April Cornell - Live Beautiful

Count our Jewish Blessings!

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:30:00 +0000

With Hanukkah upon us – I’d like to reflect a little on the meaning of Hanukkah for me.

The lighting of the eight candled Menorah is symbolic of the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil.
The lighting of the Menorah represents the eight days a small amount of oil burned and gave the Maccabees, victorious in preserving their holy place and moral beliefs, a miraculous eight days of holy light – it was a triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
I think this is the right time of year to count some of our Jewish Blessings!

And I can think of some big ones -
Where would the western world be without Jewish Philanthropy?
Where would our institutions be without the charitable contributions of the Jewish culture?
How many libraries would not have been built?
How many hospitals would not exist?
How many studies would not have been undertaken?
How many elder care facilities would never have been started?
How many patients not served?
When there is need the Jewish Community is the fore front – anticipating and responding with institutions that form the very core of our lives.
How many theaters, cultural centers, museums and art programs would never have breathed?
Where would we be without Jewish Creativity?
What no Bob Dylan? What no Barbara Streisand?
How many first nights would never have opened?
How many plays would never have been written?
Where would we be without Arthur Miller, and Neil Simon and Carl Reiner?
How many movies would not have been made?
How many galleries never supported?
What no Guggenheim?
How many books unwritten?
What -no Leon Uris, or JD Salinger or Elie Wiesel?
How many actors not seen?
When there is art – the Jewish community is in attendance – enjoying, participating and giving.
Where would we be without Jewish Business?
No Leslie Wexner?
No Levi Strauss?
No Barbie Doll?
And Jewish Design – especially in the garment industry?
What no Marc Jacobs, no Ralph Lauren, no Calvin Klein, no Hinda Miller?
It’s almost no clothes!

Where would we be without Jews in Academia?
How many colleges would never have been built?
How much research not pursued?
How many scholarships denied?
And most importantly -How many questions not asked?
And how many doctors and scientists we would be missing!
When we experience academia the intellectual and questioning mind nurtured by the Jewish culture is integral to our experience.

And what about laughter?
Where would we be without Jewish Wit?
Where would we be without the slapstick fun of the Three Stooges, gone more sophisticated with Mel Brooks, or the story telling humor of Billy Crystal and Jerry Seinfeld?
Jon Stewart, Ben Stiller- look at the range!
What about the simultaneously raucous and sensitive Bette Midler, the hilarious Gilda Radner and irritatingly funny intellectual Woody Allen?

Our TV shows would lose essential crazy humor. Our movies their originality – no Steven Spielberg- please no!
Our comedy nights would pale, our ability to laugh at our selves, fall over ourselves and see the absurd and carry on would be less.

So I say we should count our blessings today – our Jewish blessings.
And I will start my counting with a bagel and cream cheese!
As my friend says

Om Shalom

April

Be Beautiful, Live Beautiful, Feel Beautiful

Summer Craft Project: Essential Napkin Rosettes

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:09:00 +0000

My garden is full of roses, and I love their many shades of pink, and sharp green leaves...

Inspired by their flirtatious, feminine beauty are these roses made from our essential napkins- This is a rainy day craft project, that will keep flowers in bloom all year long!

Put on your prettiest crafting apron and-

-Fold one of our 20” Essential napkins diagonally in half

-Starting at one corner, pleat back and forth creating an accordion ruffle

-After a few pleats, begin to wrap the remaining length around them

-Wrap fairly tight at first then slacken and gather the fabric as you continue around and around to create a petal effect

-Using the ribbon from the napkin bundle, securely tie a knot around the base of your flower to hold it and wrap down the length to create a “stem”

-For a pretty accent, slide a Butterfly Beaded napkin ring up the stem to the flower

-Finish off the look by folding a green napkin diagonally in half and in half again and wrap the flower up in it, using the folded corner as a “leaf” detail

Create bunches of these pretty posies and use them together to form a beautiful bouquet!

Tell me some of your summer craft ideas and we will randomly select a winner of three sets of essential napkins to make your own bouquets!

April

Feel Beautiful, Live Beautiful, Be Beautiful

The Magic of Printing

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:22:00 +0000

This video demonstrates the screen printing method that we use in printing our beauteous table linens.
See the magic as each screen layers a new color on. See the symmetry and balance exhibited by two well paired printers, skilled in their craft. This is the Frida Flower Print for spring 2011, my goal is for the magic of the process to be so embedded in the beauty of the cloth that it will continue to magically transform your home!

Enjoy
April

Feel Beautiful, Live Beautiful, Be Beautiful

Nature Inspired Napkin Giveaway + Garden Videos

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:53:00 +0000

Spring is the air the ground and all around.

My garden inspires me in all of its seasons- loaning me palettes to color my designs. Here is my Vermont Garden on a Spring Day in May.

A place dedicated to the beauty of mother nature.

What inspires you?

Tell me your tale and I will select a winner for my nature inspired Papillion Jacquard Jade 18" Napkin Bundle

(please include your email address to contact you - or email me at
aprilcornell(at)aprilcornellholdings.com to enter)

April

Feel Beautiful, Live Beautiful, Be Beautiful

Please join me in congratulating Tamara H. - Winner of this Giveaway

Thank you all for participating as always!

Tablescape Thursday - Happy Fish

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:23:00 +0000

This year, as a very unique and special birthday present, I was treated to a brand new experience – I visited a glass-blowing workshop here in Vermont and learned how to make some funky glass pieces. As I shaped and molded the hot molten glass, I could not stop smiling at the fun of it all. Having taken the time to learn this new craft, I find myself appreciating the beauty and color of glasswork, which in turn inspired this beautiful tablescape. The fluidity of glass evokes the beauty and whimsical nature of the sea, so this pretty round table is set with our Happy Fish print in pale yellow. Her smiles reflect my own enjoyment and the colorful floral scrollwork designs create a myriad of coordinating possibilities. The sparkling prisms of a finished glass piece remind me of the interwoven colors of our Fiesta Plaid, so a single twenty inch fringed napkin serves beautifully as a centerpiece. With such a wonderful array of colors to choose from, not one but four colors were paired – Essential Napkins in blue & coral and leaf green & tangerine – to layer on even more colorful fun! Cheered on by the beauty of glass, the clear red and yellow colors of our Daisy Beaded Napkin Rings were an obvious choice for the simple elegance of the napkins. Of course I couldn’t resist using our Primavera mouth-blown glassware featuring etched butterflies along with some colorful bowls and dishes.

Whatever inspires you, feel it fully, enjoy it and let your imagination take you to beautiful new places and urge you to create – I promise you’ll love the results!

Quick Tip: This tablescape features some beautiful potted azaleas from our local garden shop. Rather than cut them to place in a glass vase, preserve the beauty of fresh flowers by leaving them in the pot and covering the base with a coordinating napkin or dishtowel! Simply fold the napkin diagonally and tie it around the width of the pot. You may also choose to secure it with a pretty ribbon for added charm!

Enjoy!

April

Feel Beautiful, Be Beautiful, Live Beautiful

Part of Tablescape Thursday

For more information, click here!

Sweet Sentiments - Confetti White Cake Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:59:00 +0000

My birthday was this past Wednesday, April 28th , right in the middle of the week – perfect for a week-long celebration! In our Burlington, Vermont office, the April Cornell team enjoyed a wonderful birthday lunch in our kitchen / dining room overlooking beautiful Lake Champlain in springtime. Our big natural wood dining table was set with the calm blue of our Shannon Patchwork tablecloth surrounded by an eclectic set of mix ‘n match chairs. Sitting or standing, fresh fruits, salads, a selection of Vermont cheeses and baguette breads were shared as glasses clinked in celebration. Following all this was a beautiful traditional confetti white cake with ambrosia orange frosting!! I call this “The Birthday Cake of Dreams”!!! Three tiers of perfectly layered cake is covered with smooth frosting and decorated with paintings of my flowers and birds, rendered in food coloring “paint”! This moist and decadent cake was made all the more delicious served surrounded by smiles and songs of ‘Happy Birthday’.

Spread sweet sentiments at your next birthday event and whip up this fabulous cake!

The Cake was made by doubling this recipe:

Ingredients

· 1 cup white sugar

· 1/2 cup butter

· 2 eggs

· 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

· 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

· 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

· 1/2 cup milk

· 1/4 cup rainbow jimmies

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x9 inch pan or line a muffin pan with paper liners.

2. In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Add the rainbow jimmies and fold slightly to spread them through the mix. Finally stir in the milk until batter is smooth. Pour or spoon batter into the prepared pan.

3. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven. For cupcakes, bake 20 to 25 minutes. Cake is done when it springs back to the touch.

The frosting was made by doubling this recipe:

Ingredients

· 1 bag powdered sugar

· 1/2 cup Crisco

· 2 tablespoon orange extract

· 3/4 cup milk (add milk until desired consistency is achieved)

Directions

1. Combine powdered sugar, Crisco, orange extract, 1/2 cup milk. Mix with mixer on medium speed. Add milk in small doses until desired consistency is achieved.

NOTE for frosting cake the consistency should be light and fluffy. For piping and decoration the consistency should be stiff enough to hold shape.

To get a smooth surface after frosted, dip knife in hot water to warm blade and smooth over surface.

To paint – use bright vivid food colors and a fine paint brush. To give a water color effect, swirl brush in water before dipping in food color to soften the effect.

Enjoy!

April

Feel Beautiful, Be Beautiful, Live Beautiful

Part of

For more info on Foodie Friday, Click Here!

Giving Back & Reaching Out

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:39:00 +0000

Giving Back – how important is a mother? How wonderful a child?

Good mothers, caring mothers cause us to grow and be good and caring too. Motherhood can change the world. And each child can in turn return the favor. As a mother myself, and as a daughter, I see part of my mission in life is to change the world. To give a hand up to others, especially young children and women in need. I learned to give back at home, from my mother. I learned what being cared for means, and what caring for others means. I have taken my mother’s lessons and applied them to my life – much of which has been in India.

India is a country rich in many things, textiles, skills, crafts, beauty, culture, wildlife and history. But it is also a country that is still beset by poverty, and where there is a large population of desperately poor people. People too poor to watch their children, people too uneducated to educate their children, people needing a hand up to success, a hand up to opportunity.

In the slums of Delhi there are some wonderful women and men who have reached into their hearts and into their pockets, to make a difference. In simple open street schools first generation learners – of 5 and 6 years old, are learning the alphabet and changing their legacy, learning to write and opening doors of opportunity. Safe in a small circle of care and respect, these little children, for a few hours every day, can play as a child should play, imagine and develop as all children should. These are the Gali Schools and I and my company have been involved in them through The Giving World Foundation for many years.

When I see a little boy or girl with hair brushed straight, smile bright, waving hands enthusiastically at the teacher; I see the future more positively, and I know that I have made a difference. I know that my mother would be proud of that, too!

In all seriousness and sincerity when you buy a little girl’s dress from my company, you are also supporting the dreams of a little child far away, a child who will laugh like your child, play like your child and read and write as all children should.

Thank you for buying our clothes, and supporting our company. We take our mission to Feel Beautiful, Live Beautiful and Be Beautiful very seriously.

Happy Mother’s Day,

April

To learn more about the Giving World Foundation go to:

www.givingworldfoundation.org

Tablescape Thursday - Blue Skies

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:31:00 +0000

Sunny Skies Up!

Despite any mention of April Showers, these days I find myself singing that old Irving Berlin song ‘Blue Skies’… “Blue skies smiling at me” - such a beautiful idea – to know that the sky smiles down on us. Whether outdoors or in, I love to recreate the beauty of a blue sky on my table. Layered here, on this quaint little table for two, is the Shannon Plaid breakfast cloth. Its powdery blues and soft yellow weave give it a wonderful country flavor and provides the perfect base for the Josephine Blue placemats. Named after my beautiful, vibrant granddaughter, the Josephine brings a gentle floral aspect to this scape while hints of sunny yellow add a cheerful note. The coordinating napkins are double-layered over Essential Napkins in pale yellow to bring forth even more sunshine! Napkin cuffs add a dash of sophistication while fresh floral arrangements herald the coming of our beloved garden season! With a table so fresh and welcoming, why not linger in comfort as well as style? Here the chairs are lined with comfy pillows in the Shannon Patchwork collection – a symphony of blue floral prints and plaids – once you sit down, you’ll never want to get up!

Here’s to beautiful spring blue skies and warm sunshine – when you smile up at them, rest assured they’re smiling back.

(For more information about Tablescape Thursday and all its beauty, click here)

Enjoy!

April

Feel Beautiful Live Beautiful Be Beautiful

Thank You Earth

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:24:00 +0000

On earth day tree hugging goddesses get the respect and recognition they so deserve.

On earth day we honor our earth, and mother nature, and all those who are her stewards.

Say thank you today, to the trees, the soil, the plants, the animals, our sun and the very air we breathe.

And say thank you to the environmentalists and all who stand watch over our planet.

Today, commit to protect and appreciate our very special world.

The Fruits of a New Season, Peach Ginger Crisp

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:02:00 +0000

Warm breezes are hinting at the bright sunshine to come. As we plant the seeds of spring and look forward to tomorrow’s summer gardens, what better way to enjoy the promise of the warm season than with a fabulous summer dessert? Here’s a favorite – Peach Ginger Crisp! Using fresh ingredients makes this recipe simply irresistible – sweet and juicy peaches marry beautifully with the pungent flavor of grated ginger (the heady aromas you’ll enjoy while preparing this dessert are testimony enough!) and the hardy crunch of sliced almonds, oats and brown sugar will have everyone coming back for more. Since this dish is inspired by the anticipation of fresh fruits from a summer orchard, it’s featured on our delicious Chelsea tablecloth in pale yellow with lots of coordinating Essential napkins for those lip-smacking moments!

Enjoy this easy country recipe with ice cream or whipped cream and savor spring and summer flavor all year long!

~April

Yield: 5 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients

• 1/2 c quick-oats

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 / 4 c melted butter

• 3 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

• 6 cups sliced peeled peaches (about 3 pounds)

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger

1 teaspoon allspice

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine the flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and butter in a bowl mix until crumbly. Stir in almonds.

Combine peaches and remaining ingredients in a bowl. Spoon peach mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle with flour mixture. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.

Quick Hostess Tips:

Hand-written recipe cards are a great way to make a lasting impression on your guests.

After serving up a scrumptious dessert, write the recipe on a pretty printed card

so your friends can make and enjoy it again and again!

Try including a recipe card with a basket of fresh peaches, lined with printed napkins

and tied with a pretty ribbon for an outstanding gift!

Foodie Friday

Spring Creative Project: Fabric Butterflies

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 04:10:00 +0000

Recently I posted a picture of our storefront in Burlington on Facebook, which was decorated with dozens of fabric butterflies welcoming spring. There were a number of people who were interested in how to make these charming decorations. Here are step by step instructions on how to make your own!

(Burlington, VT Store - see list of other retailers here)

Step one: Measure out a square of fabric and cut with pinking shears – it can be any size. If you plan on making more than one butterfly, it actually looks pretty to have lots of different sizes - just the way Mother Nature intended!

Step two: If you want the wing shape to curve out, simply pleat up straight down the middle of the square. Pinch to hold and secure with a pin.

Step three: Or, if you prefer more shaped butterfly wings, try this additional step. After you measure the square and before you pleat up the center, fold it in half and cut the edges as shown. This creates more of a four-wing look. Then, continue on to step two, pleating up the center on the sides that you did not cut.

Step four: Tie a pretty ribbon, lace, or yarn around the center pleated ‘body’ portion. We liked curling the ends to look like antennae – you might want to use wired ribbon to help in this. You could even use a contrast fabric and just cut a narrow strip with pinking shears.

Step five: Embellish your butterflies with fabric covered buttons in different prints or with uniquely shaped buttons with etched flowers or glistening stones – simply stitch right on top of the center or, if the button has a large enough shank, you could thread your tie through it in order to secure.

Step six: You can get as creative as you’d like with this – we added a scalloped eyelet trim in soft aqua cotton at the edge of the wing for a vintage and feminine touch.

Step seven: Tada! How cute!

Step eight: Place your butterflies wherever you want a cheerful reminder of spring – tie them to chairs at your next picnic or hang them in your own windows! They’ll float just like the real thing when a soft breeze brushes by.

I hope you enjoy being creative with this fun Spring project – it’s simple enough to do with your little girls and grandmothers. What a fun May Day, Mother’s Day, or any day gift or activity! Feel free to share photos your own fabric butterflies!

April

Live Beautiful Feel Beautiful Be Beautiful

Primavera Tablescape + Printable Invite

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:37:00 +0000

We are well into April - my most favorite month - and it’s time to celebrate the colors of spring! Whether I’m experiencing the April Showers of Vermont or the hot skies of New Delhi, the allure of pinks and yellows on fresh green always calls to me. Here’s a table dressed for “my month” with a cloth in our Primavera collection – so appropriate for spring!

As nature mixes colors and textures in a garden, you can carrying a table to the next level by providing an array of coordinating placemats and napkins. Alternating between jacquard weaves and prints is a great way to add dimension to your table. Featured here is the Papillon Jade and Garden Pink woven napkins layered with the Eden and Madeline collections.

Some waffle weave tea towels await a warm dessert from the kitchen and our coordinating Primavera dishware serves as a punch bowl for some delicious fruity refreshment.

Here’s to celebrating the changing days as we wake up to a new season and herald the arrival of spring!

Click here to print/save this invitation for your spring party! (Fun little printout for little girl's tea parties as well). Enjoy!

April

Feel Beautiful Live Beautiful Be Beautiful

(For more information about Tablescape Thursday and all its beauty, click here)

Peaceful Morning Moments + Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:14:00 +0000

New Delhi

My Park

My Morning

Before I head out for a busy day at work I stroll to my nearby park. This park is a sprawl of green in the center of Delhi. What a treat at 7am, the sun is up, yet some night coolness still remains. I and many others flood the paths, sit on the benches, do exercises and yoga. The birdsong, a flock of red whiskered bulbuls in particular, was magnificent. Sketch book in hand, I prowl the paths and lawns, enjoying all the familiar and endearing sights.

This morning I passed two yoga groups- the laughing yoga group, composed of all men- belly laughing, and then my favorite group, a group of middle aged women and men, in every sort of posture, at least half in a different rhythm, enjoying the stretch and breathe of early morning yoga in the park. Few rules, few following them, but all smiling serenely and enjoying the start of day.

Do you have a park that you love, a walk that you take,

or a morning ritual that you enjoy?

Tell me about it and you could the one selected to win a 50.00 gift certificate - for a beautiful treat that will be sure to put a smile on your face.

(please include your email address to contact you - or email me at aprilcornell@aprilcornellholdings.com to enter)

April

Feel Beautiful Live Beautiful Be Beautiful

We have a winner! Please join me in congratulating Koren - the winner of a $50.00 Gift Certificate to April Cornell Online.

Sausage & Pepper Pizza Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:57:00 +0000

Last weekend I had a few friends over for a casual get-together. Just wanting to enjoy the time with my company - I opted for a quick and fresh dinner! When a fancy dinner just won’t do, pizza is the perfect way to have fun, be creative and get everyone involved in the cooking. Your guests can bring a favorite topping, or a salad item.

Basic Pizza Dough

Makes three 12 inch pizzas

3 ½ cups flour, sifted

1 tbs. evoo (extra virgin olive oil)

1 tbs. salt

1 ½ cups warm water

1 tbs. active dry yeast

• In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast in the warm water, and stir to dissolve it. Set aside until the yeast starts forming bubbles in about 5 minutes

• Sift the flour. Pour the flour into a large bowl or on a work surface. Mold the flour in a mound shape with a hole in the center

• In the center pour the yeast mix, olive oil, and a pinch of salt

• Then mix with your hands to form a dough ball

• On a floured work surface knead the dough briefly with your hands pushing and folding. Knead just long enough for the dough to take in a little more flour, and until it no longer sticking to your hands

• Coat a bowl with evoo and transfer dough into bowl

• Cover the bowl with a tea towel, and set the bowl aside for approximately 1½ – 2 hours until the dough doubles in volume. The time required for rising will depend on the strength of the yeast and the temperature of the room

• When the dough is double its original size, punch it down to eliminate the air bubbles.

• Separate the dough into three even pieces

• Using a rolling pin or your hands work the dough into the shape of your baking sheet

Pizza

4 tablespoons pizza sauce, I tried Casa Visco

1/2 a medium bell pepper julienned

1/2 white button mushrooms, chopped

3 hot sausages, casing removed

1 cup shredded 2% mozzarella

1/3 cup kalamata olives

• Pre-heat oven to 450-475 degrees

• Julienne pepper, chop mushroom, and de-pit olives

• Remove casing from sausage and break a part with fingers

• In a non stick skillet pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• Brown the meat and continue to break apart with a spatula

• Roll out dough on a lightly flowered surface

• Remove sausage and drain on a plate lined with paper towel

• Put together pizza- start with sauce, then meat, veggies and finish with cheese

• Bake for 7-8 minutes

• Let rest for 3 minutes before cutting

Serve with a garden salad in pretty bowl, like our new colored bamboo bowls! Add a crisp white wine to the mix- and sit back and enjoy the warm breezes and friendly conversation.

April

Feel Beautiful Live Beautiful Be Beautiful

For more information on Foodie Friday: Click Here

Fiesta Tablescape for La Cache

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Spring is beginning to awaken the Montreal landscape – daffodil and crocus buds are ready to bloom and crisp green tulip stalks push through the thawing earth. With this happy hint of seasonal color in mind, we decided to amp up the brilliant tones of the spring table at our La Cache store in Westmount.

I love layering cloths so our pretty round table is set with a base of the Papillon Jaquard Breakfast cloth. Over top is the joyous Fiesta Plaid (also a breakfast cloth) – the rich turquoise blue, magenta and yellow weave really catches the eye! Quilted placemats in the Paisley Bouquet Pink collection pick up the rosy hues in this tablescape while the scalloped edges add further texture. The dusty rose dishware is vintage-inspired and newly available in our boutique, as is the blue glassware – not a combination you would immediately think to pair but the tablecloth really pulls it all together beautifully.

Of course my love of birds is revealed in the Hummingbird watering can and dove tea cups and don’t you think the whimsical turquoise beaded lamp adds just the right mood lighting? Time to sit back and enjoy summer lemonade in anticipation of the season!

Thanks for stopping by!
April

Feel Beautiful Live Beautiful Be Beautiful

For more information on Tablescape Thursday (click here)
Thank you to Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) for putting this wonderful event

Easter Memories: Dressing Up & Chocolate Smiles

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:36:00 +0000

Easter brings back memories of being a little girl, one of three sisters, sitting on the front porch having a photo taken of us in new outfits. From head to toe we would be freshly outfitted, each with an Easter basket of eggs and bunnies in our hands and chocolate smiles for the camera.

Easter’s in the North East can be cool some years, or delightfully warm and sunny other years. This Easter I’ll be wearing my Flanders Jacket in baby wale corduroy, a soft powdered blue, the ruffled Emma Blouse in delicate peach voile, and the Lovely Linda Skirt tossed with coral and pink flowers on self striped cotton. I think I’ll have my picture taken with three imaginary little girls- one floating like a dancer in the Posyette Dress in pretty orange, one In the Dotty Dress with playful polka dots, and one in the Fleuri Dress, a flurry of red flowers to go with her sassy smiles.

Search your personal memory album for special moments, and choose something wonderful to wear for your spring wardrobe.

April

Feel Beautiful Be Beautiful Live Beautiful

Golden Spice Cupcakes Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:11:00 +0000

A tasty sweet treat that you'll be thinking of long after you've devoured them!

Golden Spice Cupcake Recipe:
2 1/4 tsp baking soda
2 cups sifted cake flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 cinnamon
1/4 nutmeg
1/2 c. butter or other shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg, well beaten
1 tbsp molasses

Mix all ingredients together well. Pop in oven set at 350-degrees for 20 minutes. Check every 4-5 minutes - until top springs back.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 - 16oz block of cream cheese - chilled
2 tbsp vanilla
1/2 c. butter – room temperature
3 c. powder sugar

Cream together cream cheese, vanilla and butter. Add powder sugar until you reach desired consistency.

Hope you enjoy!
April

To learn more about Foodie Friday, hosted by Designs By Gollum - click here

Decorating your Spring Table

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:25:00 +0000

It's official - Saturday is the first day of spring! This is a wonderful time to freshen the home, and with Easter and Passover quickly approaching a new table setting could be the perfect way to officially welcome the changing of the seasons.

To get started, a few of my favorite things to do are:

Begin with a color scheme or pattern
Definitely mix & match
Contrast shapes and details
Have fun and trust your instincts!

For a more in depth steps read my newly posted article on my website: Decorating your Spring Table

If you’re curious about what I used above in the picture – here’s a list of the new spring linens on my spring table!

Live Beautiful, Feel Beautiful, Be Beautiful

April

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe + Apron Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:41:00 +0000

These cinnamon rolls come from a Glace Bay Nova Scotia cookbook that was gifted to me in 2001 "Centennial Cookbook.”

My family is from Glace Bay and on Glace Bay’s 100th birthday I had the honor of speaking to a group of local women and men [OK – mostly relatives!] about my fond memories of our family’s birth place. In case you don’t know Nova Scotia is known for its baking- particularly its wonderful tea biscuits and blueberry pies. These cinnamon rolls are a close cousin to the tea biscuits with a lovely scone like consistency. I like to make a display in a glass covered cake stand, where anybody entering the kitchen will be sure to grab one. These recipes from the past ground me, I love making them as much as I enjoy eating them and sharing them. I like to think that they also create memories for those around me, my children, their friends, my friends, to carry fondly to the future. This way the recipes of Cape Breton stay alive forever.
Cinnamon Rolls from the ‘Bay

4 cups of flour
1 tsp baking powder { I also like to substitute bakewell for baking powder not available everywhere- I find it gives a creamy finish to baked goods.}
I tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
½ cup sugar
1 cup butter or margarine
2 brown eggs { because I like brown}
1 cup sour milk {1 tbsp vinegar plus milk}

Topping :
2 tbsp melted butter- to spread on dough
1 tsp cinnamon/ mixed with 1 cup brown sugar
1.Blend dry ingredients and cut butter or margarine in with pastry blender { or two knives}
2.Beat eggs and add with milk. Mix all ingredients together.
3. Divide into 2 portions.
4.Roll out each portion to forma a rectangle.
5.Spread with melted butter and sprinkle with topping.
Roll up like a long jelly roll and slice into 1” wide rolls.
Place on cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 12- 15 minutes.

Share with me a special baking recipe and you may be chosen to win a beautiful canvas printed apron – perfect for baking memories for many years to come.
(**please be sure to include your email address so I can contact the winner, or email your posting anonymously to: aprilcornell@aprilcornellholdings.com)

April

Live Beautiful Feel Beautiful Be Beautiful

Please join me in congratulating Julie!
She'll be receiving a new apron from the Spring 2010 collection. Thank you all for participating in the Apron Giveaway - I enjoyed all the comments, and hope to at least try a few!
She was randomly chosen using Tara Frey's Random Number Generator.

A Magic Purse + Handbag Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:31:00 +0000

Do you have a magic purse? A bag where all of your life is stored?

I do - My paints, my keys, a cotton nighty, my passport, a box of raisins, and piece of dark chocolate. There's my granddaughter's photo, a special letter from my son, makeup, a wooden comb, salty nuts and a toy for a child; there's a 'words of inspiration' book, my journal, my nataraj pencil and a nail biting mystery - seriously I could be marooned with my magic purse and still have a good day.

Tell me what is in your magic purse that tells your tale? For posting an answer, I'll choose a random winner on Friday afternoon at 4pm to win a beautiful new (spring 2010 collection) handbag!
**Remember to include your email address (so I can get let you know if you've won)**

April

Feel Beautiful, Live Beautiful, Be Beautiful

Let's Springify! + Linens Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:47:00 +0000

My home in Northern Vermont is still snow coated and cool, with just a tease of warm air and cracking ice to be heard.

I say it is time to Springify! I am grabbing the hot colors of spring and bringing them indoors. The last of my Xmas brocades are heading for the basement and oranges and roses are decorating my table. I love the hothouse pinks of our new Paisley Bouquet print and they marry up nicely with the real pink roses from my favorite market. I add some matching red pears, limes and oranges to my table, and you would never know that outside is dove grey and brown.

What do you do to brighten up your February days?
Tell me your tale and you may be chosen to win a set of colorful placemats and napkins from my Spring 2010 collection (please remember to include your email address, so I can contact you!)

April
Live Beautiful Feel Beautiful Be Beautiful

UPDATE: We have a winner! Please congratulate Holly S.!

The Beauty of Color + Book Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:09:00 +0000

Enjoy this video that gives you an insight into the April Cornell world of color. Color evokes emotion and mood, and through it I establish a point of view, sometimes delicate and soft, sometimes deep and dark and saturated, other times, brilliant and boldly expressive. I use color to make a statement and reflect the many influences of our beautiful world.

Tell me how you feel about color in your life and you can win my book:
April Cornell Decorating with Color!
-- Please remember to include an email address so the winner can be contacted --

April

Live Beautiful, Feel Beautiful, Be Beautiful

UPDATE: We have a winner! Congrations to Lynne D.

Race Day in Delhi- Athletes with Heart

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:04:00 +0000

One of the happiest places in Delhi yesterday had to be at Concern India’s Sports day in Gurgoan. Seventeen different NGOs fielded teams of 20 children, from age 6 to 14 in a day long Track and Field event.

More than 340 children had the time of their lives, and scores of volunteers, teachers, project leaders and sponsors felt like children again. I was there with my son Kelly, family friend Gabe, and 8 of the most dedicated and enthusiastic supporters from Cornell Overseas that you could imagine! The Giving World was a sponsor through Concern India of two fabulous teams of children. Sai Kripa – a school of mostly first generation learners outside of New Delhi and Navjyoti, a street school project in Delhi. We cheered on our teams, heralded our winners and high fived everybody else in sight.

The day was professionally organized in a large field, with a marked track – we had elimination rounds, semi finals and finals. We had shot put and 100 yard dash, leap frog and three legged races, inventive skipping races, relay teams and a cardboard race that has to be seen to be understood! There was the spoon with lemon race, and the sack race too- in short something for all age groups and athletes to excel in. The day is organized as a give back to underprivileged children of a variety of Delhi projects. And designed to allow them to step into the exciting world of sports and spectators.

There are trophies, ribbons and certificates for all attendees. There was a winner’s podium for first second and third place. There was a March past that was a happy organized and inspiring kick off to the day. Breakfast and lunch were served by the volunteers complete with a Tiffin box to take away. All of the children received a fresh souvenir tee-shirt and a new pair of white running shoes. By the afternoon many had discarded their shoes in an effort to be the fleetest of foot.

Competition was high, and so was good humor. I had to constantly pinch myself to feel that this was a real day and not a dream. The sun shone on us and we all left with a little sunburn, a lot of smiles and memories for a lifetime- children and grown children alike.
I have to thank my lucky stars that through the Giving World Foundation and Concern India I can work with such a tremendous group of people and have the privilege of participating in these awesome events.

Life is it’s own reward.

April

Live Beautiful Feel Beautiful Be Beautiful

Five Ways to Feel Good + Book Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:10:00 +0000

I live a busy life, and with a busy life it is easy to forget to stop and enjoy the minute marvelousness of this world.
Here are five simple ways to feel good, and remember that you and the world are important and beautiful.

1. Open a tablecloth and watch as it falls gently unto your table.

2. Light a candle and watch the shape of its flame.

3. Smile at yourself in the mirror. See how good you look.

4. Pat a cat, slowly and softly, without rushing.

5. Wash your face with warm water, and remember that water and heat are precious.

Those are five to start.
Do you have some simple rituals that make you feel good, that make life slow down, and embrace being alive? Let me know about them and I will select one and send you a copy of my book, April Cornell at Home. (Please remember to post your email address, so I can contact you!)

Thanks,
April

Live Beautiful, Feel Beautiful, Be Beautiful

What's my favorite Tablecloth? Video Clip

noreply@blogger.com (April Cornell) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:03:00 +0000

Watch - above - as I explain all about my favorite tablecloth we have this collection. Hues of blues, and dashes of gold - see as I examine this beautiful cloth. The Mela Patchwork has lots of details better seen up close!

April

Feel Beautiful, Live Beautiful, Be Beautiful

(image above only)