Josh Kilmer-Purcell's Blog, page 64
October 31, 2013
5 Beautiful Things
Just Add Monsters
Thrift stores and flea markets ususally carry an abundance of old, indistinct landscape paintings – remnants from hotel-room walls and boarded-up freeway diners. They are frequently passed over and forgotten but at least one artist has found something creative to do with them. Thyrza Segal, a painter herself, adds her own imaginary creatures to the scenes, livening up the otherwise drab canvases with startling monsters cavorting happily amid the painterly settings. The effect is startling and quite funny! Since Halloween is this week, I had to share these monster mash-ups with you. I hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween!
October 28, 2013
Gartending: How Sappy
If there is one thing that Klaus treasures above all else is Grade B maple syrup and sweet cream. Perhaps this dense, dark maple syrup and cream is so beguiling to Klaus because of his kinfolk who live up in Vermont. It’s well known that some people of Germanic descent found themselves naturally attracted to the Vermont Mountains. This region is reminiscent of where Klaus popped up out of the forest floor all those years ago!
After all, Klaus is a Greibel Gnome. He recently had a pang for the old country and asked me, in his absence of his thumbs to write a letter to the company that produced him. Klaus said that he would ply me with Vermont Ice Maple Crème and another gorgeous product named 300 Joules from New Jersey of all places and the game was on! I wrote the company in Germany and a month passed. Then another. By this time the weather started to get a bit cooler out and the Vermont Ice Maple Crème became more and more attractive to me. I began to lose hope that I’d finally find out about Klaus and who he really is! The bottle of Lemon Cream from 300 Joules was burning in my brain…
What should I make with it and the Maple Crème?
An email came that afternoon from the Greibel Company in Germany. This note in a typical German fashion was short and succinct. It read simply: “He’s in pretty good shape for his age.” That was it. So, I wrote them back asking how old Klaus is, attaching the web page for the Beekman Boys showing his new friends and Polka Spot the Llama. A month passed and then another one passed. I thought, they probably think I’m crazy to want to know about a silly gnome. But that was how long it took them to find out that Klaus or his friends were made over 100 years ago. I always thought he was from the 1930’s but no, he was from sometime after 1800? It’s inconceivable for me to imagine Klaus, who I carry around the globe, to all sorts of events- with all sorts of famous and some infamous people holding him, is such a star!
But the sumptuous maple crème, salubrious lemon liqueur woven into a crème and pumpkin picking is what Klaus came for today. Not the story of his life, (although very interesting) nor the hunter’s sausages that he enjoyed while hiking in the woods today, but the pumpkin patch that Klaus got stuck in while pleasantly soused on Vermont Ice Maple Crème and 300 Joules Lemon.
This soft across the palate crème liqueur is luscious and sensual when sipped. Where it really excels is in a hot cup of coffee.
300 Joules is liquid silk in a bottle. If you could fill a bathtub full of 300 Joules and take a bath in it you would, it’s that good. There is a mystical aroma with the 300 Joules, named for electricity, which is exactly what you sense when you sip this liqueur. The tingling of citrus runs through your brain and into your senses, there really is nothing like it on the market. 300 Joules reminds me of the oily zest of lemons picked right off the tree in Italy. When you scrape your nail on one of these lemons it glistens in the light and mosquitoes stay off! When spun into a liqueur the lemon and silk, (well there is no silk in it) are enticing with the rich creamy texture. I find it ultra easy to mix as you will soon find out.
Klaus recently asked me to pour equal measures of Vermont Ice Maple Crème and 300 Joules Lemon into a ceramic mug that was preheated with boiling water. He then forgot all about getting stuck in the pumpkin patch and set upon the task of making this scintillating cocktail. He also wanted to kick the alcohol level up a bit by adding Barr Hill Gin. Barr Hill Gin is made in Vermont, like the Ice Maple Crème, so it was only natural to add something of a similar terroir to the mix. Klaus is very happy I did because he is now quite soused!
The name of this drink bedevils even Klaus in his soon to be sleeping state. Happy fall and to fall a good night!
The House of Shaw’s Cocktail is a hot drink for a cool night. If it’s not cool out side, put on a wet t-shirt and run around outside in the wind for a few minutes, you’ll be cold soon enough. Klaus does this before his morning constitutional. He says it keeps him young. I don’t doubt it.
The House of Shaw’s (a hot drink to chase away the fall blues)
Preheat your mug with boiling water and pour out
Add:
2 oz. 300 Joules Lemon infusion
1 oz. Vermont Ice Maple Crème
½ oz. Barr Hill Gin
Hot Coffee
Freshly whipped cream to finish
Fresh nutmeg
Preparation:
To your preheated mug add the liqueurs and the coffee
Top with whipped cream and scrape some fresh nutmeg over the top
Serve immediately
Watch out Klaus, don’t have more than three!
What’s your favorite way to warm up when the chill hits the air?
October 27, 2013
Have Our Cake!
Have Our Cake and Eat It, Too!
The average person will gain 2lbs during the Festival of Food that Americans celebrate between Oct 31 and Dec 31
(And, yes, we are partly to blame for all the temptation because we just happened to release the Beekman 1802 Heirloom Dessert cookbook to coincide with holiday gift-giving.)
But it’s always been the philosophy at Beekman 1802 to live life to its fullest…and to do so responsibly.
We want you to enjoy all of your favorite holiday treats…and not suffer any of the consequences, so we are partnering with Brent’s former Martha Stewart colleague, health expert Dawna Stone (winner of The Apprentice with Martha Stewart) to create a holiday “maintenance” program.
Here’s how it will work:
From Nov 1 through the end of the year, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday we’ll post a new 30 minute work-out regimen that requires no equipment, that you can do no matter where you are, and that allows you to work up to your personal best. And because there’s a new variation each time, you’ll never get bored.
And guess what?
We’re going to be doing it with you (yes, even Josh!)
We’ll post on our Facebook page (Beekman1802Boys) what we thought of the day’s program right after we finish it!
Join the community or form a “Team” of your friends, ‘cause we plan to HAVE our cake this holiday season…without regrets!
Click here to get a sneak peek of what’s to come!
October 26, 2013
Have Your Cake and Eat it Too! Day 1
Friday, November 1st
If you’re like me, the holidays are a time of stepping away from our normal routine and overindulging on holiday meals and decadent desserts. From office parties to family gatherings, the holiday season can wreak havoc on your waistline. But don’t’ get too discouraged. There is a way to have your cake and eat it too!
Which is why I’ve developed an easy-to-follow 30-minute calorie-burning workout. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from now until the new year, you will receive a full-body routine consisting of 5 exercises that can help you avoid holiday weight gain while still allowing you to enjoy your favorite holiday fare. (Especially the incredible desserts in the new Beekman 1802 Heirloom Desserts cookbook!)
Each workout is designed to last 30 minutes and is developed so each individual can exercise at his or her own pace. Each exercise should be performed to failure—when you feel as though you can’t complete even one more rep—or to the max number of reps listed. For example if the exercise is squat jumps and lists a max of 50 reps, you should do as many reps as possible up to 50. If you complete 10 reps and find that you can’t do another rep while maintaining good form, then simply move on to the next exercise. If you can complete all 50 with good form, do so and then move to the next exercise.
If you get through all 5 exercises in less than 30 minutes (which should be the case), repeat the cycle until the 30 minutes is up.
Please note: Before adopting any new exercise routine, you should consult your physician.
Today’s full-body, calorie-burning workout:
Exercise 1: Squat Jumps (Perform to Failure or max 50 reps)
Exercise 2: Mason Twists (Perform to failure or max 25 reps each side)
Exercise 3: Alternating Lunges (Perform to failure or max 30 reps each leg)
Exercise 4: Tuck Jumps (Perform to failure or max 40 reps)
Exercise 5: Wide Push Ups (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)
A detailed description and accompanying photo is provided for each exercise below.
Exercise 1: Squat Jumps (Perform to Failure or max 50 reps)
How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and arms behind your head. Squat down with knees parallel to the floor. Don’t bend below parallel. Jump up as high as you can while keeping your core tight. Lower back down to your squat position as you land.
Exercise 2: Mason Twists (Perform to failure or max 25 reps each side)
How to do it: Sit on the floor. Bend your knees so that your feet are planted on the floor in front of you. Bend your elbows and clasp your hands together in front of you. Lean back slightly so you’re your core engages. Lift your feet slightly off the floor. Rotate first to the right and try to touch your clasped hands to the floor near your hip. Rotate to the left and try and touch your clasped hands to the floor near your hip. Repeat. As you rotate from side to side, try and keep your core engaged and your feet stable.
Exercise 3: Alternating Lunges (Perform to failure or max 30 reps each leg)
How to do it: Stand with your feet hip width apart, back straight and arms at your side or on your hips. Step forward with your right foot making sure your toes are facing forward and that your knee is at a 90 degree angel – which will ensure that your thigh is parallel with the ground. Push up with your right foot as you return to your starting position. Repeat with your left leg. Note: make sure you don’t extend your front knee over your toes, as this will place more pressure on your knee.
Exercise 4: Tuck Jumps (Perform to failure or max 40 reps)
How to do it: Stand with your feet hip width apart and knees slightly bent. Bend your knees as you come to a squat position. From the squatting position explode up and tuck your knees to your chest. While in mid air, grab your knees with your hands. Release your knees and extend your legs as you come back down. Allow the knees to bend upon landing. Repeat. Note: Do not lock your knees on landing.
Exercise 5: Wide Push Ups (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)
How to do it: Lie on your stomach. Place your palms flat on the floor wider than shoulder width apart. Push up off the ground so your arms are fully extended and you’re on your toes. Keep your back flat and engage your core. While maintaining a flat back, lower yourself down until your chest almost touches the floor. Push yourself back up by fully extending your arms.
I hope you enjoy today’s workout. Please share your feedback with me by commenting below.
About the Author:
Dawna Stone is a health, fitness, and wellness expert. Her new book, Healthy You!: 14 Days to Quick and Permanent Weight Loss and a Healthier, Happier You is available on Amazon.com (http://amzn.to/19zDjd1) To find out more about Dawna or to view her Healthy Living videos, tips and recipes, go to dawnastone.com
An American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified Health Coach, Stone has contributed health and wellness articles to numerous newspapers and magazines. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, and her master’s degree from UCLA. An avid runner and Ironman triathlete, she lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide helpful and informative material and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any health condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician before adopting a new eating or exercise regimen. The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence of reading this information or participating in the exercises suggested in this material.
Copyright © 2013 by Dawna Stone
October 24, 2013
5 Beautiful Things
Candlelight
One of the first things I do when the weather gets chilly is go through my selection of candles, which I keep in a shoebox in my front closet. I choose a few colours that I think will work in the rooms I will place them in and light them each evening after the sun goes down. There is something so ancient and beautiful about a flickering flame, something melancholy but also something so hopeful.
In a world of full of fast-paced schedules, technology at every turn and often barely a second to collect our thoughts, one of the simplest pleasures is lighting a candle and watching that single, shining flame sway gently in a dusky room, catching the shimmer of silverware or the glint of a nearby mirror. Candlelight feels so luxe and yet it costs only the price of the wax and the wick itself.
I have candles on the mantel in my living room, a really pretty scented candle in the kitchen and several candles in the bedroom as well. I’m convinced that having candlelight in the home is one of the fastest ways to achieve a state of meditative Zen, especially during this hectic time of year. Besides, everyone looks their best in its soft, warm glow! Below are five images that will hopefully convince you to light a candle this evening – in memoriam or in hopefulness. The last three are photos that I took of the candles on my mantel last weekend.
1. Photo by Lauri Novak
2. Painting by Timothy Tyler
October 20, 2013
The Haunting
The Adler Hotel is a 150-room, five-story hotel in Sharon Springs, New York, that was operated from 1929 until 2004. Known for its therapeutic sulfur baths, it catered primarily to a Jewish clientele who traveled to Sharon Springs in the summers. Ed Koch worked as a busboy at the hotel in 1946. The hotel was actually scouted as a possible location for the filming of Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining. Today, the imposing structure sits on the south end of Main Street, empty and foreboding.
Though trespassing on the property is strictly prohibited, photographer Calvin Calloway risked life, limb and a rap sheet to capture these haunting images of Sharon Springs’ gilded past.
<
>
October 16, 2013
Five Beautiful Things
Northern Reflections
As I was going through the photographs that I took at my family’s cottage in Ontario last week, I was especially taken by the serenity and beauty of the shots I took of the lake. The weather was beautiful and calm and the lake had the effect of a mirror, reflecting the sky and the shoreline on its pristine surface. As I was looking at them, I experienced a peculiar urge to turn some of the photos vertically, sensing that I might be dazzled by the new view. I was right. The stillness of the images, when turned on their sides, rendered naturalistic depictions of totem poles with faces and mysterious shapes emerging from the reflected symmetry – almost like Rorschach’s inkblots. It was difficult, in some cases, to discern which side was the sky and which was the water. I always think it’s fun to look at things in new ways because you often discover something hidden, something just waiting to surprise and delight you. I hope you enjoy the photos! What do you see in these vertical reflections?
Photos by Andrew Ritchie
October 14, 2013
Maison Mason
Now that our Mortgage Lifter sauce is hitting store shelves, we wanted to give you something do with all of those empty Mason jars you’ll be accumulating (yes, we bottle our sauces in authentic Mason jars!)
We combed our Pinterest account for some of the most creative DIY Mason jar projects.
<
>
Follow us on Pinterest and see what inspires us every day! Click here
October 4, 2013
A Perfect Partner
Doing some heavy lifting
When we first launched the Mortgage Lifter line of sauces in February, we asked our customers to give it a try and if they liked it to let their local grocery stores know. Any many of you took that challenge to heart…including one very special follower on Facebook, Rock Edwards.
It takes a lot of jars of sauce to pay off even one small farm’s mortgage, and finding a big retail partner was essential to making the Mortgage Lifter Project successful.
A couple of months ago, we got a call from Chris Bostad, the director of specialty procurement at Central Market, a chain of 9 gourmet food stores throughout Texas.
“We receive a lot of samples. A lot. A customer from Houston [Rock Edwards] insisted that we try this new pasta sauce. We sampled it against some of our other pasta sauces, and we were blown away. We knew this item would be perfect for our Central Market customers!”
Each Central Market location offers a bountiful produce department with unmatched quality and variety; an 80-foot seafood case with more than 60 selections from throughout the world; an old-world full service butcher shop; 700+ cheeses; domestic and imported deli meats; scratch bakery that produces every item in store, 2,500 wine labels and almost 400 beers; and rows and rows of specialty grocery aisles filled with delights from every continent. Stores also have a world-class cooking school featuring hands-on instruction to teach customers how to best enjoy all the store has to offer, making Central Market one of the leaders in food retailing in the United States.
We think it’s the beginning of a beautiful relationship, and we thank you for all of your help in getting us this far.
Let the Mortgage Lifting begin!!
<
>
If you’re not in Texas, you can still get the Mortgage Lifter products directly from us by clicking here
October 3, 2013
Five Beautiful Things
C.J. Hendry
Austrailian illustrator C.J. Hendry makes it all look so effortless. Her stunning, hyper-realistic drawings of fashion’s iconic shoes, bags and accessories are almost unbelievable. The painstaking process of creating her large prints involves a handful of black pens, hours of work and buckets of patience – not to mention thousands of tiny black dots that come together to create the contours, shadows and reflections you see on the objects she illustrates. Hendry says she draws what she likes and is inspired by fashion and beauty. A look at some of her other work will reveal her penchant for illustrating animal bones as well. Click here to see more of her work. Are there any artists among you? What do you like to draw?
