"Inspire Your Heart With Art Day"

Well today is the final day of the Ultimate Blog Challenge. Of course that does not mean that it is the end of my blog, it just means that I made it an entire month with 31 blogs. YEAH!!! This was a challenge for me, but I feel that I have created a habit. I'm confident that I will continue to consistently blog. I've enjoyed this journey and hope that you will continue to find inspiration in my blogs.

On another note, today is "Inspire Your Heart With Art Day." So in honor of this wonderful day I thought I'd share with you my last Hipstamatic photo for this month. It was purely accidental when taking this photograph to actually capture the image of a heart. I'm a total sucker for clouds. I have a goal to one day be able to capture that feeling in a painting. Until then I will stick with my photographs. May this photograph "inspire your heart" today.

Photo: (Lens: Lucifer VI, Film: Ina's 1935, no flash)

Hugs,
Jenni

It's Recipe Day! Enjoy this fresh warm bread...

I have been a baking machine. Today I woke up to a fresh fruit and vegetable delivery. It definitely got me in the mood for some vegetable soup with homemade bread. So the search began for a new bread recipe that I have not yet tried. While looking through my books I found the following recipe. I hope you enjoy it!

Amish White Bread

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water
1/3 cup sugar
1 3/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package)
2 tablespoons canola oil, plus more as needed
3 cups bread flour
3/4 teaspoon plus 1 pinch kosher salt
1 egg
1 tablespoon water

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.
2. Add 2 tablespoons oil and 1 cup flour; stir to combine. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and remaining flour. Stir to combine. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 8 - 10 minutes. Return to bowl, oil the top, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Rise at room temperature until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
3. Coat a 9" x 5" loaf pan with pan spray, and line the bottom and short sides with a strip of parchment. Turn risen dough onto a floured surface and shape into an oblong loaf. Place into the prepared pan seam-side down and set aside to proof for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350*F.
4. Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water and a pinch of salt,and brush lightly onto the surface of the risen loaf. Bake until golden brown and hollow sounding, about 30 - 40 minutes. Cool 10 minutes, remove from pan, and cool completely on a rack.

So go ahead and give this delicious recipe a try. Then let me know what you think.

**This recipe is courtesy of "The Modern-Day Pioneer: Simple Living in the 21st Century" by Charlotte Denholtz.

Hugs,
Jenni

Recreating History

Normally, my weekends, and some of my weekdays, are filled with lazy mornings. Recently, Christopher and I went to Solvang and while there we purchased the small coffee grinder you see in the above photo on the right. I bought it with the intention of using it on my camping trips that I don't have power so that I could have freshly ground coffee beans. While I was there I shared a story with Christopher. I remembered my mom and dad using a larger coffee grinder that I would love to have, but I wouldn't ask for it.

Well mom saw my new little purchase and said she had one. I told her that I remembered it well. She offered it to me. Of course I said "yes!" When she gave it to me she told me a story of how years ago she and my dad were in Solvang. They saw this coffee grinder in one of the quaint shops and my dad bought it for her (the grinder on the left in the above photo). The story brought tears to my eyes. Without even knowing it, Christopher and I had recreated this same story. I now have both coffee grinders, and on those lazy mornings I pull one out and use it proudly.

Do you have any family treasure that has been passed down? Do you have something with a great story behind it? I'd love to hear about it.

Photo: (Lens: Foxy, Film: Sugar, no flash)

Hugs,
Jenni

Artful Monday Musings

When I was a little girl my mom bought me a lot of the Serendipity Series books, the first one being, "Leo the Lop." They were written by Stephen Cosgrove and illustrated by Robin James. These books were and still are my all time favorite books. Each one tells a fantastic moral tale, and the illustrations are breathtaking. I went through school telling everyone that I was going to be a children's book illustrator because I was so inspired by these books. Although I'm not an illustrator of children's books, I am an artist and I often think back to the Serendipity Series for inspiration. I would give just about anything to own a copy of every book in this series. So today I will leave you with the moral of the story from "Leo the Lop:"

"You're special because you're you."

Hugs,
Jenni

Who Is This Man?

Today I had the pleasure of spending time with my family. My mom had my brother, sister and me go through some of my dad's things. It's always tough to reminisce about a deceased love one. However, we always seem to turn it into a little bit of fun. This time there were a few of my grandpa's hats in the mix. They brought about hoots of laughter. In this case my brother put them all on to model them for us, including the one in the above photo (which may be my grandpa's, or my dad's, hat since they were both "Jess"). I took the opportunity to photograph it with an old time feel (Lens: Tinto 1884, Film: D-Type Plate, no flash). My brother's rugged looks add to the authenticity of old photos.

I know family time isn't always rosey, but what do you do for fun with your family? I'd love to hear all about it.

Hugs,
Jenni

City Girl

One of the drawbacks to growing up and living in Southern California is that you are a city girl. Here we expect electricity, gas, and running water. We also look for ways to make the simplest of things complicated.

Recently, I was in Solvang with Christopher. While shopping in quaint little stores I came across this incredible container. It actually keeps your butter soft and fresh for up to 30 days. Now I'm sure that if I lived in the south I would know all about this. However, being a city girl looking back to her family's country roots, I was unaware. Today, we city folk look to make butter soft by adding oil and charging more money at the market. Who knew that you could let butter soften all on its own, put it into this porcelain container, add a little cold water, and have fresh softened butter that doesn't need to be refrigerated? What a concept!

If you have any experience with this or other great ideas for staying as close to organic as possible I'd love to hear about it.

Photo: (Lens: Loftus, Film: DC, no flash)

Hugs,
Jenni

OMG, Mason jars??? What???

Christopher and I love to explore new places to hang out. Last night we went to Center Street Promenade in Anaheim to see my sisters-in-law play a little ukulele. While in the neighborhood, we discovered a little place with $1.00 Taco Thursday. It was in this great little hipster area. The tables were decorated with mason jar vases. OMG! My favorite thing... mason jars!!! Inside the jars were rocks. There was a hole in the lid with a flower sticking out. What a great vase idea! I will soon be using this idea in my own kitchen decor. I can't wait! I will share with you the creation I come up with. Until tomorrow, dream big and dream often.

Photo: (Lens: Lucifer VI, Film: Blanko, no flash)

Hugs,
Jenni

You Never Know Who You'll Run Into

Today Christopher and I went to the NAMM show. Basically, it's a convention for music industry types. Products are advertised and people are there to sell, sell, sell.

While walking around the floor we ran into an old friend, Ché Zuro. She was playing at a booth for musician's hand lotion. She is an amazing singer/songwriter. She was the lead guitarist in a girl band, The Orchids. Ché has been playing in a duo or as a solo artist most recently. Check out her website: http://www.checheche.com. You will love her.

Check back tomorrow to see who else I might run into.

Hugs,
Jenni

It's Recipe Day! Let's Celebrate National Peanut Butter Month!

This month is National Peanut Butter Month, and tomorrow is National Peanut Butter Day. So I wanted to share a delicious peanut butter recipe with you. They are some of my favorite snacks. My mom used to make them for us as an afternoon snack. Let me know what you think.

Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup honey
2 cups powdered milk
1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar

Directions:
Mix peanut butter, honey, and milk together in large bowl. It will be a thick mixture. Roll mixture into small balls about 1" in size. Roll the balls in your choice of crushed cornflakes, chopped pecans, or powdered sugar. Place on waxed paper and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Enjoy!

May you enjoy this delicious treat on National Peanut Butter Day!

Hugs,
Jenni

Artist Spotlight - Wiiliam-Adolphe Bouguereau

I recently discovered William-Adolphe Bouguereau while visiting the Portland Art Museum. He was a French artist who lived well before my time (November 30, 1825 – August 19, 1905), but I was instantly drawn in by his realistic style. He makes the images come alive. It feels as if I could reach out and touch the items in the paintings. One day I hope to paint half as beautifully as this.

For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William-Adolphe_Bouguereau

Hugs,
Jenni

Leaving Seattle

I really liked the look I got in the photograph of my husband yesterday, so while sitting on the runway waiting to take off, I used it again to snap this photo. Yes, it was that eerie and foggy as we were cleared for takeoff. However, I would happily choose the cold, damp weather to the hot, muggy weather. Did I mention I hated leaving Seattle?
Photo: (Lens: Lucifer VI, Film: Claunch 72 Monochrome)
Hugs,
Jenni

Killing Time On The Road

When traveling with a band, there is always down time. Since I have been testing out Hipstamatic, I had hubby, Christopher, pose at one of the concerts he played in Seattle this weekend. I really like the look that was produced. Of course, I REALLY like that he chooses to wear his wedding ring regardless of the fact that it can scratch his guitar neck. :)

Photo: (Lens: Lucifer VI, Film: Claunch 72 Monochrome, no flash)

Hugs,
Jenni

One of those moments...

Have you ever experienced someone else's pride? How did it make you feel?

Today I had one of those moments. I wish with every fiber of my being that I could erase the pain it caused me. When it happens once, you recover and try to move forward. When it happens repeatedly for 15 years that challenge feels like trying to move a mountain.

Sometimes the other person is unaware of how it made you feel. Other times they may try to beg for forgiveness, and you do your best to forgive them. That helps them feel better, but what do you do to erase the pain YOU feel? Can there ever be resolve and happiness between you? Or is it a situation where you are supposed to ALWAYS be the bigger person?

I believe that repeated actions that cause so much pain can also be forever damaging. It is too much to ask of someone to proceed as if they have not been hurt. We are only human, right? Yes, we make mistakes, but at some point we have to ask ourselves, "When is it enough?" When do we stop accepting apologies? When do we start expecting people to do the right thing and always show kindness and respect to others? For me, I think that day is today, or I am going to forever be broken.

In light of my most recent experience, I challenge you to always put your best self out there, and let others see the beautiful person you are. Be an example that people admire and even aspire to be. Whether you hurt someone or you have been hurt, show kindness and compassion to your fellow man. Do your best to be positive. And, if you happen to step outside of yourself and hurt someone's feelings, don't push them to forgive you so that you can feel better. If we all make the effort to be better people, we can see the world change.

Hugs,
Jenni

Traveling with We Five

Today I arrived early at Long Beach Airport to fly to Seattle with We Five. For those that don't know who We Five is they are famous for the song, "You Were On My Mind." (It's a long story, but these are my in-laws, and my husband is the lead guitar player.) It was a VERY early morning, and I don't do mornings. We arrived only to find our flight delayed by an hour. Does this mean I could have slept later? On the bright side, the airport is comfortable and has free WiFi, so I won't complain. I'll post more as my weekend progresses. In the meantime, enjoy your Friday.

Hugs,
Jenni

Incredible Theater Experience!

I went to see the "live" performance of "How To Train Your Dragon" this evening. What a cool experience! There were huge dragons spitting smoke and fire, as well as, flying dragons. The Honda Center was full of excited children and adults. We all sat mesmerized by the performance. It was definitely an experience that I would recommend.

What is your favorite theatrical performance?

Photo: Hipstamatic (Lens: John S, Film: Blanko, no flash)

Hugs,
Jenni

It's Recipe Day! Parmesan Popcorn Mix

While watching a movie last night I had a craving for popcorn. I love to try different recipes, so here is my most recent recipe courtesy of Paula Deen.

Parmesan Popcorn Mix

Ingredients:
10 cups popped popcorn
2 cups baked cheese snack crackers
2 cups tiny twist pretzels
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Process:
In a large bowl, combine the popcorn, crackers, pretzels, butter and cheese, stirring until well coated. Enjoy!

* Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen

Hugs,
Jenni

Building Your Creative Confidence

Do you ever feel lost or not good enough with your creativity? Well I certainly do. So, while searching the Internet the other night I came across this inspiring TED Talk with David Kelley. Give it a listen and "build your creative confidence."



Hugs,
Jenni

Knitting my Heart Out

Before this past Christmas I received a request from my sister for a "special scarf." You see she had been out shopping with a friend and saw this new kind of scarf. It turns out that it was an "eternity scarf." I told her how these had been around for awhile in the knitting/crochet community. She in turn told me that this was her only request for Christmas. I set out looking for ideas to create an "eternity scarf." I found the perfect yarn and pattern. After giving this to her for Christmas, I was overwhelmed with requests for "eternity scarves." So here it is January and I'm knitting my heart out with scarves. I'll soon be posting a few for sale in my Etsy shop. I will let you know when I do. Until then, keep warm this chilly season.

Photograph: (Lens: Roboto Glitter, Film: Float, Flash: Berry Pop - high setting)

Hugs,
Jenni

Creative Spaces Inspiration

Today I was searching for some inspiration for my creative haven. I'm always trying to create ways to not only make my space beautiful, but functional. It has come slowly, but I finally have the walls painted white and I have grey carpet. I'm still on the lookout for a functional desk. I'm currently leaning toward making my own. I think I'm enjoying the process and I'm definitely finding it a challenge to make final decisions.

What does your creative space look like? What is your favorite feature?

Photograph: Hipstamatic (Lens: Jimmy, Film: Ina's 1969, Flash: Cherry Shine - low setting)

Hugs,
Jenni

Impromptu Photograph Opportunity

My husband and I went to Disneyland yesterday and had lunch at La Brea Bakery. While sitting enjoying a cup of joe, this bird caught my eye. As I watched I realized it was a hawk. I was amazed at how he stayed so close to the people dining. As I approached him to get a photograph, I saw that he had caught another bird in his talons. He was hanging out on this branch by one of the patio dining heaters trying to get warm. Of course I had to take a million photographs. Since I wanted to share with you all about Hipstamatic this month, I took this image (Lens: Lucifer VI, Film: Claunch 72 Monochrome, no flash). As you can see, the effects are stunning, but the camera app has its limitations. I could not zoom at all. So although I loved the image I did get with Hipstamatic, I also took a close up shot with my regular iPhone camera app that you can see below.



Here I was able to zoom in for a close up and you can see the difference between cool filters and lenses in Hipstamatic vs. the plain zoom camera on the phone. What an amazing lunch! I love impromptu photo opportunities!

Hugs,
Jenni

Celebrate Amelia Earhart - A True Independent Woman

Today is Amelia Earhart Day. It was January 11, 1935, when Amelia made her world record solo flight from Hawaii to California. Take a look at her mini biography.

Embrace the Child Inside

Today I was driving home from my LYS (local yarn shop) and the wind started blowing. Leaves began to swirl through the air. The clouds raced through the sky. The trees rustled to the melody of the wind. The smell of rain took my breath away. I had this moment when I felt like jumping out of the car and running through the falling leaves. I literally stopped the car in the middle of the parking lot, not in a parking stall mind you, but the middle of the driving path. I pulled out my iPhone camera and began to snap away. I was swept away in the moment of childhood when you don't have a care in the world, and you have all day to just watch the leaves fall. I'm sure I looked like a crazy woman to those passing by, but I did not care. I was embracing the child inside of me.

How often do you take the time to do something fun and crazy, like a child would? Are you too afraid of what people think? Or, do you find daily moments to embrace your inner child?

Photo: Hipstamatic (Lens: Kaimal Mark II, Film: Ina's 1982, no flash)

Hugs,
Jenni

It's Recipe Day! Apricot Recipe Day!

I just recently discovered that this month is National Apricot Month, and today is National Apricot Day.

Do you know where apricots were discovered? They were discovered in China over 4,000 years ago and made their way to the Mediterranean. Spanish missionaries brought them to the "New World." The first commercial orchard started in California in 1792. Today, ninety-seven percent of all apricots grown here in the United States are from California orchards.

So in honor of apricots, I thought I'd share a yummy recipe with you.

Apricot Couscous Pilaf

Ingredients:
1/2 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (16-ounce) can apricot halves, drained and diced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 1/2 cups cooked instant couscous or white or brown rice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Process:
Melt butter with oil over medium-high heat in large saucepan. Stir in onions, bell pepper and cumin. Saute 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add diced apricot, salt and pepper; cook 1 minute. Stir in cooked couscous or rice until all ingredients are well combined; cook, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in cilantro. (I also either add slivered almonds in the saute process or I garnish with them.)

Serve with grilled or roasted poultry, meat or seafood. Use as stuffing for poultry or peppers. Perfect as a light entree with tossed salad and bread.

Makes 8 servings

*Recipe courtesy of California Apricot Advisory Board

If you decide to give this recipe a try, I'd love to hear what you think about it.

Hugs,
Jenni

Getting Organized in the New Year

Every year I set out to get organized. I start strong and then I slowly spiral into complete disarray. This year I have decided to start small. I'm going to begin in one room and get it completely organized. If all goes well I will then proceed to another room of my house. My hope is that by the end of the year I will have organized some of the spaces in my house and kept them that way.

Do you have any goals for organization this year? If so, I'd love to hear about them. If not, maybe you are organizing other aspects of your life. Either way I wish you all the best in your journey.

Photo: Hipstamatic (Lens: Jane, Film: Blanko, no flash)

Hugs,
Jenni

Introducing... Christopher Burgan

Today I finally got around to taking down Christmas decorations. While I was busy working I put on my husband's music. He is one of the most talented musicians and singer/songwriters I have ever come across. (I'm not just saying that because we are married either!)

We originally met because I was looking to take guitar lessons. After one lesson, Christopher asked me out. Yeah!!! I was so excited I forgot to pay for the lesson. That was 15 years ago next month. We are still very much in love, but I am such a huge fan of his talents that I will never stop praising him to others. Check out a video he recorded with one of the bands he is currently in, The Tannins. He is the guitar player. To find out more beyond the video: http://www.chrisburgan.com.



Hugs,
Jenni

Seizing Opportunities

So, my trip to Solvang this weekend created an opportunity to stop into Santa Barbara and see one of my favorite "sisters." Julie and I met through Sisters on the Fly. We rarely get to see each other, unless we are at an event together. Passing by her house at a time when she was actually available was perfect. Not only did I get to see her adorable house for the first time, but I got to meet her entire family. We talk about them all the time and I feel like I already know them. Today was a memory I will not soon forget. It just reminded me that we need to seize every opportunity to visit with people we love. (Love you Jewels!)

This photograph was taken in her quaint backyard. (This is where she also has incredibly cool chickens! Real, live chickens!) Although I'm normally a fan of the film used, the lens comes across as a washed out image, almost like an aged photograph. Hipstamatic: (Lens: Bettie XL, Film: Ina's 1935, no flash)

Hugs,
Jenni

The Familiar Tourist

My husband and I decided to get out of town and head to Solvang for an overnight trip. Chris has a cousin who lives and works in Solvang, so we have been here many times. It is always strange to come into town and be familiar with where everything is, and yet, we still feel like tourists.

A stop at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a peanut butter ice cream brought about this shot. I thought we would have a little fun with this lens due to being in a Scandinavian town. I like the effect of the black film frame, but the lighting of the lens seemed a little bright. It definitely did not need a flash in the bright, warm sun. Don't you think it has a 1970's film look about it?Hipstamatic (Lens: Helga Viking, Film: Pistil, no flash)

Hugs from the road,
Jenni

Comforts of Home: Day 4 Ultimate Blog Challenge

It is rare to find a "fast food" restaurant that provides the comforts of home. How many times have you wished that dinner was made for you while you got to snuggle in your jammies by a toasty fire? Tonight my husband, Christopher, and my mom, Yvonne, went to Round Table Pizza. It is your average pizza joint, but the pizza sure is tasty. In this particular pizza parlor there is a large fireplace surrounded by a table. We got lucky and it was open. We got to sit around the fire eating pizza while talking and laughing. Although I didn't get to sit around in my jammies, the fire created such an inviting environment that we stayed for 3 hours. Yikes!

On my Hipstamatic journey, we of course documented the evening with a photograph. Here I am all smiles for the camera, but secretly wishing I could finish my blog on my iPad. My mother is permanently connected to her phone. Rather than smile for the camera, she is busy telling my brother that she "is" in fact listening to him. (Lens: Jimmy, Film: Ina's 1969, no flash).

Do you have a favorite restaurant that provides some of the comforts of home? I'd love to hear about it.

Hugs,
Jenni

Running Toward Healthy: Day 3 Ultimate Blog Challenge

Well, I've made it to Day 3 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge, and I'm still going strong. I signed up for the 20th Anniversary Camp Pendleton Mud Run this morning. Then I got my lazy butt out of the house and went for a run. It felt good. I find that after 5 months of running, I actually crave it! When I miss a run I am depressed and moody. No one would want to be around someone like that, so I get out and happy by running. Today I thought I'd share another film and lens set up in Hipstamatic. The awesome photograph of my running shoes was taken after my run this morning. (Lens: John S, Film: Kodot XGrizzled, no flash)

My challenge to you today: do something that makes you happy.

Hugs,
Jenni

Hiking Through Hipstamatic: Day 2 Ultimate Blog Challenge

Last year I embarked on a journey to lose weight and get healthy. One of the ways in which I chose to get in shape was to get back into hiking. (I live near some of the most beautiful trails in Southern California.) My goal is to keep it up and build my strength and endurance to be able to take a weekend backpacking trip.

I also love to take photographs. Since the iPhone became a viable option for fun and interesting photography, I've downloaded several camera apps. One of my challenges this year is to give each of them a serious try and let my readers know what I think. This month I chose to play with Hipstamatic.

So, yesterday I combined two of my goals and went hiking with my husband and my dog. While hiking I took several shots with one of the options on Hipstamatic (Lens: Lucifer VI, Film: Ina's 1935, no flash). Above you will see one of those photographs of my dog, Dyson. He patiently waited for me to adjust my camera and take this shot. I like the color I was able to produce in daylight without a flash. I also like the way that the photographs are already square in shape and ready for Instagram. I will continue to work with the many film, flash, and lens options available in Hipstamatic and let you know what I think.

Hugs,
Jenni

Taking on a New Challenge

Welcome to Everything Jenni for 2013!

I decided to start out the year by taking on a serious challenge. I've joined the "Ultimate Blog Challenge." Basically, it means that I will be posting a blog a day for the month of January. I will post links to my blog on my Facebook and Twitter accounts. If you get tired of reading my blog posts, then feel free to ignore me, but my hope is that I will be able to share a little bit about myself that keeps you interested and anxious for more.

So grab that toasty beverage, sit back, relax, and enjoy the reading adventure!

Hugs,
Jenni