Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Photography: Enjoying Fall


This past weekend, we went over to Jason's parents' house to visit with all of his siblings and let all the kids play together.  This year seems to be flying by, so it was nice to sit back and watch the kids play in the leaves and enjoy all that Fall has to offer.  I wish we could do this every weekend.  

And...I really wish that leaf pile had been big enough for the adults to jump in : )
















Pin It

Monday, October 28, 2013

Shake...too funny!


You can't help but laugh! What happens to these poor pooches faces as they shake the unwanted water from their bodies is hilarious! Photographer, Carli Davidson, has just released her brand new book, Shake, featuring 61 different dogs' faces as they do exactly that....shake.  You could be having the WORST day EVER and look at these photos and smile.  Such a simple pick-me-up...but very appreciated : )




And if you want even more hilarity, check out the "Shake" video...


SHAKE from Variable on Vimeo.

Check out more images from Carli's book on her website hereShake is available to buy on Carli's website or here.


(all images and video via My Modern Met)


Pin It

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Artist Spotlight: Timothy Archibald


San Franciso-based photographer, Timothy Archibald, began photographing his 5 year old son Elijah's unique perspective on the world, as a way to cope when Elijah was diagnosed with autism.  While photographing his son's interactions with the world around him, Archibald began to realize he had to give up control and "follow his son's lead".  He said, "I never wanted [Eli] to think that he was normal. I wanted him to be aware of how different he was and see that as an asset."

In these photos, you can see how a child with autism appreciates aspects of the world that we can completely overlook and ignore.  I think Elijah's world is beautiful, and I definitely think his father's acceptance and appreciation of his son's differences has made it more so.  

I am in LOVE with these photos.













(via My Modern Met)


Pin It

Monday, October 21, 2013

Fabulous Food: Apple Pie Scones


I have been searching for the perfect recipe to celebrate apple season.  I am not happy with traditional fare this year.  I wanted a new twist on the classic flavors that accompany the cold weather moving in and the leaves changing color.  That is why I absolutely had to try an apple version of this recipe by Joy The Baker.  She used peaches, but I knew these scones would taste absolutely amazing using apples.  I only made slight changes to the recipe, and the results were amazing!   


Ingredients: (makes 8 scones)

3 c all-purpose flour
1/3 c granulated sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 c unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1/4 c vegetable shortening, cold and cut into cubes
1 egg, beaten
3/4 c buttermilk, cold
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 apples, sliced thinly ( I used Pink Lady apples)
1/4 c buttermilk, for brushing
2 tbsp coarse, raw sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray lightly with cooking spray, and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Using a pastry cutter, cut in shortening and butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. 

3. In another bowl, combine egg, milk, and vanilla, and beat lightly with a fork.  Add the liquid to flour mixture all at once, stirring enough to make a soft dough.


4. Knead dough on a floured board, for about a minute.  If the dough has warmed up too much and is too soft, wrap in plastic wrap, and let rest in the fridge for 15 minutes.  If it is still cool, roll the dough out into a rectangular shape that is about 1/2" thick.  


5. Brush the dough lightly with buttermilk.  Arrange apple slices, two layers thick on half of the dough.  Combine the raw sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle the apples with half of the mixture.  Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the apple layer.  Press gently together.  

6. Using a floured knife, slice dough into eight even pieces. Brush the top of the scones with the extra buttermilk and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over them.  


7. Carefully move the scones over to the baking sheets (I used a spatula, so I would not lose any of that yummy filling).  If the dough has become mushy, refrigerate the scones for 20 minutes before you place them in the oven. 

8. Bake the scones for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.  Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving. 


These scones are best served warm...with coffee...while you are snuggled up with a blanket on the couch : )

Enjoy!



(recipe adapted from Joy the Baker's Peach Cobbler Scones)

Pin It

Saturday, October 19, 2013

A Saturday Song...

It is gray and rainy outside.  And it is definitely feeling more like Fall.  Jason is out running errands with the girls while I am sitting here with a hot cup of coffee, listening to music.  Perfect way to spend the day : )

Here is a song for your Saturday... 



I hope you all have a wonderful weekend : )

Pin It

Friday, October 18, 2013

The Friday Five...

{ Love candles in the Fall...it always smells like I am baking something delicious : )  }

{ Had to celebrate apple season with some Apple Pie Scones....sooooo good! }

{ It's that time of year again...made the transition to pansies in my window boxes }

{ It's decision time for Ava's birthday, and my paint obsessed child is having an Art themed party. 
These pantone color sheets are going to play a big part in the invitations }

{ I am behind in Halloween decorating, but I have big plans for these creepy guys...
you may be seeing a little gold leaf in their future : )  }

What are Your Five?



Pin It

Monday, October 14, 2013

Artist Spotlight: Ella & Pitr


French street artists Ella & Pitr,  are the visionaries behind Anamorphoses, a site specific series in which they convert various spaces in run-down buildings into anamorphic picture frames.  The frames are painted on angled surfaces, but look flat to the viewer.  Adding a person to the mix, truly confuses the eyes.  I LOVE the color and playfulness that would normally not be found in these gloomy, run-down surroundings.
 
"The artists completed this project as part of a campaign for the National Dramatic Center of St Etienne, choosing locations that they refer to as 'forgotten parts of the city'."








(via My Modern Met)


Pin It