Jennifer

Author's posts

A Very Happy Juneteenth

Now recognized as the official national holiday Juneteenth National Independence Day as of Thursday, June 17, 2021, this is a very happy Juneteenth. Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, and traditionally celebrated on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It originated in Galveston, Texas, after Union Major General Gordon Granger announced …

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Cupcake Potholder Crochet Pattern

This cupcake potholder is made by using three strands of yarn at a time. This way, the pot holder turns out nice and thick. I also love the look of the large stitches, and it saves a bit of time. The only problem with crochet potholders is that they still have “holes” in them, so …

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The Louvre Abu Dhabi Is Building an Impressive Collection

During recent months, the Louvre Abu Dhabi quietly added some impressive pieces to its collection, including a rare Georges de la Tour painting, Girl Blowing on a Braisier (La Fillette au braisier), and Between Darkness and Light (Entre chien et loup) by Marc Chagall, along with 25 other pieces. Another exciting acquisition is a selection …

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May 27th Birthday Love: Neil Finn

Happy birthday to Crowded House frontman Neil Finn, born on this day May 27, 1958 in Te Awamutu, New Zealand. Finn’s rock beginnings may have started in late 1974, when Neil’s brother Tim formed the band Split Enz, and Neil eventually became co-frontman of the band along with his brother. He proved to be an excellent addition …

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Coastal Rainforest Meets Mid-Century in the Edgemont Greenbelt Home

This single family home was designed with to welcome in the sunlit treetops of the North Vancouver, Canada coast, and made with clean lines and decorative touches in line with the mid-century feel that the owners love. Edgemont Greenbelt’s architecture is by Shelter Design and Blackfish Homes, offering generous views of the coastal rainforest surrounding …

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How To Make Soap The Easy Way: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making soap can be a fun craft project for all ages!  I make them for my own personal use because most commercially made soaps simply don’t compare to good handmade soaps.  Also, I have fun choosing the base and fragrance combination to make my own perfectly customized bars of soap.  It’s also a great project …

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Artist Spotlight: Chiaki Okada

Today we are celebrating the illustrations of Japanese artist Chiaki Okada. She has illustrated books by different authors around the world, including a book by her husband, Ko Okada, called Rabbit and Freckle (Кролик и Веснушка). Chiaki Okada has a unique talent for capturing the innocent beauty of childhood home life as well as imaginative childhood themes. …

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Artist Spotlight: Dale Chihuly Glass Art

Today we are celebrating one of the world’s most talented blown glass artists, Dale Chihuly, who has a number of amazing exhibits around the United States to be seen.  Many of these photos are from both permanent installations and traveling exhibits, and it’s fascinating to see how some of the same sculptures give different impressions in …

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Soap Recipe Using 3 Grocery Store Oils

Making homemade soap is fun and rewarding for me, however I don’t always have the time or money to shop for a long list of specialty oils. This is when a simple trip to the grocery store will suffice. You can make some very fine soap with oils found in most every grocery store. The …

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Louie Zong Samples Sea Shanties for “All We Got”

Musician and painter Louie Zong just shared “All We Got,” a song made with samples from Smithsonian Folkway-found sea shanties. And the result is really joyous. all we got by Louie Zong