The Seasonal Cottage

Friday Food Feature

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart Cookies for Valentines Day

2 c all-purpose Flour
1/2 c creamy Peanut Butter
1 c Sugar
1/2 c Shortening
1 t Vanilla
1 t Baking Powder
1 Egg
3 T Milk
1/4 t Salt
Heart shaped milk chocolate candies

Beat peanut butter, sugar and shortening until fluffy.
Mix well egg, milk and vanilla.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt.
Beat flour mixture into peanut butter mixture until blended well.
Shape dough into disc and wrap it in a plastic wrap.
Let is freeze in refrigerate for about 1 to 2 hours.
Grease cookie sheets.
Roll out dough on floured waxed paper to 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut dough using heart-shaped cookie cutter.
Place cutouts on prepared cookie sheets.
Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°f till the edges are lightly browned, it will take about 10 to 14 minutes. Immediately press chocolate candy into top of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 20 minutes, before storing in tightly covered container.

Photo via Betty Crocker

My French Find

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

I have decided to wrap all my gifts this year with a bit more attention to detail. I love the look of this non traditional French script ribbon. I found these gorgeous, vintage, hand stamped ribbon and trims with a French flair on Etsy. Visit this wonderful shop by clicking here -Homestead Treasures.

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Snow Day by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Treasury Tuesday

2012-01-31T06:00:00.001-05:00

"Celebrate a Blue Valentines Day", a unique treasury of Blue Valentine inspired items found on Etsy, curated by AMSkrafts. My Glass Floral Key Chain from my shop on Etsy, Dion Designs, is a part of this beautiful treasury. Click on any of the photos to be taken to the shops.

Monday Musings

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Check out the sand dancer - amazing artistry for your enjoyment.

Reflections

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

"God rises up out of the sea like a treasure in the waves, and when language recedes His brightness remains on the shores of our own being." Thomas Merton

Saturday Simplify

2012-01-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Friday Food Feature

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Delicious Carrot Cake

2 cups All-purpose Flour
2 teaspoons Baking Soda
½ teaspoons Salt
2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
3 whole Large Eggs
2 cups Sugar
¾ cups Vegetable Oil
¾ cups Buttermilk
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
2 cups Grated Carrot
1 can (8 Oz. Can) Crushed Pineapple, Drained
3-½ ounces, weight Flaked Coconut
1 cup Chopped Pecans
_____
BUTTERMILK GLAZE:
½ cups Sugar
¾ teaspoons Baking Soda
¼ cups Buttermilk
¼ cups Butter
½ Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
_____
Cream Cheese Frosting
¾ cups Butter, Softened
11 ounces, weight Cream Cheese, softened
3 cups Sifted Powdered Sugar
1-½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two 8-inch (or 9-inch) round cakepans with waxed paper. Lightly grease and flour the waxed paper. Set pans aside.

Stir together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Beat eggs, sugar, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the flour mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Fold in grated carrot, pineapple, coconut, and pecans. Pour batter into prepared cake pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center come out clean. Drizzle Buttermilk Glaze evenly over layers; cool in pans on wire racks for 15 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on the top and sides of cake.

BUTTERMILK GLAZE:

Bring sugar, baking soda, buttermilk, butter or margarine, and light corn syrup to a boil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Boil, stirring often, for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth.

check out the original recipe and set by set photos via TastyKitchen

My French Find

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am beginning a weekly post on Thursday's entitled "My French Find". I have always embraced my ancestry and loved all things French. Due to lack of time I stopped blogging on my other blog Simply French. I decided I would bring a bit of "je ne sais quoi" to this blog with a weekly French feature.

I do love French Country Decor. Check out the online boutique Belle Escape for some great French Design selections. Click on the items for more detailed information on their website.

French Swag Hutch

Parisian Arm Chair

Buffet

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Coming Home by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Treasury Tuesday

2012-01-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

This week I am featuring a wonderful treasury assembled from Buttons and Bottles Mixed Media on Etsy entitled "Stay out of hot water with your Valentine". Check out by the fabulous finds by clicking on the photos to visit the shops and do a bit of Valentine shopping!

Monday Musings

2012-01-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

My favorite "Far Side" comic for you this Monday Morning:

Reflections

2012-01-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. Henry David Thoreau

photo by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Saturday Simplify

2012-01-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Friday Food Feature

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Chicken Tortellini Soup

6 large chicken breasts, boned and cooked
3 (10-1/2 ounces) cans chicken broth
1 cup chopped celery
1 large onion, chopped
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 (16 ounces) package frozen chopped broccoli
1 (9 ounces) package fresh cheese tortellini
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (8 ounces) carton sour cream
Save the chicken broth that the chicken was cooked in; you might want to thin the soup.

In a large stockpot, combine canned chicken broth, celery, and chopped onion. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes.

Add the chicken soup,broccoli, cheese tortellini pasta, pepper, basil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Bring to boiling point, turn heat down and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in the sour cream.

This makes a fairly thick soup so if you want it thinner, add a cup of the chicken broth that the chicken was cooked in.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Big Red by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tuesdays Treasures

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Winter Whites for January. Lovely items from wonderful shops on Etsy. Click on the names under the photo to be taken to their shops.

Monday Musings - Happy Birthday Dr. King

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

From Americans Who Tell the Truth

Reflections

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Our thoughts are quieter than rivers, Our loves are simpler than the trees, Our prayers deeper than the sea. Thomas Merton

Saturday Simplify

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes. Winnie the Pooh

Friday Food Feature

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Taco Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 (1 1/4 ounce) packages taco seasoning
1 (15 ounce) can black or refried beans
2 cups monterey jack cheese ( we like mixed cheddar / jack)
1 cup salsa
2 chopped onions
1 small can sliced black olives
1 chopped tomato
2 cups corn chips

Directions
Brown ground beef and drain.
Add taco seasoning and cook according to package directions, adding proper amount of water.
Crush corn chips and place on bottom of 8" x 8" dish.
In pan warm beans until hot.
Add 1 cup cheese and 1 cup salsa. Stir until combined.
Pour beans over corn chips in dish.
Add beef to top of beans.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over top.
Sprinkle onions and black olives over cheese.
Bake in a 375 degree oven until the cheese is sufficiently melted.
Take out of oven and sprinkle chopped tomatoes on top. Wait a few minutes, then serve.

Thinking Green

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am pretty tired of all the endless daily junk mail. Apparently, the average adult receives an average of 41 pounds per year in junk mail. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 44% of junk mail is discarded without being opened or read, equaling 4 million tons of waste of paper per year, with just 32% recovered for recycling. I found a few more statistics from the website Native Forest which I find pretty astounding:

The majority of household waste consists of unsolicited mail.
100 million trees are ground up each year for unsolicited mail.
It wastes 28 billion gallons of water for paper processing each year.
More than half of unsolicited mail is discarded unread or unopened; the response rate is less than 2%.
The result is more than 4 million tons of paper waste each year.
It is difficult to recycle, as the inks have high concentrations of heavy metals.
$320 million of local taxes are used to dispose of unsolicited mail each year.
It costs $550 million yearly to transport junk mail.
Scarce landfill space disfigures rural areas and pollutes ground water.
We each get about 40 pounds of junk mail a year, more than a tree's worth per family!

If you are like me and are ready to do something about it, here are a few steps to help get you started. This information was taken from the website Ecofuture.org. For more tips visit this link.

According to the website Ecofuture there was a Federal law passed in 2000 says that you have the right to tell companies not to sell your name. But the law was written in a way that allows financial institutions to hide notices of your rights in fine print. Not that it is easy to eliminate your name from the numerous lists that exist but perhaps in this new year I can perform one task a week! Here are some suggestions:

Write the Direct Marketing Association Mail Preference Service, and also write the major credit bureaus.
Contact all of your banks and credit card companies and tell them not to release your name, address, social security number, email address, or phone number to anyone else for marketing, mailing, or promotional purposes. This is very important, because of the 2000 privacy law.
Similarly contact your credit union and mortgage company.
Contact all magazines you subscribe to.
Contact mail-order companies you have done business with.
Contact all organizations you belong to, universities, and schools.
Contact airline frequent flyer and hotel programs you belong to.
Contact your cable TV company and long distance telephone carrier. Just about anyone who sends you a bill will sell your name.
If you move, don't fill out the Post Office's permanent change of address (COA) form. Make it a temporary (10 month) change and then notify companies and friends. This way, the information will not be entered into the permanent COA database and released to others. Permanent COA information will be provided to third parties, but temporary COA information won't.
Contact your phone company and change your listing in the phone book. Request that your name only be listed without your address (most phone companies do this without charge).

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday - Resting Place

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ancestral Grave by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Treasury Tuesday

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

A beautiful treasury entitled The Snow Queen filled with gorgeous items curated by Shelby of the Happy Blue Bird on Etsy. Click on any of the squares to visit the artists shops on Etsy.

Monday Musings

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

I would love to have this space as a second home in France. I especially like the all in one storage closet, bathroom, loft unit that is featured. Would be perfect if we ever move into a small flat in any major city. Check it out:

Reflections

2012-01-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

A human being is a part of the whole, called by us the 'Universe', a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security. ~ Albert Einstein

Saturday Simplify

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Now let us welcome the new year full of things that have never been. Rilke

Friday Food Feature

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

All I can say is Yum and so simple!

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Since Winter is hard on our feathered friends this delectable treat is one birds will surely find "tweet". Here is a Birdseed wreath you can easily create that will keep them all well fed. I may have posted it previously on my blog but thought it worth repeating. Even if you don't have birds surrounding your abode, it makes a great gift for the bird lover any time of year.

Birdseed Wreath

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
4- 1/4 ounce pkgs. Knox unflavored gelatin
8 cups birdseed

Boil 1 1/2 cup water.
Empty the 4 packages of gelatin into 8 tablespoons of cold water in a large bowl.
Let the gelatin sit for 1 minute.
Add the boiling water and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until the gelatin has dissolved.
Stir 8 cups of birdseed into the gelatin, mixing thoroughly.
Let the mixture set for a few minutes, then stir again. Repeat this process a few times allowing the seed to absorb the liquid.
Spoon the mixture into a greased bundt pan and put in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.

Remove the wreath from the mold by inverting the pan and tapping along the bottom. The pan may need to warm to room temperature before the wreath will come out.
Allow the wreath to dry overnight or longer if necessary.
(I found it needs to be on a cooling rack to let the air circulate.)
Use several strands of raffia to form a loop to hang the wreath

Birdseed wreath photo via Easy Frugal Living

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Red by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tuesday's Treasures

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

A new year is here once again. For many it is a time of new beginnings filled with hope and promise. Here are some featured artists from Etsy with some interesting items to perhaps inspire your new year. Click on the name under the photo to visit their shop.

2012-01-02T08:55:00.007-05:00

Extending my END OF YEAR CLEARANCE SALE. 50% OFF EVERYTHING presently listed in my Supply Shop - The Artists Closet on Etsy now through Sunday, January 8th at midnight. Simply use the code 50OFF in the coupon code box that appears when you click on "Apply shop coupon code" upon checkout (located on right hand side under credit card/paypal signs) and 50% will be automatically deducted. MUST USE CODE when checking out to receive discount. Stock up on some great supplies for the new year! Here are a few items from the over 300 supplies I presently have on sale in my shop:

Calais rubbings

Bright rings

Paperie Cezanne

Monday Musings

2012-01-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday My Dear Husband

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks

Within his bending sickle's compass come:

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare

2011-12-31T13:55:00.000-05:00

END OF YEAR CLEARANCE SALE. 50% OFF EVERYTHING presently listed in my Supply Shop - The Artists Closet on Etsy now through January 1st at midnight. Simply use the code 50OFF in the coupon code box that appears when you click on "Apply shop coupon code" upon checkout (located on right hand side under credit card/paypal signs) and 50% will be automatically deducted. MUST USE CODE when checking out to receive discount. Stock up on some great supplies for the new year! Here are a few items from the over 300 supplies I presently have in my shop:

Saturday Simplify

2011-12-31T06:00:00.001-05:00

Silence surpasses speech - Japanese Proverb
via www.buddhagroove.com

Friday Food Feature

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Chicken with Tomatoes and Mushrooms

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, about 1 1/2 pounds
salt and pepper
1 T olive oil
1 lb mushrooms sliced
1 onion, chopped fine
2 minced garlic cloves
12-15 smaller fresh tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon dried Italian spices

Directions

Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large (5-quart) saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil over medium-high heat; swirl to coat bottom of pan. Cube chicken and cook, until golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Add mushrooms; cover, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add onion, garlic, tomatoes, and oregano. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook covered, until tomatoes have broken down, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Return chicken to pan and incorporate with veggies,cover and heat up 4 to 6 minutes. Serve over pasta or rice.

Thinking Green

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Want to economize space and be green? Check out this post. Amazing use of space!

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

photo by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tuesday Treasures

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Winter is upon us. I thought I would feature Etsy Artists which bring a bit of warmth to this cold time of year. Click on the name under the photo to visit their shop.

Monday Musings

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is a video of a recent photo shoot which utilized clothing that my son Evan Michael designed and created.

View the video to catch a glimpse of three of his clothing designs - "The Hania Tank," a black "Shielding Drape" (made specifically for this shoot), and the "Defense Gloves".
Great job Evan - they look awesome!

The Loft Salon- "Red Shoot" from Meg Elkinton on Vimeo.

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from all of us in Maine!

Saturday Simplify

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. - Buddha

French Recipe - Bûche de Noël

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

A Christmas Tradition in our home is the serving of a special cake called "Bûche de Noël" on Christmas Eve. Here's the recipe I am using this year via French Culture Dessert Recipes.

The Cake is created in steps. First step is to make the Genoise cake which is a light and airy cake base for the Bûche de Noël.

Genoise Cake

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

4 large eggs (room temperature)

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp salt

1 cup sifted cake flour

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2. Butter and flour a flat 15 x 10 x 1 cake pan (I use a small cookie sheet with lip).

3. Measure out the ingredients.

4. Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Set aside to cool.

5. Using electric beaters, gradually beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a large mixing bowl for approximately 5 minutes until mixture triples in volume and forms a ribbon.

6. Fold flour into mixture one third at a time until just incorporated.

7. Fold 1 cup of batter into melted butter and fold until combined. Fold this mixture into reserved batter until combined.

8. Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Smooth evenly.

9. Bake 20 - 22 minutes or until top springs back to touch. Cake should be lightly browned and just begun to show a faint line of shrinkage from the edges of the pan.

10. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 10 min. It will shrink slightly more from the edges.

11. Run a knife around the edges of the pan and reverse on a cooling rack. Allow to cool for an hour or so.

12. Sprinkle clean dish towel with sifted powdered sugar

13. Loosen warm cake from pan edges and invert onto dish towel

14. Remove pan carefully peeling off paper.

15. Gently roll up cake in towel from short end, jelly roll style

16. Let cake cool completely on wire wrack.

* You can store in the refrigerator for a day and do the filling, frosting and assembly the next day.

Chocolate Filling

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
¾ cup heavy cream

Melt chocolate chips and cream in heavy 1 qt saucepan over low heat until chocolate melts. Pour into small bowl. Cover and refrigerate 1 ½ hours or until spreadable.

Mocha Frosting

¾ Tbsp unsalted butter
¾ cup whipping cream
9 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 Tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 1½ tsp water

Bring cream and butter to boil over medium high heat, stirring to melt.Remove from heat.
Add chocolate, whisk until melted.
Transfer to bowl. Let cool at room temperature till thick enough to spread, about 1 hour.

Assembly
Unroll cake, remove towel.
Spread cake with filling to within ½ inch of the edge.
Re-roll cake placing seam side down
Frost with Mocha Frosting
Using prongs of a fork drag lengthwise to simulate bark
Garnish with Marzipan Mushrooms or candies of choice.

Thinking Green

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Every year for the last sixteen that we have been in Maine, we trudge through the snow in December at Holmes tree farm, searching for the perfect Christmas Tree. In my opinion, Christmas wouldn't be the same without the live, wonderfully fragrant, Balsam Pine tree we bring into our home each year. Is cutting your own tree or purchasing a cut tree eco-friendly? According to Jeff Olson, the vice-president of marketing and development for American Forests, a Washington, D.C. based conservation nonprofit, nearly all of the trees sold at Christmas tree lots are grown on tree farms. So you can rest assured that forests aren't hurt by choosing a cut tree. Why not begin a new tradition this year by supporting local agriculture and visiting a local tree farm for your Christmas Tree. You can find farms at localharvest.org. After the holidays, many towns offer to turn trees into compost or wood chips for free. Check the earth911.com website for a list of recycling centers near you. And have fun decking the halls of your home!

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

broken window by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tuesday Treasures

2011-12-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Winter Solstice begins this week on December 22 and signals the beginning of winter. This year I have decided to leave some lights up even after the holidays have passed to keep a warm glow in our home through this very long season. Here are a few items on Etsy with a Winter/Solstice theme. Click on the name under the photo to be taken to their shop.

Monday Musings

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Check out this amazing Gingerbread House that was created at the Sheraton Princess Ka'iulani Hotel in Honolulu, HI last December. The Chief Hotel Chef Ralf Bauer along with a team of culinary geniuses spent over 650 hours both designing and constructing this amazing gingerbread village. The village included medieval churches complete with bell towers, train stations, skating ring and even a carousel. The winter gingerland stood more than 14 1/2 feet high and 24 feet wide and was created using 200 gallons of icing, 100 pounds of dark chocolate, 30 pounds of white chocolate, and 60 sheets of gingerbread.

photo via Starwood Hotels & Resorts Waikiki

Reflections

2011-12-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child -- our own two eyes. All is a miracle. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

photo by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Saturday Simplify

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Handmade Gift Ideas Everyone will love

Start a new tradition this year. Begin by making a few of your gifts yourself (like the Pantone magnets in above photo). Here is a fabulous post by Styleist.com that has wonderful suggestions along with the website tutorial links to create your own handmade Christmas. How simple is that! Simply click on the link under the photo to be taken to the complete slide show.

French Recipe

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is my own personal recipe that is both delicious and a festive purple color.

Mulled Cider and Wine

4 cups of good quality apple cider
4 cups of orange-pineapple juice
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 small tea infuser full of mulling spices (highly recommend Williams Sonoma)
1 piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped and placed in tea infuser
1 lemon, scrubbed and sliced
1 orange, scrubbed and sliced
1 bottle of Cruz Garcia Real Sangria (imported from Spain)

Combine first 7 ingredients in a large, non-aluminum saucepan. Simmer for 30 minutes. Pour in wine; stirring until thoroughly heated. Serve warm. Makes approximately 12 cups. Joyeuses Fêtes

Thinking Green

2011-12-15T06:00:00.002-05:00

Top your tree with this beautiful, handmade fleur-de-lis medallion via Better Homes and Gardens.

3-inch square each of medium-weight and lightweight cardboard
20 to 25 pages from a book (ours are from a vintage French book)
Fast-drying glue (such as Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue)
4-inch length of 18-gauge wire
Stapler
Small weight (such as a jar, vase, or paperweight)
Parchment paper or blank flyleaf (endpaper) from book
Roll of crepe paper: ivory
1/2-inch-wide silk ribbon: ecru

Instructions

Make the Paper Scrolls

Cut twenty-four 2x3-inch rectangles from the book pages. Roll 12 rectangles crosswise (starting at one short end) and staple the ends (see photo, above). Roll the remaining rectangles on the diagonal; staple the ends.

Prepare the Base

Center the 3-inch square of medium-weight cardboard on a book page; trim excess page, leaving a 1-inch allowance of book page around the cardboard. Wrap allowance to back of cardboard and glue in place. Make a small hole centered and 1/2 inch from the top of the square. Fold wire in half and twist ends together for 1/2 inch. Poke twisted end through the hole in covered square from right side. Fold wire up on each side of covered square to create and secure hanging loop (see photo, above).

Trace quarter-circle pattern (available, below) four times to draw an 8-inch-diameter circle onto white paper. Center covered square, wrong side up, on circle (see photo, above). Evenly space 12 diagonally wrapped paper rolls around the square, using outer edge of paper circle as a guide. Glue rolls to base. Glue a crosswise paper roll between each pair of diagonal rolls. Place a small weight in the center, being careful not to crush outer part of rolls. Let dry.

Make the Fleur-De-Lis Medallion

Copy, print, or stamp desired fleur-de-lis medallion onto parchment paper and cut out. Cut a shape slightly smaller than the medallion shape from lightweight cardboard; set aside.

Run a bead of glue around back edge of parchment-paper medallion. Working off the crepe paper roll, adhere crepe paper around parchment-paper medallion, beginning at bottom of medallion and finger-creasing pleats every 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Allow 3/4 inch of ruffle to show around medallion (see photo, above). When finished finger-creasing pleats, cut crepe paper from roll.

Finish the Ornament

Glue lightweight cardboard shape to back of finished medallion. Glue medallion to center of rolled-paper ornament; weight in place until dry. Thread ribbon through wire loop and tie in bow for a hanging loop.

download pattern here.

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

full moon before eclipse by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tuesday Treasures

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

This year Hanukkah begins at sunset on Tuesday, December 20 and ends at sunset on Wednesday, December 28. Here are some featured artists from Etsy with some interesting items to brighten up your celebration of the Festival of Lights. Click on the name under the photo to visit their shop.

Monday Musings

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

A little Monday humor...

Reflections

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

so dream away...

Saturday Simplify

2011-12-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

French Recipe

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

We are having our family Le Reveillon this coming weekend and I will make my Tourtiere recipe below -

"In France the Tourtiere pie-dish was a kitchen utensil for cooking pigeon and other birds. The contents of the dish were known as ‘piece tourtiere’ and during the first years in New France these distinctive words were used. Over the years the word ‘tourtiere’ came to mean a pate of fowl or game cooked and seasoned according to a special household recipe in the family stew pan, for into it went not merely turtle-doves but every kind of edible bird. Every housewife possessed her own secret recipe, jealously preserved from generation to generation. It was in this way that some venturesome housewives began to prepare ‘pieces tou-tieres’ not only with birds but with the meat of both wild and domestic animals. Such recipes held additional appeal since they provided more filling and sustaining meals." --Daily Life In Early Canada

My Family Recipe for Tourtière
1 1/2 pounds lean ground pork
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
In a saucepan, combine pork, beef, onion, garlic, water, salt, thyme, sage, black pepper and cloves. Cook over medium heat until mixture boils; stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer until meat is cooked, about 5 minutes.
Spoon the meat mixture into the pie crust. Place top crust on top of pie and pinch edges to seal. Cut slits in top crust so steam can escape. Cover edges of pie with strips of aluminum foil.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, remove foil and return to oven. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing. The flavors get better the day after, so it is wonderful for leftovers!

Thinking Green

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Make your own glitter Pine Cone Ornament:

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

uninvited guest

Tuesday Treasures

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am continuing on a Holiday Decorating theme this week on Tuesday Treasures. I am featuring Etsy Artists that have created some unique illuminating items. Click on the name under the photo to visit their shop.

Monday Musings

2011-12-05T09:36:00.001-05:00

This past weekend was the first weekend of Christmas Prelude in my hometown. The Kennebunks feature 10 days of Holiday fun beginning the first weekend in December. The town gets decked out for the occasion and truly looks like a winter wonderland. Here is a Youtube video from HGTV featuring Christmas Prelude in my hometown:

Reflections

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
Mother Teresa

Image via I wish I was in Dixie

Saturday Simplify

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

quote via Note to Self

Friday French Food Feature

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

The perfect little appetizer for all your Holiday parties!

Roquefort Grapes

1/2 cup mashed Roquefort cheese
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
18 seedless purple or green grapes, chilled

Wash and dry the grapes. Remove the grape stems.
In a processor, chop the nuts finely.
Coat each grape with cheese by flattening a small amount of the cheese mixture in your palm then rolling the grape and cheese between both palms. Work quickly as the warmth of your hands may melt the cheese.
Roll the grape in the chopped nuts and set on a plate.
Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours until firm and ready to serve. Serve cold.

Thinking Green

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Winter Makeover: Naturally Beautiful Christmas Décor

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

Browse Bath Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bath Mats · Bathroom Countertops · Bathroom Mirrors · Bathroom Storage · Shower Curtains · Toilet Accessories · Toilets · Towel Bars And Hooks ·

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

One Afternoon by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sugarplum Silhouettes

Deck the Halls is the theme this week for Tuesday Treasures. It is that time of year to begin decorating for the upcoming Holiday season. Here are a few shops on Etsy that offer some rather unique and interesting Holiday decorating items. Click on the shop name under the photo to be swept up in the Holiday spirit!

Geezee's Custom Canvas

The Living Art

Fox Tail Creek

Beautiful Details by the Seashore

Cyber Monday Sales

2011-11-28T08:31:00.001-05:00

Today is Cyber Monday and I am offering a 20% discount in all three of my Shops on Etsy. Simply type in blog20 in the coupon area on the check out page and automatically save 20% all day today until midnight! Dion Designs, my jewelry shop also offers free shipping. Click on the name of the shop below the photo to stop shopping. If you would like a bit higher discount coupon code "like" my facebook page by clicking here: Dion Designs.

Dion Designs

The Artists Closet

Seasonal Vignettes

Monday Musings

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's just about December and so is that time of year for wrapping our necks with a scarf to stay cozy and warm. I love this video by Wendy on "25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4 1/2 Minutes". Just in time for old man Winter! Check it out:

Reflections

2011-11-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Thoughts on Small Business Saturday

2011-11-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

There's a commercial running quite frequently on TV right now called "Shop Small". It is sponsored by American Express. The idea is to encourage people to shop small businesses in their local communities. I am pleased a large corporation like American Express is promoting the idea of small business and raising public awareness of the importance of supporting our neighbors and friends. It's great for people to have the reminder to shop local, adding Small Business Saturday to the busy shopping weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. After all, small businesses are the backbone of America with many financial analysts predicting them as the vehicle for pulling us out of the present financial downturn. I do hope that we all realize we can't make a huge difference by only supporting local shops for just one day a year. If small businesses are to survive in our communities and compete with big box stores, we must make more of an effort to support them throughout the year. All of us can make a huge difference by using our hard earned dollars to support community shops on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Small Business Saturday) AND every day of the year!

Black Friday Sale

2011-11-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Black Friday is here! It's the official beginning of the 2011 Holiday shopping season. I will be having a sale in three of my Etsy Shops through Monday evening! I will be offering a special 20% discount to all my blog followers. Simply type in "blog20" in the coupon area on the check out page and save 20% all weekend long through Cyber Monday! Click on the banner below to be taken to the my shops on Etsy.

Dion Designs ~ Unique, handcrafted and original Jewelry designs featuring Seaglass, Sea Inspirations, French Themes and Simple Trends. Always offering FREE worldwide shipping. A simple organza pouch is included with all Jewelry purchases.Remember to use the "blog20" coupon code.

Visit my supply shop, The Artists Closet, for all your mixed media art supplies. I also have a huge clearance section - check it out for some bargains and get crafting for the Holidays. Remember to use the "blog20" coupon code.

Visit my shop, Seasonal Vignettes for a few original creations, home decor as well as stylist, photo prop supplies. Remember to use the "blog20" coupon code.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. - Edward Sandford Martin

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fall Walk by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Since Thanksgiving is this week I thought a theme of gratefulness apropos for todays treasure choices. Here are a few shops on Etsy with some unique items to remind us of how we should all feel throughout the whole year. Click on the shop name under the photo to be taken to their storefront on Etsy:

Typography Art Print by Renaissance Days

Thankful Pumpkin Blossom by Imagination Couture

Wishbone Wish by The Silver Diva

Image Transfer by Room 29

Monday Musings

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Another place to add to my "bucket list" - Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California. Back in 1949 this area was actually a "open to the public" dumping ground. Hard to believe but people would actually dispose of all types of garbage straight into this gorgeous oceanfront location. Dumping household garbage was common thus back in pre-recycling times it included lots of glass. Over the years the pounding surf rounded all the sharp edges so now all that remains is an amazing carpet of sparkling sea glass along the shoreline. What a treasure trove to Sea glass Jewelers, myself included! However, since Glass Beach is part of MacKerricher State Park, collecting sea glass is no longer allowed. It would still be a wonderful place to photograph and send time on it's glistening shores.

Reflections

2011-11-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Source: bravegirlsclub.com via Linda on Pinterest

Saturday Simplify

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Source: bravegirlsclub.com

Friday Food Feature

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Combing:

Blend 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup vanilla soy milk
1/2 cup crushed ice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.

Pour and enjoy!

recipe and photo via Organic Gardening

Thinking Green

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Wine Cork Coasters are a great gift for the Oenphile in your life (wine lover). This is a great DIY project that even I can follow. You will need the following materials to get started:

25 wine corks
hot glue gun with glue sticks
thin cork paper circles
pocket knife
cutting board
coarse sand paper

For step by step instructions complete with clear photos, visit the blog Heartmade. What a great idea for recycling corks. Add a bottle of favorite wine and you have a fabulous gift!

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Work by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tuesdays Treasure

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

This rocking chair is amazing. The "Sway" is big enough for me and my sweetie pie to sit and chat face to face. Designed by Markus Strauss from Germany, it has a steel frame and padded seat. It morphs into various positions - simply genius and....I want one! via Bless This Stuff.

Monday Musings

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Very cool video - check it out:

Reflections

2011-11-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Life's a voyage that's homeward bound. ~ Herman Melville

Saturday Simplify

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Friday Food Feature

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts with Maple Glaze
adapted from Joy the Baker

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 Tbs granulated sugar
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
1 large egg
2 Tbs milk
1 large egg (for brushing the dough)

For the Filling:

3/4 cup pureed pumpkin
1 large egg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar

For the Maple Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
3 tsp maple syrup
2 Tbs milk

In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar and salt. Add the cold butter and pulse in 1-second increments until the butter is the size of peas. The mixture should also hold together when squeezed into a ball.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Add the mixture all at once to the dry ingredients and process to make sure that moisture is introduced to all of the flour mixture. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for a few turns until it really starts to come together. Divide the dough in two, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes

While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling:

In a medium bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree and spices. Whisk in egg, salt and sugar and place in the fridge to rest while you roll out the dough.

On a well floured work surface, press dough into a 3×5-inch rectangle, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. The dough should be slightly larger than 9×12-inches. Trim dough with a pizza cutter, creating a perfect rectangle that is 9-inches tall and 12-inches long. Using the pizza cutter, cut each side into thirds, creating 9 squares. Place dough squares in the fridge while you roll out the second piece of dough in the same way.

Brush one set of 9 squares with beaten egg. This will act as the glue for the top layer of dough. Spoon about one tablespoon of pie filling into the center of each brushed dough square. Top with a second piece of dough and use a floured fork to crimp the sides closed. Use the tines of the fork to create vent holes in each tart.

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Let tarts rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes while the oven preheats.

Remove tarts from the fridge and place in the oven to bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

While the tarts bake, whisk together ingredients for the glaze and set aside.

Let baked tarts rest on a cooling rack to cool completely before glazing. Best served within 2 days.

photo via wikipedia

Thinking Green

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

It is almost the Holidays with Thanksgiving in just a few weeks. From now until Christmas I will focus these Thursday Green Posts on Upcycling products to create Holiday decorations or gifts.

This week I would like to share a gift using a bike innertube to create a men's wallet. Here is a list of materials needed to create this gift:
- innertube - a 26 x 1.9/195 tube is the perfect height without having to trim.
- sewing machine - you'll need one with adjustable tensioning
- black thread
- scissors
- currency
- a license or card
- a ruler
For the complete tutorial with photos, visit KenhFisher's post on Instructables by clicking here - bike wallet.

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Falling by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tuesday's Treasures

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Rachelle Levingston

One of my favorite animals is sheep. I'm not sure why but I have always had an affinity for this farm animal. I even rescued two Shetland Sheep dogs. I think we would be in trouble if I had a barn. I would probably rescue a few sheep as well (if sheep can be rescued). They have sincere faces filled with trust and innocence. It is one type of meat (well okay, that and veal) which I refuse to purchase or cook for my carnivore husband. Here are some great items I found on Etsy with a sheep theme. Simply click on the link below the photo and visit the shops.

Lucy Snow Photography

Water Song Soap

Topix

Keep Calm Shop

Monday Musings -

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

I have always loved images of children in Art. Talented Artists such as Mary Cassatt, were so precise in capturing the innocence of childhood. Here is a YouTube video of gorgeous art with children as a theme accompanied with lovely music.Have a great week!

Reflections

2011-11-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Saturday Simplify

2011-11-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

photo via poppytalk on flickr

Friday Food Feature

2011-11-04T06:00:00.001-04:00

Yum! My favorite comfort food!

Chicken Pot Pie

2 c diced peeled potatoes
1¾ c sliced carrots
⅔ c chopped onion
1 c butter
1 c all-purpose flour
1¾ t salt
1 t dried thyme
¾ t pepper
3 c chicken broth
1½ c milk
4 c cooked chicken
1 c peas
1 pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

Cook potatoes and carrots until tender. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, sauté onion in butter until tender. Stir in the flour, salt, thyme, and pepper and blend, gradually stir in broth and milk. Bring to a boil, cooking with constant stirring for about 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the chicken, peas, potatoes and carrots; remove from the heat.

Line two 9-inch pie plates with bottom pastry. Fill pastry shells with chicken mixture. Roll remaining pastry to fit top of pies. Place top crust over filling; trim, seal and flute edges.

Bake one pot pie at 425˚ for 35-40 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting.

Yields 12 servings.

image via Artist Gloria West

Thinking Green

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

My husband and I keep our house at a cool 64-65 degrees in the daytime and 60 at night (lots of down comforters). We both work at home - he dresses in sweats, I in yoga pants with sweaters. So far this works for us and we save money on our oil bill. If I have to do computer work you can usually find me in front of the fireplace with my laptop.
I recently came across a new type of Thermostat called the NEST that might be able to save you some money by conserving energy through controlling the temperature in your home. You can even lower it from your iPhone. Check out the Youtube video below:

Through My Lens - Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

On a ridge by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tuesday's Treasures

2011-11-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

My November Guest by Robert Frost

My Sorrow, when she's here with me,
Thinks these dark days of autumn rain
Are beautiful as days can be;
She loves the bare, the withered tree;
She walks the sodden pasture lane.

Her pleasure will not let me stay.
She talks and I am fain to list:
She's glad the birds are gone away,
She's glad her simple worsted grady
Is silver now with clinging mist.

The desolate, deserted trees,
The faded earth, the heavy sky,
The beauties she so ryly sees,
She thinks I have no eye for these,
And vexes me for reason why.

Not yesterday I learned to know
The love of bare November days
Before the coming of the snow,
But it were vain to tell he so,
And they are better for her praise.

Now go on over to the Artisan website Etsy and purchase some wonderful Citrine jewelry for a loved one. Click on the name of the shop below the photo to visit three fabulous shops:

One 9 Designs

Aubepine

Dangling Jewelry

Monday Musings

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

Reflections

2011-10-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it. Helen Keller

Saturday Simplify

2011-10-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

A garden is a delight to the eye and a solace for the soul. Sadi

photo by Denise Dion-Sullivan