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.

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.

Embracing Autumn

I fully enjoy this time of year, Autumn. It brings a renewed palette to our eyes as well as many other changes around us. Our daily menu becomes heartier with root vegetables, soups and other nourishing meals. We change our wardrobe to cozier more snugly attire and we find ways to celebrate and be with friends and family.

Here are some of my experiences and vistas from this fall. I’d like to also see your posts on your Autumn adventures or scenery.

The view from my work-space onto the valley of Woodinville, WA framed by the Cascade mountains.

On cold mornings I’m inspired to make my family a plentiful breakfast. One of the local culinary destinations has a delicious French Bakery {ww.atthevineyard.com}. Here we found the perfect bread for making Banana Walnut French Toast.

One of my closest friends had a “Día de los Muertos” celebration. We shared music, tamales and dance.

Mostly this time of year I love the contrast from the colorful hues of leaves against the shadowy backdrop that a cooler overcast day brings.

And of course the spectrum of warm tones all round us has inspired my paintings.

Seasons

Summer in Woodinville has been filled with the splendor of the world blooming into its magnificence. Of birds busily fluttering and insects devotedly working. For me this has been a period of soaking on a beach, of walking in a field of flowers and of tasting summers harvest.

It also has been a time of growth. Of looking at the cycle of life and its curvy road.  Of seeing these upcoming undulations and looking forward to these future changes. Fall will be beautiful, with its crisp air and warm hues. Winter will bring time to rest and to gather with loved ones. Spring will splash upon us with a rebirth of color into the world and nature.  And summer will burst upon us and then cradled us with its warmth. I eagerly await tomorrow’s seasons knowing that they will bring new inspiration with varied palettes and flavors.

A Sunflower blooms in a field.

A refreshing soak in the river makes me feel alive.

Flower #1 is from a series of four paintings, when put together they make a vine that is connected and is one growing entity.