Fair love.

Love was in the air at the Fresno Fair last night. We were so privileged to do a little photo session with the wonderful Cori Derksen! She photographed us and I (Ellie) took some shots of Cori's cute little family in return! Check out the rest of Cori's photography here! I got to edit the photos myself and I went for a vintagey Fuji 800z film emulation look. It was so different being on the other side of the camera for once, it gave me good perspective on how the client feels during a session! Lots gained from this shoot I'd say. :) If you've never visited my photography site, have a look!

Comic Corner

Its probably no surprise this choice of post comes from the taller of us two, however in the past month or so I'm proud to announce Ellie has officially joined the nerds. Completing not one but two whole collections of the immensely popular graphic novel, The Unwritten, and shes hooked.

For me, however, comic books and graphic novels have always been a sort of niche cut perfectly to fit my interest in all things beautifully drawn or artfully written. Combining my love of art and story these small books, quickly read and easily digested, offer me the oppurtunity to be inspired by a vast array of artists, story tellers, and even those imaginary heroes with abilities i desperately desire like the boy i never really grew apart from. Stories in the past few years have grown incredibly, passing the age old legend of a man in his tights. Many stories evolving now are much more sophisticated and mature, definitely speaking more to our culture than many of the older hero style comics. Writing has become crisp and impactful rather than an onamatopoeia filled slew of overly simplified moral dilemmas and ancient social commentaries. Art has also taken giant leaps foward in contemporary Graphic novels. Many of my favorite and inspiring artists are filling books with canvas quality pieces one square at a time. Ben Templesmith, Fiona Staples and Peter Gross to name a few. 

So......now that my sermon has come to an end, i am here to offer my top pick. The Manhattan Projects has just finished its first series, and with a mere 6 issues released has already become one of my favorite and anticipated issues month after month. Jonathan Hickman brings the "real" story of secret projects and experiments being developed under the umbrella of the famous Manhattan Projects of the forties, developing the Atom bomb. Einstein, Oppenheimer and many other very eccentric and sometimes terrifying characters are all brought to life by artists Nick Pitarra and Cris Peter. I will admit this release leans more to the male side of the spectrum but ladies feel free to prove me wrong. I hope you all embrace this world i've tried to shed some light on or at least look at the nerds of the world with a little more interest than judgment, because those are my people, so respect. -S

If you're turned off by the idea of comic books, or feel they just don't appeal to you, I recommend you at least give it a try! I probably wouldn't have ventured to the graphic novel section of Barnes and Noble if I wasn't being guided there by Spenser's hand but I am glad it happened. Comic books are totally unique, it's like watching a movie on a page. It always captivates you and pulls you into the story a way a normal book can't. Find a series that fits you and get into it! -E

DIY Succulent & Cactus Pot Decor

In this tutorial we will teach you how to turn boring clay pots into works of art. Clay pots are really inexpensive at hardware or local grocery stores and with succulents or cacti planted in them can be great indoor or outdoor decorations.

To make the first pot design you will need:
clay pot
painters tape or frog tape
wax paper
spray-able enamel
loose dirt or sand

Place strips of tape on wax paper and cut to desired widths. Peel off tape and place directly onto the pot creating your desired design. Next you will need spray-able enamel, as well as a nice pile of loose dirt from around the yard. Spray the entire pot with a healthy coat of enamel and immediately sprinkle a heavy hand of dirt on all sides of the pot. Keeping your hand inside the pot rotating as you go. Make sure to apply an even coating of dirt or sand. Let it dry for at least twenty minutes, then spray another thick coat over the entire pot. After allowing ample time to dry, at least an hour or so, carefully peel off the tape one strip at a time to reveal the untouched clay beneath.

For the second pot you will need:
clay pot
painters tape or frog tape
chalkboard paint (learn how to make it here) or buy it at joann's or michael's.

Place a strip of tape below the lip of the pot. Apply chalkboard paint above line. The sky is the limit with the design! We went with really simple but you could do something as intricate as the pot above. Wait for the paint to fully dry and then peel off the tape. Rub chalk on painted area to slate the surface before using it for the first time or you will have a hard time getting your chalk to write on the paint. To slate it, lightly rub chalk along the surface and then lightly rub it off. Viola!

 

Chocolate Chip Donuts w/ Coconut Ganache

Step 1 - Chocolate Chip Donuts

1 1/2 cups plain flour ½ cup caster sugar 

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 

1 stick melted butter

¾ cup milk 

1 lightly beaten egg

½ cup chocolate chip bits 

We used a Sunbeam doughnut maker  but feel free to use a cupcake pan or muffin tin. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Whisk in the butter, milk and egg until mixture forms a smooth batter. Spray machine or cupcake pan with cooking oil. Pour batter into preheated doughnut rings. Close lid and cook for 6 minutes or until doughnut are golden and cooked. Use a non-stick spatula to transfer doughnut to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter to make 10 donuts total. Alternately fill muffin tin and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool.

Step 2 - Dark Chocolate Ganache with Coconut

9 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup shredded coconut

Place the chocolate into a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil, watching very carefully because if it boils for a few seconds, it will boil out of the pot. When the cream has come to a boil, pour over the chopped chocolate, and whisk until smooth.

Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over donuts. For a fluffy frosting allow it to cool until thick, then use our signature dunk and twist method of frosting to achieve an even coating. Sprinkle on shredded coconut.

Step 3 - DEVOUR!

Top T H R E E

Every week we will be sharing our top 3 favorite things of the moment. Ranging anywhere from bands to books to coffee beans, we will be sharing the things that are making our lives that much better. To start it off we have...

1.  The Tallest Man On Earth

Although Swedish singer songwriter Kristian Matsson isn't exceptionally tall, his voice and guitar playing skills are! If you like folk, Bob Dylan, or listening to an album without having to press skip, you'll enjoy The Tallest Man on Earth.

2. Brooke Weeber

 

We actually got to meet this Portland based artist at the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco last month. We love her whimsical meets real life pieces. Step into a world of mermaids drinking coffee, floral beards, foxes frolicking in the sky and other wonderful things here. 

3. Thuesday

Thuesday is that magical day that comes right before tomorrow and just after never.  Its the six digit phone number of your weekly agenda. Whether youre avoiding specifics with that creepy dude from work or just want to keep your landlord guessing when that rent check will arrive, Thuesday is your way to avoid the blinds pulled for today.

Homemade Pesto with Sundried Tomatoes & Lemon Cream with Mushrooms

Here are two simple and classic sauce recipes modified by us. If you want, you can even make both and combine them! Cooking is something that we both enjoy. There's something great about taking the time to prepare a meal and enjoying your hard work pay off together. Hope you enjoy!

Pesto with Sundried Tomatoes

2 medium cloves of garlic

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 large bunch of basil, leaves only, washed and dried

1 tbsp sundried tomatoes

salt & pepper to taste

Combine in a food processor, blend until paste forms. Adjust ratios to preference. Serve over pasta or bruschetta and enjoy!

Lemon Cream with Mushrooms

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup light cream

3/4 cup freshly chopped mushrooms

1 lemon juiced, & zested for garnish

salt & pepper to taste

Melt butter in a saucepan. Once the butter is melted add light cream and lemon juice. Let simmer for two minutes under a boil. Meanwhile heat olive oil on medium heat in seperate pan, add mushrooms and saute until tender. Add mushrooms to pasta of your choice. Pour lemon cream sauce over pasta and garnish with zest.