November 30, 2010

Ta-Da!

I was thrilled to get the Christmas tree up. I thoroughly enjoyed the process as I watched a movie and took my time. Amber and I went to a class a year ago; the "teacher" was a florist who also was paid to decorate trees for businesses and in people's homes. She had quite a few good tips, but mainly it was all about the lights--you have to make sure your lights go all the way to the middle or inside of the tree.

I took several pictures of the tree, utilizing my tripod and playing with the exposure settings. My playtime was not quite as adventurous as
Andrew's, but this was my favorite shot, as it shows the glow from the integrated lights quite accurately.

800 ISO f5.0 1/4

November 27, 2010

My kitchen helper

Well, Thanksgiving is officially over. We had our fifth, and last, gathering last night. I needed to make the family macaroni and cheese casserole as soon as I got home from work in order to make it on time to Fremont.

Ben had the day off and prepared the kitchen for me so I was all ready to go as soon as I walked in the door:

November 26, 2010

My purse camera

Random, yes, but that is why I bought my "purse camera." So I can always have it on hand if I see something that catches my eye; inspires me; and has the potential to be a reference for some later design or project.



Lampshade and chair in the lobby at Nye Legacy, Fremont, NE

November 24, 2010

So remember the project that was going to help spur my creativity and force me to produce more work? Sadly, still just good intentions. I've only managed to doodle here and there. Here's to better accountability!

November 22, 2010

It's beginning to look a little like Christmas...


All of us ladies were pretty inspired after seeing the Crook House Museum decorated for the holidays. Jan, Irma and I had to visit Hobby Lobby after the Tea so Jan could find some tassels and medallions. I had already purchased the pearl/gold sprays there earlier in the week (50% off!).


So, yes, I still have Thanksgiving/Fall decorations up...but I wanted to get a little bit of a head start on some of the Christmas festivities. What can I say? I was inspired!


November 17, 2010

More of Fall...it's not Winter yet!

Here is my "Organic" punchbowl and two of the cups. I made these a few years ago, and in September they were in a show featuring work of current students and alumni of Midland. I was unable to see them on display, along with my glass "Freezeframe" sculptures--but now the ceramic pieces help decorate our living room. They fit with the earthy, natural tones of the living room and, of course, Fall!

November 16, 2010

Time for comfort food

Ugh. It is supposed to snow tonight/tomorrow. Good thing I have new recipes to try out for the crock pot! I took a last minute photo on my lunch break with my purse camera:


Pumpkin bisque--it smelled so delicious when I came home from work! It needs a little bit of a kick, though. A co-worker suggested rotisserie chicken, and I think I might add some chili powder or peppers to give it some more flavor next time.

November 14, 2010

More fall elements

I know several people who have set up their Christmas trees already, but I do have a few fall decorations I want to enjoy first. Most of them are decorate our dining room. I love rich browns, reds and other deep colors; they also happen to be perfect colors for fall!

The first turkey and the pumpkin element were part of the "loot" I found at our last trip to Tender Heart Treasures.

I stocked up on tea last week, when I thought I was getting sick. I love having all different flavors for whatever mood I am in. Sipping hot tea during dreary and snowy weather can make for a cozier fall/winter.

November 6, 2010

Because I want dinner ready when I get home

I am adjusting to my new hours. I miss my alternating days in Fremont, where I could have some mornings and some afternoons free during the week. I decided utilizing our crock pot more would be a good way to save time on cooking after getting home from work. Here is the first pot roast:


It was quite delicious. Ben even liked the carrots! I thought the meat was a little dry, but it had to cook longer than required because I had a meeting after work. I used a can of beer, but next time I will make sure to have a can of soup on hand.