Wednesday Morning!!!

Early...Early...Early...the sky is gray and the sun slowly but surely break through...the world awakes and I am not far behind. Monster cup of Irish breakfast tea and some peanut butter toast...what more could one want? Work even seems appealing today=)

I leave you all with a compelling picture for the day! I know it only looks like some locks attached to a handrail...but there is more to this picture. This was taken on the Great Wall of China outside of Beijing. The locks were put there by couples that got married on the wall. After the ceremony they attach a lock to this part of the handrail and then they throw the key off the wall. They vow to never get divorced unless they can find the key and unlock the lock...pretty cool...eh?

Check Out the SugarCubeSociety!!!

One of my fellow Mafiosa's...the wonderful Miss Melody has started a wonderful Etsy shop...The SugarCubeSociety!!! All the beautiful merchandise in this shop had been donated by talented artists from California to the farthest streches of our shores. But that's not the best part...all the proceeds from the sales are donated (after Etsy Fee's) to JDRF(Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Click the link to find out more about this wonderful organization.

So make sure that if you are looking for some unique and beautiful items (jewelry, hats and much more) go to the SugarCubeSociety. Not only are you buying handmade...you are also donating to a great charity! The pictures you see are examples of the merchandise you can buy on the SugarCubeSociety's Etsy Page!

It Looks Kinda Like the Fountain!

It does...thats cool=)

Wednesday...Flowering Vegetables and All

Is it a flowering vegetable or a flower that we eat? I don't know...but it makes me smile really big!

What am I talking about? The mysterious and succulent, thistle that populates not only the Mediterranean but also our own Central coast...THE ARTICHOKE!!!

Yes...our lovely friend the 'choke (as those of us who know them well say)...I was lucky enough to be graced with a single flowering artichoke.

This wonder of nature made its way into my life at the Visual Impact Design on L Street in downtown Sacramento. If you have not had the pleasure of visiting this inspiring shop...then you are totally missing out. I have seen flower arrangements in my life...but this was truly flower art! I highly suggest paying them a visit if you have any need for flowers for any occasion!

Because my camera and my computer have gone from fighting to not speaking...I leave you with a representation of my flowering 'choke.

SAC CRAFT MAFIA!!!

Why am I SHOUTING? 'Cuz I am excited that I am a part of the Sacramento Craft Mafia. All of you out in crafting land "Hold on to your butts" (come on...what movie is that from? Who's with me?...free pair of earring for anyone who gets it right and comes to claim the prize at the McMartin Realty August Second Saturday Event!)

The Sac Craft Mafia is having a little makeover (just like me! Thank you Shonda and damn you camera!) We are going to be rolling out a new logo soon and a new website! In the meantime please tide yourself over with the awesome Sac Craft Mafia Blog!!!

While your at it...if your in town this weekend please check out Midnight Mass where several of my favorite Mafiosa's will be selling their wares. Stacey, Shonda and Rain will there...say hi for me!!! I wish you ladies the best of luck!

Random Australian Fountain for you Viewing Enjoyment!!!

Make Over Central...Batman Style

Well the title says it all...a makeover and a bat date. That was my weekend. A picture says a thousand words right? Well for now you will have to settle for the words. Shonda of Iginition happens to be a fabulous hair stylist. I would love to show you a picture of the magic she worked on my head!!! BUT...my camera and my computer are in a fight...so the pictures remain loyal to the camera=( I promise pictures will come soon though...because now my head is too wonderful not to share with the world!!!

P.S.- New Batman movie...cool!

Wednesday...

Here we are...another Wednesday night! The middle of the week...crazy! Just wanted to leave you with some photo's from a Sacramento "photo safari"...Have you ever been a photo safari? Most people think that such things are only for Africa or other vacations...but it is really fun to spend an hour or two walking the streets of your hometown and looking for photo's. Seeing your town from ground level gives one a new perspective and hopefully inspires the senses leading to a deeper understanding or appreciation of the everyday surroundings. Enjoy!

Second Saturday Rocks (as always!)

If you weren't roaming the street of midtown's grid last night...then...well...you plain and simply missed it!!! July's Second Saturday was one of the biggest yet! An interesting and ebullient crowd filled the streets and most of them found their way to the McMartin Realty parking lot for Park Your Art.

This wonderful and well attended event featured several artist's, crafters, and jewelry designers. Out in force were some of the lovely ladies from The Sacramento Craft Mafia, me (of course...or I wouldn't be blogging it!), Rain of Rain's Embellishments, Erika Ashley of Charming Co., and joining us as a browser and fantastic supporter was Stacey of Bouton Blue. Park Your Art was also host to Jason Branz's photography. Who is not only a very talented nature photographer, but also is my former next door neighbor.

The beautiful pictures of the Simply Strands table were taken by Amy of Peptogirl Industries, crafter and photographer extraordinaire!

P.S. Check out The Bead Fetish's Second Saturday Sale...last day!!! (till next month!)

Sunday Update!!!

Hey there wide world of Internet blog readers!!!

What a wonderful week it was!!! Happy Belated 4th of July=)

The beautiful Pizza Pie you see at the top of this post was made by my own sweet pizza chef, Jason. This is a mixed berry desert pizza and it is a wonderful treat for a hot summer night!

Here is the recipe...I recommend more sugar on the pizza and the berries and more berries than you think are sane!!!

Mixed Berry Dessert Pizza
Ingredients:
Pizza dough, as instructed4 teaspoons plus 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar¼ cup crème fraíche ¼ cup mascarpone cheese3 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream4 ounces fresh strawberries, quartered2 ounces fresh blueberries2 ounces fresh boysenberries1 ounce piece of white chocolate
Method:
Prepare pizza dough as instructed, about ten inches in diameter. Lightly pierce the pizza dough with a fork. Sprinkle with four teaspoons of the sugar. Slide onto a hot pizza stone and bake at 500˚ for five minutes or until the sugar has begun to melt. Carefully remove the pizza and add the berries in an even layer. Return to the oven and bake for an additional eight minutes or until the dough is cooked and the berries just begin to release their juices. While the pizza finishes combine the remaining two tablespoons of sugar, crème fraíche, mascarpone cheese and the heavy cream and whisk until combined. Carefully remove the pizza and let rest for about four minutes. Cover with the mascarpone mixture and garnish with shaved white chocolate. Slice and enjoy.

If you want to learn to make pizza like this check out Jason's next class!!!

Saturday, July 26th

Pizza Hors' Dourves5:00–7:00 p.m. $25, Hands-On class. Wine will be served. Must be 21 to attend.

With Jason Jonas, Whole Foods MarketPizza - Few types of food are as versatile and surprisingly simple to make. From thin to thick to deep-dish, it runs the gamut. This class will briefly explore the history, styles and adaptations, and go into the tools and ingredients necessary to make amazingly delicious pizza hors'dourves (little snack foods served before or outside of the main dishes of a meal). Participants will roll out and create their own pizza from a variety of toppings.