Wishing You Good Luck for the New Year

 If you want to start the New Year off right, you’ve got to cook some black-eyed peas.
Although this legume has been around for centuries, the tradition of eating black-eyed
peas on New Years Day started in the south during the Civil War. Served with “greens”
the peas are supposed to bring you good luck and prosperity and should be the first thing
eaten on New Years Day.

There are a variety of ways to cook black eyed peas. You can make traditional Hoppin'
John, a dish made with black eyed peas, rice, onions and fatback or bacon; although a
healthier way is to substitute smoked turkey for the pork-age. Or you can add your own
mixture of spices with garlic and peppers along with the smoked turkey onions and peas.
However, the one thing you must not do on New Years Day is use canned black-eyed
peas; that would be blasphemous. And don’t forget the cornbread.

Greens & Cornbread, a traditional New Year's meal

Tis the Season for Celebrations

Give

Create

Tis the Season!

Photo: Raymond Holman Jr.

Photo: Raymond Holman Jr.

Let the Holiday Celebrations Begin!

Seed Pod Season

“Faith sees a beautiful blossom in a bulb, a lovely garden in a seed, and a giant oak in an acorn.”   
William Arthur Ward

Now that the leaves are falling from the trees and the flowers are starting to die, we know that Fall is in full effect. Mother Nature is so fierce that she made the plants and the seeds beautiful.  Autumn is also Seed Pod season and they are the essence of plant beauty. They come in all kinds of weird and wonderful shapes, sizes and colors. They can be used for decorating projects like wreath making, napkin rings and they make a great centerpiece. In addition, they serve as the base for making potpourri. You can even buy them, but before you do, just go outside and look around, they are everywhere. However beautiful, seed pods can harbor bugs and pests, so be careful before you bring them into the house.  Methods like freezing or heating pods in the oven can help get rid of those pesky critters. For more information about how to preserve your pods go online. 

So before you clean them from your gutters, and rake them up to throw away, remember one mans trash is another mans… future craft project.

A Celebration of Colors by Padmini at Material Culture in Philadelphia

The term "material culture" is often used by social scientists, historians and archaeologists to refer to the relationship between cultural artifacts and the sociology associated with the objects.

The night had a feel of kismet as we mixed and mingling with old and new friends at  Material Culture in Philadelphia. Material Culture is a unique store where artifacts, art, textiles, antique furniture, and culture collide. They also throw great events and parties.  This party was in celebration of the inauguration of "Colors by Padmini" a new designer collection of handcrafted fashion and home décor, inspired by the rich colors of India.

There was food, drink, door prizes and entertainment; complete with fire twirling, belly dancers, drummers and live Indian music. We had fun and enlightening conversations while playing with the Osho Zen Tarot cards: The Transcendental Game of Zen. We even managed to buy some things. They really know how to celebrate…and, it was free. 

The building was built in 1920 and occupying the former train garage of the landmark Atwater Kent Radio Factory, Material Culture offers 60,000 square feet of space–a spectacular stage for any event! They make their showroom available to rent for private parties or functions held by universities, non-profit organizations or corporations. The towering ceilings, generous expanses of natural light, and rooms adorned with architectural elements and artwork from around the globe, will provide a striking and memorable backdrop for any occasion.

For more information and to schedule a visit please send an email to info@materialculture.com with the following information: your name, contact information, event date, and type of event you’re planning.

We attended a fundraiser for Tree House Books at WHYY in Philadelphia.

Tree House Books is a non-profit organization located in North Central Philadelphia. They have a variety of programs all centered around reading, art and literacy. It’s a warm and inviting place where kids can go after school to express themselves creatively through reading and writing. In addition, they provide homework help and the kids even get to publish their own magazine. Executive Director Vashti Du Bois, Program Coordinator Michael Reid and After School Manager Lauren Macaluso, work hard to make sure the center runs smoothly.  Make a donation or volunteer; it’s a great place.  If you are interested in supporting Tree House Books contact them at  info@treehousebooks.org or for more information call 215-236-1760.

Tree House Books

1430 W. Susquehanna Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19121

“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.”

Maya Angelou

The centerpieces were books, houses and trees

One of the centerpieces on the tables

A presentation by the children who attend Treehouse Books' programs

Vashti DuBois, Executive Director of Treehouse Books

Vivant!

We attended the kick off for the 5th anniversary celebration of Vivant gallery in Philadelphia. The event was held  at the James E Marks Intercultural Center on the campus of Drexel University. The show featured art inspired by the history and culture of Haiti. Florcy Morisset, curator of Vivant Art Galley was decked out in her native Haitian regalia and gave us a mini Haitian Art 101 lecture . It was a fun evening complete with good conversation, live music, poetry and authentic Haitian cuisine. Ahhhh but this is only the beginning, there is lots more to come as we commemorate this thriving art gallery. Stay tuned! Visit www.vivantartcollection.com

Mushrooms Rice and peas
Fried pork
Picklies ( coleslaw with no mayo )
Poule en sauce (Chicken)
Couronne ( drink)