Calligraphy Woes

I was commissioned through ETSY to calligraphy a stationary card and envelope for a super, sweet bride-to-be in Colorado. Although I was excited to start the project, the "calligraphy gods" just weren't on my side. As it turns out, I ran out of my favorite calligraphy nibs and I had trouble scanning the artwork without it looking pixelated. So frustrating! Thankfully, I have a wonderful understanding ETSY buyer and I'm going to give it another go this week when my new nibs arrive. 

What I'm Coveting!

While at my cousins wedding in Brooklyn last weekend, we attended a "Farewell Brunch" at Robin De Bois (aka Sherwood Cafe). Although I was completely smitten with the eclectic and funky flea market-esque atmosphere of the restaurant, something else there caught my eye.... our waitresses' shoes! Upon arriving home, I quickly found them online due to their novel birdsnest design that I fell in love with. 

Melissa Campana Jelly Ballet Flat

I must, I must, I must have them! But at 80 smack-a-roos for jelly shoes, I might hold off until summer winds down and cross my fingers for a super-duper sale! 

Breakfast with Martha

Penne Frittata w/ Basil & Ricotta

Rating: 5

Comments: I was really excited about this recipe because this was the first time I've had pasta with my eggs. However, the end product was slightly underwhelming for me. Perhaps, it was "chef-error" and has nothing to do with the recipe itself. At least it looked good!

The "Crate" Rehab

Remember this flea market find? 

Here is what it looks like now:

A much needed improvement with just some stain and polyurethane. 

Total project time: About 2 hours

More "Kiddy" Word Art

Just a few more prints that I finished up... 

Summer Dinner Party

Nothing is better than good friends and family, great weather and superb wine! 

Last night, my fiance and I hosted our first summer dinner party and we cooked up a few recipes from the June MS Living.  Although I completely forgot to take photos (except for the awesome wine!), here is what we sampled:

Green Salad w/ Chickpeas & White Balsamic Dressing
Rating: 7
Comments: The dressing was good but I thought it could have used more vinegar and less oil. The dressing had a slight sweetness from the honey and was a nice, summery dressing. 

Grilled Buttermilk Chicken
Rating: 9
Comments: I used some of the fresh herbs we were growing outside. Even our pickiest eaters enjoyed this recipe and I'm looking forward to making it again!
Tweaks: We used chicken breast in lieu of whole chicken

Spicy Grilled Shrimp
Rating: 7
Comments: I was really scared of some the ingredients in the recipe, especially its use "fish sauce." However, after I realized that fish sauce sounds way worse than it actually looks, I'm glad we gave it a try. 

Vermont Burgers - Turkey & Beef
Rating: 7
Comments: Although I don't eat meat, I heard that the beef burgers were pretty good. As for the turkey burgers, I didn't hear anything about them. I'm going to take that as a sign that they were edible, but not memorable!

Roasted Asparagus w/ Capers & Lemon
Rating: 5
Comments: I guess I expected more from this recipe since I was using capers and lemon. However, the asparagus tasted, well... just like asparagus. Nothing real special about it but it was still good. 

Overall, we had a great dinner! I just wish I would have more time to prepare dessert! Maybe next time. 

Recent Work: Children's Word Art Illustrations

I don't know about you but I have always loved words! There is something so special about a word and its innate ability to storytell. Even one single word has the capability to paint a picture and create a reaction. Thus, words have become my muse. 

My children's word art illustrations are a play on my affinity for words. Each original illustration uses the words to create the body of the image. Look closely and you will find more that there is more than meets the eye!