Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all.

Southern California Rain. Yes, It Does!

Wow, lots of rain here these past few days.  Yes, it really does rain in southern California.  Fortunately, we have been safe and sound with no trouble to speak of except a fallen potted plant.  The Christmas decorations haven't faired quite as well as most of the lights are off the trees which isn't a bad thing since the circuit keeps popping now and the train and deer have also fallen over.

Going to New York

See that orange and purple poppy painting on the left that has Original Paintings written on it?  It is on its way to New York!

The Best Photo

Now why is this the best photo?  It is because our daughter is in it for her kindergarten holiday performance. 

New Paintings

New Paintings

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Well, it isn't really but we've put a few decorations out front so I will photo them and post here for you to see.  Stay tuned.

Seeing Red?

Just added these cuties:

New Artwork: Birds, Bees, and Flowering Trees

Ok, I didn't paint any bees...

I've had a number of requests for coordinating paintings so here are some for you.  :-)

Sale Ends Today

Weekend sale in my etsy shop ends today.  25% off.  http://www.distinctivecolorart.etsy.com

Going to Texas

These pretty paintings will be:



Weekend Sale

25% off in my etsy shop this weekend.  Paintings make wonderful gofts, too, and there's still plenty of time for delivery.

http://www.distinctivecolorart.etsy.com/

On My Way to Canada and California

Well, this pretty painting is going to Canada:



And this pretty painting (below) is going to California.



Going to Georgia and Texas!

This delightful painting is on its way to Georgia!



And this cutie (below) is heading to Texas to a little girl's room!

New Zealand Miners

My thoughts and prayers are with all of New Zealand but especially with the miners and their families.  I read that there was a second explosion and that there is little hope.  I am so sorry.  I will hope anyway.  Hugs to all of you.

Yogi

Let's Head East, Shall We?

Well, this adorable painting is heading east.



Black Friday Cyber Monday Weekend Sale

My paintings are on sale in celebration of this holiday shopping weekend.  Hope everyone is well and had a great Thanksgiving.  Sale prices range from 30% to 40% off for the weekend both on my site http://www.yogigray.com/ and in my etsy shop http://www.distinctivecolorart.etsy.com/ .  I have some very cute original paintings, all different styles and sizes, so please enjoy looking and take advantage of the sale pricing this weekend.  (But don't worry if you miss the sale, my prices are very reasonable even when they're not on sale.)

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Want to wish all of my friends, clients, followers, and everyone else a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.  I am thankful for all that I have.  If you'd like, tell me what you are thankful for in the comments.

XOXO

Brand New Impasto Oil Paintings

I just love these!  They are so cute and will make a great gift.  Each is 12x12, ready to hang.  $49 each.

Dogs and Moving

Here's a very funny article from a blogger.

http://www.vin.com/WebLink.plx?URL=http://www.hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/

North to Alaska

This adorable painting found its home in Alaska!  The buyer said it made her happy and gave her hope.  I cannot begin to tell you how much that means to me.  This is why I do what I do, to bring happiness, hope, joy, and inner peace to everyone.



Let's go to New Zealand

This beautiful painting went to New Zealand last week.  My prayers are going there now to the trapped miners.



Safe and Sound in North Carolina

This cutie is now in North Carolina!

Going to Georgia

This beautiful painting is scheduled to go into a little girl's nursery.  I am just thrilled!

Almond Roca

Almond Roca

 

1 lb butter, high quality is better

2 cups white sugar

1 cup milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate

1/2 cup chopped or slivered almonds (or any other nut!)

 

In a heavy bottomed pot, cook your butter and sugar over medium-high heat, while stirring constantly. The mixture will begin to darken as it cooks, you are looking for a hard crack stage, and a rich light brown butter color. You can test it by dropping a bit of the mixture onto a piece of ice.

Pour onto a silpat, or parchment paper in a baking sheet with a slight lip. This batch will be just the right thickness for a 9"x13" baking sheet.

Let the mixture cool on the counter, dont speed it along in the fridge- let it cool slowly!! When its cool, melt your chocolate gently over low heat and evenly spread over the top of your almond roca, then sprinkle the chopped almonds over the top. Let cool again, and then break into bite size pieces!

 

optional: add 1/2 cup chopped almonds right into the mix before you pour it out onto your baking sheet

 

Recipe provided by:

 

Kristin Brandt

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverFirsFarm

Get a free lip balm ($3.50 value) with any order, just mention this blog in the notes to seller, and let her know what flavor you would like.

Almond Roca

Almond Roca

 

1 lb butter, high quality is better

2 cups white sugar

1 cup milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate

1/2 cup chopped or slivered almonds (or any other nut!)

 

In a heavy bottomed pot, cook your butter and sugar over medium-high heat, while stirring constantly. The mixture will begin to darken as it cooks, you are looking for a hard crack stage, and a rich light brown butter color. You can test it by dropping a bit of the mixture onto a piece of ice.

Pour onto a silpat, or parchment paper in a baking sheet with a slight lip. This batch will be just the right thickness for a 9"x13" baking sheet.

Let the mixture cool on the counter, dont speed it along in the fridge- let it cool slowly!! When its cool, melt your chocolate gently over low heat and evenly spread over the top of your almond roca, then sprinkle the chopped almonds over the top. Let cool again, and then break into bite size pieces!

 

optional: add 1/2 cup chopped almonds right into the mix before you pour it out onto your baking sheet

 

Recipe provided by:

 

Kristin Brandt

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverFirsFarm

Get a free lip balm ($3.50 value) with any order, just mention this blog in the notes to seller, and let her know what flavor you would like.

Karen Fields Gallery

For some wonderful fine art, visit Karen Fields Gallery.   You can find her wonderful work here:

www.karenfields.net

http://www.karenfieldsgallery.etsy.com/

http://www.karenfieldsgallery.blogspot.com/

Fine Art Friday

Today is Fine Art Friday.  Stay tuned for fabulous artwork!  You can also check Etsy, Artfire, Ebay, and Yessy for some wonderful, original fine art.  Follow on Twitter at #FineArtFriday.

Got A Great Recipe? Share It Here!

Got a great recipe?  Share it here!  Take a photo of it, too, so I can post the photo along with the recipe.

Wonderland

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60726522/alice-in-wonderland-domino-pendant

Let's Put The Flowers in Here, Shall We?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60932542/thought-matrix-fine-art-fabric-vessel

Will You Marry Me?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55195904/retro-birdies-custom-wedding-invitation

Love from Italy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43876802/long-necklace-spring-glow-free-shipping

Jewelry for the Birds?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55274616/nickel-free-flying-bird-dangle-earrings