Clocks a tickin’
February 8, 2023
With Valentines Day less than a week away you might want to put a little thought into what to give your Valentine. No Valentine on the horizon? Well, treat yourself! Below are just a few tried and true treats that are sure to bring a smile and a big hug.
Top To Bottom:
Who wouldn’t love the holiday’s signature color realized in cashmere?
This little homemade indulgence is so simple and a sure fire hit. Chocolate Raspberry Champagne Truffles.
Who could resist cozying up with this fiery pillow from Knoll. A romcom and pizza in beats fighting a mid-week dinner crush.
Available nearly everywhere and at no great expense. Sweet and sweetly scented carnations in pink. Just a few tucked into a small vase or cup can hit just the right romantic note.
White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold…all by itself, in combination, or with the addition of diamonds. Tiffany’s Lock Bangle. Simple, quiet and modern in any configuration.
This rosy red Bromeliad could brighten someone’s desk for months if they’re still working from home.
And for those ” clock watchers” , this Hemisphere wall clock with it’s hot pink face is sure to be a hit.
photos: Truffles and carnations gp All others via their respective sites.
Cheers!
January 2, 2023
Yes, we made it through yet another tumultuous year. So rather than looking back and revisiting or rehashing things we cannot change, I’m looking forward…armed with my usual supply of fresh Sharpies, a clean sketchbook and the best attitude I can muster. I’d like this to be a year of great joy and happiness, great health and prosperity, and unlimited creativity for us all. And, a little Champagne never hurts. Happy New Year!
photos: gp
Merry Christmas
December 25, 2022
If you were hoping for a white Christmas, well, wish granted. However you are planning on celebrating the holiday today, stay warm…be safe.
photo: gp
Midwinter ’22
December 19, 2022
Midwinter. Odd name for the Winter solstice which is actually the first day of the season. Call it what you will, it is absolutely my most favorite of days. It marks the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight but signals the slow, steady increase in daylight hours as we move into spring. Sure, it might not seem like a big thing to you but trust me, if you live anywhere near the Midwest, you will immediately notice that the sky has not gone to pitch at 4:45 in the afternoon. There is a feeling of hope…yes, that spring is just one season away. So, celebrate with me if you care to, with anything ( hell, everything ) that reminds you of spring… and relish every extra minute of daylight. Tradition would have us festooning the place with evergreens, lighting candles indoors, building a roaring fire outdoors and gathering together to embrace hope within the darkness. To follow are just a few of my favorite ways to celebrate, from candlelight to a roaring fire to every and any white bulb flower mixed in with winter greens and other white seasonal selections. Something hearty and herby for dinner finished of with a lively Winter cocktail and the celebration is complete.
Brandy Stinger. The perfect Solstice cocktail. Equal parts Brandy and white Creme de Menthe on the rocks. Done.
photos: gp
On your mark, get set…
December 12, 2022
make! Now or later, it’s time to start thinking about those holiday sweet treats. While it’s easiest to just pick something up at the market, it’s just a little bit Grinchy. None of my favorites below are complicated or involved. If you make the decision to limit your selection to just one or two, the process is not only doable but will be greatly appreciated by all you share them with. As you work your way down the list you will find that there are simply no bad choices.
Candied Orange and Ginger Bark
photos: gp
That Reminds Me
November 20, 2022
This sudden Winter blast reminded me I should have knocked one of these out a month ago. Apparently a 70 degree start to November had my mind elsewhere than keeping warm. Queue, my improvised cap, is as simple to work as possible, even for a beginner. Using about 1 1/4 skein of DK weight yarn and a pair of #7 needles, you simply knit up a swatch of Mistake Stitch Rib large enough to go around your head and as long as you’d like your cap to be. After binding off in pattern, sew the piece up the long edge. To finish, thread a double strand of yarn and stitch around the tube about 4″ from the top edge, pull to gather from the inside and tie off. Done. I told you it was simple. Once you’re on a roll you might want to make a couple extras for Christmas gifts.
photos: gp
Just a touch,
November 7, 2022
and your Wick is lit, literally. Wick, a modern spin on nimble Jack’s classic candlestick, requires only a quick charge to provide you with just the right amount of warm, portable LED illumination. And, now that the clocks have turned back and sunset occurs before most of us have closed up shop for the day, we can all use that little extra bit of light. Available singly and in multiples, in black, brass, graphite or white finishes. Try a couple for yourself and I can see them migrating to the top of your Holiday Gift list.
Photos: Graypants