Blueprint

I picked up the final issue of Blueprint in Grand Central yesterday. The cover looks great. I was so sad that Jan/Feb issue would be their last. I like many others didn't really like Blueprint when it first came out. The mag felt unorganized and just seemed to lack a clear vision. But the mag grew and definitely found it's footing. It quickly became one of my favorites.

I really like that each month that had some kind of DIY projects that didn't feel like DIY. Each project was always clever and chic. Best of luck to the staff. I have heard a rumor that the staff will continue with their Bluelines blog. Great stuff and ideas...a definite bookmark! blogs1.marthastewart.com/blueprint/

But let's take one last look at the cover. I so dug that custom made dresser using clip art. I am thinking of buying two dressers and doing a horizontal art piece to join the two! So smart!

Forcing Bulbs

This afternoon I planted some paperwhites and pink hyacinths bulbs around the apartment. The smell is so refreshing and enticing in the dead of winter. It's fun to see the bulbs grow each day and eventually bloom. Last year, I woke in the middle of the night to literally hearing the paperwhites bursting from their blossoms.

FYI wear gloves when planting hyacinths. Every year I forget and wonder why I am itching all over my hands, face, and neck. The hyacinth evokes itching in practically everyone: an irritant reaction caused by calcium oxalate crystals. Wear gloves and you'll avoid this fate.

C. Bell Furnishings

I found this link via Design Sponge's guest blogger a few weeks ago. I fell for the two nightstand above. They are perfect. I like the lines and I love that they are white gloss. The problem is that they are a bit out of my budget right now, $2,100 for the pair. Oh well, I can dream for now. Check out some of my other favorites below and be sure to check our her site, cbellfurnishing.com. I am loving this site and totally keeping it bookmarked for future inspiration.

A Ribby Christmas

Hot off the grill and ready for the table

This past Christmas we decided to do a little something different. None of us really felt like eating roast beef or wanted to make a fish soup. But all of us were in agreement that ribs sounded outstanding.

I have a great recipe a friend gave to me over the summer. The ribs have a definite Asian influence, made with ginger, soy sauce, orange juice, and ginger ale. We decided to pair the ribs with some down home favorites: mac & cheese, baked beans, sweet potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and a carrot cake for dessert. The adults seemed as happy as the kids for this unusual holiday meal. See my favorite recipe below. Even the non-rib eaters gave it a double thumbs up.

My plate piled high and clean.

A shot of the marinade for the ribs cooking

Our Favorite Ribs

6 servings

14 large garlic cloves—8 peeled and smashed, 6 minced
1/2 cup sliced fresh ginger plus 1/4 cup minced (6 ounces total)
6 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
4 star anise pods
3 cups soy sauce
2 quarts water
2 cups ginger ale
1/2 cup dry white wine
Strips of zest and juice from 1 navel orange
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cilantro stems plus 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
3 racks of baby back ribs (5 1/2 pounds)
2 cups lightly packed brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large roasting pan, combine the smashed garlic with the sliced ginger, scallion whites, star anise, 1 1/2 cups of the soy sauce, the water, ginger ale, white wine, orange zest and juice, granulated sugar and cilantro stems. Set the pan over 2 burners and bring to a boil over moderately high heat.

Add the baby back ribs to the roasting pan, cover tightly with foil and bake for about 2 hours, or until the ribs are very tender. Let cool to room temperature, then spread the ribs out in a single layer on a baking sheet and refrigerate until chilled and firm, about 30 minutes. Discard the braising liquid.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of the vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger and the scallion greens and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of soy sauce, the brown sugar, ketchup and crushed red pepper and bring to a boil. Cook over moderately high heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and add the chopped cilantro. Transfer the rib sauce to cooled ribs.

Finish off the ribs on the grills for about 15 minutes. Let them get a healthy coating of crust.Pile on a platter and serve hot.

Christmas Cookie Time

We had a lot fun making cookies for Christmas. My niece joined me over the weekend to help with all the baking. We made Mexican Wedding cookies, Gingersnap cookies, and Peanut Butter cookies. The afternoon was really special for me and my niece. Everyone's favorite? Gingersnaps! The boyfriend grated tons of fresh ginger into the cookies to give them a great spicy kick. All the recipes are from Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook available at amazon.com. I have included our favorite recipe for the Gingersnaps below.

Mexican Wedding Cookies cooling.

Our favorites: Gingersnaps.

Gingersnaps

Makes about 5 dozen

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2/ teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups packed dark-brown sugar
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated, peeled, ginger
1 large egg
1/4 cup granulated sugar

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and salt; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, brown sugar, molasses, and ginger on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the egg until smooth and combined, about 1 minute. Add flour mixture, and beat on low speed until just combined. Transfer dough to a bowl and wrap in plastic; refrigerate until well chilled, about 1 hour or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place granulated sugar in a shallow bowl; roll bowls in sugar to coat completely, and place about 2 inches a part on the prepared sheets.

Bake rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are deep golden all over and centers are firm, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Penny Harvest Field

I was in Rockefeller Center today and got a few shots of the massive penny field. Hords of people gathered around the giant display. It seems all people wanted to know was, "How may pennies were there," and "Can they touch them? I was grossed out. No way was I touching those pennies. These people have obviously not gotten the horrible coughing cold that has been going around.

The pennies are doing good things besides being a carrier for the common cold. The little guys will help benifit children in NYC schools particpating in the Penny Harvest. The copper field is quite beautiful shimmering in the sunlight. If you can't make it to NYC you can view the field on their website, commoncents.org.

From December 10 until New Year’s Eve, the Common Cents Penny Harvest Field will be open to the public from 9 AM – 9 PM, north of the world-famous Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, just west of Fifth Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets.

Marine Life Artist, George Anderson

Feeling inspired by the sea today I thought I would share my favorite marine life painter, George Anderson. I discovered George years ago in the sleepy little town of Rockport, Massachusetts. In an area that's over run with tourist trap paintings and lobster memorabilia, George Anderson is an amazing treat in a sea of crap.

Anderson is a real painter. He gets it. The color is strong, composition unique, and the work just feels real. Bulky arms and gloves and large nets depict the hardship of the fishing industry. The bright blocky colors ignite the canvas helping to exude a somewhat timeless emotion of the sea. If you can't afford the paintings he does sell his work in poster sized images. To view more work: click here.

Amy Lau Inspiration

Yellow has made a definite mark in 2007. I love it paired with greens and grays. This cute bedroom designed by Amy Lau is a perfect example of yellow done right. The yellow feels fun but it doesn't get crazy. The grey and mossy greens help ground the color and give it some sophistication. The white duvets keeps the color crisp and casual. Check out Amy Lau's work by clicking here.

Lauren Wolf Sea Jewelry

From left: Stingray Baby Necklace, $340. Stingray Disc Necklace, $202.

I am loving these new pieces by Lauren Wolf. Each piece is cast in sterling silver depicting abstract sea life forms. The pieces have a great texture and nubby feel. Think: lost jewels from the bottom the sea. Get the booty at thisisauto.com. Check out her portfolio here.

From left: Lauren Wolf Sea Urchin Band, $74. Sea Urchin Bangle, $97.

Glacier National Park Blankets

From left: Rainier National Park, $168. Glacier National Park, $140-$178.

Glacier National Park blankets are one of my favorite wool blankets. I love the stripes and primary colors. The blankets have been around since the 1900s and made by Pendleton Woolen Mills using 100% virgin wool. Each blanket is named for a specific U.S. national park. I have always been drawn to the Glacier National Park blanket. I am trying out these colors on a new stripe painting I am working on. I'll post some images once I get it a little closer to completion. For now check out Pendleton's website and explore the great outdoors.

From left: Great Smoky National Park, $168. Crater Lake National Park, $168-$178.

Mairo

I was just cruising through my bookmarks for a little inspiration. I thought I would share my two favorite patterns from the Swedish company, Mairo. So pretty! I am in love with this fabric. The colors and pattern feel so juicy and organic.

Tartan Wool Blankets

From left: Buchanan Wool Blanket, 72x54, $43. MacMillan Wool Blanket, 72x54, $43.

Tartan wool blankets are classics. The colors and patterns vary depending on clan. Who cares if your not Scottish. Pick up a few of these and drape on couches and beds. Think Ralph Lauren ads/Log Cabin retreat.

From left: Stewart Royal Blanket, 72x54, $43. Anderson Blanket, 72x54, $43.

From left: Lambswool Tartan Blanket Dress Gordon, 54 x 66, $91. MacLeod Wool Blanket, 72x54, $43.

Vintage Welsh Blankets

Vintage Welsh Carthens

I just feel in love with these vintage Welsh blankets. I found them on the UK site, Re-FoundObjects.co.uk. The shop is full of vintage finds: elegant glassware, lighting, and textiles. For now I will bask in the glow of my newest obsession. I have to see what else I can dig up on Welsh blankets. I am so in love with the colors and patterning.

Vintage Welsh Blankets

Andirons

Gates and Douglas Andirons, Lyle and Umbach, To the Trade.

Andirons have often been called, "jewelry for the fireplace." Not only are they pretty, but they help prevent logs from rolling onto your floor.

I started this piece back in my H&G days. I feel in love with Lyle and Umbach's, Reese Andirons, unfortunately they were only sold to the trade. I started to search for other retail options and turned up pretty empty handed.

The problem is andirons were popular back in the day when people had class and actually used fireplaces. It's nearly impossible to find a reproduction that doesn't seem cookie cutter and just plain boring. To the trade always has the most druel-worthy stuff but it can be hard for a regular person to get a showroom to sell to them. So I would suggest hunting for the real thing. Try antique stores and great websites like 1stdibs.com. My round-up is meant to be pure inspiration. Let me know what you find antique or not?

Reese Andirons, Lyle and Umbach, To The Trade.

Tree Andirons, Lyle and Umbach, To The Trade.

Pewter Ball Top Andirons, North Line Express, $189.90 a pair.

Iron And Brass Andirons with Thistle Design, English, Heather & Company.

Pair of Restored Modernist Andirons, 1930s-40s, Paul Marra Design.

Leaf and Cone Forged Iron Andirons, Early 20th Century, France, Robert Altman.

Ferm Living Wallpaper

Fir Tree Wallpaper, $95.

Let the wintry weather indoors with Ferm Living's nature inspired wallpaper. The graphic appeal of the prints will make for some super high impact walls. Try wrapping a small space such as a bathroom, or for the less adventurous, a single wall. Be sure to check out their other nature inspired papers.

Family Tree, $95.

Wilderness, $95.

SoNo Baking Company

This past Sunday was my 29th birthday. We kept it pretty low key. Saturday night we were out late at the Philharmonic. We were pretty tired on Sunday and slept in late. By noon we were ravenous, we took a drive over to our favorite new bakery: SoNo Baking Company in South Norwalk, Ct.

The café is owned by baker John Barricelli . He is also the famed co-host of Martha Stewart's Everyday Food cooking show on PBS.

John's top notch sweets and breads have definitely won my heart and stomach. The open air café is filled with cakes, cookies, pastries, breads, and tarts. Large windows surround the bakery and give customers a birds-eye view of the large industrial kitchen.

Greg and I feed our belly's with 2 cups of really good coffee, pancakes ($7.50) and an egg sandwich ($5.25). Everything was amazing, fast, and cheap. While heading out the door we scored ourselves the last white mousee and apricot jam cake as my birthday cake ($30), a box of assorted cookies, and pecan rolls for breakfast the next day.

SoNo Baking Company
101 South Water Street
South Norwalk, CT
203-847-7666
sonobaking.com

Trina Turk

From left: Belted Cass Dress, $318. Rudi Pant, $228.

I despise shopping for winter clothes. They always seem so boring, heavy and everything is in a shade of black. Tonight I was suppose to be online shopping for a new winter coat that I so desperately need. But instead I found myself oogling over Trina Turk's new Resort collection. I love her bright bold feminine prints and shapes. The resort collection is a mix of a little 60's Jackie-O with a healthy kick of Palm Beach brights. My favorites are above and below.

From left: Tropics Dress, $288. Chickee Crop Jacket, $248.

I have stretched!

One stretcher down...9 more to go. My boyfriend asked for 10 paintings for Christmas. So I am going to let the gesso dry on this canvas and then put a base color down to dry overnight. I'll then have room then to stretch another canvas in the morning. The next canvas is more rectangular. I only have room to do 2 paintings at a time in my small studio.

Madeline Weinrib Rugs

Both of these rugs from Madeline Weinrib remind so much of the tiling in Mancini's Italian Palazzo. I so want one and then I can get a red velvet chair. But wait...I'm suppose to be painting. I can't buy anything till I made at least 5 paintings. Why is it that the things you really love to do can be so hard to start? Alright, no excuses. I have to leave the computer now and start my life.

Mancini Inspired

I have been sick with the flu since Monday. In my cold medicine induced coma I kept dreaming of these images. The photos are from H&G's Italy issue. The colors vibrate off each other creating a dynamic tension that is so juicy and inspiring. The image on the top is my favorite. The big block of red against the intricate patterning of the blue tile floor is outstanding. So today is the day, sick or not, I am stopping with the all the excuses and I will start painting.

Examples of Mancini's pottery punctuate nearly every room, and one spare room is overwhelmed by her terra-cotta work as it awaits glazing.

Xenia Taler

From left: Crochet Peacock in dark brown, 7.5 x 10.5", $84. Crochet Tree in dark brown, 7.5 x 10.5", $84.

My sister has been asking me for some fun gift ideas for her artsy friends and their kids. My first thought was Xenia Taler. Really pretty and electic tiles that can be hung or used as a trivets. For the kids, Xenia makes these great boxes out of tiles. I know my 4-year old niece would love putting her special fairy jewels inside. The boxes feel kinda grown up and they would oh so sweet sitting on her dresser.

From left: Meadow in turquoise, 10"diameter, $96. Rain in red, 6"diameter, $36.

From left: Bubble Girl Box in red, 5.25 x 5.25 x 2.25", $60. Bird Box in grey, 5.25 x 5.25 x 2.25", $60.

Ingrid Calame

g-kgg-kooo-kggkooo-kggkoo, 2003. Enamel on aluminum.

The good thing about cleaning out my studio is: I finally having the room to paint again and I am finding all kinds of great inspiration I have collected over the years. I found an announcement for Ingrid Calame's show at James Cohan Gallery from back in 2003. I had this announcement tacked up on my bulletin board forever. I have always enjoyed Ingrid's work and the story behind each of the painting makes the work even more enticing. Each of the paintings is a tracing of marks and spots she finds on the street. Watch a fascinating video of Ingrid explaining the process behind her work by clicking here.

Trace 1, 2006. Etching with chine colle

Bb-AAghch!, 2003. Enamel on aluminum.

Novembre from H&G

I was just cleaning out my office and found stuff from H&G. I had tons of extremely organized folders detailing the stories we would re-launch houseandgarden.com with back in March 2007. Sad. I was reminded of Novembre one my favorite stories and favorite images (girl in sofa) from our Italy issue.

Passion and fun, these interiors suggest, should prevail over the prosaic in everyday life. "Architecture awakens our senses," Novembre explains, "so we must hold on tight to love to experience the full force of life without succumbing." The architect's wife, Candela, reclines on his titanic coiled "And" sofa, designed for Capellini.

When Candela found the steep climb of the glass staircase intimidating, Novembre added the red lacquered wooden railings with hearts for finials.

The master bedroom is accented with pieces in lush reds. Unusual lighting is provided by Corrado Levi's Edipos lamps, which sit on Tom Dixon's Jack lights; Jacopo Foggini's Apple (2005) is on the wall. The headboard, an antique mirror, reflects Albrecht Dürer's Eve, reproduced on a laminated panel. A Soft Heart armchair by Ron Arad, through Moroso, is next to the bathtub.

Sanna Annukka

I've been in love with Sanna Annukka prints for awhile now. My boyfriend and I have a deal: we can buy ourselves a ridiculous present for Christmas and get each other something small. One of Sanna Annukka prints was at the top of my list. But now things have changed. I got laid of House & Garden and now I am buying myself art supplies. So I guess I'll keep it in my "Someday" folder, till I become a famous painter.

Blogger Gift Guide

Grace from Design*Sponge just posted my favorite gift guide so far. A great list of what to give and receive compiled from fellow design bloggers. I just scored this print (above) from midcenturyjo's shop for $20. It was a gift to receive...Happy Birthday to me! Check out the entire list of great links and products by clicking here.

From Jan at Poppytalk, Ceramic objects from Anneke Harmsen

Wide Awake Thinking About...Tufted

Urban Outfitters, Velvet Tufted Headboard

Ballard Designs, Camden Tufted Headboard

I was lying in bed last night thinking about tufted headboards. I found two premade headboards that had the same type of look but they just need seem right. I do like that the fabric is deeply tufted. So many I found where barely tufted at all; just plainly a button sewn onto the fabric.

As I thought about these two examples, I just didn't care for them. I liked the boxyness of the headboard from Domino. The height it not so exaggerated that I couldn't put a stellar piece of artwork above it. The curvy lines of these premade headboards seem very dramatic and don't allow for any other decoration without seeming way to girly.

So I guess I will need to find a upholster in Connecticut to help me with my project. Now I just need to think about fabric...

Lacquered Wood Boxes

Handcrafted lacquered wood boxes, like these in timber gray with moon gray trim, have a timeless appeal. An elegant solution for concealing keys and trinkets in an entryway. Available in three sizes to fit all your organizational needs. $55, $75, and $95 each at lilleashop.com.