A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC

I managed to wrangle my ragtag circus into three rings today (work, home/family, and cyber stuff), and thus afforded myself the rare opportunity to visit some of my favorite blogs and to find some new ones.  A music link-up at 5 Minutes Just for Me inspired me to share a few of the songs and artists I've discovered lately that make me smile, bring me peace, or stir some joy in my oft weary soul.   What songs or artists have you made a connection with lately?

MY FAVORITE FREE CLIPART & GRAPHICS SITES

(find this fabulous clipart page at 
http://www.aisling.net/freebies/clipart1-2.htm)

The Graphics Fairy

The Vintage Moth

Vintage Feed Sacks

Free Pretty Things for You

Free Vintage Images

Antique Clipart.com

Who is your favorite image source?

OPENSKY AND THE REBIRTH OF THE CUTE LITTLE SHOP ON THE CORNER

A short while ago I had the pleasure of meeting Ted Rubin, Chief Social Marketing Officer for OpenSky.  OpenSky is new to me, and if it's new to you, here's a little info to bring you up-to-speed:

"We're OpenSky. We're all about the amazing feeling you get when someone you trust hooks you up with something you love. We're bringing humanity back to shopping. We're making shopping better.

Why?

Because navigating massive websites or fluorescent-lit chain stores can make the most upbeat person feel like a zombie. Plus, we realized that we learn about the stuff we really love from friends, blogs, or experts in magazines or books or on TV. So we thought: What if we could just shop directly from the people we already like and trust? Wouldn't that be better? We thought it might be. So we created OpenSky.

OpenSky is a new way to shop, buy, and sell...

...The OpenSky platform fuels connection.

We empower suppliers, sellers and shoppers to work together to get the right products to the right people."

SOUNDS PRETTY COOL, RIGHT?

What does this mean for me? For you?   Is the altruistic, free-lovin', tree-huggin' spirit of Rook No. 17 a thing of the past?  Nay!

Will my readers suddenly see a shift in my writing, and develop a sneaking suspicion that there's a sales pitch somewhere woven in?  

As you may already know, I launched Rook No. 17 as a way to share my original recipes, crafty little creations, inspirations and ideas for creative living, giving, and entertaining. A second impetus for the creation of Rook No. 17 was born out of my natural affinity for wanting to spread the words to friends and family when I found out about an idea, an item, or something new that I thought was simply too great to keep to myself. I liked that the blog platform allowed me to share my "finds" with a greater audience, and provided a way for me to establish my credibility and voice when making such recommendations. 

As such, I've shied away from doing product reviews (meaning no disrespect to bloggers who put their hearts into their wonderful review blogs). What I find exciting about Open Sky is that it establishes a very natural and organic feeling relationship between what I offer (recipes, crafts, and creative living ideas), and the small companies out there that supply some of the "ingredients". I'm pleased to be able to offer some of the very things I already own, use, and love to my readers (if they wish), in a way that is low-pressure, positive, and part of a collective spirit of commerce (rather than the old school style of hyperlinking to the "big box" entities online).

To kick off my OpenSky store, I've partnered with three suppliers:  Chronicle Books, Marx Foods, and The Meadow.  I was already a huge fan of all three prior to connecting with them through OpenSky.  Following is a product spotlight from each, just to give you an idea ~ a little amuse bouche, if you will.  If you'd like to see my full "menu", please visit HERE.

#1:  CHRONICLE BOOKS

"Inspired by the enduring magic and importance of books, our objective is to create and distribute exceptional publishing that's instantly recognizable for its spirit, creativity, and value."

This is my all-time, personal favorite from the Chronicle Books lineup (and I've been a huge fan of Chronicle for years)!  I grew up with Taro Gomi drawing books.  These unconventional coloring books give children an inspiration launch-point, and their imaginations take it from there!  Both of my girls have enjoyed Squiggles, Scribbles, and Doodles.  They make excellent gifts, since they encourage creativity and foster out-of-the-box thinking.

#2:  THE MEADOW

"The Meadow offers the largest selection of the best salts available anywhere in the world"

As many of you know, I'm a nerd for gourmet food items, particularly salts, cheeses, and other artisinally produced items.  One of my favorite salts (Gods gift to the hard-boiled-egg and the homemade caramel) is the light, flakey, and melt-in-your-mouth Fleur de Sel, which is including in this awesome sampler pack from The Meadow.

#3:  MARX FOODS

 I really admire these guys.

 I like what they sell and what they're all about.  

Here's a little about their business philosophy:  

"Did you know that the milk in the picture on most cereal boxes is actually Elmers glue? We think that’s disgusting. We took all the photos on our site…and, then, we ate the food. Or, rather, we savored it with a glass or two of wine (yes, our office is really fun to work in…especially on photo days!). But authentic photography is only part of it.  Authenticity guides our decisions about what products to sell, how to write about them, how we talk to you when you call with questions, and just about everything else. We also try as hard as possible to be transparent. We’ll give you as much information as possible about our foods so that you can make educated food purchasing decisions depending on your health goals and food politics." 

Dear Santa, I am going to be an extra-good girl this year because I really, really want this:  

The "Put Your Pantry on Steriods" sampler from Marx Foods (they're the great, family owned business that handed me the Reishi Mushroom recipe challenge) featuring "specialty pantry items that have a long shelf life, tremendous flavor, and a wide variety of applications...Flor de Sal (8.8 oz bag), Da Rosario Organic White Truffle Oil (8 oz bottle), Fennel Pollen (1 oz. tin), Aged Balsamic Vinegar (3.5 oz bottle), Saffron Threads (1 gram jar), Planifolia (aka "Bourbon") Vanilla Beans (1/4 lb. Bag), Dried Aji Panca Chilies (4 oz. Bag) and Dried Porcini Mushrooms (2 oz Bag)"

 

FUDGY S'MORE CRINKLE COOKIE RECIPE ~ Thank you for being a friend...Golden Girls & Golden Grahams

My real-life friend and blogging confidante, Holly, recently commented to me about the undiminishing power of anything remoteley s'more-related captivating her attention.

This past weekend, we left behind our foggy, sleepy little home town for the vibrant, sky-scraper stacked, (yet still fog blanketed) City by the Bay ~ San Francisco ~ to attend a blog conference organized by the sisterhood of bloggers to which we belong ~ SITS.  It was fun getting to meet so many diverse, talented, and intelligent women, and I'm looking forward to implementing all the tips, tricks, and techniques that I picked up.  

photo compliments of SITS Bloggy Boot Camp

Most of all, it was nice just having a weekend away with a good friend.  This is the part where the "Golden Girls" theme song should start to play...

Thank you for being a friend,

(Really, it means the world to me)

Traveled down the road and back again.

(Alameda Point Antiques Fair, The Slow Food "Eat-In", Bloggy Boot Camp...even a few memorable trips to the local Dump!)

Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant.

(Who else "gets" my snark, and gets as excited as I do about a 3 page magazine feature about craft glues?)

And if you threw a party-,

(And yes, you've thrown quite a few...you keep saying that if you drink enough you'll end up dancing on a table, but that's yet to be seen)

Invited everyone you knew-,

(But, if it's on a Friday night, chances are it'll just be you, me, a few cocktails, a little bit of crafting, and an appearance by your mother-in-law)

You would see the biggest gift would be from me

(Emphasis on "Biggest", not "Most Expensive")

And the card attached would say, "Thank you for being a friend"

(And for putting up with my shenanigans...like when I hijacked your wi-fi)

So, Holly, this recipe (a collaborative creation from Mr. Rook and his assistant, Chef Chyler, during their weekend free from my warlording) is dedicated to you:

Fudgy Smore Crinkles

BE A GOOD LITTLE GIRL AND DRINK YOUR MUSHROOMS ~ THE ADVENT OF HIBISCUS VANILLA REISHI ICED TEA

There are many reasons why people blog, but like many craft and culinary aficionados,  I do it because it gives me a creative outlet and an opportunity to do that which brings me the most joy:  sharing my ideas, projects, and recipes, and connecting with other creative people who in turn teach and inspire me.  

Every once in a while, however, an opportunity comes along to sample a new product (usually food items), create an original recipe, and share the findings with my readers.  I must admit, I enjoy this little "perk".


Last year I had fun creating a delicious holiday cocktail (recipe HERE), compliments of the POM Wonderful company. Recently, I was contacted by Marx Foods, a 5th generation family business (since 1895) that works with foragers, farmers, fishermen and artisans to supply home chefs with restaurant-quality gourmet foods such as exotic mushrooms, sausages and charcuterie, and sugars and salts from around the globe. Marx Foods offered me a complimentary sample of their Reishi Mushrooms if I would agree to develop an original recipe for a tea drink featuring the Reishi Mushroom.  I jumped at the challenge!

What are Reishi Mushrooms?  Also known as Lingzhi mushrooms in China, these mushrooms have a long history of medical applications and health benefits, dating back to the oldest Chinese medical texts.  According to Shen Nong's "Herbal Classic" and "Compendium of Materia Medica", the two monumental works in Chinese medicine, reishi is rated the best and most superior of all Chinese herbs. 

To find out more about the medical and health benefits attributed to Reishi mushrooms, check out the following links:

Reishi Mushroom Info 1

Reishi Mushroom Info 2

I enjoyed experimenting with this unusual ingredient and having the opportunity to exercise my culinary creativity to create a delicious and refreshing iced tea using the dried Reishi mushrooms provided by Marx Foods.  


Here's what I came up with:  

Hibiscus Reishi Iced Tea

Hibiscus Vanilla Reishi Iced Tea
Step-by-Step

 

Don't be a Nub, try Spaghetti Tacos...

Several weeks ago I ran a feature about the Spaghetti Tacos I created for my girls, inspired by their favorite Nickelodeon television show, iCarly.  Well, the show had its season premier just before school started, and to celebrate the end of summer and to round up some of the kids' friends, we decided to put together a low-key iCarly premier party.  I'm not talking party favors, decorations and a disco ball, here ~ just a simple dinner and show.  IF THERE'S ONE LESSON I'VE LEARNED (THE HARD WAY) OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, IT'S THAT IT DOESN'T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE OVER-THE-TOP.

In this event, simplicity was the key to its success:  The kids arrived around 6:00 p.m., enjoyed building their own Spaghetti Tacos, then watched the premier at 7:00 p.m.  

Bobbie over at A VISION TO REMEMBER is running a 30 Day Food Challenge this month, and I'm honored to have had my Spaghetti Tacos included in her menu of fabulous recipes!  Stop by, check out my irreverent, but delicious recipe (it's like spaghetti and italian sausage wrapped in garlic bread ~ yummmm....) and see what other culinary magic she's cookin' up!

If you haven't voted yet in the DIY CLUB August Craft Contest, I'd be honored to get your vote.  It takes only seconds (I promise) and doesn't require any personal info or registration.  

My entry is the "Friendship Cup/Plate"

VOTE HERE

Thanks for your support!

FREE GIFT TAG DOWNLOAD ~ MAGICAL CREATURES

Gift Tags Magical Creatures

I'm hoping there's something "MAGICAL" in the air ~ I've made it in to the TOP 12 of the DIY CLUB INC craft contest for the second time and am crossing my fingers, toes, and DNA strands (oh wait, they're already crossed) that I'll be able to pull off a win this time!

contest entry #38 

Friendship Cup 

If you have a moment, and think my "FRIENDSHIP CUP" is prizeworthy, please visit the DIY CLUB INC voting box and click the little bubble right above the picture of my craft, ENTRY #38, and then scroll down to the bottom of the poll and click "VOTE".  No registration or personal info is required.  

VOTE HERE:  http://diyclubinc.com/

I'm excited about sharing the "FRIENDSHIP CUP" because it's not only an original & versatile DIY Craft that shows you how to make your own unique "brand" of dishes, cups, and serving pieces, but it also offers a lovely idea for how to establish a special tradition with friends, and includes my original recipe for Brown Butter Pecan Biscotti. Oh dear, I'm starting to sound like an infommercial!  "And, if you act now, you'll also receive the Slap-Chop, Sham-Wow, and a Snuggy for your houseplants, absolutely FREE....(individual shipping and handling charges apply)".

Because it just wouldn't feel right publishing a "GIMME" post in this place of sharing and inspiration, I've uploaded a free gift tag download.  Bribery?  Nay.  It's just my way of sharing, and ensuring that my posts remain balanced and stay consistent with the spirit of giving.  

DIY FRIENDSHIP CUP ~ A CRAFT, A TRADITION, AND A DELICIOUS RECIPE

With our children heading back to school, this season brings with it the perfect opportunity to seize some "grown-up" time ~  to reconnect with good friends, to reflect, laugh and share, and to establish some new traditions.  Regularly sharing a cup of coffee or tea with a friend or friends can be a wonderful way to ease the hectic pace we often find ourselves caught up in during the school year.  For a simple hour each week, time slows down, and you can talk ~ really talk and be listened to.  You can listen, and really hear without the distractions of home, family, and work.  

The get-together needn't be formal or even strictly scheduled.  It's simply nice to know that there's some special time for just "YOU" each week, and that there's a door that's always open and a friend you can count on.

So, in this spirit, I've put together the "FRIENDSHIP CUP" DIY.  It features a new spin on the Lazertran waterslide decal paper that I've been so enamored with lately.  Using this versatile transfer paper, you can turn nearly any plain object into a customized, professional-looking treasure. Nowhere is this technique simpler or more satisfying than in the creation of custom dishes, cups, and other serving pieces.

Using images purchased from Olive Rue, I created these teacups for my two friends with whom I'll be sharing some special time this Friday.  While practical, the gift also serves another purpose.  The Olive Rue image on the mug reads, "SIT LONG, TALK MUCH" and the custom tag attached to the handle reads, "My door is always open, you'll always have my ear, and I'll gladly put the kettle on, whenever you are here". It's a token of friendship, as well as an invitation to make our teatime/coffeetalk/cocktailhour a regular happening.  To "sweeten" the deal, I'm filling the delicate porcelain mugs with some of my homemade BROWN BUTTER PECAN BISCOTTI.  You'll find the recipe below.

Here is a gift tag download similar to the one seen above, using an image I created in order to be able to share it with my readers.  If you would like to purchase the beautiful "Journal de Paris" image designed by Olive Rue, visit HERE.

Tea_Tags

Following is a tutorial on how to make your own "Friendship Cup".  You can use the technique to design your own unique "line" of custom ceramics, stoneware or porcelain pieces.

(I made some hors d'oeuvre plates too)

Supplies

--Lazertran  (NOT Lazertran Inkjet...more about that later...)

--A soft sponge, cloth, or small squeegee 

--A bowl of warm water

--Mugs, plates, bowls, etc on which to transfer your image

Step 1:  Select your image.  You can purchase one of the amazing readymade images from Olive Rue, or browse Karen's library of free graphics at The Graphics Fairy. You can scan images from your home or office.  Anything's game!

HERE ARE SOME OF THE OTHER IMAGES I FELL IN LOVE WITH AND PURCHASED FROM OLIVE RUE

Step 2:  Size your image in a PDF or word processing document to fit the piece you'll be applying it to.  Reverse the image(s) (mirror image) prior to printing.

Step 3:  Print.  VERY IMPORTANT ~ regular Lazertran can NOT be used in an inkjet printer.  It must be printed with a Laser printer or copier machine.  For many of us, who do not have a laser printer at home, this adds an extra step, but it is necessary if you desire the effect of a clear background for your image.      If you don' mind an antiqued finish to your image, you can use Inkjet Lazertran, and can try my tutorial using that medium HERE.  There's a definite learning curve when using these specialty papers, and I've found that not all copiers and laser printers will work with Lazertran.  For a full list of printers and copiers know to work with the product, visit HERE.

Step 4:  Once sheet is printed, place in the oven at lowest setting for two minutes to set the toner.  This will help you avoid small air bubbles later.

Step 5:  Cut out your image(s).

Step 6:  Soak image in a bowl of warm water for 30-60 seconds.  Image will begin to loosen from the paper backing.  

Step 7:  Apply image face down and slide off the paper backing.

Step 8:  Gently work out wrinkles and air bubbles.  You can lightly dab with a soft cloth or sponge, or use a small squeegee.

Step 9:  Place in your oven at the lowest setting for 1 hour.

Step 10:  Slowly increase the temperature over the next two hours until your reach between 350 and 400 degrees F.  You will know that the image has set when it becomes shiny like a glaze.

Step 11:  Turn off oven and allow piece(s) to cool.

Note:  Oven temperatures can vary, and there are sometimes differences in outcomes from various models of gas and electric ovens.  Similarly, some dishwashers, like mine (a Jenn-Air Ultimate Quiet) will not damage the finished pieces, while other models will.  Some experimentation with your oven and dishwasher should be expected as part of the fine-tuning process for your Lazertran project.  

I'm so please to share my new recipe for Brown Butter Pecan Biscotti with you.  I created it especially for this occasion!  This is one of those recipes that makes your house smell heavenly from the moment you start browning the butter and toasting the pecans.  The richness and nuttiness of both ingredients are the perfect complement to the dark chocolate dunk!  Enjoy!

Brown Butter Pecan Biscotti

Here's a version of the "Friendship Tags" made to tie on to bags of extra biscotti...

Biscotti Tags Bon Ton

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