snow sledding

This is an image my friend Caroline took in the city.  Yes, a New York city snowscape in Central Park.  The snow provides so much fun for for all ages to get outside and sled down a hill, build a snow man, throw a snow ball and smile.  I am working on painting this one and will be back to post it soon....

monday motivation - consistency

It takes practice and consistency to get up and repeat something we have done again and again.

It's far easier to just give up but we are what we repeatedly do.

So much of what I do requires that my efforts are consistent when I draw or paint.  Some people might refer to it as a certain style but it really does come from doing the same thing over and over.  Finally it clicks and I begin to see the subtle benefits.

I had not even noticed that the first image and this image is in fact the same quote but it looks so different, right?  We need to pay attention to the details for consistency to be beneficial.

Nothing is achieved without consistency and when we understand that we can start to realize that our actions begin to pay off over time.

I plan to work on being better at applying continuous effort rather than thinking I needed to be stronger or smarter.  Truly, just daily actions, good habits and repetition all help with unlocking our potential.  The effort we put forth pays off.  It's easier for me to tell that to my children than it is to follow this my self but I am going to practice what I preach.

I'd love to know if you would like for me to continue to post more of monday motivations?

What is one thing that you are consistent with doing?  

Has it paid off for you?  Does consistency motivate you?
I would really love to know.

Beauty and the Blizzard

 Thought I would share some of the images of the morning after the blizzard.  My guess is we have around 16" to 18" and this is the view of my street after the snow plow did his wonderful job of clearing away the snow.  Truly, we have the best crew around, they were out in full force snow plowing the streets.  Great job village of Ardsley.

 Can you see my dog.  We shoveled a luge for him or a path down our drive to the cars early this morning.  He loves the snow.

Here is our village early this morning.  Nothing like a snow storm to bring everything to a halt.  Luckily our trusty Riviera Bakery was open for some fresh croissants.  After all that shoveling, I think I earned a treat.

the dish

 Can we dish?  

Latest news, school is closed for an anticipated onslaught of snow.

No precipitation yet but the forecast predicts a good blast.  Funny how this week, my foodie self has been a bit preoccupied with menus, fresh ingredients and a well stocked pantry. 

Much like a dog who knows when a storm is coming, I guess I have felt the need to be prepared and hide. (under the table)

  Rumor has it that the groceries and gas stations were pretty insane.  Lines and mass panic.   After the last Storm Sandy and being rendered powerless, I guess everyone is amping up and bracing for a blizzard.  Several texts came in yesterday from jealous southerners in want of snow.

Now just take a look at all these cupboards fully stocked with dishes and vessels ready to serve up a storm of guests.

 Ever think of using reclaimed wooden door fronts?  Really adds warmth and soul to this wall pantry.

 Barn door chic to slide open for easy access to shelves of mugs and a many everyday dishes.

 Maybe a transformed pantry stocked with dishes and staples is just the thing one needs to be ready for any storm.

Batteries, Water, canned goods, teas, coffee, matches, and Champagne.  

Yes, even a "splash" of Champagne served certainly adds to the celebration of a snow day.

Are you ready for what is going to be dished out?

Are you ready for the storm?

salad ingredients

I love this photograph from Irving Penn, 1947 - "Salad Ingredients" - As long as I have been with my husband, he has carefully prepared some of the most delightful salad vinaigrettes.  Just last night as he prepared a fresh dressing, he asked me to buy more Trader Joe's balsamic vinegar.

All you need-

good olive oil

vinegar

 lemon

salt

garlic

 mustard and herbs to your liking.  Fresh parsley, chopped chives, and grated pepper are also lovely finishing touches.

Mix in a glass bowl, whisk with a fork and dress and toss your salad and serve.

Just the other day, a dear friend dropped in for lunch and she said, you need to post more about your "french" background and I laughed as you see I am not french but am married to a man who grew up in France, so I guess all his French has influenced me and my life.  So our subject immediately went to France and food.  It's true, the French know how to live life by simply using the freshest ingredients.
Simple salad ingredients shared are the best.

winter charcuterie

When I met my husband, he introduced me to what we call a "winter charcuterie."
This is something one can order in many spots in Europe.

Lunch can be easily composed of an assortment of cheeses, salami, prosciutto, parma ham, pate, cheeses, olives and some good breads.
Add a dollop of grainy mustard....and some pickles.

All of the sudden, something so simple can be gathered, arranged and assembled for a lovely presentation.  This is something we take when we ski which provides great energy.  We usually have some salads too and my husbands famous vinaigrette.  

Do you ever enjoy a lunch like this?

breakfast club

 Before you think I have turned my blog into a food blog (which I have not) - I just love this new Phoenicia Diner.  One can find all the classic diner food.  Spotted it on daily candy.

Breakfast happens to be one of my favorite meals of the day any time of day actually.  Do you enjoy having breakfast at a diner?  What is your favorite spot?

monday motivation - le menu

 There is something so inspiring and motivating to me about dining out and perusing the menu.  My taste buds immediately start to salivate of the combinations of flavors and textures.  I love a simple menu and decided to do a weekly menu for my family.

I began by collecting a list of favorite dishes that my family loves.

Then I gathered some menus from local spots we love and began creating my menu and shopping list.

Bingo.  My intent to design, create and inspire and artful life suddenly elevated our meal time to an art form.

 I tend to think of food seasonally so I have created a winter menu for our family.  

Comfort foods, chicken pot pie, mac n cheese, braised beef shanks, ragu's, pastas and plenty of fresh salads adorned with fruit, nuts and home made vinaigrette.

 Here's one that I found on line, you can certainly create your own list that works for you.

 Simplified Bee had posted these which can be ordered here at Whitney English.

 Start by gathering the freshest ingredients.  Clean your kitchen before you begin and enjoy yourself as you cook.  It is remarkable how much more inspiring meal time can be and how much one can save if you have everything to start with.

super bowl sunday

It's Super Bowl Sunday today. You might not have a clue as to who is playing or are really just tuning in to see the half-time show extravaganza.   Heading off to an annual local party to socialize and watch the game.  Will you be watching?
artwork for sheridan road magazine - super bowl party sunday

welcome creativity

Welcome.  Allow me to introduce you to Rebecca Atwood.

Last summer, I had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca at the "Business with Intention" workshop in Brooklyn given by Jess Lively, at the time she was Jess LC.

 How wonderful to hear the dreams and desires of others and be able to welcome fresh creativity.  Rebecca has launched her new site and soon will be opening her on line shop with her designs.

 I love her relaxed aesthetic and flair for creating prints, patterns and joy.

Rebecca possesses a contagious smile and her voice is like silk, she has such a lovely way about her and her sister Grace too.

Please welcome creativity into your life, your home and take time to thank those that take time to honor their work with us as they build a business with intention.

Welcome Rebecca. 

Wishing you much joy and happiness in your artistic and creative business.

May all of your intentions drive every dream.