Something Pretty

No deep thoughts or great insights to share today...just a pretty idea for a vase.  Our local coffee house uses vintage light fixture globes to hold simple floral arrangements.  They are just so much fun.

I found out today that the owner found several of these globes in the building before it was restored, although the structure was not previously fitted for electricity.  Interesting...  (click here to read more about MT SYLVAN COFFEE HOUSE AND MERCANTILE). 

Anyhoo, I wanted to show you my version.   I found this globe at a resale shop for just 49 cents.  There is nothing better than a great find at a great price!

I would love to hear about ways you repurpose things in your home.  Maybe you know of new uses for old linens or other items no longer in service.  I'd be especially interested to hear any creative ideas you have for storage...I am currently on a slightly manic mission to rid my environment of plastic storage containers.  Right now my favorite substitutes are vintage glass jars and picnic baskets.  What are the current trends at your house?

Summer House

Our summer house has...

...time for impromptu sleepovers with friends.

...time to rediscover our passions.

...and time to enjoy our favorite things.  (One of my new faves is limeaid with a splash of orange juice, absolutely the best when served in a glass that belonged to my grandmother.)

I love our summer house!

Little Things

“In the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” - Kahlil Gibran

Art flows from life.  If I want my art to be refreshing and encouraging, I must allow myself time to be refreshed and encouraged.  In order to create beautiful things, I first appreciate the beauty around me.


Today was one of those happy days when I was able to set my "to do" list aside and recharge.  It started with an impromptu coffee date with a friend, during which I purchased this too-cute and not-so-little flower pin with a vintage button center:

Wearing it made me so happy, especially after I added my favorite strand of pearls.  It was like wearing a badge announcing my light-hearted mood.  

Another little thing that made me happy was the yummy array of colors in these strands of glass beads found at a local resale shop. 

The sales lady offered me a great bargain on them.  The best part?  I assumed the price she quoted was per strand, only to find out at the register she meant it for the whole collection!  There is just nothing like the feeling of getting a great deal.

Finally, I tried something new for our evening meal that I'd like to share with you.  Along with some beautiful steamed vegetables and grilled beef, I made this Blueberry and Red Pepper Salsa:

Lovely food can do so much to heighten the senses and instill a feeling of well-being.  The recipe I tried tonight is based on one recently published in Southern Living magazine. I came across it while waiting at the optometrist's office, which explains why I can't tell you which issue it was in and why I had to guess at most of the quantities!  I'm sure the Southern Living version was great, but I bet it couldn't beat this one. 

Blueberries and red peppers...who knew?  I hope you'll try it!

Blueberry and Red Pepper Salsa

2 1/2 c fresh blueberries, chopped

1/2 c whole fresh blueberries

Juice of 1 lemon

4 T cilantro, finely chopped

1 lg. jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (more to taste)

3/4 c red bell pepper, diced

1/2 tsp sea salt

Toss all ingredients together and let sit 30 minutes to allow flavores to blend.

Serve with baked whole grain pita chips

All in all, it was not a momentous day.  No great problems were solved; no projects were completed, but the little things...the kindnesses, the discoveries, the precious moments...left me refreshed and renewed.  I can't wait to get back to work in the studio tomorrow!