Cozy Comforts

I have been craving a rich, tasty, gooey, yummy mac & cheese...but not the simple, beloved by kids all over, kind from a box. A true, baked with crumbs on top decadent macaroni and cheese casserole. I partially blame the March issue of Bon Appétit magazine that has the most tantilizing dish on the cover...it's been taunting me from my coffee table for weeks.
So I finally gave in and created a scrumptious recipe I found while browsing Epicurious...


...other cozy comforts come in the form of handmade, keep you warm and toasty knitted scarves from schemata. All inspired by tasty treats and handmade by me for a unique addition to your already stylish wardrobe. If you are in the area, stop by The Art Works in Paso Robles to try on any of the scarves from the collection and feel for yourself their soft coziness.

Holiday Tidings

I have been bustling around my house decking the halls and making holiday treats.

In year’s past I have been known to have up to four Christmas Trees up at a time but this year I have kept it to only two. The one room of our house where we gather to play billiards has been adorned with a festive, glamorous and shimmery spectacle perfect for a fun lounge atmosphere.

It’s a more modern spin on holiday décor with a fluffy, shiny silver garland along with some of my hand painted glass ornaments which to me seem like small abstract pieces of process art.

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…and I can’t forget the treats! A recent favorite among my friends and family is fresh homemade marshmallow. I’ve taken it a step further with the addition of our home grown organic almonds and drizzled with dark chocolate; a creation I like to call Craggy Cul de Sac. It also wouldn’t be a homemade delectable from me without the personal packaging to take the gift over the top.

Trick or Treating shouldn't be just for little ones...

Never Grow Up~iPhone Photograph from #Mailart Series Being Human in Time

Apparition ~ iPhone Photograph

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After the little ones have gone to bed and left their coveted stash unattended is the perfect time to raid the booty of all of YOUR favorite sweets along with some extras to add to this delectable cookie...Blowout! This particular cookie has become a yearly splurge ever since my mother gave me a copy of Lee Bailey's Country Desserts. It is what every peanut butter cookie strives to be with the addition of dark chocolate chips, honey roasted peanuts and chopped miniature peanut butter cups (pilfered from the Trick or Treat bucket). And like all the creatures you see on Halloween, don't be surprised if all these cookies disappear overnight.

Summer Blues

So. It's 106 degrees here today and I am focused on cold-weather accessories and holiday decorations...what's wrong with this thought process. I'm an organizer, a devote planner and lover of the perfect presentation~none of which happen at the last minute.

Hence the look ahead at what in a few short weeks will be on everyone's mind~fashionable, unique fall accessories...

I present to you my latest hand knit scarf Blueberry Puree created with a variety of yarns and fibers against a 100% pure Merino Wool body.

 
Speaking of "blueberries", need a tasty accompaniment to your morning coffee? Nothing beats the softness and pure summer flavor of fresh blueberry scones...

 
Okay, back to work now...I have been loading schemata with a rainbow of new hand painted glass cube ornaments...you know, there are only 122 days until Christmas?

How do you take your coffee?

I am a fan of "a great cup of coffee" especially the perfect cappuccino. I will also admit to having developed a wonderful rapport with the ever overwhelmed yet still friendly baristas at the nearest Starbucks. Getting just the right balance of steamed milk to the tasty sweet foam makes all the difference in MY perfect cappuccino.

 
Being Human in This Time and How to be More Productive in This Time-
iPhone Photograph from #Mailart Series

Most days for me though are spent entirely at home, working in my studio-and since the nearest Starbucks is about five miles from my home, running out for a cappuccino is completely impractical. Over about the last ten years I have tried a handful of personal espresso makers, everything from budget friendly to the ones with all the bells and whistles. For whatever the flaw many of these machines simple didn't survive but one still remains and will continue to be my stand-by, tried and true caffeine supplier. The affordable and classic brand of Mr. Coffee has designed an industrial styled, straight forward maker that continues to outperform the others I have tried all for the low price of about $40. The most used small appliance in my kitchen.

While I wouldn't say I am "obsessed" with coffee, I do love my series of coffee cup drawings. Originally designed as a class project years ago this series continues to inspire my exploration of a subject from many styles and concepts.

 
...and what goes perfectly with a great cup of coffee?

Dried Cranberry, Walnut and Lemon Scones

Blood Oranges

A favorite flavor of mine....blood orange. It has a subtle influence of red raspberry combined with the tastiest citrus tang. While the actual fruit is available for a limited season there are many ways to tickle your taste buds with this special offering from the grove.

Blood Oranges-Original Watercolor Painting 14x14 inches (35.56x35.56 cm)

1. Blood Orange Lip Balm by My Little Sunshine 2. Blood Orange Fine Art Photograph by Jennifer Dickerson Photography 3. Blood Orange Jam by Lemon Bird Handmade Jams 4. Blood Orange Loose Tea by The Ivy Keep

Blood Orange Margarita

What you'll need-
One blood orange-cut into wedges
Margarita Salt
A handful of fresh Red Raspberries-both for muddling and garnish
Tequila-amount and brand to your taste
Your Favorite Margarita Mix or Sweet & Sour Mix for a more tart flavor

Salt the rim of your favorite cocktail glass by running the cut wedge of Blood Orange around the lip and dipping in the bowl of Margarita Salt. Drop the orange wedge and about 4 raspberries into the glass, add the tequila. With a muddler, gently press down on the fruit squeezing out the oils from the rind and mixing with the tequila. Top the glass off with crushed ice and fill to the rim with mix. Garnish with a decorative pick of raspberries for snacking.
***Drink responsibly and always designate a sober driver.

Candied Popcorn

Candied Popcorn or Popcorn Balls are something I grew up with at a variety of holidays. Of course Halloween had orange colored popcorn balls or one of my favorites was the Valentine's Day Heart shaped red candied popcorn from grandma. I have no doubt my sister is reading this and asking herself how she is going to get some of that yummy mountain of popcorn she saw me make on twitter. This simple recipe was passed down and it's a coveted family favorite.

 
Candied Popcorn-
2 cups (before popping) Popcorn
1 cup butter
1 1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup Corn Syrup
1 tsp vanilla
Optional: Food Coloring of your choice

Pop the popcorn. Set aside in a large bowl or casserole dish.
In a medium saucepan melt butter. Stir in sugar and corn syrup; while stirring bring to a boil and simmer 3 minutes. Be watchful it will bubble and boil over if you are not attentive.
Remove from heat, add vanilla and if using food coloring stir until well combined.
Pour over popcorn; stir and toss with candy syrup until evenly coated. Now you have a choice of shaping into individual servings and packaging so stylishly or saving the entire batch for yourself to eat out of the bowl you just created it in.

Happy Halloween!