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coffee table books, cookbooks, decorating and diy, just a few of the book categories i swoon over. (and i'm always up for a good self-help book too) i reserve books at the library often and decide which ones i should buy for my collection.  i'm also always getting good recommendations on social media or just  by browsing book stores and amazon.  weekends are always a little sweeter when i have tried a new recipe or project i read about. 

these books are beautiful and inspiring. i like them out in stacks, sometimes opened up to a pretty page i can glimpse at as i walk by. 

this weekend i was all excited about my new "the forest feast" gatherings cookbook. i bought it for my niece for a shower gift and fell in love, so.....now i have one too! (thanks to george)

baked garlic with brie,

crispy kale with paprika and truffle salt,

parmesan snap peas, sausage,

potato and white bean soup     

those are the recipes we enjoyed this weekend and there are so many more good ones. in addition, pretty ideas for simple entertaining! let's just hope the weather gets warm enough one of these days.      

bon apetite!

i've wanted to jump back into my blog, but have struggled with where to begin again. it's been so long since my last post. and more than that, i just haven't been disciplined enough about my blog. i know consistency is key....and that is not what i have produced so far for sure.  my problem is, i only feel compelled to post when i'm really "into" something.  so a schedule does not always mesh well with inspiration. 

so here i am, giving it another try, my focus....living an artful life!

living an artful life for me is a way at looking at whatever i'm doing with a more thoughtful eye. finding the beauty, having fun, making the ordinary a little more special. 

so...a couple of recent moments over easter weekend that brought me joy:

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driving past gramma minnie's old house in cleveland! so many memories here of family parties, aunts, uncles, cousins, annual visits to the feast and always a lot of really good food being made and eaten!

an easter diy i had to try, and much easier than i expected. nail polish and warm water is all it is. just swirl with tooth pick and drag eggs in. that's it! definitely the prettiest eggs i've ever created.  and an easter tradition...pizzelles. the beauty of the pattern and the memories make me so happy!

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more to come!

~karla