A Harvest Lunch Under the Changing Leaves

Autumn is my favorite time of year next to spring. I love the changing leaves and the fresh flavors, from food, to brews, and of course wine. Although, I feel like I can do without summer, the bounty that comes from the heat and sun is very much desirable.

Today, I must have been eager to hang out under our maple tree. I decided to have a little outdoor lunch under its changing leaves. This tree is the perfect sitting spot to entertain and relax. We hang lanterns and other decorations from its bows creating a generously tranquil atmosphere.

It always amazes me how we can create this quiet spot when we live in a city-like home. We have neighbors on either side of us as we share property lines and a very busy main street one block over. So being able to create a soothing spot with plenty of plants and trees is important to me.

I tossed together some items we had (in our fridge and the garden) to make this delicious homemade pizza. I made a large batch of pizza dough a few days ago and this was the perfect opportunity to use the remaining dough. I roasted pepper, broccoli, and tomatoes from our garden to create a divine spread.  

This roasted peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli pizza is topped with a mix of goat and cheddar cheese. If you have never tried it I high recommend it. You will be pleasantly surprised.

The harvest of peppers and tomatoes came from yesterday’s garden activities. My daughter’s favorite chore is to pick the ripe fruits and vegetables form our raised garden beds. She brought in so many items I knew we should use them right away. So I roasted them in a very hot oven for a few minutes. What we don’t use today will be placed in the freezer for later.

This is a perfect way to treat friends to a fall themed lunch. Open a bottle of your favorite wine and share a fabulous harvest pizza in your favorite natural spot!

I hope you enjoy autumn before it goes.

 There are many wonderful flavors to sample and outdoor spots to rest

Sustainable Solutions

XL Black and White Trees

My problem solved through creativity and imagination

By Brandy Boswell, Artist & Owner of Elegantly Haunted

www.ElegantlyHaunted.com   - Hand painted Glassware for ALL Occasions!!!

Today there are many ways your make your home, gift giving, and entertaining greener. One of the best methods is through purchasing products that are repurposed. However, it can be difficult to find repurposed items that are artful, tasteful, and usable, all in one. If the piece doesn’t have value or give pleasure, your effort is wasted!

I found myself facing this dilemma when I was looking for a sensible and sustainable way to “WOW” my guests at my annual Halloween party. There were several points I wanted to address with my parties;

1. I wanted to limit the amount of waste my party produced,

2. I wanted to give my guests something they would value and appreciate,

3. I wanted something to match my theme and decor, &

4. I wanted to create!!!

My solution? Hand painted glassware!

Over the course of about a month, I visited my local community stores and purchased the best quality wine glasses possible. Next, I hand painted each glass with a one of a kind design using the best quality glass paint I could find. As my guests arrived at my party, I handed them their own unique piece of art. My guests where more than WOW’d, they were FLOORED!

My guests used their wine glasses all evening and then took them home as a truly memorable and pleasurable gift. This was the perfect solution for me!! I reduced my level of waste, and clean up all in one. Above all, my guests received a gift filled with value, beauty, and personal attention!

From this spark of imagination, I now have a thriving business. I create hand painted glassware for anyone looking for a unique gift and/or a sustainable option when entertaining! As it turns out my original design is my best seller. It is a simple black and white tree, proving less is more!

This custom glass was created for Steve Buckley, author of Blackbear the Pirate.

My hand painted glassware makes AMAZING gifts for all occasions! I hand paint party & wedding favors, wine glasses, beer steins, candle holders and so much more! The possibilities seem endless.

Buying repurposed hand painted glassware not only supports a sustainable lifestyle, it also supports an American business, and artist creating American made products. No need to buy cheap print press ‘Made in China’ glasses disguised as hand painted.  Truly a sensible solution!!!!

Artful, Personal & Durable! Just the way my clients and I like it!

hand painted party favors are a MUST for your next event and gathering

Article featured on http://craftmarketer.com/sustainable-solutions/