Gifts from the Garden

Cherry and Lemon Boy Tomatoes
Crookneck Squash
Edible Nasturtium
Rainbow Chard
Not sure if I would categorize this little booger as a "gift" since he's been chomping on my parsley...but he was still pretty!

There is nothing more satisfying than eating the fruits of your labor. Not to mention, the flavor and taste is truly amazing!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Bathing Beauties

With Summer in full swing and the heat causing my bangs to frizz and my brow to glow, I feel the need to go grab my swim cap and take a cool plunge!
Images via Modern Marie and Vogue 1955
Who knew swim caps could look so cute! I just love the fashions and glamour associated with the vintage bathing beauties pictured above.

Water ballet, otherwise know as synchronized swimming has become a popular modern workout which combines strength, grace, breath control and of course fashion.
Photo via Glamoursplash
Synchronized swimming first came to the stage in Berlin, Germany in 1891, but it wasn't until 1933 when the World Exhibition in Chicago showcased "The Modern Mermaids," an elaborately staged underwater performance.

In the 40's and 50's these performances gained popularity in Hollywood films with the appeal of Esther Williams, a competitive swimmer and movie star. The clip above combines amazing orchestration, stunning costumes, athletics, and of course Esther's special swimming talent combined with the ability to smile underwater with her eyes open, I'm impressed!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Paradise Found

Yesterday evening I was skipping down the paths at the Denver Botanical Gardens. I'm almost 30, but nothing excites me like a small child more than being surrounded by beautiful gardens, lush plantings, overflowing fountains and humming bees.
I was in paradise. Every where I turned were signs of nature's perfect design; ribs of Swiss Chard that looked like they were painted with vibrant watercolors, sweet layered domes of cabbage leaves, and some of my favorite things in the whole wide world, blooming hens and chicks!

We were able to visit the gardens at dusk and were treated with the most beautiful sunset and flowers that echoed the colors of the sun's final glow. Currently the gardens are showcasing a Henry Moore exhibit of twenty different sculptures. I couldn't think of a Moore perfect place to display such elegant pieces and enjoy a perfect summer evening!
Jessie, via Denver, CO

new-classic

My library covets the Penguin Classics hardcover series redesign by Coralie Beckford-Smith:

(photos courtesy of jessie abrams baca and anthropologie)

[We went into the house by a side door - the great front entrance had two chains across it outside - and the first thing I noticed was, that the passages were all dark, and that she had left a candle burning there. She took it up, and we went through more passages and up a staircase, and still it was all dark, and only the candle lighted us.

At last we came to the door of a room, and she said, "Go in."

I answered, more in shyness than politeness, "After you, miss."

To this, she returned: "Don't be ridiculous, boy; I am not going in." And scornfully walked away, and - what was worse - took the candle with her.]

-Great Expectations, Charles Dickens, pg 57, young Pip meets the ever-daunting Estella

-Cameron: Santa Fe, NM

Mr. Boo and Miss Nikoniko

Images from the talented Sayaka Minemura

Glad to know that making funny faces with you food can be so beautiful...and that I'm not the only adult that still does it!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Summertime Recipe: Watermelon Gazpacho

Picking the perfect watermelon can be a crapshoot. I've heard to look for bee stings, minimal yellowing, heavy ones, round ones....
I tend to give mine good slap and listen for a nice hollow sound. It is quite the scene to see me in the market slapping up all the melons. Well this last time, I hit a winner! It was so good I could hardly stop eating it while I was cutting it into big fat wedges.
Of course it is always a wonder what to do if you get a mediocre watermelon. You don't want to eat it, or pawn it off on your BBQ guests, but I think I have found the solution: WATERMELON GAZPACHO. Holy molars, this recipe is a dinger! The magic of watermelon marrying a salty and flavorful mess of a little spice, fresh herbs, garlic and veggies, wooo! If you're in to cold soups, this is perfect for appetizers for a BBQ or even lunch on a hot summer day. I like to sip mine in Moroccan tea glasses for an added touch of flair!
The Recipe:
8 c. Coarsely chopped watermelon (which only is about 1/4 of a big ol' melon!)
1 Large tomato, diced
1/2 Cucumber, peeled and diced
1/2 Small purple onion, diced
1 Clove garlic, minced (I did two because I like to sweat garlic...and note, it gets garlicier the more it sits)
2 Tbs. Cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 c. Extra virgin olive oil
1/3 c. Tomato juice (like V8)
1/3 c. Water
1/4 c. Sherry Vinegar
2 Tbs Lemon juice (I used limes which worked just fine)
1/2 tsp. Cayenne (a little went a long way and had quite the kick!)
Salt to taste

Directions:
Mix together in a food processor or use an immersion blender, careful not to splatter! The amount you blend will be determined by how fine you want your chunks. I like a bit to chew on so I just did a quick blend.
Chill before serving.
I recommend preparing this a day before you serve it as the flavors tend to come alive after marinating for a bit!
Num, Num, Num!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Friday Freebie!

Strawberries must be on the brain because I was surfing around the ol' net and came upon these sweet, little vintage inspired tags on one of my favorite blogs, A Field Journal.Photo Olivia Kanaley via A Field Journal
Ms. Liz made beautiful sticky tags to go on her jam, but if you're feeling like a lazy crafter...as I sometimes do...go ahead and download these, easy to print, easy to cut, easy to impress tags, for free! Click right here, Friday is a great day for freebies!

-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM