Reverse graffiti

I found this through a link in my RSS feeds:


He's creating the skulls by cleaning the pollution from the walls.
I believe the police were taking notes, not ticketing him. I think the end result was the artist's aim - having the local government clean the pollution from the tunnel.

It's a really interesting concepts to me, and I love the comments on YouTube going back and forth about whether it was a shame that the art got cleaned off, or if that was the artist's aim.

Flipping and Marking

I spent most of my weekend making plans for a "Crafternoon Tea" crafting party a friend and I are planning to host seasonally in 2009. The first session is going to be making spirit houses/shrines out of foam-core board and decorating them, a la Carol Owen. I've been flipping through my back issues of Somerset Studio magazine (one of which was an article from Ms. Owen, which I used to create a shrine of my own awhile back), and marking the various shrines published there for inspiration for the class/session/whatever.

The next step will be to get the foam-core boards and pre-cut the "houses" for the shrines. Basically making a kit for the base of the project. Then each person will assemble and embellish their shrine, by covering it with paper and other ephemera, and placing items within. My exacto knives are going to get a workout!

After the kits comes the menu planning :) I'm figuring tea, light sandwiches, and cookies; maybe scones and cream.

Tea Review: Adagio's Oolong #8

From: Adagio Teas
Type: Oolong
Caffiene: Yes



This is a mild, understated tea that doesn't overwhelm. It blends into the background - but in a good way. Makes a nice evening cuppa - it doesn't overstimulate.

The scent is a bit... "weedy" if you know what I mean. After brewing however, it settles down and is barely noticeable. You do want to make sure the steeping time doesn't go too long - it gets a bitter as it steeps longer.

Tea Review: Capricorn Signature Blend (Adagio)

From: Adagio Teas
Type: Black blend
Caffiene: Yes

I had my doubts about this blend, despite being its target audience - a Capricorn. It's an Irish Breakfast with vanilla and coconut. My doubt was directed at the coconut. I'm not a fan of coconut. However, my hubby added it to his order for me on a whim, so I was going to try it.

I actually like it, it's a nice wake-up tea, and the coconut is very subtle. I'm on my second cup of it, I had some last night and now this morning as I type. I'm taking it with sugar and milk, and it's quite enjoyable. Not as "Wow" as the Blood Orange tea, but definitely good.

Tea Review: Adagio's Blood Orange

From: Adagio Teas
Type: Herbal
Caffeine: No

Ingredients: Orange peel, hibiscus flowers, apple pieces, rose hips, and safflower


I really enjoyed this herbal infusion. It has a pleasant, tangy citrus flavor. When I first sipped it, the first thought that hit me was that the next time I have a sore throat or cold, this is what I'm drinking. It would make a great "comfort" tea for those times.

The individual pieces in the tea are large, so I did add quite a bit of it to steep, because I was afraid I would not get a good mix of all the ingredients if I didn't. After steeping, the bits and pieces really plumped up and were quite interesting looking! This tea needs plenty of room to expand during the brewing process, so keep that in mind - one of those tiny tea balls would not do it justice.

For a sweetener, I used two packets of Splenda. It was just right.

I had some dark chocolate stashed away, so I ate a square of it while drinking the tea, and it was a wonderful pairing. Dark chocolate and orange go very well together.

I found myself wishing I'd brought some to work. Their website is right - it IS addictive!

Tea reviews

I suggested to my wine loving hubby that he should review wines on his blog. So he's going to start doing that.

Hubby got me a couple tea of the month clubs for our anniversary, and I have a compulsive tea habit. :) So I'm going to take my own advise and do some tea reviews on my blog.

So coming soon... :)

I love Re-Ment

I have their kitchen and fridge on order, plus about 4 sets... I can't wait to get them!