Here are my top 5 picks this week!
5 glorious things that are inspiration worthy!!! Enjoy:
1.) Ok...I am slightly OCD...but I love finding artists that are WAY WORSE than me....I totally love the new paper-art movement that seems to be going on right now......So that is why I like this:
MONEY as art!!! Rodrigo Torres sees paper currency differently than most people. He doesn't see it as a negotiable instrument, a way to buy necessities or luxuries. He sees it as something to cut into, an incredible art form in the making. Torres carefully cuts into money and then layers pieces together until they become stunning collages. This emerging artist also isn't afraid to mix currencies.
When recently asked the question "What is your process?," Torres answered this:
“I am using to starting with some object that i find, and I try to intervene in a way that has something to do with the fabrication process of that object. For example, in banknotes, I make some interventions with the stylus, very meticulously, because it has to do with the work of the engraver, what he has done there.”
Here are some more:
2.) Ok...so I have a confession. I am a HGTV junkie. Normally, I think that the designers on HGTV are blandly beige (see Peter Fallico and Sarah Richardson's shows to see what I mean) BUT I watched an episode of Home by Novogratz today.....and I totally dig these guys!! The newest design team to hit HGTV’s line-up is husband-and-wife collaborators Bob and Cortney Novogratz. The hip, always-pushing-the-design-envelope NYC couple manages to juggle seven children while overseeing dozens of design projects. In each episode of Home by Novogratz, they take on a unique project to create a distinct space that showcases their self-taught, downtown-chic aesthetic!! Yes, they have a bit of a hipster vibe......but I like their more daring approach to decorating...and the fact that they ALWAYS seek out original art!!! Here is some of their handiwork:
3.) Do you like that bubble gum pop music? I am ashamed to say I kinda do! If it is a flavour you think you might like....try out Maroon 5's new album "Overexposed":
I especially enjoyed the white-guy-reggae-like sounding"One More Night" or the retro-ish "Wasted Years". It is mostly an album of getting-ready-to-go-out danceable pop songs! And while yes, it is true I do have a small crush on Mr Adam Levine, I did actually enjoy this album! But for me, the stand out for me on this albumen is a cover tune....that I just NEEDED to share:
4.) I cannot say enough about this one....do you like your chocolate cake? I was at my oldest friend Christina's house last night for dinner (oldest in duration of relationship - not in age of friend). Now she is an extraordinary cook (although she claims to be ordinary) and she made this chocolate cake. It is called the DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE. It was the most decadent creamy, delicious cake I have ever had. And if you know me, you KNOW I know my cake!!!
Here is the recipe. Please make it.....and then please invite me over!! (WARNING this cake is not easy as it looks to make.....and it is REALLY not calorie friendly!) Here is a picture in the cookbook:
Here is a crappy photo I took last night:
Died and Gone to Heaven Chocolate Layer Cake(From "Eat, Shrink and Be Merry" by Greta and Janet Podleski)
Ingredients - Cake:3 cups granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 cup strong brewed coffee. cooled
3/4 cup vegetable oil1 teaspoon vanilla4 ounces (113 grams) unsweetened chocolate squares, melted in a double boiler and cooler slightlyIngredients - Frosting:1 1/4 cups granulated sugar1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1 cup (35%) whipping cream6 ounces (170 grams) semi sweet chocolate squares2 teaspoons vanilla1 package (8 ounces/250 grams) light cream cheese, softened1 cup butter, softenedDirections:Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Get three 9 inch round cake pans. Using one of them, trace and cut out three circles of parchment paper. Grease each pan with a little bit of butter, place the parchment paper circles in each one then lightly grease those too. Set aside.In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.In a seperate large bowl, beat eggs on high speed for 3 minutes. They should be thick and lemon coloured. Add buttermilk, coffee, oil, vanilla and melted chocolate. Mix on low speed to blend well.Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Blend on medium until smooth then divide the batter between the 3 pans. Bake 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pans for ten minutes and then transfer the cakes to a cooling rack. Peel off paper.To make the frosting, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sugar, cocoa and whipping cream. Whisk constantly until mixture comes to a gentle boil then cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate squares until melted. Add vanilla, stir then let cool to room temperature.In a large bowl, set your electric mixture to high and beat the cream cheese with the butter until smooth. Add cooled chocolate mixture and beat on medium until well blended. Refrigerate frosting until spreading consistency is reached, about one hour.When cakes are completely cooled, set one cake layer on your presentation plate. Frost. Add a second cake layer. Frost. Add last layer and finish frosting. Add chocolate shavings, raspberries or strawberries to complete. If you use berries, make sure they are super dry after washing. Cover and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before serving.
Great collection of all you like! I love the money art, room design, the music, and of course the CAKE! Thank you for sharing that recipe!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure - thanks for reading!!!!
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