Valentine's Day Cards

Some cards I found on Etsy. Click on the image, and it will take you to the artist's Etsy store.

A "Two Loving Mice" notecard.
Pencil drawnig on paper.
Approximate size: cm.10x15 (inches 3.9x5.9).
This artwork is sprayed with a protective art fixative for protection and lasting color.

The maker of this card says:
This is a very special Valentine's Day Card. How perfect is this to give to your husband or wife! This card has a black textured card stock base, a pretty cream printed paper on one side that says "I Love You" and an iridescent red paper on the other. I have added a single heart stamp with added glitter to the one side as well. The pull out insert also is made from the same matching cars stock layered with the same papers as the card. On the top cream layer I will print out a personal of your choice. A pretty black satin ribbon is attached to pull out the insert as well.

So here it is, a 3-D depiction to your loved ones because you know you just can't help falling for them everyday like the first time.

Two darling rabbits grace the front of this sweet valentine. Printed on ivory, archival cardstock, this card measures 5 1/4 x 7 1/4 inches, is blank inside and comes with a matching envelope.

I think this one speaks for itself.

A Bath With Personality Plus

Make no mistake. The star of this bath is a furniture-like vanity, topped in Carrara marble and two square basins. Pendant lights and mismatched mirrors add sparkle and personality.

The shower has two shower heads and a shelf to place toiletries. The floor is made from chips of Carrara marble.

What do you think of that antique-style “telephone” faucet mounted on the side of the tub - instead of at the end?
Source: pointclickhome

Perfect Compliment

I found this bedroom on Coastal Living. I'm posting it for no other reason than the color scheme. I love the vivid orange with that cobalt blue. It reminds me of a Matisse.

In the master suite, mosquito netting drapes a four-poster bed in classic island fashion. The designer chose traditional French West Indies-style furnishings for the bedrooms. Walls painted sunset orange complement cobalt blue fabrics.

Dear Heart

I found this adorable watercolor painting on Etsy. It's an original by Karen Faulkner.

Bookcases Aren't Just For Books Anymore

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In our last house, we had built-in bookcases on each side of the fireplace in the family room. One of my favorite projects was dressing those shelves. That's right, dressing them. It's fun and easy to make shelves interesting by adding a variety of elements other than books.

Okay, here are some tips.

1. Empty the shelves of their contents. Now is the time to clean or paint before beginning.

2. Search your attic or other rooms for interesting objects that you may want to use. A bookcase is not only for books. You'll want to add a little sparkle with brass or glass. You can introduce form and color by using interesting objects.

3. Sort books by subject and/or size. Place them on the shelves, leaving some blank spaces for your objects. Stack some on their sides, and place some vertically.

4. Now begin to place your objects in the spaces you've left. Attractive baskets or boxes can offer convenient hiding places for extra storage.

5. Then add the sparkle with ceramics, brass, silver, family photos, etc. This will personalize your bookcase.

6. Hanging framed art on the front of the bookcase adds the unexpected.

There you have it - a beautiful focal point for your room. Give it a try. You'll be surprised by what you already have in you home that will add warmth and individuality to your shelves.
photo credit: Annie Schlechter
Photo Source: House Beautiful

How to Cut Up a Whole Chicken

Produced by Azon Juan
Food editor Ian Knauer demonstrates how to cut perfect chicken pieces every time.


Source: Gourmet Magazine

Cashew Cheese

I have a delectable recommendation for you. Chocolate & Zucchini is a food blog that showcases delicious recipes and beautiful photographs - all prepared, photographed and written by a delightful Parisian woman.

Her bio states: Chocolate & Zucchini is a blog written by Clotilde Dusoulier, a 24 25 26 27 28 29-year-old Parisian woman who lives in Montmartre and shares her passion for all things food-related -- thoughts, recipes, musings, cookbook acquisitions, quirky ingredients, nifty tools, restaurant experiences, ideas, and inspirations.

Clotilde warns that Cashew Cheese does not offer instant gratification, since the recipe requires soaking the cashews for a couple of hours and allowing the "cheese" to set for a day, but she says, "Delayed gratification is fine by me, especially when it takes such a flavorsome form."

Cashew Cheese

- 190 grams (1 1/2 cups) plain cashew nuts (not roasted or salted)
- 60 to 80 ml (1/4 to 1/3 cup) water
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice or good vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- freshly ground pepper

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Place the nuts in a salad bowl, cover with fresh water, and let stand for 2 hours.

Drain the nuts and place them in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Add 60 ml (1/4 cup) water and the rest of the ingredients, and mix until thoroughly puréed, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl every once in a while. Add a little more water and blend again to adjust the consistency, if necessary; the cheese will get a little more solid as it sets.

Transfer to a bowl, cover, and let stand somewhere cool for 24 hours before placing in the fridge, where it will keep for another 5 days.

Get the story behind the recipe here.

Adapted from Real Food Daily.