Embrace the Tiger…
September 16, 2017
return to the mountain. After months of what seems to be the world gone mad it’s good to start getting yourself in order with a little Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese exercise that is a combination of meditation, gentle fluid movements and deep breathing. A few minutes of this practice at the beginning and end of each day will protect you from within against the global nastiness that seems to have filtered its way from the top all the way down to the daily workplace, friends and yes, even family. Centering yourself and working your energy will keep your best foot forward as you “get back to it ” and segue into Fall.
Qi Gong master Lee Holden’s 7 Minutes of Magic is a great place to start. You’ll feel like ” bamboo in the wind” in no time.
photo: Exercisetoheal.com
A quick glance up…
September 11, 2017
and you immediately had your bearings. No matter how turned around one would get running around Manhattan, they were always there to set your course straight. I’m remembering that today. That, and all of those lost on 9/11…in New York, Washington and Shanksville.
Photo: via Pinterest. If you can help me identify the author of this photo,thank you.
One Bowl…
September 7, 2017
a few pantry staples and a wooden spoon. That’s all that’s needed to put the abundance of Summer zucchini to good use. I adjusted the already simple recipe from SimplyRecipes.com to include butter and olive oil and the result was 14 moist and gently spiced Zucchini Muffins packed with raisins and walnuts in just 45 minutes, start to finish.
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/zucchini_muffins/
Or, you can use this recipe to create two loaves of satisfying Zucchini Bread instead. http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/zucchini_bread/
photos: gp
Eeny, meeny, miney, moe…
September 3, 2017
I suppose it’s as good a method as any in trying to whittle down my choices when reupholstering this vintage Knoll Saarinen Executive Chair.
Typically I would go right to my favorite textural solids from the Knoll classics:
Classic Boucle in Neutral, North Island in Wind, Tweed Frieze in Silver Bell or Diva in Coal.
Then I consider the statement a textile inspired by fashion greats Proenza Schouler or Alexander McQueen would make. Enter Sandis in Tobacco or Arezzo in Squid Ink just to stir things up.
I guess it’s time to order some memo samples and start the edit.
Chair photo: gp
Textile photos: https://www.knoll.com/shop/knolltextiles/upholstery/knoll-luxe-upholstery
Guess Who’s Five ?
August 28, 2017
It seems only fitting that for Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000’s fifth birthday we’d all celebrate with his favorite…cookies. There will be mixed berry treats from Nutro for him and big festive sprinkled cookies from my local Latin market for everyone else. Simple.
Photos: gp
Take It Outside
August 25, 2017
Starting the day with your morning cup and a little solitude, breaking midday for a little lunch or gathering a group for an impromptu Summer supper, this table and bench seating would accommodate beautifully. If it’s only seating you need the benches alone offer up some great inspiration for an impressive DIY project. Hmmmm…there’s plenty of summer left…
Cooling Greens
August 20, 2017
This August heat has inspired me to reach for anything green from the season’s bounty, switching up my weekly shopping trip which seems to zeroed in on auto-pilot. Let’s see what this exercise has produced.
From the top:
It started with this green spider orchid from Trader Joe’s inspiring the rest of my selections.
Locally grown Honeydew melons are just the break I needed from Watermelon.
These Green Zebra heirloom tomatoes will switch up that Summertime BLT or Caprese.
Local fresh herbs…it doesn’t get better. Basil for a Pesto Pizza on the grill or maybe a Pesto Potato Salad…Parsley and Mint for a Chimichurri to compliment anything grilled.
Zucchini have gotten a bad rap by showing up on your desk or doorstep by the bagful. Take full advantage by grilling them up with some onions, peppers and tomatoes or knocking out a batch of Zucchini Muffins.
Photo: gp
