Happy Friday + 3 Random Things

Happy Friday friends! Phew...what a crazy week! It's been a bit of a challenge for me to get settled back in after my whirlwind trip to Alt Summit (more on that next week), and then on Wednesday I picked up some sort of a flu bug to top it all off...so I am very much looking forward to the weekend. Do you have any special plans? I have a lot of resting to do, but I'll also be painting the February page of my free printable calendar (available next week - for those of you who have been wondering) and working on a new little project for the blog. It should be fun! Hope the next few days will be filled with excitement for you (or relaxation if that's what you're needing). xo Ez

And now...3 random things I'm loving today:

1. I always love a good palette of paint, don't you? | In the Wonderland 
2. Cookie with sprinkles on top?! Sounds like just what the doctor ordered. | Little Glowing Lights
3. More uses for old wooden puzzle pieces. You can find what I did with mine here. | MUS (via Marta Dansie)

Color Inspiration Daily: 01. 27. 12

Fortune Favors the Brave art print by Alyssa Nassner | Small Talk Studio

In Good Company: Mignon Kitchen Co.

I came across the brand new shop of Mignon Kitchen Co. earlier this week while browsing Odessa May Society (one of my favorite blogs), and just had to help spread the word. Owner/curator Rachel is already well established online as a successful jewelry shop owner...you are probably familiar with her shop Elephantine, and this latest venture of hers really feels like the perfect extension of her talents and eye for beautiful design.

I can't wait to see more as the months go by. Pop over to Mignon Kitchen Co. to see everything, and also be sure to check out Rachel's blog and jewelry shop too. xo Ez

Excited About: Souvenir Foto School

I just signed up to take part in the February class of Souvenir Foto School over on Besotted Brand Blog. Miss B. has done so many wonderful things with her photographs over the years and I can't wait for the opportunity to work with and be further inspired by her. If you're interested in being a part of the February class, hurry on over to sign up (it's only $30). You don't need to have a fancy schmancy camera or major camera know-how to join in...you can even use your camera-phone if that is all you have. The goal of the school is to simply promote improvement through creative daily challenges, which you'll then post on your blog each following day. I know it's going to force me out of my element a bit, but I'm ready for the challenge. BTW Miss B. is offering two scholarships for this session, so if you would like to apply for that simply check out this post here for details on how to do so. I hope to "see" you in class. xo Ez

Photo by Miss B. | Besotted Brand Blog

Color Inspiration Daily: 01. 26. 12

Deer Art Print by Lizzy Stewart. Find more at Betty & Dupree and Lizzy's Shop.

Pin to Pan: Lentil Fritters with Cabbage Slaw

So on my flight home from Alt Summit this past Sunday I was thinking a lot about the direction I want to take my blog and one of the biggest realizations that I had is that I'd like to invest more time in actually creating/doing some of the many things that I am inspired by online. I also realized that part of what stops me is a rather hindering streak of perfectionism (especially when it comes to photo taking), so I'm kicking that by the wayside today with my first action post (photographed on my iPhone—eek). Yes, the photos are less than perfect, but I'm just going to be okay with it. I hope you might even feel inspired to try your hand at a recipe or project that you have been eying but putting off because you've been worrying about doing it just right.

Lentil Fritters with Cabbage Slaw from Real Simple (via Rachel Butler on Pinterest):

I cut this recipe in half, and adapted it by first by excluding the cilantro (which I cannot even stand the scent of), added 1/2 a clove of minced fresh garlic to the Greek yogurt spread (reduced the amount of red pepper flakes) and then served the whole thing on slices of toasted gluten free bread (in place of the pita). I don't cook with legumes very often, but this has convinced me to do so more regularly. Yum! I had leftovers for lunch yesterday and started dreaming of more adaptations (maybe I'll add some roasted chopped broccoli and red bell peppers in there next time). BTW if you are looking for canned lentils, I found them at the regular grocery store in the canned vegetable section along with the natural foods (the only variety I found was organic).

P.S. I heard a trick on t.v. the other night. If you squeeze a lemon into your food with the fruit facing up, the seeds won't fall in. Clever! Just make sure to not get too close or you might get sprayed in the eye (I'm sharing that tip from experience, since they didn't mention that part on t.v.).

P.P.S. I decided to take a quick photo (no styling or anything) with my regular camera and the results are much more tasty looking. I hope you all didn't lose your appetite with my first photos above. I guess that this means I'm not off to such a great start with my non-perfectionistic posting goals, huh? xo Ez

Color Inspiration Daily: 01. 25. 12

"Bird with Red" Original Drawing by Elizabeth Graeber

Inspired Artist: Anne Ten Donkelaar

I came across the art of Anne Ten Donkelaar yesterday (via Jessica Stewart on Pinterest) and was immediately captivated by her work. Her series of intricate and beautifully restored Broken Butterflies is especially inspiring to me. I have several battered butterflies of my own that I have discovered on nature walks—some missing a wing, or a with parts in disarray. They are delightful as is, but imagining them now with new life breathed into them as Anne has done with her butterflies, seems so very lovely and worthwhile to me. If I ever find the time, I think I might have to try my hand at something similar.

Be sure to visit Anne's website to see all of her restored butterflies as well as her other series' of work. Her Flower Constructions are pretty darn amazing too! xo Ez