s p r i n g

yes, it is really here, happy days...

Thanks Heart Zeena & My Owl Barn!

I am one of the lucky winners of the Heart Zeena giveaway on My Owl Barn's blog! It arrived in the mail yesterday all the way from London. Of course it was delightfully packaged from the fun bird and heart tape on the outside, to the red striped bag inside with the prizes and pretty hand written card. I am SO excited to have won the sweetest owl pillow and a little lavender heart sachet! Thanks Zeena and Shivani!!

Now that I've reached my 200th post, and with this reminder of how much fun it is to win something, I'm inspired to do another giveaway of my own. Check back soon for more details!

Yellow & Orange

a few of my most recent finds from the flea market in Fort Collins and shops in Florence...

Takito lustreware condiment caddy (missing the mustard spoon)

my new favorite espresso cup made by Termo Rey in Brazil

fondue!

Dinner

all organic but the olive -- turkey bacon, soft boiled eggs and avocado on a bed of lettuce and red pepper

blood orange mimosas

Fort Collins

photo from previous trip to Fort Collins 11/2010

This week:
- installation of 160 ceramic masks at FCMOA
- reuniting with friends
- drinking microbrews one night, sangria the next
- pain perdu at Lucille's

More VERA!

plus a neat Echo pear scarf

Chipotle Beef Tacos

slow cooked organic local beef, onion, garlic, tomato and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce...

plus cilantro, radish, cabbage wrapped in corn tortillas = delicious!

Happy First Day of S P R I N G

More Granola

Thanks, Chrissie, for another delicious addition to my granola recipes!

(I used fewer cranberries and more almonds than the recipe... because I love almonds! So tasty on plain lowfat organic yogurt.)

Maple Cranberry Granola

3 cups oatmeal
2 cups dried cranberries
Handful of almonds
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup pure maple syrup

Mix together in a large bowl. Transfer onto a large baking sheet. Bake at 325 degree for 35 minutes, stirring once half way through, until browned and crispy. Allow to cool completely on tray before packaging. This keeps it crunchy! Store in an airtight container.

green

asters 2010

Happy Day!

Talk about brightening my day! I received this box filled with all sorts of delightful treasures that I can't wait to play with!!! THANK YOU, Sarah. Good luck with your little chicks -- they are adorable!

Orange Tulip Petals

Ides of March

Remembering the Poppies

June 2010

One of my first indications spring is almost here -- poppies!
Right now I see little green leaves poking out ... can't wait to see the soft, ephemeral flowers.

Masks 2011

currently working on Masks design and, soon, installation at FCMOA

Johnny Appleseed Day

photo of Mark juggling apples, taken by Sara 9/2010

Johnny - a vegetarian, opposed to violence, wore old, used clothes
introduced apple trees in Ohio
"His was a strange eloquence at times, and he was undoubtedly a man of genius."

Asian Market Finds

delicious pudding filled marshmallows

my favorite -- kiwi gummies

mmmm.....


Asian Pacific Market: 615 Wooten Road, Colorado Springs, CO
****excellent!!!

Have You Coddled an Egg?

How I coddled my egg:
broke a fresh egg gently into a buttered ceramic cup
added a little cream, chopped hard salami, salt & pepper
placed into a larger casserole dish
poured hot water around the cup into surrounding dish until 2/3 of the way up
covered and placed in oven preheated to 350 degrees for about 10 minutes

serve hot with buttered toast

To Keep My Wrists Warm

Still chilly in Colorado...
so these help keep my fingers warm on the keyboard/mouse while I browse my favorite blogs, NYTimes and work on my graphic design projects.

Thanks to sweet K for making me these fabulous wrist warmers! They are so comfy, so soft, so cozy, so cute :)

I m p r e s s i o n s

My creative mother kindly sent me rubbings of her mother's scrapbook, postcards and silverware. They are so beautiful, I had to share them!

tissue paper + graphite + patience = lovely ways of sharing and preserving your family history

* thanks mom *

Happy Happy 3rd of March!

Spring Items from the Springs Area