The Bedlam of Beefy

Strawberry Panna Cotta with Rhubarb Compote

2013-05-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

As much as I love rhubarb I still hang on to the false idea that it is associated it with summertime rather than spring. I suppose it's the classic pairing with strawberries that makes me hold on to that misinformed thought since strawberries are a quintessential summer fruit. Or it could be that once the grey skies of a Northwest winter roll back I just get greedy for the arrival of summer and skip past thoughts of spring altogether. In any case, when I see those rose-colored stalks of rhubarb appear at the market I experience a simultaneous seasonal sigh of relief along with a little mouthwatering.

I love that special piquant zing of rhubarb that pairs so well with any number of sweet flavors. And I love that it's so easy to work with to add its distinctive touch to even the simplest dessert. A quick rhubarb compote is amazing when barely folded into sweetened whipped cream for a 'Rhubarb Fool' or just slathered warm on top of good vanilla ice cream. But given that its culinary bestie is the strawberry and with Mother's Day coming up I thought I'd combine the best of all worlds - easy and elegant - in a strawberry panna cotta with rhubarb compote.

Recipe after the jump...

This recipe comes together with fairly minimal effort and, when presented in something like these vintage champagne coupes, makes for a spectacular showing. This is an easy make-ahead dessert that will do your mom proud.

STRAWBERRY PANNA COTTA with RHUBARB COMPOTE

Panna Cotta

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

2 tablespoons cold water

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup half and half

1 cup strawberry juice*

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

*Strawberry Juice

1lb fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered

1 cup water

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

3 tbsp sugar

Rhubarb Compote

3 large stalks rhubarb, trimmed and cut into pieces

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

For the strawberry juice: Place strawberries, water, lemon juice, and sugar in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a low boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, until strawberries have softened and broken down - about 25 minutes. (Watch pot to prevent boiling over.) Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the strawberry mixture over a bowl pressing the fruit with a spoon or spatula until juice is extracted. You should have at least 1 cup of juice.

For the panna cotta: In a small saucepan sprinkle gelatin over water and let stand about 1 minute to soften. Heat gelatin mixture over low heat until gelatin is dissolved. Remove saucepan from heat and set aside.

In a large saucepan bring cream, half and half, strawberry juice and sugar just to a low boil over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat. Add a small amount of the hot strawberry cream mixture to the saucepan containing gelatin and stir gelatin mixture until fully incorporated and add it to the remaining strawberry cream mixture. Add vanilla. Divide cream mixture among 6 to 8 small ramekins (or other containers). Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

For the rhubarb compote: In a medium saucepan bring rhubarb, water, and sugar to a low boil over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until rhubarb softens completely and mixture thickens - about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. Top each panna cotta with desired amount of compote and enjoy!

ALL IMAGES BY UNCLE BEEFY.

The Cuyana Seattle Soirée

2013-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last week, on a beautiful Tuesday night, Cassandra of Coco+Kelley and I hosted the Cuyana Spring Soirée at Seattle's Black Bottle. There is nothing like the first sign of springtime sun to get us Pacific Northwesterners to emerge blissfully from our hibernation. You combine that with champagne, shopping, and noshing and you're gonna see some seriously sunshiny Seattleites, my friend.

This was a perfect chance for people to see Cuyana's wares up close and personal while sipping, nibbling, and socializing. But, lemme tell you what, one gander at the goods and the glasses were getting set down and the wallets were coming out! Woosh! Leather tote in Nectarine? Sold out! How about in Caramel? All gone! Our stylish guests were serving up some serious retail therapy. The mister and I also became the proud owners of an Alpaca Infinity Scarf and the Weekender Bag (perfect for our pending Palm Springs trip). And, man, I'm surprised that there were any of their leather travel cases left as those beauties were the belle of the ball that night! Given their gorgeous candy colors, they were hard to resist. Such a fun night!

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: MY CO-HOST, CASSANDRA, WITH OUR PAL, ERIN OF APARTMENT 34, ONE OF THE MUCH SOUGHT-AFTER LEATHER TRAVEL CASES, ASHLEY OF THE STYLE UMBRELLA, OOH! LOOKS LIKE BRIANNE OF THE RAVENNA GIRLS AND MELANIE OF INWARD FACING GIRL WERE IN A FRIENDLY TRAVEL CASE TUSSLE (TOLD YOU!), THE GORGEOUS CUYANA SIGNATURE GIFT BOXES, AND THE CANVAS & LEATHER WEEKEND BAG IN MUSTARD (THE ONE WE GOT!).

ALL IMAGES SUPPLIED BY CUYANA.

A Warm (and slightly whacky) Weekend

2013-05-06T11:13:00.001-07:00

Well, as you can see, kids, it was a dreadful weekend with weather nothing short of perfection in Seattle and Cinco de Mayo margaritas involved. I know! Right?! Unthinkable! If I didn't have such an extraordinary tolerance for suffering the insufferable I don't know what I would have done. Well, I probably would have been forced to enjoy another sunny margarita just to get through. I'm a trooper like that.

But wait! There's more! I managed to get some yard work done which I'm sure my neighbors greatly appreciated. Since it's rhubarb season, I got myself into the kitchen and started working up a little recipe that I'll post later this week. (A perfect dessert for Mother's Day, by the way!) I learned about new fashion concepts while out and about. Can anyone explain to me the thinking behind "big and tall... hats" and "XXL - Slim Cut"?! Seriously?! Even after a couple of margaritas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo I still couldn't wrap my head around those bright ideas. Nor the gold lamé shorty shorts that one fellow pub patron decided to don with black socks and sandals. It was my own personal version of Fashion Police. I think I might have a fashion hangover this morning. Oy! And you know the phrase, "wouldn't hurt a fly"? Well, it seems that our dog, Fergus, lives up to that motto as we discovered he was afraid of the one that was circling the room. Pathetic. Finally, I wrapped up my Sunday by tuning in for the last episode of The Bletchley Circle on PBS. Did you watch? I loved it and hope there's more to come in the future.

So, enough about me, how was your weekend?

ALL IMAGES FROM MY INSTAGRAM.

The Global Wares of Cuyana + A Seattle Spring Soirée

2013-04-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, sustainability and style don't always manage to come together successfully. But Cuyana founders Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah have succeeded in what can sometimes seem the almost impossible. Custom designing their own products, they source and have created country-specific, limited-edition collections that celebrate each country's culture and local craftsmanship.

As if that wasn't enough of a great start, a percentage of their profits are donated to "charity: water" in an effort to help support the charity's mission in providing safe drinking water to communities around the world. Does it get much better than that? Um, yeah. Because they also offer free shipping and free returns (on U.S. orders)! I know, right?! (And their reusable gift boxes? Don't get me started! Love!)

To top things off, Cuyana is throwing a "Spring Soirée" in Seattle next Tuesday, April 30th, from 5pm to 8pm at Black Bottle with myself and Cassandra of Coco+Kelley being your hosts! And you're invited! Come and enjoy cocktails and bites while we peruse Cuyana's wares together! You'll get to see Cuyana's products up close and personal plus get 10% off that night. When you RSVP (Yes, Seattle! R. S. V. P! You know what I'm talking about!), select "The Bedlam of Beefy" in the drop-down on the RSVP page and you'll have the chance to win a gorgeous leather tote. And if you refer 5 friends you'll score a free canvas tote as Cuyana's "thank you" for helping spread the word (details on the RSVP page).

Let's get our sustainable, stylish swag on, kids! Click the image below to sign up and I'll see you there!

Art & Manufacture Ceramics

2013-04-11T09:38:00.002-07:00

Blue and white is a classic combination, certainly a favorite one for me, and I love the rustic quality of its application on the offerings from Art & Manufacture Ceramics. Something about these pieces has me imagining sipping on morning tea or coffee while hearing chirping birds, the slight creaking of a swaying hammock, and the crunch of pea gravel underfoot. And if there's the sound of a conversation in French? That sure wouldn't hurt either.

AND I *LOVE* CLEAN, CLASSIC WHITE.

Pillow Love from My Bearded Pigeon

2013-04-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

Throw pillows are such an easy way to interject some color and personality into a design scheme. And, frankly, I'd much rather open a box or a shopping bag and, bam, pull out some pop than pour over color samples and commit to a weekend of painting. My Bearded Pigeon has some super sweet options in their Etsy shop that can help you do that very thing.

I know it's Springtime for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere so some of you might be expecting something a bit more colorful and/or floral being featured. But as I live in the Pacific Northwest and am surrounded by pine-laden woodland goodness I couldn't help but get down with their nature-inspired prints. But from the nature-inspired options above, to antique maps, to this pixel rose print, there are plenty of possibilities for getting on with your pillow pop.

Flight Tag Prints by Neil Stevens

2013-04-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Growing up I was lucky enough to do a lot of traveling. A lot. I miss my jet-setting days so much (despite the fact that there are flight attendants from British Airways out there that really deserve an apology from me - let's just say my young, inexperienced self had a serious throwdown - throwdown - with the in-flight bar service). Anyway, my subsequent travels have been decidedly more refined much like these sleek and sophisticated Flight Tag prints by image maker Neil Stevens. I love how they possess a decidedly contemporary quality while simultaneously harkening back to the good ole days of air travel. You remember those days? When we got all dressed up and behaved ourselves with conduct more becoming? Well, some of us, anyway.

Block Printing Party at the Seattle West Elm & Friday Favorites

2013-04-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

THE SEATTLE WEST ELM.

Ready for the weekend, kids? I'm sure many of you are! Hope your week has gone along swimmingly and that you're ready to dive right into your Saturday. (Ignore what I just did there. "Swimmingly"? "Dive"? Ugh. Sorry.) Anyway, happy Friday.

This week I was fortunate enough to get the creative juices flowing by participating in a block printing workshop presented by the Seattle West Elm and Urban Craft Uprising. So. Much. Fun! Led by the lovely and talented Phoebe of elSage Designs, a delightful group of us gathered in the middle of the West Elm showroom to learn about block printing on textiles and to give a go at printing up our own tote bag. Phoebe made up some super cute kits with everything we needed to get to sketching, carving, and printing.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SKETCHING AND CARVING MY PRINTING BLOCK, MY FINAL PRINTED TOTE, SOME FINAL NAUTICAL WARES MADE BY MY TABLE MATE RENAE. AND HER CLASSIC WHALE MOTIF IN ACTION.

Now, my background is in printmaking (Yeah. I actually have a degree. Surprise, surprise.) but my skills have been laying waaaaay dormant. Much. Too. Long. Phoebe's workshop was just what I needed to clear out the cobwebs and a reminder that all my excuses for not keeping up with my printing were, ultimately, hogwash. Within a couple of hours we were all walking out with our custom printed totes in hand! Easy peasy! I did get a little hung up in the beginning wanting to bust out something super stylish but I let all of that go and decided to just do whatever and have fun. I think our mutual fears of getting ink on anything in the store helped a lot of us let go of whatever design perfectionism we might have been feeling. Such a great, casual, creative time!

Be sure to check out your local West Elm Facebook page (e.g., "West Elm Seattle") and see what fun stuff may be happening in your area. Up next in Seattle is Entertaining Made Easy with my churros compadre Cassandra from Coco + Kelley which will be a great way to kick off Spring and Summer entertaining season! Ooh, that reminds me! Better take my kaftans to the cleaners for all those upcoming pool parties! What? You were expecting me to say my Speedos? Yeah, none of us want that I can assure you.

ME WITH SOME OF MY PRINTING BUDDIES AND SABRINA FROM WEST ELM IN THE CENTER. THAT'S PHOEBE, OUR WONDERFUL INSTRUCTOR ON THE FAR RIGHT.

And now for some Friday favorites to send you off into the weekend...

I WILL TELL YOU WHAT, ONE FAVORITE THIS WEEK WAS THE WEST ELM PLAID "VICTOR ARMCHAIR" UP THERE. IF THAT PUPPY COULD'VE FIT IN MY TOTE I'D BE WRITING THIS POST FROM THAT CHAIR RIGHT NOW. DELICIOUS!

I get that this is tiny but, c'mon, the design of this New York loft apartment is pretty spectacular.

This gorgeous looking shop has me thinking I need to stop dreaming of living in San Francisco and switch to Oakland.

Um, loving Ez's and Erin's blog redesigns! Papa has to get on the stick and beef things up here on 'The Bedlam'!

Tips for being an organized blogger? Yeah, I should totally give that a serious read.

Kelly busted out this amazeballs batch o' links for blogging tips and tricks! I think the universe is trying to tell me something.

Some great typography tutorials over on FontShop's blog.

Once again, Will shows what a natural he is in front of the camera. The boy is bound for the telly, I'm tellin' ya'.

HAPPY WEEKENDING!

ALL PHOTOS BY UNCLE BEEFY

Spring Awakening

2013-04-03T15:08:00.001-07:00

PHOTO BY UNCLE BEEFY

I'm guessing you're all a bit churro-ed out at this point, am I right? Hey, I don't blame you. It was something of a churros-fest for a bit around my house after that post and I can tell you that several items of my wardrobe had more than enough of churros, also. So if you need someone/something sympathetic to talk to I'll send you a pair of my pants.

Anyway, a lot happened shortly after that post. A root canal, a crown, a gum graft surgery, the dog needing knee surgery (cha-ching, cha-ching), more difficult moments with my mom, and then receiving the word from my, now former, employer that I was getting laid off. [What the...?! Thump!] What timing!!! There's no question that wishing for better timing played on rapid repeat in the immediate moment that I received that news. But what better timing? I mean, really? It's such a pointless consideration since the timing is what it is and wishing for reality to be other than what it is is pure crazy-making. Believe me, I'm an expert in this department. Would you like your straightjacket gift wrapped?

However, as luck/grace would have it, I slipped into a whole new approach this time around. Remember all that talk about surrender in this post? And this one? Well, I sure do! And I'm hoping the 3rd time is a charm and the universe can finally move on and get around to teaching me more about 'abundance' or 'employment'. In all seriousness, though, within moments of hearing the news that I'd be losing my job this feeling of complete calm came over me and I knew that this was all going to work out. No fainting couches necessary. No piñatas for the pending pity party. No faux-positive pep talks. Just an inner, confident stillness that I hadn't experienced before.

As the news spread, people seemed to expect two reactions from me - tears and/or anger. Anger was a big assumed reaction. But somewhere inside of me I knew that anger was as pointless as 'better timing' and it never even bubbled much less rose to the surface. Yes I was sad that 2.5 years of working with some great people was coming to an end but this also made me feel more grateful for the experience. Instead of being focused on what was being taken I was finally able to focus on the gratitude for what I'd been given. What a concept.

And if you question whether God has a sense of humor? Know that the day I got my layoff notice was the day after I had my gum graft surgery done. Why is that funny? Because I was completely unable to eat OR drink alcohol! What good is despair without cake or cocktails?!! This time there would be no stuffing down of emotions with the tines of a fork. No drowning of sorrows with a bottle of bubbles. Nope, kids, I was on my own in dealing with this cluster of whatnot. And what a difference that made. Because in staring this beast down directly I realized it wasn't nearly as vicious as I might have imagined. If this was my circus, this time I'd be the ringleader.

Now this isn't to say there haven't been blips of worry on the radar and it's only natural to expect that more of those moments may come. But, all in all, if any moment finally tested my ability to surrender then this had to be it. Hadn't it? Lord I hope so. Regardless, right now I'm just wanting to mark this occasion and really try to remember what a profound feeling of relief this new approach has given me versus the years of angst-ridden days and nights needlessly fighting against what simply was.

In some ways I wonder why it took so long. In some ways this all seems rather obvious now. But that's just hindsight talking. And looking back is pointless when you're finally looking forward.

p.s. - Hey, and while I'm here, if you know of anyone or anyplace looking for creative, artistic, social media savvy, hard workers or just for someone with model good looks and the potential to add a serious upgrade to the office snack pool please let me know. If you're on LinkedIn you can find out more about me via my profile. Thanks, kids!

Uncle Beefy + Coco+Kelley = Modern Mexicana & Churros

2013-02-05T02:55:00.000-08:00

Kids, come this time of year you can bet that those of us living in the Pacific Northwest that have been staring down grey skies for several weeks will start dreaming of sunnier locales. Well, turns out that Cassandra of Coco+Kelley (a fellow Northwest blogger) put those dreams to some stylishly creative use. With the February chill, Cassandra put a spicier spin on your ordinary Valentine's Day festivities and came up with a "Modern Mexicana" fiesta to share with all the ones you love. ¡Perfecto!

So when she called out to your Uncle to whip up some of my cha-cha-churros to round out her vision I was more than happy to share some o' my sugar! Thus, I give to you homemade Churros (recipe below) with 3 different chocolate dips ~ White Chocolate with Orange & Almond, Milk Chocolate Cinnamon Spice, and Chocolate & Chile (you'll find my recipes for the dips over on Coco+Kelley).

CHURROS
Adapted from Bon Appétit via Epicurious

I always had it in my mind that churros were going to be far more complicated to make at home. But one go around and you'll be amazed how simple these hot, fresh, and tasty treats come together.

Update: Thanks to the kindness of Jo writing in stating that she had problems with the batter being runny, I've amended the recipe, which originally stated "8 large eggs", to now read "4 extra large eggs" and that's precisely what I would stick with to get a successful result. I just did a double-check recipe test and this worked out perfectly. Thanks so much, Jo! Sorry, kids! I swear I can cook. Writing recipes? Looks like I need a little more practice in that department.

Cinnamon Sugar

1 1/2 cups sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon sea salt

Churros Batter

2 cups whole milk
1 stick unsalted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 extra large eggs

Quart of vegetable or canola oil for frying.

Blend sugar, cinnamon, and salt together and set aside.

For churros batter: Place milk, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and, over medium heat, stir until butter is melted and sugar is fully dissolved. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add flour to wet ingredients and stir briskly with a wooden spoon until shiny dough mass forms (about 1 minute). Remove from heat and transfer dough to a large bowl and allow to cool (about 10 minutes). With an electric mixer running (or a standing mixer with paddle attachment), beat in the eggs, 1 at a time and keep beating until the dough turns smooth, shiny, and sticky.

In a large pot over medium heat, bring oil up to 350°F.

Place batter into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip (for skinnier churros "sticks" similar to those shown here, use a smaller star tip). In small batches, pipe churros batter into hot oil in 3 1/2- to 4-inch-long ribbons (use knife or, my favorite, kitchen scissors, to cut the batter at end of star tip) and allow batter to gently slide into oil. Fry until a deep golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side (depending on size of star tip used). Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool. Gently toss in the cinnamon sugar to fully coat. Best served warm.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE HARMSEN • CREATIVE DIRECTION & STYLING BY CASSANDRA LAVALLE
STYLING ASSISTANT, AMANDA GRAY • PIñATA BY PINYADAYADA

Uncle Beefy + Instagram = What took you so damn long?!

2013-01-21T09:11:00.002-08:00

IT SEEMS THAT TO BE AN "OFFICIAL" INSTAGRAMMER ONE NEEDS A 'FEET PHOTO' (AND A LATTE SHOT - I'LL WORK ON THAT ONE).

If there is one thing I have managed to do during the past several weeks, I joined the ranks of the 21st century by finally joining Instagram. I'm a trendsetter like that... always ahead of the cultural curve. It's awe-inspiring isn't it? Jealous much?

You may wonder why I wasn't on board earlier? That's because I was using a phone that brought gasps and jaw drops whilst at Alt Summit last year. "Wait. You're a blogger and that's the phone you use?!?!" Um, yeah. Now park my carriage and don't forget to feed the horses. Thanks. Perhaps I should show you a pic of what I was scraping by with? Or maybe it would be more appropriate to get a tintype or a formal oil portrait done? In any case, I'm with ya' now and hope you'll join me.

YOU CAN CERTAINLY EXPECT FOOD SHOTS. I MEAN, IT'S ME FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE!

AND PICS OF FERGUS (AND MY CATS)? DUH!

A New Year

2013-01-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

PHOTO BY UNCLE BEEFY

How many times have I tried to write this post? I'd ask you to guess but I wouldn't even know if you were right as I've lost count myself. But there have been plenty of moments since my last post that I've been sitting with a cup of coffee or glass of wine (at different times of day, mind you) only to drum up half-finished sentences or blank stares. Sigh. Nothing. Nothing?! Nothing.

Nearing the end of the year, 2012 had taken the wind out of my sails. I know, that sounds depressing doesn't it? But come the closing weeks of the year I just found myself utterly spent. And when I'm spent I have a tendency to retreat. I guess that's the Cancerian in me? Y'know, if you want to get all astrological about things? Although, I think plenty might have had a similar response given the events of the year.

The year had started on a seriously high note with my first attendance at Alt Summit. I came back from that event with great new friends and seriously high hopes. I'm guessing I felt something like Tom Cruise after a Scientology gathering? Cue the couch jumping? Whatever I was feeling, it was a great way to get things going. Then, in the subsequent months to come, I found myself encountering what felt like a barrage of negativity that left me mystified and melancholy. Friendships were ended, family relationships fractured. I had my first experiences with the serious ugliness that can come with the anonymity of the internet. "WTF" doesn't even begin to cover it. With the emotional upheavals and the whirlwind of the holiday season I just couldn't muster much, i.e. nothing.

After all that one-two-punch business I felt myself just [kinda, sorta] give up. Even more depressing, you think? Not exactly. There is nothing like a feeling of defeat to help one with their lesson in surrendering. Remember that topic? Well, the universe sure as hell did and decided to help me out with that... and how. And wow. Somehow, in the smoke of all that hellfire, I found myself doing two things I'm not always inclined to do - standing up for myself and, the best part, embracing the feeling of simply not caring about the opinions of others. I mean, genuinely feeling a new space open up inside me where "Meh. Okay. Fine. Whatever." came to find a surprisingly comfortable home. I'm not talking about deflection or dismissal here but a genuine blip on the radar of redemption. Quite unexpectedly, the repeated exposure to the negative assumptions of others made me start taking stock of how much there is that is positive about myself. Out of external accusations and animosity came internal appreciation and compassion. I know a lot of us out there understand the compulsions of people pleasing. (Can I getta "Amen!" up in here?) And while this new glimmer of light on the horizon is a welcome sight, I know I ain't outta the woods just yet in this area. But that light is enormously reassuring. An unexpectedly "nice" way to start a new year.

Additionally, as some of you may know, I'm witnessing the slow decline of my mom's health as she suffers continually increasing moments of memory loss. In my quieter times, it becomes difficult not to wrestle with the thoughts and fears of the day she may well ask me, "Who are you?" And I wonder how much time we have left. When these kinds of thoughts start swirling around, spending time working up a post about tea towels or well-designed rooms can lose any sense of importance or inspiration. But the sadness of these times and the inevitable sadness of times to come also becomes a sharp reminder to appreciate things in the moment. Instead of letting the sadness completely overshadow the happier times it has begun to bring more focus on gratitude for the joy that gifts itself in the smallest of ways.

And that brings me back to here. This place where I can share almost anything. This place where many of you have waited so patiently for me. This place that, truthfully, I wondered about whether to continue holding on to in my increasing weeks of silence. But, like I mentioned before, this place is one that brings me joy. And in that joy I am gifted with happiness, inspiration, motivation, and, even in the really hard times, hope. That's a lot to feel grateful for. You are a lot to be grateful for. And I thank you. So much.

Feel Good Fall Friday

2012-10-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

PERFECT FALL BAKING! PLUM, ROSEMARY, & BRANDY CAKES FROM STEPHANIE OF THE GORGEOUS DESSERTS FOR BREAKFAST.

Looking outside my office window on this Friday at grey skies punctuated with dots of amber-turned leaves and the occasional squirrel playing acrobat. What's not to love here? Yeah, I'm already missing the summer sun but I can't complain. I've managed to get most of my outdoor preparatory measures for the winter done which makes me feel a whole lot better about hunkering down. In short, I'm feelin' good this Friday and thought I'd pass along some of the same to you with some feel-good linkage. Some seriously great stuff to enjoy here so I hope you do.

Get yourself a cup of coffee or tea or a glass of wine then:

The lovely Erin over at Apartment 34 posted this piece of awesome. I sat inspired for hours last night watching episodes on The Conversation and Makers. Brilliance.
I got introduced to Marie thanks to Danielle, and this post with the amazing Olivia warmed my heart and spirit. Such an inspiring young lady.
Zakary is serving it hot, fresh, and hilarious with her "31 Days: It's A Hot Mess" series.
Loving Cassandra's sophisticated and sinister tabletop.
I speak some Spanish and a little French but I am fluent in corn dog.
This DIY cupcake topper is all kinds of cute and tasty.
One smitten kitten over this artist's work.
What would you do if money were no object? A good reminder of what this question really asks.

Cheers to a glorious weekend, kids!

I'm a "Man of Style." Or, so they say.

2012-10-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

CABIN. FLATHEAD LAKE, POLSON, MONTANA.

Happy Friday, kids! I hope it's as beautiful where you are as it is where I am. Not that the photo up above is where I am. But that's beautiful, too! In fact, it's my source of inspiration for the "Man of Style" column that Erin, of Apartment 34, was lovely enough to ask me to be a part of. So pop on over and see what's inspiring me on these autumn days. (And I'm in with some good company with m'boys, Jonathan and Igor. Check out their posts here and here.

Hope it helps send you off into an inspired weekend!

Artist Jacqueline Lou Skaggs

2012-09-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Um... wow. Mesmerized and blown away by these amazing paintings on pennies by artist Jacqueline Lou Skaggs. Just amazing.

Found via Jenny Vorwaller's Pinterest boards.

London Calling: La Petite Bretagne Retail Design

2012-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I'm supposed to open my own shop someday or if I missed a calling for being a retail designer, but I was over the moon when I spotted this sweet little space via We Heart. (I'm nuts about retail design.)

La Petite Bretagne creperie is located in London (a double bonus for me) and was designed by Paul Crofts Studio. I love the modern lines and fixtures with the nod to nostalgic elements like lace trim and gingham. In a word? Brilliant!

See more images over on We Heart.

Uncle Who?: I'm Back!

2012-09-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hi, kids! Yeah, so I was gone a little longer than I would ever have anticipated. But, y'know what? It's what I needed so that's just the way it rolled. C'est la vie!

What a roller coaster it's been in my absence! I won't bore you with all the gory details but there were some ups and downs, emergency trips to the vets, my camera lens broke (right after saying I needed to get a new lens!), gorgeous summer weather, and a proposal (that's the money shot up there)! Yep! Looks like it'll be wedding bells for Beefy one of these days! So can you see how my head would have been spinning lately? I knew you'd understand. You're so good to me.

Be on the lookout as I start to get things fired up 'round here once again. And, hey, I haven't been totally stagnant in the blogging department. Check out my Proust Q & A over on Fleurishing!

So nice to be back and hoping all has been well in your world.

See you soon!

Word

2012-07-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday Thought

2012-07-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Emphasis on the "really."

That'll do pig.

2012-07-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Why? Because who couldn't use a little cute on a Wednesday? And a tiny pig sitting for a blueberry treat qualifies as a cutedown. Am I right? See! Totally worth it.

VIA PAPERMAG

Wood, White, & Wire: The Wares of Father Rabbit

2012-07-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

Just some of the beautiful wares available at online retailer Father Rabbit. Lots of simple, clean, refined to rustic pieces for home, hearth, and body. I can just envision the type of sweet home where you'd see these kind of objects. Just hoping that visualization finds me living there, too.

Sea Sighs: Artist Philip Barlow

2012-07-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

I came across these stunning paintings by artist Philip Barlow whilst perusing blog Rock A Lulu and just had to share. An instant sigh emerged as I feasted my eyes on these perfectly dreamy, summery scenes. Don't they just capture the essence of seaside memories? Amazing. (And be sure sure to check out the rest of this talented man's portfolio!)

...go, Shawty, it's yer birfday...

2012-07-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

JUST SHY OF HIS 43rd BIRTHDAY, THIS GUY WOULD DISLOCATE HIS KNEE ON THE DANCE FLOOR AT A WEDDING.

INSTEAD OF 'PARTY[ING] LIKE IT'S 1999,' HE PARTIED LIKE HE WAS 99. AWESOME.

Yep, kids, today is your uncle's birthday. And, yes, that's me up there. And, again, yes, they had cameras back then. You were expecting a prehistoric cave painting? Gee, thanks a lot.

So, the title of this post was the very first thing that went through my mind this morning. Ordinarily I might have been more annoyed by that but, these days, I'm figuring that I should be grateful I have the mental capacity to remember song lyrics in the first place. So if 50 Cent wants to park himself in my subconscious mind today, so be it. Happy birthday to me.

Holler!

Red Hot

2012-07-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

THE PRADA MENSWEAR FALL/WINTER 2012 COLLECTION, MODELED BY GARY OLDMAN, GARRETT HEDLUND, JAMIE BELL, AND WILLEM DAFOE.

Today is the first official day of summer. Well, in the Pacific Northwest it is, anyway. We're finally going to get sunny skies and warm temperatures! Until now, it's been more hot chocolate weather than lemonade kind of days so this post shouldn't seem too out of place.

Strolling through the blogosphere, I came across these amazing images from Prada's Fall/Winter 2012 Menswear Collection over on automatism. It's very theatrical to say the least. Very Steampunk meets Russian meets English meets Moulin Rouge. And I'm all over that like syrup on a pancake. Well, once the summer is over. (Oh, and I pick up a winning lottery ticket.)

FOUND ON AUTOMATISM VIA BUZZFEED.

Get Your Sparkle On!

2012-07-04T08:27:00.001-07:00

PHOTO CREDITS: AMERICAN FLAGS BY MICHAEL LUPPINO, CHERRY BERRY PIE FROM BY JUDD PILOSOFF (BOTH FROM COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE), VANILLA-RASPBERRY SUNDAES WITH SPOON-SHAPED COOKIES, AND RED, WHITE, & BLUE PARFAITS FROM MARTHA STEWART.