Month: June 2016

Getting Geared up for World Watercolor Month in July

/ Jodi / 72 Comments

world Watercolor month

 

I’m very excited to partner with my buddy, Charlie @ Doodlewash to announce July 2016 will be the first-ever annual World Watercolor Month!

I’m so proud of Charlie for making this happen!  Over 18,000 applications are submitted each year for “official days” to celebrate, and only 30 are added to the calendar.  Despite the odds, Charlie’s idea made the cut, and it is official! July is now and forever World Watercolor Month!

So what does it mean?  July will be a month to inspire people to paint with watercolor (watercolour, aquarelle) while raising awareness for the importance of art and creativity in the world.   Anyone can join in on the celebration – from master watercolorists to artists just starting out with watercolor!  You can play along via WordPress or on Facebook.  If you create a watercolor painting you’d like to share, simply tag your art with #WorldWatercolorMonth during the month of July!

And, best of all, in this first year of the celebration, you’ll be part of raising awareness for children in need of art supplies and art education around the globe!

MAKE A CHILD’S DREAM COME TRUE!

The Dream Zebra Foundation Logo - Donate art supplies to celebrate World Watercolor Month July 2016 worldwatercolor.com Research has shown that art education has a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child and has proven to help level the learning field across socioeconomic boundaries. Unfortunately, arts education programs are too often the first to be cut when cuts are necessary, so more and more children each year are missing out on the important benefits of art classes.

ara_badge
Watercolor is the #1 needed art supply! Click Here to Help!

With your help, we can reverse this trend. To make this first ever month-long global celebration of watercolor affect real change, we’ve teamed up with The Dreaming Zebra Foundation, a charity providing support so that children and young adults are given an equal opportunity to explore and develop their creativity in the arts. Click here to shop the World Watercolor Month wish list of art supplies for kids! (hosted by Dick Blick) 

The Dreaming Zebra Foundation charity for Art supplies and art education for underprivileged children
Art education has a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child.

The Dreaming Zebra Foundation is unique in that they provide an art recycling program that is free to the public. Reusable art & music supplies that would otherwise be discarded, along with new or unsold materials, are donated by individuals and businesses and matched to recipients who have requested those materials for arts education purposes in communities around the world.

Have some beginner watercolor sets you no longer use, but still have some life in them? You can also support the cause, by simply sending your reusable art supplies to:

THE DREAMING ZEBRA FOUNDATION
5331 SW MACADAM AVE., STE. 258-522
PORTLAND, OR 97239

With your help, we can raise awareness for art education worldwide and provide much needed support for kids in need. Art is an important aspect of child development and paves the way for a successful future. What would the world be without art? Together, let’s make sure we never find out!

I am personally excited to delve a little deeper with a bit more discipline into this art form that captured my heart and soul about a year ago and that I still consider myself a very new student of.  It has brought such great joy to my life – not only in the activity of creating, sharing, expressing (and even selling!), but also in the wonderful friends (like Charlie) who I have made along the way in this wonderful art journey.

I hope you will join in on the fun in any way you like – whether it be by painting and sharing, contributing, or simply by enjoying viewing what we all share at #WorldWatercolorMonth.

world-watercolor-month-july-2016-primary-logo

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

Life’s Curve Balls

/ Jodi / 58 Comments

Bridge Curve Kiskiminetas River Monochrome Black and White

Life’s Curve Balls

They often sneak up or crash in on us,
and they can try to trick us up.

but if we know how to respond,
and if we ready ourselves for them…

they can result in home runs!

Embrace life’s curve balls.

 

Father’s Day makes me think of the curve balls life can throw us,
but it also reminds me of how special life can be
if we take that swing – in a leap of faith – and give it our all.

Happy Father’s Day Dad – What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life! ❤

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Fresh Peach & Blueberry Streusel Muffins

/ Jodi / 48 Comments

fresh peach and blueberry struesel muffins

Do you know a muffin man?  One that might live on your lane?

If so, you might want to make him this yummy Fresh Peach and Blueberry Streusel Muffin recipe this weekend for Father’s Day brunch.

After all, we would be muffin without our dads – right?

fresh peach and blueberry struesel muffins 3

Silly nursery rhymes and puns aside….   I was excited to try out some new silicone muffin “pans” I got on clearance at Tuesday Morning a while back, and they did not disappoint.

No need for liners, the muffins popped right out, and clean up was SUPER easy!

The pair of baking pans I bought were slightly odd-shaped I came to find out when I tried to stand the finished little buggers up.  They are wider at the top and quite narrow at the bottom.  (They are likely shaped for some other baking delicacy, but the muffins still tasted AMAZING even though they could stand up straight on their own! Hence my inspiration for the picture to the left.)

These muffins are bursting with fresh fruit flavor and moist from the addition of creamy vanilla yogurt and milk.

And who can pass up a crumbly topping swirled with icing?!

fresh peach and blueberry struesel muffins 2

Peaches are just coming in season around our neck of the woods.  Mixing the tart burst of blueberries with the sweetness of ripe peaches is a muffin combination that is sure to make for happy tummies when you bake these for your family or friends or even just for you!

Fresh Peach and Blueberry Streusel Muffins*

Ingredients:fresh peach and blueberry struesel muffins

Muffin Batter:

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) softened butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup half and half or milk
  • 1 cup peaches, peeled chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups blueberries

Crumb Topping:

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) softened butter
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

Glaze:

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 tablespoons half and half or milk or Italian Sweet Creamer*
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray muffin pan with nonstick spray.

For muffin batter, beat butter on high speed in electric mixer until smooth, about 1 minute. Add sugars and beat on high until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, yogurt, and vanilla, scrapping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat until mixture is combined.  Add, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt and beat 30 seconds or so to combine.  Add flour and mix until well combined.  Add milk and mix until no lumps remain.

Add a teaspoon of flour to the blueberries to coat and do the same to the peaches.  This helps them to no all sink to the bottom of the batter when baking.

Fold fruit gently into batter.

For the crumb topping, combine sugars, cinnamon, and flour.  Mix in softened butter until thick and crumbly.  You can use a spoon or fork or even your fingers.

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them all the way to the top or even a little over. Divide the crumb topping among each of the muffin cups, crumbling with your hands to make some big chunks.

Bake for 5 minutes at 425, then lower temperature to 350 and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool.

Make glaze by mixing the confectioners’ sugar, milk and vanilla together. Drizzle over muffins when most of the way cool.

*slightly adapted from SpoonfulofNature

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

Fun Flowers

/ Jodi / 55 Comments

fun flowers watercolor print template Nick

I recently made this “fun flower” watercolor painting inspired by a stamp I had seen for my BFF Jill’s birthday.

Jill loves bright colors, but is not a fan of cut flowers, because when you cut them, they die.

I thought a painting of brightly colored flowers that can’t die would be a fitting gift.

I am also thinking of another BFF today –  my friend Bubby, whose father recently passed away and whose funeral we attended this week.   And then I learned of another BFF – my longest time, dearest friend, Janet, whose Dad was hospitalized yesterday.

I hope these flowers will cheer them for even a moment in their time of grief and worry.

May these flowers brighten your day in some small way.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

#naturedoodlewash

Wisdom in the Wind

/ Jodi / 66 Comments
wind in acrylics

Abstract Wind in Acrylic – 6×6

Wisdom in the Wind

Wherever you go…
carry seeds that spread and plant joy and beauty.

Recognize that some seasons call for soft and gentle whispers…
while others call us to blow strong and loud and bold.

And the same breath that creates a cool and gentle breeze
can also fuel a fire.

Realize that adjusting your sails
will allow you to sail smoothly and dance freely.

And when you aren’t sure what the question is,
consider that the answer just might be blowing in the wind.

This is my third and final in the series of Lessons from Nature.
It follows Reflections from the River, and Truths from the Tree.

The “art” above is my first attempt with Acrylic Paints after about a year of watercolor adventures.  I am still learning to master watercolor, and it is still my first love, but I’ve been itching to try Acrylic after seeing so much beauty created by other artist friends and the encouragement of Laura at CreateArtEveryday.    For this piece, I simply wanted to feel the paint and see how it moved, so I decided to create “Wind.”  It is done on a 6×6″ Aquaboard, and the beauty of that is, I can just wash it off and create something else over it.  I must admit, it was fun to be able to “over”work with acrylic paint and even add white!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

#NatureDoodlewash

Truths from the Tree

/ Jodi / 52 Comments
truth from trees nature lessons maple tree mars pa

Maple Tree, Mars, PA

Truths from the Tree

Stand tall and proud,
and reach for the sunlight.

Grow deep roots where you are planted,
and you will be braced and secure from threatening winds.

When those winds do blow,
bend and be flexible, and you will survive.

Stretch out your arms far and wide,
and welcome those that rest in your shade.

Delight in sharing with nature’s creatures
with nests and burrows and nourishment.

When your life is over,
give back to what gave life to you.

This is in follow-up to yesterday’s post – Reflections from the River – and a continuation in Lessons from Nature.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Pure

Reflections from the River

/ Jodi / 60 Comments
Kiskiminetas River lifeinbetween.me

Kiskiminetas River, Pittsburgh, PA

Reflections from the River

Still water grows stagnant…
keep moving.

Enjoy the journey…
it’s not always about the destination.

A single rock thrown…
can cause a ripple effect far beyond its initial target.

Sometimes what is reflected back from us…
is bigger and better than we are – so shine on.

It is hard work to traverse against the current…
but it is possible, and it is often worth it.

Hubby and I took a little boat ride Friday evening down the Kiskiminetas River – a peaceful little body of water that flows into the Allegheny River near Pittsburgh, PA.   With the sweet scent of honeysuckle still in my nose, I’ve been reflecting on the many lessons we can learn from the river.  Nature has so much to teach us if only we take the time to listen.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Pure

Cream Puff Cloud

/ Jodi / 62 Comments

cream puff cloud coconute cream recipe 2

This heavenly cream puff cloud dessert has been a family favorite for a long time.

My sweet father-in-law used to request it every year for his birthday, and Hubby loves it too!

So when we had my Dad and Mom II over yesterday to celebrate Dad’s birthday, I made this special dessert that I made the first time we celebrated Dad’s birthday together (again) six years ago when we reunited.

Cream Puff Cloud Coconut Cream slice recipe

Dad loves coconut cream just like Hubby does and Pap did, so this is something I love making for my special guys.

Dad ate his first piece, and then asked for a second “little” slice.  He sure knows the way to my heart! 

And if you are not a coconut cream fan, this cream puff cloud DELIGHT is wonderful in a French Vanilla or Chocolate version too!

It is light, simple, and amazingly delightful!

cream puff cloud coconute cream recipe

Years ago, when my boys were young and I was a stay-at-home mom, I sold Pampered Chef kitchen tools as a little side job that got me out a bit, helped me make some extra money for the family, and provided Hubby and I with some amazing FREE trips that I earned for achieving sales bonus levels!  This was one of the recipes I made at cooking shows I did in people’s homes, and it was ALWAYS a huge hit.

I hope you will add this recipe to your collection of “special occasion desserts.”  It is so wonderful to have recipes that are easy, but delicious and impressive.

Happy Birthday Dad!  It was so wonderful to celebrate with you.  I love you!

Cream Puff Cloud

Ingredients:Cream Puff Cloud Coconut Cream slice recipe

  • Cream Puff Shell
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
    • 1 cup flour
    • 4 eggs
  • Filling
    • 1 small package Instant Coconut Cream Pie Filling (or French Vanilla or Chocolate or your Fave!)
    • 1 1/2 cups Milk (any kind you prefer from Skim to Half and Half)
    • 1 12 oz. Cool Whip
  • Garnish
    • Toasted Coconut – for Coconut Cream Pie Filling
    • Fresh Strawberries and/or shaved chocolate for French Vanilla Pie Filling
    • Shaved Chocolate for Chocolate Pie Filling

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

For Puff Pastry Shell:  Microwave or boil water and butter.  Once boiling, remove from heat and add flour.  Stir until batter comes away from sides of bowl/pan.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating with whisk until batter looses shine.

Spray a Deep Dish Baker or 10 inch quiche pan with Pam cooking spray.  Spread batter on bottom of pan and slightly up sides.  Bake for 20-30 minutes.  Shell will puff up and then shrink back when cooled.

Cool completely.

For filling, combine pudding and milk in large bowl, and chill to set.  Fold in 3/4 of the Cool Whip.  For coconut cream version, I also add 1/2 cup toasted coconut.  For chocolate, I add a 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks.

When shell is cooled, pour filling into shell.  Garnish with remaining cool whip and any additional garnishes you prefer.  Chill until serving.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Life and Hope

/ Jodi / 64 Comments

Lane

My son snagged this amazing shot with his iPhone down the lane to our home one evening this week when the clouds were rolling in.

I love the beauty of the lush green “life,” the bright blue sky of “hope,” and the looming “sadness’ in the darkness under the puffy white clouds.

It reminded me of a dear friend who has been on my mind constantly lately who is going through a difficult period while she tends to her parents’ needs at her father’s journey at end of life.

It made me think of life and hope and sadness and how we all deal with all of it every day – –  often every moment of the day.

The lyrics of one of my all-time favorite songs came to mind, and I want to share them here for my sweet friend, Bub:

If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep you head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you’ll hear me knocking at you door
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come running to see you again

 

May we all find cherished moments of life and hope in times of darkness and sadness.
And may we all find comfort in friendship to get us through.

We may not be close enough in geographic proximity to literally always show up and knock on the door, but we can reach out in so many other ways to be there for each other.

Be life and hope in someone’s darkness today.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Bloody Mary Beef Pot Roast

/ Jodi / 50 Comments

bloody mary beef pot roast 1

Last weekend was unseasonably rainy and chilly here in Mars, so comfort food was in order for Sunday supper.

I had recently read a recipe KR posted on AnotherFoodieBlogger for Bloody Mary Beef Stew and was inspired to use up a bottle of Bloody Mary Mix I had in the fridge that I bought on a whim a while back when in the mood for that particular cocktail I only hanker for occasionally.

bloody mary beef pot roast

Here is what I came up with, and it was a definite HIT with my guys here.  Served with some homemade mashed potatoes (which I haven’t made in forever) just sealed the deal.  Enjoy!

Bloody Mary Beef Pot Roast

Ingredients:bloody mary beef pot roast 1

  • 2 1/2 – 3 lb. beef chuck roast
  • 2 cups bloody mary mix (your favorite)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • A shot of two of vodka (or not – whatever you like)
  • 1 head (or bunch) celery, chopped, including some of the leaves
  • 1 large sweet vidalia onion, chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
  • 1 Tbsp horseradish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

In a large skillet, saute celery, onion, and garlic (the heavenly trinity!) in olive oil for a few minutes until softened and turning translucent.  Add salt and pepper to taste, rosemary, and horseradish, and continue sauteing for a few more minutes until you start to get some little brown bits.

Make room for the beef roast in the center and brown on both sides along with the veggies.  Once the meat is browned, pour all into crockpot.

Combine bloody mary mix, water, and vodka and pour over all.  Cook on high for approximately 6 hours or until beef begins to fall apart with the touch of a fork.  Break apart and stir shredded meat into sauce.  Cook on low another hour if time allows.

Serve with mashed potatoes and a salad or vegetable side dish.  It also tastes yummy on buns as a sandwich (which we had the next day).

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi