There was even a Super Hero on the top of a building.
I'm not real sure if it was related to the Yarn Bombing,
but random buff guys in capes are cool nonetheless!
8/23/11
GOING APE
In previous posts I've mentioned how super fun Etsy Treasuries are. Here is another random and humorous one from a fellow Etsian that included my King Kong Face earring dangles. It was such a nice suprise to find today. Click the link below to check it out. Enjoy!
8/8/11
I N S P I R I N G
- a neglected bicycle on a curb
- a pile of colorful ties my husband left on the bed
- my magnolia tree in the front yard with blossoms
- the 'cut in the hill' on the highway at dusk (total view of Cincinnati)
- a cute stray cat perched on my porch stoop
- my nieces screaming down the waterslide at The Beach Waterpark
- the smell of rain and rolling thunder in the distance
- my baking station with little tidbits of promise
- watching my husband paint
- someone telling me I'm smart
- a little snail that lives on a tomato plant in the backyard
Nah.
7/28/11
T R E A S U R I E S
I've recently been introduced to the wonderful world of Etsy Treasuries. Let me just take a moment. **sigh**
What is an Etsy Treasury? Well, Etsy is the greatest site on the planet (one of them) and it brings artisans, crafty and creative types together to buy and sell their little pieces of heaven. I can't get enough of handmade anything. It's special. It's unique. It's thoughtful. All things wonderful. I've always crafted as a small hobby from the time I was a youngun, but when I caught wind of the Handmade Movement I jumped on like you would to a beautiful kite that was let out in a wind storm. Woo Weeee!
It's fun to wander around the site and time can surely get away from you. "Heh? It's 5:30? Crap, I need to make dinner!"
Back to the treasuries...it's a place for inspiration...a neverending combination of 16 hand picked products by a neverending supply of creative people! It's awesome. I could go on and on, but the reason for the post was to brag that my little shiny disco earrings were listed in one recently. Right on!
What is an Etsy Treasury? Well, Etsy is the greatest site on the planet (one of them) and it brings artisans, crafty and creative types together to buy and sell their little pieces of heaven. I can't get enough of handmade anything. It's special. It's unique. It's thoughtful. All things wonderful. I've always crafted as a small hobby from the time I was a youngun, but when I caught wind of the Handmade Movement I jumped on like you would to a beautiful kite that was let out in a wind storm. Woo Weeee!
It's fun to wander around the site and time can surely get away from you. "Heh? It's 5:30? Crap, I need to make dinner!"
Back to the treasuries...it's a place for inspiration...a neverending combination of 16 hand picked products by a neverending supply of creative people! It's awesome. I could go on and on, but the reason for the post was to brag that my little shiny disco earrings were listed in one recently. Right on!
"Dan-cin'...dan-cin'...Dan-cin!"
7/9/11
KITTY CITY
I was raised with feline pets rather than a lot of dogs and so was my hubby. It's only natural that we would have a house full. In our previous apartment we shared a large deck with our downstairs neighor. One night around dusk while sharing some wine, we heard screeching from above. Back and forth...back and forth. It gradually stopped and landed in a nearby tree.
A very large owl with talons for days!
Beautiful, creepy and unnerving to be so close to one staring at you with huge unblinking eyes. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something tiny run under the deck. Then another. And another. Of course we jumped up and assumed it was a family of mice and the owl was intent on it's prey. Eventually the bird moved on...and the "mice" wandered out. It was a litter of baby kittens!! The mother was no where in sight and we later learned that another neighbor had taken her in without knowing she had given birth. We promptly gathered them up.
"Oh no way Mr. Owl. You're not getting your big scary claws on this pile of kittehs."
We truly meant to nurse them to weened age and give away to deserving homes. I mean, there were already two old lady 15yr olds cats running the household that we adored and we weren't in our house yet. No room.
Well, the little ones kept growing, eating, playing and getting cuter by the day. So we adopted all five. The very best part is that the mother cat "got around" (if ya know what I mean) and because she bred with numerous alley men, the litter ended up being very diverse. They are almost three years old now! We found them about 3 months before our wedding in '08 and are all very different. Their names are of the more generic nature since we hadn't planned on keeping them, but they fit the personality.
In order of size:
BIG BOY - humongous black and white furry male (maine coon) is a ridiculously spoiled mama's boy with a groucho marx mustache, huge ear tufts and thinks he's human. We also call him HEAD. Because it's big. Big like a pickle bucket.
JINX - large all black male (part siamese) skittish and sweet...loves his belly rubbed and slobbers on you. More like a leaky faucet dripping. He's so handsome.
CALI - standard size female (calico) very fast and 'the hunter' of the group. She'll stalk moths and when her prey is defeated, she'll growl at the others if they come a step closer. Doesn't take crap, but is so loving.
TOOEY - female (short hair tortoise-shell persian) she is a daddy's girl! Talks to you, chases toys and returns them, curious to a fault and very spoiled. I think she's part dog. The name started out as "Two Face" because her coloring is split down the middle on her face. She's smart like a dolphin.
BITTY BIT- little female runt of the litter (calico) our baby Bit Bit is "special." If it's possible, I think she might have feline down's syndrome. She is in her own little kitty world and we love her for it. When she's around you'll hear, "Awww...bitty bitty" A LOT. The best is when she runs up to you out of nowhere...plops on your feet...will allow a 3 second petting and then takes off like a little rabbit. We just say, "See ya."
Bitty Bit chilling on the electric blanket. aka "Woobie"
Coming up next: How to make your own Kitty City. The reason for this post was the awe-mazing and fun city that takes up a 1/4 of our living room. I built it from scratch and it took me over a year. It's pretty cool. If you're into that sort of thing that is.
A very large owl with talons for days!
Beautiful, creepy and unnerving to be so close to one staring at you with huge unblinking eyes. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something tiny run under the deck. Then another. And another. Of course we jumped up and assumed it was a family of mice and the owl was intent on it's prey. Eventually the bird moved on...and the "mice" wandered out. It was a litter of baby kittens!! The mother was no where in sight and we later learned that another neighbor had taken her in without knowing she had given birth. We promptly gathered them up.
"Oh no way Mr. Owl. You're not getting your big scary claws on this pile of kittehs."
We truly meant to nurse them to weened age and give away to deserving homes. I mean, there were already two old lady 15yr olds cats running the household that we adored and we weren't in our house yet. No room.
Sylvie and Sheba
1994 - 2009
Well, the little ones kept growing, eating, playing and getting cuter by the day. So we adopted all five. The very best part is that the mother cat "got around" (if ya know what I mean) and because she bred with numerous alley men, the litter ended up being very diverse. They are almost three years old now! We found them about 3 months before our wedding in '08 and are all very different. Their names are of the more generic nature since we hadn't planned on keeping them, but they fit the personality.
In order of size:
BIG BOY - humongous black and white furry male (maine coon) is a ridiculously spoiled mama's boy with a groucho marx mustache, huge ear tufts and thinks he's human. We also call him HEAD. Because it's big. Big like a pickle bucket.
JINX - large all black male (part siamese) skittish and sweet...loves his belly rubbed and slobbers on you. More like a leaky faucet dripping. He's so handsome.
CALI - standard size female (calico) very fast and 'the hunter' of the group. She'll stalk moths and when her prey is defeated, she'll growl at the others if they come a step closer. Doesn't take crap, but is so loving.
TOOEY - female (short hair tortoise-shell persian) she is a daddy's girl! Talks to you, chases toys and returns them, curious to a fault and very spoiled. I think she's part dog. The name started out as "Two Face" because her coloring is split down the middle on her face. She's smart like a dolphin.
BITTY BIT- little female runt of the litter (calico) our baby Bit Bit is "special." If it's possible, I think she might have feline down's syndrome. She is in her own little kitty world and we love her for it. When she's around you'll hear, "Awww...bitty bitty" A LOT. The best is when she runs up to you out of nowhere...plops on your feet...will allow a 3 second petting and then takes off like a little rabbit. We just say, "See ya."
Bitty Bit chilling on the electric blanket. aka "Woobie"
Coming up next: How to make your own Kitty City. The reason for this post was the awe-mazing and fun city that takes up a 1/4 of our living room. I built it from scratch and it took me over a year. It's pretty cool. If you're into that sort of thing that is.
6/29/11
W O R D S
I've been incognito for awhile and uber occupied with refashioning my studio. Out with the OLD...in with the NEW. I've been in quite a purging mood this year and am finding the most unusual and fun things stored away!! Some will travel to new homes for a second chance at life, and the rest will be fashioned into fabulous free decor and projects...since I'm 'shopping' in my own house anyway.
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This post is simply going to feature a list of my favorite words. There is a document on my desktop that I've been adding to for awhile. Think it's up to about 60 or so. I view it to be inspired and sometimes close my eyes and point to be the starting point on a new project. A sneaky random way of challenging myself. You can always count on the good ole Thesaurus too.
WORDS MAKE ME HAPPY
- · Brassy
- · Glittering
- · Ornate
- · Kitschy
- · Brazen
- · Splashy
- · Pizazz
- · Ritzy
- · Snazzy
- · Showy
- · Vibrant
- · Vivid
- · Lively
- · Adorned
- · Bright
- · Brilliant
- · Lavish
- · Luscious
- · Sparkling
- · Fanciful
- · Whimsical
- · Funky
- · Cheerful
- · Quirky
- · Idiosyncratic
- · Wacky
- · Unorthodox
- · Unconventional
- · Sublime
- · Outrageous
- · Abstract
- · Glorious
- · Gorgeous
- · Lofty
- · Chivalrous
- · Bold
- · Brave
- · Ecstasy
- · Dazzling
- · Delightful
- · Opulent
- · Gleaming
- · Luminous
- · Lustrous
- · Incandescent
- · Shining
- · Beaming
- · Unique
- · Avant garde
- · Quaint
- · Peculiar
- · Fanciful
- · Extraordinary
- · Unusual
- · Weird
- · Remarkable
- · Mysterious
- · Esoteric
4/15/11
B U S Y B E E
It's going to be a great year. I can just smell it.
I've spent the last few months crafting non-stop, creating and learning. I'm full steam ahead. I tend to hibernate in the winter, (despite many attempts to change this) but since this past fall I've learned a lot by researching and experimenting with ways to branch out my business. Here are some things I've accomplished recently.
I've spent the last few months crafting non-stop, creating and learning. I'm full steam ahead. I tend to hibernate in the winter, (despite many attempts to change this) but since this past fall I've learned a lot by researching and experimenting with ways to branch out my business. Here are some things I've accomplished recently.
- I've linked my Etsy shop to my new Facebook page. Hooray!
- Added lots more items to the shop. It's been fun playing with my Canon options for the best pics possible to showcase what I create. I might have to upgrade soon. I've been bitten by the Photography Bug and love capturing things that inspire me.
- Designed a brochure from scratch that encompasses what I do and who I am. It's definately a work in progress of course because I'M a work in progress. I have no background in design, but my attention to detail and color comes in handy. Time to head to Kinko's.
- Ordered new magnetic business and post cards at Vista Print (among other cool personalized items like T-shirts, pens, etc) They have such great deals and a wonderful format to design exactly what you need. Highly recommended!
2/22/11
Pin Up Girls
:: Cheesecake Pin Up's ::
I've always been awed by Vintage Pin up drawings. They're beautiful, alluring, colorful and fun. The photography and illustrations were so diverse and interesting. Pin up art has been around since the 20's, but most famous to me were the gals from the 40's and 50's like Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Bettie Page, etc. More can be found here about those beauties.
Notable Pin Up Girls List
Earl Moran is a favorite artist. He worked with a young Marilyn Monroe in the late 40's and took some gorgeous photo's.
I've always been awed by Vintage Pin up drawings. They're beautiful, alluring, colorful and fun. The photography and illustrations were so diverse and interesting. Pin up art has been around since the 20's, but most famous to me were the gals from the 40's and 50's like Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Bettie Page, etc. More can be found here about those beauties.
Notable Pin Up Girls List
Earl Moran is a favorite artist. He worked with a young Marilyn Monroe in the late 40's and took some gorgeous photo's.
I'm inspired to go all Rockabilly now! Maybe a dress up photo session in my studio is in order. Time to "Rock the Middy!"
1/17/11
K I N G
Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree. Martin Luther
Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God. Martin Luther
You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther
I'm grateful for the outspoken, risk taking, courageous, rule changing individuals of this 21st century and all of the envelope pushers of the past. Thank you for paving the way for myself and future generations to hopefully someday live in a world where humanitarians and peace makers are the majority...not the minority.
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