Chicagoland

My son graduated last weekend from Navy Basic Training in North Chicago. We drove down to see his graduation, by way of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and to spend a few precious days with him before he had to leave for Monterey, CA. The graduation was moving, full of fresh young faces, full of confidence, and eager to jump into their new lives, leaving behind the ordeal of bootcamp. All that youthful ambition and energy, it was a wonderful experience I'll never forget. My son is quite a foodie, no idea where he gets it, so he wanted to try out some regional cuisine that is not available in Traverse City, unless you make it yourself!
We started out with Dim Sum at the Happy Chef in China Town, in Chicago. The traffic was awful, but the food was worth it. Sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves was my fav. We wandered around this particular part of Chinatown for a while, it was a long corridor of chinese restaurants, import shops and bulk Chinese groceries. One shop offered well over 50 different kinds of ginseng...leaving us to wonder why? Lots of Hello Kitty and most of the restaurants had windows full of "fake" dishes, to show what they offered. For the most part, quite appetizing. I made the mistake of trying one kind of black licorice, which I usually love, that was salted, not my cup of tea. The experience was incredible though, it was like being NOT in the USA...we loved it and hope to go back again sometime. Next, we went to Uptown Chicago to the Vietnamese area, but that has to wait until another day...Adios for now!

National Cherry Festival 2009

It has been a crazy busy week here, lots of lovely tourists and visitors here in Northern Michigan. I worked at the Open Space Cherry Market tent this week, unbelievable! The attendence has been outstanding and everyone is in such great spirits, wanting to support Michigan and Michigan companies like Benjamin Twiggs, the oldest purveyor of cherry products in Michigan! I've met some lovely people who love this area and love cherries. The store has also been hoppin' with customers, so the days are flying by this week. I did get to watch a couple sunsets and got my Gibby's Fries fix(heard my arteries complain a little about That!), and enjoyed the view of the Grand Traverse West Bay while working at the Open Space, what a lovely benny. If you're in town, drop by and say "hi."

My friend Karen of Beadkeepers just posted a new entry on her blog. If you're are feeling less "beautiful" with age, I hope you will make the time to read it, I am truly amazed by her creativity and writings. Beadkeepers Blog. True beauty is within and it is within each and everyone of us...

Recycled Art Jewelry

I have always loved the concept of creating art through everyday materials and discarded items. You have to think outside the box and not be afraid to combine what our society considers "valuable" materials with "trash." But once you start, you see possibilities in everything, onion bags, junk mail, tin cans, etc. It is a lovely place to be...exciting on the edge. These are my new wind powered earrings, moving pinwheels created from recycled plastic and sterling silver. They spin in the wind and weigh practically nothing! More recycled chic earrings in my Etsy shop.

Memorial Weekend in Traverse City, Michigan!

Okay, so you are coming up to the Traverse City, Michigan area for the upcoming holiday and want to know where to go for great shopping, art, food and views...let me help you out. Let's start with the roads first. Division St., aka US 37/31, is down to one lane between 14th St/Silver Lake Rd and the Grandview Parkway, so you might want to use Airport Rd, Garfield, 3 Mile Rd or M-72 when coming into town. Gas prices today are about $2.46/gallon for regular...sorry about that. Hurts us locals too, believe me!


The cherry orchards are in full bloom right now, so bring your cameras and be ready to stop and take photos. Nicest blossom drives right now are everywhere! Both east and west Grand Traverse Bays are spectacular, all shades of turquoise and blues, just breathtaking, and beaches have just been graded and cleaned up, perfect for strolling and beachcombing. If you are in town and see Wayne St., just off Division, just before Grandview Parkway, take a quick drive and you will get an amazing view of the West Grand Traverse Bay and all downtown TC, it loops around, but residential, so drive slow and be respectful of the neighborhood. The drive up Old Mission Peninsula is a "do not miss," with all the orchards and wineries, not to mention the views of both bays at various points. Take 37 to Center Rd all the way or stay to the left on Peninsula Dr.


Shopping for gifts, mementos, cherries or art? Let's get started...Love the clothes and shoes at What To Wear, an adorable boutique on Front St. in downtown Traverse City. They just moved to a new location, 152 E. Front St. Fabulous footwear, clothing and accessories, my favorite clothing/shoe shop in all of Northern Michigan! Looking to add something to your home, try Stewart Zack's, Nest, Cottage Garden, Penny Lane or Nifty Things. Votruba Leather for any travel goods and of course, leather. In the new Warehouse District, check out The Red Dresser for a wide variety of eclectic gifts, some handmade, but all fun and unique. And if you are looking for some fun Cherry products, don't miss Benjamin Twiggs, the oldest purveyor of cherry products in Michigan. The new owner has revamped the shop and it is light, bright and incredibly inviting with vintage aprons, cherry dishes, towels and incredible coffee, Michigan dried cherries, blueberries, chocolate covered cherries, cherry salsa, cherry butter, jams, jelly and more. Benjamin Twiggs in located in the Campus Plaza, just north of downtown, 1215 E. Front St., between Eastland Drugs and the Omelette Shoppe, across from the Civic Center, with lots of free parking!


Is art your passion? Don't miss the Inside Out Gallery or Rebecca's Studio and Adornments Gallery in the Warehouse District, they have incredible works. Located on Garland St., they are easily accessed right behind the TC Visitors and Convention Bureau on Union St. Belstone Gallery and Evergreen Gallery are both located right downtown on Front St., Belstone just north of Park St. and Evergreen sandwiched between Union St. and Cass St. If you drive north of town, towards Elk Rapids, be on the lookout for Twisted Fish Gallery, they will come up on the left and are definately one of my favorite galleries. If you are going towards Suttons Bay, check out The Painted Bird in Suttons Bay and The Secret Garden in Empire. All the above mentioned galleries carry a many works by local Northern Michigan artists.


And now my favorite part of this blog, where to go for food and meals! As I already mentioned, Benjamin Twiggs for take home goodies, but add to that Fustini's, an incredible purveyor of amazing balsamic vinegars and olive oils. They are located in downtown TC, right on Front St., between Union St. and Cass St. You will want to drink them, they are so incredible. They will combine flavored olive oils with flavored balsamic vinegars and you won't understand how you could have lived this long without having these in your life. One of my favorite combinations is the peach white balsamic with garlic olive oil...even my 14 year old son, who never goes for this kind of thing, loved it! Make sure you try the pineapple, blueberry and of course cherry balsamics! Also worth checking out is American Spoon Foods on Front St., their cherry poppers, maple sugar candy and local wines are lovely, as well as their lemon curd and lime curd. They are also right downtown on Front St. If you can't leave without some fudge(you fudgie you!), my favorite fudge in town is Doug Murdicks, on Front St. between Union St. and Cass St., it is the creamiest most decadent and flavorful fudge in all of Northern Michigan. I have been to Mackinaw Island, where there is a fudge shop for every visitor(yes, I am exaggerating), and I can honestly say that no one touches the creaminess or flavor of Doug Murdick's Fudge, period. Chocolate Cherry, Plain Chocolate and Maple Walnut are some of my favorite flavors, but try them all!

On to Dining Out! Let's start with breakfast. I love the breakfast options at Cuppa Joe's in the Warehouse District. Low Country Shrimp and Grits is my fav, might be too spicy for some, but works for me. They also have Migas, Creme Brulee Oatmeal(to die for!) and other great choices. Coffees and teas can't be beat. Love their frozen Chai. Opa! is another great place for breakfast, they are located in Cherryland Center, at the corner of Garfield and Airport Rds. Sandwiched near Younkers, they also have great Detroit Style Coney Dogs, Greek Food and Polish Food, we love their Calamari. Mustard's in another terrific place for breakfast, located at the corner of Cass St. and State St. in downtown TC. My kids love this place, great home fries and very fresh and healthy options that taste wonderful. Looking for lunch?

If you're craving burgers and fries, the new Slabtown Burgers and Cafe on E. Front St. might seem too good to be true, but I have been there 4 times in two weeks, and I can tell you, it is the real deal. Their Burger Bags, with a Burger, seasoned hand cut fries and a large fountain drink runs $4.90, yup! And the fries are excellent. Not quite crispy, but so flavorful, I forgive them. A Cheeseburger Bag is $5.25. Make it deluxe with lettuce, tomato and mayo for an extra .35 cents. If you are on Division,(yes, the one laner I mentioned earlier, turn left if you are approaching the Bay and right if you are headed out of town. Slabtown is just past Ace Hardware on the right hand side. I have to warn you though, if it is lunchtime, there will be a line, but it moves fast and it is well worth the wait!

Wishing for some Indian food, a lovely curry or two? Don't miss the Wellington Street Market on the corner of Front St. and Wellington St., across from Jack's Market. They serve the BEST Indian food in town! I crave this at least once a week and indulge at least every two weeks. It is fabulous! Right across the street(sort of), on Front St., is The Cook's House. This place is just incredible. Open for lunch and dinner, they use as much local and sustainable food as they can in there every changing menu. My Asparagus Soups was literally local asparagus cooked and blended, with a buttery Morel Mushroom on top, amazing. You might need reservations in the evening, so I'll give you the phone number(231)946-8700, don't lose it! Tell Eric and Jen that Maria(Karl's Mom) sent you. No alcohol license, but you can bring your own and Jack's right across the street or the Blue Goat and little further down the street can provide you with something quite easily.

My favorite sandwich shop is Grand Traverse Bakery and Deli, GT Bakery & Deli, located on Munson Ave., in the Tom's East Bay Shopping Mall, right by Joann Fabric. They have the freshest, tastiest, most incredible homemade sandwiches, soups and breads! When I work and 8 hour day, this is where I get my lunches from. Dijon dumpling soup, gold Italian soup, golden mushroom soup, Rachael's and Ruben's, Smokin' Jack, these are some of my favorites. And they sell wonderful cheeses too, don't be shy, try something! And...they are the nicest people on the planet! Sandwiches are big, you might want to share the first time and see how much you can finish.

I also love Phil's on Front(Incredible fresh fish and desserts, on Front St., between Park St. and Cass, probably need reservations for dinner.), Red Ginger(Fabulous Sushi and Sakis, located downtown right on Front St., definitely need reservations for dinner.), Trattoria Stella(Incredible Italian and wines, located in historic Building 50, off 11th St., probably need reservations for dinner.), Red Mesa(Tex Mex, you have to try their smoky refried beans and fresh corn salsa as well as their fruit Margaritas), Scott's Harbor Grill(Bananas Foster and Fish Tacos, not in that order! Located right on the Bay, on Grandview Parkway and Cherrybend Rd., heading towards Suttons Bay), Silver Swan(Dolmas, hummus, baba ganouj, plus German foods and desserts! Located on Grandview Parkway, just past Tom's West Bay, before Scott's Harbor Grill, on the left hand side.), Firefly(Great specials, sushi and small plates for sharing, located on Cass St., just past State St.), Agave(authentic Mexican, located on Garfield Rd, north of Airport Rd.)

Well, I'm sure I forgot a few places, but I'll update at a later date, this novel should keep you all busy for quite a while!

Girl Scouts

I was a Junior Girl Scout way back when and now have the pleasure of being a Brownie Scout leader for my youngest daughter. Tonight is the Bridging Ceremony, where all the scouts who are ready, move up to the next level and my youngest will be bridging to Juniors. Since I am a leader, I will get to participate in the ceremony, and I am so excited. It has been a wonderful year, watching the girls gain self confidence, through badge activities, games and crafting. They are all like sponges, just soaking up all the new things they are introduced to at every meeting. Fairy houses and flower fairies, nature mobiles, food self portraits, yogurt flavor inventing and tasting, soap making, international games, role playing, recycling crafts, cookie math, camping, singing...and so much more. I love to see them start, some quite shy and unconfident, others with enthusiasm and bullish charm, but all through the processes, learning and helping each other, by the end, all very happy and with a new sense of accomplishment.
I will also be moving onto the Junior leader position this summer, and I look forward to the our "garden" meetings at the library because we adopted our own 8x9ft patch! So we will be gardening, crafting with nature and having picnics all summer, save for those rainy days, when we will explore the inside of the library!

Big News!

If you live in Northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Porcupine Press just published its monthly issue of UP Magazine, and there is a two page spread on my lampwork beads with an interview I gave them a few weeks ago! I am so geeked, the photos are huge!!! Unfortunately, you can only see the article if you can get your hands on this current issue, they do not publish online. There is a link to my Etsy shop at the end too. Here is a photo of the "Fairy House Bead" they included in the article.
I have joined Twitter and really enjoy how easy it is to use anytime. Made some new foodie, Michigan and bead/jewelry friends. Fun to hear what people are preparing for dinner or having at a restaurant. It is attached to my facebook page, which, unfortunately, I rarely update, but the Twitter comments are updated on my Facebook page automatically...
Rendezvous is this weekend and two of my kids are in the performances, so we'll be enjoying the music all week, should be a lot of fun! Can't believe how talented these kids are these days, I think many of them could easily be on Idol.

Easter Parade

My favorite things about Easter are 1.) Family Time 2.) Excuse to buy chocolate for the "kids" & 3.) The opportunity to create a memorable meal. I don't normally have a lot of time to make a meal that takes more than thirty minutes, so a holiday, when I am off for the day, is a perfect time to peruse my cookbook library(it IS a library) and spend time creating something my family will love! Yesterday, it was Pastitsio, a Greek Lasagna with two layers of pasta, a layer of spiced meat(I used lamb and lean angus beef with cinnamon, allspice and cloves), and a rich creamy bechamel sauce. Thanks to my Twitter friend, Kalofagas, whose blog I also subscribe to, for the wonderful bechamel sauce recipe, it turned out perfectly! In the past, my bechamel sauce would not "fluff" properly and I couldn't figure out why. Then, with my Peachtree Inn cookbook, by Cynthia Collins Pendregon of Fredericksburg, TX, I made a lovely Black Raspberry Cobbler. We picked the black raspberries last summer and they were so sublime, the kids and DH loved the cobbler, some had seconds!

Although this is not what many would call "art," I feel that cooking is an art...you are creating a memory of family and occasion, which will stay with all partakers for years, if not forever. I have many memories that are tied to food, and sometimes, in a restaurant, at a friend's house or just walking down a street, I will get a "whiff" of something that pulls out a long ago memory, appearing with feelings and all, like magic. Food is art, the kind you get to see, smell, taste and literally take in, be a part of, I love it!