a species of zen masters?

It's not news that I happen to find cats so entertaining, dogs are too, but because we have a cat I'm constantly reminded just how funny cats are. It's also not news that cats do exactly what they want to do, precisely where they want to do. I snapped this photo of a cat doing the one thing that cats the world over adore above all else - napping in a warm (one might say, rather hot) spot.

a perfect spot for a cat-nap!

I caught sight of this slumbering feline in one of Thailand's many night markets. It was already a hot and humid night in the beach town of Hua Hin, and this cat found the additional warmth underneath this jewelry stall's bright lights to be a perfect spot for her nap.  Never mind the glass display boxes weren't soft, this cat was after some heat. I think she found what she was looking for!

One would never guess from the look on this cat's face - it's a look of complete calm and total relaxation - that this night market was packed shoulder-to-shoulder full of hot and sweaty people. Don't you think that cats have the zen-like ability to let everything around them disappear and just "be"?

a whisper-like softness

You might remember the recent blog post, "a growing to-do list" where I photographed 2 new yarns I purchased. Happily, I've had a little free time this weekend, and I started a new project with 1 of the 2 new yarns. I'm using the "Sand" colored yarn that is such a delightful blend of mohair and silk. It is unbelievably light and airy. I'm using my size 8 bamboo needles and using the exact same stitch pattern I described in the "persimmon blanket" post. This "Sand" project is going to be a wrap or a scarf - depending on how much yarn I end up having! I'm not using a "real" pattern, but rather just knitting and waiting to see what ends up being created. This yarn, in this most gentle color, makes for such whisper-like softness!  I love how understated the color is. Don't you think this subtle hue really accentuates the delicate lace pattern?

a close up of my newest knitting project

this airy lace pattern is, to me,
quite timeless

light and reflections

Today we saw the temperature climb just a few degrees resulting in the most magical of icicles.  They adorn every overhang and stoop, adding their diamond-like sparkle to a winter evening.

how can ice glow so warmly?

flowerful Friday

It's friends that can get anyone through a rough patch, don't you think?  J.P. has been one of those people in my life that I just can't bare the thought of not having with me.  I think we've witnessed each other grow by leaps and bounds.  And, even though we now live miles and miles apart, I know she's there.  She surprised me with the most cheery selection of flowers recently.  They instantly put a smile on my face and these happiest of colors remind me of her.  

Happy Friday to you!

what a happy mix!

misty mountain top

Sometimes that old saying that a picture can speak a thousand words is so true. I took this a few years back in Vail. Photographically speaking, it's probably not the best picture ever; it's too dark up front.  But, there's something about this photo I love - the way it takes me back, instantly.  In person, the panoramic view was breath-taking. Layer upon layer of misty mountain top unfurled everywhere we looked. This image captures the tiniest iota of the beauty that surrounded us as we took it all in that evening. 

Vail
August 2007

Looking at a photo like this is, for me, the easiest way to take a long rather hard day and instantly relocate my mind to a more peaceful, more happy moment.  

herbs de kitchen countertop

A love for gardening is in my DNA.  This genetic predisposition, coupled with the very happiest of childhoods spent alongside my mom among her flowers and veggies, makes it's safe to unequivocally say: I adore gardening. To me, there aren't too many things that beat having my hands in the soil and tending to my garden, well except maybe eating some freshly picked treasure, maybe like an heirloom tomato that is so perfectly composed of both flavor and juiciness. Oh, I get excited just thinking about it! I live in a state where I spend 1/2 the year in the garden and 1/2 the year dreaming about my garden. And, obviously, I'm in the middle of the latter right now. 

Growing a few herbs on the kitchen countertop this winter has been one of those "little things" in life that this blog is all about. It's brought a small, healthy dose of garden freshness to my winter kitchen. I don't have many herbs, just three - bay, chives, and thyme. And in the interest of full disclosure, at 1st there were 4, but alas, my rosemary didn't survive long inside. That's okay though. I'll happily take the 75% success rate. When the temperature began to drop, maybe in late October or so, I just dug up these herbs and placed them (most lovingly, I have to admit) into their new homes - ceramic pots. The herbs seem quite content indoors and other than the dearly departed Miss Rosemary, are thriving.

The simplest of joys, to me, is to cut a few sprigs of thyme to throw into a dinner. It's such a small act, but it brings about so much satisfaction. Tell me, isn't this thyme beautiful? And, look at the shadow it casts on the wood cabinet. Have you ever seen such a delicate form? 

thyme & chives

delicate, practically
ethereal thyme

monochromatic polychrome

This winter, I've been so loyal to 2 grey wool sweaters - one is thick and dark grey & one is thin and light grey. They are both cozy and soft, and I've oh so appreciated them on cold days as they've kept me warm. But, bright colors have been on my mind lately. As January is coming to an end, I'm getting more and more excited for the return of color and the vibrancy of spring.  

I've received lots of catalogues lately - both clothing and gardening.  It's funny how even though all of these various companies are selling completely different products, they are selling the exact same idea - the idea that it's time for COLOR!  

As I kid I remember thinking how cool of a job it would be to be the person to name crayon colors. Actually, I think that would still be a pretty great gig.  I think, maybe, I've always been kind of color oriented. So, I put together some photos all of which are rather monochromatic, with 1 dominate color.  Don't you think that when viewed together, they make for a rather delightful, polychrome display?  

 colbalt evening sky
making a beautiful city 
even more so - Venice

a humble vegetable stand 
with rich emerald greens - Bangkok

cool violet mums
each petal is perfection!

fuschia bougainvillea
 paper thin petals 
bravely withstanding the tropical sun

the warmest of orange-y gold leaf
an amazing sight to behold
Reclining Buddha - Bangkok

canary doesn't sum up how
sublime this yellow is...
what would you name
this shade?

3 artists, 3 women

I thought it might be a welcome addition to an otherwise ordinary Monday to take a look at some beautiful art.  Personally, I thoroughly enjoy visiting museums whenever I can.  It might go without saying, but I think art is fascinating on so many levels - the pure talent, the choice of colors, the use of forms and lines, the corresponding history, the incorporated symbolism - just to name a few.

Here are some impressively colorful pieces of art that I've snapped at museums (no flash, of course!). Though each is painted by a Frenchman of roughly the same era (in order of the photos: Matisse 1869 - 1954, Lautrec 1866 -1901, and Degas 1834 - 1917), each is a completely different portrayal of a woman. Don't you think that each artist's use of color is so unique and conveys so much?  

a Matisse at Musee de l'Orangerie in Paris...
I adore these colors!

a close-up of a Toulouse Lautrec -
isn't the light amazing?

a Degas at the Art Institute in Chicago -
subtle and beautiful

One of my favorite parts of taking photos of art in museums is having access to all of the exquisite creations on my computer so I can really remember what I saw.  I like to set up a screen-saver and just sit back and have the art right here with me.  It's a great way to bring some beauty into my everyday routine. 

popcorn perfected

This popcorn is nothing less than amazing.  It's my rendition of the popcorn served in lieu of bread at Graham Elliot: http://www.grahamelliot.com/.  Chicago is full of incredible restaurants, and this is one of my favorites - super creative and delicious food without an ounce of pretension.  Every time I've eaten there I was able to experience something completely new.  Graham Elliot's popcorn was so delectable, and I knew pretty much immediately after tasting it the first time that I would have to try my hand at making it at home.  My version turned out to be so close to the real deal - I couldn't be more pleased with the delicious results!

Here's what you'll need:
good popcorn (I like making mine on the stove top)
just a little canola oil to pop the corn with
chopped chives
grated Parmesan cheese
truffle oil
Kosher salt
coarsely ground black pepper

Basically, all you need to do is make your popcorn, add your dry ingredients and then drizzle with the truffle oil.  The end result is the most flavorful popcorn you can imagine.  Give it a try - I promise you won't be disappointed!

the ingredients

amazingly delicious truffle oil

the end product...
this picture doesn't do it justice!

light and reflections

We celebrated my mom's birthday this evening.  There's no happier light than that of birthday candles!

happy birthday Mom!

and a special toast for you

flowerful Friday

There's something about orchids that is so incredibly elegant.  Each stem is like a graceful ballerina's arm reaching and bending with an uncommon air and lightness.  My mom and dad recently gave this orchid to me.  I love the color and how when the light hits each petal the delicate lines appear in a lace-like pattern.  

a beautiful bend

with vibrant color

and lace-like details

tranquil Delphi

There's a lot going on for me today, so I think it's a good day for a photo that exudes tranquility.  I captured this beautiful prospect in Dephi, Greece a few years ago.  This was the view from my hotel room - not bad, right?!  I'll be taking this image with me throughout the day.  The water in the distance is the Corinthian Gulf.  Aren't those colors so peaceful?  What a memory for me!  I hope you enjoy the view too...

lovely Delphi

candid in Cordoba

I love it when I can capture a "real-life" scene while on vacation.  I took this picture in Cordoba, Spain this past November.  I remember hearing the bikes, turning around, and quickly snapping this with my camera.  I feel so lucky that the photo turned out.  These two kids, probably on their way home from school, were as cute as cute can be.  Check out the little girl's eye glasses - coordinating perfectly with her Adidas track pants.  Throw in those pigtails, and what a look...love it!  I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two.  I wonder what kind of delicious treat was waiting for them at home...

hurry home!

chocolate almond brownies

Brownies are my go-to baking choice mostly because they're so easy.  And for me, when making brownies adding nuts is a must.  I love how they add crunch and just a little bit of different flavor.  I really am partial to almonds and they're the perfect addition to a pretty traditional brownie recipe.  I've tweaked a brownie recipe that I came across a few years ago and I think the result is so very good - these are the moistest brownies ever!  


Ingredients:
2 sticks unsalted butter
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate
2 cups sugar
1tsp good vanilla extract
5 eggs
2/3 cup flour
1/3 cup good cocoa powder & about 1T for dusting pan
pinch of salt
1 cup roughly chopped almonds

Preheat oven to 350F, butter & dust a 13x9 pan.  Over lowish heat melt your butter and chopped chocolate, until smooth.  Stir in your sugar, vanilla & eggs.  In a separate bowl combine your flour, cocoa powder & salt.  Take your dry ingredients and whisk into your wet ingredients until all combined.  Add the almonds & stir.  Pour and spread into your pan, bake for 25-30 minutes.  Wait to cool and enjoy.  I hope you give them a try!

a few of the ingredients

almonds and chocolate - not a bad combo

ready to enjoy
with a little whipped cream

winter's beauty

In winter, I sometimes get caught up in wishing for days filled with warm sunshine and colorful blooms.  Winter colors are more understated than the bright burst of springtime blossoms, less vibrant than summer's intense greens, and more muted than autumn's radiant golds and rusts - but don't you think that winter offers up it's own brand of beauty?  Winter excels in subtly expressing its allure. 

Recently I was able to go for a nice long walk, and I brought my camera along.  Even on an overcast and cold day, it wasn't hard to find winter's beauty.

the paper from a birch,
surprisingly soft

little pine cones nestled in between
needles and snow

snow capped hydrangeas

a lovely winter palette -
ombre sky

  

roasted chicken plus 3

One of my favorite dinners to cook, especially in the winter is roasted chicken.  It never ceases to amaze me just how tender, juicy, and flavorful the meat is - so much better than boring chicken breasts!  I bought a 7lb. bird for the two of us, and we thought we'd see just how many dinners we could make from 1 chicken. 

Dinner #1 - Roasted chicken - a lemon half in the cavity for extra juiciness, garlic inside and underneath the skin, and thyme throughout.  So delicious!

juicy chicken full of flavor

Dinner #2 - Grilled panini wrap with chicken breast, cayenne black beans, Wisconsin cheddar and a cucumber yogurt sauce - a really great contrast between hot and cool.

spicy black beans with cool cucumber sauce

Dinner #3 - Rigatoni with chicken, grilled asparagus, Greek olives, and parmesan cheese.  A simple dinner with a nice glass of wine is almost always my favorite.

chicken, asparagus, olives
and rigatoni = a perfect combo!

Dinner #4 - Carrot and ginger soup made with chicken stock.  I used 1 potato and 1 sweet potato to give the soup some thickness, and to my surprise, no cream was needed.  Sprinkled with chives for the perfect topping.

savory and sweet - so nice a cold night

Kind of hard to believe that at the core of each of these meals is one $7 chicken!

light and reflections

Light a candle, make an intention.  Sometimes the simplest of votive candles can cast the most charming glow.

warm and golden

Take a step back and see the eclectic votive arrangement surrounding a mercury glass vase.

an illuminating glow

flowerful Friday

Friday is here, and I have some beautiful white hydrangeas for you!  I am usually very partial to colorful flowers because they're so cheery looking.  But don't you think there is also something so nice about clean, white flowers and how they "go" with everything?  I bought these last week and love how they are both airy and full. 

lovely hydrangeas

petals like a million layers

remembering the Alhambra

Recently I was lucky enough to be able to see the magnificent Alhambra in person.  This Moorish masterpiece is located in the jewel of a city, Granada.  Do you know how everything is starting to look more and more similar?  KFC's in Bangkok, McDonald's in Paris, Starbucks just about everywhere.  To me, when I get to see something completely unique (or at least completely new to me) I find it pretty exciting.  This is one of the reasons why the Alhambra was amazing - I had never seen anything like it before.  I don't really believe in "must-see"/"must-do" lists because everyone has their own sense of what a vacation should be, but if you're interested in history, architecture, gardens, or really delicious food then Granada would be a perfect destination, and perched on top of a hill within Granada is the Alhambra.  

Prints have been my favorite souvenir lately.  It's such a nice way to have a lasting reminder of trips.  I recently framed two prints I bought in Granada.  I think these small prints perfectly capture the beautifully intricate details that cover practically all of the surfaces within the Alhambra.  I love the dark blue and white - don't you think this simple color palate makes the ornate lines pop?

the 2 images - details from the Alhambra

amazingly intricate

details upon details

There are places I've been that even before I leave I already know I'll be back.  Granada and the Alhambra are 2 of those places.  

dancing queens and kings

It isn't yet near winter's end, and I'm starting to miss the vibrant colors of summer.  Last summer, on a warm and sunny day with bright light shining down on everything it touched, I saw a magical scene straight out of a dream world.  On that seemingly ordinary day, I stumbled across a spot where dozens and dozens of butterflies were feeding on little white puffy flowers.  I was surrounded by these amazing creatures.

Never had I seen so many monarchs in one place - gentle wings delicately dancing until each butterfly grasped onto their own little pillow-like flower.  It was if these orange, white and black beauties had choreographed their enchanting dance as they floated and fluttered from flower to flower.  Once the butterflies latched on to their chosen bloom, their wings slowed down to a stand-still as if slowing down allowed them to fully enjoy the sweet floral nectar. 

three feasting monarchs

I know once summer is here again, I will be looking forward to seeking out this same spot in search of these dancing beauties.

crispy kale

We've been eating a lot of baked kale this winter and happily enough, we're still enjoying it.  Baked kale is like the potato chip's healthy cousin.  It's so tasty and crisps up so nicely.  For those of you who've had it before, you know what I'm talking about.  For those of you who haven't tried it, I highly recommend it.  It's delicious, crispy, and just happens to be really good for you.  

It's super easy to make - preheat oven to 300, wash and dry the kale, cut into small pieces (I use scissors to cut it into chip size pieces), remove any hard center stems, pat to dry removing any excess water, drizzle with a decent amount of olive oil and sprinkle with Kosher salt, and lastly, bake in the oven for about 20 - 30 minutes, turning the kale once.  Once cooked thoroughly, the kale transforms into delicate leafy chips ready to be enjoyed one crunchy bite at a time.  

leafy kale ready for the oven

crispy kale, deliciously delicate

We've tried both green and red kale and think the red kale varieties crisp up better.  Hope you give it a try - I think you'll love it too!  

a growing to-do list!

I bought a few new yarns recently, adding to my knitting "to-do" list.  I can't seem to just have 1 knitting project at a time.  I adore both of these fibers so much already!  They are so different from each other, but at the same time, I think they compliment each other so beautifully.  I wish you could reach out and touch both yarns!  

The greenish yarn is Rowan's Cotton Glace in "Dijon".  It has a lovely sheen for cotton, and I'm planning on making a netted shopping bag/tote from this yarn.  The pinkish yarn is amazing to the touch - as light as a feather and almost dreamlike!  It's as soft as it looks and is completely non-itchy.  This yarn is Madil's Kid Seta, a 70% Super Kid Mohair / 30% Silk blend in "Sand".  I think it will make a heavenly cowl or wrap.  

Now I just need to make time for these 2 projects!  I'll post pictures along the way.

2 completely different fibers

cotton with a polished sheen

kid seta - lofty and delicate