September 24, 2010
Good lunch time! Just a quick hello and to let you know that the blog ThenHeatherSaid has created a lovely Handmade Christmas Guide and has featured Gingiber! Check out the post here.
September 22, 2010
I rarely “window shop” anymore. Nathan and I are on a fairly tight budget, so I tend to not even browse some of my favorite online shops. But today, my mouse wondered over to Urban Outfitter’s Apartment Section. My eye was immediately drawn to their “Mid-Century Modern” furniture collection. Here are some of my favorite items:
Yes, these items are beautiful. The reviews are strong. Classic lines. The words “Danish” and “Tweed” are the bait. The lovely muted colors are the line. The prices are the sinker. However, I cannot help but shake the feeling that these pieces are simply “on trend” for the moment.
I truly admire Mid-Century Furniture, yet am no expert. However, in the blog world, it seems more often than not, “Mid-Century” is the “it word” of the moment. Do these affordable “knock-offs” (well, there has to be a better word than knock-offs, as these are unique and lovely on their own) cheapen the intrinsic love and value of actual Mid-Century items?
Do you love them because Urban Outfitters loves them?
They tell you that you need to have them?
Food for thought. How often to we readily accept that we like something because we are told that said item is cool? I look beyond Mid-Century Furniture and think about trends in general. Will I really love all of the items and artwork in my home 1, 5, 10 years from now?
I recently read a post from Rachel Denbow’s blog which said, that she is on a mission to only have things in her home that she is smitten with. What a fantastic notion! Her home is absolutely jam packed full of the most gorgeous, hand picked, thoughtfully arranged Mid-Century and Handmade items.
I want to love my own home and items as much as she loves hers.
So, Urban Outfitters. for now I am still browsing. Your furniture is lovely. But until I am absolutely “smitten” with your Danish Modern Coffee Table, I will only be window shopping.
Sorry for all of the quotation marks. I hope that this does not come across as preachy. Simply my own lack-of-coffee induced ramblings for the day.
September 21, 2010
September 20, 2010
Hello! How was your weekend? Mine was fine, thank you very much for asking! I spent the whole weekend doing a whole lot of nothing! Seriously, I cannot remember the last time my weekend was so relaxing! And it was much needed. I tend to try and fill every moment of every day being productive. However, that can get old really fast.
Nathan and I did *attempt* some landscaping this weekend. Which resulted in Nathan hurting his back. By Sunday Violet was sick with a fever. Now that I think of it, maybe my weekend was not as relaxing as I thought it was!
The little ghost above is my only attempt at Halloween doodles. It looks a bit like a pac-man with a bag over his head, no? I should tell you about my upbringing in regards to Halloween. You might laugh.
But I will save that story for when it feels more like fall.
How was your weekend? Seriously? I want to hear details, people!
-Stacie
September 17, 2010
It’s September officially, and when the nights gets a little colder and there is a wistful sigh among the trees … i find myself listening to Anathallo.
Who Are They: The Michigan ensemble plays almost every instrument know to man. Their music is a study in contrast – dark and playful – spritely and haunting. Listening to them causes me to be overwhelmed with everything from my own childhood to those strange far away places from fairy tales. All a little dark, all little hopeful. It’s truly unique.
They are also one of my most favorite live shows ever.
Favorite Songs: Both “Floating World” and “Canopy Glow” are gorgeous. i really think of their albums as whole pieces instead of individual songs. The words are poetry and the music philosophical in a way that demands to be listened to in one setting.
Makes Me Think Of/ Feels Like: Chinese fairy tales, forgotten memories, snow in the evenings, lost friendships, and open souls.
Beautiful and surreal photography by Brooke Shaden,Michael Bailey-Gates , and Lissy Elle
Anathallo will make your fall magic. I promise.
– Jenna
September 16, 2010
September 15, 2010
A little fun something to brighten your day! Compliments of my super cool creative friend Chris over at paperbeatsscissors. I would say that I am a shirt loving, pirate hugging, PBS customer.
Top of the morning to you!
Remember when I introduced you to my little buddy, “Reluctant Santa“? Well, I want you to meet Santa’s trusty reindeer. This is the second of a cute trio of illustrations for the holidays.
I really love the simple expression on this little deer’s face, don’t you agree?
Right now I only have the print available in the shop, but I will be selling all 3 holiday designs as cards within the month.
You can buy him here at my Gingiber Etsy Shop.
Alrighty!
What do you think?
September 14, 2010
September 13, 2010
I had the best of intentions with these brownies. They were going to be a thank you gift to a sweet friend who watched Violet last weekend for us.
But you know how it goes. As soon as I pulled these decedent ,chocolaty, creamy, cheesecakey, gooey pieces of heaven out of the oven, I just had to have a bite of brownie. or two. Okay, I ate the whole darn pan full over 3 day’s time. I traded my friendship with my sweet friend for a brownie. And it was totally worth it! (she says dripping with sarcasm).
Now, don’t you want to learn how to make this recipe? It is David Lebovitz’s amazing recipe. Amazingly simple to make. Even more amazingly simple to consume!
Cheesecake Brownie
recipe from David Lebovitz
One 9-inch (23cm) square pan (I bake mine in 7x10in pan)
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
4 ounces (115g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2/3 cup (130g) sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup (70g) flour
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (80g) chocolate chips
8 ounces (200g) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk
5 tablespoons (75g) sugar
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Line a 9-inch (23cm) square pan with foil, making sure it goes up all four sides. Use two sheets if necessary. Mist with non-stick spray or grease lightly. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (180C).
Melt the butter and chocolate in a large steel bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
Remove from heat and beat in the 2/3 cup (130g) sugar, then the eggs. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder and salt, then the vanilla and chocolate chips.
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, the yolk, 5 tablespoons (75g) of sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Distribute the cream cheese mixture in eight dollops across the top of the brownie mixture, then take a dull knife or spatula and swirl the cream cheese mixture with the chocolate batter.
Bake for 35min or until center feels just set (I bake mine at 175degreeC and it took exactly 20minutes. Be careful not to over-bake them)
I don’t have a pretty all done picture with the brownies all cut up because I just couldn’t wait to eat these lovlies!
Tell me, what is your favorite chocolaty treat? I want to try out some more recipes!
Stacie
