Fresh Thoughts from Orrganics

Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest - 20th Anniversary

2011-12-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

Well, it keeps getting better and better! Fresh snow and Deer Valley Resort's finest efforts meant we could all enjoy skiing during opening weekend - December 3rd. The event accommodations were at the fabulous Montage Deer Valley and JUMA Entertainment* created yet another top notch event (and much sought after invite). The show aired last Sunday on CBS and the event helped to raise funds for Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s charity Waterkeeper Alliance. It was a weekend filled with fun, food, skiing, parties, celebrities and all for a great cause - the environment. And, MARY J. BLIGE and GAVIN DEGRAW performed live in an intimate setting - now that was awesome. Take a look at some highlights and fun. I couldn't mention everyone or put in all the photos or I might lose ya! Don't forget to watch Larry David's piece and also Gavin below.

And look for the event again next year - first weekend in December!

Me and my hubby* - the man that makes this happen

Love Terrell Owens - his team won the race and we love his hat too!

Hugs in the tent at lunch

Watching the race

Perrey Reeves from Entourage with my friend Stacey - look at the Di Modolo medal Perrey won

Funniest introduction by Larry David on Saturday night

****Larry David was a riot Saturday night introducing Bobby Kennedy at the Auction - click here to listen - this is a CAN"T MISS.

Simple table scape but it works

Biggest draw at the Auction

Here is a little piece from the concert...

Alan Tudyk from Suburgatory having fun (Steve the Pirate, Dodgeball)

More hugs - at the concert

At the concert with my girl!

From Housewives of Beverly Hills, Taylor Armstrong

And then, to close the weekend...

Who went to the spa instead of skiing on our last day?

Not me, I went skiing.

Raving about Cakeman Raven

2011-12-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

I had a birthday a few weeks ago and my husband got me an outrageously delicious and special birthday cake - made by famous Cakeman Raven - the red velvet cake expert. And I got to watch him - Cakeman, not my husband - decorate it before my eyes; he worked effortlessly and within a few minutes - viola! -beautiful. And it gets better because when it melts in your mouth you cannot believe you waited this long to try the original red velvet cake. My suggestion: go get some - he makes over 5000 cakes a month!

What does red velvet cake taste like? Some say like chocolate cake - well there is some resemblance but it is not just a red chocolate cake. For me - it is the texture that makes it stand apart.

"A real "southern treat", described as an aphrodisiac dessert, deep in its bright redness and buttery crumb texture accents the sweet cream cheese frosting, mellowing out the pecan oils from the crusted pecan garnish.

After the first bite, you're hooked!"

Here are a few shots on location in Brooklyn with JUMA execs and crew - watch for upcoming TV show. I will keep you posted but in the meanwhile, let them eat cake!

Taking in the local color

2011-11-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Marlyn Dintenfass Painting at the Babcock Gallery, NYC

My coat matches the painting above

How many blues do we see in this Louisa Matthiasdottir painting? At the Tibor de Nagy Gallery , NYC

Just a few shots of some works I saw recently in New York. Always love color and to explore new artists.

Treedom: Luxury Eco-Friendly Tree Houses

2011-10-27T15:33:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Lost At E Minor

These eco-friendly luxury tree houses are unbelievable. I would love to throw a party in one of these - or just hang with family - anything really as they pretty fantastic. Click here if you want to see more.
I found them on one of my favorite sites - Lost At E Minor. They are built by a company called Blue Forest.

Not even sure if this would this be downsizing.

Yes You Cannes Frites

2011-10-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

Pastis, Cannes

What can I say, pommes frites are on my mind and there is way too much serious news in the world this week to even think of something else to comment on. So, whether in Cannes or NYC, this is a no brainer - all diets out the window - order them. Not only are they fried, but they are TWICE fried.

In fact, get a double. That's what I did a few weeks ago while in Cannes with my husband. I couldn't stop eating them long enough to take a simple photo. But the menu is nice, right?

(I am afraid this is becoming kind of a theme with me, see photo of "regular" fabulous SALTY fries here.)

And here are a few photos from our trip...

The Marina - drinks with friends

I call this purple "boat" the Lakers Yacht... maybe it is... what's up with the NBA season?

View of Cannes

World Premiere of Upcoming ABC Show Missing (well, it was a business trip!)

Yum Yum

I always travel in color.

Smashing Pumpkins

2011-10-15T05:22:00.000-07:00

Sidewalk display in NYC

I am not one for frothy drinks unless it is due to the whipped cream on my hot chocolate. So here are 2 versions of a great Halloween potion or a fine fall cocktail:

This first one is so easy, I have renamed it:

The Easy Jack O' Tini
1 or 3 Candy Corn Pieces
2 oz chilled vodka
1/4 oz Bols Pumpkin Smash Liqueur (or other pumpkin liqueur is fine too - whatever you can find as it is not so easy to locate)
Place a single candy corn (or 3) at the bottom of chilled cocktail glass.
Combine vodka and liqueur a shaker with ice, shake well and strain into the glass.
Note the added treat when you get to the bottom of the glass - vodka infused candy corn.
The end!

This next one is a variation of the traditional Margarita:
Pumpkin Margarita
2 oz Tequila
1 1/2 oz Bols Pumpkin Smash
1/2 oz Triple Sec
2 cups ice
Blend all together until smooth, pour into a 16 ounce (pint) glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Option - serve in a traditional margarita glass, use the cinnamon stick as garnish and throw a dash of nutmeg on top

Drink recipes adapted from Drink of the Week, which also has other pumpkin options for ya if you look for them!
Of course you could always just spike your pumpkin latte.

Just for Keith: A Taste of Nashville in 48 Hours

2011-10-03T04:03:00.000-07:00

I love Steve Martin - but I guess not enough. Martin and his band the Steep Canyon Rangers, won entertainer of the year last Thursday night at the 2011 International Bluegrass Music Awards in Nashville and I had no idea he was seriously in the music business. Who knew? Obviously not me.

But, I do know about Keith Urban and that was what got us to Nashville for 48 hours over the summer. A birthday request to see him in concert - so off we went. And now, it is one of our favorite cities. We only made a dent and we will be heading back for sure.

Our highlights:

Friday - arrive mid-afternoon and head to our hotel.

Hutton Hotel in Nashville - great boutique hotel with lots of style and centrally located. The staff is super nice - as we found most people in the Nahsville to be. Highly recommend.

Hotel Lobby

Mad dash for a tour of Vanderbilt University. Even in the rain it is still gorgeous and impressive. And look at the great colors in some of the libraries.

A twisty campus tree

Yummy blue ceiling

Loving the green walls

1808 Grille - located in the Hutton Hotel so obviously it was convenient for us (just an elevator ride). Sophisticated and approachable food and we loved the decor - modern but not cold. White accessories and great lighting. Also, they opened 1/2 hour early for us so we could eat dinner and still get to the Grand Ole Opry show on time - that's southern hospitality for ya!

Hush Puppies

Grand Ole Opry - a must. A little hokey but fun.

Nice Suit

Saturday - still raining but we must go to the Pancake Pantry, apparently a Nashville tradition (with a very long wait).

The Country Music Hall of Fame . Lots to absorb and we skipped the guided tour. Fun to see all the displays - from Carrie Underwood's dress (like 15K swarovski crystals!!??) to Elvis' car and piano (there are some very weird things there too - along the lines of stuffed squirrels).

Pre Keith Urban we ate at Puckett's which was fantastic! Located in the Honky Tonk part of town and near the venue. We fall in love - with fried okra (get the ribs too).

Try it at home with Paula Dean's fried okra recipe.

And, now, the reason for our trip - Keith Urban - just look at him!

The show was fabulous! We also like Jake Owen who was the warm up.

Sunday, we leave mid morning knowing we will return - the trip was just not long enough.
But please, the real highlight of the trip for me ...

sisters...priceless

Nailing Blue

2011-09-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Blue Rebel from Chanel

It's officially fall and that means a new nail color has captured my attention - Blue Rebel from Chanel. Go get it ladies - it's fabulous! Men - stick to NO polish please. Warning, the color is addicting and will replace your previous darker shades in the months to come.
Love, love, love!

And, while we are in the midst of blue, take a look below at the nautical theme of a recent Orrganics invitation. The invitation suite and the event were branded with a ship's wheel and lots of blue. Another love.

Invite done with Luscious Verde

Goodies using the ship's wheel done by Kim of Kim Rosen Events.

And, as an added piece today,

Come Sail Away - back to the 70s with Styx. I think the pant silhouette is now back in style. Enjoy!

Green

2011-09-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

Color. If you have been reading me for a while you already know how I feel about color. I love it. I love how color can set a tone. I love how color triggers emotion and reaction. I love that color can effect your mood. Color is so powerful.

And, as noted previously, different colors have come to "represent" certain things. Of course, how one feels about color can be very personal and tends to be rooted in personal experience and cultures, i.e., in the west we view white with innocence/purity.

This week the color green has taken on new meaning to me and to so many others in my hometown/community. The green I am talking about is a bright green and it is being worn in my community this week to honor the life of a brave 15 year old, Ethan, who lost his long battle against cancer just a few days ago. Ethan's favorite color was green. Some say this green was the color of his type of cancer. I am not sure which it is - maybe it's both - but I prefer to think of it as Ethan's favorite color.

I have always liked green, I like that the color represents nature, life and vegetation. (It has other associations as well.) However, until this week, I did not pay much attention to the color green. I remember the bright emerald green earrings worn on the red carpet in Hollywood (I watch E!), I might wear green or notice it on St. Patrick's Day, and this fall season, green has been touted as a popular color in fashion. But, I had no real emotional reaction to green until now.

Now when I see someone outside the local coffee shop in a green t-shirt, I smile. I see bleachers full of kids and parents at our high school football game (our school colors are blue and gold) and I am touched with emotion. I see kids everywhere in a uniform of green. This mass of color is SO powerful. Now, to me, this particular green = love. Supportive, unconditional and happy love.

Using a color to show love and support for a brave young man has changed the way I will forever look at this green*. This is what I call positive color cause and effect.

*Exact pantone color unknown at this time but there is likely a range of greens that would trigger in me the emotion and reaction I have described above.

Become an Actionist

2011-09-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

I am back from my month off. It was some needed time away - filled with travels (which I will talk about next time), relaxation, some work and getting ready for back to school. The time went fast!

I am thinking now of all my friends and others who are currently combating huge rainfall, floods and power loss. And, of course, I am thinking of 9/11.

Our friend Kenny Dichter (Marquis Jet Founder), along with Tim Armstrong (AOL CEO), is co-chairing a "joint effort among corporations, individuals and non-profit corporations committed to both honoring those affected by the events of September 11th and unifying the county through positive action." It is taking a negative action into a positive one. For more info, go to http://actionamerica.com/.

No action too small.

Okra on Vacation

2011-08-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

Oh, the summer... we are taking a break for the month of August.

But, before I go - just tried it - and I LOVE fried okra ( just saying).
Enjoy the long days and come back soon!

Pleasure to The Senses

2011-07-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

So much fun to visit with Suzie, Christina, Holly and Serge at one of our favorite vendors - twig & fig - last week in Berkeley, CA. We love the shop, so appreciate the studio tour and peek at all the rockin' new designs (love the white acrylic and croc wedding invite with a huge zipper). And, special thanks Suzie for answering all Chloe's questions about choosing the names/addresses!

Entrance to the studio

1 lb. jars of custom paint colors

Serge showing Jackie (me) how the proofing process works

Loading it up - 1 piece at a time
metal, wood, leather - not just paper for this baby!

Some of the loot I bought at the shop

All the work made us hungry - lucky there is a cupcake shop next door
Love at First Bite

twig & fig is located on Vine Street in Berkeley, CA.

One of the recent invites we did with twig & fig - a lucky boy got a beautiful letterpressed invite with antique skier medallions and the accessories pieces were flat printed in bright green. I would love to do something using reclaimed barn wood... anyone looking?

Cow Camp

2011-07-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

Last week my daughter and friends were at cow camp.

Did you know that baby calves (redundant) can stand up just a few hours after they are born? I did not.

This little fashionista and Belieber (believes in the Biebs, as in Justin) was shaving, grooming, milking, feeding and playing with the cows. One day she did her cow's hair and then set it with hair spray - who knew?!!

Camp ended with a cow show; the culmination of a week's worth of cowhand experience. Take a look.

From Midnight in Paris to Today in Hollywood

2011-07-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

1920's literary giants in Paris. Disheartened Hollywood writer played by Owen Wilson. Time Travel. Woody Allen sensibility. Smart. Whimsy. I can't stop thinking about it since I saw it a few weeks ago. A must.

Title/opening credits roll. White typography on a black screen - it has to be Woody Allen. That old familiar feel; whether nostalgia or mere fetish, it's certainly brand establishment.

Font/Type: Windsor typeface, circa 1905. Woody Allen's go to/signature typeface. He has used this type in the opening credits of just about all his movies since the late 1970's. It appears first in 1977 with Annie Hall.

image credit to kitblog.com

Others before me have certainly written about this - for more to this and for more title sequence images, go here.

Oh, and Windsor in Hollywood - Kate and Will arrive there today.

How Many Hot Dogs Can You Eat?

2011-07-01T04:59:00.000-07:00

An engraved invitation 1825

Celebrations for Independence Day are nothing new. The invitation above is an example of an engraved invitation that personalizes the recipients, in this case, the Purdy Family for a celebration in Greenwich in 1825.

Seems a bit drab today; where's the red white and blue? And, there were no hot dogs at this party - the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates that on Monday, over 150 million hot dogs will be eaten. We've come a long way...

And, speaking of hot dogs, Joey Chestnut - reigning champ of Nathan's Famous July Fourth International Hot Dog Eating Contest - is aiming to consume 75 hot dogs in 10 minutes - with buns - to keep his title. Watch above to see what he did last year. He is not just a hot dog king, he also wins asparagus* eating contests and once ate 78 matzo balls. Don't laugh, he earns big bucks for all this eating. Sharing this Vanity Fair article on Joey (written by John Heilburn).

You can watch Nathan's Contest on ESPN Monday morning; live streaming at 9:30. Oh, and girls compete too.

Have a wonderful 4th of July - happily and safely "unite in the Celebration of the Day"!

*For those who care to know - the idea of eating more than 1 asparagus spear makes me sick.

And Summer Comes

2011-06-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been a busy, exciting and hectic week; acting as NYC tour guides to relatives in from CA, getting forms and things ready for various camps and trips, meeting new and talented young people, working on some fun projects and just soaking it all in as we head into Summer 2011!

So, now, my plans for the first weekend of summer are to relax with my husband Bob, spend lazy time with my kids, walk barefoot in the grass with our dogs, practice cartwheels in the yard,

give lots of hugs (only to people I know!),
rest up in the hammock, put caperberries in my drink (not so easy to find all the time - but worth it)

and just be lazy... at least until Monday comes.

What's in store for you?

Because this is the mood I'm in - what about you?

2011-06-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

Dhyāna

I took these photos recently while touring gardens in Bucks County, PA.

Weiner's a No Show at Nobu

2011-06-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

Rear of a peacock in full strut at Paxon Hill Farm, Solebury, PA

Here's a thought for you:

Facebook, twitter, email.
Had Congressman Andrew Weiner used snail mail instead of any of these social media platforms (with fabulous personalized stationery created by Orrganics just for him of course - and yes, I could have come up a very manly motif), maybe he wouldn't be in this humiliating and viral mess.

And, "just to be clear," despite being seated with CW and Huma at a small dinner party a few years back (location and date: Nobu, Bahamas over New Year's Eve 2008), I can assure you that I have no photos of Mr. Weiner - in whole or in part - from that evening, nor any other moment in time or place.

What? I'm just saying...

Oh, and one last thought ... Arnold who?

In full plumage

Bond. James Bond. And who are you?

2011-06-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

The white dinner jacket. "Did I have you at hello?"

Need I say more to conjure up the picture of the debonair, well-dressed man? Thinking Sean Connery anyone? George Clooney, Daniel Craig...
Oh, I wandered a bit - yes, back to the story.

The white dinner jacket. Not even in the same category as the light blue tux by way of alternative to the traditional and elegant black tuxedo. So what is the history of this oh so fabulous look?

Well, - in short - it is said to have come into fashion in America in the 1930s/40s via Humphrey Bogart - Casablanca anyone - along with the integration of the black dinner jacket as a de facto evening wear alternative to the more formal coat and tails (the tailcoat). It emerged in the 20s and 30s as a way for wealthy men vacationing in warmer climates to dress formally for dinner without feeling the heaviness of the dark color.

The white dinner jacket is traditionally never worn in England - except abroad - which by interpretation would mean - never worn in England. It is traditionally worn only after Memorial Day (Easter in the South) and not after Labor Day (except for Prom, in which case anytime is fine) unless you are schmoozing in the tropics. Style wise; note that the labels on a white dinner jacket are of the same fabric as the jacket - differing from the black tuxedo jacket which has satin lapels or collar.

White or black, going for a classic and formal look, the results are Über fabulous, just like this timeless wedding invitation we created recently.

Yes, it was Prom.
And congrats to some of my favorite clients - Becky and Joey!

FYI:
The black tuxedo jacket as the replacement for the formal longer coat and tails has its own interesting history. It is reported to have been spotted for the first time in the US in - where else - Tuxedo Park, NY in 1886 after some say a guest reportedly cut off his "own tails"; others attribute the new style to Pierre Lorillard IV, in NYC, or the Prince of Wales who had one made for him by his own tailors in or around 1860. It was at first the informal alternative to the tailcoat worn by the upper classes to dinner, then it was viewed as semi formal attire until finally after World War II it became what is now the fashion for special occasion and formal attire.

How Easy is That?

2011-05-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

As you already know, I love farmers' markets - fresh, organic and so much color!

Not to disappoint, we were at The New Hope Farmers' Market yesterday (every Thursday now thru November) at it's new location on Route 202 near The Giant. While we prefer last year's location at The High School, we are glad it is here.

One of the many veggies we bought was kale - at the request of my 11 year old (I kid you not). And, apparently I did not buy enough. Here is what we did to cook it up:

Clean the kale well and then chop it up into pieces about 1/2 inch but not too small.

Cook it down in a skillet with some olive oil, garlic and a bit of sea salt.

All done.

How easy was that?

Think of it as an alternative to the typical Memorial Day sides.

We served it up with some steaks.

We loved the rainbow greens but bought the kale instead (pink arrow)

Enjoy!

The Paper Runway

2011-05-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

Earlier this the week I was in NYC for the National Stationery Show. Picked up a new line, connected with some vendors & walked right into a paper fashion show. All the outfits were created by fashion and visual merchandising students out of paper. Here are some pics - really unbelievable work. The winner, "voted on by America," (well at least those that attended the Show) will receive cash and a window display at Kate's Paperie during Fashion Week. Really puts to shame the old version of paper dolls wouldn't ya say! Which one is your favorite?

Notice the handmade paper - just like the mulberry paper I made in Israel last summer.

A "leather" number

Serious

Spring Luncheon Attire!

Love the scarf - reminds me of Ya Living's handmade scarves from India

I feel a little "Dickens" here

Even the dog is made from paper!

Have You Seen a Double?

2011-05-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Driving home from Somewhere last week, as I came Over the hill, I was confronted head on, through my car window, with one of the prettiest and most magical sights - The Rainbow. It took my breath away and put a smile on my face. And, adding to the splendor was the fact that it was a double. The lime green field is pretty impressive too!

Some of my favorite quotes from The Wizard of Oz:

"Are you a good witch or a bad witch?"

"...But, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking...don't they?"

"A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others."

Do you have a favorite quote from this movie? Please share!

Racin' Juleps

2011-05-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Off to the races! This weekend is the Kentucky Derby and, coming off the Royal Wedding, it will be another day to remark upon all the hats.

However, putting all hats aside, another traditional Derby must is the Mint Julep. I had my first one as a house guest on the French Riviera - proving that this classic drink, while traditionally southern, travels nicely. It was skillfully made and served in the traditional chilled silver cup. Here is my take on the way to make a derby cocktail and, if you serve it with a necklace of fresh roses (from Daily Candy), it is also the perfect way to also celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday. So fresh, pretty and fun!

Classic Mint Julep, photo from Southern Living

Jackie's Mint Julep
(adapted from Southern Living recipe and About.com Cocktails)

For an individual serving:

4 fresh organic mint leaves
1 fresh organic mint sprig for garnish
1 tablespoon (about 1/2 ounce) of mint simple syrup (recipe below)* OR 2 sugar cubes
2- 2.5 ounces of bourbon (about 4-5 tablespoons)
Crushed ice (not to fine; I like being chunks)
1 chilled silver julep cup or tall Collins or highball glass (if using these tall glasses, use about 3 ounces of bourbon)
Cocktail straw

Preparation:
1. Place mint leaves and simple sugar (or cubes) into the cup/glass and muddle to mix and or release aroma and oil of the mint.
2. Add crushed ice to fill cup/glass.
3. Add bourbon.
4. Mix well, add mint sprig for garnish and straw.

Drink, I mean, serve immediately! Some sprinkle with powdered sugar. Best if made individually and best to sip slowly.

Happy Derby Day and Happy Mother's Day to all you horse fans and nurturers out there!

Invite from the Fabulous Luscious Verde Essentials Collection, let's customize for next year!

*To make 2 cups of mint simple sugar:

1 cup sugar

1 cup of water

10-12 fresh organic mint sprigs

Bring to a boil 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil, stir often for 5 or so minutes until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add mint, then cool completely.

Pour into a glass jar; cover and chill 24 hours (ideally). Remove and discard mint. This syrup will last in the refrigerator for 1 week.

Enjoy!

Don't You Love a Royal and Crazy Wedding Hat?!

2011-04-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

On my way to witness The Royal Wedding

Settling In

Really, I must get on with the day - car pool time!

If only... a "fascinator" by the creme de la creme milliner Philip Treacy

Reading my blog you may already know that I love hats and I love weddings, so what a fitting combination for me, hats at a wedding - The Royal Wedding. Hats are a tradition in England and everyone wears them - I wish it were so here in the U.S.
Philip Treacy is the milliner. I adore the bright colors, the shapes and the whimsy on the fabulous hats or better called "fascinators". Two of my favorites are those outrageous and crazy hats/headpieces worn by Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice - especially Eugenie's beige number. It's like an Alice in Wonderland reality show.

Photo from Hollywoodlife.com

I wonder how many of the 1900 or so invited guests found that they could not see directly ahead - or to the side for that matter - from their seats. But, given the occasion, while maybe slightly annoyed, they were probably not surprised by any obstructed view.

On the other hand, my view - at home - was digitally perfect and obstructed only momentarily by the orange juice container.

All in all, the pageantry, the fly over, the mindful manners, Kate's romantic and retro looking dress, the men in uniform, suits and or morning coats and then the picture perfect double kiss (making history) was all truly splendid and well worth the early hour!

Oh, and in honor of hats, the first one in with a custom hat motif on a new stationery order will save a pretty pound.

What color is your holiday? Mine was true blue.

2011-04-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

We are all together and very attentive

Healthy debate

The theme for our Family Passover this year was blue - but in a good way. We were together for our Family Seder (this year on Long Island) for the traditional reading of the Haggadah, light discussion and lots of eating.

During the Seder, the afikoman (1/2 piece of matzo wrapped in cloth, saved to be eaten at the conclusion of the Seder meal) was hidden by 2 key players who also strategically placed decoys to throw off those later participating in the search for this prized matzo. Impressive play. After little Ben found the prize and won the game (there were a few challenges made regarding improper assistance), we orderly* moved into the beautiful blue room to watch the Knicks and Yankees play. (I am confused, this sounds like Thanksgiving.)

It was a true blue and happy family affair - some were MIA but say they will report back next year. Happy Passover to all celebrating this holiday.

Just by coincidence I had my toe nails painted with "NYPD BLUE" just in time for the Seder.

Finally, blue is the traditional color of loyalty.

*Seder means order.

Hats Off! A Time to Celebrate

2011-04-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year - graduation!

Be it graduation from high school, college, grad school, moving up to middle school...

whatever it may be, it's time to celebrate!

Here is a sampling to get you in the mood - invites, gifts, stationery and some things just for fun - enjoy! More to come. Of course, we can customize, personalize and even "brand" your graduate and or party as you like. Smart, eh?

Noteworthy Collections

Photo card Noteworthy Collections - suggest we use your photo

Noteworthy Collections

Different Hair Colors available!

Team Notes from $39.95

Party Time - a cute brunch invite

From Luscious Verde's New Essentials Album

Collegiate Stamps

$39.95

A Necessity - The Thank You Note

Personalized pads for jotting down something really important!

Luscious Verde Collection

From Boatman Geller

Fun new product below- Capture graduation and then stamp all your thank you envelopes

$59.95

And, finally - a dog lover's favorite!

$59.95

We can do any pet - we don't discriminate!

Congrats to all the graduates - and their families!

Call for more information and orders.

orrganics.com

Snails to Mail Service

2011-04-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

Seeing the volume of mail decrease in recent years and, along with it, a decrease in revenue, the US Postal Service is doing what it can to recapture the market. Being a bit tongue and cheek about the "snail mail"* retronym applied to regular mail, at one local post office, postal employees are hand stamping outgoing mail with images of snails and offering plates of escargot to patrons mailing 6 or more pieces at a time. (The escargot plates contain 6 snails). It seems to have caught on as other offices are exploring this marketing tool.

Warning: expect longer lines at lunchtime.

Happy April Fools!

*Per Wikipedia, "the term snail-mail is a retronym that originated in 1983 to distinguish it from the quicker e-mail." Also, photo adapted from Wikipedia.

Need a Ghost Writer?

2011-03-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

You all know by now that I love handwritten letters. What is "snail mail" to some is, to me, a wonderful gift. Communication through the letter actually seems more thoughtful, more lasting. And, it is texturally satisfying. Of course, some communications require more urgent delivery and I am not knocking technology by any means.

A fun site celebrating the handwritten letter has it's blog author write a new letter each day. We get the voyeuristic pleasure of reading something that is not written to us (but maybe with us in mind as the "end reader"). The topics change and the recipients vary - from a co-worker to Alexander Graham Bell. Open it up, Letters from Lauren. If requested, she may even write one for you.*

A community letter with several authors circling restaurant patrons at the
Seattle Space Needle Restaurant, SkyCity.

*My daughter also loves to write actual letters (at least 1-2 a week) - she too could be your ghost writer!

Why Settle for Just One?

2011-03-04T14:59:00.000-08:00

Liner papers from Paper Mojo, stationery created with European Arturo paper from Arzberger

Why settle for one beautiful envelope liner when there are so many - I didn't.

As shown, quantity of 50 with flat printed return address, $250 - liners additional.

What's Green about the Red Carpet?

2011-02-25T10:37:00.000-08:00

2 days away from the Oscars and there is a lot in film this year to celebrate. Diverse topics and themes - from madness to overcoming adversity to social networking and more; easy springboards for meaningful cocktail and dinner conversation. My personal favorite for best picture is The King's Speech even though it might be less historically meaningful than The Social Network. For best actor, I have to go with Colin Firth. Hands down. And did you know that Colin Firth and his wife, Livia, own a store in the UK called Eco-Age ?

Eco Age home page:

"We at Eco Age work with the best of national and international designers to bring you the best from the sustainable world. From toys to bespoke furniture, green cleaning products to energy saving gadgets, this is the place to be."

Many of the nominees have a "green" association but what are some of the green films this year?

Waste Land and Gasland are the two of the better known films in this category and both are up for Best Documentary. Waste Land is set in Rio de Janeiro and depicts life for those who depend on and make their living "picking" from the world's largest garbage dump/landfill. Gasland - see trailer above - is a view into natural gas extraction via hydraulic fracturing. Both films were winners at Sundance. Gasland received additional attention, as did actor Mark Ruffalo, (one of my favorites and up for Best Supporting Actor in The Kids are All Right) when it was rumored that he was put on the terrorist watch list by the Office of Homeland Security in Pennsylvania - he did organize several screenings of this film. (Other eco-impact films include Sun Come Up and Warriors of Quigang - I have not watched these yet.)

I read somewhere that Livia Firth put up a challenge for this year's awards season - to wear sustainable fashion on the red carpet. Well, I am up for this challenge but I will not be anywhere near the red carpet Sunday night; I will be home in an organic cotton tee shirt and snacking on organic popcorn. I think this counts.

Is Something Wrong with Jimmy Choo?

2011-02-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

Having lunch at Saks during Fashion Week - this sign on every table... everyone should use spellcheck!

Do White Bodysuits Go With Everything at BCBGMAXAZRIA?

2011-02-12T06:14:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is here, back at its new home at Lincoln Center. We were there Thursday, the first official day, excited and looking forward to a great day. Days at the shows are never a disappointment; always full of anticipation and excitement. This day was no different.

Take a look at the BCBGMAXAZRIA show (above). The Theatre was packed, standing room only and everyone was ready to go. As the show progressed it became quite clear that there was a theme - the theme of the sheer white bodysuit with black cuffs. The take away from the show being that a sheer white bodysuit with black cuffs goes with just about everything. Really?! Yes, really... the piece is shown with almost all of the 34 looks. And, yes, it is a look.

Why this staple? Is this to keep the plunging necklines decent and wearable for those of us who don't walk the runway or the red carpet for a living? What do you think? Are you up for the elongated proportions, "the desire for simplicity" and the bodysuit for Fall 2011?

I must say that I do love the cobalt silk chiffon dress - color, color, and color. And, who knows, maybe that sheer white turtleneck with black cuffs will end up in my closet; after all, it does go with everything!

Of course outside the venue, in the Plaza, you get lots of street fashion. Meet George (see below). The take away from George: "Baby, it's cold outside."

Thanks to Hillary, Helen and IMG!

Flying Colors!

2011-02-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

Last week at the 2011 FIS Freestyle World Skiing Championships (the most significant event outside of the Winter Olympic Games), the was no fear of flying and no fear of color!

Main Street, Park City

It was a 4 day party on the mountain at Deer Valley Resort (home of the 2002 Winter Olympic games) and at Park City Mountain Resort. (Feb. 2 - Feb 5.) There was great food, fine mountain hospitality, big enthusiastic crowds - great TV production (yes, hubby Bob and his JUMA operatives!) - and true sport! I was able to get up close and personal for viewing and photos.

Aerial competition

Chinese Skiers in background, chatty until their Coach interrupted!

Can't be at Deer Valley without the Turkey Chili!

Ski Cross Competition

Family time

Halfpipe

Love this!

Always working execs Amanda and Melissa

Well, someone has to clean up!

Twist # ?

Halfpipe Women's podium - SLC resident Jen Hudak earns a silver medal.

Food in the tent at Park City Mountain Resort - lots of color - good for you.

Lucky me, I got to ski with Nikki Stone, 1998 Olympic Gold Medalist (Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan); America’s first-ever Olympic Champion in the sport of inverted aerial skiing. But we stuck to downhill skiing - no pro am Aerials for moi!

Look how tight Nikki is holding on to me - she doesn't want to fall back!

FYI - a brief description of the various ski events:

Aerials: Skiers throw themselves off ramps rising 50 feet in the air and then they twist, flip and hope to land upright and with grace;

Ski Cross: 4 racers doing "motor cross" on skis - a course race with jumps and turns.

Moguls - ouch! Need I say more - okay, bad knees. Bumps, bumps and more bumps with 2 mandatory aerial tricks off of ramps - race against the clock;

Dual Moguls: double ouch! This time, 2 skiers race each other to the bottom to advance on the the top.

Half Pipe on Skis: Best visual: think Shaun White on skis.

P.S. I really love the font on the Russian jackets!

Not Quite Honeysuckle, But Truly Pink with Raspberry Cupcakes

2011-01-29T08:24:00.000-08:00

Pink Cupcakes

So girly

On one of last week's snowy days we made some yummy cupcakes. Below is the recipe we used from More magazine, February 2011 issue.

Yummy Snow Day Snack

Someone could not wait to have a bite!

More Magazine's Pink Cupcake Recipe
Prep time: 32 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes 12

Cupcakes

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup), softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk

Glaze
• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (and more if needed)
• Pink or red food coloring
• 12 small red raspberries for garnish

1. To make the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350º. Line 12 cupcake cups with liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter until soft and creamy. Add the sugar, and beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time until incorporated. Add the vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk in three additions. Beat until just combined. Fill cupcake papers ¾ full, and bake 20 to 25 minutes, rotating pan halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool completely on rack.

2. To make the glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the confectioner’s sugar and 2 tablespoons milk. Slowly add food coloring with a toothpick until desired pink shade is achieved. Top each cupcake with 1 teaspoon glaze. Spread decoratively toward the edges to create a scalloped, just- dripping effect. Top each with one small raspberry.

WE USED BRIGHT PINK CUPCAKE BAKING FOILS

A Couple of Things

2011-01-28T04:59:00.000-08:00

February, a month celebrating love. One of my favorite lines, Luscious Verde, is running a few loving promotions this month (see below). Let's create something memorable together - just for you.

Letters To Love

2011-01-21T06:56:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is a perfect opportunity to be loving.

With love,

Hugs & Kisses,

:)

xoxxox

Fondly,

All my love,

Sincerely,

Warmly,

Thinking of you,

With affection,

Love,

New stationery for yourself or someone you love - or both!
Reds, pinks, black, golds, platinum, even some adornments if you like.

A luxurious and personal way to say thank you for your Valentine's Day chocolate - or any other delights you may give or receive throughout the year.

Yummy!

Call me,

Jackie

Living Color: Amazing and Weird Plants That Eat Animals

2011-01-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

Amazing and Weird Plants That Eat Animals (Click the link to see full story.)

I had to stop, look and read.
Vibrant hues and really fabulous shapes. And, notice the live honeysuckle color in the photo above (Pantone's color of the year as noted in last week's post.)
Query: Assuming these plants are safe to eat, and readily available for your next dinner party, would it be an oops if you unknowingly served them to a vegetarian guest?

photo courtesy of Vaartaaha

Honeysuckle Pink 18-2120 - The Color of the Year for 2011

2011-01-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011!

It has been announced that the Pantone Color of the Year for 2011 is Honeysuckle - Pantone color 18-2120. It is a reddish pink - a child of the "mother color red... the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute.

Photo Courtesy of Pantone

I like it but not as much as I favored last year's color of the year, Turquoise. The qualities associated with this color are courageous, uplifting, energetic; all fabulous for the beginning of a new year. A color that gets "you going in times of stress." Who could argue with all that? (Well, I think red might get me going a little more quickly - but remember I am on a red kick lately.)

And, as seen in the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2011, honeysuckle plays a predominant role in the fun and flirty category. The colors I would add as pairings to this honeysuckle pink would be navy, black, charcoal grey and or gold. (Of course adding an apple green goes to your inner preppy.) Any of these combinations will make a great addition to your stationery wardrobe.

Pink on a winter day

Very Merry Everything & A Happy New Year

2010-12-24T15:48:00.000-08:00

As promised, a few photos from the Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest. Again, a fun filled weekend of skiing, eating, socializing and raising environmental awareness and funds for Waterkeeper Alliance.

Also, while it has not yet been announced, I have just learned (via hubby Bob who created, owns and produces the event) that CBS will be re-airing Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest on Sunday January 23rd at 1pm EST. So, for those of you who may have missed it the first time (i.e., Joanne) - another chance.

Dylan Bruno & wife Emmeli Hultquist

Olympian Steve Mahre, Cheryl Hines, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Joey Pantoliano

US National Champion Heidi Voelker and Olympic Gold, Silver Medalist Tommy Moe

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Heidi Voelker, Trevor Donovan

Bob Woodruff, Rob Morrow, KT Tunstall, Cheryl Hines, Steve Mahre

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., JP Mitchell

Hill Harper and teammates

Party Room

JB Smoove & wife Shahidah Omar

Taylor Armstrong and husband Russell

Patrick Warburton, Rob Morrow

Dylan Bruno, Heidi Voelker, Phil Mahre

Cheryl Hines, Robert Horowitz, Jackie Orr (me), Mary Kennedy

I want to thank you all for reading Fresh Thoughts and for all your comments (via email and posting); please keep them coming as I love hearing from you.

I wish to everyone a very happy holiday season and a wonderful and meaningful 2011.

See you after the first of the new year.

Enjoy,

Jackie

KNEES UP! and drive carefully please!

2010-12-18T04:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am still in red and white mode from last week. I am ordering white stationery with a tiny red heart motif, my name and red/white Japanese paper liner, just purchased a red case for my new flip camera and now, my newest love:

KNEES UP - a fabulous metallic red from butter London's 2010 Holiday Collection. It is perfect this time of year; like wearing a Christmas ornament on your nails - fun and fabulous! (You might recall from a prior post that I first met butter London, the 3 free lacquer, in Seattle this past summer.)

Knees Up, from the 2010 Holiday Collection

I ordered mine from Zappos.com - they might already be out so hurry and paint away! (Or bring to a nail salon near you.)

photo from butter London.

Isn't White Luscious?

2010-12-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

When I am not thinking of red these days - be it Xmas red (for obvious reasons) or blood red (due to various injuries and wounds we happen to be nursing at the moment in our home) or tomato red (due to the bottles of juice in which we had to bathe our skunk encountered Golden Retriever) - I am thinking a lot of white.

Is white a color? I say yes. And in additive color theory it is, in a nutshell, said to be the merging of many colors. So, loving color, I love white. White is often said to convey purity, innocence, simplicity and new beginnings (weddings, even funerals to convey sympathy and life celebration).

Some of the reasons I love the WHITE at this time of year:

Snow - see last post on one of my favorite spots on the planet - Deer Valley, Utah.
White Sherpa fur (not real) - cozy hoodie - my favorite from Barefoot Dreams Cozychic.
Marshmallows - fluffy, simple and reminiscent of youth.

All so yummy and luscious this time of year.

Straight from Orrganics' home kitchen:
Homemade Toasted Coconut Marshmallows

Easy and fun to make. Perfect for s'mores and great for topping hot chocolate. They melt in your mouth. And, this morning they were also a breakfast food.

Recipe:
Marshmallow Batter:
3 packs of unflavored gelatin
1 cup of light corn syrup
1.5 cups of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of vanilla (not the imitation extract)
1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt

Toppings:

bag of sweetened shredded coconut, toasted*
confectioners' sugar
optional: cayenne pepper/red pepper flakes - a topping for some added HEAT which I love (and of course, here is that red color again)

To make the Marshmallow Batter:

Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup.

Combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat.

With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Sprinkle half the toasted coconut* in an 8 by 12-inch nonmetal pan. Pour in the marshmallow batter and smooth the top of the mixture with damp hands. Sprinkle on the remaining toasted coconut (and do the same with the cayenne/red pepper if you are using it). Allow to dry uncovered at room temperature overnight.

Remove the marshmallows from the pan and cut into LARGE squares. Use a pizza cutter. Roll the sides of each piece carefully in confectioners' sugar. Store uncovered at room temperature.

ENJOY!

* To toast the coconut, sprinkle evenly on a cookie sheet or jelly roll and bake at 350 until lightly browned - toss frequently. This takes 5 or so minutes - watch so you don't burn. Time could vary.

Next time I will be adding a dusting of graham crackers and choc for instant s'mores yummmmmmmmm!

Please know that the recipes for homemade marshmallows out there are all quite similar. The one I use is adapted from The Barefoot Contessa, Family Style by Ina Garten - someone I feel especially close to although we have never met.

all photos by Jackie

Chili in the Forecast

2010-12-03T16:12:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving has now come and gone and one would think that I would be leaving all thoughts of turkey behind me but that just is not possible. Two words, two ways, will sum it up:
"Deer Valley" -- "Turkey Chili"

Oh, and "Yum Yum!"

The mountain opens this weekend and I am off to ski, celebrate and eat turkey chili at the 19th Annual Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest. You can tune in to watch this Sunday, Dec. 5th, either right before or right after the NFL game on CBS; check your local listings. ( Disclosure: Yes, this is my husband's show and yes, this should be considered a plug.) But also know that aside from all the fun, festivity and fabulous skiing (due to the early dumping of luscious snow), there is a charitable component to the weekend benefiting Waterkeeper Alliance. Check it out.

Now, back to the turkey chili. Deer Valley has the best food on any ski mountain in the US that I have been to and their turkey chili is tops! One can try to make it at home too - there is a mix and what could be easier especially this busy time of year.

Photos above are from Skifest 2009 - this year's photos will follow.

And, since there was an inquiry, here are some of my tips for airplane travel (which I seem to do a lot of):

I wear comfortable, layered, usually black or other dark clothing. There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable at 30,000 feet up due to your clothing selection. The seating is uncomfortable enough. I am not getting any larger but I have more space in the lavatory on the plane than at my seat. Note that while I want to be as comfortable as possible, I don't need to look like a slob. I love the bygone era when people actually dressed up for their flights;

I bring a folder with my flight/ticket info, car rental or ground transportation, other confirmations (dinners, baggage, etc), places or things I might want to do when I get to where I am going - everything is organized and in one place. I can review it during the flight if I need to and I have it with me;

Wear or bring socks/peds for "going through security " - why would I want to touch the dirty floor with my feet when I have to take my shoes off;

I pack little roll up flats for the flight - more comfortable than high heels or boots for extended travel and, should my feet swell from the air pressure, I don't have to stress that I can't get my shoes back on before I can walk off the plane;

Yes, I usually pack extra clothes in my carry on just in case my checked luggage (and I ALWAYS check luggage) doesn't make it to the destination with me;

I have a zip lock bag with all my liquid essentials always packed so I never have to rethink it and it is ready to go on short notice. I routinely check it to make sure I don't need to replace any items;

I always travel with pain relief medicine as I don't want to take up time looking for a drug store;

I don't wear lots of big jewelry and or belts that have to be removed while going through security - although I tend to wear a chunky watch which I just routinely take off and put in my purse so I don't set off any machines or have to walk through again;

We all know by now, remove your computer from its case. But also know that some airports want your iPad separated too so I just do that without being asked - why invite delay?;

Pack a large wrap or scarf or travel blanket - it can get cold on planes and it can also serve as a pillow (I have a neck roll as well but it takes up a lot of space);

Download any movies or TV shows at least a day before so you are not disappointed when you realize you wanted to watch the latest episodes of Glee or Keeping Up With the Kardasians (a guilty pleasure that I seem to share with a lot of people) an hour before you have to leave the house;

Gum, mints, snacks;

And, finally, I always have headphones and sunglasses with me. They are essential to ward off chatty seat mates* or the glare from window shades that won't close.

*My daughter told me that she can still tell if my eyes are open from the side.

All of the above is now second nature to me so there really is no hassle.

Happy and easy travels to all!

Steeler Country - Pittsburgh and Beyond to Fallingwater

2010-11-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

Last week we went to Pittsburgh to visit some schools. While there we explored the City and beyond. Note, Steelers fans are everywhere.

On the Pitt campus, the Cathedral of Learning. It is the 2nd tallest educational building in
the world; 42 stories and 535 feet high.

Here are some of our highlights:

The Andy Warhol Museum.

There is a fabulous temporary exhibit on Marilyn Monroe - photographs and other works of art, not necessarily created by Mr. Warhol. My favorite photos were the shots taken by Bruno Bernard. I think the exhibit goes thru January 2, 2011.

The museum has 6 floors of exhibition space - there is so much to see. The giant screens showing clips of Andy Warhol's many movies kind of creeped us out. I did love the exhibit of Warhol's TV shows from the 1980s - clips with familiar faces from pop culture; Halston, Brooke Shields, Donna Karan, Daniel Patrick Monaghan to name a few. There are also old "family" movies, i.e., JFK Jr. playing as a kid on a NY beach. We loved the interactive exhibition in a room filled with helium (I think) pillows (Silver Clouds) and we found Warhol's abstract Oxidation Series paintings extra startling up close; especially when you learn he used urination on paint as the method for oxidation (yes,really! and they are often referred to as Piss Paintings ).

Andy Warhol grew up on Orr Street in Pittsburgh. I like that little fact (for obvious reasons). I did not realize that Warhol began his career in NYC as an illustrator with Glamour. It is fun to see his work from that time. I think it would be fair to say Warhol definitely learned the art of branding and consumer culture quite well.

Aptly named, "Walking to the Sky", the Jonathan Borofsky sculpture located on the Carnegie Melon campus was a lot of fun too - see below.

(Both Andy Warhol and Jonathan Borofsky are Carnegie Melon grads.)

Walking to the Sky

There are so many bridges in Pittsburgh - can you name the 3 rivers surrounding the City?

Best Meal - The Sonoma Grille. Casual and lively on a Saturday night. Fit for foodies, right up my alley with organic and fresh ingredients and a seasonal menu. I love the tasting menu and the wine list. We had the crab meat and avocado tian, the char duck and the fillet. All fabulous! Thanks Allen for the recommendation.

About an hour and a half outside of Pittsburgh - a visit to Fallingwater, the residence designed by America's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Organic and harmonious with its surroundings, it is an obviously masterpiece. Fallingwater was built during the Depression, using local labor and local materials. Walking through the one time mountain retreat of the Kaufman Family of Pittsburgh (they owned Kaufman Department Stores - very interesting history of this stylish and charitable family for those who are interested) it is easy to feel connected to the natural surroundings; the home sits atop a waterfall and amongst the trees. It is now a National Historic Landmark. (FYI - they do rent out for dinner parties!)

Love this terrace and the Buddha head

If it were only this easy!

Oh, and while we were walking around Pittsburgh Sunday morning (at 9:15am), a man interrupted our discussion to point and tell us "the Stadium (football) is that way". He thought he was being helpful to get us to the venue in time for pre-game breakfast tailgating - we were really just looking for a Starbucks.

Inspiration - Steelers' colors black and gold make an elegant and classic statement for a holiday party invitation.

Exploding Vegetables!

2010-11-09T15:28:00.000-08:00

Martin Klimas, a German artist, sends a projectiles into vegetables and the result is explosive! To see more of Klimas' exploding veggies and fruits (a statement about "our" growing interest away from junk and toward health foods), please visit Feature Shoot where I had my first taste of his work. (Sorry, that was really bad!)

And, however tempting this might be, I wouldn't recommend using projectiles at the dinner table.

A Face Near You

2010-10-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

TRAILER " WOMEN ARE HEROES" from SOCIAL ANIMALS on Vimeo.

CAUTION - INTENSE - BUT WORTH WATCHING

Sometimes art raises questions.
Sometimes artistic expression is political.
Sometimes art provokes.
Sometimes art conveys joy where we would not expect joy to exist.

Guerrilla art. Pervasive art. Both terms describe works by JR, a twenty seven year old French artist who was just awarded the 2011 TED prize - $100,000 and a chance to change the world. (Last year's recipient was Jamie Oliver whose wish was to change the way the world eats.)

The trailer above for JR's Women Are Heroes film (shown at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010) is intense. It explores the dignity (or indignity) of women who are often targets during conflict. This is the theme of JR's 2008 Women Are Heroes exhibition where he photographed the faces of women from different parts of Africa who had each suffered much hardship. He then posted the photos in huge format in their own cities - in the streets, on buses, on the sides of buildings. The exhibition and the film both express pain and joy in the midst of art, culture and politics.

As far as JR's exhibitions go, I would love to hear your response to the question - which is the actual art - the original photograph or the installation? There can be no doubt that effects of each are very different.

To see more about and from JR, but not to actually see him as prefers anonymity, click here to visit his website. There are images from other exhibitions and it is a real treat.

So Very Happy Chic

2010-10-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

I love this book from Jonathan Adler - each page is a new smile on my face. It has terrific pictures of his various interior designs and the color combos are sure to please. He also gives specific paint colors and combinations that are tried and true. So fabulous!

Making Mulberry Paper

2010-10-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

Handmade paper - in this instant from Israel - has great texture, color and is Au Natural!

The fiber from the Mulberry plant was used to make the paper here in this video. One can throw in a variety colorful petals, leaves and other natural items to mix in with the pulp - asparagus leaves, pressed flowers for example - thereby creating an interesting canvas. Each piece is unique and I love using the paper as wrap - a wrap on an invite or as gift wrap for a present. Here in the studio we see paper used as a wall hangings, lamp shades and, of course, as just paper.

It was a lot of fun and thank you Eliana for acting as my interpreter along the way because, while English was not a problem, I am not fluent in Hebrew. And thanks to Timna Neumann, owner of Tut Neyar (in Zichron Ya'acov) for a very informative and fun afternoon, I am sure to be back.

Yes, I Love Orange

2010-10-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

If you don't already know, orange is one of my favorite colors. It presents itself in so many ways, especially this time of year on the East Coast. While the orange exterior color below is not as vibrant as I usually like, I do wonder if they painted the building during the fall - it is such a perfect match of canvas to the trees.

Yes, I did pull over to photograph this building mirroring nature

A close up of Fall in action

And, speaking of orange, pumpkins are not just for Halloween -

Pumpkin Soup - Yum Yum

Recipe from The Mayo Clinic:

Ingredients
3/4 cup water
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (8 ounces) pumpkin puree
1 cup unsalted vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup fat-free milk
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 green onion, green top only, chopped

Directions
In a large saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of the water over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Don't let the onion dry out.

Add the remaining water, pumpkin, broth, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the milk and cook until hot. Don't boil.

Ladle into warmed individual bowls and garnish with black pepper and green onion tops. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis (per serving)
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories 72 Cholesterol 1 mg
Protein 3 g Sodium 241 mg
Carbohydrate 12 g Fiber 2 g
Total fat 1 g Potassium 199 mg
Saturated fat < 1 g Calcium 78 mg
Monounsaturated fat < 1 g

The Town

2010-10-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

So last weekend we went to the movies, Wall Street and then The Town. Wall Street was good but The Town, well, it was amazing - to me, one of the best of 2010. Aside from more screen time for Jon Hamm (a yummy Mad Man) there are so many reasons to see this #1 movie. Ben Affleck gives a terrific performance in addition to directing this Heist flick. Jeremy Renner (from The Hurt Locker) is so intense and when he is on screen you cannot take your eyes off of him and Blake Lively is an out of character surprise too; really the entire cast is wonderful. The lead female actress reminds me so much of a girl I worked with way back when - Emily M. - that I don't even want to remember that her name is actually Rebecca. I loved the story telling (1 small leap of faith I did need to make near the beginning of the movie), love the gritty cinematography, and I found the note at the end of the movie referencing the majority of law abiding citizens of The Town especially thoughtful.

Plus, the bank robber masks are a shoe in for Halloween. Like a hybrid between a mutant ninja turtle and a nun.

Now you see 'em, now you doughn't

2010-09-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

I am not really a doughnut girl but I have to say that the "famous" homemade doughnuts we had at Lola in Seattle are not your ordinary doughnuts. Our waitress suggested - rather insisted - that we order them with our breakfast. So, we got one order to share between the four of us. Mistake. They were gone in about 2 seconds flat. Nothing can quite compare to these handmade doughnuts; airy, not too sweet and a perfect amount of sugared crunch with each bite. There are definitely no Kinks in these little guys. So, while I highly recommend the doughnuts at Lola when you are next in Seattle, I must caution against sharing - you absolutely must get your own order.

(Another attraction for me was the font - on the plate/logo. Seems to fit just right.)

Going

Gone

And, speaking of doughnuts - I am so proud of my friend for publishing her first novel : Life, Death and Doughnuts. (It is her 5th book.) Yes, I am giving her a plug right here.

Please let me know if there are any other doughnuts that might compare to Lola's.

A Day in Fashion Week

2010-09-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

Lincoln Center, NYC

From Carlos Miele Show, Jewelry by Ivanka Trump

Beautiful Necklace - Ivanka Trump Jewelry, Carlos Miele Dress

My Favorite - Gorgeous Blue Gown by Carlos Miele

Tracy Reese - this is so me - love the leather hat

Tracy Reese - I want to buy this as I would actually wear it!

Is she blogging? Love the sleeves.

I would not suggest this combination

Orange Nikes - worn by Muscle Milk girls

Street Fashion?

Me with Marcie - she favors Oscar gowns

Best Groomed Guy - Oscar (not Marcie's Oscar).

Monique Lhulillier suit - looks perfect for a Mother of the Bride

Giada de Laurentis - is she thinking about feeding the models?

I was so excited to meet Brad from The Rachel Zoe Project! Love the jacket and he was so friendly. He was at the Monique Lhuillier show; I wonder if he was shopping for someone in particular?

Monique Lhuillier - never a disappointment with her Garden of Eden theme. Gowns to die for - and of course this blue is screaming my name.

Monique Lhuillier show- I love the feathers and the nude palette.

Have You Ever Counted the Seeds in a Pomegranate?

2010-09-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it felt great to take some time off and enjoy the last part of summer with my family but it is good to be home. One of the places we experienced in August was Israel. And, yes, I say experience rather than visit, vacation and or traveled to because that is exactly what it was - an experience. I cannot wait to go back. The energy, the passion, the mixing of cultures. The Middle East is a place onto it's own.

We visited Moshav Amirim, located in the North and this is where I saw a pomegranate tree for the first time. I have seen them in the markets many times, but never in their natural environment! Love it.

In keeping with many of my prior blogs, I bring to you something for your taste buds (among other potential benefits). See below.

Market in Tel Aviv - wish I could find pomegranate seeds in cup here!

Pomegranates are traditionally eaten on the second night of Rosh Hashanah, the holiday celebrating The Jewish New Year. There are several reasons cited for this - click here for more info. I like that they have 613 seeds inside and that relates to the number of good deeds one has done in the past year or as a reminder of all the good deeds we are capable of in the coming year. In honor of the Jewish New Year and the Fall Season, below are some seasonal drinks.

Enjoy, Shanah Tovah to those who celebrate the Jewish New Year and Happy Fall to all!

By the way, I recently saw a postcard on Esty that used smashed pomegranate seeds as a dye on paper. (Just a thought for the kids while you experiment below.)

Pomegranate Martini - a version of Oprah's favorite

1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
2 ounces Absolute Citron or plain vodka
1 ounce Cointreau liquor
Cup of ice
Garnish with a slice of lime (or apple for The New Year)

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and add garnish.

New Year's Honey Appletini - adapted from Caleb Lentchner, executive chef at Marsha Brown's in New Hope, PA

2 parts Absolute Vodka

1 part apple schnapps or for a more sour taste, try sour apple pucker

Splash of lime juice

Honey and apple slices for garnish

Optional, pomegranate seeds for garnish

Drizzle inside of chilled martini glass with honey. Mix and shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and add garnish - pop in a few seeds for fun.

Nailing It

2010-08-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to have fun during a 5 or 6-hour airport layover? Did I forget to say “with teenagers”?

Well, until a few days ago I would have said no way. Then we landed at the Seattle Airport on our way home from my new “Mecca” (subject of a future post) where we were faced with a 6 hour layover and everything suddenly changed for me. It was no longer “what to do" but “what to do first” ?

Walking thru the airport we were faced with difficult decisions – should we eat now or in 4 hours? Where should we eat? So many choices and I am not talking just fast food here. Do I need a new book? There was a bright and open bookstore where I could actually turn around and not knock over some souvenir key chains. But really, I could just order it on Kindle even though I actually am missing holding onto a real book. Do I want a massage? Head? Neck? Back? Should we get our nails done? And then I saw this (below) ... and I knew.

Now, I have been in many airports where there are express spas but I have not seen anything like this place, “butter – London” and, it was calling my name. LOUDLY. Leopard print pillows, yellow and white striped contemporary sofas, great font and signage, black /white lacquer shelving and displays, funky bird wallpaper, music playing, edgy and inviting and, remember, this is at the airport. And, did I mention, no carcinogens in the polish? 3 Free Lacquer they call it - "green" nail color meets fashion. I’m so in.

After a week of “roughing it” in Whitefish, Montana, getting our nails done was now our # 1 choice (I say “we” meaning all us girls – my son had a different plan). Well, as you can imagine, we needed a strategy. We had to eat first so I could pay and eat without messing up a fresh manicure and we needed enough time to dry before boarding the plane and dealing with the carry on luggage.

With the timing all set and full stomachs, we were ready.

Shout out to my male technician, Brooklyn for one of the best manicures I have ever gotten!

So many choices!

After much sampling, one of my daughters went with a sharp bright yellow polish; the other with a pink ”Jelly” finish over a brownish pink. (“Jelly” polish adds a sheer type of sparkle on top - like a lip gloss.) I went with "Hail to McQueen" - a more sophisticated neutral (I was going to a wedding the next day) with a glowing finish. And, I could not resist taking home a mustard yellow - Bumster - and a dirty slate gray - Chimney Sweep - for fall*

Had to bring these home

Oh, and my son (the girls' Sherpa) was not bored at all. Remember, he too had a plan – he went for the neck and shoulder massage. That worked out perfectly as he was able to relax and unwind before he had to carry all of our bags again.

*Loving gray and yellow now and into fall, here are a few ideas:

Personalized Note Cards

Gray suede ink on crisp white note cards with a soft gray tissue or bright yellow envelope liner. From $300 for 100 note cards and with printed return address & liner. Cards measure approx. 6.25 x 4.25 inches.

Recycled glass necklace

Recycled glass necklace – shades of gray with silver chain $210

Bamboo Letterpress Greeting Card/Envelope

Love Greeting Cards - 2 for $8

Fresh Thoughts from Orrganics will be taking the rest of August off but Orrganics is open by appointment. Enjoy!

Go Bears

2010-07-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

"Go Bears."

What has, for many years, simply been a salute and cheer to my Alma Mata, UC Berkeley (Cal Bears) is now all about the Grizzly Bear. I will soon be hiking in Glacier National Park with my family. The recent news of an attack in Yellowstone National Park and my dinner last week with friends who encountered a Grizzly several years ago on their hiking trip (well, She did; He got the news as She went running by him on her way back down the trail) has me thinking more about this mighty and awe inspiring animal - and how to avoid it. So, I will follow all the suggestions about hiking in the Park and keeping safe from the Grizzly. You can be sure I will be carrying bear spray - sold at the gift shop in the Lodge, we will hike with a Guide, I will not spray myself with my daily shot of Scent of Peace, we will not eat along the way and we will be sure to make noise. Not so much noise that it will take away from the setting and all of the expected beauty or get us nasty looks from other hikers. And it will be natural noise, not the jingle of bells that I read about. Our noisemaker will be chatter, most likely constant. Meet my daughter. Did I mention that she loves to talk? I just hope the scenery doesn't make her speechless.*

*This is a serious matter and we will of course take all appropriate precautions.

A New Oeuf!

2010-07-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

So we recently did this sweet baby announcement (via Luscious Verde), it's fuchsia and wasabi green with chocolate ink and the little birdie is an additional layer of paper, providing more texture (which I love). And, it is all recycled paper to boot. Yummy. A new little baby, a chickie ... eggs. Yes, this announcement made me think of a fabulous dish - of eggs - that I had when we were in Paris last May. And, I don't mean for breakfast.

We were out for a true Parisian dinner at a little neighborhood spot near the Eiffel Tower with our friends, Natalie and Tom. They live in Paris - Natalie is French born and Tom very well could be given his gift for the language and the ease in which he lives life there. Tom recommended to me a dish that I never would think to order - oeufs meurettes. What? Eggs at night? Cooked in red wine? Lots of butter? Are you kidding me? It sounded so heavy and so not my style. But Tom assured me that I would love it despite my claims to the contrary and, honestly, he challenged me. Never one to back away from a (reasonable) challenge, I ordered it in butchered French. Well, he was right; I was practically licking my plate - how "Ugly American" of me. Here is a link to make these fine oeufs yourself. Bon Appétit*

*To be clear, in no way am I suggesting eating our offspring and I probably would not be cooking or eating these in the current 100 degree summer weather we are having - have some cold grapefruit sorbet instead.

So Salty

2010-07-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

I love salt. I love crisp. So when the 2 are so beautifully blended together I am a happy camper. I was traveling across the country the last few days and, while waiting for my delayed flight in Phoenix, I had the most fabulous fries. I can't remember the name of the place but it was right next to the Southwest gates. They were so perfect in fact that I didn't even realize my flight back into Burbank was more delayed than I thought and I could actually just jump on a flight to LA that was leaving in about 2 minutes and get to my husband a few hours sooner... Well, I had choices to make - I left my drink untouched but finished every last fry and made the flight. Happy camper. Happy Hubby.

Another great way to enjoy salt is the following, made with organic English cucumbers and smoked hickory salt - easy, crisp and refreshing:

1. slice the cucumber into 1/4-1/2 inch think circles

2. put on tray and sprinkle with hickory salt.

Done.
See easy step by step below...

Think you can do that?

And, thinking of salt -
Salted paper photographic prints are pretty cool to look at if done well. (Visit salted paper images on flickr.) Invented by a British photographer around 1840 and used primarily until around 1860 or so, the process uses a salt solution on paper whereby the resulting image is embedded in the paper instead of on it and the images are usually lacking in crisp detail, which I think creates the beauty in them.

Ya Ya Ya Ya

2010-07-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

I spent the morning yesterday at the Ya Ya Living Showroom in Los Angeles and am in love with all of the handmade papers! Colors and textures abound!

Shown above is an insert card folded into a tent size place card - I am using them tonight at a dinner party we are hosting for 30. The paper is handmade in India and then hand block printed with a traditional design. Behind the insert card is a one of a kind handmade pink and gold stamped stamped greeting card.

Insert cards sold in packs of 10 for $9, greeting cards are $8. Because they are handmade, there will be slight variations piece to piece.

Email me if interested.

Next week I will show off some of the exotic and handmade wrapping papers.

The High Seas

2010-07-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

We are experiencing the hottest and most humid summer here on the East Coast so this photo capturing a calm moment on the high seas (the lake) is oh so cool(ing).

photo courtesy of Camp KenMont/KenWood Camps.

Winner of the Bamboo Stationery Contest

2010-07-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Amanda N. - winner of the bamboo stationery to the left here. An Orrganics' favorite.

Oxford Court design, set of 8 notecards sustainably offset printed on bamboo paper, envelopes made from 100% post consumer recycled paper. Thanks to all who participated.

Fashion Diary Eco-fashion has gone in and out of style - latimes.com

2010-07-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

I want to share this a link -
Fashion Diary Eco-fashion has gone in and out of style - latimes.com

I think this exhibit sounds really interesting - take a look. The exhibit, "Eco-Fashion Going Green" is NYC at Fashion Institute of Technology now thru November 13th. It looks great - I will let you know.

In the meanwhile, what's going on in your closet? What are some of your best and worst Eco-fashion pieces? Please share them in the comment section below.

I love the double breasted cream wool coat with burnt orange/brown trim and matching belt that my Grandma Vikki gave me when it got too small on her. I am guessing it is from the 1960s. Upcycle, recycle, vintage, used - whatever you call it, it has new life and I don't see it coming and going. I am also loving a recently acquired new summer dress from ecoSkin - it is so soft, made from organic cotton in the USA (and made with attention to the environment and safe labor practices).

Have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

And She's One of a Kind

2010-06-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

We just did this custom hand calligraphied invitation for a very special 80th birthday celebration. The calligraphy and original art created by professional Linda Carol, design by Orrganics.

My Girlfriend is an Astronaut (Well, soon)

2010-06-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

My friend wants to be an astronaut and when she sets her mind to something, it happens. Already she jumps out of planes, off cliffs and globe rides. FYI - globe riding (v.) is defined as " the sport of rolling down a hill inside an inflatable ball" and, here in the USA, you too can experience life inside a Zorb globe at a place near Dollywood. Note to all my family and friends, I am happy to support her in this endeavor but from the ground - no way am I signing up for a girls' weekend of space adventures in zero gravity. I like my food staying right where it is.

So, our post dinner conversation brought us to discussion of this oh so impressively high aspiration and I am thinking (1) my goals are not quite as lofty, and (2) she should document her time up in there, but will she be able to write while in zero gravity? What kind of paper will she write on? What about the pen? Will it work up there? Will it explode? I seem to recall hearing something about a space pen while watching a Seinfeld episode years back. So, after a simple Google search, I located the original space pen - the one used by NASA in every manned mission since Apollo 7 in 1969. So, when she graduates, she will be getting an original space pen - engraved of course.

By the way, it may be a bit premature, but we are already planning her Astronaut business card; it will include her name and say ASTRONAUT, but we are not sure what to do about the contact info.

Single "over the moon" letterpress card with patterned envelope above is $4 by Smock. Great for congrats, love or other remarkable sentiments. Also available in sets. Other space motif items also available. Contact me via email: jackie@orrganics.com if interested.

Green, Naturally

2010-06-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

This time of year on the east coast is especially lush and lovely. I recently had an awesome morning walking the trails at Honey Hollow in Solebury Township, PA with my daughter and her friends. So green. So beautiful. And historic too. We loved listening to the sounds of nature and looking up through the tree canopies. It was really relaxing and inspiring - it is also a great setting for an outdoor cocktail party... gotta get to work on that one!

Good in Bangladesh

2010-06-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

Good pineapple is so refreshing and if it is not pre-cut, it takes a lot of effort to get to the fruit of the matter - tough skin to cut through and leaves to remove. All to waste. Well not for some people. The wrap on my wedding invitation is made from pineapple leaves. This paper is beautifully and proudly made by women in Bangladesh who are part of a Fair Trade Certified Co-op called Prokritree (meaning "nature" in Bangla).

"Prokritee is dedicated to hiring women who are head-of-households (widows, divorcees, or separated), have little, if any income, and have few or no assets. Paper is made of local sustainable materials such as water hyacinth, hemp and pineapple leaves. Their screen printing skills are excellent and they are constantly creating new designs. Prokritee welcomes customization (if there is time, mailing samples back and forth to Bangladesh takes awhile) and De Milo has been very pleased with our custom orders. Read more about Prokritee online at www.prokritee.com. "
From the Sustain & Heal website.

Sustain & Heal is an artisan line of beautiful letterpressed papers and invitations created by Annika Buxman in 2008. After many telephone conversations I finally had the pleasure of meeting Annika in person last month at The National Stationery Show. She helped me create a dream invitation that I still feel good about on so many levels.

My cousin lived in Bangladesh for a while; below are a few photographs from her time there.

Are You a Crab?

2010-06-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been discussing habitats with my daughter who will proudly tell you she has crabs. Of course, this may mean something quite different to you than it does to a 10 year old. She just means she has 2 pet fiddler crabs named May and June and they are in a plastic container with bright blue rocks, a "swimming hole", a tree and other items necessary to simulate a "natural" environment in which they can flourish, lose their outer shell, play, swim and eat. So far, our "natural" habitat is working. But are we missing anything? Are the sounds of our household a problem - they really aren't typical for a crab habitat? I don't really think it will be a problem.
But what about intrusions into our everyday lives that are our of the ordinary. Intrusions like too much noise, nastiness and other unwarranted stresses can be as very toxic to a living environment. Hmmm...

FYI - fiddler crabs are about an inch long. The males have one larger claw than the other; hence "fiddlers". They are not used to make soft shell crabs (click for recipe).

Well, gotta go tend the crabs now. They are molting.

If you really love crabs but don't want the responsibility, this personalized self inking stamp is for you ($40). Use it over and over again.

Do You Want Some Cheddar Caulifower? No Cheese Added.

2010-06-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

Our local Farmer's Market here in New Hope is something I look forward to every week. We try to get there early - right after school as they are still setting up. Yesterday we were all over the cheddar cauliflower and the lush looking beets. Of course, we couldn't resist these HUGE and decadent chocolate yogurt cupcakes from Comfortfood by Chef Kim Quay. (We like her Granola too!)

Roast the cauliflower with extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt - yummy.

The New Hope Farmers' Market is on Thursdays from 3:30 to 7, located at the High School. Rain or Shine.

Paper Tuesday - Sitting Pretty

2010-06-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

~~Regular Business Cards~~

Not a chance!
Bamboo paper makes quite a statement for invitations, stationery and absolutely sets apart your business cards. Bamboo is in the grass family and it is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet. Sustainable. Replenishing.* Bamboo has been used to make paper for a very long time. (Think ancient China.) High quality bamboo paper can be pricey but the quality is evident all over the page. The bamboo paper used for our Smock design here feels smooth and luxurious. Click on the link to learn about the various qualities of this sensational paper.

* People can disagree about the net environmental benefits of its use as paper but they cannot disagree about it lusciousness.

Wooden Ya Know

2010-06-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

"What you are as a person is far more important that what you are as a basketball player."

John Wooden, exalted man and basketball coach of the UCLA BRUINS passed away last night. He is said to be the greatest college coach in history who, aside from his incredible streak of NCAA championships (10) and his "first" of being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and coach, is attributed with an unbelievable number of quotes about life and the game. (Reference LA TimesSports Blog.) His words of wisdom extend beyond sports. ( I am thinking better than motivational greeting cards here people.)

On June 2, last Wednesday night, if you haven't heard by now, during the baseball game between The Detroit Tigers and The Cleveland Indians, Tigers' pitcher Armando Galarraga was robbed of a "Perfect Game" in the ninth inning, with 1 out to go. Umpire Jim Joyce made a bad call that left a man on first base, thus ending the chance for a perfect game. It was a mistake. There was outrage; replays on TV show quite clearly that the call was bad and really it was a perfect game. But baseball does not use instant replay so the call stands. The Perfect Game remains, in the record books, a Non-Perfect Game.

After the game, Jim Joyce, with tears said regrettably and sincerely that he made a mistake. Armando gracefully moved on. publicly recognized his mistake. What the fans got was not a perfect game but a display of integrity, grace and class.

Sportsmanship, grace, kindness and forgiveness for a major mistake in the world of sports. Life lessons delivered from the playing field - the beauty of sport.

A Fruit Cocktail

2010-06-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

Over Memorial Day Weekend we had a lot of fun in the hot, hot sun and we made our own version of a fruit cocktail - not truly remarkable but fresh and fruity. This is pretty strong straight up and definitely NOT for children so, if you have kids around, label it because it looks very tempting.

How to:
Cut up a fresh pineapple into cubes.
Put the cubes into a pitcher of vodka.
Let it soak overnight in the refrigerator.

Voila!
Easy Homemade (almost) pineapple vodka.

Are You Feeling Blue?

2010-05-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

Turquoise is the color of the year and it is popping up not only on stationery but also in nail polish for summer. Chanel has Nouvelle Vague - a beautiful sea blue, Essie has Mint Candy Apple (see below on me) - more like a Tiffany blue and there are others. It is fun and different. Warning: can run the risk of looking tacky in the day light and I think by week's end you may just want to keep it down below on your toes.

Orrganics' custom design stationery above, Smock letterpress on bamboo paper.

A sheet from Smock's letter writing set. Ready to go loveliness. This sheet is from the Isle collection.

(Okay, so I might also be a little blue because LOST has ended)

Are you Lost? I Am So Lost.

2010-05-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am so LOST.
There is really not much to say about the end of one of the most original and captivating TV shows ever that has not already been said. And, while I was sad to have it come to end, I did feel satisfied with a well done and lovely send off (except that I really don't know why Penny was in the Church).
That is the question that I keep asking. So, if anyone knows, please fill me in.
Namaste.

Click here for everything LOST.
Photo is courtesy of and from the ABC website for LOST.

And, don't even get me going - I also lost 24 this week.

An Affair on Monday

2010-05-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

I love weddings.
Last Monday afternoon I was sitting outside at The Palace Hotel in NYC with a my girlfriend Abby and we got the back end glimpse of a wedding party - literally. (I wasn't so fast with my camera.)
I think one of the invites shown here from Natural Impression Design would have been perfect for this daytime affair.

Hats off to the Graduates!

2010-05-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

I just love this photo Graduation Party invite we did recently - probably because the picture is too cute!

Between the photo location, and dune and water coloring I am ready for the beach!
And, surprisingly, this graduate was not embarrassed by his toddler photo.
Congrats to all the Graduates!

Luscious Verde invite on recycled paper.

It's A Wrap

2010-05-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

Green, green, green. I am not talking about money or springtime or the reusable grocery bags we carry to the market. Nor am I talking today about handmade paper or invites made with or from pineapple leaves or 100% recycled materials. Instead, today I write about "eco-fabulous" fashion - something I get asked about from time to time. Specifically, I write of the wrap.

One of my favorite accessories is the scarf or the wrap. It is so versatile. Lisa Bittan, who happens to be a dear friend, with her partners in India, makes beautiful scarves for Ya Living. Her scarves are gorgeous, made of organic cotton, hand-loomed and dipped in healing herbs. I love that! I have a very long steel blue scarf with gold stripes. It can go around and around and around my neck. I think it helps with inflammation (like Advil only prettier and softer). The scarves are carried in several high end boutiques in Southern California and on the East Coast. Ya- Living is now also creating tunics and other green fab pieces. No, the scarves do not smell or taste like the herbs they are dipped in. Lisa will be here in New Hope in June. She is bringing a trunk.

Paper Tuesday: Deckled Edge Paper

2010-05-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

Paper Tuesday; a new feature. Each month, on the second Tuesday, I will write about some aspect of paper that I find interesting - what a surprise!.

This month - deckled edge paper.

Deckled edge paper is paper that has soft uneven edges. This "feathery edge" is the result of the natural run-off of wet pulp when making handmade and mould made paper, or the result of sheets being torn when wet. The paper thins out a little toward the edges as a result of the runoff. This can be simulated by machines or deckled edge rulers but the result is not quite the same.

Created in Italy, Arturo Fine Stationery is a most popular line of paper that features a deckled edge. It has a soft artisan look and feel. Perfect for personal letters, invitations and announcements.

Photos above courtesy of Arzberger Bueing Stationers.

Why Proofing is Important

2010-05-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard what happened last week with Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, click here for photos and the story of the embarrassing typo. Misspelled name, no hyphen. Where was the proof reader?

She took it in stride, but could you?

The Write Stuff for a Party!

2010-05-05T04:10:00.000-07:00

The last 2 weeks have been quite busy with spring stationery wardrobe updates, accessory orders, an open house at Orrganics, as well as an event over at Tobias Design LLC in Hopewell, NJ. Lisa Tobias hosted Orrganics for a morning of fun, food and drinks at her stunning kitchen showroom. Thanks to all who turned out, old friends and new - we had a great showing! Here are a few captured moments taken in between talking, shopping and eating. We donated a portion of the proceeds from the Orrganics open house to American Forests. Trees, a good thing.

Yes, that is bok choy in a vase.

Discussing Smart Jewelry, made from recycled glass bottles.

Above, ready to write paper and greeting cards from Smock.

The Golden Pheasant Inn is well represented and we are discussing new business cards for Barb and baby announcements for Britt!

Oooos and Ahhhs about Metalace Stainless Steel "jewelry for the home" above; a sell out.

Twig & Fig Mitzvah Designs - stunning.

Stationery from Jamie Ostrow. Beyond, an Oprah favorite in the pine needle and metal baskets from Model Metalworks. These baskets are made from fallen pine needles resting on the forest floor in Mexico. The gathering of these needles helps to reduce the threat of forest fires in the region as they do not naturally biodegrade. The baskets are beautifully crafted, and combined with the nickel trim, they have a sophisticated look; great for pool side entertaining and wedding gifts. Supporting local artisan communities - a good thing.

We did an "oh so cute" Graduation Party invitation for Karin's Zack ( I have one too) - I will post it after they go out in the mail.
Sneak preview: He is 18 now but about 3 in the photo.

Lavender is fabulous and I just love the porcelain astrology boxes.

If you want to see more, come visit. I always have food and we are conveniently located above a Starbucks!

One more thing, for those wondering if any men came by, the answer is yes. And, Michael, I can't wait to see the custom cuff links in aqua/turquoise we ordered for you. Gorgeous, made from recycled glass bottles and silver (Pantone color of the year).

Love This Life

2010-04-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

I was a bit distracted today while in my Yoga class - not so unusual but today the distraction was serious. After class I was drawn to a t-shirt with the following expression running along the back and I want to share it.

LovethisLife…

is about celebrating the moment

and that we’re not guaranteed or owed another day

and how cool it is that what we hide

can actually be the fuel towards our glory

and that it’s not so bad being proven wrong

LovethisLife…

is about welcoming the blind turn

and the possibility that

there’s no such thing as coincidence

and that empathy is incredibly sexy

and that it’s never too late to

pick up a quitar or a paintbrush

or to make an amend or to make a new friend

LovethisLive…

could be about rekindling a past flame

or igniting a new one

or shape shifting from a dreamer into a doer

or savoring the caress of a love long gone

LovethisLife…

means whatever it is

you want it to mean because

LovethisLife…

is a celebration of you and your path

LovethisLife…

‘cuz it could go at any second

you rock

Copyright 2002, David Culiner

Fashion Illustration

2010-04-27T04:20:00.000-07:00

Now these are certainly a new take on accessorizing with color. I could not resist sharing these crayon rings once I saw them via Daily Candy (LA version).
They seem perfect for your next cocktail party - when you need to write down a number - or for your elementary school fashionista. And, you can write your thank you note right out of the box!
(Not sure how you sharpen them though...)

Images from The Future Perfect, rings by Timothy Liles.

Inspirations from France

2010-04-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Inspiration comes at you in many forms. Color and mood is my take away from these photos taken on my recent trip to Paris and Cannes, France. Different from the Parisian Wedding featured earlier this week (prior post from April 20th). Green and yellow. Yellow and white. Yellow and gray. Gray and green. I have noticed that I am attracted to chairs and imagined yoga positions possibly contemplating rest. Does this mean anything?

Because children are always inspiring. I love the innocence here of these little girls waiting for a carousel ride in Cannes.

Outside Villa Garbo, Cannes

Chairs at the Cafe at The Rodin Museum, Paris

Love the look and scale of this trellis in the garden of The Rodin Museum.

Auguste Rodin sculpture called The Shade

Doing Yoga

A Wedding in Paris

2010-04-20T04:21:00.000-07:00

How perfect that we were in Paris celebrating our Anniversary that we were able to attend a lovely daytime Parisian wedding.
And, turquoise, as the color of the year (see prior post from 1/5/2010), was well in attendance. I got a bit obsessed as you will see.
Also, I'm loving the hats, the headpieces and the vintage getaway car.

What Are You Looking At?

2010-04-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO MIP AND CANNES

OUTSIDE MAIN PALAIS

INSIDE THE PALAIS

LOVE THE RED BAR STOOLS ABOVE AT THIS BOOTH (I THINK THE BOOTH WAS FROM SPAIN)

READING MATERIALS PERTAINING TO ENTERTAINMENT AND MIP HAPPENINGS - IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

NOTE THE PALE GREY DAMASK PATTERN ABOVE AS THE BACKDROP AT THIS BOOTH

MEETING ON THE HIGH SEAS (WELL, IT COULD HAVE BEEN BUT THE BOAT WAS DOCKED)

Welcome to MIPTV. "MIP" is THE international TV convention that takes place in Cannes, France in April of each year; MIPCOM, of a similar nature is held in October each year. Essentially it is a content market where producers, distributors, networks and the like converge to meet, greet, discuss, view, collaborate, form partnerships perhaps - main objective to buy and sell TV shows. Sometimes it is the show format that is on display, sometimes already produced TV episodes - all for your viewing pleasure. New trends, hot topics and networking fill the day.

Over 13, 000 people attend from over 100 countries (per MIPTV), from China to Nigeria to Israel, Korea and all places in between. Attendees are professionals from the entertainment industry and you must be registered to attend and the price tag is high. Journalists can register as well. The main event, where the exhibitor booths are located, is in the Palais but follow-ups and other meetings are held around the fabulous town of Cannes. Yachts and Cafes and major hotels are typical venues.

Will Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution be "coming soon to Chinese TV"? Where will Jersey Shore travel to? The Singing Bee (currently in the US on CMT) does exist in Greece (and many other countries around the world). How many countries have Big Brother? Where else is the world will the new reality series with Donald Trump and Omarosa air? (It will air in the US starting in June). Dramas, factual programming, serious documentaries, junior and family programming, new game shows. Can you keep your hand on the car longer than the person next to you? Yes, there really is going to be a show where contestants have to keep their hand on a car in order to win - last man standing takes the keys. There are programs that focus on the environment, the planet, biotechnology, history - there really is something for everyone. And, if not, well at least you are in Cannes.

FYI - It was my first MIP and I found the experience quite wonderful in that ideas are shared, that cultural barriers are crossed (or not) and that in a sense, TV, becomes a universal language. How poetic that language is I leave up to you, the viewer.
Advice: wear comfortable shoes.

A Timely Equation

2010-04-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

iPAD PLUS

TIGER

EQUALS iWOOD

With all the talk this past week about the new ipad and Tiger Woods, it was fitting that today, while walking in Paris, I spotted the perfect combination of the 2 - the iwood. A 100% wood cover for my iphone - eco friendly and stylish - a perfect par!
You can get it monogrammed as per above; visit miniot.com

images courtesy of Apple, Tiger and Miniot.com

Springtime in New Hope

2010-04-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

When your kids remark on the blooming trees in front of the house you know it's got to be good.

l love the color combo of the fuchsia and yellow - nature is pretty good.
And, of course, wedding white for all the Brides.

Diamond Buggies

2010-04-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

This is not something from a science fiction movie. Photographer Miroslaw Swietek gets up at 3am to take these amazing photos of real insects. The colors and the textures just jump off the page!

Read more about these fabulous photos.

(The bug above is a blue dragonfly. Orrganics can capture bugs too - ask me about the new beetle motif.)

Fall 2010 Fashion Color Trends

2010-03-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

The colors above are what the industry experts see as the fashion colors for Fall 2010. They are rich, inviting, exciting and optimistic colors that allow for creative combinations. Chocolate Truffle with Purple Orchid or Lipstick Red, Endive and Oyster Gray.
Of course, with Turquoise being the color of the year (see prior blog from January 2010) there had to be a new blue in there and it is a great one! It's blue Lagoon. (Are you thinking of a young Brooke Shields?) To get a good look and some more interpretations on the colors from designers, click here for the Pantone Report.

Images above from Pantone.