Janet's House

Food to Feed the Soul

After another senseless tragedy in Boston I again turned to comfort via food.  After 911 I made soup…a lot.  Just ask my kids, who seemed to wonder about my constant chopping, sautéing, and simmering.  That’s also when I pulled out my old knitting needles and re-learned to knit.  I think in these times when we’re unable to control our world it’s nice to bring some comfort into our lives and cooking is pretty obvious.  I’ve heard this is quite a common reaction so I just go with it.

Upon hearing reports, then checking to make sure family in the area were safe, I automatically turned my attention to cooking up something delicious.  It’s not baked goods or sweets I crave at these times, but healthy, honest well cooked meals.  I want us to take the time to sit down,  open a good bottle of wine,  and enjoy conversation with one another.

I decided on Steelhead, asparagus and salad.  All favorites; healthy, nutritious  food to make us take our time and appreciate life.  I added roasted garlic and onions to the asparagus and cut a Meyer Lemon from my little tree, along with fresh basil from my window. Strawberries in the arugula salad added a touch of spring.

I’m old enough to remember when we never gave a thought to school shootings, bombings at sporting events or mass murders in shopping malls.  Unfortunately the generation that my children were born into never will enjoy that innocence.  How very sad that it has become a way of life for them. Peace to everyone.

Sunday Quote

                                                 Happy Sunday! Wishing everyone a beautiful April day!       

A Do It Yourself Headboard

We recently decided to purchase a new king-size bed, which not only meant new sheets, and all the necessary bed coverings, but also a new headboard as well.  Being the do-it-yourselfers that we are, we did our research then jumped in and made it.  I knew I wanted it to be a nice heavy linen, and well padded for sitting up and reading,  but I’m still not sure if I want to add linen covered buttons. So far I’m very happy with it and will show pictures of the process below.

Since we were limited to one location for the bed, due to closets, doors and windows, we decided to mount the headboard to the wall.  We were also limited by height due to the window and had to allow room for attaching the headboard under the molding. Our first step was to get a sense of size and shape, so we taped paper to the wall and tried out different curves to determine if we wanted to round the corners or to keep it a simple rectangle.   

This is the underside of the headboard.  The left side is the top of the headboard.  By cutting the slant in the attached board,  the headboard will slip right over the wall portion of the the mount and rest securely (see below).

This section is mounted to the wall and the slant on the headboard slips into place.  The headboard can then be slid slightly to one side or the other if necessary for placement.  This is the point where it’s extra important to make sure everything is level when hanging.  We measured from the window down, rather than from the floor. The eye will only see the headboard in relation to the window edge. Old houses have a tendency to settle so measuring can be tricky.

After cutting our piece of foam to exactly the size of the board we adhered it with a spray adhesive  (outdoors).  We then wrapped the foam with upholstery weight poly fiber, pulling the poly fiber around the foam and wood edges, stapling on the back side.  We were careful to make sure everything was smooth and even as we stapled everything in place.

We laid the fabric down, then laid the face side of the headboard onto the fabric.  We began stapling the fabric across the bottom, leaving the corner areas unstapled.  The depth of our headboard worked well with the width of the fabric so we used the selvedge as a strong, sturdy, even place to staple.  By not having to cut away the selvedge we didn’t have to worry about fraying. Take extra care to keep the selvedge and the edge of the headboard even so the grain of the fabric will be perfect.  There’s nothing worse than completing an upholstery project to see the grain running at a slant.

After securing the bottom edge into place we stood the headboard up and carefully and smoothly began tacking down the upper edge.  Working from the center out, we smoothed the front side often.  This is definitely a two-person job. It worked best to staple the center top, then the center of the sides, pulling and smoothing.  Do the corners last and make the fold as even as possible.  Typically on upholstery it works best to make your folds facing down to keep dust from settling in the corners.  Cut away excess fabric to keep everything flat. The bottom corners are much less important because they’ll never be seen, but make sure everything is stapled down tightly so the headboard will fit snugly against the wall.

I’m still contemplating buttons, but I think I like the plain contemporary look of it the way it is.  If I do change my mind, I’ll be sure and keep you posted. My current decision is  which of my pillows most enhance my new headboard.  I think these fresh spring ones from my collection are looking quite nice.  If you’d like to see more of them follow the link here.

April Showers

After a beautiful weekend, including Easter Sunday where we actually had brunch outside, it has begun to rain again.  Everything is beautiful and lush with the colors of spring.  In a promise to myself to not complain about the current weather, but to appreciate the sunny days we had and will inevitably enjoy again, I donned my raincoat and walked around the backyard with my camera.  Color is bursting from the stems and buds and new growth is everywhere.

                           My funny little columnar apple trees are loaded with their beautiful pink and white blossoms.

               My rose from my friend Sara is plump with buds.  I have no idea what color it will be. Just part of the fun!

My beautiful pear tree in a pot on the deck outside our bedroom.  I always think of my late father when I look at this tree.  My favorite nursery is near the hospital he spent a lot of time in before he died and most days after visiting him I would wander through the nursery in a fog, soaking in the beauty and all of the life.  One day I decided I had to have a pear tree.

This nearly fluorescent Rhodie is straight out the back door. It almost glows and is a treat every time I open the door in the spring.  I need to fertilize and tend to my Rhodies as the leaves on many of the plants are looking a bit anemic.

        Another sweet flower from Sara is just beginning to blossom. I love the beautiful pale pink and gold combination.

                                         My favorite little sedums growing on my very mossy stone wall.

                       I had to bring some of the color inside.  How could I resist these wonderful pale pink tulips?

                                                                                                                                                                            Happy April Everyone!

Happy Easter

  I hope your Easter is filled with love, friends, family, food, sunshine and maybe just a bit of chocolate!

Spoon Oil

I was inspired by Heather Taylor’s recent L. A. in Bloom post on how to make a wooden spoon. It sounds like a wonderful project and I can’t wait to find a class and give it a try.  In the workshop, their spoons were treated with an oil mixture that sounded good enough to eat.  At the very least I wanted to fill my house with the scent of rosemary, beeswax and coconut oil.  I also knew it would be nourishing for my big wooden bowl and aging favorite wooden spoons.

I did a bit of research and found several recipes and suggestions.  I decided to add lemon juice from my Meyer Lemon because…why not.  It seems like the perfect addition to the wonderful mixture.  I found the beeswax at the art store.  Look in the section for fabric dyeing (think batik). The coconut oil was located in the natural food section at the grocery store.  The lemon and rosemary were in the yard so I had everything I needed.

 

I filled a sturdy pan with enough water to come half-way up the canning jar I was using.  I added about 4 ounces each of beeswax and coconut oil, a couple of fresh end cuts of the rosemary and the juice of one lemon.  While it was warming I also added the lemon peelings but removed them before cooling everything.

It took a long time for the beeswax to melt.  Keep a close watch and don’t let the water boil hard; keeping it just below the boiling point.  You can use a wooden spoon to stir it carefully and break up the chunks.

I decided to take out the worn out looking rosemary once everything had melted and I was finished with the heating.  I cut and added fresh sprigs as everything cooled.

 

 

Once cooled I used a soft cloth to rub the oil into my big bowl and onto my spoons.  It took some work but in the end everything looks well nourished and even though the spoons are beat up and burned here and there I think they look better and will last quite a while longer.

This jar should last a long time in the fridge.  You can use it cold or warm it to dip your spoons, but always heat it carefully as I’m certain it’s quite flammable. I think little jars filled with spoon oil would make a sweet addition to a gift of a bowl, spoon or cutting board. It’s always nice to add something handmade when giving a present.  Try it!

Easter Decorating

Spring is here, Easter is just around the corner and the flowers are beginning to come back to life.  After my visit to the nursery the other day I was inspired to plant a spring basket that would serve as my Easter Centerpiece.

                                                                                           Photo courtesy of Terrain

I saw this Easter basket on the Terrain Website and decided to use it as my guide.  I love Terrain; they always inspire me. It’s no wonder; they were created by the same folks as Anthropologie.  My only question: ”When are you coming to the Northwest?”  I can’t wait for my string of pearls plant to trail across the table like theirs.  Simply perfect!

Here are some pictures and suggestions for creating your own Easter or Springtime basket:

                                      Find a basket you like. It doesn’t have to be fancy or even new. I lined mine with plastic then trimmed the top from an old hanging basket pot (the heavy pressed cardboard type), to fit inside the basket. Fill in a bit of soil, then place your plants.                                                                 

I had to have the wonderful peach and yellow Ranunculus and the string of pearls. I dug up a small clump of grape hyacinths from my garden and found the bag of florists moss left over from my terrarium project.  I already had the little bunny and three sweet eggs. If you have Easter decorations available it’s fun to fit them in and make it your own.

                             Use the florists moss to fill in any empty spots.  It pulls everything together and the bright green makes all the other colors pop.  It really give a professional, finished look to your basket or pot.

Now I’m set for Easter and the whole thing just screams SPRING!  That’s what I need around here!

Although you can probably find what you need in your own nursery, home and yard, here is the link to Terrain for inspiration and any other must haves:  http://www.shopterrain.com/basket-basics/egg-hunt-basket-square/

Embrace Spring

Yesterday was the first day of spring.  We had every kind of weather throughout the day, including stormy hail, hard rain and even a bit of blue sky peeking through.  During one of the slight breaks in the weather I decided to make a run for it and visit my favorite nursery.  I wasn’t disappointed; the nursery aisles were full of bright, fresh healthy color.

Cornell Farms is a great place to visit any time of year but yesterday it proved just what I needed to give myself a jolt of spring.  Inspiration and ideas at every turn.  I love the way they group the plants, pot up wonderful arrangements and welcome each season with new blooms.  A knowledgeable staff is always ready with answers to my endless questions.

How beautiful is this?  I love the mossy basket full of blue and white flowers sitting on the most beautiful cobalt blue café table and chairs. It just makes me want to sit down and stay awhile.  Cornell Farms is great about potting up baskets and pots, then including the tags to all of the plants they used so their customers can do it themselves. Nice.

Here’s another sweet spring basket.  Very twiggy with yellow Ranunculus, pale pink Bleeding Hearts and little daisy like flowers.  I love all the moss and the way the branches are woven so haphazardly.  It give a very natural look, like something found in the deep woods. The little bunny doesn’t do it for me but she makes it an Easter centerpiece.

So, here’s my suggestion.  If you’re tired of the dreariness of winter, visit your local nursery. They are totally ready for spring no matter what your weather is like.  Walk the aisles, smell the flowers, soak up the inspiring plantings.  Go inside and breathe in the scent of flowers and dirt.  Spring is here…the flowers know it. You’ll leave feeling more alive.

                                                                                                           Happy Spring!

Wine and Beer Bottle Chandeliers

I’ve been noticing unusual chandeliers lately and have snapped a few pictures to show you.  I love reusing and recycling, and I think it’s always wonderful when something beautiful comes from something that would otherwise be tossed out.

This big beer bottle filled light is in the entry at On the Border Mexican Cantina in Dublin California.  Filled with Dos Equis bottles and other colorful Mexican favorites, it fits right in with the south of the border décor. I love how the different colors of green, clear and brown cast a warm glow to the surroundings.  

 

                

I spotted this beauty when walking through the Napa area. Located in the outdoor seating area at The Pear restaurant, it  added to the fun atmosphere.  We didn’t stop for food or drinks, just to take this quick photo. Maybe next time.

 

     

This is always one of my favorites. Jefe’s Restaurant in Lake Oswego Oregon is home to a wonderful menu and this awesome room divider. Each bottle is drilled at the bottom, at which point a cable is strung through it.  A type of crimp bead and a washer holds each bottle in place. I love how it catches the light from every angle. When I’m ready to make one I’ll probably have to return to Jefe’s many times to get it just right.  Luckily their food is scrumptious!

I looked online for Bottle Chandeliers and found several styles available, but none quite as lovely as these favorites.  Wouldn’t it be fun in an outdoor seating area? Or as a room divider in a contemporary living/dining area?  What about saving the Champagne bottles from your wedding and displaying them in a chandelier?  I think there are many possibilities and I continue to be on the hunt for more ideas. If you spot any, let me know. I'd love to see them.

Sunday Quote

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!

 

An Afternoon in Danville

The last day of our California visit was spent in Danville, a beautiful little town which is part of the Tri-Valley area.  We spent time at the Blackhawk Museum, walking through a wonderful collection of classic automobiles.  Two floors of cars from Rolls Royce to Alfa Romero, and everything in between.  Although I would never consider myself a car buff, I must admit I really enjoyed our visit.  Such an amazing collection of cars that are truly works of art.

            We learned that the phrase “It’s a Doozy!” came via the classically beautiful Dusenberg.  It really is a doozy!

The beautiful museum is available for parties and catered events.  The elegance of the automobiles and the dramatic setting lends itself well to the many weddings, meetings and social events held there every year.

After the museum visit we wandered through downtown Danville.  The restaurant Bridges is the setting for the final climatic scene in the 1993 Robin Williams movie Mrs. Doubtfire.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner there last time we were there and had fun spotting the seating areas from the movie.

That’s it! Back home to Oregon, a little drizzly and much cooler. Northern California remains a favorite spot to visit, not just because our daughter lives there now, but how nice of her to land in a place I love to vacation.

                                                                                                Rolls Royce Hood Ornament

Healdsburg, St. Helena and Napa

                                  Tuesday began with breakfast in Healdsburg at Costraux French Bakery. Delicious!

We then headed over to Moshin Vineyards for our Winery tour. Moshin practices  sustainability, using solar power and gravity flow to process their small lot, hand crafted wines. It’s a family affair started by Rick Moshin in 1989. Our tour was led by his sister Janet, who was there from the beginning.

A wine tour is an entertaining way to learn more about the making of wine from people who are passionate about just that.  We learned the details of how the winery began and the practice of raising grapes to finishing wine.

Our tour ended we decided to indulge ourselves by joining their wine club.  We’ll enjoy six of their bottles twice a year.  It’s fun to support a family business, especially when we agree that their wines are outstanding.

We wandered around St. Helena gathering business cards from shops where my pillows would fit in nicely. Late in the afternoon we decided to drive to Napa and gather a few more photos and business cards.  Lots of beautiful shops.  With the temperature at 76 degrees and sunny, the weather was perfect for lots of walking and photo ops.

Early evening called us back to St. Helena for dinner.  We had a delicious pizza at Pizzeria Tra Vigne.  Those rolls might be the most delicious bread I’ve ever eaten.  They are house made and are served with crushed garlic, olive oil and parmesan cheese.  I was so happy with the rolls I ended up saving most of our pizza for tomorrows lunch.

Tomorrow we head back down to San Ramon to reunite the dogs and daughter. Our day will be full and fun.

                                                       

                                                                                                           Happy sunshine!

Brunch, Beach and Beautiful Views

Sunday began with a delicious brunch at Campo di Bocce in Livermore.  I forgot to take any pictures of the food because I was too busy eating. It was delicious! I asked if they would mind if I took a few pictures of my Wine Country pillows in their beautiful setting.  There were no other diners outside so we had fun setting up for our photos.

From Livermore we drove south to Sunnyvale to visit more family.  We arrived back in Windsor late in the evening after adding another 200+ miles to our trip.  Another long, but fun filled day!

 

      

Monday began with picking up our big brown boy Raleigh from the nearby kennel for his promised trip to the coast.  It was a bit foggy at first, but the sun pushed through and we spent the day hiking any trail we could find that didn’t  have a “no dogs” sign posted. He was so happy to spend the day with us.

 

California can seem a bit unfriendly when these signs are posted at every trailhead. I stopped and asked about one place and was given the go ahead for dogs on the beach.  I’m not sure why one beach or trail is different from another.

It’s so fun to let a city dog run wild and free.  Who would believe Raleigh is 8 years old?  He was a pooped pup at the end of the day when we returned him to his kennel. I think he was looking forward to his bed and a long rest.

 

 

                          One of our favorite views, Goat Rock Beach along the Sonoma Coastline.  Beautiful!

Tomorrow we head to Moshin Vineyard for a tasting and a tour of their winery.  Their sustainable, minimally invasive farming impresses us as much as their wine does.  More on that tomorrow. After that we’ll drive to Napa Valley to my favorite little town of St. Helena for dinner and possibly a bit of shopping.  Should be another fun day in California!

                                                                                                     Wild iris along the trail

The Sonoma Coast

Our daughter picked up her pup and we drove to the Sonoma Coast.  Old dog had to stay because of time constraints at the kennel but we took him for a long luxurious walk in the country, full of wonderful smells and critters.

One dog at a time isn’t such a bad way to go. Kind of like taking each of your kids out for a special day, but this is even better because they can’t tell each other how much cooler their day was (Well, I guess they can’t).  The pictures look like little blondie is getting the better deal but he will be spending his time in an apartment this week while Raleigh, the big boy will be at the dog resort then hitting the beach on Monday. I think they’ll both be very happy.  So far I like the idea of taking the dogs with us and kenneling them part of the time. Fortunately the kennel allows in and out privileges.

       

I always enjoy our time here. It’s easy to find the elegance of the wine tasting rooms and beautiful restaurants, but a simple walk in the countryside is a reminder that there are still a lot of farms and wonderful animals roaming around the fields. Who could resist faces like these to greet you as you walk through their ‘neighborhood’?

Tomorrow we’re off to brunch at Campo di Bocce in Livermore.  Great food and eight bocce courts. Photo ops?? Yes!

                                                                                                 Welcome to California!

Away We Go!

Off to Northern California with dogs and lots of stuff. Our daughter moved to the Tri-Valley area last fall and as long as we’re driving we’re taking a few of her thing with us.  The Tri-Valley area is 30 miles east of San Francisco. It’s beautiful, sunny and close enough to the city for fun but they enjoy more blue skies and less population than SF.

She needs her bicycle so that’s on top.  Although she can’t have her dog in her tiny apartment (yet), she’s missing him like crazy so he’s going for a visit.  We couldn’t take one dog without the other so our big boy is joining us. He’ll stay in a kennel part of the time, but we’re anxious to take him over to the Sonoma Coast for a good long romp.

I’ve got totes full of pillows for photo ops and a few possible sales.  Mostly I want to scout shops and wineries for future contact.  Most of the pillows I have right now are spoken for in the form of a big sale coming up (more about that later). Before the sale I want lots of pictures in beautiful settings and what’s prettier than Wineries and the California Coast?

It’s a ten hour drive but we’ve got lots of music, decent weather and slobbery dogs to keep us company.  And when you get a view like this soon after crossing the California border it’s a good day for a road trip.        

                                                                         Stay tuned to see how it goes!

How to Make a Big Big Bag

I’m off for a visit and hopefully some pillow photo ops in the California Wine Country. Pillows aren’t heavy but they are quite cumbersome and bulky. I have a great bag that will hold 4-5 pillows and I decided to make another one. I looked it over closely and it’s really quite simple. I scrounged through my fabrics and had almost everything I needed, except the outside color. I decided green was a good choice, hopefully hiding dirt and smudges. I added the feather designs from a stamp I made but of course that’s optional. A print fabric would be beautiful too.

I’ve chronicled everything I did so you can make one if you need a great big bag. It’s really quite perfect for car travel.

I used a fairly heavy canvas weight. Denim would be good also. Cut 2 pieces of fabric, one for the outside and one for the lining; 48” X  36”.  Fold in half, right sides together (the long way) and stitch up the side of each piece.

           

The next step is the only tricky part of the whole thing. I took several pictures because it’s difficult to explain. The white overstitched line is the side seam.  Pull the seam sideways and flatten and mark about 3”, then stitch straight across. We’re giving the bag a sort of false flat bottom.

 

This is what it will look like from the outside when you’re done.

 

 

 

 

 

                    

Sew the lining exactly the same way.  Here are a couple of pictures of the lining. After you stitch the straight line across your little triangular flap, flip it up to the seam and stitch it into the seam line. Do this on both lining and outer fabric.

      

I decided a big bag like this needed a bit of embellishment so I inked up my feather stamp and added all the detail I needed.

                          

A large bag like this needs some structure so I cut 48” of heavy interfacing called Craf-Tex. It’s only 20” wide so I just ran it from one top edge, smoothing it down and across the bottom and up the other side. Stitch across top edges.

Tuck the lining into place with its wrong side against the interfacing and outer fabric. Line up the side seams, pin top edges and stitch all the way around the top joining the lining and outer fabric.  It’s unruly with the stiff interfacing, so I suggest clearing everything off the sewing machine.

Cut one long 3” wide piece of fabric to go all the way around the top.  Allow at least 72”. Press under 1/4” along one side.

    

Work from lining side. Pin raw edge to top edge of bag then stitch in place. You can either measure carefully and stitch the two short edges together (forming a circle) before stitching around or adjust and stitch when  you’re sewing it in place. I stitched almost all the way around and then stopped and stitched the short sides so it would fit perfectly. Press the seam up. This is kind of like sewing on a waistband.

 

 

 

Fold the band over to the front and stitch in place close to the seam line on the outside of the bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark location of handles, making sure they are the same length. I cut two pieces of webbing 24” each and measured in 7” from each side seam. (To seal the ends of the webbing run the flame from a lighter across the cut edge.) Pin, then stitch into place. That’s it.

 

 

 

 

So there you go. You can make a great big bag for yourself. Let me know how my instructions are. I can answer questions, adjust and make changes if necessary. There are other ways to finish the top edge. Next time I’ll try something different.

How to Receive Janet's House by Email

I’ve had a couple of people ask me how to find my blog so I thought I’d run through the steps.  If you want to subscribe to Janet’s House Blog, which simply means you will get it by email, go over to the place on the right side under the Etsy sign where it says “subscribe to janet’s house.” Click and it will take you to a new page. Once you’re there you’ll find a box that looks like the one below. Ignore everything else and follow my simple directions that I’ve written in green and you’ll soon see Janet’s House in your inbox.

This ends up being such a simple way to keep up with the occasional blog.  Don’t worry, I too think it’s a confusing process.  It looks like there are too many options.  Please forgive my somewhat blurry screen shots.  Kind of a boring post don’t you think.  Oh well, tomorrow is another day.  As always, thanks for reading.

Sunday Quote

Lemon Blueberry Honey Almond Pancake

Yum, just writing those words makes me feel good. I’ve been enjoying one pancake and one farm fresh egg for breakfast for quite some time now.  A little extra effort in the morning compared to dry cereal, but look at that title again…it’s hardly fair to compare.  Only one cake and one egg, no bacon...not a big, hearty, weekend style breakfast.

I begin with a good, healthy mix, like Kodiak Cakes, using a couple of hefty tablespoons. I then add a rounded teaspoon of almond meal, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, a tablespoon of lemon juice (the baking powder and lemon juice fizz and add fluffiness),  about 2 tablespoons (or a good glug or 2) of egg white and a teaspoon or two of honey.  Add a splash of water for proper consistency then pour into the (preheated and non-stick sprayed) pan.  Rinse a handful of frozen blueberries, shake off excess water and sprinkle them around the pancake.  When underside is golden, carefully flip and cook for another couple of minutes.

Served with warm real maple syrup and a perfectly cooked organic egg, you’ve got the beginnings to a perfect day.  On the weekends I simply mix up a more generous batch to share.  I can hardly wait for those warm summer mornings when I can enjoy my breakfast outside.   That really makes it the perfect morning. 

                                                                                                     Enjoy!

Dressing Up the Garden with Primroses

The predicted stormy weekend wasn’t.  It was somewhat dreary, but really more occasional showers than steady rain.  Even a few sunbreaks. By Sunday afternoon I wondered why I hadn’t planted those primrose I bought earlier in the week so I headed out with my trowel and tucked their wild colors into any empty spot in my big garden pots.

In this big green pot I avoided the typical pinks and just let the yellow and deep purple play with all of the shades of green.

Primroses amuse me with their wild colors. They don’t quite seem real, reminding me more of the science experiments we did with food coloring and narcissi back in grade school. Their bold pinks, purples and yellows always make me think of the ruffles and colorful accessories on a little girls dress.  Fun and fresh but not quite natural looking.  So tucking them into a pot of greens is like adding a sparkly barrette or pop bead necklace. Just for fun. 

I’m never quite sure if I want them again, but every year in late February I give in because, although everything around here is very very green, that’s about the only color so far, and primroses add such a punch of color.  They offer immediate satisfaction, no waiting. With their low profile and compact growth, they pull our eyes back down to the ground and make us notice other details, like beautiful unfurling leaves and new growth.

This sweet coral primrose sits in a big pot of grass. Although I don’t mind the grass, which currently looks dry and weathered, I think the contrast of the bright fresh color of the lone primrose adds interest until the green grass returns.

                                                                                              Spring is coming!

Spring Promises

The weather forecast is not promising spring weather, but a very wintery weekend.  Reports calling for “winter storm warnings” in the Willamette Valley mean rainy, windy weather. My first thought is ‘my poor daffodils.’

I planted the bulbs last fall to surprise me and welcome spring to my garden, but I decided it would be sad to see them flattened and damaged by the rain.  I chose to cut them and bring them into my home, welcoming spring inside instead.

                                                            Wishing everyone a lovely winter weekend.

Just Add Ice Cream!

What to do when your son turns 19 and isn’t at home to celebrate? I decided to send him a box of celebration.

Today is his 19th birthday and he’s way off in Montana at school. I sent his presents of course but wanted to do something special too. I pulled together everything I could think of that went with ice cream and put it in a box.  Waffle bowls, syrups, sprinkles, marshmallow cream, mini chocolate chips and of course napkins, bowls, spoons and an ice cream scoop.  I know college students don’t ordinarily celebrate with ice cream but not too many will turn it down. I added some $$$ so he could supply the mandatory ice cream of his choice and he was set.  It was a fun surprise.

                                                             Happy Birthday Sammy! 19 Wow!!

 

p.s. forgot to turn on the comment field on my last post. I asked for comments then couldn't accept them. Sorry about that. Still would love to know your choice for the next wine pillow...or anything else you'd like to say. 

Everything's Coming Up Pillows!

I am so pleased to announce the long awaited, often promised, and very grand opening of Janet Brown Studios for all of your pillow needs.  While my web designer toiled away creating this beautiful site, I was toiling over my sewing machine, designing fun and wonderful pillows and choosing the freshest, happiest fabrics to stitch into companion pillows.

While I was still waiting, I was encouraged to design wine pillows. These three are the first in my Wine County collection. Each varietal is offered in three different fabric choices. Grey canvas, ecru canvas and classic linen. At 16” X 16”,  they are a great size for any home. The different fabrics are fun to mix and match and I have a feeling they will sell rather quickly.  I’ll add more wines in time; I can’t wait to do Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio and can you imagine a Champagne pillow for a wedding gift?! What fun!!

My printed pillows are all screen printed from my original designs. I’ve taken great care in the design, construction and  attention to every little detail.  I’ve had such fun finding just the right words to bring my message to each pillow.  As often happens with creativity, one thing leads to another, and I find myself brimming with more ideas than time. It will be fun to see where this all takes me.  Stay tuned!

Find the website here: http://www.janetbrownstudios.com/ 

I’ll still keep my Etsy shop open for people who’d rather purchase pillow covers without the insert. Same basic price, just no insert, so of course shipping is more reasonable.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/janetbrownstudios

As always, I appreciate your comments. You can find links to my website, Etsy and Facebook up there on the right under my picture.  Oh, also, when you’re on the website you can sign up for my mailing list under the contact page.  I’ll use it to send “special messages” like events or sales.  Any ideas for wine favorites are always welcome. I’d love to hear from you.

                          

                                                                                                                Cheers!!  

Biscotti

Last week I noticed there were two bananas that looked just about perfect for banana bread. You know; when they’re just this side of rotten and you know if you don’t make banana bread you’ll have to toss them.  Okay, I had rotten bananas so got everything else together to bake, using this favorite recipe for chocolate swirl banana bread. Only I didn’t have the yogurt the recipe called for, so I used light sour cream. And I didn’t have any chocolate chips (!!), so I used bakers chocolate, sugar and a splash of milk (heated and stirred to a creamy paste). I didn’t even think to add any vanilla to make up for the vanilla that would have been in the yogurt.

Anyway, the banana bread wasn’t spectacular. It was okay, but lacked sweetness and I think I baked it a bit too long because it was kind of dry.  I didn’t want to toss it out because, after all I was using up the bananas to avoid being wasteful. I decided to try and salvage my blunder by making biscotti. Biscotti requires a second baking, so I cut the proper lengths, laid them out on a cookie sheet and put them in a 250 degree oven for about an hour and a half. I checked them every 20 minutes or so and turned them often.  After I decided they were nearly dry enough I turned the oven off and left them in there to finish.

Now I am happy with these yummy biscotti to dip in my afternoon coffee. They are just sweet enough to feel like a treat but not the least bit boring.  So there you go…from banana bread to biscotti, nothing to it.

Sunday Quote

 

Winter Bones in the Garden

I’ve been wanting to write about garden planning before everything starts sprouting, but needed pictures to help make sense of what I wanted to say. Here in the northwest, it’s a pretty nice day, cloudy, with a few blue patches, no rain and 48 degrees.  I hitched up the dogs, grabbed my iPhone and headed out. I still don’t have the nerve to snap pictures of my neighbors yards with a full blown camera, but with an iPhone I can be a bit more discreet. The yards I photographed were examples of what I like about gardens in the winter, but I took the time to crop them so the homes aren’t part of the shot. I'm certainly no authority, just an interested observer who pays attention to what I like and why.

This yard is one of my favorites to walk past. The integration of hardscapes, like the brick path and large rock, are balanced by the year round softness of the heathers and grasses.  There’s  room to tuck in bulbs and annuals but it’s still a very good looking yard during the wet, cloudy winter.

This is the same yard, showing the beautiful stone wall at the driveway. This picture is to the right of the previous one.

This is a very modest yard but I like how its careful planting adds interest and depth to the small area. The anchors of the larger evergreens in the background and the grasses are a nice contrast to the large boulders. A bit of ground cover keeps it from being too much dirt and still leaves lots of room for perennials and annuals in a few months.

Corner lots are always intriguing because they are seen from all sides and usually cover a lot of ground. This recently re-landscaped yard incorporates a stone wall that is unusual because it faces into the yard due to the slope of the lot. The small topiary tree, ferns and rocks add interest while walking by. I’m anxious to see what colors spring will bring.

As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to take a walk around your yard and neighborhood.  Look closely at what works and what doesn’t. Several yards around here look like muddy messes because there are no shrubs.  My mother used to call the shrubs and trees the ‘bones’ of the garden.  You get the bones in place and plant the smaller perennials, annuals and bulbs around them to complement and add bits of contrast. Of course the rocks act as bones also.

I chose this one corner of my own yard to explain what I mean. The fence is a hardscape, which acts as the background to the rest of the corner. The dark green Arborvitaes on the right add privacy and a great dark contrasting color. The heavenly bamboo up against the fence not only softens the fence but works well for year round interest. The Coral Bark Maple tree is, I think, the perfect year round tree. It stays relatively small, its wonderful color adds interest, and when it leafs out it provides a dappled shade for the rest of the garden. The other plants add textural interest, as well as various colors during their bloom time. I’ve added a number of bulbs to surprise us in the spring and may add an annual or two if something strikes my fancy.

Don’t think for a minute that my whole yard is this organized. It’s constantly evolving due to growth, death and the unpredictability of plants that aren’t happy where I’ve placed them. It’s an ever-changing world out there and that can be the frustrating part of gardening, but also the pleasure as you search for your next favorite plant.

One last thing:

I have to always remind myself not to buy every luscious, colorful, awe-inspiring plant when the garden centers tempt us very very soon. Those first beautiful perennials are like little harlots calling to our green thumbs. But we must remember that their lovely blooms of color will only last a few weeks.  Don’t buy all of your perennials at once. Choose a couple of early ones, then allow yourself to be lured again a few weeks later with the next batch of beauties. If we plan like this, we’ll be rewarded with a full season of color. Remember to add a few annuals too; their color will last all summer.  They’re great for tucking in next to shrubs, hiding wilted perennials and are perfect for covering the last stalks of spent bulbs. We have to wait until summer to find them at the nursery, so don’t forget to save a few spots for them.

                                                                        So go take a walk and then let the garden season begin!

A Blanket for Next Year

I started knitting this blanket a couple of weeks ago.  I have lots and lots of leftover sock yarn from previous projects, none of which included socks. I just love the beautiful color combinations and used a variety of many skeins to make 2 beautiful throws. This pattern is actually for a scarf but at 600 stitches, if I can keep it going I’ll end up with a nice blanket.

I always get chuckles when I hold up my first few inches of knitting and announce a new blanket, but one has to start somewhere. I’ve used up one leftover skein of the beautiful deep pinks and greens, then had a small amount of variegated pinks and now I’m on the second row of the green with pink shown in the picture.  So far, so good.

I’d been looking for a pattern that offered a different looking stitch but wasn’t so complicated that I’d be unable to carry on a conversation or watch television.  I found this pattern using a linen stitch on the Ravelry knitting site. I like the woven, rather than common knit or purl stitch. It involves slipping stitches and took me several rows to get the hang of it . There were mishaps along the way, but I’m glad I didn’t try to undo and redo, as the little mistakes have quietly blended into the colors and pattern. I think it’s good for the soul to sometimes just accept imperfections in a handmade project.

Here’s my big box full of possibilities which makes it fun deciding which color to use next. and see how they all complement and enhance one another.  I’m usually so impatient whenever I get involved in a new creative project, but I’m really making it my goal to make this project last at least a year.  I’m not desperate for any more blankets or throws but I do like to keep busy so I think this will be  a perfect evening project.  Occasionally I’ll remember to show how it’s going so you can keep up with my progress.  At least I’ve found a way to empty that big bin of yarn.

Sunday Quote

Embracing the Gray

Gray has been on my mind a lot lately, mostly in paint and fabric swatches, but also in the dreary rain here in the northwest.  As with the moodiness of the weather, the gray can affect moods and temperaments in people.  I decided to take a drive and capture some beauty in the gray so I could come back feeling refreshed and ready to work.

I drove up in the hills to get a good look at the homes and areas that can literally stay in the clouds all day long.  I like how you can see the layers of gray and green tones in all the trees as they fade away in the fog.

         A muddy lane becomes intriguing in the wet, cool afternoon. I must admit, everything is also very green.

I do love the color gray, even if I find it difficult to embrace the weather. I find I’m wearing more gray than black and I love the way it works with other colors. Even today, I looked down and I had layered my two favorite coats for my journey.

On New Years Day I could be found painting my living room, gray, of course. I was worried that it would end up looking like a stormy day, but on the contrary, I think it looks fresh and wonderful. I love it with the white accents and wood tones.

I’m remembering this beautiful, easy to knit gray cowl I made a couple of years ago. Click here for the link to that post.

I’m cutting squares of this wonderful gray canvas  for a new line of pillows.  A reflection of our love for wine. Just for fun. It’s off to the screen printers tomorrow, then I’ll stitch them up and share the finished product in about three weeks.

So there it is, todays reflections on gray…or grey?? Either way they say, but I’ll stay with ‘gray’. I just like the way it looks.

Movie Dates

My son is returning to college this weekend so yesterday we enjoyed one last movie together.  We’ve taken in a lot of films over the last couple of months, during this break and over the long Thanksgiving weekend. Going to movies is something we both enjoy and it gives us something to talk about afterwards and plan for the next.

We’ve talked so much about each of the movies we saw so I asked him if he’d join me in writing a few simple reviews.  So here are our collaborative reviews on our favorites and our not so favorite movies we’ve seen recently.  Some of these reviews were written by both of us and reflect our common thoughts, other ones were written by one or the other of us independently. We didn’t necessarily agree on everything but we enjoyed our discussions and debates.

Silver Linings Playbook- Somehow this movie reflects humor, love and family in a story revolving around mental and emotional breakdowns.  The only issue that we felt with this movie was that the characters (and their actors) seemed better than the movie itself.  Jennifer Lawrence, in particular, was amazing as a  young widow who recruits Bradley Cooper’s character into a dance competition.  At some points, this movie felt overly long, but then the actors brought you right back into the story.  Robert DeNiro plays the same old role that he always plays, but with an OCD twist.  Every character in this movie is damaged goods, and perhaps that is why it feels so real. We give it a thumbs up.

Argo: This is one of those stories that if you had read it in a book, you wouldn’t believe it. The true story of six Americans trapped in Iran and the CIA agent who helped them return home seems more like the plot of a spy film. So thirty years later, after being declassified, what does it become? A good old-fashioned caper movie, and a really good one at that. Director, Ben Affleck chose his cast well, made up of such notable names as Alan Arkin, John Goodman, and Bryan Cranston . The movie successfully pulls off the pulse-pounding fear that each hostage faces, knowing full well that their guise of a science-fiction movie might not hold up.  The airport security scene near the end of the movie is more white-knuckled, edge of your seat experience than any airport scene in recent memory and is great in my book. Thumbs way up.

Zero Dark Thirty-We enjoyed watching Jessica Chastain in a completely different roll than her Celia Foote in The Help.  Her portrayal of a driven CIA agent was intense and felt so different than most female action heroines.  The climax of the film, featuring the infamous raid, was exceptionally well done.  The movie successfully avoids the obvious pitfalls and clichés of most action movies; the main character isn’t in the battle scene and it’s heroes (the Navy SEAL Team) aren’t shouting one-liners every time they take out a target.  The characterizations seems to reflect the true story of the incredible manhunt for Osama bin Laden. Thumbs up.

Lincoln: We felt like we were watching our 16th president rather than watching a movie about him.  The insight into his life and the details of what really happened were better than any history textbook.  Daniel Day-Lewis was incredible as Abraham Lincoln, showing his most intimate, private moments.  Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Fields both excel in their supporting roles, and the rest of the A-List cast is great as well.  Lincoln’s final lines in the movie, delivered right before going to the theater are “It's time for me to go, but I would rather stay.” A fitting end to the tale of our President’s darkest hour. Thumbs up.

Beasts of the Southern Wild: A confusing story saved by new comer Quvenzhané Wallis. I can’t wait to see what she’ll do next. The movie, however, meandered about, with no real plot coming into focus. Neither of us particularly liked this movie nor would we probably ever watch it again. Although the visual imagery was breathtaking, it was not breathtakingly beautiful. It was stunning in it’s all-too-accurate depiction of the poorest-of-the-poor. The movie ended with an odd scene that was reminiscent of the book Where the Wild Things Are, which did not fit with the rest of the film. Sorry,Quvenzhané , two thumbs down.

The Hobbit: A long but fairly entertaining journey of the hobbits in the first part of a new trilogy leading into the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. In 3-D I felt like I was watching a play! Ian McKellen is once again perfect as Gandalf, and Martin Freeman, whom I love in the BBC show Sherlock, was a great Bilbo Baggins. Andy Serkis, as Gollum, once again stole the show, with special effects that are almost too real. One thumbs up, but for me, I’d give it a neutral thumb.

Skyfall: This was the James Bond film that finally realizes the full-potential of what a 007 movie can be.  Daniel Craig, in his third time donning the iconic tux, is awesome as an old and battered Bond.  Forced out of retirement, Bond must face an enemy from M’s (Judi Dench) past.  The villain, played expertly by Javier Bardem, is chilling, almost a mix of the Joker and Hannibal Lecter.  The hauntingly beautiful theme song, sung by Adele, sums up the entire movie .  As the movie ends, everything slides back in time, setting Bond up like he was in the 60’s proving, as the movie says many times, that the old ways are usually the best. Thumbs up.

Life of Pi:  This movie is hard for me to describe.  It was very well made and the effects were spectacular.  There is one scene in this movie with a real tiger, I dare you to try and find it! Overall though, the story of this movie suffers from the end.  The majority of this movie is monotonous, with a boy spending many days adrift at sea, his only companion a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.  In the end, he offers up a different version of his shipwreck that goes against everything else in the movie.  Unlike most “twist” movies, this film does not leave you with a definite answer of what is real and what is not.  While that is not a problem, the twist comes out of nowhere and the question that remains at the end feels forced, rather than earned.  Despite this, the movie is still worth seeing. Only Sam saw this and he gives it a sideways thumb.

The movies we didn’t see were Les Misérables, because after all, my theater companion is an 18 year old boy and no way could I drag him to a film full of singing.  We haven’t seen Django Unchained yet but probably will. I find that I need to be in the right mood to see a Quentin Tarentino movie.

So there you have it. Thanks to my guest writer and movie date. So now, off to school you go!

Shades of Grey and Brown

The early stages of this throw can be seen in the pictures up above when I cast on and knit a few rows while a passenger on our drive through Montana last fall.  I cast on 300 stitches then continued to pick up beautiful yarns along the way. I kept things uncomplicated so I’d still be able to see the scenery and chose a very simple Knit 2/Purl 2 ribbed pattern. No right side or wrong side and it just kept growing and changing as I’d run out of one skein and add another.

It grew and grew and by late October it filled my lap with warmth. By the end of December I was fully enveloped as I knit the final row.  Each section is approximately one skein, but I occasionally split the color up to give more interest to the stripes.  It’s toasty warm, holds memories of our trip and adds a wonderful texture to my winter living room. 

Sunday Quote

Taco Bar

What to have for dinner for college kids when they come for a visit?  A taco bar is fun, can be prepared ahead, and has something for everyone, vegetarians and carnivores alike.  Best of all they come to your house to eat! Yay!

There were chips, salsa and guacamole for starters then all I had to do was heat the tortillas and taco shells and left everyone to fill their plates with whatever favorites were at the top of their list. It's a simple meal plan because it's so easy to go bigger or smaller depending on how many guests you have.

Lots of chatter as everyone shared their first term college experiences with old friends. We joined them because when your own kid leaves for college you realize how many of his friends you miss when he goes. It was good to have everyone together again, laughing and talking, because before you know it they’re gone and everything is quiet again.

24 Hours in Seattle

A relatively short drive, 150 miles straight north and we’re in Seattle in time for lunch.  It’s cold, clear and dry, exactly as we left Portland just three hours earlier.  We wander down to the Public Market to check things out.

It feels bitterly cold so we try to warm up by ducking into a café for a quick sandwich and latte before wrapping our scarves around our necks a bit tighter and heading back out to see what’s happening in the market stalls.

                                                          The tulips are so hardy and love the crisp cold air.

We walk back outside and head up First street. The view of the Ferris wheel and ferry is just plain fun. We stop in at my favorite shop, Watson and Kennedy and spend time soaking in everything lovely, unusual and wonderful.

 

 

 

 

We buy cupcakes at Cupcake Royale and decided to drive over to see the Space Needle.  At $17 per person for the ride up we decide not this time. We’ve been to the top many other times so instead we sit and eat our dessert. Later I realize the amazing view we missed of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains on such a clear day. That would have been a $34 very well spent. Sometimes I kick myself for being a cheapskate.  Note to self: Remember that even though we’d be looking out the same windows every time, the view is quite dependent on the weather.

 

 

 

 

 

That afternoon we check to see if there are tickets available for the evening performance of The Book of Morman.  The guy in the box office tells us no, but that if we’d like to come back two hours before the show they have a lottery and offer the winners tickets for $25 each.  We decide that it might be worth a try so at 5pm we head back over to the theater.  We figure there are bound to be a few others but we consider our chances pretty good. To our surprise there were at least 400 of us, crowded, huddled and in each others way as we  all filled out our little forms, folded them cleverly and dropped them in the bag. We waited as everyone else did the same before listening for our names to be called. Being among theater folk and the possibility of winning, there was definitely a party atmosphere.  The woman with the megaphone was great fun and got the crowd fully charged  with anticipation.  She had us taking oaths to not scalp our tickets if we won and cheering and chanting for the winners as each name was drawn.  Even though we didn’t win, we agreed that it was great fun and definitely worth the try.

 

Off we went to dinner before heading back to our hotel. The next morning was the cold, grey fog I expect from a winter day in Seattle. We walk down the street for a quick breakfast then back towards the marketplace. We stop at a bakery for cookies for the road and before heading home we get our cheesy fill at Beechers. We walk back up the steep hill, attempting to walk off the best macaroni and cheese ever. There are people everywhere. Northwesterners are rarely bothered by grey and cold; it wasn’t raining after all.  We get our car and are back home by dinnertime.  A quick trip to the north is a fun winter diversion.

                                                                       Truly everybody was bundled up for the winter cold.

It’s funny. We didn’t go to the top of the Space Needle on a perfectly beautiful day and we didn’t get to see the theater presentation we hoped for but we left home with no particular expectations so ended up enjoying our short visit north. Sometimes a day trip is just a simple way to break up the monotony of everyday life….and that’s fun in itself.

Sunday Quote

What’s in a Word?

I’ve decided to pick a word for the year. It will be my word, the one that I hope will inspire me, the one that represents what I want to do and where I want to go. My own personal theme, perhaps. Amy Duncan at Four Corners Design wrote about this the other day and shared her word choice. Check out her lovely thoughts right here.

Of course I fussed and obsessed over choosing the right word. I thought about it for several days, looked at my lovely list of alliterative words, rolled different words around in my head and finally made my decision. Forward. It’s a rather plain word but has a variety of connotations, all of which I think will keep me on track for the coming year.

Strongly inclined- Yes!

Relating to, or getting ready for the future- Always

Promote- Sure

Brash/Precocious- Hmmm, don’t think I’ve ever been accused of that.

Forward thinking is always a good idea. I hope I always keep that part of my personality.

Being forward is not always seen as a positive trait but in my new roll as a pillow designer, I must be forward and brave, to promote, market and peddle my wares.

Moving forward in mind, body and spirit, my word for 2013 quite literally gives me direction.  Choosing this word for the year is fun, but  also motivating because I’m going to hold myself to it.  I don’t know why I’ve never done it before, but now I’ll look “forward” to this activity every new year. Give it a try and be sure and let me know what word you choose.

A Very Cool Gift

Every gift I received for Christmas this year was wonderful. I like to think my friends and family really know me because every single thing is something I would have picked out for myself.  My family sometimes gets frustrated with me because I don’t like to give hints…I just want them to know.  They roll their eyes and threaten to give me weird gifts if I don’t come right out and ask for specifics. They don’t want to make a mistake, but I think my plan is working; they really get me.

My sister gave me this very cool tool.  She got it on the Williams-Sonoma website and it’s for embossing stickers to go on my fruits and veggies processed from my garden.  I have to admit that although I knew it was an embosser I didn’t quite understand what I might use it for at first and thought maybe it was for embossing my garden books. I couldn’t wait to use it and grabbed one of my favorite garden books off the shelf and added my name plate.  I proudly showed it off to my sister whose look told me she thought I was a bit daft.  She wondered out loud what I was doing and I happily explained I was marking my books.  She explained what the tool was for and wondered (again, out loud) at my confusion, as she had also given me a box of beautiful Weck canning jars and the little gold stickers, all set for embossing.

Now I can’t wait to create these wonderful little stickers. Next harvest season, my jars will be properly labeled and will look very sweet upon my shelves. I can order other plates to work with the embosser, including my initials,  Janet Brown Studios or From the Library.  Now I’m certain my sister knows I not only love the gift but I know what to use it for, how to use it and where to use it. Thanks!!

10 Good Things

I gathered up 10 good things that made a difference for me in 2012. Some are simple changes in how I did something, others are less than an epiphany, but more than just an idea. Hopefully they will continue to make a difference in my way of life. Maybe there’ll be something here that might make a difference for you. Here they are:

Breakfast, lunch or dinner with friends- This is no longer a frivolous activity, it is an absolute necessity. Working from home is very isolating and although I love being holed up in my studio on a creative binge, I understand the importance of getting out and being social around other human beings. Book clubs and lunches; it’s just plain good for the soul. Besides, we laugh…a lot, and everything about laughter is good.

 

Yoga tooth brushing. I read about this last fall. It works best with an electric tooth brush because you have exactly 2 minutes and a little beep divides it up into 30 second intervals. While brushing my bottom teeth I stand on one leg, lifting up out of my torso, keeping straight and balanced. I change to the other foot when I get to my upper teeth. It’s a nice little bit of yoga that’s only 2 minutes, twice a day. If I feel pretty steady I try closing my eyes and realize I have a long way to go to become perfectly balanced. I swear my back feels better as a result. (Disclaimer: That’s my daughter in the photo).

 

 

 

Sunscreen. I know it’s on every list but at my age I slather it on. When we were in Hawaii, I repeatedly applied it to my face and wore a hat most of the time. It’s the tried and true way to keep age spots and lines away. I don’t worry too much about the rest of me, but as for my face, I’m being quite strict.

Putting a box of zip lock baggies with our luggage. I was so proud of myself when I thought of this one. I’ve occasionally remembered to leave a zip lock bag in a particular suitcase, which isn’t a bad idea but this is even better. House guests, kids home from school; you just never know when somebody is going to need that quart size bag for their liquid carry-ons and it’s always the night before an early flight. A nice big box of 30 will solve those last minute, on your way to the airport, already stressful times.

Starting Janet Brown Studios- I’m so glad I finally decided to follow my dream and open my little shop. The creative side has always been easy for me but the business, marketing, sales and everything else is challenging. That’s why it keeps me busy and has filled the void when the kids moved out. So far I’m just on Etsy, but the website is nearly finished.

       

               San Ramon, California                                                                                                   Missoula, Montana  

Empty nesting- I’m quite proud of us. Since both kids moved out within a week of one another we were thrown a double whammy of emptiness but I’m happy to report we are handling it nicely. Dinners for two are simple and easy to prepare and clean up and it’s fun to talk about our future plans. Thank goodness for phones on the family plan, texting and Skype for keeping in touch. Sundays are now the day to catch up with the kids. I loved having them show us around their new space by walking the computer around their apartment/dorm room when we were Skyping. Besides now we have new fun places to visit them.

Having a bunch of one dollar bills available to put in the Salvation Army bucket- This just felt nice. I remembered to get a bunch of one dollar bills and had them easily accessible when I’d enter or leave a store during the holiday season. No more dredging the bottom of my purse for random change or that guilty feeling for leaving nothing.

I Voted!- Voting makes me feel proud, patriotic and just plain good about myself. I love participating in trying to make our country work better. I always feel that I have a right to complain, demand changes and open my mouth as long as long as I have taken the time to learn about the candidates, measures and amendments that I voted on. I’ve never missed an election and I never will.

I lost 15 pounds- Although I hesitate to get on any scales until well after the holidays, I worked hard to lose 15 pounds before we went on our trip to Hawaii. I know the eating season, I mean the holidays, have caused me to put a few back on, but now I know I can do it. My doctor was pleased and so was I. It’s January 2nd and I’m back on the game!

Being proud- I’m proud of my children who are growing up and making good choices. Raising children is something that takes a long time to see if you’ve done it right, but as I watch my kids turn into wonderful adults who are happy, well rounded and full of enthusiasm for life, I know we have accomplished more than we could wish for, everything we hoped for and yet we are not surprised for a minute at how wonderful they are. We knew it all the time.

Happy New Year!!                              

Happy New Year!

Sunday Quote

Lemons in Winter

As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons,  make lemonade. Well, my little Meyer Lemon tree gave me a big bunch of beautiful lemons and I decided I’d rather make Christmas Eve lemon drop martinis.  We all agreed they were the freshest lemon drops we’d ever had; made just minutes after picking. It seems crazy to me that citrus season is in the middle of winter but what a nice treat when the weather outside is frightful.  They would be lovely for New Years Eve too.

Since I raised the lemons from blossoms, I felt they deserved a really good Vodka so I used Grey Goose Citron. I found this recipe on the Grey Goose website, so it’s aptly called Grey Goose Perfect Lemon Drop Martini and it’s delicious. The recipe below is for 4 servings, one drink each, but they're so yummy you might just need a little bit more.

Grey Goose Perfect Lemon Drop Martini

6 oz. Grey Goose Vodka
2 oz. triple sec
4 tsp. superfine sugar
3 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Mix the vodka, triple sec, sugar and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice cubes. Shake well to make sure sugar is blended. Pour strained liquor into a sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish with a twisted peel of lemon.

 

         

To create a sugar-rimmed glass, rub a lemon wedge round the drinking surface of the glass so it is barely moist. The stickiness of the lemon is the perfect medium to glaze the sugar to the rim. Dip the edge of the glass into sugar. I used a wine coaster to hold the sugar, but any shallow plate or bowl will do nicely.

                                                                                                              Cheers!

Sunday Quote

Chocolate Peppermint Toffee

It must be good with a name like that. Butter, sugar, chocolate, and peppermint candy.  I was thinking about peppermint bark but felt like adding the toffee would be a good idea. It’s a great combination of flavors. Not too many ingredients, in fact you might very well have everything you need without making one more trip to the store.

I used last years recipe for Toffee Roca as my base and improvised (scroll over the red words to find that recipe).  I started with the toffee; simply melting 2 cubes of butter and 1 cup of sugar and cooking until it turns golden brown, which took about 15 minutes.  My candy thermometer registered 275 degrees.

I spread the hot caramel  onto a warm baking sheet .  Smooth out to the edges. Cool in the fridge for a few minutes then spread a thin (or thick) layer of melted chocolate over the top.  Use about half of what you’ve melted and save the other half for the other side.  Working quickly, sprinkle 1/2 of your broken peppermint pieces on top of chocolate while the chocolate is still warm. Place back in the fridge for another few minutes until everything has hardened.

When it is cooled, flip over the entire block. You’ll have to work the edge of a sharp spatula under a corner to loosen it, but the butter will not let it stick.  It will probably break into pieces but that’s  ok, as you’d be doing that eventually.  Use a pastry brush to apply the remainder of the melted chocolate, then sprinkle with the rest of the  peppermint pieces.  Return to the fridge to cool.

Once it’s fully cooled, break up any remaining large pieces and start enjoying. It’s different than peppermint bark because of the toffee, but the flavors blend in the most delicious way.  Great for gift giving or to enjoy with coffee or cocoa.  Check my notes below for suggestions for success.

 

**Notes**

• I used about 2 bars of dark chocolate and 1 of milk so we’d have two varieties
• I added a few drops of peppermint flavoring to the chocolate.
• I ran hot water over the baking sheet to keep it warm so that the caramel would flow. If the sheet is too cool the caramel will harden on contact.
• When I crushed the peppermint candy some of it was kind of powdery but I used that too because it stuck so well to the chocolate.
• Work in sections so that the chocolate is still warm when you sprinkle the peppermint.
• If there’s a little chocolate left over, drizzle it over the finished candy. It will help hold the peppermint in place.

Traditions

This year more than ever before, I’m aware of our family’s Christmas traditions. Both kids are grown and living away, but will happily be home for Christmas.  Each time I talk with either one of them I am reminded of the little details that are important to them. The decorations, the Christmas music, the coffee cake served after opening presents; all the things we’ve done over the years that have become important parts of their memories.  As a parent I’m reminded of the responsibility I have to make sure our kids enjoy, participate and look forward to the wonderful family moments. More often than not it’s the little things that are turned into the sweetest memories.

Glass globe ornaments collected and received as gifts over the years always find a place in my biggest bowl.  The red, white and blue starred one is a particular favorite as it was given to me Christmas 2001, the first Christmas after 9/11.

My fellow blogger at Ciao Dominica wrote of traditions the other day and then referred to a blogger friend of hers, at From the House of Edward, who also shared a story of the importance of family traditions. Click on their links to enjoy their stories.  It’s fun to read about what other families do for the holidays  and it sometimes gives us an idea of traditions that might become one of our own.

Our family traditions seem quite simple but are obviously a big part of our holiday memories.  Around here I’m pretty sure Christmas music begins sometime right after our Thanksgiving meal.  Everybody has their favorites and they often trade CD’s to add to each others collections. The radios in the cars are set to the 24/7  Christmas music stations.

Somebody always has to dress up a dog or two, who are never too happy about it but put up with our silly behavior. 

The kids plan which Christmas movies will be required watching. A Christmas Story, Elf, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, The Holiday and Love Actually are always at the top of their lists.  I love that they have this fun little tradition they've created and that they look forward to spending time with one another.

Presents are talked about and hoped for, of course,  favorite foods are expected, but most of all we just like being together; laughing, looking at our favorite ornaments and treasures.  Our snow village is put out with the puffy pretend snow and we remember where each house sits, where Santa will be and where each of the little skiers should be placed.

The tree is decorated with ornaments collected for many years. My mother gave me one each year and I have continued that tradition with my own children. Too many to count; it’s almost time for them to take them into their own homes. Maybe next year. 

My very favorite ornament is this one that my mother and father got somewhere early in their marriage.  It’s at least 65 years old and every year when I carefully unwrap it I think of them and how young they were with their lives, dreams and hopes ahead of them.  I’d love to hear of your family’s traditions. Leave me a comment.

Saving and Gifting Old Photos

I’ve been going through old photo albums lately and rescuing pictures. Since I’m getting old, of course the photographs are too.  Before the colors fade too much more and the quality further deteriorates I’m scanning them to my computer for safe keeping. I’ll eventually transfer them to a thumb drive so they won’t be lost due to the death of a computer.

      

                       Pictures of us in our traditional ‘sister dresses’ was always a great photo opportunity.

 

       

I’ve also come across pictures of other families; kids we grew up with, neighbor kids and old pals.  I’m scanning some of my favorites and then sending them in a quick email.  Reconnecting with old friends on Facebook gives me  better odds of finding my long lost buddies. Not everybody's mother kept every picture ever taken and back in the old days it was cumbersome and somewhat expensive to get extra prints made to make sure everybody got the picture.

It’s fun to share a memory from our youth, back in the good old days. Sometimes the best gifts are simple and easy,  especially when they come from the heart.  Who knows, it might just make their day.

Sunday Quote

I Heart Etsy

I am loving Etsy.  I haven’t sold many pillows but I’m learning more and more about marketing and in the meantime am having fun finding beautiful treasures from all over the world.  Here's a quick look at some of my favorites.

I spotted this plaque from France and I had to have it. The color is beautiful, I love the wear and tear and the nice woman I purchased it from lives in France and has the most wonderful collection of French goods. We were in Paris a few years ago and had such fun photographing signs like this. The number 28 is perfect because it’s the day we got married 20 years ago. It arrived wrapped  carefully in a French newspaper, which of course I am saving for some future project.

Here’s the link to her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sissidavril?ref=seller_info

 

This little shop in Italy is filled with beautifully hand crafted pieces like these felted bowls 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74746291/bowls-orange-grey-organic-eco-friendly

 

These great looking soaps are made in Pennsylvania. I can tell they probably smell as wonderful as they look.   http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetSallysSoaps?ref=seller_info

 

          

I love that I can type in the words “woolen mittens” and suddenly I have choices of hand knit mittens from all over the world.  It’s fun to read about the sellers of my favorites and see the enthusiasm they bring to their work.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/110074200/toddler-mittens-in-scandinavian-vintage?ref=pr_shop

http://www.etsy.com/listing/112568965/hand-knitted-latvian-traditional-green

http://www.etsy.com/listing/114597885/hand-made-100-woolen-gloves

Give Etsy a try. There’s still time before Christmas if you don’t go too far across the world for your shopping. The sellers will let you know if they can get it to you by the 25th.  It’s definitely a great place to hang out and shop. Best of all, you get to purchase directly from the talented people who love making their art and are so excited when you buy from them.

                                                                                                                   Have Fun!

Sunday Quote

Let’s Get This Party Started!

I’m in the mood for a give-away and have been trying to think of some fun, entertaining way to make it happen. I would like to get The Janet Brown Studio Facebook page up to 100 “likes.”  If you can help me do that by December 15th you will be eligible to win my 2012 Christmas pillow (the one in the middle down there). It’s screen printed from my original design listing all the wonderful things that we all love during the Christmas holidays.

If you’ve already “liked” the page you are already in the running, but in order to reach the goal of 100 you’ll have to help me by encouraging your friends to like it too by sharing the post (no 100=no winner). The more the merrier. I will put all the names into the random generator and announce the winner by the 16th and mail your pillow to you in time to toss it on your sofa for Christmas.  Follow this link for the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/janetshouseandgarden.

For those of you not on Facebook, stay tuned. There’s something else coming your way. Thanks everyone and good luck!

Happy December, Happy Holidays and Happy Monday!!

Wreath Redux

This year instead of my traditional Christmas wreath of greens, holly, pinecones and a big red bow, I decided to get crafty.

 

Like many things I do, I get inspiration and ideas from somewhere else. I saw this beautiful wreath on the Terrain website.  That’s a real Amaryllis bulb attached to the twig wreath and the nice folks there were offering a how-to.  I love a good how-to and was instantly inspired. I just thought it was a bit too plain for Christmas and if the Amaryllis didn’t bloom at the right time I would be very disappointed. I decided to see what I could do using my own ideas.

 

 

 

 

I crawled up in the attic because I was pretty sure I had an old twig wreath from several autumns ago.  I found it and took it outside where I snipped off the sorry looking dried leaves and seed pods. Then I hosed off the dust and let it dry while I assembled everything I thought I might need.

 

 

 

I love using live things but I also love having my wreath last throughout the season. I went to Michael’s and found this beautiful life-like Amaryllis silk flower and a nice little mix of faux greens. I think it’s kind of like cooking. I don’t do everything from scratch; sometimes I start with a ready-made product and add a little of this and a little of that to make it even better.

 

 

So that’s what I did with my old twig wreath. A little of this and a little of that. Some cut greens from the garden, including some interesting herbs that had gone to seed, bright green florist moss and a few false greens from the store. Most of them tucked in among the twigs and if they wouldn’t stay, I used green florist wire and a dab of hot glue. Pretty darn easy and I think if I didn’t tell you, you might even think I’d gotten an Amaryllis to bloom perfectly in season.

                                                                                        Happy December!!!

 

 

 

I'll be showing my work on these blogs: 

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/

http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/

http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/