Happy Thoughts

Olives

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Sun, 22 May 2016 04:47:00 +0000

Grocery Tote Bag-Olives Award Winner by forbes1954
Browse more Grocery Bags

Olives are a marvelous food. I had no idea there were so many kinds until the past few years when groceries like Whole Foods and Giant Eagle started carrying a wide selection in their "olive bars".

The Little Mermaid of Merfolk Tales

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 19:39:00 +0000

Mermaids, baneful or beneficent?

John William Waterhouse: A Mermaid 1900

Ancient mariners feared them, and they were legendary creatures of the sea which some called "sirens", but Hans Christian Anderson put down pen to paper to record a story that became a beloved fairytale.

What is the story of these creatures, and especially of that one particular little mermaid? The little mermaid who inspired a sculpture that became the national icon of Denmark, and a favorite Disney movie?

Follow the current... It will take you from the shore of Denmark to many other parts of the world... even to Hawaii.

If you would enjoy reading a few interesting facts about these mythological half fish- half human characters who people ancient and modern stories alike, here are a few things that you may not have heard before. They inspired some imaginative and beautiful art, from the renowned Copenhagen icon to romantic paintings of John Waterhouse to the inspired Cartoon artists of Disney, Mermaids will delight you.

Denmark's Famous Statue

The statue on display has always been a copy. The heirs of the sculpture have the original in hiding.

The Famous Statue of Copenhagen

Den lille havfrue or 'The little mermaid'

This famous sculpture was a gift from brewer Carl Jacobsen (The Carlsberg Breweries) to the city of Copenhagen. It is made of bronze and was unveiled on August 23, 1913. Situated on a rock at the shore, the statue may be observed quite closely.

I saw it when visiting Copenhagen, and though warned that it would be quite small, the actual size of the statue still is surprising it is so small- the size of maybe a small child.

The statue displayed in Copenhagen harbor has always been a copy; the sculptor's heirs keep the original at an undisclosed location.

Are they real?

Tell me more about these sea creatures

Edmund Dulac's Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid was a story that came from the imagination of Hans Christian Anderson, although there were other fairytales and legends of these mythic creatures.

A mermaid is a mythical creature that is half woman and half fish. The name comes from 'mer' meaning sea. All sea-faring cultures have mermaid tales.-Myths and Legends The Greeks had stories of "sirens" who were able to enchant their hearers through song. Most of these creatures are malevolent in effect, causing the death or destruction of mariners and their ships.

Mermaid stories appeared in Assyria, around 1000 BC, and they are found in numerous cultures including Arabic, British, Irish, Chinese, and many others.

Often considered unlucky omens, they also are regularly depicted as having beautiful voices which mesmerize their victims.

"Merfolk were used to symbolize eloquence in speech" in art and heraldry. Columbus reported that he saw three mermaids on his first voyage to the Americas.

I am not surprised that many sea faring cultures would have stories of mermaid creatures. There is something about swimming in the sea, with its inherent danger of drowning and its feeling of freedom compared with the heavy gravity of moving on land, that draws both fear and fascination.

To travel on the depths of it brings it even closer to the imagination. How often might men have desired to be able to live both above and under the sea? Many fairy myths hold the idea of another world which holds unwary men captive.

These are the makings of many mermaid tales and legends.

With Hans Christian Anderson's tale, the tables are turned and it is the poor mermaid who suffers tragically, as she shows self sacrificing love for her human friends. Not all fairytales end with "happily ever after".

Mako Mermaids

Other Famous Mermaids

Edmund Dulac Illustration
Legendary creatures get around

MERMAID TALES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

Menanna of the Ottawa Indians.
The Selkies of Shetland.
The Mermaids of Waiahuakua, Hawaiian mermaids.

Selkies are Celtic mythical creatures of a shapeshifter sort. Women who shed their seal skins to become human, but put them back on to disappear into the seas as seals. Their stories have some similarities to those of mermaids. Both are females who live in the sea and sometimes fraternize with humans.
Cast Iron Sitting Mermaid Figure Nautical Decor Statue

What do mermaids represent? - fears or fantasies?

Are mermaids fearful and creatures that belong in horror flicks? Or are they beautiful fantasy creatures that represent the beauty of something different?

Mesmerizing Color, Decorative and entrancing mermaid accents

Jim Shore "Island Welcome" Mermaid with fruit platter My favorite combination: useful and beautiful, this fruit platter is colorful and the mermaid statue is whimsical. It would be a delightful addition for a coastal themed or beach home.

Mermaid Marine Creatures

Mermaid art available at Zazzle- posters, cards, and more for those who love this nautical motif.

Combining the fascination of myth and the beauty of the undersea world, most of us picture mermaids as benign, or at least harmless creatures.

How do you feel about Mermaid Folk?

Which Are Your Favorite Mermaid Movies?

Ariel, the Little Mermaid from Disney

Ariel Fanart

How most children know the story

Disney has made a completely new and expanded rendition of this fairytale and renamed the Little Mermaid, Ariel.

She is very popular with little girls, who have dolls, bedding, and a plethora of items designed with their favorite movie.

Plot Summary: Ariel, a sixteen-year-old mermaid princess, is unhappy with life under the sea and curious about the human world.

She is discouraged in this by her father and various sea creature courtiers.She sees the birthday celebration of Prince Eric aboard his ship, falls in love with him, saves him from drowning in the subsequent sea storm.

Ariel returns to her sea home, sick with unhappiness; after a row with her father she goes to the Sea witch Ursula who makes a deal to give her three days, in which Ariel must receive the 'kiss of true love' from Prince Eric. If she fails, she then will belong to the witch. In exchange for her legs she must give up her voice.

In the meantime, Ursula transforms herself into a bewitching young woman to thwart all possibility of Ariel succeeding in her plans. Through misadventures Ariel and her friends manage to break the spell on her voice just in time to win Eric.

The story is not yet over, as the villainess must rise up in threatening power once again, do battle with our heroes until she is finally vanquished.

Afterward Ariel becomes human with legs and all and marries Eric.

This movie was actually planned very early in Disney's career, soon after Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the late 1930s, but was put on hold. It debuted in 1989, at last.

Do You Love Northern Winters?

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 22:49:00 +0000

Not Everyone Hates Wintertime

Winter, how do I love thee? Hmmm, Let me think about that a minute....

For all those who, like me, find lots to love about Northern winters in the U.S.A, this is a look at the holidays, the activities, and just the plain minimalist and sparkling beauty of an American Northern winter. Poems are written about the pure white snows, and harrowing tales as well. Photos and paintings depict the breathtaking landscape of snow-covered fields, waters, and architecture, and people travel long distances to participate in the winter sports that this season affords.

There is a lot to appreciate about winter.

Here are photos of my winter season, some of the fun activities people enjoy, snippets of poetry, and old fashioned art of bygone days. A potpourri of things to appreciate in a cold climate.

Photos I've taken of winter.

Pictures of a beautiful winter

Winter wonderland of white is what they call a winter like the one Ohio had when I took these photos.

Brrr, Snow!

Trees Outline Winter

WINTER TREES

by William Carlos Williams

All the complicated details

of the attiring and

the disattiring are completed!

A liquid moon

moves gently among

the long branches.

Thus having prepared their buds

against a sure winter

the wise trees

stand sleeping in the cold.

The Bone Structure Of The Landscape

I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show."

~ Andrew Wyeth

Frozen Highlights

Winter Black and White Snowy Trees Postage by ilonagarden
There are lots of custom US Postage stamps at Zazzle

Related Links:

My Ohio Winter

Take Photos!

Take Great Photos Any Time Of Year

Canon Rebel is one of the best mid-range cameras. Get it with all the gear you need for beautiful photos. This is the camera that is on my wish list. Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera & EF-S 18-55mm IS STM Lens with EF 75-300mm III Zoom Lens + 64GB Card + Battery + Case + Tele/Wide Lenses + Tripod Kit

Quoting The Coldest Season

SNOW IN THE SUBURBS

Every branch big with it,

Bent every twig with it;

Every fork like a white web-foot;

Every street and pavement mute:

Some flakes have lost their way, and grope back upward, when

Meeting those meandering down they turn and descend again.

The palings are glued together like a wall,

And there is no waft of wind with the fleecy fall.

A sparrow enters the tree,

Whereon immediately

A snow-lump thrice his own slight size

Descends on him and showers his head and eyes,

And overturns him,

And near inurns him,

And lights on a nether twig, when its brush

Starts off a volley of other lodging lumps with a rush.

The steps are a blanched slope,

Up which, with feeble hope,

A black cat comes, wide-eyed and thin;

And we take him in.

~ Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), English novelist and poet

FROM A WINTER'S TALE

It is a winter's tale

That the snow blind twilight ferries over the lakes

And floating fields from the farm in the cup of the vales,

Gliding windless through the hand folded flakes,

The pale breath of cattle at the stealthy sail,

And the stars falling cold,

And the smell of hay in the snow, and the far owl

Warning among the folds, and the frozen hold

Flocked with the sheep white smoke of the farm house cowl

In the river wended vales where the tale was told.

~ Dylan Thomas (1914-1953)

Snowy Scenes

Oldtime Swedish Farm

Available at Zazzle

Artists Were Fascinated With Scenes Of Snow

Slippers Of Snow

Winter came down to our home one night

Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,

And we, we were children once again.

~Bill Morgan, Jr.

Old Fashioned Tasks Of Bygone Days

Two Children

Winter Entertainment

Winter can be fun. Loads of activities make use of the snow: skiing, sledding, and snowboarding.

The quiet, the beauty, can be enjoyed.

Children love to make snowmen.

Sometimes just the cozy activities within a house- putting together a puzzle on a chilly night- are what we love about this time of year. What do you do to enjoy winter?

Winter Sport: Cross Country Skiing

Go Cross Country Skiing

What I like about cross country skiing is the way you can enjoy the landscape, much like hiking, only faster and with a little more challenge to your physical abilities. There is a quietness in winter that cross country skiing takes full advantage of, and perhaps you, like one time for me, will glimpse a flock of bluebirds in early March coming home to their Northern nesting territories.

It is quite a different sort of thrill compared to downhill skiing.

New Whitewoods 75mm 3 Pin Adult Nordic Cross Country Ski Package Skis Boots Bindings Poles (39, 151-180 lbs.)New Whitewoods 75mm 3 Pin Adult Nordic Cross Country Ski Package Skis Boots Bindings Poles (39, 151-180 lbs.)

Oh Cool! Snowboarding!

'I Love Winter' Zazzle Category

Yes, winter inspires me

I have some a Zazzle category for winter subjects and scenes. Go there now to find all your sticker, poster, and custom needs. Dedicate a room to the minimalist color and design that this season brings- at least for a quarter of the year!

Winter Sports

Perfect Puzzle for Long Winter Nights

Every winter my family puts together puzzles. Especially on Christmas Eve, as we wait to finish up the final preparations and dissipate the excitement before bed. White Mountain Puzzles Walking to Town A fun puzzle with a winter picture is just the thing for a cold winter night. Warm up some hot chocolate, a few snacks and it will be a great memory of good times.

Winter Garden Chores
Not all is asleep in the winter garden
Love Christmas?
The highlight of the winter: Christmas!

Love or Hate Winter Cold?

How do you feel about the winter season?

Melissa and Doug's Family Conversation Starters

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 14:13:00 +0000

What you have here are some great ideas for coming together as a family, having real conversations, especially if that seems awkward (when you have teenagers, talking together as a group can often feel awkward).

Who would have guessed that this little box of simple questions could become such a fire conversation starter. The only reason I mention fire, is not due to incendiary topics, but because it was when our family started to intentionally increase our communication levels we gathered around our firepit.

The deceptively unassuming appearance of a little round box with the picture of a homey lattice topped pie belies the power of asking the the right questions.

When it comes to helping people share their thoughts, particularly when we aren't used to it, many of us are at a loss. With these little round boxes of questions, that o longer needs to be the case.

Filled to the brim with small round cards that are printed with questions, these starters help immensely when you are sitting down and trying to talk.

You know, it's a little like trying to relax: you overthink it.

But with some coaxing from ready made topics, you are bound to strike upon a few that really get the communication going.

Don't Let These Cards Just Sit

Having received my original Melissa And Doug Conversation Starters as a gift, I had no idea what a golden opportunity was given to me. So we just let them sit, ignored.

Don't Do What We Did

That is what we did after I first used them in a homeschool activity; for awhile they just sat on the shelf.

At the time I didn't realize the components that help communication take place:

The setting
Playfulness, allowing something to be a game
Inclusion of refreshments
Cozying up together around a table or fireplace, etc.

These things all help release the flow of conversation.
Above all, I think it was the intentionality of it all. It wasn't a once in a blue moon, "let's try this" activity. We gathered together to talk, to get to know each other better, to increase understanding, on a regular basis through out the week.
And we used Melissa and Doug's Family Dinner Box Of Questions.

Why These Questions?

You could probably make up your own set of questions, but here are why I liked these:

They were non-threatening questions
The topics were often light-hearted
Using someone else's ideas brought an element of a different perspective
It made asking questions and talking easy

So, what kind of questions did our family like to talk about? A small sampling...
"What special talent do you wish you possessed?"
"What qualities do you look for in a friend?"
"Have you ever gotten into trouble for something you did not do?"
"Would you want your own family to have a reality TV show?" "Why or why not?"

Perfect Times For Asking ( And Answering ) Questions

Around a bonfire, or a firepit, was an ideal conversation time for us. Another great time is the one suggested in the title of the "Box of Questions: around the dinner table. Or you could make it part of family pizza night, before settling down to watch a favorite movie. Or before a session of board games.

What Could This Do?
I don't really know the answer to that, but in our family I have noticed that conversation is a lot like the discipline of writing; the more you do it, the better you are at it.
I think it is the fact that as we spend more time talking together we become more comfortable with it and as we experience pleasant interactions it primes the pump for us to want to engage more, it builds trust. The kind of questions in this little game also help us see each other in a more approachable way.
It is a small box, a small investment, and all it will really require of you is a little of your time. Maybe like our family, you will find it grows a bumper crop of good times.

This is one edition I would most like to own. Just right for after the holiday feast.

Another Conversation Starter Idea

Family Game Night

There is some great research behind the idea of building relationships through have a family game night. Conversation starters might be just one of a number of games you would like to include in a group of activities that bring more fun to the table!
5 Reasons For Family Game Night
Start having fun as a family, begin holding a game night and see how much better it is for the family to play together instead of complaints and going off in separate directions.

Christmas Eve With the Family

Melissa & Doug Christmas Box Of Questions We like jigsaw to put together puzzles, but wouldn't it be fun to use some of these questions to mellow out during the busy Christmas season?

Melissa & Doug Family Dinner Box of Questions - Faith EditionFind out what everyone thinks about some of the most important questions.

What About Your Family?

Do You Have A Family Game Night Set Up?

We get together regularly to play games
We occasionally pull out the games and have a go
I am sad to say, that we don't play games together
We do, but our family plays more physical games like touch football
Not since the kids were little, but I think we might try it again

A Family Game Night Is Fun And Brings Your Family Closer Together How our family makes time for a family game night and how we choose various games and activities to do.

The Season Of The Ugly Christmas Sweater

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 09:41:00 +0000

Now That Everyone Is On The Bandwagon

-Which Ugly Christmas Sweaters Are Tops?

Our moms thought they were cute, we thought they were ugly, but now everyone is in competition to see who has the most outrageously ugly Christmas sweater of all! All in good fun, of course.

Now that ugly Christmas sweaters are so ugly they're cute, there's less chance of regifting...so you just might have to go ahead and buy one!

Do You Own Or Wear An Ugly Christmas Sweater???

Top Ugly Sweater Event Points for silly marketing blurbs, too- no holds barred in this competition- it's really ugly.

1st Prize Ugly Sweaters Holiday Contest Button by kat_parrella

A Collection Of The Ugliest Sweaters You Can Buy

Ugly Sweater Party

Invite everyone over for a party- awards, prizes, free drinks for the ugliest sweaters.
Serve ugly food
Get really tacky, use ugly sweaters as placemats underneath trays of food.
What is the right dessert?Fruitcake, mince pie, OK... so people can actually eat: sweater shaped sugar cookies

co_sticky

IMHO

green 3000000

You win! King of the Ugly Christmas Sweater Club"

"My Vote For Top Ugly Sweater" >
King of the Ugly Sweaters Holiday Button by kat_parrella
Browse more Ugly sweater Buttons
OK, an overgrown elf with the belt hiked up practically to the breastbone, the Peter-Pan-collar look and the worst color of fifties mint green. This gets my vote for Top Ugly Christmas sweater. Actually the whole family could wear matching ugly sweaters with this one. Look Boys and Girls!

Women's Holiday Sweaters

Let's face it, we usually go for cute designs and call them "ugly" This one is really ugly. I'm sorry if you would wear this... um, I mean .... no offense, but there is no right way (or place) to wear this. It's not naughty, it is just.... ugly. You might find the ugliest sweater yet... on...wait for it..."Oh no, not eBay!" Yes. The truly tacky is out there. Maybe made by aliens.

So you have a bargaining chip when he becomes a teen.

"Baby Needs An Ugly Sweater" Take lots of photos. But you didn't need to be reminded, did you?

"Nooooo, Mom, not the ugly sweater pictures, please...not that" "I'll take out the trash without asking, I'll clean my room, I'll stop playing my head banger music for a day...just not the ugly sweater pictures...noooooo" The sad part is that they will probably love the sweater when they are little.... it is only later that they will forbid facebook tagging of those endearing pictures.

Make your own Ugly Sweater Card

Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties, Trendy Ugly Sweaters... It's Wild!

Why couldn't they leave Thanksgiving alone?
Why Why Why?

Ugly Sweaters on Youtube"

when it hits Youtube, you know it's an ugly situation. There are also photography tips (seriously) on how to have better family group pictures...not that they helped our tribe, but they may save yours from looking like an ugly Christmas sweater convention. [tags] christmas party christmas sweaters christmas sweater ugly sweaters holiday sweaters ugly christmas sweaters holiday sweater ugly holiday sweaters ugly christmas sweater party ugly holiday sweater ugly reindeer sweaters santa sweater cheap ugly christmas sweaters ugly christmas sweater ideas tacky christmas sweater

One Way To Have Happy Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:59:00 +0000

Burning candle flame with rocks in tranquil post card by prophoto
Find more Spirituality Postcards at Zazzle

Today was gray, rainy, and somewhat dreary. I don't usually mind such days, but there are times when sort of pile up, or come when you are just hungry for rays of sunshine. Anyway, I went around the downstairs and starting lighting some candles. I was surprised at how much a little candlelight and fragrance had lifted my spirit!

It called for making a note in this "Happy Thoughts" blog, today.

Of course, these little things are "quick fixes", and in the long run one of the things that gives me a sense of well being is doing something positive for my health. I say one thing, because overall happiness is truly a compilation of a number of lifestyle choices we make, including how we relate to other people, but starting out with better health choices is certainly an important part of life.

On that note my son and I made some smoothies this past weekend, and I fixed a raw broccoli salad for dinner last night. It is the baby steps that matter in the beginning, isn't it?

How's your health? Good I hope. And if it could be better I encourage you to do some of the "little things" suggested today to brighten your outlooks and feeling of wellbeing.

I've Been Busy

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:37:00 +0000

They say keeping busy is a good antidote for depression, whether that's true or not I have been keeping busy. Here is one thing I've been doing: designing on Zazzle:
create & buy custom products at Zazzle I have also written loads of lenses at Squidoo on a varied number of projects. Lagging behind, but needing attention has been writing posts for my websites and maintaining them- they needed a lot of background attention this year.

Love Quotes I Like

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 15:23:00 +0000

Out of all the people I've ever met you are the one who makes me draw those silly little hearts on my papers ~Unknown.

I believe in the deep soul-stirring-takeyour breath away-makes me a better me- kinda love ~Unknown.

"Love is not about finding the right person, but creating a right relationship. It's not about how much love you have in the beginning but how much love you build till the end." ~Unknown.

If I tell you I love you, can I keep you forever?

Love is a many splendid thing.

The greatest thing you'll ever learn
Is to love and be loved in return. ~ Natalie Cole

she said, "You're crazy" & he said, "Only for you." ~Unknown.

"You can’t make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth."~Unknown.

;"Dedicate your life to God, and also choose carefully who you dedicate your love to."

The love we have is God's gift to us, what we do with it is our gift to God.

Love doesn't need to be perfect, it just needs to be true.

I've Loaded The Beach Category With New Goodies

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 15:06:00 +0000

Browse other gifts from Zazzle.

Fragrant Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 15:02:00 +0000

"With melted snow I boil fragrant tea."
-Menciu

Drink To Possibility Mug by HandPrintsOnMyHeart
Create a unique customized mug at zazzle.com

Magnolia Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:44:00 +0000

I decided I needed to work on creating more cards and stuff at Zazzle. After all the years of just hoping to get started.... so lately I used some of my garden and vacation pictures and really like how they came out. Maybe you will. Here is "Magnolia Dreams"...which is tailored for a number of Zazzle products.

Magnolia Dream Wedding by ilonagarden

Magnolia Dream Wedding Magnet by ilonagarden
Create your own picture magnets at zazzle.com

Magnolia Dream Wedding by ilonagarden
More Magnolia Gift Boxes

Do you think of Northern or Southern Magnolias? Why Southern, of course! But I have some pretty Northern Magnolias that I have taken photos of... including this:

Northern Magnolia by ilonagarden
View other Magnolia Keychains

While in Florida I had this fascination with the seagrass on the beach, and now these are my best selling Zazzle cards!

Sandy Beach Wedding Invitation 2 by ilonagarden
Browse Seaside Invitations

I will probably post more of my Zazzle work here in the future, since it lifts my mood to do so. See you later, Friends

Christmas Season

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Christmas season just seems to be crammed with everything good we can think of, doesn't it? It is downright dangerous to my budget to walk through a mall, and the decorations I delight in would look crass during any other season... but for Christmas it is glitter, and baubles, and teddy bears! Everyone seems to respond to the general good cheer- and be less forgiving about scrooginess and grouches! I wrote a bunch of Squidoo lenses for the season- they are on all sorts of topics and with all sorts of purposes. Some are simply showcases for holiday decor. Hope you enjoy them.

Start an Art Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:53:00 +0000

This entertaining video will inspire you to start that art or nature journal you have been planning for so long. Creative ideas abound!

Love Matcha Tea Flavor

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 05:34:00 +0000

Something about it always appeals to me, so Matcha cake, or Matcha powder sprinkled on tempura, or Matcha bread- to me, it's all good.
Since I came across this recipe for Matcha bread, of course I had to record it.

It was adapted by The Spoonful Blog from Tartelette, or inspired by- not sure which.

Matcha tea is available on Amazon.

Matcha tea marbled tea cake

1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1.5 teaspoons matcha powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Butter a loaf pan. Line with a piece of parchment paper that covers bottom and long sides (leave some poking up from the pan to facilitate lifting the loaf out later). Butter the parchment paper.

3. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Put the butter and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. Mix in eggs, one at a time. Mix in flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with sour cream. Add vanilla, and mix 1 minute.

4. Portion out 1/3 of the batter into a small bowl. Mix in matcha powder, stirring well to combine.

5. Spread one-third of the plain batter into prepared pan. Use a small offset spatchula to ensure an even, flat layer. Dollop with 1/3 of matcha batter and use a spatchula to gently spread the matcha layer on the top of the other. Spread another third of the plain batter on top, followed by another third of the matcha batter. Repeat one more time so that the final layer is the rest of the matcha batter. Run a thin knife through batter to marbleize. Run spatchula over top to ensure the batter is flat in the end.

6. Bake until a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire cooking rack for a few minutes. Lift cake out by the parchment handles and allow to cool completely on rack.

New Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:46:00 +0000

In the middle of the summer I get into the mood for acquiring new recipes. Not sure quite how that works, whether it is the lazy midsummer boredom with the status quo, or the longer days.... or? But I came across a new cookbook with the most fabulous recipe for brownies. They have chocolate, walnuts, and cherry flavors all mixed together in a not too sweet delight of a brownie recipe.

I am in the mood for cherry anything, since putting together a lens on pie cherries, which are one of my favorite fruits to bake into desserts. (Hence the draw of chocolate cherry brownies!) The peak season for pie cherries is over, but there are still ways to obtain them, and the recipe for the brownies calls for dried ones. That is a convenience for those who have no season on getting a hankering for a really wonderful brownie.

Summer Mood Lifter

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:38:00 +0000

Daylilies in Whetstone Park in late June/early July

Going to a a garden and walking through enjoying the flowers is a wonderful mood lifter during the summer months. Many public parks have lovely gardens to visit. Why not make plans to enjoy a summer stroll one of these evenings?

Tried Lush Products Yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:13:00 +0000

I got some bath bombs for Christmas from my son, and I can't stop raving about their scent.

I have one that is tucked into my lingerie drawer just because I am so enamored with the smell.

Lush products are like fresh baked bread- you just want to keep taking deep breaths and enjoy the moment.

In fact, they inspired me to make a Hubpage about stuff that I think smells good!

I love the way that smells!

The World Is Your Oyster

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:03:00 +0000

I consider oysters such a treat. That would number me in the minority of my family, but maybe part of a much greater group in the world. This post has to do with that bivalve, the oyster genus Ostrea, that should be enjoyed on many levels- the first being its delicious eating.

Oysters can be difficult to describe in what makes their flavor something some of us like so well. Have you ever wondered how to shuck a fresh oyster? I have. Always buying them prepared and in containers at the grocery store, it was with interest that I clicked on the video further down in this post, from "The Brooklyn Kitchen".

How do you enjoy oysters? One of the ways my late Dad and I liked them was in turkey stuffing. My mother used to make oyster stew, but my favorite was steamed oysters from an oceanside shop in Florida (the Apalachicola oyster, "Shack Style with onions and colby cheese). Pick up the recipe before you surf on...
Here is something similar- just add a bit of Colby cheese:

Oyster Sauté

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup onion, sliced thin
1/2 cup celery, sliced thin
1 12-ounce container Florida oysters, drained, reserve liquid
2 teaspoons garlic, chopped
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons cornstarch

Preparation

Heat skillet on medium-high; add butter, onions and celery. Sauté until onions are translucent and beginning to turn brown. Add oysters, garlic and remaining ingredients except cornstarch; mix well. While mixture is cooking, dissolve cornstarch in oyster liquid; add slowly to skillet, stirring until thickened. Serve in 8-ounce gratin dish or over cous-cous, pasta or rice.

Ever wonder where that saying, "the world is your oyster" comes from? Circa the year 1600, William Shakespeare wrote his play "The Merry Wives Of Windsor'; and in Act 2, scene 2, 2–5 we find Pistol declaring: "Why then the world's mine oyster/Which I with sword will open." It is the equivalent of "Carpe Diem" or a declaration that all one wants is within ones grasp.

There are types of oysters... they are not all the same!
Apalachicola are my favorites. They are from the "Apalachicola Bay—thirty miles of shallow oyster paradise on the Florida panhandle—produces 90 percent of Florida’s oysters...it takes the oysters about three years to reach three inches. Apalachicola is the last place in the United States where wild oysters are still harvested by tongs from small boats."
Read all about oysters at The Oyster Guide, where you can also profile "What Kind of Oyster Eater are You?"

My friend Joanne created the perfect Kitchen magnet (from Zazzle) for oyster lovers:

oyster by Dibble_Artworks

Of course, oysters are not just for eating, they produce pearls! At least a certain type that are not true oysters, produce pearls, and that has made the cultured pearl industry our main source of these beautiful sea gems. I have to say I would take a pearl over a diamond any day.

We will have to save the topic of pearls (also good mood helium), for another day....

Aprons

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 22:14:00 +0000

You might be thinking: that is an odd thing to lift someone's mood. Or you might completely understand, since aprons make you feel happy when you see them,too. There are different reasons why I feel sentimentally cheerful when I see an old fashioned apron.

There are the memories

My grandmother always wore an apron at home during the day it seemed. She owned all sorts of aprons: Plain Jane ones, frilly sheer ones, calico, and bibbed ones. A veritable wardrobe of aprons. And there always seemed to be something good cooking in her kitchen. Coincidence you say? Something in my little child's memory says differently. For me, the production of good food and the use of an apron are inextricably tied.

Not only did she have aprons, but my mother had many, as well. And it seemed inevitable that there were several little child sized ones for me. Sometimes to help out while making cookies or perched on a stool washing dishes. Sometimes I had my own little work apron for paint projects at my easel. Each activity added up to a good memory, and aprons seem to connect them all. A new take on the "apron strings"?

All in all, a well worn apron or a pretty retro style... it all means homemaking that is of the exciting cookie baking kind in my mind. Or that most artistic of baking activities: decorating the cookies with frostings and sprinkles.

The good feelings from good food

In my own life as a mother and wife I don't use an apron everyday, when I do put on my favorite apron it means I am about to cook or bake seriously. That is usually the holiday meal or Christmas preparations (cookies!). It means good food in my mind, when I don that green, no-nonsense bibbed cooks apron.

I bake my cardamon rolls while wearing that apron, the roast turkey, the cookies, like Moravian Spice cutouts, and others. For an everyday event that seems like it could get messy I have in inherited assortment of regular half aprons- the type my mother most often wore. ( Because most of them are probably her old ones!

There is just something cute about an apron

It's true. Maybe it is a throwback to a more naive time, or maybe it is all the adorable prints or funny sayings. I like many of the new handmade ones that seem to be something like the those

Like a smock or a jumper, but just for working around the kitchen. I know I'm not the only one who think that aprons are cute. There is a whole group of people who are rediscovering the usefulness of an apron... but it is probably more about fun than usefulness. Like a little bit of playing dress up (and some of the fancy aprons might qualify for the term!).

Maybe it is homemade artistry

Old aprons, or handmade ones are something like quilts in the way they can express the makers sense of artistry and fun. Bright colors and skillful pattern combining rule in many of these creations, but there are some pretty sleek creations as well.

Looking over the aprons on a site like http://apronaday.blogspot.com/ or in the etsy.com shopping place is to be in a happy place and just a little addicting.

The sturdier ones can even do double duty as a gardening smock. To work well for the gardener it must have pockets.

Do you like aprons? do they carry some happy memories of the past or a favorite grandmother or aunt?

Love Valentines Day

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:38:00 +0000

Colorful Conversation Hearts by hallmarkvalentines
custom stamps usps made on zazzle.com

Some people get depressed by Valentines Day, but not me. Maybe because it didn't mean romance as much as it meant romantic for me; we can be romantic just because we want to anytime we like. I like romantic styles and thought making homemade valentines with paper doilies and pretty flower stickers was so much fun as a kid. I liked cupcakes that my mom made with strawberry cream cheese icing and red cinnamon hearts, and later I baked my own. And whether I bought it for myself, or someone bought it for me I adored boxes of chocolates on Valentines Day. It is the chocolate that counts, and stores go all out to provide so many choices. If I waited until just after Valentines Day: Bonanza!

I always thought conversation hearts were cheery, even long after I stopped eating them (just extra sugar without much flavor if you ask me). However, they still say sweet innocent romance and friendship to me. Zazzle sells stamps that would be perfect for sending off Valentines. And I thought I'd pick some random things to say "Happy Valentines Day" which is coming up sooner than you know it.

Victorian Valentine Butterfly Postage by golden_oldies
make your own stamp using zazzle.com

Cupcake Love Stickers by teeboutique
Browse Cupcake Stickers

Funny Valentine's Day by holidaysboutique
See more Valentine's day T-Shirts

Cupcakes:
Bake any flavor cupcake you like from your favorite recipe or cake mix. Use the following recipe for cream cheese icing and add strawberry jam for a pretty pink color.

Cheesecake Icing:
* 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. Add the strawberry jam at this point.

Always refrigerate cream cheese icing :)
Decorate with hearts: cinnamon or candy hearts

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:35:00 +0000

Want to be happy? If you ever visit Atlanta, Ga. be sure to make time for Hawaiian ice in this little corner ice cream shop. They have a facebook page, if you want to know more about the details, including locations.

...but let me tell you about this stuff, it isn't the "Hawaiian ice" you are used to in most part of the continental US. It is shaved ice that is really smooth and of as fine a texture as the finest grained snow, with a bit of milky creaminess. Then there is a complete set of toppings, including fruits and green tea ice cream, if you want it. Mmmmm, always makes me feel in a better mood, maybe because it reminds me of Maui. but it might just be the taste experience itself.

On Maui, the only difference is that you can order a coconut cream for the topping, but Suno's might be superior on every other count! I feel better in this Midwest heat wave, just remembering how the giant bowl of soft fluffy ice and fresh fruit toppings gave refreshment on that super hot Atlanta day....

Love This: Breath of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:45:00 +0000

Relaxed me immediately.

clipped from www.lelonopo.com

Inhale, Summer

Exhale, relaxation

Sloe-ly Found Out

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:40:00 +0000

They may bloom in May , but this post on Blackthorn trees is interesting at any time you happen upon it.

clipped from stoneartblog.blogspot.com

Blackthorn, Shillelaghs and the tree of the fairies, the Hawthorn

The early Blackthorn flowers are followed by the finely serrated, dull-green oval leaves, which in turn are followed by blackish purple sloes in autumn. Sloes, the fruit of the Blackthorn, are extremely sour and are sometimes used for flavouring sloe gin.

Ice Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:25:00 +0000

When you can buy ice cream all year, sometimes you forget what a treat it can be, but the old fashioned home made type? Never! It is always special and always just the right thing to create on summer afternoon.

I've had to cut my calorie intake in the past few years, so if I indulge in calories I want that something to count as a luxurious event. Making your own ice cream counts.

I saw a Cuisinart ice cream maker on sale:

and for recipe ideas...

For those who want someone else to do their gourmet ice cream for them.... there is always Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. But then you would miss out of the creative fun and ritual of home made.

Now that is what summer memories are made of!

Scottish Bagpipes

noreply@blogger.com (Ilona Erwin) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:04:00 +0000

Bagpipe music always makes me feel better- even if it is a dirge... so this song, the theme from The Last of the Mohicans... makes me feel doubly good. Makes me want to watch the movie again, too.