Way out West

Photo of Daniel taken somewhere out west during our America trip.

Swiss Chard Tart!!!

Who's in the mood to look at some hokey, posed photos of us doing some foodie navel gazing?

What a couple of dirty hippies!

Inspired by the Latent Chestnut's endless culinary creations and adventures, we wanted to show what we were up to in the kitchen with this biodynamic swiss chard tart!  Paired with salad and fresh sardines, it was a celebration!  

What are you cooking up?

Misses' Baby Doll PJ's from Butterick

One of the projects that I completed during my Indiana trip was this simple Butterick pattern 3759 (short gown model on right).

I'd forgotten what a smooth Janome machine I had!  The fabric came from an Indian silk Goodwill gown that I disassembled with strangely delightful deconstructing snips.   I made panties to match which aren't shown in the following photos (couldn't get Katie to do the 'woops' bimbo pose, nor did I really want her too), but what you will see is the beautiful Katie 'Keekles' with the babydoll PJ's on.  Normally, I take photos of myself wearing my new creations with my camera's timer, something that always feels mildly pathetic, so it was great to have Keekles willing to pose!  I hope she likes her new ensemble!  And I hope she moves in with me to be my permanent model.  I miss her so much! 

p.s. I added a ruffle to the hemline!!!

Bazbeaux's Carmel....

 Recommended homecoming ritual: walk the Monon Trail until one reaches the inviting outdoor seating at Bazbeaux's.  Let the pizza aromas stir sunlit Italian memories.  Look at the lifelike sculptures of an old mennonite lady with a paper bag or an old town policeman putting someone in handcuffs as you Eat.  Drink.    Have outrageous conversation stimulated by table talk questions written spontaneously on purse paper scraps by everyone present.      

And get an Uncle Paul.  Here is mine posing with one of the Carmel Art's District statue sculptures.  He likes them just as much as my sister (read her hilarious post about them HERE.)

Leave via same Monon Trail feeling healthily sated and lighthearted, yet maybe a little preoccupied with whether or not concrete is a part of nature.  Or if algebra is really important.

Liquid Peace

What do you get when you mix together chamomile, wild lettuce, hops, passion flower, lobelia and nutmeg?  Liquid Peace!  It's a tea blend custom made by Mom and me!  No skimping on dosage, each tea bag is nimbly over-stuffed with these plants (well-mixed) and carefully ironed shut!  After a cup of Liquid Peace, you become one with the mattress....