For the love of summer

And by that I mean the plants, not me! We are currently having a summer heat wave in South Carolina - and it's not even summer yet. It was 94 degrees today + humidity = 97. All the weather reports say approximately the same for the rest of the week. While I would love to be at the bistro table enjoying the great outdoors, I think I'll be spending this week indoors as much as possible. (Yes, it pained me to admit that!) 

 Meanwhile, the plants are loving the heat. The bhut jolokia peppers are on an incredible growth spurt. I recently re-potted the peppers to bigger containers (within the last two weeks). As you can see from the photos - they may need even bigger containers shortly. I'm so glad they are doing this well - even if the weather is this hot.

The echinacea plants are doing great also! Their height has doubled and numerous buds are waiting to pop. I can't wait to see the fuschia pink variety bloom. They should be beautiful!

The newest addition to my plant family is the citronella plant (citrosa geranium). If you are living in the south, no matter how diligent you are about lighting the citronella candles or dumping standing water, the mosquitos will find you. The plant is my protection from the pests. Meanwhile, it looks great and smells good too. You can rub the leaves and it has the same affect as rosemary - you carry the scent around with you until you wash your hands. 

Last but not least, I wanted to show everyone my bistro table (now with 4 chairs). If the weather ever cools off, this is where you can find me. Now, doesn't this look inviting?

Until next time - Happy gardening and stay cool in the heat (where ever you are)!

Perennial gems

In the plant world, a perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. In comparison, annuals live for a year (or season) as their name implies. It's hard to know exactly what to buy when faced with so many options at the big box stores. If you are looking for temporary color and want to change plants often - look for annuals. But, if you are looking to build on an existing garden or start one - look for perennials.

Do research to see what grows well in your area. The internet is great (of course), but utilize friends and neighbors as well. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you are still stumped, take a trip to a local nursery and ask their advice. They will be able to point you in the right direction and you know they want to make a sale - so they have incentive to help. Also, check with friends/neighbors or even your local community groups (like Freecycle) for seed swaps. Here's a little tidbit of advice to get you started!

I found a list of perennials in Better Homes and Gardens magazine that seem to grow effortlessly and make you look like a real gardening genius. Leave the hard stuff to the experts (until you know more) and reap the rewards this season.

Top 5 No-Fail Perennials
(photos and content from BHG)

HOSTA (2nd, right)
This favorite (Hosta spp., Zones 4-8) makes any shade garden shine. Combinations of different leaf
colors make striking displays.
Their favorites: 'Halcyon' offers outstanding bluish-green foliage;
'Patriot' is a dependable white and
green variegated type.

ASTILBE (top right)
Another dependable shade performer, astilbe (Zones 4-8) needs moist conditions but is undemanding otherwise. The plume-like blossoms brighten any
shady corner of the garden.
Their favorites: Color Flash Lime
astilbe adds another dimension with brilliant chartreuse leaves as well as attractive flowers.

BLACK-EYED SUSAN (3rd, right)
Yellow daisies are yours in abundance with black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia varieties, Zones 4-9). With average
water, summer sun and heat are no
sweat for this stunner.
Their favorites: 'Prairie Sun' is a striking bi-colored variety with orange centers; 'Indian Summer' bears large yellow blooms with dark centers.

DAYLILY (4th, right)
Daylillies (Hemerocallis spp., Zones 3-9), are as tough as they are beautiful. The grass-like foliage frames large flowers available in a rainbow of colors.
Their favorites: 'Ruby Stella', with season-long red blooms on dwarf plants, and 'Persian Market', an award-winning variety with rose-color blooms.

CONEFLOWER (bottom right)
The rugged native (Echinacea purpurea, Zones 4-9) is a rich source of summer color and the seed heads are a great food source for birds.
Their favorites: Orange and yellow Meadowbrite varieties offer new colors beyond the typical purple. 'White Swan' is a beautiful solid-white cultivar.

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment or send me a message. I'm more than happy to help. Until next time - Happy Gardening and have fun playing in the dirt!

Inspiration point

Like all creative personalities, sometimes I find it hard to get motivated. I've been collecting some helpful books that I would like to share.
Artists Journals & Sketchbooks: Exploring and Creating Personal Pages by Lynne Perrella.
This book re-sparked my creative juices (and eventually lead me to participate in the Sketchbook Project). I wish every book could be so packed full of useful information.
1000 Artist Journal Pages : Personal Pages and Inspiration by Dawn DeVries Sokol.
Sometimes all artists need to do is look to their peers for inspiration. (drooling is optional)
Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith.
This book teaches you to find inspiration in the wildest places and to step out of your comfort zone. Crack the spine, tear out the pages - nothing is taboo! Other books of note: "Mess" and "This is Not a Book" and the most recent "Finish This Book."
A Daily Creative Journal: 365 Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life! by Noah Scalin.
From the creator of the wildly popular project Skull-A-Day, Noah gives you a road map for how it's done. A book full of prompts for making something each day of the year and examples of how other people have done it.
The Crafter's Devotional: 365 days of Tips, Tricks and Techniques for Unlocking Your Creative Spirit by Barbara R. Call.
This book also has daily prompts, but it's broken down into categories. Journaling, Recycling, Collections, Personal History, Noncraft Inspiration and for the weekends - Collaborate, Gather and Experiment. Naturally, you could change their order to suit your needs.
Journal Spilling: Mixed-Media Techniques for Free Expression by Diana Trout.
Tips and tricks about paper, mediums and how to just "let go".

I could list several others, but you get the point...find something that works for you and do it. If you are not willing or able to invest in the books - visit your local library. They would be happy to see you!
Oh, one last thing before I go!

Recently, I ran across a post from Real Simple about the 30 Days of Creativity (for June). The details about the project are on the Real Simple website, on Twitter or join up on Pinterest. 

 30 Reasons to participate

• Garner a sense of accomplishment.
• Form a(good) habit.
• Conquer the fear of the unknown.
• Find new friends.
• Solve problems.
• Refine your skillz.
• Experiment with something new.
• Defeat the resistance that’s in your head.
• Save $ by being creative.
• Build your portfolio.
• Motivate friends and family to be creative too.
• Exercise the creativity we’re all born with.
• Overcome writer’s block.
• Utilize the drafting table, DLSR Camera, Guitar you bought years ago.
• Break the monotony of not doing anything creative.
• Make your mom proud.
• Network with other like-minded people.
• Challenge yourself daily.
• Show off and be proud of your creative work.
• Join a creative community.
• Do something free of judgment.
• Move beyond your comfort zone
• Inspire others.
• Get excited about new things.
• Improve time management.
• Eliminate procrastination.
• Have fun.
• Gain self discipline.
• Use this as an excuse to buy a new (camera/screen printer/piano/etc).
• Create stuff you’ve been wanting to do anyway.

Until next time - Happy Creating and never stop looking for inspiration! 

One good cap deserves another

A couple of years ago, I was at a street festival/event in downtown Greer. The weather was pleasant (but bordering on hot) and I was thirsty. I decided to visit the beer garden and have myself a brew. Thomas Creek Brewery was at the event and I tried one of their beers. As I was leaving, one of the servers handed me a bottle cap. It was pre-flattened and had a magnet on the back (for easy display purposes.) This concept sparked my interest. At my house, we enjoy a wide range of beer (import and domestic) and try new ones as often as possible. I decided to start with the Thomas Creek cap and add to the collection as we went along.
I'm proud to say I now have around 50 caps from various breweries. Some companies, like Woodchuck, Sam Adams and Guinness have different caps for different varieties of beer/cider. I purchased a Beer of the Month Club subscription for Scott this past Christmas. Some of these beers had unique caps while others had standard gold ones. And not all of them are beer, BTW. I made sure my daughter was included by adding soda caps from Nehi, Coca-Cola, A&W Root Beer, etc. (They are nicely displayed along the top).
This has proven to be quite an adventure. As a graphic designer, it's nice to see when a brewery is concerned with the entire packaging of their product. (Let's just say...I know which companies have graphic designers and which do not.) Three examples of this are Magic Hat, New Belgium and Smaltz Brewing Companies.

New Belgium - The color combination and the innovative shape of the label on the back get an A+ from me.

Smaltz (He'Brew) - The labels are beautiful and the side has a whole story for each beer. (Can you say copywriter?)

The front of the bottle says Kosher Certified/ Rabi Approved and here he is at the top of the neck.

 

I don't have an example to show for the Magic Hat Brewing Co, but go check out their website - it's interactive. The bottle caps have clever/wacky sayings under each one. They must be having a lot of fun on the job!

As the collection grows, I'll keep you updated. In the meantime, I have a lot of caps waiting to be made into cool crafts. If you have any ideas or if you want to trade some caps - let me know.

Until next time - Happy Memorial Day weekend! Be safe while enjoying your beverages.
You know where I'll be...at the bistro table (which has 2 more chairs added, btw).

Forever in a Nutshell

From L-R starting at the top row: Randy Rhoads, Jim Morrison, Ronnie James Dio, 

Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, John Lennon, Dimebag Darrell, Kurt Cobain and Layne Staley.

This year when the Sketchbook Project 2012 sign-ups started, rock and roll fans were mourning the deaths of two very influential musicians - Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) and Layne Staley (Alice in Chains). 

I have always been a huge music fan. I believe that music can express what you need to say when you can't seem to find the words. It can express your inner most thoughts and feelings - show your pain or your happiness. It's art in musical form. 

Scott and I were listening to the song "Nutshell" by Alice in Chains and talking about how this is Layne Staley in his purest form. Pouring his heart out and begging for help. (He struggled most of his life with drug addiction). Scott had also been learning to play the song on guitar. 

When I looked at the choice of sketchbook themes this year - I spotted a couple I liked right away. I continued down the list, laughing at some and contemplating others...then I read Forever in a Nutshell. It almost seems like the theme was pre-chosen for me this year. I couldn't pass up an opportunity to do this theme and dedicate a page to Layne. Scott agreed.

Some musicians/artists shine so bright while they are here, that they burn out too quick and are gone in the blink of an eye. This was the cause with Randy, Jimi, Janis, Kurt and Layne. Some last longer, but are taken away from us by cancer (in the case of Dio) or by gun-wielding fanatics (Lennon and Dimebag). Several of them found it hard to escape their pasts and their addictions. 

All of the musicians above left a legacy of music that will forever be cherished - Forever in a Nutshell.
Maybe I'll chose to give them a little tribute in my sketchbook also. After all, they deserve it.

Do yourself a favor...take a moment to revisit the music you grew up on (or even the music your parents grew up on). Think about the musicians and the impact they've had on your life.

Until next time - Happy Listening and Rock n'Roll! \m/\m/

In a perfect world

While sitting in the dentist office this past Monday, I had a chance to flip through a Country Living 

and Better Homes and Gardens magazine. During this time of year, the magazines are full of drool-inducing photos for me. I can't help but to be transported straight into the magazine and imagine myself seated at any of those indoor/outdoor spaces. Perfect seating and perfect plants are styled 

in the most perfect arrangements. Even garages have been transformed! 

Photo by Dana Gallagher courtesy of Country Living Magazine

 Garage Turned Garden Shed in Country Living Magazine.

 I would never be able to keep this clean, but it is beautiful...and so stylish.

The link also gives great ideas for storage options in your gardening space.

And don't forget later this year, the Country Living Fair 2011 will be visiting Ohio and Georgia.  

A weekend full of "flea market shopping" with some of the best items up for grabs.

Here are a few other items and websites I've been drooling over this week. 

Photo taken by Holly Becker courtesy of decor8blog.com

Check out Grace Bonney's other photos of "Inspiration + Pretty Things" on Facebook. 

I always find myself intrigued by the Design Sponge site. 

It's a never-ending resource for all things fabulous!

Anthropolgie's website homepage

While in Atlanta for the Sketchbook Project Tour, my friend Jenni asked if I minded stopping at Anthropologie before we headed home. If I would have had ANY idea all the cool things I was going to see...I would have told her to drive faster. This store is so beautifully styled and inviting. 

Go to the website and check out the Fresh Cuts section for deals on some of their lovely items. 

And find a store near you to get the full experience.

Better Homes and Gardens homepage

If you are a practical girl like me, you want to be hip and stylish..but the budget sometimes 

hinders your urges. Never fear - the BHG site is full of very practical options and money saving tips. For instance, when the greenhouse is built, I'll be looking to utilize rain water for the garden. 

The homepage gives a link for making a homemade rain barrel. It might not be the best looking option...but I think I can come up with something to give it a little pazzaz. 

Until next time - Happy web-hunting and magazine drooling! 

That's where you'll find me...or maybe at the bistro table : )

Meatloaf with a twist

It's been a while ago now, but I was making dinner one night and my fiance was talking to his brother on Facebook. Turns out he was making the same dish - meatloaf. He passed on the recipe (which sounded delicious) but it required going to look for a few key ingredients.
He lives in Washington State and I am across the U.S. in South Carolina. So, I was worried the stores here wouldn't carry what I needed. I went to my no fail supermarket chain, Publix. It seems like no matter what I'm looking for...they have it. It can be obscure, international, organic - it's there.
I'm listing the recipe below in hopes you will give it a try. My soon-to-be brother-in-law is quite the cook and I would trust him without question when it comes to food. While I'm at it, I'm going to pass along another cooking nugget he gave to us a few years back. Simple, but oh so good!
Have fun and Happy Cooking!

Meatloaf with a twist (not sure what it's really called)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs of hamburger
1 lb Chirizo
3 large shallots (finely diced)
1 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
Garlic cloves or minced garlic

Glaze
Iron Chef General Tso's sauce & glaze

Preparation:
Smash ingredients together (that's the fun part) and place in pan.
Chop up several garlic cloves (or substitute minced) and cover the top.
Bake for 1 1/2 hours at 325 degrees.
Remove in the last 20 minutes and add glaze.
Place meatloaf back into the oven and cook for the remainder of time.

------------------------------------

Portabello Heaven 
Ingredients: 
Several large portabello mushrooms
Olive oil
Feta cheese
Roma tomatoes
Green onion
Provolone cheese
Salt and pepper

Preparation: 
Dust off mushrooms and turn them on their backs.
Brush with olive oil, making sure to get edges as well as inside.
Spoon feta cheese into the cavity of the mushroom.
Sprinkle with chopped green onion (lightly - this step is optional).
Cut Roma tomatoes and make a ring around the cavity on top of the feta.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Top with provolone cheese and sprinkle lightly again with olive oil.

The preferred method for cooking is on the grill. If you have to do it inside, place mushrooms on a cookie sheet leaving space between each mushroom. Set oven on 375 degrees. Juices will run out of the mushrooms, so be careful when taking them out of the oven. You will be looking for the provolone cheese to be melted and the mushroom to be softer with juice starting to run.

Artisphere 2011

Well, I made it out to Artisphere in downtown Greenville today. The weather was beautiful, with no rain, but extremely hot. Nothing like near summer weather in the south. Fortunately, the art was just as hot as the weather. As promised, here are some pics from the featured artists.

I cannot express how many beautifully talented people there are on this planet. Just when I think I have seen it all - an artist blows my socks off. Today was no exception. When you get a chance, go check out the sculptures by John Petrey. Talk about thinking outside of the box. This guy is simply amazing!

 My friend Jenni has been following the blog of Dolan Geiman for a while. It wasn't until recently that I visited the site and was not disappointed. Even Grace Bonney, founder of Design Sponge, did a feature on his work. Since we didn't get a chance to go to Artisphere together, Jenni told me to go by his tent today and see his work in person. I must say...I was impressed by his work and his unassuming southern charm. This is hands down my favorite piece!

Next up is Aaron Hequembourg from Monticello, GA. His work is made from salvaged wood and materials from sharecropper houses that were on family land. Photography can not do this work justice. Click on his name to see other works.

 

Luis Enrique Gutierrez from Zebulon, NC. Don't let his quite demeanor fool you. There is a world of talented locked up inside of this kid. Look him up, find out where to view his work and go see it!!

 Jeannie Maddox from Dothan, AL. She paints with oil/acrylic producing photo realism.

 Sean Huntington from Bradford, PA. Watercolor tree art in lovely colors (and black and white.)

Conni Togel from Winfield, IL. Her "Sheep Incognito" series is absolutely hilarious! The piece below is entitled "Thinking Inside the Box." Her play on words and the rendering of each piece is priceless.

  

Matthew Hatala from Danielsville, GA. Turned wood!!! Need I say more??

 

Last, but certainly not least is Shawn McCann - Street Painter. I don't think if I had this job, I would get any work done. This guy is so gracious and answers any question (for people young and old).  

View from above

Up close

Hands of the artist (a job where it's fun to get dirty.)

This would be why I love Greenville, SC. This is a 30 minute drive from my house.

Here are a couple of other artist you may want to check out: Bruce Reinfeld from Philadelphia, PA (Photography with a twist) and Brian Becher from Columbus, OH (Glass artist).

As always, if you have any questions - let me know. I realize this blog is long...but I hope you've enjoyed a look into my fabulous day. Until next time - Peace!

Better late than never

I know...it's been a while since I blogged. No, I didn't give up on it. I'm just finding it hard to stay dedicated at times. No excuses from me though. I know how I am. It takes a while to get into a steady pattern. If it makes it up to you...I have some cool things to share : )
First things first. I will be attending Artisphere in downtown Greenville tomorrow. So, you know that means there will be cool pics posted of the featured art. I hope the event was not pounded with rain today like the Battle of the Bands in Spartanburg. We were able to see a few bands before the monsoon started. Guess it goes with this time of year, huh?

Since some of you don't know me. All I can say about my finance is the man loves hot sauce. One entire crisper drawer of my refrigerator is filled to the top with hot sauce. Jalapeno, habanero, chipotle...you name it, it's there. A few months ago, he was able to purchase 2 live pepper plants online. Now, these are not your ordinary pepper plants. They are Bhut Jolokia pepper plants. If you are not familar with the plant, it is the world's hottest pepper. That's right...WORLD'S hottest. He is super stoked that I have not only been able to keep them alive (they are very finicky), but they are flourishing!! (see pic above) It's almost time to re-pot them into bigger containers. I have been wanting a greenhouse for a long time - and it looks like these peppers have sparked my fiance's interest in building me one!! 

Speaking of plant life and the great outdoors...I was able to go Mother's Day weekend and purchase a bistro table and chairs for my back porch. I don't know why it took me so long! There's nothing like sitting on your porch in the sun, taking in the views and listening to the birds chirp. It's a real connection to nature and very calming for me (and the cat)!

I was also able to get a huge packet of Sempervivum. This is also known as “houseleeks” or “hen and chick” plants. They are one of my favorite (and easy to grow) succulents. My echinacea plant is starting to sprout straight up - and I'm starting to see signs of buds. It won't be long and they will be in bloom also. The white dianthus (plumarius) is extremely fragrant and the blooms are beautiful. The climbing rosemary is starting to trail over the sides of the pot.

I could go on and on about this...but I'll stop right here. Just remember, if you have any questions about gardening or are curious about a plant I mention - just let me know. I'll be more than happy to help you out. Until next time...happy gardening and don't forget to go out and support your local artisans whenever possible : )