Daily Violets

Bill Cunningham

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Before the Sartorialist, there was Bill Cunningham, a fashion

photographer for The New York Times, known for his candid

and street photography.

Cunningham dropped out of Harvard University in

1948 and moved to New York.

He worked in advertising, as a milliner, worked at the

Chicago Tribune, Women's Wear Daily, Soho News,

Details and The New York Times.

“We all get dressed for Bill Cunningham” - Anna Wintour

I just watched his movie on Netflix

He who seeks beauty will find it.

-Bill Cunningham

The D Word

2012-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to seeing this movie

This is a movie by Robert Redford's son, James Redford.

James has a dyslexic son.

The Center of Everything

2012-02-10T07:14:00.000-08:00

I just finished this book

It is a sad, funny, engaging story

about Evelyn, a gifted student living

in poverty in Kansas.

Check it out!

Harper's Bazaar

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love the March 2012 Harper's Bazaar cover

Gwyneth Paltrow in an Anthony Vaccarello gown.

I also love these past covers...

Dori the Giant

2012-02-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

I love the blog dori the giant!

Dori is a young artist living in Canada. She is currently

enrolled in the Creative Photography program at Humber College
and would like to have a career as a photographer.

Dori is a sculptor - Grains of sand sculpture

Photographer

Painter -

This painting was mostly painted with

a strand of her hair

And she is really good at cinemagraphs, an artistic and
more sophisticated form of animated GIFs that fit somewhere
between a still image and a moving video.
I am going to learn how to do this!

Visit her blog here

Miette

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Miette is a bakery in San Francisco.

I purchased this pastry book as a gift, and I had

a hard time giving it away.

Bellow is a lovely video on Miette

Visit their website here.

Happy February

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Snow and Graham 2012

Alexandre Desplat

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Alexandre Desplat is a French film composer.

He has composed scores for many movies including

The King's Speech, The Queen, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,

The Golden Compass, New Moon, Fantastic Mr. Fox,

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the Tree of Life and many more.

This is from the Birth soundtrack.

I love this soundtrack.

I purchased the soundtrack for the song

played in the wedding scene, so lovely, but not included.

Happy Birthday Sister!

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my Sister!

Isn't it Charming

2012-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love creative people, they are so inspiring.

Such is Lori from the blog Isn't it Charming

Here she decorated her daughter's room.

She posts on decorating, remodeling, reupholstering,

design and sewing, redesigning, crafting, family...

Here Lori created one of my

favorite Halloween costumes...ever

How creative is she!

Check out her blog Isn't it Charming

Text as art

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

I like it when text shows up in unlikely places.

We saw this wall at Kate Space in SF - Love it!

Public Art Installation by JNL Graphic Design
40-foot installation at Chicago's L train, Montrose stop.

An optometrist's window display

Seattle Daily Photo

A monologue by Dave Eggers

Quotes by fashion designers printed on glass

Love Sculpture in NYC by Robert Indiana

Newsprint nails, how-to here

Black window frame

2012-01-24T11:03:00.000-08:00

I love the look of a black window frame.

The look is a mix of modern and industrial.

Adam Lambert

2012-01-20T17:18:00.000-08:00

As you may know I am an Adam Lambert fan!

I have posted about him before...here, here and here.

My daughter and I met him this morning.
He did an interview at a San Francisco radio station.
We were lucky and got tickets to meet him.

What a nice guy!!

His new album Trespassing, is out March 20th

Fotoshop

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is funny...

Ladurée

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ladurée – Founded in 1862 – Manufacturer of Sweets - Paris

Ladurée is a cakes and pastries shop in Paris, France.

It is known as the inventor of the double-decker macaron,

fifteen thousand of which are sold every day.

They are one of the best known makers of macarons in the world.

They have shops all over the world,

unfortunately none on the west coast.

Ladurée - London

Macarons

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

This post is about the French cookie, the Macaron.

Not to be mistaken with the coconut Macaroon

http://www.elanaspantry.com - she has a great macaroon recipe!

Two very different cookies, with similar names.

The French Macaron is a sweet meringue-based cookie

made with ground almonds and is filled with buttercream.

These colorful cookies come in many flavors.

Yum!!

Chris Bratt

2012-01-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

I love the photography of Chris Bratt

We have a variety of his prints in our house...

So does my dad...

And my friend Liza...

Mountain Stream 12

Visit his website here

The Perfect Shoe

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I Love DSW. They always have so many great choices!

The other day I found the perfect shoes!

I LOVE them.

My daughter is in the platforms. I am on the right.

Alas, they didn't have my size.

I had them check the computer for other stores and no.

Sooo sad!

Mr. W

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Maybe you have seen this... I like it!

Shoe storage

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

How to store shoes...

This is like a museum showcasing your shoes

I like it when each shoe has their own space.

Backlit - nice!

New idea in shoe display -
the wall would get dirty, fast!

I like the idea of using an old glass door cabinet!

Keeps away the dust!

Boxes with photos, I did this for awhile

I like this design because all of the boxes

are the same size.

Show only a defining detail of the shoe.

Gifts

2012-01-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite Christmas gifts this year were...

Fingerless gloves -

great for wearing while working on the computer

My Snow and Graham desk calendar

The New York City puzzle, very fun, but hard!

Happy January

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

Snow and Graham 2012 calendar

Christmas Cards

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

I had fun with our Christmas cards this year.

My inspiration came from a promo piece that came with my daughters Vogue

Unfortunately, I ran out of time to have

all of the cards filled with snowflakes and stars...

Our floor remodel bumped me out of the office...

and I had to shut down the production. So sad!

I got about half of my list done.

The rest were delivered as a normal cards.

Also, I just realized I typed the wrong date on the back...
ahhh... December 2010...what was I thinking?

Doggy DNA

2011-12-29T06:00:00.001-08:00

I ordered The Canine Genealogy Kit, $69.95.

Sold here

This kit analyzes your dog's DNA and identifies the breeds in its ancestry.
The laboratory compares the unique sequences in the canine's genome
with DNA markers of over 185 breeds.

The report often comes out looking like this...

Lots of breeds and a few unknown mixed breeds.
All you do is swab inside your dogs mouth and send in the swab.
No other info is needed.

The shelter told us Chloe was probably a mix of Poodle,
Bichon Frise, or some other little fluffball pup.

We were really surprised to get back her results.

Turns out she is a Maltese.
We will continue to keep her hair short,
the Maltese hair-do looks pretty time intensive!

It was fun finding out a piece of the
mystery behind our new dog Chloe.

Closet re-Design

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

We are re-designing a few closets in our house.

Here are my inspirations...

I wish!!

These closet displays always look so good because

they are practically empty.

Also, the clothes and accessories are all only
a few colors or they are all neutral.

A nice way to store purses.

Like the idea of seldom used stuff tucked away,

safe from dust.

I will take this closet, and all of the stuff in it.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T18:38:00.000-08:00

This is the Christmas album I listened to while growing up

My Grandfather gave it to my Mother in 1958

Santa...

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

I would like this purse for Christmas

Coach Chelsea Patent Leather Ashlyn Hobo

Please!

re-Design

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

We just removed all carpet and added hardwood!

Sort of crazy to take this on right before the holidays.

I love it!

Mary Katrantzou

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Born in Greece, Mary studied architecture
at the Rhode Island School of Design then transferred
to Central Saint Martins to study Textile Design.

Her unique architectural prints are really interesting!

Theater Clouds

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Elly MacKay is an artist who lives in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada

Visit her Etsy shop

Bye Bye Baggie!

2011-12-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

San Jose has become the nation’s largest city to ban

the use of single-use carryout plastic bags in retail stores.

This is effective Jan. 1, 2012.

Paper bags will be available at 10 cents per bag.

That fee will increase to 25 cents by 2014.

An anti-plastic bag activist in Austin, Texas

Being a San Jose business owner, I received the certified

notification letter in the mail today.

Right now I use little colorful paper bags to give to my customers.
Most of my business is mail order so it wont really affect me.

- - -

Eight years ago we were traveling in Amsterdam.

We went grocery shopping and were surprised to find

that the store didn't have bags. You were expected to bring your own.

I Miss George

2011-12-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

What has George Michael been up to lately?

The Nobel Peace Prize 2011

2011-12-12T16:01:00.000-08:00

The Nobel Peace Prize 2011 was awarded jointly

to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman

"for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women

and for women’s rights to full participation in

peace-building work".

Thank you to these very deserving women!

Happy December

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Image is from my Snow and Graham calendar

Zara

2011-11-28T23:06:00.000-08:00

I Love Zara!

Zara is a clothing company that has online and

retail stores. We are lucky to have one in

San Francisco.

Zara has moderate prices, its three-story

Union Square store has a lot to offer!

All I want for Christmas this year is stuff from Zara!

Zara.com

More things mini...

2011-11-21T12:53:00.001-08:00

I just received my mini books from Etsy seller, Tree Feathers.

I don't have many collectable things.

I have a hatred for dusting, so I usually avoid trinkets.

The mini collection of the Little Bear books

A "readable" The Three Bears book

Visit her site here

These make my mini books look huge!

Ben Leone

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

"Mona gets her groove on"

"Rebirth of Venus"

"Psychedelic Audrey"

Visit his website here

New Gadgets

2011-11-10T12:27:00.001-08:00

I just got two new fun gadgets, the first one...

My new iPhone 4s - Whoopie!! I love it!

And two...

My new Square credit card reader.

I will use this at the Mini Mosaic holiday sales.

It's cheeper than the PayPal virtual terminal!

So cool!

Javier Vallhonrat

2011-11-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

Photographer: Javier Vallhonrat for Vogue

So Creative!

2011-11-01T06:00:00.001-07:00

While searching for Halloween costumes online yesterday,

I came across this one.

I love it!

A Roy Lichtenstein Halloween costume

Happy November

2011-11-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Image is from my Snow and Graham calendar

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T09:32:00.000-07:00

Heidi Klum always has interesting Halloween costumes. I love that she doesn't feel the need to be in a sexy costume, like many female celebrities.

She has two costumes this year...

Yikes!!

Waiting for images of the missing link costume!

Here are some from year's past...

Chloé

2011-10-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

The newest member of our family...

Our new dog Chloé

Such a sweet little girl!

Michael Cera

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have been watching Arrested Development on Netflix.

I love this show! Michael Cera is
one of the many funny characters.

Michael is in one my favorite movies

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Conflict of Interest

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

"Can a strong commitment to feminism,

and a deep love of fashion happily co-exist?"

The fashion industry's representation of women as objects

is partly responsible for the unrealistic physical beauty standards

that cause young girls and women to have a skewed self image.

Having kids makes this an important subject for me.

I want my daughter to have self worth beyond beauty

and my son to value and respect women.

I have a dislike for the media's limiting portrayal of

women and I have a love for fashion, the industry that
often promotes this negative portrayal.

It is a dilemma.

I found this article very interesting:

Fashion and Feminism: Friends or Foes?

Prada

2011-10-23T13:17:00.001-07:00

Accent Nail

2011-10-21T20:51:00.001-07:00

Have you seen this.

Image: cupcakesandcashmere.com

One finger (or toe) from each hand (or foot)

is painted/glittered a different color from the rest.

My daughter told me about it.

image: gooses-glitter.blogspot.com
So of course, I have been walking around

with my hands and feet painted with the accent nails

different from the rest!

Miss Representation

2011-10-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to watching this documentary

Watch Miss Representation Thursday, October 20th at 9/8c

Tiny World in a Bottle

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

These mini bottles are made by Akinobu Izumi.
Akinobu is an architectual model maker from Japan.

Check out his Etsy site here.

The Foer Family

2011-10-12T22:39:00.000-07:00

I am listening to a very interesting audio book

Moonwalking with Einstein:

The Art and Science of Remembering Everything

There are some really good ideas about

memorizing in this book!

Turns out Joshua Foer is the younger brother

of another author I like... Jonathan Safran Foer

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Everything Is Illuminated

And I love all three book cover designs!

Hands on Face

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Emma Watson for Stylist UK

Kristin Stewart for W

Madonna

InStyle August 2011

Linda Evangelista for Harper's Bazaar

Snejana Onopka for French Vogue

Window Display

2011-10-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

I love it when window displays make you stop and take notice!

Tiffany's ice cream display was lovely!

Louis Vuitton had an interesting egg/bird display.

I read that at Louis Vuitton's flagship store in London,

a new ostrich egg would hatch each day

to reveal a different shoe or accessory.

Sorry my photos aren't so good, but if you do a search

for these displays you will fine more photos.

2011-10-05T18:50:00.001-07:00

Happy October

2011-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Image is from my Snow and Graham calendar

Smart Pebbles

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

These colorful pebbles provide a comfortable resting spot

for your phone, laptop, iPad, or other device.

I'd like to have a few to play with.

Made from non-slip, heat-resistant silicon

You can find them at DesignBoom

Carnations

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Carnations have a bum rap.

I think it is because grocery stores sell them artificially died,

which looks cheap.

Like baby's breath, they have been overused

in too many bad bouquets.

They are pretty and last for a long time.

Oscar de la Renta - Carnation Embroidered Gown

If they are good enough for Oscar de la Renta,

they should be good enough for me!

I will give them a second chance.

Best Year for Emmy Dresses

2011-09-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

Red was a popular color

for dresses at this years Emmys

Black dresses also

made a good showing

And I love these three too!

I don't know if there has ever been

an award show that has had

so many dresses that I liked.

Michael Schwab

2011-09-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ever since college

I have been Michael Schwab's biggest fan.

The crew poster was my introduction

to this great graphic designer.

I love his design style.

Visit his website here.

Vogue, Around the World

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Vogue magazine is published in many
different countries. I found 19, they are...

France

Korea

Mexico, USA
Latino America, Brazil

Germany

Greece

Japan, Australia

Turkey, India

Italy

Portugal

United Kingdom, Spain
Taiwan, China

Russia

Pomeranian

2011-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am looking for a dog.

We have had schnauzers in the past, love them!

Then I saw this guy on my Page-A-Day dog calendar...

If I had a Pomeranian, I would trim him like this.

Then I did some reseach and found this book...

Boo - The Life of the World's Cutest Dog

Then with more research I found

this Pomeranian that looks like a bear.

I want this guy.

Project Runway

2011-09-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last week Project Runway

had some great designs...

Love this dress from Victor

Olivier's jacket is great

Fun dress from Anya

The styling wasn't so great,

the models look messy and unhappy,

but I love the clothes!

Ink Calendar

2011-09-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ink Calendar by Oscar Diaz.

The ink is absorbed slowly, and the numbers

in the calendar are “printed” daily.

One a day, they are filled with ink until

the end of the month.

Visit his website here.

2011-09-11T11:18:00.001-07:00

Quote

2011-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

“Success seems to be connected with action.

Successful people keep moving.

They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.”

–Conrad Hilton

3 New Shows

2011-09-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have watched 3 creative shows on Netflix

that inspire me...

Art and Copy

Explore the fascinating and sometimes

mysterious world of advertising.

Art 21

Go into the studios of contemporary American artists

to witness their processes, hear their thoughts and

see their art outside a gallery setting.

Art City

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the lives and work

of some of the most original artists at work today with

this dynamic documentary.

Melancholia

2011-09-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

A new movie

Looks interesting!

A science fiction drama.

See more here.

Happy September

2011-09-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

Image is from my Snow and Graham calendar

Paris Mini Book

2011-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun making the Paris book.

It was fun trying to come up with
images that represent Paris.

If you have any good Paris image ideas,

please let me know. These books are evolving!

I am working on San Francisco,
New York and London now.

Trisha Krauss

2011-08-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

Artist: Trisha Krauss

Visit her website here.

Trisha Krauss lives and works as an illustrator in London.

Black and White Beach

2011-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

From my trip earlier this summer:

Many of the beaches on the Big Island are a mix
of lava rock and white coral.

Makes for a very pretty (but dangerously sharp) beach.

Yawn!

2011-08-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

I love this photo of a red fox taken by Noelle Zaleski.

This image won first place in a

Defenders of Wildlife photo contest.

I'm Free

2011-08-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the 4th season of Mad Men!
I am now free to do other things.

Whew!

What an interesting show.

Things were so different for women back then.
And it's wasn't so long ago!
At times, it is painful to watch.

Thank you
to all the women who helped change perceptions,
ideas and laws by building The Feminist Movement.

We owe you much gratitude!!

Tiles

2011-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite Mini Mosaic tiles

are from artist Geninne Zlatkis.

The Blanket tile

came from this drawing...

The Noviembre tile

came from this calendar page...

The Summer Tanger tile

came from this painting...

It has been wonderful working with Geninne.

Boots

2011-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

So many kinds of boots to choose from...

Bootie

Gucci Betty High-Heel Platform Bootie

Ankle

Rachel Zoe Platform Ankle Boot

Mid Calf

Herve Leger Buckle-Shaft Platform Boot

Knee

Stuart Weitzman Suede Wedge Boot

Over the Knee

Stuart Weitzman Leather and Suede OTK Boot

All Weather

Hunter Boot Wedge Rainboot with Ankle Belt

All images: Neiman Marcus

Portrait Collage

2011-08-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

I like to visit Jennifer's blog, Colorfly Studio

She makes wonderful collages.

I really like her portrait of Kiva.

Isn't this fun! Visit her blog here.

Mad Men

2011-08-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have started watching Mad Men.

I am almost done with the second season.

I love looking at the women's fashion.

I love the dresses.

So well tailored.
(Minus the pointy bras)

Mad Men's costume designer, Janie Bryant,
has designed a Mad Men line for Banana Republic.
Take a look here.

Maira Kalman

2011-08-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend Raquel brought me this great book...

I love Maira's style, use of color and composition.

If her drawings look familiar it is probably

because you have seen them on the

cover of The New Yorker.

I posted about her last year, here.

Vegas

2011-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from my first trip to Las Vegas!

We Stayed at the Wynn Encore Hotel. Very nice!

The decor was, of course, over the top, extravagant.

So much fun to see.

We walked the main strip and visited all of the big hotels.

I got to wear my new boots! Vegas was the perfect setting!

Fun!

Wants

2011-08-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

My daughter loves to go to all of the designer stores.

Today we window shopped.

I didn't realize I would find so many

things that I REALLY need.

Like this wallet from Kate Spade.

I NEED this!

Or these sandals from Bloomingdale's

I NEED these!

Or this ring from Tiffany's

I am having a difficult time surviving without this!

Or this coat, hat and gloves by Carmen Marc Valvo.

It's the middle of summer and I still need these!

Custom Mini Books

2011-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am also making these fun Custom Mini Mosaic Books

They are handmade

2-sided

2-inch square pages

10 images

accordion folding

These little books are great to put on your desk at work

or on a shelf at home.

Family - Wedding - Pets - Grandchildren - Vacations - Artwork

See them here.

A Fine Frenzy

2011-08-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

My daughter introduced me to this singer.

Alison Sudol, known professionally as A Fine Frenzy, is an American alternative singer and songwriter and pianist.

The Nude Shoe

2011-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love the look of a nude shoe.

Even a touch of nude works.

My Favorite

2011-07-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love this vegetarian chili! It is so good!

I have found it at Costco, Whole Foods, and other stores.

Tasty Bite Madras Lentils - yum!

Thanks Felicia!

Mini Mosaic Books

2011-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

I started a new fun Project, Mini Mosaic Books.

Mini Mosaic Books are:

- Handmade

- 2-Sided

- 2-Inch square pages

- There are 22 images in each book

- Accordion folding

So far I have done 4 books themes, Perfume,

Shoes, Paris and a Custom Book.

I am working on Hawaii, San Francisco and NYC.

I am really enjoying this project!

Visit Mini Mosaic Books to see the collection.

Bossy Pants

2011-07-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I just finished Bossy Pants by Tina Fey.

This is my first book that I read on my Kindle.

I really liked the book, and the Kindle!

A Dolphin in my Drink

2011-07-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our drinks came with a little friend...

I searched online for the dolphin drink stir
and found them here!

Sculpture Garden

2011-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Hilton Waikoloa has sculptures around the grounds.

This is only a small sample of what they have.

The Buddha on the hill was one of my favorites

It looks bigger in the above photo, than it actually is.

Pressed Flowers

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Found these cards in a gallery.

Each Fair Trade card is handmade with real

pressed wild flowers from women in El Salvador.

See the full card collection here

I would like to add these two cards to our collection.

Hotel or Museum?

2011-07-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

One of the hotels we stayed at was Hilton Waikoloa Village.

This resort has an art collection of more than 1800 pieces. It is amazing.

Everywhere you turn there is beautiful art.

There was a good mix of sculpture and paintings

I really enjoyed this hotel.

Zipline

2011-07-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

We just returned from Hawaii, the Big Island.

We had a great time on the 9 line Zipline tour!

Home from Vacation

2011-07-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Lots to share!

Fareed Zakaria

2011-07-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to reading

The Post-American World, 2.0

by Fareed Zakaria.

I just heard him interviewed on Fresh Air.

It was very interesting and hopeful!

To listen click here

Fareed Rafiq Zakaria is an Indian-American journalist and

author. He was a columnist for Newsweek and editor of

Newsweek International, until moving to Editor-At-Large of

Time in 2010. He is also the host of CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am making Matt Armendariz' Panzanella today

Photo: Teri Lyn Fisher California Home and Design magazine

Panzanella with Sherry Vinegrette
Serves 4
12 cocktail picks
1 loaf French bread, cut into 24 (1-inch) cubes
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. salt
Pinch of black pepper
24 cherry tomatoes
24 small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
24 basil leaves
1 English cucumber, sliced into 1-inch pieces, then quartered

Sherry Vinaigrette
¼ c. sherry vinegar
¾ c. extra virgin olive oil
½ shallot, finely chopped
1½ tsp. stone-ground mustard
Pinch of sea salt

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Toss bread with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
3. To make the vinaigrette, whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until fully incorporated. Season with salt as needed.
4. Thread 2 pieces of bread, 2 tomatoes, 2 pieces of cucumber, 2 mozzarella balls, and 2 basil leaves onto each cocktail pick. Just before serving, drizzle liberally with vinaigrette.

Visit Matt's Blog here

Dogs

2011-07-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some dogs from my Dog Page-A-Day calendar.

Super 8

2011-07-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

Saw Super 8 last night.

Fun!

Happy July!

2011-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Snow and Graham calendar

Jon Klassen

2011-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love these cards illustrated Jon Klassen.

These are Red Hat Cards.

Visit his blog here Jon Klassen

I'm Trying This!

2011-06-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have posted before that I LOVE yoga.

But I haven't done it in awhile.

My daughter's dance team went to an Aerial Yoga class.

I want to try this! I will let you know how it is!

Liza's Collection, Pt 2

2011-06-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the second installment of the Liza Home Gallery

Photos by Liza Crowley Judson (left) and Chris Bratt (right)

Christine Hilbert "Rita Hayworth" painting and small wedding photo

Little Camille on the staircase.

Crow and kitty Roxanne

Jane Harlow

Katherine Stowell

Liza hanging a new photo series of hers

Liza's camera collection and vase

Robert Rauschenberg

Link to the artists:

Liza Crowley Judson - Chris Bratt - Kathryn Stowell

Robert Rauschenberg - Jane Harlow - Christine Hilbert

Savannah Buddies!

2011-06-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Missing my Savannah Buddies!