The Moon & Venus (with Jupiter)

You’ll find two bright objects near the moon tonight (March 26, 2012) in the western twilight sky. The brighter one – closer to the moon tonight – is Venus. The other one is Jupiter. Enjoy this spectacular sky scene! And don’t forget to look for Venus tomorrow, when it’ll be at its farthest from the sun on the sky’s dome for this evening apparition of the planet. ~ Earthsky/Tonight

We won't even try to explain what's going on in the sky. Or underneath it either. We're reading up about the last Transit of Venus this century. That will be in early June. We missed it in 2004; this will *not* happen again.

Back tomorrow, much earlier.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph by Gordon M. Robertson)

Mad Men Prep

Giulia's editor has heard from more than a few people this last week, all confessing Mad Men ignorance. They want to jump on board but are afraid it is too late. People, people. It is never too late. It is good to catch up, though, because these are not cardboard characters; you will find their sometimes awful behavior less upsetting if you like them first. Like in real life.

So here's what you do. You catch up on Netflix, where the four complete seasons stream. (Or Hulu or iTunes. But seriously it is a much better deal via Netflix.)

If you don't have time or patience for that, catch up in your own time & follow these links:

AMC's Mad Men page for newbies.

Rolling Stone's Season 4 recap

One of the best Mad Men blogs is Basket of Kisses with cultural guides & episode reviews. We still loathe the new design but the material is excellent.

Vulture's Mad Men section. Go & read.

If you have some more time:

Ezra Pound Cake's Mad Men week with easy recipes (bonus: funny writer)

AMC's Mad Men Yourself for those avatars you keep seeing on Facebook & Twitter

Rolling Stone's Ultimate Mad Men Playlist

If you do not have a television or cable: do not despair. We watch it on iTunes the next day. The season pass is available now & individual episodes are usually available for purchase the day after the show airs.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(Betty & Don in Rome by Carin Baer for Lionsgate)

Origami Flapping Bird

Here's something fun. Giulia's editor just folded her first origami bird. Ever. Successfully. There are heaps of (free) origami resources on the internetz so here are but a few. A quick search will reap more.

Origami central (unofficially); birds, other animals, flowers, boxes. Really nice.

The video tutorial we tried first. It worked. So here is the origami channel. Next up: a flower to celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival (which is ongoing here in Washington, DC).

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph by Angélica Vis; more origami photos)

Persian Buttercups

We discovered today that ranunculus are also known as Persian Buttercups. The things you find out when you're supposed to be working:) But it does give us another forum to say Happy Spring, Happy Nowruz*to our Iranian (& those of Iranian descent) friends.

There is nothing quite as intoxicating as walking home with an armload of flowers. While not exactly an everyday luxury, ranunculus are a good value right now. Some ways to arrange them if you want fancier than a jam-jar-on-the-table (though that is really wonderful, too).

ciao-meow/GGCM

*also: Norouz, Norooz, or Noruz

(lovely photograph by Jessica Nichols)

Welcome, Spring

Whether you've had a difficult winter or not, how can you not be happy for spring to arrive? GG & her editor are both sneezing like mad but do we complain? (Why yes, yes we do. Mimph.) Anyway. While we try to get back to a regular schedule, here are some spring things we're up to today (& this week):

For the first time in 15 years (!) defrosted phyllo dough is in our fridge. Time to make something.

Spring poems

Pretty long spring skirts (especially the top photograph)

EarthSky's Tonight remains a favorite visit. Here's the poetic title for Saturday night.

A batch o' foster kittens has finally arrived at Charlene Butterbean's house.

A bald eagle cam (via Jennifer Ehle)

Teddy Bear Toast (for kids of all ages:)

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph by i.Anton)

Une Petite Pause

There is no way around this: we have to take a little break. GG will be back in time for St. Patrick's Day. (There will be tweets & pinning, though; you didn't think we could give those up, did you?) Have a great week! Update - Enjoy St. P's & your weekend. We'll not be back for a few more days.

ciao-meow/GG Central

(photograph by kimmika)

Japan, One Year Later

To dear friends & relatives in Japan, our hearts go out to you on this anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake & tsunami. For an excellent comprehensive update, see The Japan Times Online 3/11 anniversary page.

For a more personal update, read Sapphire's One Year After the Disaster. She has lovely photographs, as always & an introduction to alternative energy sources now that nuclear energy's future in Japan is (finally) under intense examination.

xoxo/GG & her editor

(lovely plum (ume) blossoms by moriyu)

Sweet Paul's Spring

The spring 2012 issue of Sweet Paul is live today. As always, it's photographed beautifully with good ideas, recipes, tips & easy (not tacky, ahem) crafts. Of particular interest for those planning trips to Paris: 5 days, 10 meals by photographer Ellen Silverman.

You can download any (or all) of these 5 pretty computer wallpapers available on Paul's blog.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph by Alexandra Grablewski for Sweet Paul)

International Women's Day

Happy International Women's Day (or buona Festa della Donna)! You'd think we would be ready with all manner of links, bouquets of virtual mimosa & more. Nope.

No matter. Here's the official website with lots of great links & ideas. There are so many wonderful organizations celebrating today. Feed Projects is running a Twitter contest through Friday for a beautiful bag. Tweet them the name of a woman who inspires you. The only difficult aspect of that is choosing amongst many--a welcome problem if ever there were one.

For some ideas--fun & more serious--here's a list of 10. Add your own. There's no right or wrong way to celebrate.

Bouquets of mimosa to our friends& sisters around the world. xoxo

Giulia & her editor

(Bouquet de mimosas by Bonnard)

One Hundred Years of Cherry Blossoms

While the centennial National Cherry Blossom Festival does not begin until March 20, it's time to start thinking about it now. Whether you live in the DC-area or will be one of the million (yep) visitors at the festival, you'll be pleased to know that the website is vastly improved.

If you're so inclined, there is a photography contest ongoing. If you enter by March 11, the entry fee is discounted by 20%. Check here for details.

ciao-meow/GGCM

PS: The photograph is a detail from Zoohiko. Here are two more photographs from the cherry blossom shoot. Giulia is tapping her paw-pad for a chance copy this chic Japanese cat. We're seriously considering it.

Little Elephants

Two sad words: orphan elephants. But there's something we can all do. First, become informed. Second, take action. Third, stay updated. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust runs the world's most successful elephant orphanage in Kenya's Nairobi National Park. Though the reason for the orphanage's existence is utterly depressing, it is an inspiring story nonetheless.

If you're child wrangling, National Geographic Kids' site has a nice African elephant section. And for good measure, here's an easy way to make elephant ear cookies.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph by Michael Nichols via National Geographic. Read his notes on which elephant photograph means the most to him & why.)

French Cursive

Sacre bleu! No, no, silly. French handwriting. Visit Carol at Paris Breakfasts for her latest post on French handwriting & her (successful) efforts to incorporate it into her artwork. A fairly good search has not turned up a lot in the way of free online resources but here is one (you can translate it through Google). You can always buy a cahier d'écriture or some French ruled paper & practice.

Or maybe writing cursive is the least of your worries when it comes to French. Eh? Perhaps it is time to take a quick test & brush up.

ciao-bonjour-meow/GG's French teacher

(photograph via Writer's Bloc)

Have a Great Weekend

It's raining here but that's no excuse to be bored. Do something new or something you've not done in a while. Some fun links:

Amnesty International presents The Secret Policeman's Ball on Sunday. For the first time, it will be in NYC & guess what? You can watch the Radio City Music Hall show online. (The show begins at 7pm Eastern.)

To make this weekend: Pineapple Crisp (with ginger & lime). Bonus: low-sodium

The Red Balloon is streaming on Netflix Instant. How long has it been since you watched it? It's only 34 minutes.

How to draw elephants (for kids of all ages).

All the Downton Ladies (hilarious gifs)

Cute, fast, DIY mini salt & pepper shakers for picnics, your office.

Farewell, Davy Jones.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph via IMDb)

Everyday Luxury - Daffodils

Yes, it's true. GG's editor is so lazy that she'll leap at two remotely connected ideas, find a photograph & there's a post. ;) Not really. It's St. David's Day & we're flower-less (except for one primrose, valiantly hanging in for over 5 weeks now). But for anywhere between $1-2.50 you can buy 10 stems of daffodils or jonquils. There are also plenty of daffodils/narcissi in pots for fairly low prices. This happy state of affairs lasts usually through May. Go for it!

ciao-cariad-meow/GG's Florist

PS: A true St. David's Day in southern Italy tale from Giulia's human servant

(photograph by Carrie)

Take a Leap

Leap Day is half over & we still haven't thought of something to do to celebrate. Maybe we're trying too hard. Off to learn something new. Meanwhile, more felines a-leaping.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(Jean Seberg & cat by Philippe Halsman)

Snapshot: Painters & Photography

The invention of the Kodak handheld camera in 1888 gave post-impressionist artists a new source of inspiration. Investigating the techniques and compositional strategies made possible by the new apparatus, artists captured their private lives, as well as their public domains, in surprising ways. The exhibition debuts many previously unpublished photographs taken by seven European artists, renowned for their paintings and prints. Approximately 200 photographs and 80 paintings and works on paper by artists including Pierre Bonnard, Félix Vallotton, and Edouard Vuillard explore the dynamic relationships among the various media. - The Phillips Collection

If you live in the DC-area (or will be visiting before May 6th), scamper on down to the The Phillips Collection to see Snapshot. If you're so inclined, this photography contest in which you use one of 9 images from the exhibit as inspiration, looks like fun (& you could win a Nikon 1). In fact, even if you won't be able to attend the exhibit, why not use the contest as a guide for a photography project of your own?

ciao-meow/GGCM

(painting by Maurice Denis & a photograph that informed it via Phillips Collection's Flickr)

Arthur Recreates Scenes from Classic Movies

For a little Monday after the Oscars fun, visit Emily Cleaver's Arthur & his recreation of classic movie scenes. Arthur's range is extraordinary. From American Beauty to Zulu, he shows a lack of snobbery which is key in appreciating movies in all their glory.

There's also a calendar that raises funds for the NSPCC (in the UK) & the Make-A-Wish Foundation (in the States). Emily's literary website has reviews, fiction, & lots of good links. She's a cheerful & amusing tweeter, too.

ciao-meow/GGCM

PS: For another baby at the movies, see Don't Call me Oscar.

(photograph by Emily Cleaver)

Meatless Monday - Easy Gratin

Today GG's editor is making this easy & highly-rated dish from Martha Stewart's site. Basically, three turnips, two sweet potatoes, a bit of broth, cheese (only 4 ounces) & a few pantry items = 8 servings. (It looks easy enough to make a half recipe.) Paired with a quick green salad or sautéed spinach, a lovely Meatless Monday.

ciao-meow/GG's Chef

PS: Sweet potatoes & turnips are fresh in farmer's markets now. There will be some over-wintered ones, too, of course. Either is just fine as long as they are firm. And yes, Giulia eats sweet potatoes...she just doesn't know it. Her editor has come to embrace the sweet potato later in life, understanding finally that one can dispense with the marshmallow & brown sugar element entirely. Simple but a revelation nonetheless (to us).

(photograph via Martha Stewart)

Sunday Night at the Oscars

There's still time to put on a bit of a party for tonight's Oscar ceremony. Here are some suggestions for dinner, snacks & drinks. A list of nominees, a ballot. Play for honor or a bit of money (everyone adds to the kitty). You can watch the Red Carpet live online, too.

Top tip: if you don't have cable or satellite, follow people on Twitter. There are funny tweets & often live links for online viewing. If you don't have a Twitter account, what the heck are you waiting for? You don't have to do anything but create a good password & have fun.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph via IMDb)

Tea Time

GG's editor is trying to get back on schedule but the boring under-the-weather situation continues. We still do not have concrete recommendations for helping the Syrian people other than becoming familiar with the situation if you are not. Meanwhile, here is a lovely essay about tea time in Toast Travels.

Back this weekend (before the Oscars!).

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph via The Nifty Fifties)

Perce-neige (Snowdrops)

We are in opposite-land. Last year, snowdrops were slow to arrive & leave. Now, with the odd winter, daffodils (!) are popping up. We just saw some snowdrops in a little bunch. So here's a popular post from last year.

PS: Many have asked what they can do to help Syrians. We're in the midst of working on that very subject. Updates as soon as possible.

(March 2011) We should be seeing daffodils as it's March but snowdrops (perce-neige in French) are still about as spring is slow to arrive to GG's city. If you know any children who like to color (or adults...GG's editor likes to break out the crayons now & again), here's a coloring page of spring flowers, including a snowdrop. And here are more online art resources for kids of all ages.

ciao-meow/the Management

(snowdrop by photofairy)

Henri's Walk to Paris

A little boy in rural France dreams of going to Paris. (Who hasn't?!) Leonore Klein's charming story, originally published in 1962, is a GG fave. We didn't even know (then) that the amazing illustrations were by a genius graphic designer, Saul Bass. The out-of-print book, long a collector's item, has recently been republished by Rizzoli. Click here for more pictures & more design posts. (via Brain Pickings)

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph detail via Brain Pickings)

Venetian Carnevale

Do forgive our absence. Under-the-weather + busy (+ some fun) = Oof

A quick mention of the last day of Carnival. Of course, this takes place all over the world but a favorite is Venice (or anywhere in Italy), so a few links for some fun. A visit to The official Venice site is well done, wonderful graphics, photographs, & ideas. (Venice Carnival 2012 has a nice site, as well.)

A visit to Juls' Kitchen takes you to the Tuscan countryside & the talented Giulia's house. Beautiful photographs, wonderful recipes. Here's one for cenci, a Carnival treat. You probably have all the ingredients on hand & they are so good.

A GG pal, Merisi travels to Venice often; she's there right now snapping wonderful photographs of mysterious masked people. Go & then hang around for her daily updates of life in Vienna.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph by Stewart D. Halperin)

Downton Dolls

Well, of course someone cooked up Downton Abbey paper dolls just in time for Sunday's season 2 finale. We can hear Granny now, "I forbid it!" There are four PDFs with funny details. Click through to New York magazine. Not into playing with paper dolls? Collage, anyone?

For more Downton Abbey enjoyment, tweeters can follow Laurel Ann (Austenprose) who co-hosts a Twitter party for Masterpiece/PBS. You might also want to follow Lady Mary's Eyebrows & O'Brien's Bangs (yes, we are serious, but they are not:)

ciao-pip-pip-meow/GGCM

(photograph detail via Masterpiece/PBS)

Swedish Semla

Carnival (pre-Lenten goings-on) is ongoing in many places where it's not much part of the culture - except for treats. One such place is Sweden, where we have yet to visit for real. But trips to IKEA, Swedish blogs, & House of Sweden will have to do for now.

But enough non-productive swooning at photographs of semlor (the plural of semla). We finally found a recipe that looks simple, straightforward & authentic. Here's a good post about semlor (& fika) via the official Sweden site (it has several wonderful blogs, too). Better than making semlor, though? Being able to pop into a bakery where most Swedes buy their treats.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photographs by Le Portillon)

Pippin Pick-me-up

This photograph by Bob Willoughby cheered us immensely this afternoon. We have it in a book of photos but forgot until we saw it on Maquette. While we cannot imagine that Giulia would welcome a fawn into the apartment, she would welcome some higher spirits. We'll see what we can do. Meanwhile, some red lipstick application is in order...soon. (Remember to check the latest lead warnings on lipsticks. One more thing to worry about. Mimph.) Immediate spirit raiser à la Audrey: pasta tonight for supper. Update: an extract from Bob Willoughby's new book about working with Audrey.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(Audrey Hepburn & Pippin aka Ip by Bob Willoughby)

Great Backyard Bird Count

Bird watchers across the U.S. and Canada are getting ready to tally millions of birds in the annual count coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada. Participants count birds at any location they wish for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, then enter their tallies at www.birdcount.org. Anyone can participate in the free event, and no registration is required.--GBBC website

The Great Backyard Bird Count begins on Friday & runs through Monday, 20 February. Do it! (Giulia does a bird count every day, ahem. But her editor is seriously thinking of participating officially. We'll see how we feel on Friday.) Update - We counted 8 species at a friend's house on Saturday, 18th Feb. It was fun; keep your eyes open for next year's count.

ciao-chirp-meow//GG Bird Central

(photograph by Nastya Jour)

Valentine's Day Evening

We know some people are under pressure at work (or looking for work) right now. So some Valentine's Day advice: maybe it would be better to wait until the weekend to celebrate in a more elaborate manner. Meanwhile, here's Valentine's breakfast-for-dinner inspiration. And a sweet card idea...you can definitely do this at your desk or at the kitchen table. If you don't have watercolors, dash to the nearest drugstore. Whatever you do, have a great evening.

ciao-♥-meow/GGCM

(Paris by Irene Suchocki - visit her lovely shop)

My Funny Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day a bit early from Julie the Cat aka Giulia Geranium. (Do you see the two hearts?)

ciao-meow/GGCM

Have a Lovely Weekend

While GG & her editor try to get out from under-the-weather (oof), there are some fun things to do right here at home. We hope you get out & about. If not, here are some links just for you:

The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show 48 years ago this week:)

Mad Men + Fashion Week advice

Informative & funny Downton Abbey recaps

The Grammy Awards are on Sunday night (go Adele!)

Twelve adorable piglets

Romantic movies for Valentine's Day

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph by Linda McCartney)

Bees, the Sweet Alternative

Perhaps you aren't so excited about the consumerism surrounding Valentine's Day. GG's editor isn't but doesn't want to ignore it all together. That's why we enjoy looking for free or inexpensive card projects, cookie & candy recipes, & DIY craft projects.

But on the theory that people spend money anyway, why not consider a gift of bees for $30.00 via Heifer International? Especially if you're looking for a project for an annual year of giving (as suggested here). Heifer has a little valentines section with suggestions & a PDF of (free) cute vintage-inspired kid's valentines cards.

ciao-meow/GGCM

PS: Here are two more wonderful DIY card ideas: A sweet easy watercolor project & a whole Flickr set from generous Samantha Hahn (see her pretty Maquette blog, too).

(illustration via Reusable Art/GG collage)

Catapalooza 2012

Catapalooza 2012: a Valentine’s Day adoption open house and celebration of all things feline at the Washington Animal Rescue League (71 Oglethorpe Street, NW, DC 20011). More than 50 cats for adoption. All cats spayed or neutered, vaccinated, examined by a veterinarian and a behavior specialist, and tested for feline leukemia and FIV. This day only the adoption fee for all cats is a “just the two of us” $2. Free mimosas, cake and cookies, cat-themed grab bags, children’s Valentine card making. Admission is free. For information call 202-726-2556 or write warl@warl.org.--via WARL

GG's editor, a cat nerd, looks forward to Catapalooza with a somewhat disturbing enthusiasm (according to a few friends, ahem). Even if you're not in the market for a new family member, you should make plans to stop in. Check your local shelter for similar goings on because a quick search showed 'Catapalooza' events.

ciao-♥-meow/GGCM

(Andy Warhol illustration via Warhol Museum)

Happy Birthday, Mr Dickens

There is no shortage of online material for Charles Dickens enthusiasts for the natal day (& year) celebration. Those fortunate to live in London, should visit the Charles Dickens Museum. Online, they have a creative writing project for students. There are resource links for parents & teachers, as well. (The museum will close in April for renovations so plan accordingly.)

A new-to-us David Perdue's Charles Dickens Page looks excellent. So many links to good sites, synopses, illustration information, & much more. And, of course, Dickens 2012 is birthday central.

ciao-pip-pip-meow/GGCM

(photograph by Bob Penn)

Winter Walk

The White House is celebrating the second anniversary of Let's Move, the program the First Lady started to solve the problem of childhood obesity. Visit their website & be inspired (no matter where you live).

Whether you live with children or not; whether you wrangle a redheaded feline (or not), you need to get out for a walk. Even if you're not living in one of the 25 best walking cities (we do, hooray), you need to get out for a walk. If you use the word flâneur you'll feel even better about the whole business.

There you go, out for a stomp...but remember to stop at a café or to admire a view.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph by Aya Brackett)

Sunday Charade

Here at GG Central, we will be juggling the Super Bowl (yep) & Downton Abbey. But perhaps you're not interested in either option.

What about whipping up something French for supper & watching Charade with Audrey Hepburn & Cary Grant? You can watch for free online (in America). It's also on Netflix Instant. The movie is a lot of fun & actually kind of scary (spoiler alert: Audrey & Cary survive). There's pretty Paris scenery (& the witty opening is in Switzerland).

Have a great (rest of the) weekend, wherever you live!

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph via Doctor Macro)

Make Vintage Valentine Cards

We quite understand that you can't time travel to make some valentines. (Please tweet us if we are mistaken, for it would be utterly cool to receive a time travel tweet.) What we mean is, visit Vintage Holiday Crafts, The Graphics Fairy, Karen's Whimsey, & The Vintage Moth to download images you like (there are many different styles of vintage) & then put together some cards. (Or get everything ready & then have children or friends make some cards.) If you'll be hand-delivering, these doily envelopes are pretty, easy, & inexpensive.

ciao-mushy-meow/GG's editor

Something Sweet - Dulce de Leche

Idea for a frankly less-than satisfying afternoon: make something sweet from the cupboard/pantry for coffee, sauces, ice cream, baking, what-have-you. Do you have a can of sweetened condensed milk? We do & here is David Lebovitz's easy peasy Dulce de Leche recipe. We're off to make it now.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph by Francine Zaslow)

Maps as Inspiration

...for travel plans or for your walls at home. Or both.

You can download beautiful vintage maps at the Graphics Fairy (for free). Hang them by your desk or in the kitchen, anywhere you want a pop of color & a reminder to plan that trip - now.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(Vintage NYC map by Sam Rogers)