Confetti Art

I'm doing something I never thought I'd be doing this winter/spring- helping plan a wedding. It's been most wonderful distraction and bright spot during a very overcast, grey winter this year. There are three of us putting our creative heads together and I think we've come up with a few ideas that will make the big day in May fun and unique.

Over the course of many Google images searches for centerpieces, favours and bouquets, I stumbled across some interesting art. These sculptural art installations are made entirely of suspended triangular paper confetti by Denmark-based Japanese artist Yuko Takada Keller. I'm not sure if I'm drawn to the watery blue and green colours or the gentle movement, but I think they are beautiful.

Image courtesy of Yuko Takada Keller 

Image courtesy of Yuko Takada Keller 

Image courtesy of Yuko Takada Keller 

This makes we want to paint every wall in my house white, bleach our oak floors and hang colourful art. To me, this feels like an inspired breath of fresh air.

A Whole Lotta Love

Two gospel songs, written more than a century apart. It's amazing how well they fit together.

Behold What Manner of Love (1 John 3:1 ) written by Patricia Van Tine in 1978
O How I Love Jesus (1 John 4:19) written  by Frederick Whitfield in 1855

Dilbert and Organizational Change

Jeff here again- I think we all can relate to this one.

Have a good weekend (free of fog).

Jeff & Stef

The View Yesterday...

... included my favourite breakfast. Lemon yogurt, blueberries and toasted almonds. There is no better start to the day.

Mid-Week Inspiration

I think this applies to the little stuff... and the big stuff. 

Better than Fried Oven-Baked Chicken

Jeff loves oven baked chicken that mimics fried chicken- chicken that is super crispy, perfectly salted with juicy meat inside. It took me a while but I've finally perfected oven baked chicken. It only takes 4 little tricks to achieve this wonderful treat. First, be sure the chicken is pat dry top and bottom. If it's wet, it will steam in the oven (and steamed chicken skin is anything but crisp!). Second, do not use any butter or oil (except a super light spray of oil on a cooking sheet to prevent sticking). And third, use high heat. And fourth, use bone-in chicken thighs. And that's it!

8 bone-in chicken thighs with skin
1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt
fresh ground black pepper
1 stalk or rosemary, chopped, OR 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash and thoroughly pat dry the chicken. Then dry it some more (!). Place it on an open baking sheet and sprinkle with pepper to taste. Sprinkle salt and herbs over the thighs and place in the oven. Bake ~ 45 minutes, checking during the last 10 minutes to ensure the skin does not burn. To ensure it is done, pierce the chicken with a sharp knife- the skin will be very crispy and juices from the meat inside will run clear. Serve immediately. 

Art Blues

I love the artwork of California Architect Steve Gianetti- it's soothing, has wonderful movement and is in shades of blue and green, my two favourite colours. As I sewed grey pillows last week to go with the grey bed skirt in our bedroom (photos coming soon), I found myself craving a hit of marine blue or aqua green that perhaps, a small painting could provide? If only the budget could provide as well...

Art collage by Steve Gianetti. Photo from Brooke Gianetti's website 

Sanctus Benedictus

AMAZING.

Click here for a translation of the traditional Sanctus text.