Super Simple Arrangements

While certainly stunning, arrangements of cut flowers usually cost a fortune and, even with the best possible care, last only a few days.  Other than Big Occasions such as weddings, which I’m not about to tackle, I prefer transferring what's already growing in our garden/or local garden center/to the table inside. 

I learned from the best:  Before Martha, there was my tremendously resourceful/incredibly talented friend, Elizabeth. On more than one occasion she would arrive at my house for a meeting and ask what I had in mind for the centerpiece. “You're looking at it,” usually didn't fly. I was always open to suggestions, particularly from Elizabeth.  

Trowel in hand, she dashed outside and dug up whatever was in bloom. Primroses were packed into baggies, camouflaged with moss, tied with a bit of raffia and arranged around the rabbits already on my table.  Plants were happily transplanted back into the garden after lunch.  All was well.

She also loved creating centerpieces that “spoke to or could interact with” guests.  And on that particular day, she trailed raisins behind one of the bunnies.  Makes me smile thinking of the reactions AND, of course, of Elizabeth. 

Today’s photo captures the same concept: Bringing the outdoors in. An old pot lined with an inexpensive plastic tray, a favorite hen and succulents.  They'll go out later this week.  Not in the garbage, as would cut flowers, but back in the garden to enjoy the spring sunshine and rain before coming in again sometime soon for dinner.

Lemon Panna Cotta.

It melts in your mouth. Thanks to an abundance of lemons, Nacole’s amazing ability to scope out terrific recipes AS WELL AS her generous spirit, we enjoyed many melt-in-your-mouth moments.

Simply scrumptious. 

Submitted by the San Francisco Chronicle to sfgate.com

Ingredients:

• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 cup Meyer lemon juice (4-6 Meyer lemons)
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Meyer lemon zest
• 1 cup nonfat Greek-style yogurt

Instructions:

Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water in a small ramekin; let it soften for 5 minutes or until no dry spots remain. 

Combine sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan; bring to a simmer and stir until sugar dissolves.  Turn off the heat and add the gelatin mixture, stirring until gelatin dissolves.  Add cream, lemon juice and lemon zest.  Let cool slightly. 

Put yogurt in a mixing bowl and whisk to loosen it up.  Add the cream mixture, little by little, gently stirring after each addition to break up any lumps of yogurt before adding more cream.  Do not over stir, which will avoid air bubbles. 

Pour mixture into a 5-cup bowl or mold.  Tap the bowl on the counter to remove air bubbles.  Cover and chill until set, 6 hours to overnight.

Nutrition Information:

• Per serving: 228 calories, 3 g protein, 32 g carbohydrate, 11 g fat (7 g saturated), 41 mg cholesterol, 30 mg sodium, 0 g fiber.

 Serves 6-8 as dessert.

One thought from Lois:  We have johnny-jump-ups/violas and pansies growing in the garden.  Since both are edible/colorful, I might add a few flowers with a sprig of mint to each serving.  

Your own original origami

Periodically I have the privilege of spending time with my friend, Anne. We’re talking about a woman with an amazing amount of energy, a skill set that is both broad and deep and ideas that simply won’t stop. This past week we had a few days to catch up with each other.  Here’s just one of the many clever projects/resources she shared with me:  How to make your own photo kaleidocycle. 

 

 What I learned from Anne:

• The first few kaleidocycles can be a bit frustrating.  Don't give up/the results are worth it.
• Choose digital images that have the point of interest in the center of the photo.  The program does some random cropping.
• Print two copies of your first kaleidocycle.  When you "cut on the black lines,” you will also cut away the instructions!  The second copy will preserve that information.
• Use rubber cement or school-type glue.  It needs to be fairly fast drying, but not "instant."  Don’t use double stick tape/the parts need to "slide" a bit before setting and two-sided tape will grab the pieces too soon.
• Important hint:  Do not use rubber cement near your computer!
• There is a short video on the site that will give you the confidence you need to press through to completion.  It may take a few tries before you reach perfection!

 

Have fun folding, friends!  Just click here to access the website:  foldplay

Periodically I have the privilege of spending time with my friend, Anne. We’re talking about a woman with an amazing amount of energy, a skill set that is both broad and deep and ideas that simply won’t stop. This past week we had a few days to catch up with each other.  Here’s just one of many clever projects/resources she shared with me:  How to make a photo kaleidocycle. 

Tips from Anne:

• The first few kaleidocycles could be a little frustrating and sort of difficult. Don't quit.
• Choose photos that have the main interest at then center of the photo. The program does do some random cropping.
• Print two copies of your first kaleidocycle. When you "cut on the black lines,” you will cut away the instructions! The second copy will preserve the instructions for you to follow.
• Use rubber cement or school adhesive. It needs to be fairly fast drying, but not "instant," glue. Don’t use double stick tape. The pieces need to "slide" a bit before setting and the tape will grab the pieces too soon.
• Important hint: Don't use rubber cement near your computer!
• There is a short video on the site that will give you confidence that on your 3rd and 4th try, it will be easier.

Taking Anne's advice

And taking weekends off.  I absolutely love collecting ideas, taking pictures and logging it all here online but I'm getting a grip and taking some time off/two days.  Monday is ready to roll and I think you'll like it. 

Here's to a wonderful weekend, friends.  Many will recognize this view.

Turn on that timer

Spending hours in front of the computer is simply not smart by anyone’s standards.  Yet I am capable of staying at my desk from dawn until dinner.  With more hours logged in later.  Not good.  I KNOW I’m not alone.  How to make us all move?  My friend, Gerda, sets a timer in another room/her kitchen/so that she HAS to get up to turn off the annoying noise. This is far brighter than, as in my case, having it so close that I can simply reach over and turn it off. Still, it remains a reminder to stop what I’m doing and take a few moments to stretch/take a quick jog/jump rope…do practically anything but continue to sit in the same spot for hours at a time.

With any luck at all, tomorrow could be the day that I actually remember to turn the timer on.

Pretty Perfect Printing, Papers and Product

I was pleased to find that the following products are available on Amazon. Two reasons: I love their delivery schedule/free or very small overnight surcharge. And because they inventory almost everything anyone would ever need or want, purchases via credit card have limited exposure. Anyone who has had their card compromised knows what a pain it is to track down all relevant links.

My original stash of beautifully colored/perfectly cut card stock and pre-folded note cards w/envelopes came from the Ace Hardware/Craft Store in Kona, HI.  Go figure/it's one of my favorite stops.

Now it’s easier than ever to produce professional products that you’d be proud to share.

My Big Find centered around beautiful backgrounds available in 12 colors, 4.5" X 6.5" which is PERFECT for mounting 4 X 6 photos! My three favorites: Textured Pastels, Brights and Textured Jewels. The A7 note cards (5 1/4 inch by 7 1/4 inch with matching envelopes/12 pack) are from American Crafts, available on Amazon.

Whether you have your photos printed online, locally or at home, here’s an item you’ll wonder how you ever lived without: The 3M Scotch ATG700 Adhesive Applicator. Simply the best and fastest way to affix photos to cards and/or any paper product to another paper product.  Just squeeze the trigger, slide over paper surface and the glue slides out in strips.  Please note additional information at bottom of post.

If you love photography as much as I do and want instant access to your photos, a good home printer is crucial.

My wireless All-In-One HP Printer/FAX/Copier/Scanner (C7250) is apparently no longer available/I did find a used model online when searching today. Check out Costco/perhaps they still carry my older model. I was able to find another HP Photosmart All-in-One Printer that, while more expensive than mine, uses HP 02 color cartridges which, I'm convinced, make a HUGE DIFFERENCE in print quality. And flexibility when replacing cartridges.

My other Big Secret is this:  Photo Paper. Here’s what I use: HP® Soft-Gloss Premium Photo Paper, 4 x 6, 100 Sheets per Pack.

While it’s a substantial investment both initially and when replacing ink cartridges, you might derive enormous pleasure, as I do, when printing top-quality photos, constructing creative cards and then being able to share the results with friends and family.  It's impossible to put a price tag on a Big Smile.

Update on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 8:31AM by Lois

You absolutely need special transfer tape, either 1/2" or my favorite, Adhesive Transfer Tape Roll for Scotch Tape Gun, 3/4.  This is the key ingredient to successfully adhering two surfaces together.

No more tilting tapers

Are  your candles catawampus?  Yep, mine were, too. Not any more. Thanks to the help of this sticky stuff: Biedermann & Sons 180 Wax Candle Adapters.  Each package contains a lifetime supply of adapter "dots" to secure every candle in your home.  And probably the homes of everyone you know.

Capturing those creative concepts

Easter is over.  After each holiday or other potentially recurring event, I do a paper postmortem:  What worked?  What didn’t?  What would I change next time around?  I love new ideas AND I also adore having the basics in place as starting points for the following year. 

In the past, I’ve made mini albums for reference. This year I’m trying something new:  a collage of my favorites using Picasa, Google’s free software application for organizing, editing and sharing digital photos.  If you, too, are using Picasa, collage creation couldn't be easier.  If you haven't discovered this digital opportunity, consider downloading it and trying it out for yourself. 

Here's how:  Open the application/Picasa and click on or highlight the pictures you'd like to include in your collage.  Obviously, the more pictures you include, the smaller each image will be. 

If I were to do this again, I'd increase grid spacing as shown below.

Superimposed on card stock, collages make terrific personalized note cards.  Today, it turns out, is Don's Big Day! Happy BD, Don!!! 

More images and specific instructions tomorrow/enjoying house guests, friends and family events.

Easter Sunday images

Wake up your whimsical side

Am waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay overdue on sleep front/was perhaps too spontaneous in going to the bead show today and then a surprise dinner which I loved and am now going to bed.  Here are images I thought about including in a blog today.  Use your imagination and have a wonderful day tomorrow.  We will, too.  Happy Easter, Everyone.

Have you seen my cell?

Neither have I.  Here's hoping it surfaces pretty soon.  I seem to go on a scavenger hunt for lost items almost every day.  Phrase most often heard around my house:  "Today we're looking for . . . "  

My friend seems interested in joining the search.  Hey, have a wonderful day!

FOUND IT!  YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!  Don't you find that if/IF you're finally able to let go of whatever it is that's missing, that the item magically resurfaces?  I'm not so sure about the sleep lost last night while trying to reconstruct my life since the cell was last seen.  I think I just might find those hours on the flight home!  YES!  How great is that?  Spectacularly so.

Stacked Salads.

In the past it would happen by accident.  We'd be at a soccer game with the boys and I'd spontaneously invite people to dinner.  We often ran out of time to do any preparation other than shop for the food.  If friends wanted to eat before midnight, it would have to be a team effort.  What I learned was this:  No one ever minded pitching in and often people took great pleasure in creating their part of the meal.  An instantaneous pot luck of sorts.

If you, as I, enjoy the participatory aspect of meal making, I think you'll love the following sure-fire combinations made with wholesome/fresh/colorful ingredients and the help of a great group of friends. 

Here's how:  Metal forms, available at cookware shops/such Sur La Table/ are specifically designed for stacking salads, approximately $5 each.  A rather expensive option if you purchase multiples so that everyone is capable of making salads simultaneously.

Alternatively, having used the contents of any metal can, simply remove both ends and use as shown below.

We made a Cobb Salad one night/all sharing one metal form. The recipe was straightforward and easy:  bowls of shredded Costco-style rotisserie chicken, finely sliced greens tossed with bottled dressing, diced avocado, crumbled blue cheese, chopped tomato and hard boiled eggs.  Each level was lightly tamped as added. The only other optional additions: bacon strips and additional dressing. 

Use a ricer so that eggs don't topple off the tower. And a squeeze bottle could be used to decorate plates with additional dressing.  Chop bacon and let guests scatter on salad and plate.

We were on a roll.  Later in the week, we worked with the following combination: Greens mixed with sliced green onions and cilantro tossed with dressing then layered with crab meat, avocado, papaya or mango and celery.  We served each salad with lemon wedges and chopped macadamia nuts.  Definitely a winning idea once we figured out that the stem of a wine glass could do double duty as a tamper. 

P.S.  Thank you, Susan, for generating this terrific concept, for the Internet tutorial, for all the slicing and dicing AND for the gift of the metal mold.  Great fun was had by all!  Know that many, many more will enjoy this edible experience because of your generosity.

How lucky am I?

Exceedingly so...to be surrounded by friends and family I adore.  And always, there are new additions to the cast of characters.  This time it's Chuck, the coqui frog hunter, who happened by on more than one occasion to capture the little croaking critters. 

See bottom of jar/two small eyes/very tiny body/Very Large Voice.  Our conversation turned to our friend, Kathi, and our journey to help her be well.  Here are Chuck's bits of brilliance:

“Sorry we didn't have better luck catching frogs.  Your quest to find that spiritual place is a journey we all begin at birth.  It’s within us all and I think it’s just human nature.  Calming the mind and enjoying The Now should be our guide.  I enjoy meeting your guests; they always seem so happy.  Have a good day.”

“Don't get me started but one of my favorites is, "You're only one thought away from happiness."  I'm going to quit while I'm still on a parallel universe with the Dalai Lama.  If it's OK, I'll forfeit American Idol and be out there Tuesday night.  If it's any consolation, in Puerto Rico it’s good luck to have one frog in your garden.”

“Funny how things work.  I must give thanks where they are due.  Thank you, Mr. Coqui, for providing me the opportunity to meet such wonderful people.  Enjoy a delectable combination of savory seafoods interwoven with fresh garden greens perfectly ripened fruits, and ever so artfully prepared and presented as "Crab Salad ala PVC."  Have a nice day.”

You, too, Chuck.   PS.  How lucky are we that we’ve had a frog or two with us on this journey?  Very.

A Gathering of Geckos

Really, could anything be more enchanting? This was our lunchtime entertainment today. Kathi, note the initial. Whoa. It's a sign. George is alive and well.

Less Is Much, Much More

You’re no doubt familiar with this old adage:  In crisis there is potential opportunity.  When the tsunami warnings sounded, I cleared my closet of everything that had been collected with Hawaii in mind. 

Once home I began the sometimes-tedious/mostly-terrific practice of putting together what I termed, "accessory packets."  Why?  Simply so that I could be much more organized when I returned.  My goal: far less stuff/far more thoughtfully constructed combinations.  The process was so enlightening and so incredibly satisfying that I’ve decided to sound the alarm at home as well.

 I began by asking myself what components typically define an outfit.  This meant a handful of the following:  necklace, earrings, bracelet, scarf/for waist or shoulders and shoes.  Possibly a purse.  Occasionally a belt.   

What I’m about to describe will sound silly/like total overkill/to some.  But for me, the following system simply makes sense.  Here’s why: 

Since I almost always try to squeeze as much as possible  into a day, I’m inevitably on the brink of running late.  With my/your pre-packaged AP in hand, getting dressed and out the door is a cinch.  You simply superimpose your accessories over a column of color (black or white/I’m currently loving leggings and leotards as a base) and you're ready to go.

Another benefit?  Packing for travel becomes a Total No Brainer.  Accessory packs can be stuffed into colossal/oversize Ziplocks and stored until worn.   Or, as on a recent trip, I left the bags in my suitcase simply b/c there was no place to unpack.  When I was searching for a particular item, the giant Ziplocks glided effortlessly across each other so I stayed organized for days, which was pretty remarkable.  I was one happy camper.

 You can place your AP, as I often do, on a hanger.  Or pack it all in a purse.

Organza drawstring bags help corral components.  Search online for these handy holders that could, if it makes sense for you, accommodate shoes as well as the other pieces.  My top two picks:  6 X 9 and 6 X 15. Alternatively, an attached, punched picture helps track pieces that go with multiple outfits/jewelry, shoes, belt. 

Where to start?  Spread your stuff out on a table.  Begin the process of partnering, starting with a favorite scarf, earring or shoe/sandal… 

You’ll quickly discover One More Big Benefit:  Those items that need to be discarded, disassembled, shared with someone else or donated will be left standing alone once you’ve assembled your packets.  You’ll also find “orphans” that simply need other “family members” to become fully functional components of your closet.  Choose carefully/purge regularly.

Final recommendation:  Be a savvy shopper.  No need for Neiman Marcus when you can find far more interesting, hand-crafted treasures from your travels around town or elsewhere in the world.  Favorites:  Local farmer's/craft markets and Cost Plus finds/shown below.

Dinner deadlines are no longer an dilemma.  I can be ready to go in two seconds flat.  Time me tonight!

Update on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 8:43PM by Lois

Truth is/on vacation this past week/I've worn precisely the same thing every evening to dinner.  It's so much easier to pick up and put on what's already on the counter rather than opening the closet. 

AND, I have to say, that it's tremendous fun when there's time, to mix it up a bit. 

I'm enjoying both ends of the spectrum.  No need to obsess about one end or the other. 

More From Molly

You saw her whimsical mobiles/here’s another Molly-Made!   

Ribbon Blankies are made with designer cotton or flannel  on the front and plush minky on the back. Coordinating  ribbons along the edges provide sensory stimulation that potentially buys mom a few more moments.  Each Ribbon Blankie is approximately 11 inches square and is double stitched to withstand all the love little ones give.

Ribbon Blankies: $20.

Coordinating baby blankets (approx. 32 inches x 28 inches) available for $35.  

Matching pacifier clip $5 with any order.  

Shipping:  $3.95 for blankie; $5.95 for blanket; $8.95 for blankie and blanket.  

Machine washable in warm/cold; dryer friendly.  Handmade in a smoke-free home.  Shipped in tissue with a coordinating ribbon.  Gift tag with a personal message included at no additional charge.  Personalized sizes available upon request.  



Once again, here’s Molly’s contact information:  mollytrapp@yahoo.com

Molly from Fresh Perspectives days.

Taking the day off

Everyone's allowed that every once in a while, right?  Good.  This was my day.  In the meantime, given that laughter seems to be the key to surviving almost anything, enjoy:

and/or this

Sweet and savory

 "A surprise in every bite!" 

"Pretty, incredibly easy and different in such a delightful way." 

Bolani.  Simply the best.  One of those terrific products that works perfectly as an appetizer and could easily become a light meal with just a few additions.  I found this lightly-stuffed pastry at Whole Foods.  If you live in the SF Bay Area, you'll find Bolani vendors handing out generous samples every Sunday at the California Avenue Farmer’s Market in Palo Alto. Otherwise, Whole Food's your best bet.

Today's recipe: Spinach Bolani with a dab of cilantro pesto, garlic mint cheese and topped with their sweet jalapeno sauce.  Simple, wholesome ingredients.  It couldn't be easier to produce something so soul satisfying. 

We served the lightly stuffed bread at room temperature/which was excellent/the Bolani Guy recommended a brief toasting it in the oven until crisp/350 degrees 10-15 minutes? Cut or tear the "pie" into bite-sized pieces and serve with one or more of their delicious spreads.

Many thumbs up around our table tonight. A simple arugula, basil and fresh tomato salad from our tiny garden rounded out the meal.  Basil flowers scattered over the top of the appetizer added interest and color.

Here’s to you, Kathi.

2010-03-22

Helium-depleted balloons still hanging on from Stasia's shower.  Vibrant, incredibly colorful violas, Pellegrino, limes, fresh mint from our garden, pomegranate juice and/or do-it-yourself, far-less-acidic coffee.  Cost Plus critters.  Wonderful women sharing resources, laughter, ideas, questions and answers.  Things yet to be discussed.  And conquered, such as HOW THE HECK DID SHE MAKE THAT MONTAGE OF PICTURES/MIX OF MUSIC INTO THAT WONDERFUL YOUTUBE THING?  I'm sure it's very easy.  Yeah, right.  Tutorials next time.  Gifts of information and wonderful, wholesome creams to spread on our skin/thank you.  I'm sure I'm forgetting something.  I'll remember tomorrow.  Or not.  The last day to enjoy this year’s unbelievable crop of tulips, thanks to Don, The Gardening Guy/he'll be here next time, promise.  Hands helping others create a project that could go in so many different directions/send photos of where it went, OK?  Good.  All thanks to Ninon who shared this bit of brillance last week.  Side conversations which need to be continued.  Emails to and from Kathi regarding our upcoming pilgrimage to healing spots on the island.  A spring-time celebration.  Definitely a day to remember.  Thank you, everyone.  Jack Johnson, on Pandora as I type.  OMG/Better turn him off before I'm awake humming his tunes all night again.  Finally, The Most Wonderful Dessert, literally lapped up from Nacole's plate/you HAVE to HAVE this recipe/all from our garden.  Aunt Lil and Uncle Mont would be so proud!  How lucky am I?  Incredibly so.  Sweet, spring-infused dreams, all. 

Great giggles...

Excellent photography!  Darling, effervescent child.  Parents not bad either.  Love the transitions!  TERRIFIC music/Jack Johnson, one of my more recent favorites.  This was a LOT of work, Krista.  And very inspiring.  So, darling young friend of mine, did you use a Flip recorder or something more sophisticated?  HOW did you do this/any particular programs to recommend?  Tips for others who would like to take on a project like this?  How many hours would you say you invested from beginning to end/photos out of the equation?  I absolutely love it!  Have watched several times/love the Laugh Out Loud component.  Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with the rest of us.  xo L