#47: Home Goldfish

But since I didn't have a fish cookie cutter, we're calling them Starfish. This was a very rewarding recipe; simple, quick and tasty.

1 cup flour
3 tablespoons cold butter
1 8-ounce brick of cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons water

1. In a food processor combine the flour and butter.
2. Add in the cheese and salt. Drip in water, one tablespoon at a time.
3. Remove the mixture from the food processor and knead until a ball is formed. Separate into two, wrap in plastic wrap and let sit in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
4. Heat the oven to 370 degrees. Flour your counter (or use parchment paper), and roll the dough to 1/8" thickness. Cut dough into shapes and place on cookie sheet (line with parchment or use cooking spray). I sprinkled with some extra salt and Pennacook Pepper Purely Pepper Powder. Bake for 15 minutes (or until brown and crispy).
5. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Five Lessons Learned.

This year's Downtown 100 annual meeting meant a little more than previous years'. For starters, this kicks off my last year of Vice Chair and leaves me with just 12 months before I tackle the role of Downtown 100 Chair. A pretty big, and exciting venture that I am particularly looking forward to.

The group of about 55 attendees got a look at the new Governor's School for the Arts (one of the many perks of being a DT100 member is checking out new and innovative spaces around town for free!). On a delicious note, Toast and Handsome Biscuit catered the event, so I finally got to sample a few of the crazy carb concoctions from the lastest John Porter and Dave Hausmann.

Brie and Apple Toasts

Our organization has been trying to get Drew Ungvarsky, the owner of Grow Interactive and Downtown Norfolk Superstar, to speak at our annual meeting for a few years. As luck would it have it, he was the slated for our event just days after our successful pop up shop in Drew's 433 Granby Street space. Even better yet, #teamGlassGardens was there to support me and enjoy the evening.

Drew expressed five vital points he's learned throughout his many years of challenging the norm of Downtown Norfolk and consistently making a difference.

1. Nothing happens without a champion.

2. Contribute whatever you can.

3. You won't know how to do it until you do it.

4. Seek out effective partners.

5. Have clear, smart, prioritized requests.

I sat there thinking about all the projects I've lead, participated in, heard about or given advice for in the last three years. Better Block. Pop Up Shops. Town Fair. The Parklet Project. DT100 Volunteer Days. Work | Release. Casino Night. Gift Guides. City Maps. The list goes on and changes names and objectives, but what doesn't change is how all of Drew's points were addressed at each project. The one that sticks with me the most is #3. There were so many times when I thought to myself, I have absolutely NO idea where to start and how to get this done.

But, I now know how to get event insurance in less than 24 hours. I know exactly how wide a parklet needs to be. I know I can rally 20 volunteers to paint, plant or just sweep some floors. I also know how to fold maps and gift guides like a pro. I can obtain a permit from the city to hold an open-air market. I can read a lease and kind of know what it's talking about. With each "we should do this" comment that I agree to, then regret, then love, I learn just a little bit more about myself, my friends, our abilities to accomplish great things, and ultimately make this city a better place.

I want to take just one more minute of your time to share an awesome blog post by a friend and awesome girl I've just recently met. Yet, just another feel-good example of this wonderful place I get to call home and what a few small acts can do.

#46: Attend a Speaker  //  #38: Toast  //  #71: Governor's School

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Relax.

Checked off "relaxing" from the list by hitting up the Hermitage Museum's Sunsets on the River. If you haven't been, it's a Summer must. Good music, tasty beverages, delicious food.

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

New Product Alert!

Brooches meet succulents. The newest felt creation from Fairview Place.
For sale soon at Kitsch and Artfully Yours.

#7: Succulent Brooches

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Potted: A Plant Pop Up Shop

 

I think I can say our Summer pop up shop was a complete success. John was awarded the 2,500 square foot space, along with local fashion designer, Melissa Gumley of ADHD Driven, for five days. Did I mention it was free? Yep!

We took two nights to set up our retail shop and opened Friday morning at 10am. Succulents, cactus and airplants. Sewing classes. Accessories. Artwork. Dresses, shirts and tanks. The most popular feature? Terrarium Classes. John probably taught more than 50 people throughout the weekend how to build a little (or sometimes big) plant home.

We also debuted the Glass Gardens Terrarium Kits and buttons! 

#6: Pop up shop  //  #33: Help a Friend  //  #83: Glass Gardens Buttons

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

New Product Alert!

My latest creation is a collaboration of Glass Gardens, Small Acts Count and Fairview Place. And we couldn't be more pleased! We're offering two kit options: a single makes one terrarium about 4-6" in diameter, the double makes two that size or one larger one. The costs are $24 and $32, respectively.

Each kit comes with rocks, soil, moss and succulents. An instruction sheet is also included and the designs vary on the boxes to give you a little inspiration and learning opportunity. Kits can be reserved online, or are available to purchase at any Glass Gardens pop up or class. See the events schedule here.

#8: Terrarium Kits

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Golf

Maybe one day I'll actually be the one golfing, instead of just watching.

#49: Golf

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

#48: Write Newsletter

Back in April I started offering Email Newsletters as one of my freelance social media services. Since John (of Glass Gardens) is my #creativepartnerBFF, he was of course the first one to jump on board. Around the first of the month, with the help of Heather from Small Acts Count, we've put out some pretty awesome informational newsletters - including todays! To be included in the fun, sign up here. 

Click the image below to read the full newsletter.

Number #48 is off the list.

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

#14: New Hummus

Or Yammis as this particular hummus is sometimes called. I had to alter the recipe I found online quite a bit due to an oversight of what I actually had in my cupboards (and draining too much chickpea juice). The outcome is different... I'm not sure I'll be making this hummus/mashed potato concoction again. 

1 clove garlic, minced

3/4 can chickpeas, drained, but reserve liquid 

1 tbsp reserved,liquid 

1 medium sweet potato, baked with skin peeled

2 tbsp olive oil

1-2 tbsp light sour cream 

3 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp curry

1 tsp paprika 

Blend all ingredients in food processor until smooth. 

#42: Smoothie

It's only June 1st and we're already battling 90-degree days. What better to combat the heat than with a smoothie? Simple, delicious and packed with fuel for your day.

1 cup of ice
1/4 fat free vanilla yogurt
1 banana
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 tbsp (and then some) peanut better

Mix well and enjoy!

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

92 Days of Summer Part V

It's here. The Fifth Year for 92 Days of Summer. Who knew what this would grow into back then, but I'm thrilled to be having my besties (from around the world) and my mom participating, encourage others to try new things and just enjoy the simple things in life. 

So, let's do this. Here's the 2015 list: