lip balm, art and veggie burgers

It's after 6 p.m. and the sun is still shining.  Thank you DST.

I'm currently working on about 4 different art pieces at once.  Not something I usually do.  I'm a work-on-one-piece-at-a-time girl.  So I have nothing finished or interesting enough to post today.

But I will share with you some random stuff.  With links!

A little fact about me...I love lip balm.  Specifically Bonne Bell Lip Smackers in Strawberry.  I've been using it for years.  I know, how very grown up and sophisticated of me.  However, I have recently come to the conclusion that other than it tasting and smelling good, it doesn't hydrate my lips very well.  So I've been searching for new, more grown up lip balm.  My ideal balm is very hydrating with a touch of sheer color and shine.  I really love Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in the Rose color.  It feels really nice on your lips and the hint of color is perfect.  The only problem I have with it is that you have to reapply it constantly.  And it's a little pricey for balm.

After being bombarded with advertisements for L'Oreal Colour Riche Balm I decided to give it a try.  I got the Rose Elixar color and I have to say I really love it.  Its hydrating and has decent staying power.  The rose color is the perfect rose/pink/neutral color for me and I think it would be flattering on all skin tones.  And it has just the right amount of shine.  Plus it's only about $6.  It has a nice scent as well.  Bonus.

I have been admiring a painting on Etsy by Nancy Desmond for quite a long time and finally decided to buy it.  It's one of a series she did of abstract landscapes.  I love original art so much and to have a new piece hanging in my home brings me endless joy.  I can't wait for it to arrive.

'Curve' by Nancy Desmond

And speaking of landscapes, I bought the best calendar for 2013.  I really planned on buying a calendar from Etsy this year.  There are so many beautiful calendars to choose from and every year there are at least 5 or 6 of them that I'd love to have (like this one or this one or this one or this one or this one).  But I really like a proper wall calendar with lots of space to write on so I always end up at Barnes and Noble at their after Christmas 50% off sale trying to find a Van Gogh or Kandinsky or Miro calendar.  This year, I went really late and there was only one art related calendar left but it was so perfect and I have been loving every month.

En Plein Air by Marsha Connell

Gardenburgers.  Have you tried them?  They are my favorite of all veggie burgers and my grocery store just started carrying them.  I'm kind of obsessed with them right now.  I made them this weekend using the pan fry method, with a toasted Ezekial sprouted whole grain english muffin, a giant pile of alfalfa sprouts and a tomato slice with salt & pepper.  SO GOOD.  I'm so obviously not a food stylist but you get the idea...

Finally, I leave you with this photo of Lucy, who is apparently suffering from the hour of sleep she lost last night.  Poor fur baby.

color

When it comes to art, I like COLOR.  I want the art on my walls to add color and mood and mystery to my life.  Or happiness and cheerfulness.  Something that makes me smile every time I see it.  Or something that stops me in my tracks and causes me to wonder.

I don't know if my art causes anyone to get lost in their thoughts but I'm certain it adds a bright spot of color and cheer.  Sometimes that's all you really need.  Not everything has to have meaning and depth.  Art for art's sake.  No function.  Just art.  I'm a fan of that.

Here's some of my latest work.  Agates.  Part real, part imagined.  And full of color.  If you are interested in purchasing a piece, shoot me an email to danagrandbois at yahoo dot com.  Otherwise they will be headed to my Etsy shop in the next few days.

'Georgina' (9 x 12)

'Virginia' (9 x12)

'Rhona' (9 x 12)

'Riva' (11 x 14)

'Owly' (7 x 10)

close up

So... happy 2013.

Sorry I wasn't around to wish you that about 2 months ago.  Clearly I have not been very ambitious about blogging.  But I got a few close up photos of Lucy the other day and you know I am always motivated to share cute pictures of my cat with you.

Seriously, isn't she the sweetest?

I actually have some new artwork to share but I will save that for tomorrow.

Today we just bask in the cuteness that is Lucy.

'twas the night before christmas

"...the children were nestled all snug in their beds,

while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads..."

Merry Christmas.

love, me

a gift

Today was sort of hectic and emotional, but the sun going to bed was a gift.

And it's not even Christmas yet.

from there to here

It started with this...

I'm always looking for videos of First Aid Kit that I haven't seen.

They are officially my favorite Swedes.

Which led me here.

And I listened to this...

oh my.

More of that please.  So I went here...

And here...

And these lovely sisters' voices sang the day to the night without my even noticing.

Amazing.

painted rocks & digital snow

This past Saturday, there was a knock at my door.  The neighborhood kids were selling painted rocks.  Of course, I had to buy one.  They were only a dollar.  And, bonus, it was sticky.

They must have done well going door-to-door because on Sunday they were able to afford advertising...

p.s.

love, me