The Inkwell: Feature Friday: Alisa of Daily Violets

The Hotdog Vendor gives out Schnitzels & Snippets

Chili (about 45 minutes to prepare)
recipe by Charlotte Ann©

• 1 lb. Hamburg
• 1 or 2 cans of Kidney Beans
• 1 Can of Chopped Tomatoes
• 1 Jar of Spaghetti Sauce
• 1 Onion, Chopped (as much as you want)
• 1 Green Pepper, Chopped
(ingredient not absolutely necessary)
• About 1 tsp. of Chili Powder (more if you want)

In frying pan, put grease or oil, then add hamburg, peppers, onions. Fry.

Put in big kettle: sauce, tomatoes, cooked hamburg, chili powder, salt & pepper. Simmer about 1/2 hour then add kidney beans. Heat until hot and serve.

** Charlotte Ann© was a great cook, and didn't like to measure much. She was a strong believer that being a creative cook was what it was all about. Whatever her secret, her food was exceptional! Her idea was to add a pinch of this and a pinch of that.

Streetside Florist, Kathleen Baldwin

Monarda didyma, or commonly called Bee Balm

I find this herb completely beneficial...in the garden, for our bodies, for our noses, and for our insect and hummingbird friends. I do not personally use it for skin care. Since I grow a lot of herbs, I use Bee Balm for other things besides skin care.

It is called Bee Balm as the flower attracts bumblebees. Honey bees are unable to reach this flowers’ nectar unless holes have been made by other insects or hummingbirds. And, hummingbirds are very attracted to this flower, as well as butterflies.

The versatility of this herb includes using it as a cut flower, using the dried leaves and flowers in potpourri, as a garden attraction for pollinators, and as a culinary tea. It has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb, but one of my books writes it is no longer officially recommended for medicinal use today.

The aroma and flavor of this herb is likened to Oswego tea or Earl Grey tea when added to a china tea. One of its common names is Oswego Tea. It is very aromatic and very delicious to drink as an herbal tea – hot or cold by itself or added with other herbs. I have drunk several gallons of this tea over the years – I like it hot.

And, while it may not be “officially recommended” as a medicine, I find it is my best natural aspirin of all the herbs I’ve tried. I had read that it relaxes the muscles when drunk as a tea, all the muscles from headaches to menstrual pain. I read it may also relieve nausea, flatulence, and insomnia. I do find it quite relaxing and extremely aromatic. I have drunk this tea with catnip before, and I have drunk it with lemon balm. I like it best by itself, but it is quite good mixed, too.

What? You are asking me if it helps my tension headaches and muscle aches? Is the FDA listening? Yes, it does help – in fact, it seems to be quite relieving in the aches and tension department. :)

If you would like to begin your own herb garden or are expanding yours to include some tea herbs, look for this one. The best way to obtain it is from a friend or neighbor willing to divide it by the roots, or offer you stem cuttings that are very easy to root. Then, you are getting a plant that is already acclimated to your surroundings. Then, sit back, watch it grow, and drink some bee balm tea! Happy sipping!!!

To find out more about herbs, visit http://sweetcreekherbs.blogspot.com

Friday, August 14, 2009

Feature Friday: Alisa of Daily Violets

Posted by sbass

Welcome to our Feature Friday!

Alisa Wetzel is a stay-at-home mom, graphic designer, and the owner of Mini Mosaic, Artwear Collection. She live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and on December of 2008, Alisa decided to launch http://www.minimosaic.com/ Oh Yea, and did I tell you?! She's been busily and creatively working. In February, 2009, Alisa was featured on http://www.coolmompicks.com/2009/02/the_mood_necklace.php where they noted that they loved her "versatile, interchangeable jewelry". On July of 2009, Alisa also got a write up in Skirt Magazine .

Above Top: Sterling Pendant, Chain and Dogwood Flower tile

Above Bottom: Song Sparrow by Geninne Zlatkis tile

We decided to see what all the chatter was about, and we found out that Alisa's Mini Mosaic pendants are just what every wardrobe needs! WOW! We loved the variety and exquisite designs. The possibilities to change up your wardrobe within minutes are limitless as you can easily pick a new tile. Now that's what I call a perfect way to start the day. As you build your collection-- there are hundreds of tiles to choose from --you can add anything from modern to vintage, so it's a sure thing that you'll find that special piece that speaks to your heart. The best part? It's easy and fun to change out the pendant with whatever fits your mood! So even if you're on the run, you'll have time to change out your look!

A few extras we found that Alisa has noted about herself:
>> Favorite way to wrap a gift, and easiest, is to buy colorful nesting boxes at The Container Store, run to Michael's to pick out silk flowers and puts them together. "It adds a really nice touch to the gift!"
>> Soledad Almonds from Sahale Snacks - delicious!
>> Couldn't wait for the new Harry Potter and Twilight Series movies, and for Adam Lambert's new album. She states, "The fact that I say "album" lets you know I am not 16. :)"

>> Adam Lambert - especially his "Mad World" studio version on iTunes
>> This Retro Floral dress from Ann Taylor Loft. ("I wish it was a bit longer")
>> Experiencing a new backyard...moved last September!
>> Communication Arts, my favorite design publication.

Inkwell Alley Notes:

>>The store is Azuca in Los Gatos, CA. has a new display for Alisa's tiles. Now that's exciting!

>>Alisa was a part of the SF Trade show... and, her future endeavors? Well, maybe with TLC-KellyRipa-HSN group...stay tuned. Congratulations!

>>Check out Alisa's website, Mini Mosaic

Pendant Above: Friendship

All profits from the sale of this tile will go to the Humane Society.

Congratulations Alisa on your success. Inkwell Alley wishes you well and looks forward to any new updates! Information compiled from http://dailyviolets.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post.html
Written by sbass of Inkwell Alley

3 comments:

Hello there! My name is JuneAugust 14, 2009 at 5:44 AM
I admire her work... such a clever creation & so nice to be able to change the look of a necklace on the run without having to fiddle with a clasp...just pop in a new tile!

:o)
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Debbie @ OtRDAugust 16, 2009 at 8:05 AM
What a wonderful artist you have featured. I love the sterling pendants!
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sbassAugust 19, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Debbie, I know; I loved these beauties! :) Audrey (sbass)
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