Red and Pink have always been one of my favorite color combinations . . .
today – more than ever!!
and for the record . . .
YES – I do believe in equal rights to all . . . a life based in LOVE . . . and marriage equality for all!!
Peace and Love to all of you today!
xoxo – liz
. . .
all photos via my “pink/red” board on pinterest
I am very excited to launch my “one on one” series . . .
and – I am thrilled to start it off with my dear friend Kim Taylor . . . from Kimberly Taylor Images!
( photo by Tiffany Kirchner-Dixon )
Kim Taylor is a woman of many passions and someone who I truly admire – both personally and professionally . . .
I originally met Kim through the blog and vintage world several years ago and she has become not only a friend, but someone who continues to inspire me over and over again. I admire her eye behind the camera lens . . . her love of food in the kitchen . . . and her passion to help those in need. She lives a “farm to table” life – by starting her mornings collecting eggs from her chickens, and if weather permits – greens from her garden. She often ends her day – with a table full of great food and lots of laughter, with both family and friends. I love that she lives by her own set of “truths” . . . she follows her passions – while keeping her focus on what truly matters most . . . her family!
Here is a bit more about Kim – in her own words . . .
Behind the lens . . .
How did you find your passion in photography?
My grandfather was a wonderful lifestyle photographer and had photos from before my dad was born. I still have many of his old black and whites that he developed and I cherish them. Because of him I have carried a camera around most of my life. I am the one that is now sharing photos from elementary and high school on facebook! (much to many friends’ horror…) 🙂
Film or Digital? . . . and why?
I obviously began in film as that was the 70s. I switched to digital in the 90s for its convenience and really let film go for many years. Just last month I bought an old Nikon FE2 and a couple of rolls of film, just to play around. From that first shutter sound when I took that first image I was completely and utterly smitten. I love how she feels in my hands and the beautiful images that I get back. I also love that I have to be so incredibly focused when shooting with her which really makes me feel in the moment with each shot.
In the kitchen . . .
Who influenced you the most in the kitchen?
I don’t know that anyone influenced me in the kitchen as I really discovered my love for cooking when I first moved out on my own. I lived in a suite in the home of my great auntie Tiggy. I can say that she is the one who influenced my appreciation for things like slowing down for a cup of tea, or taking time to enjoy lunch out on the deck in the sunshine. She used to make old english things that were so foreign to me and I think it encouraged me to experiment in the kitchen. I will say that much of my current way of thinking about shopping for food, finding joy in the preparing of it and of being creative when it comes to using leftovers comes directly from my friend Ange who lives in the south of France and is a genius when it comes to food!
Favorite raw food? carrots in hummus, sushi, fruits from the garden- okay, anything from the garden
In the shop . . .
Tell us about how the pottery got started?
So about three years ago I decided that I wanted to renovate the studio space attached to our barn. Up until then it had been used as a place to toss any and all junk we had. The roof leaked something awful and every rainy season (think 9 months a year here in Seattle…) I would carefully position about 12 big rubber bins to catch all of the water leaking through the roof. My husband thought it was silly to put a new roof, better yet any time or energy into an old space but relented in the roof and left me to do all of the work inside. After a few months of removing old drywall, insulation and garbage, painting and organizing I had myself a photography studio- yay me! The light was perfect, everything was white and all of my props were nicely organized. Jump forward about a year and I am in France with the above mentioned Ange, enjoying a glass of wine on a gorgeous afternoon. Handsome husband send me a photo- of his big pickup truck with a big box that says “kiln” on the outside, another box with the words “potters wheel” and 500 lbs of clay. My first thought is “where on earth is he going to put that?” quickly followed by “oh lord- my photography studio!”. He assures me that he is only going to take up “a small corner” of the studio. Famous last words…
Said studio has now become a pottery studio, all photography is now done in the kitchen and my incredibly potter of a husband was born.
How do you decide on what products to carry in your shop – Tiggy & Grace?
For me the products have to be things that I love and would use. I love a beautiful esthetic but also insist on functionality. Basically what I list are things I already own and love.
Helping others . . .
Tell us a bit about your mom and what she is doing in Uganda.
My mom has been working for the last three years building an amazing children’s home with the help of Edwin- who lives in Uganda. They have taken an empty piece of land and created an incredible home where, come July, the first set of children will move in. Can you imagine? Their first proper home, with reliable meals and toys and clothes. I am so excited to be able to be there with my mom, who I am incredibly proud of, to capture those first days with the children getting settled. I am quite certain it will be life changing.
How can we help?
There are so many things that would be wonderful. The most important thing is finding ongoing funding for the day to day care of the children. Right now it would be wonderful to find a church or two that wanted to help with that. We will also want to find sponsors for things- so basic financial aid. I will also be hosting an online auction on my business facebook page in April to raise funds to purchase as much as we can to bring with us. We hope to bring as many medications like topical antibiotics, children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen as well as gauze, band aids, and such. I would love for as many people as possible to take part in that, either by donating an item or bidding on things.
( Jaaja Barb’s Home of Angels )
Random . . .
Favorite family activity?
dinner time- hands down.
We laugh a lot, share our day and connect as a family. It is the time of day I most miss #1, who moved out in September.
What is your favorite color? How does it make you feel?
I have never been able to narrow down a favorite. I love green- it reminds me of summer days outdoors. I also love white- especially in the gardens.
Thank you Kim for letting us all get to know about you a bit more!
. . .
Yes . . . I am very inspired by Kim Taylor – and feel so lucky to call her my friend!
Hope you are all inspired by her as much as I am!!
For more inspiration – you can find her blog here . . . and her lovely online store here!!
. . .
Until next time . . .
Happy Weekend everyone!!
Peace and love – liz
. . .
( All photos are by Kimberly Taylor unless otherwise noted )
I was going through some old photos to post for . . .
“Throwback Thursdays”. . .
and I came across a wonderful little photo shoot – that took place in my back yard in the Spring of 2008.
The photos were taken by our Bainbridge Blues go-to photographer – Michael Jardine of Qamera . . . who’s eye behind the camera has always fascinated me!!
It was a beautiful Spring day . . . the sun was out . . . and one little girl (Miss Hattie) was extremely happy to participate in all the excitement!
I believe the photos below tell the rest of the story . . .
yes – even our crazy dog (Mr. Mack) was trying to get in on all the action!
I am so glad the seasons are beginning to change . . .
although I do wish one little girl would quit growing up so fast!
. . .
Welcome Spring . . .
let the sunshine in . . . flowers sprouting in the garden . . . laundry on the line . . .
and kids growing up much too fast . . .
the long dark days are over . . . time to mow the lawn . . . plant some seeds . . .
and freshen up your home . . . clean linens . . . fresh pillows . . .
new beginnings . . .
Peace and Love to all of you!!
xoxo – liz
. . .
all photos by Michael Jardine / Qamera
Once again St. Patrick’s day was here and now is gone . . .
Every year I think about writing this post and somehow I miss the deadline – promising myself that I will make it up in the year to come.
But this year I decided to go ahead and write this post anyway . . . even if it is a bit late.
For years I never believed in luck . . . not at all!! I did however believe in hard work – lots of it! I believed in (and often quoted) the phrase “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity” – a phrase that I absolutely loved and lived my professional life by.
But then one day that all changed . . . and here is the story of how this happened . . .
It was on a beautiful spring day when I received a phone call from a friend who’s family member had just been diagnosed with uterine cancer . . . as I talked with her on the phone – I decided to take a walk out into the pasture in front of the house in which I lived as a single mom with a young child.
During our conversation I looked down . . . and in the middle of this very large meadow – I saw what I thought to be a four leaf clover . . . and sure enough it was. It was the biggest four leaf clover I had ever seen – I picked it up and I told my friend that this was for her loved one . . . that this somehow had to be a sign . . . the luck of the Irish – which she was.
( I myself was adopted – so never had any knowledge of any “luck of the Irish” )
Then something happened – I found another one even more beautiful than the first one . . . I again told my friend that with all these four leaf clovers something good was sure to come her loved one’s way!
Well – over 10 years later – I am happy to say that my friend’s loved one is as healthy as can be . . . and for that I am truly, truly grateful!!
But as good a blessing as this is – this is not the end to the story I am sharing . . .
You see – I took these two four leaf clovers inside the house and I found a very large book to press them in . . . life then continued on as it normally did . . .
Over 6 months passed – I forgot about the four leaf clovers as I was living my life as a single mom, working as hard as possible . . . and taking care of the one thing that mattered most – my little boy Pierre. I knew that he was all that really mattered at that time.
Slowly I began to date a very special man . . . it was going along well – but I was nervous about the whole idea of a relationship again. I decided it was time to let God take over . . .
Then one evening I asked this man I was dating a simple question . . . “what day is your birthday again?”
After he answered – I said something like this . . . “hey – I have this big birthday book – let’s see what it says about you . . .” I then grabbed this big blue book – not even thinking about those silly little four leaf clovers from months before . . . I asked him his birthday . . . threw open the book . . . and . . .
t h e r e. t h e y. w e r e.
right there on the day of his birth . . .
I couldn’t even breathe as I slowly closed the book back up knowing that I had put these in this book months before I ever even knew his birth date.
I will never forget looking into his eyes – knowing that this was the man I was going to be with for the rest of my life. It may perhaps sound silly to a few of you . . . but I knew at that moment – that this was so much more than just the luck of the Irish . . .
I finally understood that this was the true plan all along!
Peace and love to all of you!!
xoxo – liz
. . .
Oh – by the way . . . my son now plays high school sports for the Fighting Irish! Coincidence? I think not!
. . .
Yesterday I was looking through some photos for an upcoming Bainbridge Blues blog post for spring . . .
and I came across this bike photo taken by the very talented Michael Jardine of Qamera.
It literally stopped me in my tracks . . .
You see – this photo means so much more to me than just a photo of a vintage bike!
For me . . .
it represents leaving the corporate world which I dearly loved at the time . . .
to follow my dreams and start a business where I could be closer to my son.
It represents hard work . . . and dedication to those dreams
to the paths I have chosen to take . . . and to my journey ahead.
The funny thing is . . .
at the time I bought this bike for the Bainbridge Blues shop – I paid way too much for it.
But it never bothered me – as some how I knew it had a special meaning.
Each day . . .
I would wheel this bike out in front of the Bainbridge Blues shop . . .
and we would display gifts and flowers in a big basket on the front of it.
It was a sign to our customers – that we were open for the day.
I simply loved that little shop, and the memories shared with friends and customers . . .
and sometimes – I miss it more than any of you would ever know or imagine!!
That said . . .
my dreams are still here as I continue down this winding road we call life . . .
Bainbridge Blues is now a wholesale textile company
that I share equally with my two good friends and business partners Fran and Mudge.
And now . . . well – I just need to find this old bike . . .
and perhaps give it a face lift and paint it a different color . . . hmmmm . . .
Peace and love to all of you!!
xoxo – liz
. . .
photo by Michael Jardine / Qamera
I love collecting girl’s vintage dresses . . .
and this one is one of my all time favorites . . .
I especially love all the sweet details on this dress . . .
and of course – I absolutely adore the wonderful colors . . .
such a great color combination!
Peace and Love to all of you!!
xoxo – liz
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
go to . . .
for more design inspiration from the studio – coming very soon!!
. . .
all photos / liz le dorze
a few photos of my little design studio . . .
a place where I surround myself with things I truly love!
I keep all sorts of objects around me that bring me joy and inspiration . . .
from vintage objects . . . to gifts from friends and designers . . .
to important design symbols . . .
and of course – lots and lots of textiles and trims . . .
but most importantly . . .
my little studio is a place where I can find design inspiration . . .
a place where I can follow my true passions . . .
and a place that brings happiness to my soul!
Peace and Love to all of you!!
xoxo – liz
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
go to . . .
for more design inspiration from the studio – coming very soon!!
. . .
all photos / liz le dorze
Would you like a bite . . .
of one of these sweet little tarts?
I thought you might . . . : )
such a special way to end an evening meal . . .
by adding a little bit of summer sunshine – regardless of the season!
Well – they are really pretty easy to make . . .
but I will admit to you that the crusts do take a little bit of time.
This wonderful recipe is adapted from . . . Tarts (by Maxine Clark)
We will start off by making a simple Pate Brisee crust . . .
a simple . . . unsweetened shortcrust . . .
which is strong – and can easily support the fresh berries!
Simple ingredients are used to make the tart shells . . .
flour, salt, unsalted butter, egg yolks, and cold water . . .
it is as simple as that!
sift the flour and salt together – and set aside . . .
then in a food processor . . . mix together the butter and egg . . .
once mixed together – add the ice cold water
and blend again until smooth.
add the flour/salt mixture to the butter mixture . . .
and mix until it is barely blended . . . and makes a crumbly mixture as shown.
On a lightly floured surface . . .
knead the dough gently and then roll it into a ball.
Flatten it out and wrap it up in plastic wrap . . .
and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and bring it back to room temperature . . .
roll out dough to about 1/8″ thick or less . . . then line the little tartlette pans.
(be sure to press the dough evenly into the fluted sides)
Prick with a fork and return to the fridge for about 10 minutes.
Once at temperature . . .
bake the tart shells by placing parchment paper on top of the crusts . . .
and adding baking beans / pie weights on top of the parchment paper.
Bake for about about 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove from oven . . .
remove parchment paper and baking beans / pie weights.
Return to the oven and cook for approximately 5 more minutes.
Glaze the tart crusts with egg to seal them . . .
and return to oven for 5 to 7 minutes more . . .
or until they are a BEAUTIFUL golden brown!
(be sure that the egg has been cooked!)
Let cool.
and voila – you have some beautiful tart shells . . .
beautiful in color . . . light and crispy . . .
and ready to be filled!!
Now it is time to make the filling and glaze for the berries . . .
you will need some beautiful raspberries . . . some creme fraiche. . . some heavy whipping cream,
a bit of Framboise (a raspberry malt type beer) . . . some homemade raspberry jam . . .
and also some homemade berry jelly for the berry glaze.
First of all – you will need to strain the jam to remove the seeds . . .
then place the jam in a separate bowl . . .
add the heavy whipping cream, the cream fraiche . . . and the Framboise to the strained jam . . .
and whip until beautiful peaks form
(be careful not to over whip!!)
Refrigerate until the berries are ready to go!
Warm up the berry jelly on the stove . . .
and gently coat the berries in a large bowl.
Refrigeratethe berries until cooled.
Now it is time for the fun part . . .
time to fill the tart shells with the filling . . .
and top with those beautiful glazed berries . . .
These raspberry tarts need to be served as soon as possible after they are made!!
This is one of those recipes that will look absolutely beautiful . . .
just like in these pictures – seriously!!
but even more importantly . . .
these little raspberry tarts are soooo fresh and delicious . . .
just like a sweet taste of sunshine on a summer day!!
Mmmmmm . . . Mmmmmm
A few notes and tips about this recipe . . .
*only use homemade jam and jelly for this recipe . . .
I made it both ways . . . and it truly does make a difference!!!
**The tart shells can be made ahead of time . . .
but the tart is best when assembled at the last minute.
(if you make them ahead of time – be sure to crisp them up for a few minutes in a hot oven!)
*** I made this Gluten Free by using Williams Sonoma’s “Cup – 4 – Cup” Flour . . .
and by excluding the Framboise as it is malt based.
(I do believe that a little fruit liqueur could be used in place of the Framboise . . .
one that is made without malt of course)
A Kiss from my kitchen to yours . . .
Peace and Love to all of you!!
xoxo – liz
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Here is the ingredient list . . .
The pate brisee crust . . .
2 cups all-purpose flour (or Williams Sonoma “Cup 4 Cup” flour)
1 teaspoon salt
9 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 extra large egg yolk
2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons ice water
The filling . . .
2-3 tablespoons homemade raspberry jam
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 1/4 cups creme fraiche
2 tablespoons Framboise
The berries . . .
5 cups fresh raspberries
1 1/4 cups berry jelly
. . .
go to . . .
for more great recipes and food inspiration!!
. . .
all photos / liz le dorze
Welcome to my new website and blog!
I decided to name it . . .
after the street on which I live with my sweet husband and two wonderful children . . .
My goal for this blog is simple really . . .
to live a visual life . . . in a little white house . . . on Komedal Road!!
It is going to be my go-to place . . . a place to gather and share all things that I truly love!
This blog is where I plan to document it . . . to share it . . .
and hopefully inspire some of you along the way!!
I will start by sharing my little design studio with you – called . . .
it is a place that I feel passionate about . . . a place that makes me truly happy!!
It is here that I design a girl’s clothing line – called . . .
for girls 4 to 7 years old . . .
(I also have a few sketches on my desk for a new women’s line – just around the corner . . .)
There will also be interior design projects – both past and present . . .
and fun little projects – like bringing new life to an old chair!
And of course there will be a bit here and there about a very special fabric line . . .
which I own with two of my very good friends and business partners!
And yes . . .
there will always be vintage fabrics here and there . . .
because truly – I am a vintage fabric girl at heart!
I still adore wonderful old vintage grainsacks . . .
great vintage goods . . . and fun vintage markets . . .
so with that said – I will continue to keep our . . .
going strong . . . with all sorts of great vintage available in our online shop!!
and last but not least . . .
a little inspired love and goodness from my little kitchen to yours . . .
we are calling it . . .
I have to say – I do love a good piece of ironstone . . .
especially those amazing ironstone bowls!
Mid to Late March – you can expect to see us filling up our . . .
with all sorts of great vintage goods, artisan “maker” items . . .
and anything that catches my attention really!!
It is something you won’t want to miss!!
There will even be a little Kids Thrift area . . .
perfect to keep the little ones looking sharp – even in a slow economy!!!
I truly want this blog to be filled with much happiness . . . joy . . . and laughter . . .
to find visual inspiration in everyday life . . .
and to share it with all of you!!
I hope you will join me from time to time . . .
as we travel down this road together!!
Peace and Love to all of you!!
xoxo – liz
. . .
all photos / liz le dorze
(except for the Red Bainbridge Blues bed – photo by Michael Jardine)
. . .
komedalroadblog 