JingleNog Blog

Color Crush - Richmond Bisque

2011-11-08T12:19:00.002-05:00

Land that I Love

2011-07-03T12:38:00.004-04:00

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home."

Irving Berlin 1938

Celebrating 235 years! Happy Birthday America! xoxo...

Summertime

2011-06-23T10:04:00.002-04:00

Day 3 of summer! (a little jig is done here.......)
My girls are finally finished with exams and are looking forward to slowing it down for a few days.
Sand in the toes and a great book in hand would be lovely. On my summer reading list - Orangutan by Coli Broderick, Metropolis by Elizabeth Gaffney, Vera by Susan Seid and one that I have had on the list for quite a while Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. Any other suggestions?

Let's celebrate summer with two of music's greatest talents - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong performing the classic tune "Summertime" from Porgy & Bess .
Enjoy!

McQueen

2011-06-16T18:40:00.015-04:00

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to see the Alexander McQueen - Savage Beauty exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. To say it was fabulous and inspirational would be an understatement and does even begin to describe the experience. If you are in New York between now and August 17th you need make this a "MUST SEE" stop. McQueen's brilliant and complex vision was so unique. You leave wondering where he would have evolved to with his designs had he not tragically taken his life just days after his mother's death in February 2010.

A talented and ground breaking designer who always surprised, McQueen rose to prominence in the fashion world quickly. Despite his success he was tormented by depression and struggled with his demons.

I love this photo of McQueen's friend, mentor and muse Isabella Blow.

Blow was a major fashion influence and a fashion editor for the Times and later Tatler.

She discovered McQueen when he was a graduate student. Isabella was so taken with McQueen's work that she purchased every piece of his first collection. Blow also discovered the famous British milliner Philip Treacy. Treacy created many hats for the dramatically staged McQueen runway shows and was good friends with the late designer.

Blow, suffered from chronic depression and had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she took her own life in 2007.

“No one,” says Wintour, “had an eye like Issie. The more corporate of us look at everything differently than someone like Issie, so whenever I got that phone call that Issie said I should see something, I would go.”

Side note - The hat she is wearing is in the exhibit. The intricate and delicately detailed piece appeared to be carved out of sandalwood.

image credit - focusonflair.blogspot.com

This "out of this world" outfit with it's gold feather jacket and embroidered tulle skirt is from the last collection that the designer created before his death.

McQueen's work is filled with multi cultural and historical references that delight with his play on contrasts. Each piece is constructed with a combined hard and soft base that is layered with many thought provoking, beautiful and often ethereal details and dimensions.

Romantic, Gothic, Medieval, Amphibious, Angelic, Demonic, Virgin, Dominatrix, Warrior and Victim.
His mastery of contrasts, deconstruction and reinvention produced unparalleled surprises within his collections.

McQueen was fascinated by birds, loved feathers and was obsessed with Hitchcock.

McQueen was truly an artist.

Clothing was McQueen's canvas.

                                   Real flowers were used in the construction of this piece.


         "Things rot...I used flowers because they die. My mood was darkly romantic at the time" he said.

The embroidery detail on this piece was breathtaking.
The garment was a straight jacket.
The contrast of organic to man made and luxury versus nature were reoccurring themes in his work.

This fish scale bubble suit is one of his ultimate WOW-POW-WHAT HAVE WE NOW pieces.
He was constantly moving fashion to a place that no one had gone before.

McQueen was known not only for his fashion creations but for his imaginative and dramatically staged runway shows. The Met exhibit includes selected show videos which bring the clothes and the viewing experience to life. It also is one of the most intriguing parts of the McQueen enigma for me. The runway shows and their messages could be a separate, stand alone exhibit. One of the highlights was a hologram of Kate Moss from the Fall/Winter 2006 Show in Paris. Moss was in the midst of personal troubles at the time and the piece seemed to express an empathy for not only for her plight, but the overall fragile and elusive natures of beauty, perception and reality.

All of the images not credited are taken from the Met's book- Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty which is available at their online store or through Amazon if you cannot make it to the museum.

                                                            image credit - modelinia.com

                                 I wish I had been able to meet this brilliantly talented man.

"We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen’s influence was astonishing — from street style, to music culture and the world’s museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss."
                                                                                                    Anna Wintour

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Poppies, Peonies and a Pup named Millie

2011-06-03T14:34:00.005-04:00

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                               Today's Garden Find - Bloomin' Fresh Poppies and Peonies.
                                                             Thank You!

Fresh ants as well!.....

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                                                                         Meet Millie!
                                She is my sister's new beagle pup and don't tell Coco but I am smitten.
                                                    Here she is in a rarely seen moment of rest.

                                                                 Have a Fantastic Friday!

                                                                      xoxo...

Variations on a theme - Pink Azaleas

2011-05-29T17:40:00.004-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

2011-05-27T12:31:00.008-04:00

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Remembering those that served

with gratitude, thanks and reflection.

Dreaming of smooth waters and blue skies...

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                                         Hoping you have an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!

                                                         xoxo JingleNog

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Grey to Gray

2011-05-19T10:20:00.009-04:00

I am feeling a bit gray today. A loaded statement and a curious word. If you look at the definition for the word gray it is defined as dull and uninteresting or dismal and gloomy. Far from it. There are so many subtle variations within what we would label as gray or grey. See right there it is elusive. The word was revised to gray by the new world Americans but was formerly grey in the English speaking world. Grey is one of the most intriguing and complex of colors or colours, which ever you prefer. Gray is the colour of shadows. It defines and trasitions the brights from lights or the darks and validates the two ends of the spectrum. It is one of my favorite families. Gray is very moody and romantic and there is nothing dull or uninteresting about that!

Old world to modern. Grey cannot be boxed in.

Moving and morphing with the light, grey defines spaces and sets the tone.

Mist, fog, the foam of the waves...Where would we be without grey?

                                         Psst- this is another one of my finds from Brimfield.
It is an antique steel engraving print called "The Catskills". The perfect setting for a romantic Bronte novel.
                                                            Don't you think?

                                                  It is another rainy gray spring day here...

                                                               ... but it will not be a dull one.
                                        I am working on new designs for JingleNog's 2012 line...

                                                           ...and the dogwoods are blooming.
                           The punch of their colour would not be as strong on a bright, sunny day.
                                                        So thank You for another rainy gray day!

                                                           xoxo...
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NY Apples & Lilacs

2011-05-18T19:01:00.006-04:00

It is a rainy day here again in New York.

I noticed for the first time today the apple pattern on the Crystal Palace's doors at Javits.

I am sure they have always been there and I missed them rushing in or out.

I will always be on the look out for the apples now.

They are a subtle and lovely "Hello" and "See You Again Soon!"

                              On a home note, here is a peek at one of my Brimfield purchases -
                                                          a pressed glass vase.
                                           The lilacs bloomed just in time to help me fill it.
                                        The smell of fresh flowers is high on the list of nature's best gifts
                                             and life's greatest pleasures. Don't you agree?

                                               Hope you are having a great day!
                                                                  xoxo...
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Brimfield - Inspiration

2011-05-17T08:38:00.015-04:00

Brimfield - Part 2.

Brimfield is full of inspiration and ideas.

It may be the juxtaposition of materials and textures, the color palette or details from the objects themselves. I take photos of anything that moves me. Sometimes I am not quite sure why I am drawn to lift the camera. When I am back in the office sifting through images there can be an element of surprise.

I wonder if what moved me in the moment is the same thing that I am drawn to in the photo image.

Here are a few shots from last weekend.

I wonder if you can figure out why I took each one and which ones are inspiration for future JingleNog ornaments!

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Hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

xoxo...

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Brimfield - What We Left Behind

2011-05-16T09:40:00.007-04:00

Brimfield - Part 1.

I just returned from the fields of dreams for antique collectors and vintage devotees - Brimfield.
Everything and anything can be found here. It is a hunter and haggler's heaven!
There were many of us, all armed and ready to sift through the treasures.

Brimfield is packed with the good...

the bad...

and the ugly.

A good thing.
You can always say that you left many "opportunities" behind!

I went with an old friend that I have known since 1st grade who loves to hunt as much as I do.
Thanks to @thedailybasics, @gaubuchondesign and @WykehamGirl
and their fabulous #Brimfield tweetup there was an extra treat of meeting old and new twitter friends.
A special thanks to event sponsors Benjamin Moore and Aubuchon Hardware as well!

.

I recommend shopping with a friend at Brimfield.
Two heads are always better than one when you need a voice of reason.

Because
only at Brimfield can you find a group of 5 lady pinheads that might call out to you..

You never know what you will find.
The proud new owner of this "Board of Canes" recognized that this piece was a work of art.
He is framing it "as is as" soon as he returns to Seattle.
What a great idea!

The "Cane Board" owner also found this clown ahead of me.
Inspiration and a treasure for some...

Beauty truly is in the eyes of the beholder.

I loved this old woody.
If I only I had the right spot for it...

                                 The best part about this vintage lovely was the propellor on the grill.
                                                 Inspiration for a future JingleNog ornament?
                                                                       I think so!
                            A fellow admirer pointed out one factor that helped to let me leave this one behind -                                                       where do you get brake pads?

Brimfield is a mecca for designers, collectors and vintageaholics.

Shoppers and sellers gather from all parts of the globe

to celebrate their common love

of treasure hunting

and

"the find".

                                               You never know who you will run into there
                                                                or what you will see.

                                                       Spotted on Saturday - Santa

                                                               and his sleigh.
                                            I wish this one had not gotten away!

                                       P.S.
                     Two of my new twitter friends told me to add the comments feature to my blog.
                                       So I have activated this feature. Hope to hear from you!
                                                         Merry Monday...
                                                               xoxo...
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Hop Hunt

2011-04-21T11:59:00.001-04:00

Easter was originally a pagan spring celebration of renewal and rebirth honoring the Saxon goddess Eastre. When the the Saxons converted to Christianity, the holiday was merged with the Christian celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead and Easter was born.

Eggs, symbolic of fertility, birth and new beginnings have been a part of people's spring rituals
and celebrations since ancient times and to this day are part of both the Passover Seder and Easter holiday traditions.

Each family has it's own holiday rituals.
We have a new family tradition for Easter - the Hop Hunt. The first person to find the Carrot Hop on Easter day receives a special treat.
Wishing you a joyous holiday!

xoxo...
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The truth is ...

2011-04-20T15:01:00.000-04:00

Happy Hoppin' Wednesday!

xoxo...

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Jelly Bean Flowers

2011-04-14T14:07:00.002-04:00

Most jelly bean flavors I cannot resist. Thankfully there are always a few in the
mix that stop me from consuming the entire bag.
Look but don't touch.
Oh, but I do love you so much!
A healthy way to enjoy this delectable sweet treat is to make it eye candy only and use the jelly beans in floral arrangements.
You know it is close to Easter at my house when the beaned flowers appear.

Quick and simple -

Drop a small vase into a larger clear walled vase.
Fill the gap between the two vases with jelly beans.
Add water and flowers to the inner container

Bon Appetit!
xoxo...

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Carrot Hop Topiaries

2011-04-08T11:24:00.000-04:00

It will be a busy weekend. In addition to an early family celebration dinner for Kate's birthday I am planning for a Rites of Spring Supper.

I made mini boxwood topiaries and added one of my spring favorites- Carrot Hop to the centers.

Boxwood keeps for a while and dries so nicely. Leftovers always come in handy to throw into arrangements or to admire alone in small bud vases. Just like the fresh bushes the dried boxwood cuttings can be cut and sculpted.

Carrot Hop Boxwood Topiary

Each guest will have a Carrot Hop to greet them at their placesetting as well.
Ooops. We need to turn that dessert fork around before the guests arrive!

Now for the menu.... Hmmm. Any suggestions?

Have a lovely weekend!

xoxo...

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Gift of the Day

2011-04-06T09:22:00.001-04:00

I found the sweetest little heart rock waiting for me outside today.
Thank You for this lovely gift!
I think it was a reminder to share, care & celebrate on this and every day.

xoxo...

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The Promises of Spring

2011-04-05T17:49:00.000-04:00

The hesitant and tentative days of a new spring,
like all newborns are unsteady and meek at first.
The dull light of the season's early rainy days have a misted
haze and laze to them as the earth slowly stirs,
and awakens from it's long winter's nap.
Early spring more than New Years always brings
re-newed energy and excitement over all of the
doable and seemingly improbable possibilities.
The first blooms revive and nourish old plans and hopes
while
creating new dreams.

The spring season of re-birth and new beginnings is also our bi-annual closet cleaning time.
Donation deliveries to the local thrift shops rarely leave me with an empty handed return.
Today was no exception.

Here are two of my new lovely treasures - a small block glass florist's vase and a jar that works perfectly for the malted Easter eggs.

Happy Spring cleaning!
xoxo...
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Celebrating the First Blooms of 2011

2011-04-04T17:40:00.001-04:00

Finally the crocuses are blooming!
Hooray!!!
The daffodils, alliums and irises cannot be too far behind them.
I cannot wait to breathe deeply into the intoxicating scent of the hyacinths.

Spring is finally coming into bloom here in NY.

Soon we can pack away the boots and go sockless.
Only sandals, bare feet and fresh cut flowers from the garden will be in the house again.

First Bloom Celebration Day!
Best wishes to you for a lovely one.
xoxo...

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April Fool's Day 2011

2011-04-01T17:42:00.003-04:00

Best April Fool Day Hoax of 2011 = Yesterday's weather forecast for 2-4 more inches of snow here in NY today!

Thank You!

Hope you have a lovely weekend.
xoxo...

Sunday Lilies

2011-03-27T17:07:00.000-04:00

xoxo....

Spring Training

2011-03-25T19:59:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the weekend!
xoxo...

" I've been through it all, baby, I'm mother courage..."

2011-03-24T19:37:00.000-04:00

photo credit - listal.com

"I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine.
You can't possess radiance, you can only admire it"

Elizabeth Taylor

(2/27/1932 - 3/23/2011)
Rest in Peace

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Footprints of Spring

2011-03-23T13:53:00.000-04:00

Winter is determined to keep her footprint on the first days of spring this year.

The signs of spring are there...
but
far from here...

... so we remain waiting ...

Some things in life you cannot control. So just relax and enjoy the ~~snow~~ show!

X0X0...

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Fast Forward

2011-03-21T23:37:00.001-04:00

The last time I wrote the tree lights were still twinkling outside at night and we were blanketed in near record levels of snow. Well fast forward 72 days later and in the second day of spring we no longer have the tree lights but fresh snow was on the ground again this morning.

2011 started with a New Year's day visit from a possum. I took of photo of him, not thinking at the time that perhaps his appearance was significant or of any note other than a rare sighting that should be documented if he would keep still.

Today as I sat down, determine to create a fast forward post, I found his photo and realized that there may be more meaning to the possum that I had at first realized. In a quick search I found that possums to the Native Americans signaled the uncovering of talents whether psychic or physical. They are also are a symbol of gains towards wisdom and recovery.All of this sounds wonderful. Since it is only March 21, I am still waiting and hopeful that the promise of this new year's sighting will hold true.

On a broader note, so much has transpired in the world since New Year's day. I send out with this writing prayers for all that have suffered or are in need. My journey is both shallow and trivial by comparison.

January 2011-
My plans to fly to Atlanta for the January Atlanta Gift Show changed from plane to train when winter storms closed the airports. Clyde and all of the Amtrak employees made the journey a very memorable and pleasant trip. 16 hours later, I had met a new friend, taken my first NY to Atlanta sleeper car ride and arrived to the snowy and iciest streets that any of the Atlanta natives I spoke to could remember. It was show time! Three shows in one month - Atlanta to Dallas to New York.

Arriving in Atlanta for the AmericasMart January Gift Show 2011

Atlanta - JingleNog's newly expanded booth ( photo credit- Selling Christmas Decorations )

February 2011-

Vermont holds a special place in the life of my family. Every winter we spend some time together on the woodland mountain trails skiing, snowshoeing and relaxing.

Birch tree -Waitsfield, Vermont 2/2011

Mad River Glen 2/26/2011- Happy Birthday Jimbo

March 2011-

Mardi Gras - Rhode Island 3/5/2011
Laissez les bon temps roulez!

AmericasMart Atlanta Spring 2011 Gift, Home and Holiday Show - JingleNog's Booth is named "Best of Show" for the temporary exhibitors - 3/12/2011

Visual wows in settings & tablescapes at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show - Pier 94 - 3/20/ 2011

Benjamin Moore - AD Home Design Show - 3/20/2011

Scalamandre- AD Home Design Show 2011 - 3/20/2011

Artists Project New York Highlights - Peter Bynum, Nissim Benoderet, J.T. Burke, Ciaran Tully, Ysabel LeMay

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Let's see what tomorrow brings...

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Snow Day

2011-01-07T22:33:00.001-05:00

I have not been able to post much lately. All of my time has been spent finishing of the 2011 line and preparing for the January markets. I still have quite a bit to do before I leave for Atlanta next week but today was the first snow day of 2011. The schools were closed and the girls and Coco enjoyed the day sledding and playing outside. I wish that I had been able to join in for a bit. Em actually took this photo. It totally captures the personality of our lovely furry beast.
I have a new piece in the 2011 line called Maddy that has a lot of Coco in her. Maddy is a Snow Thing that is looking for understanding, friendship and love.
Maddy and my buddy Coco are one of mind and heart.
Those eyes get me every time.
Love you Coco Loco.

Have a lovely weekend.
xoxo...

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New Years Wishes

2010-12-31T14:12:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a bright New Year!

Holiday 2010

2010-12-27T16:15:00.005-05:00

Where have the past 27 days of December 2010 gone?
Time moving too quickly to catch has skipped and skimmed through the days of the month.

Plans to do, make, read, write, draw and see this, that and the other remained for the most part intentions.
The minutes, hours and days have been too short and too few.
Not an original thought but a very true one. In keeping with the theme here I will be brief.
Wishing you a lovely December 27th.
Enjoy the day!

JingleNog Box Cake

2010-12-19T17:52:00.000-05:00

We received an unbelievable gift here at JingleNog last week - a JingleNog box cake!

It is simply too precious to cut into.

Our very talented friend crafted this amazing creation

out of carrot cake and fondant.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

xoxoxo...

Boston Roadtrip

2010-12-19T13:44:00.000-05:00

Jennifer and Mark - the owners of Blackstone's of Beacon Hill

A trip to Boston will always put you in the Christmas spirit.
Last week Jim and I took a road trip up to Boston for an event at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill.
Jennifer and Mark - Blackstone's owners have received both the Retailers Association of Massachusetts' Community Service Award and the Pride of New England Award for "Best Gift Store in New England".
It is always a pleasure to see them and we enjoyed meeting their customers.

What a fun day!

Lunch at Todd English's restaurant Figs was a very special treat.
Isabelle's CurlyCakes - the new cupcake bakery on Charles Street had just opened the day before.
We arrived there just before closing time and they were sold out!
On the menu were - Red velvet, Apple Streusel, Chocolate & Peanut Butter cupcakes in addition to Vanilla Bean and triple Chocolate.
All are on the must test list for our next trip.

Blackstone's of Beacon Hill Event

That evening we had a great time at Blackstone's. Their customer's gave us a big B'town welcome.

Blackstone's of Beacon Hill event

Every door, window, stair and street lamp was decked and trimmed for the holidays.
The Beacon Hill area, like all of Boston, is picture book old world perfect, especially at Christmas time!
It almost makes you want to cheer go Red Soxs...

xoxo..from NY...

Santa's Ring of Cheer

2010-12-07T11:13:00.001-05:00

Santa's ring of cheer is a simple and quick centerpiece to create. Easy to update throughout the holiday season, you can highlight different favorites from your ornament and tabletop figurine collections with this piece.
A cake plate on top of a wreath is the base. In the center is a glass finial. We used our Holidazzle Toppings here which adds height to the arrangement. On the outer rim we used a collection of JingleNog Santa ornaments mixed with a few figurines. Surprise the family each night from now until Christmas with a new ring of cheer every night at dinner. Psst...tomorrow it will be snowmen at our house.
Happy Holiday Decorating!

Something Old, Something New

2010-11-26T10:19:00.003-05:00

We are decking the house's halls, trees and walls starting today.
Starting off here with something old, something new and something with a touch of blue.
I love these old scones. I have a pair of them.They usually hold taper candles and add a soft light to the room at night.
This year they are now Holly Days trimmed for the holidays.
Something old, mixed with something new never leaves a space feeling blue!
I tied a piece of wire edged silk ribbon around the sconce neck and added a ring of florist clay with a glue stick center under the final base to keep it securely in place we are ready -set- Holiday time trimmed a-go-go!
Happy Decorating!
xoxo...

Thumbs Up on the Blackboard Wall

2010-11-26T09:38:00.001-05:00

Well our new blackboard painted kitchen wall received a huge thumbs up from the 16 and under crowd yesterday. As soon as everyone arrived the chalk was out and the young artists were busy. Everyone of of them shows the promise of a young Keith Haring in the making. What a Thanksgiving masterpiece!
We are starting to deck the halls today. Let the holiday fun begin. xoxo...

Thanks & Giving

2010-11-24T17:57:00.006-05:00

Time to gather with the family to give thanks. Tomorrow everyone is in for a surprise and a treat and whoever is reading this here is getting a sneak peak! I have the tradition of giving my guests at Christmas an ornament on their place setting as a gift. This year I am starting a new tradition of giving the ornament as a Thanksgiving present. It seems fitting to give on the holiday where both thanks and giving are the name of the day.

The table is set except for the flowers. I usually do harvest tones but I have been in a White Christmas mood lately. We have not had Thanksgiving at our house for a few years. It is one of my favorite meals and I am looking forward to playing hostess. I wanted to start the holiday decorating this week and a white, silver, gold, green Thanksgiving table allowed me to start to trim the house a bit without totally bypassing Thanksgiving.

My last surprise is something that I have been thinking about for a while. Ever since I heard about blackboard paint I have been wanting to try it out. Well I did it. Here is an old shot of my kitchen wall below.

Tomorrow everyone will be greeted with our new blackboard wall and Happy Thanksgiving message! We love it. -
2 coats of paint and a piece of crown molding. Why did I wait so long to do this simple project?

                                                Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
                                                                  Enjoy the day!
                                                                          xoxo...

Spotted - Baked Turkey!

2010-11-15T07:29:00.000-05:00

Have you ever? I spotted these fresh baked birds over the weekend. Still chuckling...
Have a great day! xoxo...

A Room with a View

2010-11-14T18:11:00.000-05:00

A lovely sighting on a clear fall day.

Wisconsin Views

2010-11-10T21:45:00.000-05:00

I was out in Wisconsin last week.

The landscape in the country had miles of beautiful barn and field filled views.

It was very quiet and serene.

                              Looking forward to getting back out there again.

Halloween Eve

2010-10-30T20:17:00.000-04:00

Little Purple Riding Hood

2010-10-28T10:19:00.001-04:00

The question of dressing animals is a debatable one. My parents had a toy poodle named Ingrid before they had children. She had a beret, along with winter coats and sweaters. A pampered Manhattan doggie, Ingrid had a wardrobe of collars and leashes as well. This love of dress up continues in my household. Our labradoodle Coco loves her bandanas. When you mention the word she runs to her bed to prepare for her outfit change. Once her bandana came off when she was getting out of the car. She promptly picked it up in her mouth, carried it into the house, and gently placed it on her bed. She knew this was hers and she did not want to lose it. So for our family the question about dog dress up is - YES!

Coco loves to glam it up for the camera too. As a nod to the great photographer William Wegman whose doggie dress up photos will never be topped, our Purple Riding Hood allowed me to take a photo of her during her Halloween dress rehearsal yesterday. Part granny, part dog and a dram of alien (but no wolf ) I love our beast.

Special note to my twitter friend, the very talented @jonathanlegate - This one's for you!

Jack' o Lantern Cake

2010-10-25T17:16:00.001-04:00

Em (aka little B.) and I made this crazy Jack o' lantern cake yesterday. My little one, like my mother, is a baker and I love to help her out. He is our Halloween Week Monday celebration dessert for tonight's dinner. This cake is indeed a wee bit wacko which is in keeping with the spirit of the holiday. Happy Halloween Week everyone. Make it a fun one.

xoxo...

Back & Forward

2010-10-25T08:34:00.001-04:00

Last week was an odd one. It started with an elementary school reunion last Saturday. The halls and rooms of the building were smaller but otherwise just as I had remembered them over the years and there were many old familiar faces. It was a good long term memory workout to see the teachers and to reconnect with some of my old classmates.

Strange how you can still recognize people after so many years.

Photo: One of my elementary school teachers - Mrs. Belmonte

Monday I played hookie to visit the Met with one of my oldest and dearest friends and her mom. I had not seen my friend since the spring and her mother in years. It was a very special day with two amazing women that I will always cherish and take inspiration from. Tuesday I had lunch with an old friend that I had not seen in a while. It was great to see him, to visit his amazing house that he has lovingly restored to museum quality perfection and to catch up on his life.

These events alone are an uncanny cluster but what made me realize that I was in a blast from the past sequence was what happened on Wednesday.

My dad gave a piece of my past. He was cleaning out his attic and ran across a square of wallpaper from my old bedroom that in a rare midweek visit he stopped by to give me. My single to double digit years were spent sleeping, studying, reading, doodling and dreaming in that room. I created and recreated many stories about the characters and the world of the toile wallpaper that covered the walls. How odd that he gave this to me when he did.

This weekend I realized was the past to present finale for the future. Kate and I officially started her college visits. The campus was not the one that I attended but I felt and saw in her the same joy, anticipation, and nervous excitement that I had setting out on this new adventure. I also realized that like the moment she got her driver's permit earlier this year we are moving on to the next step and a new phase of her life. The experiences of her early baby through grade school years will soon be her childhood history. The years of her youth, filled with so many joys and small struggles are slowly transitioning into a permanent place for her future - the past. Both Kate and little B. have accomplished much more than I had at their ages. I am extremely proud of them. I hope my babes continue to plant many seeds on their paths and in their gardens.

I thought a lot this past week about school, the impact of teachers, relationships and change. How we do indeed need change to evolve and grow. The possibilities of what you can do or who you can be should stay open all of your life - no pigeon holes or maxims. You can do and be anything you set out to if you care enough to make it happen. Care - do it fully, deeply, wholly and work at what ever "it" is that moves you every day in large and small ways. Who would ever have thought that the girl who lived in the red toile wallpapered bedroom would be the owner of a small business that creates and sells Christmas ornaments. Not me, nor I am fairly certain anyone around me. Designing Christmas ornaments was not at all on my mind back then. I was not the best of students when I was young. It wasn't until college that I fell deeply and passionately in love with studying and learning. I was a late bloomer. What I did have when I was young was a love of home and the holidays that my mother gave me. My later fascinations with design, the arts, history, people and writing led me to my current path. Many years of long hours, indeed many years of not just working at work but working at "it", on "me" and what do "I" care about and want to be brought me here. Who knows where the journey will lead me tomorrow but I am really looking forward to it. Eat, Work, Dream, Pray and Work is my story. I live it every day and I am very thankful to everyone that I have met along the way. Merry Monday. Let's all go out and seize the day.

Carpe diem babes!

xoxo...

Big Bambu & the Met

2010-10-19T10:06:00.006-04:00

I played hookie yesterday. I had a very good excuse. It was a super special treat - a visit to the Met on Monday.
If you live in the New York area or are planning a visit to the city before October 31st the current exhibit Big Doug + Mike Starn on the Roof: Big Bambú is a must see. The roof top structure is fascinating and it's contrast to the skyline of the city is spectacular. The Roman mosaic from Lod, Israel is also a current exhibit that I would put on the list. The pristine condition of this large subtly colored panel that dates back to 300 A.D. is remarkable. The Charles Rohlfs furnishings & objects exhibit opens today. So prolific, Rohlfs did not start to make furniture until he was 40 and what he created was a unique blend of Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau influenced pieces that leave you wanting to know more about the man and his wife crime novelist Anna Katharine Green.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the greatest museums in the world. Where else can you take a global journey from ancient times to modern day within the span of several hours? Each room holds immeasurable treasures. The museums collections are so vast, varied and deep. You leave looking forward to your next visit. I am on overload, still sifting through all of the bits, pieces and details that moved me.

Thanks again Ms. J & Mrs. B. for letting me tag along. Mrs. B. your passion and knowledge is so inspiring. xoxo...

Apple Walnut Raisin Pie

2010-10-12T16:45:00.002-04:00

Warm apple pie is one of my favorite finishes to a crisp fall day.

This variation to the classic is always a big after dinner hit.

Add vanilla ice cream if you choose on the side.

Ingredients:

5 apples - we used red delicious here

3 tablespoons of brown sugar

1/2 cup of walnuts

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

1/3 cup of apple juice or apple cider

2 teaspoons of nutmeg

1 tablespoon of cinnamon

1 teaspoon of allspice

1/3 cup of raisins

2 deep dish 9" pie shells

Preheat oven to 350F. Remove pie shells from the freezer and set aside.

Chop, stir and mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.

Fill pie shell with contents of mixing bowl. Place second pie shell on top and cut small slits on top so contents can breathe.

Place pie on baking sheet and place in oven with a loose tin foil tent on top.

Baking time will vary per oven. Check around 30 minutes. When contents are bubbling remove tin foil tent and bake for another 7-8 minutes until crust is a golden brown.

Remove from oven and serve.

Heart Tree

2010-10-12T14:01:00.000-04:00

Mother Nature News Find -

We found a heart shaped hole in the trunk of a tree walking in the woods.

Hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday.

xoxo...

Happy Friday!

2010-10-08T00:10:00.001-04:00

Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo...

For the Birds

2010-10-05T09:37:00.016-04:00

October is a month for the birds.
Birds are the perfect icon to represent both Halloween and Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Why? Well, they can be a wee bit and spooky at times - just ask Hitchcock (I know Tippi Hendren would agree too) and they are the ideal witch's side kick. Who else can fly along side a witch on her broom stick?

The birds to Breast Cancer Awareness month segue may sound like a bit of a stretch at first but think about it. What is an often used term for females? That's right - chicks. So think flamingo pink and help to support the efforts for a cure.
Chirp, tweet, cluck and sing about it - birds of a feather stick together! #thinkpink

My friend Marie joins Avon's Walk for Breast Cancer this month for the first time as a survivor. Let's help to find a cure so everyone touched by breast cancer can join her in celebrating as well.

Here are a few places to find out more and get involved -

http://www.avonwalk.org/
http://www.nbcam.org/
http://ww5.komen.org/

xoxo...

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

2010-10-03T22:18:00.000-04:00

A quick and simple treat - Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Ingredients:

12 oz. Chocolate

Salted Pretzels

Toppings - get creative!

Melt the chocolate of your choice in a double boiler or in the microwave.
Place pretzels on a wax paper covered tray or cookie sheet that can be placed into the freezer.
Cover salted pretzels with the chocolate and decorate with desired toppings. Tip- we have found dipping to cover works the best.
Place in the freezer to harden for about 30 minutes.
Server alone or with ice cream.
Makes approximately 36 standard shaped pretzels

Birdwatcher

2010-10-03T20:55:00.006-04:00

I have gone to the birds this weekend! More bird outtakes. Hope you had a great day.

xoxo...

Pumpkin Based Flower Arrangements

2010-10-03T20:11:00.001-04:00

I mentioned pumpkin based arrangements in a recent post. I made one earlier today for our Sunday dinner table.
I took some photos to show you just how simple it is.

3 easy steps.

Select a pumpkin based on how large you want your arrangement to be
Cut the lid off of the pumpkin
Remove the seeds and loose flesh from the inner cavity
Select a container that fills the space of the base and fill with water
Create your arrangement

Pumpkin Perched

2010-10-02T20:57:00.002-04:00

Out of today's doodling came this crazy guy. I am still trying to decide just what it is that he is smiling to himself about. Anyway, thought I would share him.

Have a good one.

xoxo...

Elizabeth Gilbert - Nurturing Creativity

2010-09-29T09:10:00.004-04:00

If you have not seen this TED video of Eat,Pray,Love author Elizabeth Gilbert grab a liquid of choice, relax, and take the time out to do it. Gilbert is a gifted speaker and has inspiring words for everyone about the creative journey.

Sunday Afternoon with Andy & William

2010-09-26T15:13:00.016-04:00

Taking the time to relax on a Sunday afternoon seems like a great luxury these days.
This afternoon I indulged and spent some time with two great illustrators - Andy Warhol and William Steig.

(Image Credit - Still Life Flowers - by Andy Warhol 1950's)

I am fascinated by Andy Warhol's illustrations from the 1950's. Warhol's early pre-Pop fame pieces are fun, whimsical and joyfully expressive. There is a lighthearted and child like quality in them that celebrates the fine art of doodle drawing.

The Christmas cards that he did for Tiffany & Co. from 1956 until 1962 are brought together in a beautifully laid out book - Greetings from Andy (Warhol)Christmas at Tiffany's.

(Image Credit- Holly and Fruit Star by Andy Warhol -1962)

The late great William Steig authored more than 40 books and is best known for his many years of cartoons and magazine covers for the New Yorker.

( Image Credit - The New Yorker Cover- Jan. 13, 1986)

Steig was also the creator of the character made famous by Dreamworks - Shrek!

(Image Credit- Shrek- by William Steig)

Steig's unique works are filled with fantasy and humor.
The World Of William Steig is a great collection of his work.
His use of color and pattern both intrigues and inspires me.

I wish that I could have met both Steig and Warhol.
I wonder what the two of them would be doing today in a world filled with blogging and twitter.

Back to the drawing board!

Have a lovely evening.

xoxo...

A Sunny September Saturday

2010-09-25T17:08:00.004-04:00

Happy Saturday!

xoxo...

...................................................................

Washington Weekend

2010-09-22T00:09:00.032-04:00

Jim and I flew out to Washington last weekend. We had a great day on Friday in one of my favorite cities - Seattle before we drove up to lovely Leavenworth for Kris Kringl's Collector's Event on Saturday evening.

We found the perfect spot in the Public Market for breakfast.

Early morning flower and produce offerings.

Seattle old and new.

Dinner by candlelight with waterfront views at Place Pigalle. Thanks Keli for the recommendation.

Saturday we were off to the mountains.

Views on the road to Leavenworth.

Postcard views of Leavenworth

Bavaria in Washington State

We finished the day to a warm welcome and an amazing event at Kris Kringl. It was a great pleasure to meet everyone. I am so thrilled that we were included in this wonderful annual tradition for the store.

A huge thank you & hugs to everyone at Kris Kringl (especially Carl & Rob) and to all of the JingleNoggeans that attended.

Next time we need to take another day to explore more. I have a long list of things to see and do in Seattle that we never got to including -

* Seeing Kathe Fraga's paintings in person
* Gelato at Gelatiamo
* Cupcakes at Trophy Cupcakes
* Wine tasting in the vineyards

We missed Warhol by two weeks and were too soon for Picasso at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) but were able to pop in quickly just before closing time for a bit of an art fix. Thank you Jim!
You always need to leave something to go back for and Washington leaves me with a long list every time.

xoxo...

Out of the Pumpkin Patch

2010-09-15T20:59:00.016-04:00

After one of the hottest summers on record in New York, we have all the signs of fall's official arrival next week. Crisp, cool mornings and nights along with each day's newly colored and falling the leaves leave no doubt that Autumn is a comin' in.

Fall holds so many memories. The girls used to angst over who or what they wanted to be for Halloween. We spent many hours together making costumes including a Seven-up can, a Bubble Yum container and a green M&M.

Selecting the perfect pumpkin was and still is another serious task. One day one of the girls asked me who carved the first pumpkin. I am glad they asked. Who knows when I would have run into the story of "Stingy Jack".

As legend has it, the tradition of carving Jack '0 lanterns started in Ireland with a crafty character called Stingy Jack. After many tricks upon and subsequent pacts with the devil, Jack was left wandering in the dark in his afterlife carrying only a burning coal to light his way. The smart fellow placed the coal into a carved out turnip. A scary and ghoulish sight in the night, Jack was now appropriately renamed Jack 'O Lantern and voila a new tradition was born. Initially potatoes and turnips were the fashionable carver's vessel of choice. Larger gourds, including the pumpkin only came into vogue later on.

Pumpkin carving has indeed become an art. There are so many great books on the subject. One of my favorite's is Play With Your Pumpkins.
There are many other possibilities for the pumpkin outside of carving.
Pumpkin pie ranks pretty high on my preferred pumpkin use list. Another use?
Cut the lid off the pumpkin, clean, and use the base as a cachepot for floral, berry and leaf arrangements.

Little B. made this lovely googlie eyed pumpkin guy many Halloween moons ago. He keeps a watchful eye on my now everyday when I am in the office.

Being a Halloween lover, I create at least one silly ghoul or treater a year for JingleNog. Last year's piece was Jacko'O, or Jack'O the Wacko as we affectionately call our orange bodied, vine toed treater here in JingleNog.
He cannot scare any crows away in the corn field but he does love to strut his stuff.

This week

2010-09-13T08:19:00.005-04:00

A few of the things that I am starting off the week thinking, obsessing and dreaming about.
....................................................................................

....................................................................................
* Back to School - I hope everyone has a great year
* School Lunches - I hope everyone eats a healthy lunch
* Classic Graphic Retro Patterns - May they live on forever
* Crayon Trilogy - Font, Name & Layout Love. I saved this from something somewhere. It is the perfect fit for the third week of September.
* Organzing - On the "To Do" list
....................................................................................

* Children's Books - I miss the Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You and Madeline days with my girls.
* Children's Book Illustrations - I wish I had more time to - (a)enjoy the books I have and (b)to meet others
* Elephants - Does Ellie need a friend?
*Babar and Laurent De Brunhoff - So inspiring
* Winter - soon to follow fall
* Skiing - Looking forward to the first snowfall
* Skating - I want to go skating with my family this winter. We have not done this in a while.
.....................................................................................

* Snowmen - Does Snowy need more friends?
* Holly Hank - I hope everyone likes him when they meet him next year.
* JingleNog - Much to do!
* JingleNog - I love you!
.....................................................................................
* 9/21 is the International Day of Peace - May it be the way each & everyday
.....................................................................................

xoxo...

Vermont View

2010-09-12T18:24:00.002-04:00

Not a cow in sight...

Prayers for peace ...

2010-09-11T09:14:00.005-04:00

Hot Dog Tommy

2010-09-08T08:41:00.004-04:00

Inspiration for an ornament?
You never know...

Weekend Garden Finds

2010-09-05T11:34:00.005-04:00

You never know what will greet you inside of the garden gates.

Have a lovely day.
xoxo...

Details, Details ...

2010-09-04T00:12:00.019-04:00

We recently were weekend visitors to Cape May which has hundreds of authentic Victorian homes that have been loving restored and preserved.
If you are not familiar with the area, it is a National Historic Landmark site on the New Jersey shore. There are so many intricate patterns and details in these buildings. I could have taken photo after photo all day.

Enjoy the last weekend of summer.

Thanks to Frank & El for a great weekend. xoxo...

Speckles the Wonder Dog

2010-09-02T20:39:00.005-04:00

Have you ever?
You just never know who you will meet on the streets of Atlanta.
Say hello to Speckles the wonder dog!
What a cutie, proudly sporting her fashionable Summer doggie doo-cut.
Dogs are naturally rich with personalities and Speckles is loaded.

Last Rose in the Garden

2010-08-28T15:47:00.002-04:00

Final Days of Summer

2010-08-28T13:50:00.001-04:00

Enjoy the weekend!

Survivor's Walk

2010-08-27T07:49:00.009-04:00

My friend Marie got the good news this week that she is now cancer free. She is a Survivor! She has updated her Avon Walk for Breast Cancer sponsor page. Her words below give you every reason to support her or someone you know in an effort to find a cure.

.....................................................................................
October 16, 2010 will be exactly one year to the day that I first heard the dreadful words that still haunt me... "We're very sorry, but your biopsy came back positive for breast cancer." Since then, I have undergone biopsies, MRIs, scans, surgery, 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 37 days of radiation. But today, I am happy to say, that my scans have come back clean and I am officially a Survivor. Why am I participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer? Three reasons... Jack, Madelyn and Kate! As a 42-year old, mother of three, I vow to NEVER give up fighting! Thankfully, the good Lord has blessed me with three reminders of why I need to continue my fight and join the thousands of other Survivors to help find a cure.I never really considered myself a "joiner," but after watching my parents suffer from, and ultimately lose their battles with cancer, I've decided to get off the sidelines and do something. I could not have gotten through these last 10 months without the love and support of my entire family; my siblings, cousins and of course, my husband and his family. My sisters, Jean and Maura have been my biggest supporters! They have been my personal cheering squad - never allowing me to get discouraged, always there for me through the ups and downs of chemo, the fear of hair loss and the triumph in making it through to the next stage. In my heart, I know my parents are very proud. So, together with my sisters and a few close friends, we have formed a team and will walk on what is sure to be an emotional weekend journey for all of us. During my support therapy, I was asked to create a list of 50 good things that have happened to me since I learned that I had breast cancer. What? Are you kidding me? What good can possibly come from cancer? Well, soon I learned that there were a few good things that had happened and since it's a good idea to count your blessings, no matter what your situation, I got busy writing my list. I am thankful for many things, like the kindness of so many people that I've met on this journey, the emotional support of my medical team, learning that others had taken the time to pray for ME, a new appreciation for a bad hair day, the immeasurable value of good health, coming home to dinner on my doorstep, the innocence of my children, feeling alive instead of just living, enjoying each moment instead of always planning ahead, re-prioritizing what's really important, the value of true friends, compassion from many, understanding and supportive co-workers, patience, patience, patience…. and the list continues to grow with each day. As they say, there are a lot of things that cancer can’t take away from any of us, but I’m starting to realize that there are also a lot of things that cancer can teach us. Having cancer made me realize that we’re all here on borrowed time. And, as I look at my husband and our three healthy children, I know deep in my soul that I am truly blessed. This is just another test that God has given me and with His grace, I pray that I shall pass.I hope that I can count on your support.
Kindest regards,
Marie
....................................................................................
http://www.avonwalk.org/

Marie's team is the Leddy Sisters

Traffic

2010-08-26T22:09:00.004-04:00

Gidget's Ocean Holiday

2010-08-23T23:00:00.015-04:00

The neon signs from the 50's and 60's are so full of big, brash and beautiful personalities. They are unparalleled American retro-kitsch at it's finest.

The name Shalimar, like the sound of the words Tiki and Trader Vics can transport you to the celluoid fantasy land where Gidget Goes to Miami, or in this case, the Jersey Shore.

Clad in cat glasses, with a scarf tied around the head and embroidered straw Bahama bag in tow, you step out of your convertible and check into the Ocean Holiday.

Have you reserved a room with a view of the bonfire on the beach or the boardwalk?

Shall we meet for cocktails at the Crusader or the Yankee Clipper tonight?

Vacation views from the Viking?

Sundeck splendor at the Bristol Plaza - the Cat's Meow.

I hope these buildings and their signs are preserved. Maybe someday we can have - Gidgetland, Tomorrowland's update to Sturbridge Village.

On the Boardwalk

2010-08-21T21:58:00.010-04:00

I am afraid of roller coasters. Even the Mad Hatter's Teacup Spin made me ill once but I had to hide it from my then 7 and 5 year old children.
The neon lights from the rides are mesmerizing and so fantastic.
Now that my girls are growing up, I am back on the sidelines and enjoying the views.

Stars and Stripes

2010-07-02T10:39:00.002-04:00

Fly the flag and show your stripes!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Go on...

2010-06-09T10:46:00.002-04:00

Grampy

2010-06-08T14:29:00.004-04:00

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time..." The Serenity Prayer

Mark "Grampy" Francis Byrne September 5, 1926 - June 8, 2009

I created "Grampy" for JingleNog to share a bit about this special man that we miss and love.

Thinking of you Grampy. xoxo...

The Hostess with the Mostest

2010-06-05T19:33:00.005-04:00

Who coined that phrase? It conjures up images of females from the 50's, coiffed hair, drink in hand, cool, calm, pre-Martha Mulberry & Main models of perfection. In reality, to maintain sanity a relaxed approach to home entertaining needs to prevail. I did have my manic moments. I remember the first time that I made dinner for Jim's parents. Every detail was planned out including a beautiful beet salad. I was travelling a lot at that point in time. I had recently been to Thailand and was fascinated with the elaborate fruit carvings that I had seen there. It dawned in me that beets could be sculpted into shapes. So I scoured through my cookie cutter collection until I found the perfect fish shape. I labored over that salad, cutting beautiful fish shaped beets for each plate. Every course had the same effort. By the time we sat down to dinner I was exhausted and no one noticed the fish shaped beets! I was crushed. They loved the salad but missed the fish. Lesson learned? Nope. It took many other brunches, lunches, parties & dinners before I learned or became so exhausted that I relaxed into my current state. Focus on the food, the drinks, the flowers, the lighting, music and the people. Skip the small stuff if it gets in your way and chances are they may not notice it anyway!

Notes

2010-06-04T07:57:00.014-04:00

Look up, out and all around you to see the light through the trees.

Embrace your trunk and nurture your roots.

Love and hugs to the earth,

sea,

sky

and

to

all beings here within.

xoxo...

Pink Pebble Blue

2010-06-02T08:29:00.011-04:00

pinks + blues + earth tones = Lovely

and on my mind today...

Have a wonderful day!
xoxo...

Fiesta Salad

2010-05-28T11:01:00.006-04:00

I find myself saying it often but time does fly. It is already Memorial Day weekend. The start to Summer and time to fire up the grill! It is also time to kick off the season with one of my favorite Summer dishes. I call it the Fiesta Salad. This salad is everything a Summer recipe should be - quick, easy and simple so you have more time to relax and enjoy the day.

Ingredients-

Corn- Ideally leftover grilled corn if you have it. If not - 1 lb. of frozen or canned whole kernel corn will do

Black Beans- 1 lb. cooked or canned

Red,Yellow & Orange Bell Peppers- need the equivalent of 1 whole pepper chopped

Fresh Cilantro- 1/5 of a bunch chopped

Juice of 2 limes - or to taste ( I like 3)

2 shakes of Hot Sauce - or to taste ( don't ask - never enough!)

Mix all of the ingredients together and place in a serving bowl.

Have a wonderful Memorial Weekend. Remember the Reason for the Holiday!

Today Blooms

2010-05-26T21:01:00.004-04:00

Irises

2010-05-25T09:58:00.010-04:00

The Irises are out.
Irises are lovely as a bunch in any vase size but I usually cannot bear to cut them.
For me, they are best appreciated outdoors.

Fleur-de-lil upon lis in all their glory!
The word "lis" is the plural of "lil" which is derived from the Latin word lilium.
The flower is often the subject of study by many painters including the famous Iris paintings done by the great Van Gogh and Monet.

The Fleur-de-lis have long been a symbol of France and it's sovereignty. The origins are not fully clear but it was seen on Philippe Auguste's shield around 1180.There are also records that the sceptres of the kings back in 1050 were crowned with fleur-de-lis.

Stateside, here in the USA it is the symbol of New Orleans. Laissez les bon temp roulez! Let the good times roll!

The flower symbolizes for me the full blooming time of Spring.
Have a wonderful day!

xoxo...

Yellow Flowers

2010-05-21T21:31:00.002-04:00

Classic Black & White ...

2010-05-21T09:59:00.009-04:00

The is nothing as clean, powerful and dramatic as black, white, plus color.

I have always longed for a bathroom and kitchen with black and white tiled floors. Even the large plain ole linoelum squares would be so heavenly in a white window filled kitchen with green tree views. Now with all of the blackboard paints out there the contrast possibilites for fun, everchanging spaces seem endless. Retro and modern in the same breathe, black and white is forever a fabulous classic.

Several recent great posts by Decofabulous and Mary Drysdale and my never ending love and appreciation for Fornasetti brought me back to these dearly loved basics.

Have a great weekend!

Flowers Make the Day...

2010-05-20T09:52:00.004-04:00

Flowers and their colors make the day.
Have a great one!

Spring Trim

2010-05-19T07:49:00.008-04:00

Coco - JingleNog's mascot & Labradoodle extraordinaire got a haircut yesterday.

Coco before her haircut cut.

Coco after her beauty shop treatment, feeling fierce and looking fabulous.

Oh Iris of My Eye Today...

2010-05-18T10:17:00.003-04:00

Oh Iris of my eye today your pure stark white blinds all the grey.
No rain can taint your hopeful glowing bloom.
Faith, valor, wisdom & passion are at your side.
Saint Joan of Arc your fleur-de-lis would guide.

For the Love of Shoes

2010-05-15T17:44:00.030-04:00

It happened again last night. I woke up from a deep sleep thinking about shoes.
The thoughts were of crazy shoes that were too high to walk in and too tight in the toes.
But they were beautiful. Shoe love is often this way, a total head over heels crush and too often a one way affair. Those that you covet the most are often the cruelest to you too, leaving you wounded and crippled in the foot. It could very well break your heart if you let it.

I remember one of my favorites. It was a hot pink patent leather flat with matching suede toes. They did not fit when I tried them on but they were last pair and they called to me. I used the logic that your feet are wider in the afternoon. I also told myself that there was too much sodium in my system so they would fit better the next day. But the next day was the same - a poor fit, and so it was for every day after that. They were too painful to wear but I could not part with them. I needed to know that they were still around, hoping one day the relationship would suddenly work and we could walk together as one. Occasionally I would just look at them. Happy just to see them. They truly were a work of art and they were mine.

There is a long history of women suffering from the curse of shoe love.
We have made some progress in modern times.

Image Credit - 7uncle.wordpress.com

But we still are drawn to the bad, the beautiful and even to the craziest of shoes at times.

Image Credit- poshposh.com

These golden goat hoof booties with the revolver heel stopped me dead in my tracks when I first saw them.

Image Credit- impactlab.com

Alexander McQueen was brilliant. His shoes, like his clothes were pieces of sculpture.
Just look at these amazing surreal fantasies. Gaga gear extraordinaire!

image credit- NY Magazine

I often wonder do the shoes make the woman or the woman the shoes?
Audrey Hepburn in ballet flats will always summon up the image of classic chic.
Jane Fonda in her Barbella boots and Twiggy in her go go boots were beyond mod in 1960's.
Carrie Bradshaw and her Manolo Blahniks. Need I say more?
Was it the woman or the shoes that made the moments? Or was it the perfect pairing of girl to shoe that made the marriage work?
Just like all good fairy tales we hope for the happy shoe tale ending, knowing that Cinderella will forever fit the slipper and find her prince.

Here is my current Shoe Crush to Lust Dream Board. These are the hotties that I have recently seen. They are the shoes that I cannot stop thinking about. I am admiring them from a distance. Maybe someday I will have a close encounter with one or two of them.
I know when we meet I will fall even more deeply in love. I will be sure that they are the ones and I will be heels over head in love. I will jump into the relationship without considering the fit or feasibility and I know it is bound to happen again and again and again...

So this morning when I woke up with shoe thoughts I drew a few shoes to help exorcise the urge. I have not been shaking it though so I decided to write about it. May this will help?

Let's see if I wake up tomorrow dreaming of shoes again...

Shadow & Light

2010-05-12T15:09:00.019-04:00

Shadow and Light. Light and Shadow. The two are as intertwined and co-dependant as the chicken and the egg. The high & low points in object shapes & or spaces and their relationship to the light sources could be a lifetime of study unto itself.

Me and my shadow- Little B & I took these on the beach in March. The time of day, the weather, which day it is in the year, all make each natural light moment special and unique.

I knew the new Spring chicks had hatched last week when I found this shell.

Lunch at MoMA with my dear friend Jim. I highly suggest the tasting menu.

Next time I will try spoon in hand with the shadows. Eating without intake is a course I really should take!

The setting sun on the beach. One of my favorite sights and greatest pleasures.

Spring Awakening

2010-05-11T15:11:00.002-04:00

Nature shows us all of the greatest color combinations possible.

Organizing the Chaos...

2010-05-10T18:37:00.021-04:00

I swoon over the minimalist lifestyle. Living in a glass house where walls are windows and every object never strays from it's designated spot would be liberating. No clutter - no stacks of books, magazines, mail, cleats, dog toys, rain boots, and the multitude of other miscellaneous items that exist in nomadic status within my world - ever seeking the perfect place to call home.

photo- homedesign.com

I know if we could cull everything down to a one week vacation luggage load of belongings I would save so much time. All of the time spent sorting and re-sorting through the old mail, flipping through the unread magazines, moving dog toys back to the dog bed or into the wash could be re-directed to other things. But that is not reality. I live in a constant state of trying to organize chaos with my family of four plus dog.

I was so thrilled when House Beautiful's recent article on 20 Decorating Secrets included a blessing on using mismatched chairs and leaving cabinet drawers open. Perhaps Organized Chaos is trending and will be the peak of chic shortly. Only then will my home be close to the
orbits of vogue.

I try to keep everything in some semblance of order, but my coffee, end tables and counters do over floweth.

My dresser contains too many family photos but I love them.

I also operate under the hope that if I try to keep some jewelry out in the open I will wear it more often. So I dress up and load down the Santos on my dresser to help keep the "at the ready" jewelry in line.

I do love my magazines and cannot part with old issues. So, when overloaded with periodicals that have grown to beyond stack proportions - I make tables.

An extreme weakness for books leaves the house paper heavy and in a lost card catalog, libraryesque kind of state. But every book does have a home.

I know that the house could look far better. Perfect- no it certainly is not.
But it is home, our home, our mess and I love it. I would not have it any other way. The cluttered grotta look is definitely here to stay.

Manners

2010-05-10T08:58:00.004-04:00

"Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use." Emily Post

National Etiquette Week- May 1oth - 14th

Victoria Woodhull - Trailblazer

2010-05-10T07:16:00.006-04:00

On May 10th 1872 Victoria Woodhull became the first woman nominated for the office of the President of the United States. Victoria was a trailblazing Suffragette, an advocate of free love and a Civil Rights activist. Woodhull and her sister Tennessee were also the first women to operate a brokerage firm on Wall Street. The sisters used the money earned from the firm to found a newspaper - Woodhull & Claflin's Weekly. While historians agree that she was the first woman to run for the office of President the legitimacy of her campaign is often disputed, the most often cited reason being that she was a woman.

"I endeavor to make the most of everything"... Victoria Woodhull (1838-1937)

Flower Her Nest ...

2010-05-09T10:29:00.003-04:00

xoxo...

J'adore Paris

2010-05-06T11:33:00.014-04:00

Every room with the picture perfect view...

May 6th marks the official opening of the Eiffel Tower to the public back in 1889.
Happy Birthday to this tres magnifique French icon. Paris is breathtakingly beautiful in all seasons. Glamorous, grand and elegant, she is the home to so many of the world's most beloved buildings, monuments and museums. Her air is scented with romance and paced with the ease of a culture that seems to create aesthetic bliss without effort in every aspect of life. But it is in the simple and quiet moments that I found my love affair with the city that has no end.

The chess players in the garden and pony rides in the park...

Each rue, boulevard & cafe has it's own history & stories to tell...

Every step and street corner has a possible surprise and a view to out do...

The poodle is the perfect Parisian pooch. They are naturally glamorous. Why even when are naked & ungroomed they are stylish. But when their hair is coiffed and their nails are freshly manicured - well no other animal has ... je ne sais quoi ... such poise & panache!

Priscilla is the Parisian poodle that I created for JingleNog to honor the pooch, Paris & my sister P.
xoxo...

Murtle's Cranberry Mojito

2010-05-05T18:19:00.004-04:00

Enjoy Today!

2010-05-05T10:22:00.007-04:00

Life lives in the many small moments of each day.
Leap, laugh, love and enjoy today!
xoxo...

Old & New Blooms

2010-05-04T19:45:00.010-04:00

I reluctantly cut the last of the lilacs today. Their scent is so intoxicating.

I wish they could last all year long.

Now the wisteria is out in all of it's wispy purple glory.

We transplanted 10 small cuttings from my parent's house over 15 years ago.

Give wisteria sun and it will thrive.

The lithe lilac hued blooms & their grassy green leaves against the strong cloudless blue sky is the Color Combo of the Day!

I love the woody twisted vines almost as much as the blooms.

The Week's End

2010-04-30T10:34:00.002-04:00

Blue Bird

2010-04-30T09:13:00.002-04:00

Monkey Lovers

2010-04-29T21:17:00.027-04:00

Andy Warhol- Monkey

Freida Kahlo - Self Portrait with Monkey and Parrot

Henri Rousseau - Two Monkeys in the Jungle

I love monkeys. My little one, little B. does as well. We certainly are not alone. There is a long, long line of monkey lovers that came before us. The first known painting of a monkey traces back to 1119 AD. In the 1600's the monkey started to appear more often in art, growing steadily over the centuries to it's current modern day icon status.

Of course little B and I have our collection of monkey books. Sock Monkey by Arne Svenson and Ron Warren is one of my favorites.

There is something about the expression on this fellow that is endearing.

This Italian ceramic monkey is so timeless looking. I always have wondered if his orb is a bocce ball or his crystal ball.

Italy is filled with wonderful antique book and print shops. This is one of my favorite pieces. It came from a small seller up in Asolo.

Little B has been collecting monkeys since she was a wee one. She received her beloved Jocko well before her first bear.

The Florentinians loved monkeys so much that they created this beautiful fountain in the Boboli Gardens to honor the animal. We took this photo to commemorate the meeting of the monkey lover and the monkeys.

I created Monkeyin' Around for JingleNog for my little B. and for me. Monkey lovers are we.

Lilac So Lovely Spring Day

2010-04-24T15:24:00.005-04:00

What a perfectly lilac so lovely scented Spring day.

Riding the Bus

2010-04-23T08:05:00.004-04:00

The light creates a stained glass effect on the fabrics in Yin Xiuzhen's Collective Subconscious at MoMA. Stop by this fun kid friendly piece if you can. Made from a used mini van and old garmets this is part of a hyrid vehicle series that the artist has been working on for the past several years. Yin believes that garmets hold traces of the human experience within them. Used portions of textiles from family, friends and strangers are often a part of her work.

With Collective Subconscious we are told Yin is intending to reflect on the social and environmental changes that have occured within China over the past several years. A call to the collective human subconscious is here as well. A fun stop and ride.

Waiting for Marina

2010-04-19T22:58:00.018-04:00

photo of Marina Abramovic - fotolog.com

The Artist is Present is the longest performance art piece that the New York based, Yugolslav born Abramovic has done to date. She began her work in the early 70's and has described herself as the "Grandmother of Performance Art". Her work pushes boundaries, measures responses and challenges the limitations of mind and body within the confines of time and space. This latest piece involves her sitting silently at a table for three months within a large square as visitors take turns sitting across from her, coming and going as they please while she remains. A performance within a performance. Static, still, visitor after visitor she sits, no change to the ritual itself but a multitude of differences within each moment of each day. Strangers meeting in a public space, baring themselves in open view to one another with a very private time of mutually eye locked intensity. Waiting for Marina instead of Godot, the passage of time is underscored by the lines that she crosses off on the wall at the start of each day. Time passes and she is another day closer to the end. But for what? I have seen the piece twice now. The first time I felt an extreme urge to run into the square - to create a change. The second time I enjoyed the crowd which is a great part of the piece as well. I also spoke to the people in the line waiting to sit with her. Many had been there several times before trying to meet her but had not been able to do so yet. When I asked why they wanted to sit all of them expressed the same feeling - that the event is something new and important. They want to be a part of this New York art moment.
If you do not make it to MoMA before the exhibit closes on 5/31 take a look at the photos on MoMA's web site of Marina and her visitors. The energy and power of these silent intimate relationships, quickly formed by two strangers in a public space show a wonderful emotional roller coaster ride.The photos are filled with a beautiful collage of human faces and expressions.
In Abramovic's interview with MoMA she speaks about what she wants to achieve with her work - "To have left a good idea" she said. She also expresses concerns about leaving a legacy. "How does the art move forward when the artist dies?" she asks. She has been preparing for the passage of time, working with a group of young artist at her Hudson Valley Studio. They perform some her earlier pieces on the sixth floor of the current MoMA exhibit. Her meetings with these strangers, exchanging energy, each taking their time needed with her, her with them, before spinning out in their own orbits - these are the new seeds that she is germinating as well. This seems to be at least part of the idea and it seems to be more than a good one, it is a great idea Marina, a great idea indeed.

Katie with a K

2010-04-16T16:08:00.003-04:00

It is Katie Kat with a K that we have been thinking of here at JingleNog all day.

Love you Kat.

xoxo,

Mom

16 Candles

2010-04-16T10:46:00.006-04:00

Today is her birthday.
My biggest baby girls turns 16. Oh my, time did fly. I do feel a bit like it passed me by with too much time spent working or fretting over small stuff and not enough time with her.
From the moment she was born I was smitten ( I am indeed thrice bitten) and totally in love.
Her dark brown eyes looked at me when we first met so knowingly, with the wise depth of the oldest soul I know, reassuring me that all was OK. She had chosen me to be her mother and she would lead me, showing me the way. Through her early childhood and my motherhood she guided me, forgiving me for my shortfalls and mistakes.

Her and her sister make me want to be better, to try harder, to do good, to do more. They make me feel the guilt, the push forward, the pull down, the up, up and away that love brings. I love them - one pretty peony pink and one lovely lady lilac, one brown eyed and one blue. Now, suddenly it is today and my big one is at this milestone date, off to get her driver's permit and to shortly hit the road. I am missing her already. She will be taking flight and I will be left waiting for her return.

My beautiful curly haired girl is growing into a vibrant and amazing woman. I am happy and proud but worried. I hope that the world that she lives in will be well enough to sustain her and her beautiful babes. I worry about her finding her path. I hope that it is a straight and wide one, that it is bright, and filled with her dancing in rainbows of light, magic, love and laughter. I pray every night that it will be a long one, that I may smile down and bless her as she kisses the toes of her great granddaughter. I hope that she will know that I am there, that she can feel the warmth of my love and the blanket of care and safety that this will give her. I will always be there.

She is blessed. She has already in her young life been so fortunate - to be born healthy, to not want for food or shelter, to have a family that loves and cherishes her. God gave her so many gifts as well- beauty both inside and out, the voice of a nightingale, the strong body of an athlete, the humor and compassion of a great human being, the wisdom of an ancient seer. My guiding light I love you, may you shine and burn bright always. 16 candles, one to grow on and here's to many, many more... xoxo...

Mom