February 25, 2010

Daydream Believer

Do you daydream? My parents were forever telling me to quit daydreaming. And I’m so glad I didn’t listen. How can a writer become a writer without daydreaming.

I didn’t know it at the time, but my little daydreaming escapes were the start of something wonderful. I could now envision the way something could look and feel. How can I...? What if I...? were now questions with infinite possibilities. Imagine that! And I did.

I grew up in a creative family of singers, musicians, painters, actors and writers. None of us are terribly famous mind you, but many of us have made a pretty good living using our imaginations and God-given talents.

By comparison, my girls are far more industrious and focused than I ever was at their age. A sign of the times? Perhaps. In a world filled with bigger, better, faster... I sometimes wish they would daydream more often. I am forever trying to slow down their world so they have time to just be.

I feel we all need to foster creativity in every capacity...



Images via wherethesidewalkbegins.blogspot.com and designbydelight.blogspot.com

February 17, 2010

Inspiration

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from gazing at one of these quiet sources of inspiration. Okay, maybe a lawyer... or an insurance salesman. But every artist (in any form) draws inspiration from the visual.

This board from designer Barbara Barry reflects her own personal style. She prefers clean lines, a simple color palette and quiet elegance - and her linen-covered board delivers just that. Let's take a peek at some other examples...

Cosmetic guru Bobbi Brown has covered several boards with fashion and beauty photos that resemble large art canvases. I created something similar back in my college days using sturdy cardboard and lots of glue! 

Julie from Shelter Interior Design covers her 'image board' from top to bottom. I like the way she included fabric and wallpaper samples into the mix.

Jennifer at Made by Girl has covered her board with wallpaper so that no matter what she chooses to display (or not display), she'll always have something pretty to look at. You can also try using fabric remnants and sheet music to personalize your board.

Laura from The Order Obsessed, likes to keep things simple and on budget. This is an actual piece of plywood attached to the wall with d-rings. Apparently cork is for sissies. Who knew? Find her complete tutorial here.

Here is a close-up.

The inspiration board in my studio is filled with notes, pictures, postcards and decorative push pins. I fell in love with its gilt frame the first time I saw it in the Ballard catalog. I knew I could probably make something similar, but sometimes a girl has to splurge. I've chosen not to fill every corner so I can change things out more easily.

This collage/inspiration board is a collection of letters and pictures, and serves as a memory keeper. You can check out the original post here.

Here is a close-up.

Some images via traditionalhome.com, shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com, madebygirl.blogspot.com, theorderobsessed.blogspot.com

February 10, 2010

Sweets for the Sweet

When I indulge in dessert, it has to be chocolate! Here are just a few of my favorite recipes you can try for yourself. All tested. All approved.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
1/4 c. dark rum
1/2 c. sugar
2-3 tbsp. lukewarm water
2 egg whites
2 c. heavy cream

Melt chocolate in the top of a double boiler. Cook rum and sugar over a very low heat until the sugar melts (do not let it brown). Add sugar syrup to chocolate (close in temp.). Beat in 2 tablespoons lukewarm water and set aside. Beat egg whites until stiff - whip the cream and then fold the two together. Beat chocolate again if it's thickened and add 1 more tablespoon of water. Fold chocolate into cream and spoon into individual serving dishes or glasses. Chill before serving. You can add some shaved chocolate, fresh whipped cream (beat with a little vanilla), or a strawberry.

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
1/2 pound good bittersweet chocolate (recommended: Lindt)
1/2 pound good semisweet chocolate (recommended: Ghiradelli)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons orange flavored liqueur, optional (recommended: Grand Marnier)
1 tablespoon prepared coffee
1/2 teaspoon good vanilla extract
Confectioners’ sugar
Cocoa powder

Chop the chocolates finely with a sharp knife. Place them in a heatproof mixing bowl.

Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it just boils. Turn off the heat and allow the cream to sit for 20 seconds. Pour the cream through a fine-meshed sieve into the bowl with chocolate. With a wire whisk, slowly stir the cream and chocolates together until the chocolate is completely melted. Whisk in the orange flavored liqueur, if using, coffee, and vanilla. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour.

With 2 teaspoons, spoon round balls of the chocolate mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roll each ball of chocolate in your hands to roughly make it round. Roll in confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, or both. Also try – finely chopped nuts and coconut. These will keep refrigerated for weeks, but serve them at room temperature.
 

MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE
3/4 cup water
1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 heaping tablespoon instant espresso
Pinch salt
2 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, the best quality possible, grated
2 cups whole milk
Vanilla ice cream
Chili powder

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Split the vanilla bean and add to the boiling water. Add sugar, cinnamon, espresso, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 1 minute and add the bittersweet chocolate. Whisk until it gets thick. Add milk and simmer 1 minute. Serve immediately with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkling of chili powder on top.

You may make this ahead and reheat. Make sure to either whisk it or blend it in a blender to make it light and foamy before serving.
 
CHOCOLATE MARTINI
1 1/2 ounces dark chocolate liqueur
1 1/2 ounces chocolate vodka
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1 1/2 coffee flavor liqueur (recommended: Kahlua)

Combine all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty. Strain immediately into the glasses and serve. You can rim the glasses in flavored sugars; cocoa power or espresso powder by dipping a martini glass in a splash of vodka or rimming the glass with cut orange. Tap the glass gently to knock off the extra powder.
 
CHOCOLATE KISS
1 oz. Dark Rum
1 oz. Cognac
1 oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
Top off with hot coffee and fresh whipped cream.
Depending on the size of your mug… serves 1-2 people.

Images via What's Cooking in America

February 4, 2010

The Beauty of Stone

So much about design can be found right outside your back door. The colors and textures offer a myriad of choices. Just look at all of the colors you can see in natural stone. The way the light hits a building or wall, the way the rain deepens those colors, opening up even more possibilities. If you're fortunate to live in a stone house, take a look at its distinctive palette and select a favorite that you can use indoors and out.

This beauty is located on the coast of Maine. The lucky owners have a cute little out building too.

This church watches over one of my favorite neighborhoods in Boston.

Inspired? Then check out some color collections I've put together.

Farrow & Ball London Stone 6, BM Aganthus Green 472,
F&B Buff 20, F&B Stone White 11
F&B Vert de Terre 234, BM Bear Creek 1470,
BM Hancock Green HC-117, Donald Kauffman DKC-10
F&B Down Pipe 26, BM Graytint 1611, F&B Green Blue 84,
F&B Light Blue 22

Some images via House Beautiful