Category Archives: The Creative Connection Event 2011

September 25, 2011

The Creative Connection Event; a Letter from Jo and a Giveaway!

We are continually getting more and more pictures from The Creative Connection Event in St. Paul, and as we do, I will share them with each of you.

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION … it was an event that was created for women to share their knowledge, their skills, their perceptions and sensibilities, their accomplishments, and yes, even some of their secrets. What actually happened was an “experience” where women gave to each other “everything” they had to give.

At the Crowne Plaza in St. Paul, September 15-17, 2011, the women who came created a “shelter in the storm” where dreams were confessed, hopes were repeated out loud, problems and setbacks were worn as a badge of courage, knowledge and experience were given freely, and confidence was entrusted to all of us, by each of us, without hesitation and with elegance, polish, and sincerity.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such an important part of my dream and proving that anything is possible … we simply need to believe in ourselves, in each other, and quiet those on the outside who profess their skepticism, hesitation, and distrust.

If I had but one wish for each of you (besides a Marcus Leaver in your life), it would be that you receive what you so freely give.

Much love always
Jo

If you went, what was your favorite part of the event? We would love to hear about it.

Our sister site, Where Women Create has a linky up, so if you’ve blogged about it, please let us know.

Also, be sure to enter to win one of two swag bags from The Creative Connection Event! The bag is filled with $200 worth of goodies from the event.

Thanks again for joining us, we can’t wait for next year!

2 Comments : Make Your Own!

You Might Also Like:

September 13, 2011

Gluten-Free Lifestyle with Alicia Woodward

The Creative Connection Event is THIS WEEK!!!! We are gearing up for a fantastic Conference filled with classes from the best Artists around. Please join us this week as we continue to highlight our presenters from Mary Jane’s Farm Food Day!

Gluten-free Lifestyle

Saturday, September 17, 2011
Teacher: Alicia Woodward
Time: Registration Closed -
Registration code: MJFSAM

Registration Closed. If you’re making the switch to a gluten-free diet—congratulations! You’re embarking on a new life free of the complications of gluten intolerance. Embrace this new beginning by picking up tips on shopping and eating out, customizing your recipe collection, and cooking for a family of gluten and non-gluten eaters alike. Gluten-free Lifestyle is a two-hour workshop that will help you to transition to your new diet without feeling deprived. If you’re unsure about converting recipes, replacing flour, or searching for hidden gluten culprits in your cupboard, Gluten-free Lifestyle is the workshop you need. The instructor will guide you through traveling smart, eating in restaurants, reading between the lines on menus, and asking your waiter the right questions. You’ll go home with some tried-and-true recipes for gluten-free breads and desserts and learn how to adjust your diet to maintain a good nutrient balance. The instructor will also share her tips for cooking appetizing meals for a family of both gluten and non-gluten eaters. Let Gluten-free Lifestyle be your first step on the journey to a gentler and more satisfying diet!

Alicia Woodward, LCSW, is editor-in-chief of Living Without magazine, the nation’s leading food, health, and lifestyle magazine for people with allergies and food sensitivities, including those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Alicia has been with the magazine since its inception, serving as editor of the premier issue in 1998. Now in its 13th year of publication, Living Without’s mission is to help readers live well–and thrive–on their special diets.

Alicia has been a journalist and professional writer for many years. A former hospice therapist, she is a licensed psychotherapist who specialized in the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of living with chronic medical conditions, including celiac disease and food allergies and sensitivities.

0 Comments : Make Your Own!

You Might Also Like:

September 12, 2011

Diane Cu and Todd Porter and their Magnificent Photography Skills

Edible Images: Food Photography and Styling that Make People Want to Eat Your Photographs

Saturday, September 17, 2011
Teacher: Diane Cu and Todd Porter
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Registration code: MJFSPM

A great food photograph can often be the missing link to bringing your blog up to the next level of success. Covering both the importance of creative storytelling and technical digital photography techniques, this workshop will cover basic lighting, understanding of post-process editing, and gear to creative composition. Essential topics on food styling such as how to make ugly food look pretty and the value of styling props will be included as well. Diane and Todd will demo a live food shoot from storyboarding, to lighting, to food styling, to final shot.

We are so thrilled that Diane and Todd will be teaching two classes at our Conference! Be sure to sign up for both.

Photography to Boost Your Creative Voice (Basic Digital)

Friday, September 16, 2011
Teacher: Diane Cu and Todd Porter
Time: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Registration code: FPM

The exploding world of digital photography can be overwhelming. Understanding the basic principles will help boost your confidence as a new photographer and encourage you to find your creative voice. Learn essential concepts of lighting, composition, and the basic equipment you will need to achieve the perfect photograph. We’ll also be discussing online photo management and some elementary editing.

0 Comments : Make Your Own!

You Might Also Like:

September 9, 2011

Guilt-free Gorgeous Foodie Gifts Obsessively Healthy but Delicious Goodies with Über Creative Packaging!

In gearing up for The Creative Connection Event, we are highlighting the amazing artists who are part of Mary Jane’s Farm Food Day! Yesterday we met Julie Cove of Alkaline Sisters. Today we are going to learn about her second class she is teaching. Sign up soon, space is limited!

Saturday, September 17, 2011
Teacher: Julie Cove
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Registration code: MJFSAM

Give the gift of healthy food and package it up pretty! Food bloggers, crafty bloggers and their followers unite with this action-packed class brimming with healthy recipe ideas for daily nourishment AND gift giving. Wouldn’t it be great to receive or give a gorgeous package of beautiful chocolates or cookies that were actually nutritious and super tasty? We often spend countless hours making and baking, but feel guilty actually eating and enjoying our treats since they’re not nearly as healthy as they could be. This class will focus on gluten-free, “super food,” and vegan goodies. Seasoned health-food blogger Julie Cove will inspire many creative ideas for adapting your favorite recipes. With one hands-on recipe and packaging, and four demo recipes, you’ll learn healthy eating tips and creative packaging ideas to share your homemade healthy goodies. You’ll also glean ideas from Julie’s expert design tips for styling your treats—just in case you’d like to create and record some for your own blog. Using the latest crafting mediums and ordinary items, your packages will delight the senses. This workshop is like no other, tapping into your creative genius for whipping up some nourishing delights and presenting them for the WOW factor! Next Holiday Season, your family and friends will be impressed and grateful for your healthy treats!

0 Comments : Make Your Own!

You Might Also Like:

September 8, 2011

Five Super Nutritious Meals for Busy Crafting/Blogging Gals & Moms to Jump Start Your Creative Genius!

The Creative Connection Event is in just ONE WEEK!!! We have so many amazing classes being taught including this one by Julie Cove! Go register today!

Five Super Nutritious Meals for Busy Crafting/Blogging Gals & Moms to Jump Start Your Creative Genius!

Saturday, September 17, 2011
Teacher: Julie Cove
Time: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Registration code: MJFSPM

Looking for a healthier, happier, and sexier you? Stuck in a rut when it comes to healthy options for kids’ meals and snacks? With Julie, the Alkaline Sister, learn how to consciously nourish you and your family! If you’re too busy crafting or blogging to prepare healthy meals, or you need a good dose of inspiration for quick healthy recipes, this workshop will inspire you. Making meal time more fun and a lot healthier is the focus of this class, while providing you with added energy to follow your creative passion. Seasoned health-food blogger Julie Cove will inspire many creative ways to kick start a healthy routine for you and your family. With nourishing recipes for snacks and easy meals, tips for grocery lists, pantry makeovers, and how to get more veggies into your diet, you will be armed with a new approach for feeding you and your family consciously. You’ll perk up with five recipes for healthy meals to increase brain power, creativity, and overall energy. She’ll also explore gluten-free, nutrient-dense recipes. Julie will offer recipe demonstrations and lots of sampling, along with hands-on participation to make this workshop a must-do! From healthy green smoothies to omega-packed granolas to ideas for kids’ lunches, you’ll be armed with the tools you need to make more nourishing meals. Are you bursting with endless energy every day? Is your lifestyle and diet serving you? Or are you sitting at your computer, or in your creative studio, and feeling dreary? Want more healthful energy? Looking for creative ways to make meal time more exciting and healthy? This workshop is for you!

For the past 19 years as an interior designer, Julie Cove has been celebrated as the Martha Stewart of Victoria. As owner of one of the most-loved home decor stores on Vancouver Island, Julie has helped thousands discover how to create beautiful spaces. Julie loves sharing her knowledge of design and do-it-yourself creations, and has been a popular speaker and workshop leader on the West Coast for 20 years. Appearing as a regular design expert on TV, hosting her own radio show, Island Lifestyles, and writing for a variety of magazines as well as a blog, Julie has a unique gift as a teacher and instructor—inspiring her “students” to be creative, innovative, and to do it with passion! Julie’s design work has been featured in magazines, and she’s been the creative force behind several successful home tours and special events. Julie also has a passion for giving back. She uses her love of design and creativity as a way to raise thousands of dollars for community charity groups.

This award-winning designer is excited to take on her new passion: marrying beauty and creativity with healthy living. After a health crisis, Julie was forced to pour her creative energy into discovering everything she could about nutrition, exercise, and healthy living. She discovered an abundance of information on health, but a lack of innovative healthy recipes. Given her sincere appreciation for creativity and food, this inspired Julie to make healthy living more desirable, beautiful, and delicious to others. Her blog features health tips and delicious recipes, beautifully styled with her own vivid photography. Julie’s passion is to inspire a healthy lifestyle for everyone–especially busy crafting moms!

Raw Muesli of Fresh Fig, Cucumber & Gingered Buckwheat w/ Lime Creme
Yield: 4 desserts or 2 breakfast bowls
1/2c raw untoasted buckwheat
1 1/2c filtered water for soaking
1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger, or more to taste, but not too much
1/2 cup cashews, soaked 10-20 mins, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup filtered water
juice of 1/2 lime + 2 tbsp
1 tsp lime zest (grated lime rind)
2 tsp agave syrup
4 lg fresh figs, diced small
1 cup cucumber, diced small
Method
Place buckwheat in 3/4c filtered water and allow to soak for 15-20 mins. Rinse well making sure slippery residue is removed. Toss with fresh ginger and 2 tbsp lime juice and set aside.
For the Lime Creme
In a high speed blender place soaked cashews, 1/2c filtered water, lime juice & zest, and agave syrup. Blend well and scrape down sides until smooth and creamy. Pour into serving creamer.
To assemble
Place diced figs and cucumbers into each serving dish, top with buckwheat and drizzle generously with creme.

0 Comments : Make Your Own!

You Might Also Like:

September 7, 2011

TasteBud’s Floral Kitchen – An English Country Garden Afternoon Tea

With The Creative Connection Event happening in just 8 days, we are getting really excited. This week we will be sharing profiles of classes being offered with Mary Jane’s Farm Day. Each class will leave your mouth watering, your skills enhanced, and in some, your belly full. Be sure to sign up for your favorite class today as space is limited.

TasteBud’s Floral Kitchen – An English Country Garden Afternoon Tea

Saturday, September 17, 2011
Teacher: Carolyn Robb and Sarah Champier
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Registration code: MJFSAM

Carolyn and Sarah’s class will demonstrate how a traditional English afternoon tea can be elevated to new levels of elegance, indulgence and enjoyment. Their innovative and creative approach to the intertwining of food and flowers results in food that is beautiful, aromatic and most of all delicious and flowers that are an integral component of the teatime experience as a whole. This is an eclectic mix of ‘traditional old English’ and contemporary. Both Sarah and Carolyn are passionate about the provenance of the flowers and ingredients that they use. Their simple approach always allows the beauty of the flowers and the flavours of the produce to ‘speak for themselves’. This is a class for anyone who loves beautiful, quirky, original presentation and of course delectable teatime treats, with glimpses of some of the great Royal traditions…

South African born Carolyn attended the Tante Marie School of Cookery in Surrey, England where she had a classical training in French cuisine and gained her diploma with distinction. Subsequently she was chef to TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at Kensington Palace for two years before being offered a position in the household of TRH the Prince and Princess of Wales, where she worked for 11 years. After their separation she remained as executive chef to HRH Prince Charles. She cooked in all the royal residences in the UK and accompanied HRH on many overseas state visits. During this time she worked with many of the UK’s top Michelin rated chefs and spent time working in the kitchens of Michelin restaurants in France and Italy. Since leaving the Royal Household she has worked in Switzerland, the Middle East and in the USA. Carolyn now lives in Oxfordshire, UK with her young daughter.

Sarah was born with a genuine true love of flowers. Even as a young child she made posies in her Grandmothers garden. She studied art, graphics and display. After marrying a French chef, she moved to France where they established and ran their own restaurant. On her return to the UK Sarah completed a long anticipated diploma in Floristry. Whilst freelancing as a florist she was offered a position working in the gardens at Highgrove House, the country home of HRH The Prince of Wales. Several weeks into her new job Sarah found herself doing the flowers for events in the house. The Prince adored Sarah’s natural informal style and he created the position of personal florist for her. Travelling extensively with the Prince, she composed wonderful displays for many royal events. She held this truly unique position for 11 years. Sarah lives in Gloucestershire, UK and she has two grown up daughters.

0 Comments : Make Your Own!

You Might Also Like:

September 6, 2011

Naturally Sweet: Healthy Baking is Delicious Too!

I have such an incredible sweet tooth and crave baked goods all the time. This class is made for people like me (and I know I am not alone!). With only 9 days until The Creative Connection Event, be sure to sign up for the classes you want today!

Naturally Sweet: Healthy Baking is Delicious Too!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Teacher: Laura C. Martin

Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Registration code: MJFSAM

Come explore the world of healthy baking (and eating!) with Green Market Baking Book author Laura Martin. Using natural sweeteners and whole grains, Laura will share the secrets of substituting healthy ingredients in your favorite recipes. You are encouraged to bring along your own recipes and Laura will show you how to make substitutions that are delicious as well as good for you (including many ideas for gluten-free baking and healthy kid’s snacks). In the workshop, you will make sweet, moist, Mexican chocolate cupcakes with the most creamy, delicious chocolate icing you can imagine—all without refined sugar! Come and learn this new way of baking. You, your family, and your body will appreciate it. Workshop agenda:

Exploration of the idea of healthy baking. Discussion of ingredients: natural sweeteners, grains, and the use of local and organic produce. Question/answer about “Why local?” “Why organic?” “Why no sugar?”
Make the chocolate icing for the cupcakes, put in ‘fridge to thicken.
Substitutions: each participant will bring her favorite recipe and Laura will take each one and explain how to make substitutions to make it more healthy by using natural sweeteners, fewer fats, and less gluten. She’ll also have suggestions for baking things that are vegan. This will include many demonstrations.
Make the Mexican chocolate cupcakes. Ice when cool. Discussion of fun and interesting ways to decorate, including the use of edible flowers.
Sit and enjoy the sweet results of our labor.

Laura C. Martin is the author of 24 books, the latest of which is the Green Market Baking Book (Sterling, January 2011). In this book, which she also illustrated, Laura combines her enthusiasm for healthy organic eating with her love of baking to offer 100 recipes for delectable, healthy, sweet, and savory treats. Laura has been passionate about creating, crafting, gardening, and cooking and has been actively involved in writing, lecturing, and teaching on these subjects for almost three decades. Her books and awards include Nature’s Art Box (winner of the 2004 Parents’ Choice Award), The History of Southern Gardens (winner of the Garden Writers of America 1994), The Art and Craft of Pounding Flowers, Fairy Island and Handmade Gifts from a County Garden. In 2009, Laura started a business called Ties That Matter, which uses recycled neckties to make one-of-a-kind fashion accessories. The business employs women-in-need to do the sewing, and gives back 10 percent of profits to help the homeless in her community.