Mulled Wine

Autumn is here! With these cooler days there are many things to look forward to. I for example love the tones of plums, reds and rusty browns that surround us in nature and our wardrobes during this time of year. Another favorite of a brisk cool day is the fireplace, there is nothing better than cuddling up in front of it while unwinding from the day’s events. Lastly, I love a warm glass of Mulled Wine. It’s easy to make, you can enjoy it by yourself or impress others by making it while hosting a dinner.

Mulled Wine recipe, Brass Cheetah Bottle stopper & Coasters at Sur Design Studio.

Recipe;

4 cups apple cider

1 bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon works)

1/4 cup honey

2 cinnamon sticks

1 orange zest and juice

4 whole cloves

2 star anise

4 orange peels (garnish)

Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large pot, bring to a boil. Then lower and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs and add orange peel as garnish and viola.

Check out the animal Brass Bottle Stoppers at Sur Design Studio.

Big announcement!

I have a big announcement! I’ve launched a small online boutique called www.SurDesignStudio.com.

As you all know I’m a big fan of art, fashion and life’s beauty. With www.SurDesignStudio.com I bring you some of that beauty by offering you pieces carefully found such as jewelry, scarves, handbags  and other accessories as well as home decoration from local and international artists.

I am also proud to announce that these unique pieces are ethically made by these artist and artisans.

Here is a peek of what you’ll find at the studio;

Flat Cube Necklace at Sur Design Studio

Flat Cube Necklace made by El Dorado Pre-Colombian Jewels a family owned business in Bogota, Colombia. Find simple elegance with this necklace.

Sage, green & beige poncho at Sur Design Studio

This wool poncho is hand woven and dyed. Take a walk in our Pacific Northwest with this great layer for these cooler Autumn days.

  

Khaki Clutch at Sur Design Studio

From Kenya a fair trade Khaki clutch. Dress up in fall hues with this clutch and go out with the girls to one of favorite spots such as Bastilles in Seattle.  

Go check out The Studio and tell me what you think. Maybe even do a little shopping while you’re at it. 😉

Delights and creations

Seagull Flight by Alex Mendez.

The days have passed and somehow I’ve managed to keep busy with many projects at home and with a business endeavor in the works. Some of these projects involve the kitchen and delicious food concoctions, others involve sitting at a desk with canvas and paint. One project in particular is an online boutique that I am close to launching. This last project has captured most of my time and heart. It’s been something I’ve talked and dreamed about having for years and soon I’ll have the opportunity to share with you. Meanwhile here is a visual snippet of those other projects, the  sweet delights and imaginary creations that have enraptured me. Plus an outing to relish the day. This was a little escape to a dock, to enjoy the Northwest Sound.

The Vista on the Sound by Alex Mendez, Des Moines, WA.

I find Ina Garten’s recipes delicious and easy to make at home.  This Summer Fruit Crostata was fun to bake and eat. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

Summer Fruit Crostata, part one, by Alex Mendez.

Summer Fruit Crostata, Part two by Alex Mendez

You can find her recipe in this book that I own and love, Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You’ll Make Over and Over Again or http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/summer-fruit-crostata-recipe/index.html.

Trees Pink Background, by Alex Mendez

And lastly some of my time has been invested in painting and creating. This painting has soft subtle hues of metallic pink tones in the background. Using mixed media, collage and India ink, I’ve been experimenting, enjoying the process and outcome and finding more balance to my compositions.

The beauty of routine.

The year, for me, started with many personal ups and downs. As we are almost entering the third month of 2013, I finally feel the dust settling at my heels and find myself looking forward to routine.

The simplicity of a walk in my neighborhood.

Bright red berries contrasting against blue skies, Woodinville, Washington.

The joy of spending time in the kitchen pouring over new recipes and concoctions.

Baking a blueberry crumb cake.

The thrill of exploring my home city and rediscovering hidden and the not so hidden corners.

Pike Place Market, the alley, gum and creativity, Seattle, Washington.

Or taking a moment for lounging by the fireplace.

Reflection of a lazy day.

Winter memories

The cold has crept in. Yet certain everyday events  distract and keep my spirit warm. Watching the last leaves flutter off the trees mesmerize my view. Gearing up for the holiday festivities expand my imagination of shimmering celebration nights. Stopping to indulge at good eateries soothes my core. These are what the crisp cooler days of winter offer to warm my heart. What fond memories has this season brought you thus far?

Stunning bright tones of the last leaves shedding off this tree.

Festive decoration and ideas for the holidays sprout out and fill the days.

Le Grand Bistro Americain, in Kirkland, Washington filled my belly with savory food and fueled my soul. http://www.bistrolegrand.com/

Time to paint; always a must.

These are my favorite, four little paintings to make the whole.

Invisible links

While working on a composition I take a great effort in finding a flow and a connection to create a balanced image.

It’s curious that this is reflected in our daily lives with the people around us. That when taking the time to nurture relationships, I, for one, feel more balanced and happier.  These invisible links with our friends, our family and those around us, that are so essential because they in return, influence us and help create the composition and flow of our own lives.

So no matter where we find ourselves, whether by a lake or on a bridge in distant city, let’s remember to cultivate our connections in order to paint the canvas of our lives into what we want.

Padlocks on the Puente Isabelle II (Trianan Bridge) in Seville, Spain. A tradition where lovers fasten locks and then throw the key into the Guadalquivir river.

There are times we have those unique connections right in front of us. Like a shared moment on a lake. (Green Lake, Washington)

And other times those connections can be found in the most peculiar of places.

Metallics

India Ink and Metallics.

Perhaps because of the cooler weather and upcoming festivities such as Halloween and those that follow it, I find myself submerged (warmly indoors) in hours of painting and once more playing with a  kaleidoscope of colors in my art, including metallic tones.

This lead my mind to the Experience Music Project.  A building designed by Frank Gehry and often referred to as a mashed up guitar. Although the beauty of this building is at times questioned in the media; I, on the other hand, found myself lost in a sea of metallic fascination.  My eyes and camera danced in delight scanning its many curves and psychedelic reflections.  Very appropriate for a building that pays homage to Jimi Hendrix and other Rock ‘n’ Roll icons plus houses the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame.

There are times for cool and muted and there are times for bright and metallic. During these days, with the chilling climate outside, let yourself be warm and bright on the inside.

Swells of reflecting structure.

Copper and gold waves undulate at the Experience Music Project.

With one line or one strum, just like the stroking of a brush, create part of a whole sinuous composition.

Melange of Color

 

My visit to the Dale Chihuly exhibit in Seattle Center, Garden and Glass, was full of shimmering glass and dripping color. I think my head almost spun off my body while taking in this exhibit. For this post few words, more images. Go see it!

The Space Needle.

 

A tangled mix of nature and glass.

 

The girl with blue dress.

 

Splashes of color.

A mélange of color, intricacy and imagination swam in my thoughts.