Friday, May 31, 2013

In The Kitchen - Pear, Blue Cheese & Walnut Salad


Pear, Blue Cheese & Walnut Salad recipe


Since it's the last day of May and National Salad month, I must share this Pear, Blue Cheese & Walnut Salad from La Receta De La Felicidad blog.  I'm a HUGE fan of phyllo pastry sheets and also love presentation in a dish. The phyllo wrapped pear looks like a present sitting on the salad.  And, who doesn't love presents?

I also love that this recipe is surprisingly easy and quick to make, contrary to it's appearance.  I'll be making this next week when I'm visiting my family in Missouri.  Please send me a picture of your version!

Click here to view recipe.

Buon Appetito!

Images via:  La Receta De La Felicidad




Thursday, May 30, 2013

Artist Spotlight - Food Illustrations by Hennie Haworth

Food Illustrations by Hennie Haworth
Cocktails

I've always loved food illustrations and these lovely designs from artist Hennie Haworth made me smile.  She's a freelance illustrator in London and I love her use of bright and cheery colors.  Check out more of her work on her website, www.henniehaworth.co.uk.  It's sure to brighten your day!

Food Illustrations by Hennie Haworth

Food Illustrations by Hennie Haworth

Thank you for inspiring me today Hennie!

Images via:  Hennie Haworth




Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Dog Lovin' - Dog Art on Etsy


Labrador Retriever by Ron Krajewski, dog art on Etsy
Labrador Retriever
I love dog photography and paintings and recently came across this artist, Ron Krajewski on Etsy.  His shop is Dog Art Studio and I love his use of color and the expressions he captures in the dogs!

He offers paintings of several dog breeds and also does commissioned portraits upon request.  Click here to check out more of his work on Etsy ... it's sure to make you smile!

Pit Bull by Ron Krajewski, dog art on Etsy
Pit Bull 
German Shepard by Ron Krajewski, dog art on Etsy
German Shepard
Thank you for inspiring me today Ron!

Images via:  Etsy




Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Sweet Indulgences - Dried Pineapple Flowers

DYI Dried Pineapple Flowers

I love this idea I saw on Pinterest and couldn't wait to share the link on how to make these dried pineapple flowers.  I often use nasturtiums from my garden to garnish cakes (see last week's Double Coconut Cake) and these are a lovely alternative. I love that they are edible as well.  This concept was originally posted on Martha Stewart in 2003 and then Annie's Eats posted a great how-to demo in 2011.

Click here to learn how to make them yourself and have fun!


Have a sweet day!

Images via: (1) Annie's Eats & (2) The Italian Dish




Monday, May 27, 2013

Inspiration - Chalkboard Art Quote - Stop And Look Around


I love this reminder which is along the same line as "stop and smell the roses".   Imagine what you are missing each day by not taking the time to pause and look around you?

Wishing you a Happy Memorial Day!

Image via:  COLOURlovers




Saturday, May 25, 2013

Pinterest - My Favorites This Week

Peek-a-boo

Playful friends

Wolfgang Puck's beet salad

That face!

Happy Weekend and Happy Pinning!

Images via: Pinterest (click on photos)



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Friday, May 24, 2013

In The Kitchen - Zucchini Ribbon Salad

Zucchini Ribbon Salad recipe from Proud Italian Cook

Since May is National Salad Month, I'd like to share this wonderful Zucchini Ribbon Salad with you.  I came across it last year on one of my favorite cooking blogs, Proud Italian Cook.  I've made it several times and lightly grilling the zucchini strips really adds great depth of flavor.  I used my panini maker to grill the them and it was quick and easy.

I omitted the garlic clove from the dressing and used an 18 year aged balsamic vinegar.  I've also made a version adding sweet cherry tomatoes and using pine nuts instead of hazelnuts.  It was equally fantastic and I loved the pop of color that the cherry tomatoes gave it.

Buon Appetito!

Image source: Proud Italian Cook




Thursday, May 23, 2013

Artist Spotlight - Patricia Vargas | Parima Studio



On Monday I featured a print from artist Patricia Vargas and I felt compelled to post more of her lovely work today.  I love her use of color and print in animal silhouettes.  Her fine art prints are so pretty and would brighten any room.  Take a moment to check out the rest of her work at Parima Studio.  I'm certain you'll be smitten!




Thank you for inspiring me today Patricia!

Images via:  Parima Studio




Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Dog Lovin' - Pupsicles

Pupsicles dog treats

With summer approaching and the weather getting warmer, I wanted to share "pupsicles" with you.  While I've never actually frozen my dog's toys, I love this idea.  I'm always looking for things to keep them busy!  Kooldogz actually sells a kit to make the large "toy" popsicle, stand included.

I often make pupsicles as treats by freezing various ingredients in my ice cube trays.  I've used canned pumpkin, organic baby food (sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas) and even canned dog food.  My dogs love them!

Indigo & Lily also love it when I put ice in their water bowl.  Something interesting and fun and it really gets them excited and they drink more water.

Pupsicles dog treats

Photo sources:  Pinterest & Kooldogz

Happy playtime!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Sweet Indulgences - Double Coconut Cake


Double Coconut Cake recipe

I must share one of my all time favorite cakes with you - Double Coconut Cake from Cooking Light.  I've been making it for years and it's OUTSTANDING.  No joke. I'm not a fan of heavy buttercream frostings and this cake is SO light and fluffy.  Not too sweet and just the right amount of coconut.  The coconut milk in the batter makes the cake unbelievably moist!

I make this cake every year for Easter and I just made this mini version for my birthday this past weekend.  I added nasturtiums on top from my garden for a festive touch.

This cake is also dreamy with strawberries.  Enjoy!

Double Coconut Cake recipe


Image sources:  Cooking Light and Bella Bella Vita

Get recipe here.

Have a sweet day!




Monday, May 20, 2013

Inspiration - Love & Laugh Abundantly



This quote struck me for two reasons.  There's such beauty and impact in this simple reminder to love and laugh daily.  I also love the color and design of this print by artist Patricia Vargas.  I recently stumbled upon her through Pinterest and her art is amazing!  Check out her website, Parima Studio, when you have a chance.  I'm certain she'll inspire you as well!

Happy Monday!




Saturday, May 18, 2013

Pinterest - My Favorites This Week


Watermelon Radish Carpaccio

Meet Cognac - 3 month old Rottweiler

Food photography ... love the colors!

Sweet & playful...

Gorgeous pink color and love the lighting!

Happy Weekend and Happy Pinning!

Images via: Pinterest (click on photos)




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