mo*tif

Lunch

2012-01-31T08:43:00.002-07:00

garlic organic chicken on salad with homemade parmesan biscuit

threw together some garlic, bok choy and an egg -- when cooked, added some organic free-range chicken broth -- when simmering I added the rice noodles I had just cooked, topped with some fresh scallions and a splash of soy sauce -- perfect fast homemade ramen noodles!

S's cranberry tuna salad on lettuce with balsamic vinaigrette and some thin pepper crackers for crunch

what do you make for your go-to healthy and fast homemade lunch?

Breakfast

2012-01-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

cranberry orange almond muffins

oatmeal with my favorite toppings: dried sour cherries, walnuts and brown sugar

organic Brown Cow maple yogurt with pecans

what's your favorite breakfast?

Jasper Necklace

2012-01-24T09:26:00.001-07:00

jasper (and other stones, like agate) necklace for Fran

Pad Thai How To

2012-01-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

inspired by Kate's Pad Thai, I made a quick version and snapped a shot before assembling -- delicious!

(garlic and fish sauce are a must)

Nap Perfection

2012-01-22T09:48:00.003-07:00

Feather Earrings

2012-01-20T13:43:00.003-07:00

just for fun!

Our Sushi

2012-01-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

We had fun with smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber and sprouts!
A yummy & healthy dinner by candlelight.

Campfire Cookery

2012-01-16T16:01:00.002-07:00

What a delightful book! I assumed it would be a fun cookbook, but it is filled with many more clever insights like:
- elementary stargazing and orienteering
- tarot card and tea leaf reading
- ghost stories
- interesting information on the "true" marshmallow
- fishing lure & lore
- how to whittle away
- how to build a fire and more....

With whimsical writing like "Oh, sublime magnificence! Would one dare to eat such a peach?" or "To quiet one's cantankerous belly in the peckish hours before the evening meal, one can do no better than these nibbles; we also find that children flock, as if following the Pied Piper, to the tartine table." Who wouldn't want this book? I love it!

mo*tif on etsy: 2 year anniversary

2012-01-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for your continued support!

more to come in the etsy shop...

if you need a handmade gift right away, remember to stop by the Fort Collins Museum of Art gift shop
at 201 South College Avenue in CO.

Medicinal Plant Images

2012-01-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

Liquidambar styraciflua, a photo by Missouri Botanical Garden on Flickr.

My Idea of Heaven

2012-01-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

My idea of heaven on earth would be to take off during the summer in one of these lovely vintage treasure-filled caravans. I would lounge, read books, play games, rock hunt, cook minimal yet tasty meals, and just be present in that sunlight. To find out more about this amazing book, click here.

Little Joys in the New Year

2012-01-08T11:19:00.001-07:00

I found a Georgia O'Keeffe calendar on sale and fell in love. I really enjoy transferring all of my info, birthdays, and other things into my new calendar each year. I also have a new camera that I am having so much fun with! No more dead pixels in my images and now I have many more options. Love it -- thanks Corey! Here are a few photos from around my studio.

Christmas Cactus Flower

Geranium Flower Buds

Old Fashioned Romantic

2012-01-06T09:04:00.002-07:00

'Madmen' Style Server

2012-01-05T15:41:00.001-07:00

See more photos here.

Perfect for entertaining 'Madmen' style! This vintage caddy works great for condiments, relishes, even mixed nuts or candy. It spins like a lazy susan with four glass dishes that are removable for easy cleaning. An elegant metal handle leads to the chrome stand with a pretty piece of walnut at the base.

Cappuccino & Treats

2012-01-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

Salty caramel chocolate bars, cookie, biscotti and a capp from the delicious and cute Little Bird Bakeshop in Fort Collins -- a must!

Food Photography

2012-01-02T13:13:00.001-07:00

a healthy organic chicken asparagus stir fry with rice noodles

a fun New York Times article on photographing food

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Wishing you and yours a safe yet fun, healthy and happy New Year!

Mimosa with thin pepper crackers

New Year's Day hike in Garden of the Gods, view of Pikes Peak

Random glasses of champagne

How to make a terrarium

2011-12-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

a very cool DIY video from Sprout Home via Design Sponge

I plan to attempt this in 2012!

What projects do you have planned for the New Year?

Embroidery Fun

2011-12-30T08:50:00.005-07:00

Here are a couple Christmas gifts I made this year. (I also made, but didn't get photos of, one with paw prints instead of hands, and another with an outline of Hawaii with a sea turtle, dolphin, flowers...).

Dude, where's my car?

2011-12-28T09:27:00.002-07:00

I usually don't use my blog for very personal posts, but I feel the need to this time.

I'm really upset because my car was stolen! I parked and locked it in our driveway Monday night. The next day, it simply wasn't there. Gone. I am very much hoping some kid took it for a joy ride and someone finds it abandoned soon. But when I found out older Hondas are some of the most stolen cars -- for their parts -- I am losing hope that I'll ever see Lulu again. So very sad. What a horrible Christmas present.

German Inspired Christmas Dinner

2011-12-26T16:10:00.002-07:00

our holiday dinner:

roasted brussel sprouts, cornbread, red kraut, cuke & onion salad, spätzle, and sausage from Yauk's

followed up with mom's rum cake

was all so delicious!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T12:50:00.001-07:00

Tis the season for family, friends, laughter, love, staying up late to play board games, gift giving, baking, fun in the snow, decorating and eating too much no matter how hard you try not to!

cookies: lime meltaways, cranberry walnut, pecan walnut lace

with more walnut honey cake

a walk through the snow in Fort Collins to see friends...

~ many warm wishes to you & yours ~

Early Winter Solstice Celebration

2011-12-19T17:12:00.001-07:00

light candles, exchange gifts, laughter and good food....

fireplace with a yule log? maybe next year

Embroidery Hoop Art

2011-12-18T14:31:00.001-07:00

Dinner & Holiday Crafts

2011-12-17T18:08:00.002-07:00

chicken, carrots, blue potatoes and red cabbage cooked in dutch oven

merry holiday cardmaking with thread and stamps

Holiday Cookies

2011-12-16T11:24:00.001-07:00

The Divinity and Pecan Sandies are our favorites, but they are all delicious.

What a treat! Thanks, Mom!!!

Roasted Vegetables

2011-12-15T21:15:00.003-07:00

parsnips, rutabaga, potato, carrots, brussel sprouts with olive oil and garlic at 400 for 40 minutes -

delicious with homemade biscuits!

Happy 12.12.11

2011-12-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

What are your plans for the holidays? Have you decorated your house .... made cookies .... found a special gift for a special someone? I'm certainly working on all above!

(thanks mom for the cute red bird ornaments! and thanks Michelle for the beautiful glasses!)

I'll be back in a few...

2011-12-06T22:17:00.001-07:00

Bullet & Crystal Earrings

2011-12-04T12:11:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a new collection of glass jewelry for FCMOA's gift shop (re-opening during the upcoming Chihuly exhibition). But I needed to get my creative juices flowing again so I made a pair of found object earrings for myself...

Playing Catch-Up

2011-12-02T11:54:00.001-07:00

December is already a busy month, but add to that all the catching up

I need to do after being on vacation and I'm exhausted ... yet there is still so much to do!
(Kimber, if you are reading this, email me your address so I can send you the mix cd: morganpfaelzer at gmail dot com)

Denver Botanic Gardens, 11/2011

Trip to Santa Fe

2011-11-29T10:20:00.001-07:00

I took a trip to Santa Fe with my mother for a very special Thanksgiving, here are some photos...

Paused to take in the grandeur of the Palisades Sill on the way to Taos.

Santa Fe public library green window and the shops/buildings in the downtown area...

We made two trips to the O'Keeffe Museum on Friday.

One of the oldest houses built ~1646 is next to one of the oldest churches, the San Miguel Mission.

inside San Miguel

The Kagyu Shenpen Kunchab Buddhist Center and Bodhi Stupa; I wish we could have gone inside, but they were closed on Thanksgiving day.

We stayed at the Santa Fe Hostel -- good people, awesome kitchen and food, which made up for having to seriously clean our room before feeling at home. I suggest upgrading to get your own bathroom! The staff were generous and cooked a delicious and healthy meal to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Breakfast at the Counter Culture is a must! (and stop by the book store and other shops next door, plus the Hospice Thrift Store just up the block) Lunch at the Shed is about an hour wait, but delicious once you make it in! (strategy: put your name on the list, walk around the Plaza, come back in 45 minutes and get a buzzer so you'll be seated within 10-15 minutes)

I am always looking to experience donuts like the Doughnut Plant in NYC, so when I saw the write up for Whoo's Donuts in THE, I had to try a couple. My favorite was the Candied Orange with Apricot Glaze filled with Cardamon Cream donut (I ate too fast to take a photo of). The lemon pistachio white chocolate was awfully tasty and if you are looking for dessert, the pecan bourbon cream filled donut was something else. Still not as perfected as the NYC donuts, but still very good (coming from someone who doesn't really like donuts).

Saturday we spent most of the day near the railyard at the Flea Market, Farmers Market...

I bought these vintage embroidered napkins at the Flea Market.

Agitated Histories at SITE Santa Fe was interesting. I had seen Daniel Joseph Martinez's Divine Violence at the Whitney Biennial, but enjoyed seeing it again. (Sam Durant's neon in front)

Detail of Deborah Grant's Suicide Notes to Self at SITE.

Yummy salad and fish/chips to go with the Imperial Porter and the Cream Stout at the 2nd Street Brewery.

On the way home, we stopped in Pecos at the Hummingbird Cafe. If you have a chance, its delightful -- live music, astrologer, homemade pie and 'jars of things'.

Raton Pass

Just Launched

2011-11-21T16:51:00.001-07:00

Check out GFT Books, a website I helped design!

Celebrating Two Years!

2011-11-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Today marks the second year since I started posting to my blog. Thank you to all my lovely readers, followers and supporters! I would like to celebrate by making you a mix cd. Want one? Just leave a comment below by November 21st.

Thank you Fine Line & Jealous Curator!

2011-11-14T16:12:00.001-07:00

I am the lucky winner of four beautifully curated fine art magazines called Fine Line from the Jealous Curator's giveaway. As close as you can get using print, these magazines are like walking into a fascinating little gallery filled with delicious and thought provoking art. What a joy getting this package in the mail today! I will treasure them forever.

from Fine Line's website: "Fine Line presents only images and text - ideas without definition, questions without answers. It is curated for the viewer's consideration and becomes a tangible guide to a thought, moment or expression. Somewhat like a deep breath, a pause in the daily go, Fine Line Magazine creates a space to stop and consider the moments that make up our lives."

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2011-11-11T12:14:00.001-07:00

This was so easy and delicious! I just threw together a basic chicken soup in the slow cooker and when I got home for dinner, added avocado, cilantro, pepper, tomato, squeeze of lime juice and freshly toasted corn tortillas. Warm, soothing, yet still a touch of summer...

My Mistakes

2011-11-09T11:40:00.002-07:00

I am obsessed with this song, this album and this awesome girl!

How to Stay Warm in November:

2011-11-07T19:02:00.003-07:00

Make your own dry adobo spice mix,

(roasting the cumin seeds and using a mortar & pestle to grind it)

while wearing a heavy sweater... whew!

Happy Friday!

2011-11-04T11:08:00.000-06:00

some artifacts, books and rocks in my studio that I find calming and love to examine

Thrift Store Review: Foothills Flea Market

2011-11-03T13:01:00.001-06:00

The Fort Collins Foothills Flea Market is one of my favorite places to get lost in. A large building with many stalls and all different kind of vendors and prices. There is always some fabulous find here -- happy rummaging!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T18:11:00.002-06:00

pumpkin lights with snakes

a spider with candy corn

black wreath on door (front & back view through window)

Last Harvest of the Season

2011-10-31T16:34:00.000-06:00

birdhouse gourds

blue potatoes

(which are so exciting to dig for and find!)

kale

Greenville, SC

2011-10-30T13:29:00.000-06:00

Of course, after I get home from a trip, I always wish I had taken more photos. I certainly took plenty of our walk around Falls Park in beautiful Greenville, SC. However, I wish I had more to show of Corey's solo exhibition at Furman University, our delicious dinner at Soby's and our quick trip to vibrant Asheville, NC. We met so many lovely people, ate good food, and are grateful to have seen the gorgeous autumn colors covering the hills. We are happy to have missed the first big snowfall of the season in Colorado and come home to blue sky and sun!

Calder Inspired

2011-10-24T15:21:00.000-06:00

What an inspiring man, artist and book ...

now I need an anvil and more brass wire!

Evening Sky

2011-10-21T11:03:00.000-06:00

hope you have a beautiful weekend

Vintage Schlitz Ads

2011-10-20T15:49:00.000-06:00

came across these great ads when researching a vintage 1970 Schlitz beer can I found at a thrift shop

My 301st Post!

2011-10-19T19:24:00.003-06:00

Celebrated with a lovely breakfast: homemade scone and coffee
while reading my new Design*Sponge book!

Girl Time

2011-10-17T14:12:00.002-06:00

delightful lavender lime martinis and desserts on a sunny fall day at Shuga's

Harvest

2011-10-14T11:20:00.002-06:00

beets

radish | serrano | ukranian purple | early girl

my first green pepper! (with a jalapeno, basil and early girl tomato)

Seasonal Gnocchi

2011-10-12T11:31:00.001-06:00

seasoned with homemade pesto and chorizo, served with beet greens, turnips and carrots

birthday gifts

2011-10-10T12:49:00.000-06:00

kitty portrait + kitty cup + chocolate = fabulously perfect birthday gifts

HUGE THANKS to all of you who helped me celebrate my birthday (all throughout September -- wow!).
I am so lucky to have you all in my life!

tomatoes!!!

2011-10-08T11:15:00.000-06:00

... these are all now inside

because this is happening outside...

ugh, snow already?

Vintage Trading Cards

2011-10-07T12:02:00.000-06:00

I love these beautiful little treasures found in Florence, CO.

Ricotta Pancakes with Orange Zest

2011-10-05T10:50:00.001-06:00

I found a Martha Stewart recipe, but the reviews weren't stellar, so I decided to revise it.

Here is my version -- they are truly delicious!

Ingredients
•    3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese and milk mixed together
•    2 Tbl granulated sugar
•    1 large egg
•    1 teaspoons grated orange zest
•    1/4 tsp vanilla extract
•    dash of salt and a dash of cardamom
•    1/4 tsp baking powder
•    1/3 cup all-purpose flour
•    powdered sugar or maple syrup

Directions
1. In a large measuring cup, mix together ricotta cheese, milk, eggs, vanilla extract and orange zest. In a bowl, combine salt, cardamom, baking powder and flour. Add liquid ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined.

2. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches (and adding more oil to skillet as needed), add batter, using a large spoonful for each pancake (they need to be little to cook properly). Cook until browned, making sure they don't burn (can happen easily). Serve hot, dusted with confectioners' sugar or drizzled with maple syrup.

Yields only about 10 little pancakes, so if you need more, just double the recipe. Enjoy!

Breakfast

2011-10-03T16:01:00.002-06:00

Friday: egg, kale, ricotta on ciabatta toast

Sunday: strawberry jam and ricotta on ciabatta toast

inspired by: Simply Breakfast

Bedroom Updates

2011-09-30T09:00:00.004-06:00

recent thrift finds:
Klee exhibition poster from 1955 in Paris
4 drawer mid-century modern side dresser

p e a r s

2011-09-26T18:04:00.000-06:00

Many, many thanks to Laura for all the beautiful pears!

I made a delicious pear chutney (perfect on grilled burgers with gorgonzola and grilled onions) and a pear & apple pie - yum!

Thai Noodle Salad

2011-09-25T11:59:00.004-06:00

from Adam's Mountain -- colorful & delicious!

Happy Autumn!

2011-09-23T10:23:00.002-06:00

William's Apples in William's Canyon

Birthday in Denver

2011-09-22T09:17:00.000-06:00

Breakfast at Duo was delicious!

Fred Sandback show was great at the MCA.

Early dinner at Machete Tequila & Tacos for a margarita and very tasty little tacos.

What a fun birthday!

Poto & Cabengo Jewelry

2011-09-20T09:46:00.000-06:00

I love this jewelry! Poto & Cabengo's combination of vintage pieces with a unique take
on current trends makes for truly special accessories for any style.

Check out P&C this Wednesday, September 21st at the Colorado Art &
Farm Market at the Fine Arts Center here in Colorado Springs.

current lines include:

Glyph - downtown edge meets ancient mystery, for the fashion forward girl
who likes to make a statement with a secret language all her own

Sparrow - subtle, sweet, and nature-inspired designs for pretty elegance that never goes out of style

Rust - rescued and repurposed vintage and antique elements find new life
in one-of-a-kind or limited run accessories that add a special flare to getting dressed

feeling the need to prep for winter

2011-09-16T13:00:00.001-06:00

With all the rain, overcast days, and snow covering Pikes -- it feels like winter is just around the corner. I wonder how much it is to get the chimney swept?

from necklace to earrings

2011-09-14T19:07:00.003-06:00

From a silver necklace on sale at a thrift shop, I created these fun, delicate and long flower earrings!

William's Canyon

2011-09-12T15:46:00.000-06:00

a beautiful and much needed hike, full of

love, freedom, sun, blue sky, clean air, and plenty of silence

Garden Update

2011-09-10T08:22:00.000-06:00

asparagus

beets

birdhouse gourd

cosmos have taken over!

kale seedlings -- my fall crop coming in

bee on marigold

Beauty and the Beast

2011-09-09T08:11:00.002-06:00

August 2011 Colorado Springs view from an overgrown parking lot

Labor Day Weekend Celebration

2011-09-06T10:01:00.002-06:00

I used this vintage postcard for the invite.

my celebration prep was easy: cosmos from the garden, candles and colorful dishes

everyone brought their own burgers, brats and asparagus for the grill;
I made deviled eggs, cut up cantaloupe, and threw some kettle chips in a bowl for sides;
S provided the delicious campari and bitter lemon drinks;
and we all finished the night inside with L's game of Apples to Apples while eating my apple pie!

Hot Air Balloon Surprise

2011-09-04T17:14:00.000-06:00

This morning I awoke to a strange whooshing sound from outside... almost like water being turned on and off in really intense amounts. It didn't make sense until I went outside and looked up!

oh, rhubarb!

2011-09-02T12:13:00.000-06:00

My Etsy Treasury of Vintage Greens & Blues

2011-08-31T09:35:00.000-06:00

My Tomatoes

2011-08-30T07:54:00.000-06:00

Wilkerson Pass Rock Hunting

2011-08-29T13:24:00.002-06:00

Thanks for the delicious picnic and fun rock hunting Corey!

Crystal Necklace

2011-08-27T22:08:00.003-06:00

I found these crystals on a rock-hounding adventure north of Fort Collins a few months ago... decided to turn them into a necklace!

Blue Marble Necklace

2011-08-26T12:19:00.002-06:00

Finally figured out what to do with these huge, heavy marble beads:
add blue sea glass chips and make a necklace!

Before & After: Garden Shed

2011-08-24T08:48:00.001-06:00

I love my new garden shed!

Trip to Florence, CO

2011-08-22T15:24:00.008-06:00

1st stop -- Happy Apples Farm in Penrose to pick...

blackberries!

unripe blackberries

praying mantis

funky colors in Florence

2nd stop -- lunch in Florence with enough time for a quick stop in the Iron Gate antique shop and to grab a cup of coffee from Pour House for the road...

3rd stop -- the Arkansas river to dip my toes in and do a little rockhounding...

Heard the intense call of the cicada, reminded me of Ohio.

What a lovely weekend! Hope you had a great one, too.

Thanks for the photos of the apple farm and cicada, C!

Ice Pops!

2011-08-21T08:08:00.003-06:00

fresh peach (left) and strawberry banana yogurt (right)
a delicious treat in the summer heat!

found this book at the library full of fun recipes

Giveaway!

2011-08-08T16:53:00.010-06:00

THE LUCKY WINNER FROM A RANDOM DRAWING THIS MORNING:
"crs"
(I will email you details shortly!! Thanks to all who entered.)
xo, Morgan 8/19

To celebrate my 270th blog post, I am giving away a special necklace:
a circle of teal blue glass hanging from a silver chain.

To enter, you can either Follow Me on Facebook or Follow my Blog (see boxes on right). Once you have done this, comment on this post stating you've "followed" and I'll enter your name into the random drawing. (If you already are a follower - thank you! You can still enter, just let me know in a comment below this post.)

I will announce the lucky winner on Friday, August 19th.

1" diameter glass circle

In love with stamps

2011-08-05T17:08:00.001-06:00

my new favorite set... how can I possibly use them? too beautiful

Sam

2011-08-04T10:05:00.001-06:00

sleeping in the sun

Plum & Cherry Kuchen

2011-08-02T10:23:00.002-06:00

What an easy, delicious recipe from my favorite cookbook from my mom The Spice Cookbook.

Demolition Derby & County Fair in Calhan

2011-07-31T13:17:00.004-06:00

what a beautiful Colorado setting for fun and funnel cake

Trip to Pueblo

2011-07-29T19:43:00.001-06:00

Funky Brooch for Fran

2011-07-26T11:54:00.004-06:00

from start to finish...
with vintage beads, flourite chips, swarovski crystals and more

So Exciting!

2011-07-26T11:49:00.001-06:00

Yummy...

2011-07-25T15:25:00.002-06:00

dinner: Napa Cabbage & Pepitas Slaw, Kansas BBQ Ribs (from WholeFoods), and Grilled Zucchini on Goat Cheese, Avocado and Everything Crackers

snack: Avocado, Goat Cheese, Sprouts and Red Onion on Everything Crackers (topped with salmon)

inspired by my new favorite recipe books: Power Foods and Clean Food

Vintage tablecloth of Los Angeles & the sister cities

2011-07-22T11:39:00.001-06:00

Thanks Michelle! I love it.

Working on...

2011-07-21T17:56:00.002-06:00

art idea sketches and silver earrings with stone and coral

Earrings for Michelle

2011-07-20T17:22:00.000-06:00

floating sea glass chips

silver dangles

Grilled Fish

2011-07-19T10:12:00.002-06:00

Maybe I don't know what I'm doing, since this was my first attempt at using these little boards, but I don't get why this is so popular... it was tasty, but nothing to write home about.

Pillows

2011-07-15T17:29:00.004-06:00

I finally got around to making these out of vintage fabric I found at a local thrift shop.

Murray's Cheese Shop

2011-07-15T12:18:00.002-06:00

I am currently reading and enjoying Steve Martin's Object of Beauty. Through Martin's story, NYC is palpable and I sometimes forget I'm not there...
I felt like reminiscing and just came across this photo of goodies from Murray's Cheese Shop. We brought these delicious cheeses and salami back with us from our last trip.

Arugula Seed Pods

2011-07-12T09:09:00.003-06:00

Arugula has taken over my garden and I have a hard time pulling them since the bees love the flowers.

moth

2011-07-11T14:26:00.000-06:00

anyone know what kind of moth this? it was at least 2+ inches long!

Shells

2011-07-10T10:13:00.000-06:00

missing the beach, the ocean, looking for shells

Cicada Wing

2011-07-08T11:11:00.001-06:00

thanks Mom

07.04.2011

2011-07-07T09:49:00.003-06:00

grilled organic chicken brats, corn, potato salad, and a green salad from my garden with....

pretty edible flowers (a luxurious gift) and the first few carrots and snap peas

dessert was C's famous creation -- the Insomniac Milkshake
amazing stuff with espresso, coffee ice cream and oreos
it kept us awake for a late night board game
(if you'd like to try it, I believe the Bean Cycle in Fort Collins still makes it, although it may not be the exact original recipe!)

thanks for the photos, Factory

Salad Makings from the Garden

2011-07-01T11:06:00.001-06:00

Grillin' Season

2011-06-28T09:33:00.003-06:00

I am having so much fun grilling! I marinated these pork chops in hoisin, soy sauce and garlic before grilling -- delicious. C came up with the sides of horseradish cheddar cheese, apples and brussel sprouts. Sitting on our front porch with this meal = the perfect summer evening.

Baby Bunnies Need a Good Home

2011-06-26T14:50:00.001-06:00

visit them here on etsy