in the raw

 On Thanksgiving day, one guest brought a beautiful raw kale salad that she literally massaged with lemon juice, garlic, onion, mirin rice wine, olive oil, salt and served as a side dish.  It was an incredibly refreshing companion to many traditional thanksgiving sides.  Another guest brought a raw salad with the most lovely dressing.  Both salads were a refreshing addition to a Classic Thanksgiving.

One dear guest and wonderful (blog) friend began her journey of eating "in the raw" several months ago and the benefits have been amazing to watch as well as be inspired by this lovely lady.  She has lost weight, has more energy and has embraced eating raw as a way of life.  The other guests were all a bit envious of her svelte and sexy figure in her stunning little black dress.  Here she is with her daughter who complimented her mother on her discipline and transformation.  Did I mention she is the Mother of four children?

I think a good way to start with eating more raw is to replace a meal with a raw salad.  As we enter into the holiday season and plates of sweets tempt each of us, dedicating one meal to raw, green, freshness will add vitality to your body and mind.  Perhaps you might be interested in eating raw, please visit "Art House Design" - Victoria will be happy to inspire you by adding raw radiance in your life, your diet and your home.

my friend jess

I met Jess when I began reading her bubbly blog "make under my life" and had the pleasure of having dinner in Chicago two years ago with her when I was there illustrating a wedding for the exquisite wedding planner Marina Birch Design. I will be back in Chicago the end of July to illustrate another wedding for Birch Design Studio.

I think I need a Jess LC bag for the trip! Love this make-up zippered bag.

Jess is known for her fabulous Jess LC jewelry and now has added a great collection of bags called the Lake Shore collection. Jess will be in Macy's today from 5:30-7:30 at the State Street store in Chicago today for those of you lucky enough to go.

Take a look at her jewelry line and Lake Shore bags and totes, perfect for Summer.

I will be in Chicago the end of July and hope Jess has time to meet up with me.

Jess is one girl to watch!

beautifulness

This absolutely beautiful book arrived for me yesterday all the way from Australia.

Did you by chance hear that scream, well it was me, delighted!

I cannot even begin to tell you how utterly gorgeous are the artworks by Cressida Campbell.
I had the great pleasure of meeting Anna in New York city several weeks ago on a cold wintry night. I loved knowing that Anna's trip to New York was full of a plethora of choices for her along with witnessing her first ever sighting of snow. She took home a bit of NY love with her.

Via the Blog world, I am most thankful for meeting Anna and connecting. I know that this world is more beautiful for each of us connecting and sending out beautifullness.

Thank-you Anna for all the beautifullness you radiate each day in my life.

just right

I happened upon this home and I decided to let myself in. There was something about the green door that left me wanting more. The light, the cast shadows, the planter, the brass door knob and the panes of glass caught my eye.

Around the other side is another green door. I want to know who lives here and what is on the other side of that door.

I knocked and the door opened.

I walked in, sat down in a wonderful chair and began to paint ( my paints go with me everywhere) but the paper felt too cold.

(Arches Paper - 140 Lb. cold-pressed, 100 % cotton)

I then tried this paper, and the paper felt just right to me.

(Arches Paper - 140 Lb. hot-pressed, 100% cotton)

So, tell me, do you have a preference of paper, the cold-pressed or the hot-pressed paper.

The cold-pressed paper has a more traditional water colour wavy texture to it, while the hot-pressed has a flat, satin smooth finish.

Excuse me while I go upstairs and check out the beds for a wee nap.

I have a feeling I will find just the right spot.

(Trina, thanks for allowing me to illustrate your green door and for stalking such

a country farmhouse as yours, just right. I have a feeling I will feel compelled to illustrate each and every room and taste every bowl of porridge too.)

inspirational trails

This lovely lady has recently jumped in the blog garden, leaving a trail of inspiration.

I adore her textile designs along with the fact that she is a mother of twin boys. The immediate connection of creators leaving trails of inspirations, makes me want to follow them and leaves me full of intrigue to make my own collage with an air of spring or a "l'air du LuLu!"

Hop on over and meet the lovely LuLu K. Thank-you Meg for the introduction along with feeding my textile addiction. What sort of trails are you leaving behind? Inspirational ones like Lulu, J'espere!

in accord with

photo of Nina, by Leigh Bedokis - Bedokis here

Now how cute is she. According to Nina, she loves leopard and claims to be pretty spoiled, but not rotten. Tell me do you have a special place or "throne" that you like to spend time with your lap top? I am loving that red love-seat.

Happy weekend and spend some down time, off line. Put down the royal lap top now.

cup of birthday wishes

"A cup of Jo, this gal's cup runneth over"

illustration by pve design

Pour yourself a cup of Jo and drink to this birthday gal.  I find myself smitten in her daily artful posts full of stunning photos, clever kisses, bikes, and stylish things.  Hop on over and leave her some sugar, like a sweet comment and a b-day wish.