Treehouses, TheSilverPen.com

Lately, I’ve been fixated on tree houses. What is it about them? Well, tree houses certainly appeal to the child in all of us and bring us closer to nature (Silver Linings). At one point (yesterday!) I dreamed of living among the birds in a house nestled on the leafy branches of a towering tree. I mean, really. How great would that be?

Whether these structures are tiny shacks clinging to a single bough, unique treetop observatories or sprawling works of art spanning several trees, there’s something magical about tree houses. As it turns out, there are quite a few people in the world who actually LIVE in tree houses. Here’s a look at some of my favorites!

Treehouses, TheSilverPen.com

Camp Wandawega Lake Resort in Wisconsin

Tree Houses, TheSilverPen.com

Finca Bellavista is a selfsustaining tree house community situated deep in the Costa Rica rainforest.

Treehouses, TheSilverPen.com

Hemloft Secret Treehouse, Whistler, Canada

Tree Houses, TheSilverPen.com

From the New York Times

Treehouses, TheSilverPen.com*Images from Tumblr. If you know the source of the images, please let me know so that I can give credit to the photographers.
 

 

It is an honor and delight to be included on Lyn Devon’s blog. Lyn is as beautiful on the inside as her clothes are on the oustside. She is a dear friend and Silver Lining in my life!

Lyn Devon, TheSilverPen.com

Hollye is a client and close friend whose classic polished all-American style, beautiful toothy smile and upbeat indomitable spirit are her hallmarks.

Hollye is a nurse, social worker, child development specialist, and author.

With her blog The Silver Pen, Hollye chronicles her life’s journey, from cancer and cooking to family and fashion—an inspirational diary where she finds “silver linings” everywhere around her.

The fact that she lives that journey often in my clothing (and a splash of Oscar’s too! :) is just the icing on the cake for me.

How did you first discover Lyn Devon? What drew you to the brand?

At a dinner party in Chicago years ago.  My husband sat next to Lyn.  He told me, “I think you’re really going to like her!”  And he was right on! What continues to draw me to the brand is the wearability of the clothing. They are classic with a twist and always fit beautifully!

What do you love most about Lyn Devon collections?

What I love about the Lyn Devon collections is that I wear the clothing. It doesn’t wear me.

What is your experience like as a private client? 

AMAZING!  The experience is incredibly personal. Lyn sells only what looks great on an individual client. The Silver Lining of our professional relationship is that Lyn has become a great friend.

What is your all-time favorite Lyn Devon piece?

The “Hollye” dress of course, which is a take on the New Anna dress, but without the pleats.

How do you like to style your Lyn Devon clothes in your everyday life and work wear?

The beauty of Lyn Devon clothes is that they mix and match beautifully with my other clothing.  Her dresses are my favorite go to items because I feel instantly put together which as a mom and professional, means so very much to me!

Describe your personal style!

My style is classic. Think: Audrey. Jackie. I’m a no-fuss, no-muss kind of girl who loves fashion but is not a slave to it. I also love the high-low mix.

What are your favorite spring pieces you are most excited to wear this season? 

Dresses! Dresses! Dresses!  Writing a blog, The Silver Pen, and book this spring has kept me busier than I’ve ever been in my life, so speed-dressing is key.

In addition to writing TheSilverPen.com, Hollye also contributes to The Huffington Post, BreastCancer.org and Army of Women.

 
 

 

Rituals have always been a great Silver Lining of my life. For as long as I can remember, I have bathed in the peace and tranquility that rituals bring to my life. Rituals remind me of what is important and provide a sense of stability and continuity in my life.

A ritual is a well-defined sequence of words and actions designed to focus attention, establish significance, and achieve a beneficial result. Although some people think we have lost our sense of ritual, modern society makes use of many rituals to mark the beginning of significant events (baby showers, grand openings); the ending of life, or ways of life (funerals, bachelor parties); the completion of important tasks or performances (graduation ceremonies, applause); the transition of one state or time period to another (birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, religious ceremonies like baptism/bar mitzvah/confirmation) and the making of connections (marriage ceremonies, church services, flirting).

Making matcha green tea is my favorite daily ritual. In addition being a healthy start to my day, making and drinking it helps me see beauty and greatness in small things.

Step 1: Get the can from my cabinet

The Importance of Rituals, AOI Matcha Tea, TheSilverPen.com

Step 2: Put 1 teaspoon of matcha into a large mugThe Importance of Rituals, AOI Matcha Tea, TheSilverPen.com

The Importance of Rituals, AOI Matcha Tea, TheSilverPen.comStep 3: Whisk it until it is frothy. When I have friends over, for an added Silver Lining, I pull out my grandmother’s sterling silver teapot.

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What are your favorite rituals?  I’d love to hear!
 

 

Kale Salad, Cook for Your Life, TheSilverPen.com

Today’s recipe comes from Cook For Your Life, a Silver Lined website whose mission is “to improve the health of people touched by cancer by giving them the practical knowledge, tools, and inspiration to cook their way through treatment and into a healthy survivorship.” I have written about the wonderful organization before and continue to find the yummiest recipes there!

Today, I’m going to share an amazing chard and walnut salad recipe from Cook For Your Life. I love swiss chard because it is FULL of healthy Silver Linings!  It is an excellent source of vitamins C, E, and K, carotenes, chlorophyll, and fiber. It is also an terrific source of several minerals including potassium, magnesium, iron, and manganese. It is one of the most powerful anti-cancer foods thanks to its combination of phytochemicals, chlorophyll, other plant pigments, and soluble fiber. Additionally, the generous amount of vitamin K that is contained in Swiss chard, is especially beneficial in the maintenance of bone health.

The other special ingredient in this recipe, walnuts are also a really wonderful Silver Lining because they are chock-a-block full of Omega-3s (the essential fatty acids that our bodies need to function normally).  They are especially helpful in reducing inflammation throughout the body.

Oh, and the salad is beautiful to look at and cooks very quickly. I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as we are!

Wilted Chard Salad with Walnuts

from Cook For Your Life

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 1 rib celery, finely diced
  • Salt, to taste
  • ¾-pound Swiss chard, washed, leaves stripped, stems reserved
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced (I used 3 cloves and found that to be plenty!)
  • 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
  • ¾ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Roughly chop the chard leaves. Set aside. Dice the chard stems. Set aside in a separate bowl.
  2. In a wide skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onions, celery, and some salt and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the diced Swiss chard stems and the garlic and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the Swiss chard leaves, vinegar, chopped walnuts and a little salt. Cook, stirring, until the leaves have wilted, about 3 minutes. Taste for seasonings, then serve warm or at room temperature.
 

Photo Manipulations by Fiddle Oak Zev, TheSilverPen.com

Oh dear heavens, do I have something FUN to share with you today!  Yesterday, I discovered the most AMAZING photographer by the name of Zev. He is a 14-year-old photographer and artist from Natick, Massachusetts. Under the handle Fiddle Oak, Zev creates spectacular miniature worlds (that I’d sure like to visit, by the way!). He uses digital photo manipulation to splice portraits  with macro photographs to create the most visually stunning images of nature, interiors and objects.

My oh my oh my is this amazing! Oh, and he began this work at the ripe young age of 8 (yes, 8!). Uh huh. What a Silver Lining!  Enjoy!

Photo Manipulations by Fiddle Oak Zev, TheSilverPen.com

Photo Manipulations by Fiddle Oak Zev, TheSilverPen.comPhoto Manipulations by Fiddle Oak Zev, TheSilverPen.comPhoto Manipulations by Fiddle Oak Zev, TheSilverPen.comPhoto Manipulations by Fiddle Oak Zev, TheSilverPen.comPhoto Manipulations by Fiddle Oak Zev, TheSilverPen.comPhoto Manipulations by Fiddle Oak Zev, TheSilverPen.comPhoto Manipulations by Fiddle Oak Zev, TheSilverPen.com

 

This is a before, during and after. So amazing!

TheSilverPen.com

Here is the link to see his entire portfolio: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiddleoak/with/8907631161/

 
 

 

Black + Blanco Sandcastles, TheSilverPen.com

One of my absolute new favorite snacks is Black + Blanco Sandcastle cookies. My oh my oh my!  I first learned about them from Amy, the owner and proprietor of Isabella Gourmet Foods. She let me sample one in her shop and I bought a package on the spot.

These are some super special cookies. The Black + Blanco Sandcastle is an original take on an old Moroccan cookie recipe. It is a  unique, delicious, and healthy (yes, healthy) cookie. Their two main ingredients are rye and coconut oil. Oh and there is no wheat, refined sugar, trans fat, dairy, cholesterol, preservatives, eggs or GMO’s. Seriously.

My favorite are the Maple Dusted Cardamoi, described as “Luxurious & exotic, dark syrupy notes with smashed pumpkin seeds.” Yep. They are all that and MORE!

Black + Blanco Sandcastle Cookies, TheSilverPen.com

Image from: Dean & Deluca

In Santa Barbara, you can find them at Isabella Gourmet Foods. They are also sold at Dean & Deluca. To find them near you, please check out this link: http://www.blackblanco.com/stores/

Enjoy!