Dear Friends,                                                         

    New colors are budding into view. The clock has sprung forwards and the sunny days seem full of possibility. Welcome to my new newsletter! It's my way to say hello and share some of my creativity with you. Try one of my favorite cookies, check out some lush paintings and get a few decorating tips. I recently re-vamped my website, adding a lot of new information — paintings, articles and recipes. I welcome you to browse my website.

    I have exciting news to share with you — Oregon Public Broadcasting is featuring my art on their show, Art Beat! The fabulous KC Cowan and her equally fabulous crew worked long hours putting together a piece about my paintings, home decor work and me. They did take time for a break — I made them lunch — something with green chilies and lots of avocados — que rica! If you live in Oregon, the segment will air on Thursday, March 22nd. Thank you OPB!

    Spring green is on my mind. The winter in the Pacific Northwest seems like a long one to this California girl. Flowers and soft green plants are my new obsession. Not limited to the season, green is now the color of sustainability. Lately, quite a few of my Color Consulting clients have chosen green for the walls and decor in their homes. Along with the color green, there is an interest in building environmentally supportive homes, homes that surround in beauty without sacrificing comfort.  A lovely home is an expression of beauty and functionality that fascinates me. I've been writing about color and decor ideas, contributing to Latina Style magazine, and other periodicals, sharing concepts with readers. You can take a look at my Project Portfolio for more ideas.

     One of my favorite parts of my home is my kitchen. I love  to cook — and eat! A simple flavor can spiral my memories from the present to the past and back again, enriching my sensations of the moment. When I want a taste of something rich and festive —  without a big calorie commitment, I'll make cookies. I don't skimp on the fat or sugar because the portion size keeps the calories manageable. Be sure to use organic butter, sugar and flour — it makes an amazing difference. Try my Catalina Cheesecake Cookies. My grandmother (Catalina) made these cookies when I was a child. These delicious cheesecake cookies make "just a bite' a reality. (Unless you have "just one more" too many times!) Nuts give crunch and flavor to a butter cookie base covered in a thin layer of cheesecake and sprinkled with a crumb topping. They freeze beautifully, so you can serve them for a spontaneous get-together.

Live Happy!
Cristina