Repurposed Chair, Oil on 16″ x 20″ archival linen covered board (Click image for better, larger view)
This lovely chair (one of a pair) used to be on my parents’ summer screened-in porch growing up. When a new settee was purchased to replace them, they were bestowed upon me. And now they reside in my guest room emanating all the sunshine and childhood memories they experienced over the years.
I love the sweet memories pieces from childhood bring to my home today. Do you have any favorite objects from your childhood home incorporated into your current decor? I’d love to hear about them!
A dramatic night eye using MAC Paints for added shimmer
I love makeup. It’s sort of like painting after all:-)
And I’m rather passionate about products that perform the way they’re supposed to. So I thought I’d share two of my favorites:
My Paula Dorf Eyelash Curler ~ Gives lashes an instant, natural looking, upturned wave. No tugging. No unnaturally juxtaposed right angles. No counting to 20 before you get a curl.
and…
Trish McEvoy High Volume Mascara (Jet Black) ~ Coats lashes beautifully and lasts all day without a hint of a flake or smear. Plus it washes off easily unlike harsh waterproof formulas.
This Pear-Mint-Ginger Sake Cocktail is refreshing and not too sweet with a wonderful kick of ginger. We went through two pitchers of them at our party last week! They’re that tasty.
Make them to order in a rocks glass per the single serving directions below.
Or, if you’d like to serve them to a larger group like I did, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you’re having. Then, combine the 1st four ingredients in a container and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Strain the mixture, then pour into a beautiful pitcher and serve chilled with a sprig of mint in a simple martini glass.
INGREDIENTS (Serves 1)
2 mint sprigs
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger (Use sliced ginger “coins” if pre-mixing for a party. This will make straining easier, and provide for a clean presentation.)
2 ounces sake, chilled
2 ounces pear nectar (such as Goya brand), chilled
Garnish: mint sprig
DIRECTIONS
Combine 2 mint sprigs and ginger in a chilled rocks glass; mash well. Fill glass with ice. Add chilled sake and chilled pear nectar; stir well. Garnish with a mint sprig; serve immediately.
Great Tip: Did you know you can store your fresh ginger in the freezer for several months to be at the ready anytime you need it?! Just thaw it on the counter briefly before each use.
I dare you only to buy one! (Admittedly I’ve gone a bit ‘lawn ornament’ with mine as they’re currently sparkling up not one- but three rooms on our first floor. But wait till you see them… you’ll understand.)
They’re available in about 25 different gorge patterns and their applications are endless. They really blow my old TV trays, (I’m sure Michel would shudder to hear them referred to as such), out of the water with their sturdy handles and accommodating measurements. The quality felt backing and decoupage finish mean they protect furniture perfectly and wipe up in a snap. Case in point: during our recent party, I used one to serve a pitcher of my specialty cocktail and another two for presenting stuffed mushrooms and soup shooters (also posting soon). Did I mention they do a magnificent job of turning an otherwise rocky ottoman into a sturdy table?!
So without further delay, allow me to present to you in all their splendor:
Nest & Egg Tray, Tulip Tray and Butterfly Tray! (Applause)
Place a generous scoop of Spumoni into each martini glass. Top with 1 tablespoon of Sambuca. If using, sprinkle with the silver dragees. Slowly savor the festive flavors dancing on your tongue!
shhhh, don’t tell anyone… because it’s not even the point… but this little baby has less than 150 calories!
Email me if you’d like this recipe Veganized, Raw-Veganized, Dairy-freed or Gluten-freed:)
Repurposed Chair
Repurposed Chair, Oil on 16″ x 20″ archival linen covered board (Click image for better, larger view)
This lovely chair (one of a pair) used to be on my parents’ summer screened-in porch growing up. When a new settee was purchased to replace them, they were bestowed upon me. And now they reside in my guest room emanating all the sunshine and childhood memories they experienced over the years.
I love the sweet memories pieces from childhood bring to my home today. Do you have any favorite objects from your childhood home incorporated into your current decor? I’d love to hear about them!
If you like this post say thanks by sharing.
Night Eyes
I love makeup. It’s sort of like painting after all:-)
And I’m rather passionate about products that perform the way they’re supposed to. So I thought I’d share two of my favorites:
My Paula Dorf Eyelash Curler ~ Gives lashes an instant, natural looking, upturned wave. No tugging. No unnaturally juxtaposed right angles. No counting to 20 before you get a curl.
and…
Trish McEvoy High Volume Mascara (Jet Black) ~ Coats lashes beautifully and lasts all day without a hint of a flake or smear. Plus it washes off easily unlike harsh waterproof formulas.
What are some of your favorites?
If you like this post say thanks by sharing.
Pear-Mint-Ginger Sake Cocktail
This Pear-Mint-Ginger Sake Cocktail is refreshing and not too sweet with a wonderful kick of ginger. We went through two pitchers of them at our party last week! They’re that tasty.
Make them to order in a rocks glass per the single serving directions below.
Or, if you’d like to serve them to a larger group like I did, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you’re having. Then, combine the 1st four ingredients in a container and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Strain the mixture, then pour into a beautiful pitcher and serve chilled with a sprig of mint in a simple martini glass.
INGREDIENTS (Serves 1)
DIRECTIONS
Combine 2 mint sprigs and ginger in a chilled rocks glass; mash well. Fill glass with ice. Add chilled sake and chilled pear nectar; stir well. Garnish with a mint sprig; serve immediately.
Great Tip: Did you know you can store your fresh ginger in the freezer for several months to be at the ready anytime you need it?! Just thaw it on the counter briefly before each use.
If you like this post say thanks by sharing.
TV Trays Gone Fabulous
Looking to jazz up a room in your home without a major investment?
These dandy decoupage trays by Michel Design Works are just the ticket.
I dare you only to buy one! (Admittedly I’ve gone a bit ‘lawn ornament’ with mine as they’re currently sparkling up not one- but three rooms on our first floor. But wait till you see them… you’ll understand.)
They’re available in about 25 different gorge patterns and their applications are endless. They really blow my old TV trays, (I’m sure Michel would shudder to hear them referred to as such), out of the water with their sturdy handles and accommodating measurements. The quality felt backing and decoupage finish mean they protect furniture perfectly and wipe up in a snap. Case in point: during our recent party, I used one to serve a pitcher of my specialty cocktail and another two for presenting stuffed mushrooms and soup shooters (also posting soon). Did I mention they do a magnificent job of turning an otherwise rocky ottoman into a sturdy table?!
So without further delay, allow me to present to you in all their splendor:
Nest & Egg Tray, Tulip Tray and Butterfly Tray! (Applause)
If you like this post say thanks by sharing.
Spumoni-Sambuca Dessert
What’s better than a dessert that takes 30 seconds to make?
One that delivers on taste and presentation too!
Prepare to be whisked away to Italy via this combo of exotic flavors. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some silver dragees on top.
Ingredients:
Spumoni Ice-Cream (soften slightly on the counter first)
Sambuca
Simple Martini Glasses for Serving
Instructions:
Place a generous scoop of Spumoni into each martini glass. Top with 1 tablespoon of Sambuca. If using, sprinkle with the silver dragees. Slowly savor the festive flavors dancing on your tongue!
shhhh, don’t tell anyone… because it’s not even the point… but this little baby has less than 150 calories!
Email me if you’d like this recipe Veganized, Raw-Veganized, Dairy-freed or Gluten-freed:)
If you like this post say thanks by sharing.