I just saw that the Northeast is about to get its first notable cold front of the season, and these oil paint on hot-pressed watercolor paper pieces by Leah Pantéa seem fitting. In her latest collection, Janus, Leah combines abstract and geometric forms to create an atmosphere I’d be happy to spend a little time in.
In my Janus collection, I am pulling forward an elaborate, colorful and detailed abstracted landscape. As a work becomes fully realized, I begin to apply a veil of white, masking most of the work that lies beneath, pushing it back into the void for which it came. In this, my work discusses the mysterious, and how we place our faith. The veil is not intended to be deceptive or create space between the unknown and us; instead it is a tool to begin a conversation. What does it take to trust stories over our immediate perceptions? Why does the story matter at all?
FashionABLE, a lifestyle brand I’ve long supported and even collaborated with on product design, is now ABLE. They’re still focused on ending generational poverty by working with women who have overcome extraordinary circumstances. And still manufacturing directly in the communities they wish to impact, both locally and globally, creating jobs, and ending the cycle of charity dependency.
ABLE just released their latest collection, right on time for all of those holiday events you’re sure to attend and chock full of perfect gifts to give too. I recently picked up a cropped sweatshirt, loafers, a backpack, and a pair of statement earrings to help round out my winter wardrobe. Most pieces are available in several colors and everything is right on trend. In fact, I might have an eye on a few more things for my Christmas list!
Chicago-based artist Pete Nawara‘s The Mirror Conspiracy makes me smile and think about how ridiculous we can each look while checking ourselves out in the mirror! Each piece includes multiples of the same person primping, maybe for a date or a job interview or just another workday. I’m really drawn to the paint-by-number quality Nawara uses, giving his subjects an energetic pop art vibe.
Tip #1 An Extra Blanket
This is one of the first things I do when preparing for guests no matter the time of year – lay an extra blanket either across the foot of the bed or over a chair. You never know at what temperature someone prefers sleeping, plus it adds a layer of coziness.
Tip #2 Bring in Flowers
One of my favorite touches, a few fresh flowers or some greenery. Set a little vase on the bedside table or dresser for a sweet surprise. Or if you know your guest(s) have allergies opt for a few silken stems in their place as a thoughtful touch.
Tip #3 Someplace to Sit
Having someplace to sit other than the bed is something to consider if you have the space – it can be a cozy armchair that can double as a reading nook or something as small as a stool.
Tip #4 A Place for Luggage
Make sure there’s a spot for luggage to rest. A bench, a stool, or a folding rack all do the trick for when guests need to dig through their bags.
Tip #5 Closet Space
If you store your off season clothing (or whatever else) in your guest room closet, make sure to clear out enough space so that your guests’ clothing won’t feel cramped. Add a few wooden hangers to make them feel like more than an afterthought.
Tip #6 Stock Up on Toiletries + Towels
Throughout the year I keep an eye out for sales on these for just this reason. Super soft Turkish towels are my favorite thing to pamper guests with, and all things travel-sized can be stored in a glass jar or box nearby for easy access.
Tip #7 Set Out Bedside Necessities
Besides making guests feel comfortable in your home, the best thing you can do is leave them wanting for nothing. Leave bottles of water and prepackaged snacks and fruit on a tray or bar cart. Water glasses and a favorite candle on the nightstand will make them think they’re at a B&B.
Tip #8 An Easy Access Outlet
Our loves involve a lot of charging these days, so make sure no one has to dig behind the bed or dresser in order to find a free outlet. All the better if they’re USB ready!
Tip #9 The Option of a Nightlight
I can sleep in nothing but near total darkness, however in an unfamiliar place it’s nice to have the option of turning on a nightlight. Have one near the door or bed in case your guests’ would like a little help walking to the bathroom at 3am.
Tip #10 Make Sure There’s a Mirror
Maybe this is vain of me, but I like to have a look in the mirror and adjust as necessary before walking out of any guest room I’m occupying. Hang one over the closet door, set one on the dresser, or use a large one as decor.
You simply can’t have a festive holiday season without including your furry friends in the celebrations. It’s not hard to guess what their favorite part of any holiday, from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Yuletide, might be — the treats. All the treats. And conveniently some of the same ingredients you use to create all kinds of holiday goodness are also healthy and delicious for your pets (hint: these yummy ideas share your fruit bowl’s bounty). Check out these three festive treat recipes for your four-pawed pals!
Minty Applesauce Dog Bones
Ingredients • 1½ C whole wheat flour
• 1 C unbleached all purpose flour
• 1½ C old fashioned rolled oats
• ⅓ C oat bran
• 2 Tbsp milk powder
• 1½ tsp dry baking yeast
• 2 Tbsp chopped spearmint leaves
• 1½ C applesauce
• 2 tsp green food coloring
• ⅞ C water
You can use either your mixer with the bread hook attachment or a bread machine. If using a mixer, combine all ingredients and combine. If using a bread machine, place everything together on the dough cycle. When ready, roll dough out to ¼-inch thick. Cut into shapes using a bone or holiday shaped cookie cutter. Bake at 250ºF for one hour, checking from 50 minutes on to make sure they don’t over bake. Allow treats to dry completely in the oven, overnight is preferable.
Apple-Peanut Butter Cat Treats
Ingredients • ½ C wheat flour
• ½ C quinoa flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ C creamy peanut butter
• ½ C unsweetened applesauce
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Stir together flours and baking soda. Combine peanut butter and applesauce and add to flour mixture. Stir until it becomes difficult, then knead dough to incorporate any remaining flour. Roll dough ¼-inch thick, then transfer to a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes then immediately transfer to cutting board. Slice into small cat-sized treats. Spread cut up treats over the cookie sheet and bake for another two minutes.
Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, freeze any remaining leftovers.
Bacon Cheddar Apple Dog Treats
Ingredients • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg
• 1 C milk
• 1 peeled and grated apple, cored
• 1½ C whole wheat flour
• 1½ C white flour
• 1½ C shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ C chopped cooked bacon
• 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together butter, olive oil, and egg. Incorporate milk and grated apple, then mix in flours until just combined. Add in most of the cheddar, bacon, and parsley, leaving some aside to top. Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth – for about 30 seconds – the roll into a ½-inch thick 10-inch circle. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar, bacon, and parsley onto the dough, gently pressing down. Cut out the treats using the shape of your choice, then place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until biscuits are a light golden brown.
This post sponsored by Rover.com. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!
I love the way illustrator and book designer Kristin Lidstrom uses color in her work. It ends up feeling like another subject, making the viewer stop and take notice of its specific presence in each of her creations.
Yesterday it was in the 70s in western Pennsylvania, but I’m still anxious to get out my winter wear! What can I say, I really look forward to layering up – especially in my embarrassingly large scarf collection. I’m not looking to add anything other than a pair of gloves this winter, but there were too many good pieces not to share. What’s your coat closet lacking?
The paintings of Federico Infante make me think of an old world artist who has time traveled to the present. He creates each piece by layering up acrylics and then scratching off bits and pieces, repeating the process again and again.
In doing this I am able to express my unconscious mind, the part of me that has not been processed by logic. I then react to this abstract and expressive atmosphere, by searching for the elements that have emerged, possibly in pockets of light, or the foundations of a landscape. In this way each painting shows me its singular identity.
