Raw Oatmeal Parfait

When we are down in Florida visiting my parents, we love to go to a juice bar, called Raw Juice. Besides having great acai bowls and fresh juices, they sell a raw oatmeal parfait that we love. We came home, and Steve went right to work trying to figure out how to make this delicious breakfast.  Below is the recipe. 

It is best to make it the night before so the oats soften and absorb the almond milk and yogurt to make it a delicious and creamy breakfast. It keeps me satisfied for hours.

185

Many of the  pots and pans made in 19th century France, were inscribed with numbers and initials to identify ownership, size and use. Often, when the pots were sent for cleaning or resurfacing, the tinsmith would inscribe the owners family name into the pot when they were dropped off.

Sometimes you see several initials stamped into the side of the pot, which can indicate the various families they belonged to throughout the generations.

Numbers were also inscribed onto the handles, often to tell the different pots apart from one another in a busy working kitchen.

One can only imagine the food this pot has held and the places it has been.

Kusmi Tea

I have been thinking a lot about this blog and it's direction. It is not meant to be a grand statement about design or culture, but rather a collection of some interesting, sometimes mundane objects I find along the way. 

We started this blog when our youngest son went to college last year. It was an opportunity for us to collaborate and explore with photography.

With that in mind, we wanted to share some things that are used in our daily lives,  whether they are delicious, or useful, or simply beautiful.

Something as simple as today's posting of tea. 

Each and every night when I return home from work, I make myself a pot of tea. Kusmi BB Detox to be exact. I have become a bit of an addict. It has a grapefruit essence but is not fruity. It is soothing and delicious.

I discovered Kusmi Tea hidden in a Christmas gift box several years ago from Steve's friend and producer, Rico. It was literally the last thing left in the basket. We had devoured every delicious morsel in that gift, and then there was the Kusmi tea box. It converted me into a daily  tea drinker and to me, is well worth the price.

For the very special gift boxes, please contact www.bklynlarder.com

For the wonderful tea, please contact www.kusmitea.com

Kate Lewis Ceramics

I first met Kate when she came into the shop in Nyack. A kindred spirit, she bought one of my favorite rustic zinc tables from us. I had no idea at that time that she was a ceramicist and made these beautiful ceramic gems. 

She takes some very familiar and comfortable forms, and turns them into new and organic pieces. She accomplishes this with a matte glaze and a handmade touch on each and every piece. They are relatively small and very special. 

Please mention this blog to Kate to enjoy a 10% discount on your order over $60, by using the code BETTE2016.

http://katelewismade.bigcartel.com

Toy Molds

What is it about these molds? Made of rubber, and originally used to make toy parts. these numbered beauties have become beautiful abstract architectural objects to me.

I am not big on new year's resolutions, and Steve is definitely not the type for them. I don't think we are starting now- but I think we are choosing to post these molds as the first posting of the new year for a reason. It makes us look at things a bit differently, finding new uses, new approaches and unusual turns. Steve was not excited about  these when i first found them and brought them to shoot, but he changed his mind as soon as we saw the first image on screen.

Recognizing the beauty in an unusual place, from an unexpected source, and taking a little time to enjoy it. Perhaps that is a new year's resolution. Whatever it is, I am hoping it sticks and passes on to you all.

2016

Happy New Year.  With this crazy, complicated, joyous, frightening, fulfilling, busy year behind us, let us celebrate who we are, what we do, how we face adversity and how we find joy in the simplest of things. My wish for 2016, is for all of us to share more, appreciate more and love more. My wish for 2016 is PEACE.

Find beauty in the unexpected and celebrate each and every day. 

Happy New Year to you all. 

happy holiday

We celebrate the holiday and the 1 year anniversary of our blog, with unusually warm weather in NY, and an unexpected xmas tree. Made of vintage dice found at yard sales and flea markets, in old games, hiding in odd boxes, and collected throughout the years.

Wishing you all a peaceful, safe and happy holiday filled with love. 

Ephemera

Steve and I were heading over to the studio the other day, talking about our next shot for this blog. I was unsure, going pretty much a mile a minute, talking about work and life and the holidays, and propping in NYC in December (which is really more challenging with the crowds and traffic)  I was surprised when Steve asked me what I was in "the mood to shoot." 

We walked into the studio and I created this "mood board," filled with memories (mine and others), neutrals, and textures and writing. Game pieces, fonts, tickets and of course string- Looking through my collection of odd and random pieces, choosing what went on the wall, and what stayed. Remembering that pile of trolley tickets in the back of the drawer and recalling the places they were found, all shifted the stress I had been feeling that day.

metal bowls

I was working on a shoot where the client was looking for many simple organic bowls. I had found ceramic, porcelain, wood and tin. I brought them paper, brass, copper and enamel - but nothing was working.

I have come to learn that there is always a solution, sometimes found by making things and sometimes by finding them. I was so relieved when I found these simple, graceful metal bowls. They were perfect.

Aliza had been making these for a short time and let me use them for the shoot, which ended up being just right for the project. I loved them so much,  we also shot them for whatbettefound. I will let you know when she starts making them again for sale.

I wanted to remind you of the Henry Street Ceramic Online Winter Sale tonight, Tuesday, December 8, at 7pm.  I was fortunate to get to their sale last week held in NYC, and their ceramics are truly beautiful. They make great gifts.

www.henrystreetstudio.com

Fishing Net

We have a beautiful pond on our property in Barryville. It is deep and we are able to swim and fish there.  When our son Julian was younger, we would go fishing often. This little guy would throw his line in, and instantly catch fish. It was magical.  The rest of us could sit there for hours, on the dock or boat, waiting for a bite, a tease, a nibble, and we wouldn't catch a thing.

We were in awe of his skills. It was as if he cast out a fishing net and gathered all the fish in the pond. 

Thanksgiving 2015

Steve and I talked about shooting a thanksgiving meal for this posting. This year, I worked on 3 thanksgiving photo shoots, 2 were shot in August, and 1 this past week. It feels as if I have celebrated many times already. All were beautiful, and each food stylist made spectacular golden turkeys with perfect skin and gorgeous sides. The props were rich in tone, and the tables were set for traditional and modern thanksgiving celebrations. 

We've been talking about our own thanksgiving meal, how to brine the turkey, which sides to choose, who was making the cranberry sauce, how we would set the table- and most importantly, how our family can all be together. 

We are traveling down to Florida for a quick break with family, so we will be celebrating Thanksgiving in the warm weather this year. It will be a beautiful meal, filled with family and friends and I am looking forward to giving thanks and celebrating the season.

No matter where you are, take the time to savor your family and friends, and enjoy. 

Wishing you a beautiful and safe Thanksgiving.

Beets

There are many great ways to prepare beets. We love roasting them in the oven on high heat, peeling them and sprinkling Maldon salt. It is that simple.

A friend and wonderful talent, Krista Ruane, has a delicious roasted beet salad recipe on her blog.  She and Stacy Basko share their passion and extensive knowledge of cooking and family entertaining. 

http://www.doorstepdishes.com/roastedbeetsalad/

Wooden Bowls

In the 90's, "Cobweb" was a store at 114 Houston Street in Manhattan. Catherine used to travel to Spain and bring back the most amazing pieces. I was young and working as a styling assistant, and I would go into Cobweb and buy whatever I could afford. I remember leaving her shop feeling like I had uncovered the most special treasures in the world.

The large wooden bowl is one of the pieces I bought there. I love the irregularity, simplicity and color of the wood. I am so glad I have kept them all these years, resisting Steve's urge to edit our finds. Some, you just need to hold onto.

HoneyCrisp Apples

I have written this entry over and over and can't figure out how to talk about this posting, but for me, no apple compares to a honey crisp apple.

They are sweet and tart, crunchy and juicy.

Honey Crisps are priced higher than other apples, but are worth it. They have a short peak season, like the Fall leaves. If you are still " celebrating halloween," this sweet crunchy apple will satisfy and put your halloween candy cravings to rest. 

I couldn't let the season pass without trying to capture them and tell you about them. You should give them a try.

Fall Leaves

We would be remiss if we didn't try to capture this Fall's spectacular foliage. 

Steve and I finally had a chance to spend some time in Barryville this past weekend. Expecting all the trees to be filled with gorgeous color, I was disappointed to see that I had missed "peak season." I know, kind of dumb, kind of late in the season to expect it, but many times when we are immersed in our lives in the city, we forget what's out there. and suddenly, it is mid November and the leaves have fallen off the trees. 

Many trees were bare, absolutely beautiful, but not at all what I was expecting. Although the air was warm, and it felt like a late summer day, the trees had a purple brown hue that made it look like winter. Most things looked that way, except for the 3 pear trees on our property. 

These 3 trees were glowing with color, and I felt so fortunate to have a taste of the beautiful Fall colors. We cut a few branches, and brought them inside. 

Rubber stamps

I remember writing secret love letters in elementary school using rubber stamps. It would be a disaster if my handwriting was recognized, and my cute crush would know that it was me. I only confided in my very best friend Mindy who he was, while we walked home from school comparing stories. 

I'm loving this complete vintage rubber stamp set. It is for sale, with upper and lower case letters, numbers, punctuation and fractions, in a large wooden box. 

Linens

I'm obsessed with textiles. I use them on every shoot, and have collected thousands over my years of styling. I think of them as part of my palette and bring a wide variety to each and every project I work on.

I pulled this pile off my prop table from last weeks shoot. I buy new and old, homespun and silk, tattered and fine, cottons and linens, loving every thread, fringe, irregular weave. Each linen bringing character and beauty to the photograph.

Most of these were purchased at ABC Home in Manhattan. I know that many of you have been there, but go for a visit again, and spend some time on the lower level. Their houseware section is beautiful. They have traveled the world to bring you many incredible linens.

They make my job so easy. 

www.abchome.com

Knives

Do you know the Jersey Picker? i have been following Randy Siciliano for years now. I met him at Elephant's Trunk, and have since seen him and bought from him in MA, CT, NJ, NY, PA and Texas. He is everywhere selling truly interesting finds. Randy has a great eye, great merchandise, and fair prices.

It's hard to know where he will show up next, but you can follow him on Tumblr and instagram. You will be inspired and entertained as he travels through the country. 

I found these interesting knives from him. I cannot imagine how much use these knives have had. I love the longer one,  with it's deep curve and blunt edge.

jerseypicker.tumblr.com

https://instagram.com/jerseypicker

numbers

Maya and I are in Round Top Texas at the huge antique flea market. We are walking many fields of antiques working to find props for our client. It is late in the day and we are tired. It is hot and we are getting weary - then we meet Bombshell Betty.

I immediately start talking to my namesake, a different spelling but we are akin with an old fashioned name. With this in common, she asks me nonchalantly what my number is. I pause and say 22. It is my birthdate, and it is definitely the number I am drawn to. 

She lifts her arm to show me her handmade, beautiful leather cuff with a large 22 stamped into metal. We are strangely connected and immediately come to realize we are born the same year as well. Our kismet connection in this field in Texas, far from both our homes, brings us hugs and comfort at the end of a long day.

I love how numbers are represented in dots, letters and digits. All the numbers (except the 22's) are for sale. Please email us.

Check out Betty's website, She makes custom orders and has some really interesting pieces. 

If you like our blog, please tell your friends and as always, click on the heart below. Don't forget to follow us on instagram as well.  We love to hear from you.

bombshellbettyshop.com

Buttons

I took a "home ec" class in high school where I learned how to sew a skirt. It was made of a light denim fabric, with 3 separate panels that wrapped around the body. I thought it was absolutely fantastic, even though it didn't lay flat, and the buttons continually fell off.  I won't even begin to describe the zipper problems.

These pretty buttons don't stay on these cards too well either, but I will admit, I don't care too much about that. I love the way these look.

 I am not sure if the link below is the place where I bought these button cards. I found them at Round Top and saw so many great things those days while collecting so many business cards, I am not fully sure if this was the correct vendor.

I am sure, however, that I met Dawn at RoundTop and liked her buttons enough to take her card. The site linked below is great, with many quirky buttons and some pretty interesting button cards, not to mention a great website name. If you are interested in notions, you should definitely click on " Dawns Fancy Jewelry n buttons" below.

http://dawnsfancyjewelry-n-buttons.com