Saturday, July 31, 2010

Chilled Avocado Cucumber Soup



I've had this recipe for about one million years, and I both love and make it so much that the Southern husband gets that beef barley soup look in his eyes when I pull out the recipe, which is an interesting combo of "I like that soup!" and "wow, she's making that AGAIN." But I can't help it...this soup is cool and refreshing and delicious and only involves one kitchen appliance and that is the blender. Highly satisfying in so very many ways.

So here's the scoop. Pull out that blender and you toss in the following: some cucumber (get the English kind if you can. They are usually shrinkwrapped in plastic next to the cucumbers with the regular old American accent. Why? No idea. But they have less seeds and if you can get 'em, they're great.) Then some avocado, some yogurt, a little lime juice, some minced jalapeno, some salt and pepper and a little ice water. Press that puree button, baby.

And that puree sound is the MOST satisfying thing, can I just say? In about one minute it will be a lovely, thick chilled soup. Now all you have to do is thin it down with a little more ice water until it is nice and soup-like, and stir in some chopped avocado and cuke for substance and crunch. Garnish with some tomato, some fresh ground pepper and...the best part...some chopped crabmeat or shrimp. Dinner in about 10 minutes, and so delicious and healthy, too! Happy sigh.

Chilled Avocado Cucumber Soup, adapted from Everyday Food
  • 1 English cucumber, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
  • 2 avocados, pitted and peeled
  • 1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 minced small jalapeno chile (seeds and ribs removed for less heat, if desired)
  • 1/3 cup sliced scallions
  • 1 tablespoon cilantr0 (optional)
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 6 ounces cooked shrimp or crabmeat
  • 1 chopped tomato

1. In a blender, combine half the cucumber and 1 avocado with the yogurt, lime juice, jalapeno, scallions, 1 tablespoon cilantro, 1 cup ice water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Puree until completely smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.

2. Cut remaining avocado into 1/4-inch cubes. Stir avocado and remaining cucumber into soup. Thin with 1/2 to 1 cup ice water, as desired. Season again with salt and pepper. Chill, about hour.

3. Ladle soup into bowls; garnish with shrimp or crabmeat and tomato.

Shadow Shot Sunday/Finally


The studio windowsill about 4pm.
Paper piled on the radiator and the blind pulled
down against the too-hot summer light.

For other Shadowshots from around the world go HERE 



This photo is by the amazing photographer Susanna Gordon.
I'm doing a post and book giveaway in conjunction with her


Friday, July 30, 2010

love felt?


filzfelt is looking for a new studio assistant. in the boston area and interested? check out the job description and send an email to info@filzfelt.com to apply. we need you, we really do!

love felt?


filzfelt is looking for a new studio assistant. in the boston area and interested? check out the job description and send an email to info@filzfelt.com to apply. we need you, we really do!

Production For Rent: La Clemenza di Tito


To view, double click on the image

Production: La Clemenza di Tito

Stage Director: Chas Rader-Shieber
Set Designer: David Zinn
Costume Designer: David Zinn
Scenic Studio: Santa Fe Opera
Year Built: 2002

Number of Vans: 2
Size of Vans: 53'
Rail Shipment Permitted: No
Insurance Required: $250,000

Crew Requirements:
Stage Carpenters: 14 set-up / 4 running / 14 strike
Stage Properties Crew: 4 set-up / 4 running / 4 strike
Stage Electricians: 14 set-up / 3 running / 14 strike
Stage Fly: 2 set-up / 2 running / 2 strike

Approximate Time (Hours): 14 set-up / 3 running / 8 strike

*Please note that Vancouver Opera will produce this work in the Spring of 2011. Crew numbers are an estimate.*

Technical Requirements:
Min Width: 55' / Min Depth: 40'

*Note: stock equipment is not included in the rental price. Stock equipment includes, but is not limited to the following: black masking, black scrim, star drop)

History of Previous Usage: Santa Fe Opera 2002

Surtitles: Will be created by Vancouver Opera in 2011

Costs:
Set Rental: Negotiable
Costumes: Negotiable

To place this production on hold or for more information, please contact:

Tom Wright, Director of Artistic Planning 604-682-2871 ext. 4841 or email tomwright@vancouveropera.ca

Terry Harper, Director of Production 604-682-2871 ext. 4822 or email tharper@vancouveropera.ca

The Tale of Despereaux maquettes and miniatures...

This is the final installment of all the wonderful costumes, props and models that were on display on my latest visit to Universal Studios Hollywood on June 21, 2010.

Today is the turn of the 2008 computer-animated feature film The Tale of Despereaux, featuring maquettes and miniatures used in the creation of the movie.

Maquettes from The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux maquette
The Tale of Despereaux unpainted maquettes
Most CGI (computer-generated imagery) animated characters start life as a sketch or small sculptures called 'maquettes'. The small model serves as a reference aid for the animator when creating a computer image of the character.

Despereaux character maquette
The Tale of Despereaux mouse modelThe Tale of Despereaux animation maquette
The adventurous mouse 'Despereaux Tilling' is voiced by Matthew Broderick.

Unpainted Roscuro maquette from The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux Roscuro maquette
'Roscuro' the rat is voiced by Dustin Hoffman.

Miggery Sow painted maquette from The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux Miggery Sow maquette
In the movie 'Princess Pea's' servant girl, 'Miggery Sow', is voiced by Tracey Ullman.

Unpainted Andre maquette from The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux Andre maquette
The Tale of Despereaux Andre maquette
Kevin Kline provides the voice for 'Chef Andre'.

The Tale of Despereaux movie poster
The Tale of Despereaux poster
In addition to the wonderful character maquettes, there were also a number of miniatures from the movie on display.

Mouse House miniature from The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux mouse house miniature

Pin Cushion Shelter miniature from The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux pin cushion shelter miniature

Jewelry Box miniature from The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux jewelry box miniature

Hat Models miniature from The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux hat miniatures
If you want to see more behind-the-scenes secrets from Universal Studios be sure to check out these other movie and TV costumes, props and models that were part of the recent exhibit.

Blogging From Banff

Currently in Banff to check up on the status of the set build and scenic painting.

The production is taking shape and it is very exciting to be here to see it.

The carpenters, welders and painters are all working very hard.

In this new opera, a large part of the story is told in and around a pick-up truck.



As you see in the picture the truck is being mounted onto a mechanism that will allow the truck to make its stage entrance and exit without too much difficulty and will be controlled by the crew. The singers will not need to worry about the truck at all.



The scenic paint crew is busy working on the large deck. It is being textured by rolling on a thick paste similar to flexible roof compound, over top of burlap. The burlap is removed and it leaves a rippled texture. Then scenic painter can begin painting over top of the dried board.

We are lucky that the Banff Centre has joined VO in co-producing this great new opera. Our relationship with Banff is allowing us to rehearse for a short time on the set in the Eric Harvie Theatre at the Banff Centre. This will give the singers a wonderful chance to get used to the set before we get into the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

~ Tom Wright, Director of Artistic Planning

15" day tote.


15" day tote by michael young.

15" day tote.


15" day tote by michael young.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting


I do love baking with bananas. But somehow, I always seem to fall into a banana-baking rut by making the same old thing over and over. Banana bread, right? You see those, um, aging bananas on your counter and your mind goes blank except for the banana bread. Now, a few weeks ago I broke out of my banana rut and made these cute little banana bites, and I was just overwhelmed by all the banana love that came my way from all you banana-fans out there.

And so I was inspired, and I have been collecting banana recipes ever since. On my to-make list over the coming weeks are: Layered chocolate banana parfaits. Bisquick banana muffins. I even have a recipe on deck for Extreme Banana Bread, made with SIX bananas. Crazy, right? But in the midst of all this banana-rama I found a recipe for banana cupcakes with whipped peanut butter frosting. The cupcakes are like a light, airy banana bread, and the frosting....peanut butter heaven.

One last little observation -- that frosting job that I did on the cupcakes involved a pastry bag and one of those little star-shaped decorating tips, which all sounds very fancy and complicated, but it's as easy as easy can be. But feel free to slather that frosting on there however you want. It's going to taste AWESOME no matter what it looks like.

It's a banana summer!





Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting, from Bon Appetit

  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 very ripe large bananas, peeled
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned or freshly ground)
  • Chopped lightly salted roasted peanuts (optional)

1. Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Line 12 standard (1/3-cup) muffin cups with paper liners. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Mash bananas with fork in another medium bowl until smooth. Mix sour cream and vanilla into bananas.


2. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg and egg yolk and beat until well blended. Add flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with banana-sour cream mixture in 2 additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture and beating just until blended after each addition. Divide batter among prepared muffin cups (generous 1/4 cup for each).


3. Bake cupcakes until tester inserted into center of each comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to rack and let cool completely. 

4. Sift powdered sugar into large bowl. Add cream cheese, butter, and peanut butter. Using electric mixer, beat mixture until smooth. Spread frosting over top of cupcakes, dividing equally.

Bed Choices

I know I mentioned months ago that I was in need of a new mattress. . . and well, I still am. Going to a showroom and laying on a bunch of strange beds does not sound like a good time to me, so I've been putting it off. But, now that I've been putting so much effort into getting my bedroom picked up and organized, it seems like this might be the right time to suck it up and get myself a new place to rest my head.


Problem is (of course there is a problem) I'm not sure what I should do for a foundation: slats, platform, box spring? I've always had a box spring, but I'm not so sure I actually like them. I love the look of the Mandal platform bed from Ikea, but I worry that it will be too low, I worry about slats, just because I've never had them before. . . I'm sorta leaning towards this platform frame I saw on Target.com the other day -




If you have any bed foundation advice you can share I'd be super glad to hear it.

Production For Rent: Nixon In China


To view, double click on the image

Production: Nixon in China

Stage Director: Michael Cavanagh
Set Designer: Erhard Rom
Choreographer: Wen Wei Wang
Costume Designer: Parvin Mirhardy
Lighting Designer: Harry Frehner
Video Designer: Sean Nieuwenhuis
Scenic Studio: The Blankenship Company
Year Built: 2010

Number of Vans: 2
Size of Vans: 53' Logistical - air ride
Rail Shipment Permitted: Negotiable
Insurance Required: $350,000

Crew Requirements:
Stage Carpenters: 14 set-up / 6 running / 14 strike
Stage Properties Crew: 4 set-up / 4 running / 4 strike
Stage Electricians: 14 set-up / 4 running / 14 strike
Stage Fly: 2 set-up / 3 running / 3 strike
Stage Video: 1 set-up / 1 running / 1 strike

Approximate Time (Hours): 16 set up / 3 running / 8 strike

Min Width: 65' / Min Depth: 45'

Technical Requirements:

18,000 Lumen HD Projector shot from front of house projection booth
Watchout Control System (available for additional rent)
HD Remote camera in pit
Note: stock equipment is not included in the rental price. Stock equipment includes, but is not limited to, the following: black masking, black scrim

Surtitles: $750 rental

Rental Costs: Negotiable

To place this production on hold or for more information, please contact:

Tom Wright, Director of Artistic Planning 604-682-2871 ext. 4841 or email tomwright@vancouveropera.ca

Terry Harper, Director of Production 604-682-2871 ext. 4822 or email tharper@vancouveropera.ca

Whale of a Tale

I am in love with these prints by Jen Lobo from Urban Outfittters. . .


I would seriously redecorate my entire house to work around them.

iphone/ipod docking station.


iphone/ipod docking station by woodtec.

iphone/ipod docking station.


iphone/ipod docking station by woodtec.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Production for Rent: Eugene Onegin


To view, double click on the image

Production: Eugene Onegin

Stage Director: Pam Berlin
Set Designer: Neil Patel
Costume Designer: N/A
Lighting Designer: Rui Rita
Scenic Studio: Utah Opera Scenic Studio
Year Built: 2008

Number of Vans: 3
Size of Vans: 53'
Rail Shipment Permitted: TBD
Insurance Required: $250,000

Crew Requirements:
Stage Carpenters: 12 set-up / 8 running / 12 strike
Stage Properties Crew: 4 set-up / 4 running / 4 strike
Stage Electricians: 12 set-up / 2 + 2 spots running / 12 strike
Stage Fly: 2 set-up / 3 running / 2 strike

Approximate Time (Hours) 12 set-up / 3 running / 8 strike

Technical Requirements: 60' min width / 50' min depth

History of Previous Usage: 2010 Opera Lyra Ottaway & Pittsburgh Opera

Surtitles: Available for rent, $750

Costs
Set Rental: Negotiable
Costumes: N/A - rent from Malabar, Utah or Santa Fe Opera

To place this production on hold or for more information, please contact:

Tom Wright, Director of Artistic Planning 604-682-2871 ext. 4841 or email tomwright@vancouveropera.ca

Terry Harper, Director of Production 604-68202871 ext. 4822 or email tharper@vancouveropera.ca

500th Post & Giveaway!

I have a lot to celebrate. . . not only is this my 500th post, but tomorrow is the 2 year anniversary of my house closing. And is there a better way to celebrate than by hosting a giveaway?! I think not.



The awesome folks over at CSN are hooking us up once again with a $50 gift certificate to use at any of their site. If you want it, they have it - seriously. With 200 plus online stores, CSN has everything from bathroom vanities to diaper bags!

Wanna win this gift certificate? (duh) All you have to do is post a comment telling me your favorite song (totally random, I know, but I want to keep you on your toes). For an extra entry leave a second comment with a suggestion for how I can make this blog better. The winner will be chosen at random on August 6th. Oh, and make sure you leave me away to get in touch with you in your comment (you can't win if I can't notify you)!

Set The Nights On Fire

The wonder and amazement one feels when watching an opera is due to a few things: the artist's performance, the maestro and his orchestra and the set.

Designing and constructing a brand new set is quite a feat. It all starts with scale drawings and scale models. Budgets, including crew and materials, as well as time frames become huge factors in set design. It's not just what the set itself will look like but also important is the visualization of where the actors will stand and how they will move and interact with each other. And that's even before we get to the lighting design, sound design, projection design, props making, costume design and so much more.

From designers to electricians to carpenters and everyone in between, the technical team involved in this highly creative discipline have all contributed to that "wow" factor you feel when sitting in the opera house.

Although Vancouver Opera's sets have mostly been rented from other opera companies, we have commissioned or co-commissioned a few sets of our very own. Eugene Onegin and Nixon in China have already delighted our Vancouver audience. Who could forget the ravishing ballroom scene with all the polonaise dancing in Eugene Onegin or the landing of Nixon's Spirit of '76 jumbo jet in Nixon in China?


Photo credit: Tim Matheson (top left & right)
Photo credit: Opera Philadelphia (bottom left)
Photo credit: Santa Fe Opera (bottom right)


The Lillian Alling set will have its world premiere this October, followed by VO's co-commission with Santa Fe Opera, La Clemenza di Tito in February 2010. In the very near future, we will unveil and wow audiences with our co-comission of the Tea: A Mirror of Soul set with Opera Philadelphia.

Of course, we enjoy spreading the love around, so all of Vancouver Opera's sets are available for rent. Pictures and logistics of each our rentals will be posted this week.

For more information on renting, please contact:

Tom Wright, Director of Artistic Production 604-682-2871 ext. 4841 or email tomwright@vancouveropera.ca

Terry Harper, Director of Production 604-682-2871 ext. 4822 or email tharper@vancouveropera.ca

~ Ling Chan, Social Media Manager

summer sale!


filzfelt is having a summer sale and we're offering 30% off our pillows and laptop pockets!

summer sale!


filzfelt is having a summer sale and we're offering 30% off our pillows and laptop pockets!

This Is Why I Live In South Florida




This video was shot by one of my best friends one random morning after a long night of cramming. If you have a chance check out some of his other YouTube videos - he's a major history geek and is on a quest to make learning history fun.

osampo bag (small bag for a short trip).


osampo bag (small bag for a short trip)
by aika felt works.

osampo bag (small bag for a short trip).


osampo bag (small bag for a short trip)
by aika felt works.

Treasure Box Wednesday: Modern Pre-Raphaelite

I may not have thrifted anything to share with you all this last week, but I never like to leave my lovely guests empty-handed.

So I thought today would be the perfect opportunity to share with you the new web site that artist Michael Thomas passed along to me.

I have three of his paintings, each of which are done in a very Pre-Raphaelite style-- the lone medieval maiden with the flawless face and wistful expression-- and his skilled work enchanted me from the start. It was Rapunzel here which I originally spotted on Ebay that drew my attention to his work...
And now he's got his own web site here at: www.mictomart.com

He does a variety of paintings, often with a storybook illustrative or fantasy bent. I notice he has some prints available of the original painting I have here, "Pisces"...
Anyway, I just thought you folks might enjoy a little mental journey to far-away lands through his work. I look at his paintings every day in my William Morris styled livingroom, and I figured the enjoyment was worth spreading around.

Take care and have a nifty thrifty rest of your week!
-Jenn

Treasure Box Wednesday: Modern Pre-Raphaelite

I may not have thrifted anything to share with you all this last week, but I never like to leave my lovely guests empty-handed.

So I thought today would be the perfect opportunity to share with you the new web site that artist Michael Thomas passed along to me.

I have three of his paintings, each of which are done in a very Pre-Raphaelite style-- the lone medieval maiden with the flawless face and wistful expression-- and his skilled work enchanted me from the start. It was Rapunzel here which I originally spotted on Ebay that drew my attention to his work...
And now he's got his own web site here at: www.mictomart.com

He does a variety of paintings, often with a storybook illustrative or fantasy bent. I notice he has some prints available of the original painting I have here, "Pisces"...
Anyway, I just thought you folks might enjoy a little mental journey to far-away lands through his work. I look at his paintings every day in my William Morris styled livingroom, and I figured the enjoyment was worth spreading around.

Take care and have a nifty thrifty rest of your week!
-Jenn

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Panzanella!


Panzanella! Isn't that a great word? And if you saw it actually being said by my pale, freckled, Irish girl self you would laugh your head off, because it really needs to be said with a fabulous Italian accent to get the true benefit. But no matter, it is wonderful and summery, and the perfect, perfect thing to make when tomatoes and basil are in full swing and the days are still too hot to even THINK of turning on the oven.

Basically, it is a bread salad that involves tossing chunks of crusty bread with tomatoes, basil, red onion and just enough vinegar and olive oil to soak into the bread and soften it up just a little bit. This particular version calls for a generous scoop of fresh ricotta on the top, which then gets drizzled with a little more olive oil. Some fresh ground pepper, and you are good to go.



Now, we ate this all by its gorgeous self, but I can also imagine it as a scrumptious side dish alongside grilled sliced steak or chicken. Yum, right? In any language.

Panzanella!  Adapted from Everyday Food

  • 5 cups crusty bread, cut or torn into one each pieces
  • 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, cut into one each pieces
  • 1/2 small red onion, sliced thin
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
  • 1 cup basil leaves, torn
  • 2 cups fresh ricotta

1. Preheat oven to 375.  Spread bread on a baking sheet and toast until golden, about 20 minutes.

2. Combine tomatoes, onion, vinegar and oil in a large bowl.  Season to taste with a little salt and pepper.  

3. Add toasted bread and basil and toss to combine.  Let sit for 20-30 minutes so bread can soak up the liquid.

4. Divide among plates and top with a generous spoonful of ricotta, a drizzle of olive oil, and a little more salt and pepper.


Summer Happenings



Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all having a great summer. I am in my 7th week in Santa Fe and it has been a very busy but rewarding time. My main assignment here has been as the cover conductor to Leonard Slatkin on the world premiere of Life is a Dream by composer Lewis Spratlan.

The opera stars Canadian Roger Honeywell who sang in VO productions of La Boheme and La Traviata and will be creating the role of Jimmy in Lillian Alling. Also singing in this production are John Cheek who sang in the VO's Fidelio and Der Rosenkavalier and James Maddelena who created the role of Richard Nixon in 1986 in the John Adams opera.

We opened on Saturday night and here is a link to a review in the NY Times.

All the best and see you all in September!

~ Les Dala, Assistant Conductor / Chorus Director