The Gift

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, the 22nd and 23rd, were awful. I was just losing the battle of keeping things clean and organized to what became the move from heck. I had to grind all projects to a halt, everything had to take a break so I could move.
Sometimes in the middle of the "awful" there is a little glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. I had received a package in which I didn`t immediately recognize the sender. I didn`t open it right away because I was trying to pack. When I had a moment, I opened it only to find it was a precious bracelet from Dior Couture.

Working with this company is just surreal. I felt the whole time like I was being inducted in the Hall of  Art History. My mind just started flying 75 years into the future when the only thing left of me would be my drawings and books would be published on the artwork this brand inspired. I became aware of the part I have in this legacy. Yep, choking, teary...




Yep it looks great!!
I can honestly say that each year, my life gets better and better. I am blessed in so many ways. Even the seemingly "bad experiences" have led the way to new and happier times. I don`t regret a thing.

I never make resolutions. They set you up for disappointment. I make goals. Even the word implies you will have to put some effort into it. I am baggage free and the friends who has stuck by me are my true friends. Thank you!! 2010 is going to be great! Expect greatness!

Pleasures of the Glass-Party Recipes from a Domestic Diva

I love retro! Did I ever say that?? Because I LOVE retro. The other day I was thinking what kind of hors d'oeuvre one would serve at a retro, 1950`s chic party. So I pulled my old recipe books only to find I will need a contraption called a toaster over. Does anyone know what the heck that is?

Just kidding-I have one. However these recipes could be "made" in a regular oven. There are very interesting because they require bacon, cheese and a cracker and toasting them. I imagine they must have been yummy. Here are some recipes for those of you who would like to try them!

 Shrimp Remoulade
In a Bowl, place 1 cup of mayo with 1tsp of mustard and a 1 tsp of minced Gherkins, capers, parsley, chives. Add 1/2 minced clove of garlic and 1/2 tsp anchovy paste. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix. This is enough sauce for 2 lbs. of shrimp. Keep refrigerated. Serve sauce, chilled in a bowl surrounded by icy cold shrimp,
with a tooth pick in the middle.

Broiled Weines
Broil in your toaster oven very small sausages. Serve hot on toothpicks with a little dab of mustard.

Parmesan Toasts
Mix Parmesan cheese with cream cheese. Spread on toast squares or crackers. Then bake. Serve hot.

Cheese Potato Chips
Sprinkle potato chips with grated cheese. Broil slightly to melt cheese. Serve promptly.

Wheels Du Fromage
Mix 1 1/2 lb. of dry pot cheese, 1 beaten egg, 4 tbs. caraway seed, 1tbs. of sugar and 4tbs.of melted butter. Blend  and form into balls. Bake cheese balls in a medium oven 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Chill. Serve cold, jabbing each morsel with a pretzel stick.


DRY POT CHEESE (Pot cheese is a type of soft, crumbly, unaged cheese. It is very simple to make and it is also highly versatile, making it a popular cheese through the ages. Pot cheese can sometimes be difficult to find in the store, unfortunately. Dairies and specialty stores may be able to provide it, and cooks can also try their hand at making pot cheese at home. The fundamental recipe can also be used to make farmer cheese, and it can be tweaked with additional seasonings like fresh herbs to make flavored cheese.) Ex cert from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-pot-cheese.htm


Salami Savories
Mix one can of condensed celery soup with cream cheese until creamy. Add finely chopped hard salami. Spread over toast squares. Heat in toaster over or broiler until browned.

Polka Dots
Combine mashed anchovies, mashed hard boiled egg yolks and Parmesan cheese. Add 1 tsp. of milk cream to moisten into a paste. add a dash of cayenne pepper and spread on crackers. DON`T THROW OUT THE WHITES! You will use them in the next recipe.

Ham & Eggs
Cut Hard boiled eggs lengthwise in half and remove yolks. Fill whites with finely ground ham, that has been mixed with mayo. Arrange on a platter and serve with crackers. Blend yolks with  mayonnaise, pepper to taste, and spread over boiled egg whites or crackers.

Cheese Franks
Partly split cocktail franks. Fill opening with strips of cheese. Wrap with half-strip of uncooked bacon. Broil until bacon until crisp.

Chive Balls
Mix equal parts of grated swiss cheese and minced ham.Add one egg yolk, mustard and salt. Roll in minced chives. Form into small balls and serve with toothpicks.

Want more? Check out Pleasures in Glas Calendar for more fun food and cocktail recipes.


Letterpress Business Cards... Mine!

I was feeling needy, so I indulged in some pretty business cards. Wanted too? Visit www.RougePress.Etsy.com and enjoy!!

The Nightmare is Over

I never ponder on the amount of things I have. Mostly because they were never in boxes waiting in the living room to be loaded to a truck.What should have taken just a day,
took 3 whole days to move. Non stop. I actually slept at night!
Working at a desk all day really does qualify as sedentary lifestyle. As much as I work out nothing can prepare you to moving boxes, furniture and appliances that haven`t been moved since Bush was in office. Really there was that much dust living there?
Because the move took so long, My definition of home suddenly disappeared and I became homeless, even with a roof over my head. Gosh that is an awful word. By this Saturday, everything was moved and we could "live" in our new home.
 All the boxes and stuff out of place was just maddening. Lastly, I never realize how much comfort one can derive from seeing the same messy desk drawer you had in your old place, now in your new place. Yep I am home!!

Messy Junky Desk Drawer

Getting a New Studio


I have a really good excuse for not blogging... I am moving to a new studio and a new house. I am very excited and exhausted with the move, but I am expecting a smooth transition to my new location. Stay tuned, pictures are coming!

Here is more!

More cute letter pressed stuff. I have been using 220 Crane Lettra which makes very deep impressions and beautiful art.
Enjoy!
You can find these at http://rougepress.etsy.com


Been So Long...

I really didn`t mean to get so busy, plus I have wicked writer`s block... But I have been Letterpressing! I am very excited to be putting my efforts on this form of art. Enjoy some of my original designs. They are on sale at my etsy store at http://elainebiss.etsy.com. I do plan to open a store just for my letterpress so stay tuned!

 

Fashionable Stationery & Gifts