Sweet paul

Crafty Friday

Sometimes I get really tired of looking at craft projects that means to have to go out and spend lots of money in order to make it.
I wanted to come up with a project that was fun, easy and with things that everyone has at home.
We all have that sweater with a stain or a hole and some sort of vase, right.
So, simply place the vase in the arm and cut off about 2 " from the bottom.
Fold that 2" in and voila, you have a very stylish winter vase.


Photos by Alexandra Grablewski

Another workshop date.

The march 3rd workshop is already full, so we added a new date, march 17th as well.
For more info, please email us at info@sweetpaulmag.com

Tote Bag Giveaway!

Pamela Fugate was kind enough to send me two of her hysterical "I like big books and I cannot lie" tote bags.
So clever.
They are printed on 100% cotton canvas bags.
You can check out her other tote bags and other fab things on her etsy shop, right here!
So two lucky readers can be the proud bearer of these totes, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post.
The giveaway closes monday january 30th at noon.
Good luck.

New Food Styling&Photography Workshop!

Recipe Monday....

Happy Monday.
This is such an easy everyday go to dish.
I use drumsticks, but you can use any part of the chicken you want.
This is what you need for 4 people:

8-12 drumsticks
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon cut in slices
juice of 1 lemon
2 cup black olives
fresh parsley

Rubb the chicken well inn with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in an ovenproof pan and fry the drumsticks until they are golden brown all around.
Add lemon, lemon juice and olives and place the pan in the oven at 375F.
Bake until done, about 12 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with rice or mashed potatoes.


Photos by Alexandra Grablewski

Crafty Friday

Making your own lamps is really fun and quite easy.
For this pendant lamp made of a vintage glass funnel, all you need to get is a electric cord with both end pieces on.
Simply screw off the socket put the wire threw the funnel and screw the socket back on.
Hand and put in a bulb and voila...You have a uber-cool lamp.


Photo by alexandra Grablewski

My Happy Dish Recipe Contest!

Time for another My happy dish recipe contest.
This time I'm looking for your best spring recipe.
Maybe its a salad, a soup, a cocktail or a cake, can be whatever as long as it says spring.
Its very simple to take part.
1.Email me your recipe, must be your own, not some recipe you found in a magazine, book or website.
2.Email me a pretty hi res picture of yourself.
3. Finish this sentence, "This dish makes me happy because......"
Email it all to myhappydish@sweetpaulmag.com.
Deadline is january 27th.
The winner will be featured in Sweet Paul Magazine and your dish will be styled by me and shot by one of the amazing photographers I word with.
Check out last issues winner here!
Good luck!

Recipe Monday....

Did you know that you can deep fry artichokes?
All you need to do is take the small ones and cut them thinly lengthwise.
Heat up vegetable oil in a large pan and when the oil is hot fry the artichoke in batches.
Then they are golden take them out and place on paper. Drizzle with flaky sea salt.
Should be served right away.
Photo by Frances Janisch.

Recipe Monday....

The perfect beef stew for those cold winter nights.

Beef stew with red wine
Serves 4

2 lbs beef stew meat
salt and pepper
plain flour
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 shalotts, peeled and chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 small celery root, peeled and chopped
2 cups red wine
2 cups beef stock
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 fresh thyme sprig

Cut the meat into cubes and season well with salt and pepper.
Lightly dust with flour.
Heat the butter and oil in a large saucepan.
Brown the meat in batches. Set aside.
Saute onion, garlic, carrots and celery until the onion is soft.
Add wine, stock, tomato paste, sugar and thyme.
Add the meat and stir well.
Cover and simmer for about 1 hour.
Serve with mashed potatoes.
Photo by Melina Hammer

Crafty Friday

A little while ago I bought some beautiful vintage buttons at the local flea.
Before the holidays I turned them into a gift for a friend.
I simply thread the buttons on a string and tied a beautiful silk ribbon on each side to tie around her wrist.
It kinda looks like a very pricy bracelet.
I guess it should be our secret that it only cost around $10.

Photos Alexandra Grablewski

O for Oprah

Every time I talk to my sister she tells me that she has a special dress in her wardrobe in case I ever make it on the Oprah show. She would fly from Norway just to be a member of the audience.
Her brother never made it on the show, so I guess the dress is just collecting dust where it hangs.
Talk about letting your family down.....
But all is not lost.
I did do this opener for the january edition of Oprah Magazine.
With the help of my assistant Michaela we spent a whole day on this.
It was really fun.
Beautifully shot by Nigel Cox.