no. 10 | Food As Light: My Morning Brain Juice

All thanks to my friend who is the most nurturing and intuitive chiropractor and acupuncturist, for this super simple and incredibly nourishing way to start the day - not to mention putting those those summer herbs to good use.

When she introduced this concoction to me she said it helps light up the brain, gets all the electrical circuitry working and communicating properly in the body, nourishes the adrenals and helps cleanse the liver. I’m sure there is a host of other benefits I don’t know about. I feel a greater sense of energetic lightness and life in my body when I drink this in the morning. It’s a great ritual to start in the summer that can last all year.

You don’t need a juicer, just a high powered blender. If you aren’t a fan of pulp, feel free to strain it using a bag, filter, or very fine mesh strainer.

— Morning Brain Juice —

serves one : double it for two

- a glassful of spring water
- handful of fresh organic mint ( about 4 stalks )
- handful of fresh organic parsley ( about 4 stalks )
- big pinch of Celtic salt
- half lemon, squeezed
Optional - thumb size piece of organic ginger, skin removed.

Directions:
Place all into a high powered blender. Blend on low for a few seconds and work up to high for about 45 seconds.

Let juice settle for a couple minutes. Pour in a glass (option over ice) without the foam. You can use a strainer of some kind here to collect the pulp if you like a smooth juice. Add a straw and stir up occasionally to keep the pulp from settling.

Voila! A fresh and vibrant way to feed your electrical body and brain, and support your adrenals and liver first thing in the morning! Sometimes I make a second one around 2-3pm when my energy takes a dip.

Best enjoyed in the sunshine ;)

no. 9 | Mother's Day Gift Guide

This curated selection of heartfelt gifts to celebrate mom could not fit on a single page. Believe me, I tried. So I decided to create gift ideas “for the body”, “for the home”, and “for the spirit”…and…“for almost free”.

Mom and me at the apple orchard.

It’s a joy to share all the beautiful products and gifts by so many female-owned businesses. Most of these items I have purchased both for myself and as gifts. It’s a delight to support these amazing women in their creative endeavors, their passion and their service.

~ A Note on Shopping the Guide ~

Feel free to shop the Jennifer Olwig products on the website, with all NEW Angels & Guides sketches releasing on Friday, April 30th. If you’re interested in a Watercolor Wings commission for mom, head to the Watercolor Wings and click the first listing, “Commissioned Wings, 8x8” and fill out the form. I will issue you a certificate to gift the recipient until the painting is complete.

All other items have the corresponding website or shop in the footnotes of the Guide for where you can purchase through the hyperlink. The images are not “clickable” - hopefully next time!

love love love

xx Jen

FOR THE BODY | Clockwise from Facial Mist:

The Jasmne Garden Cooling & Hydrating Facial Mist by May Lindstrom (maylindstrom.com); Natural Silk Pillowcase (theethicalsilkcompany.com); Facial Dry Brush - gentle & effective for glowing skin (honestrituals.com); K.Ferrara non-toxic Nail Polishes from St. Louis’s very own Kathy Ferrara (kferraracolor.com); Restoration Rose “Soap, Lip & Hand Gift” of garden rose infused self-care products made in Nashville by rose master, Susan Lyell (restorationrose.com)

FOR THE HOME | Clockwise from Wind Chimes:

Corinthian Bells Wind Chimes - The Gifted Gardener shop in St. Louis or (whimsicalwinds.com); Organic California Grown Grande Garden Rose Bouquet from Grace Rose Farm (gracerosefarm.com); Fine Art Note Cards by Jennifer Olwig sets of 4 or 8 paired with luminous envelopes tied in an earth dyed silk ribbon for her secretary (jenniferolwig.com); Body of Roses Fine Art Giclee Print by Jennifer Olwig (jenniferolwig.com); Private Crystal Shopping to elevate your energy and home with Barb Bacon of Aura at Home (auraathome.com); Vitruvi White Stone Essential Oil Diffuser (vitruvi.com) paired with her favorite scent or essential oil blend (youngliving.com)

FOR THE SPIRIT | Clockwise from Mom & Me & Mom:

Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou - Maya shares how her relationship with her mother and grandmother shaped her to become the Maya Angelou we know today (anywhere books are sold); Commissioned Watercolor Wings original artwork with crystal pigments and sacred water with channeled messages for the spirit (jenniferolwig.com); Intuitive Guidance and Emotion Code Healing Session with Aspen Robinson of August Knox Coaching (augustknoxcoaching.com); Angels & Guides original sacred artwork on Belgian linen by Jennifer Olwig (SHOP April 30th); Inkspired by Betty Soldi - refine your handwriting with the magic of calligraphy (bettysoldi.com); The Prayer Candle - eco-friendly 100% soy wax candle 100+ burn time made in St. Louis by Jennifer Olwig (jenniferolwig.com).

no. 8 | The Essence of Flowers & The Holy Spirit

background: Body of Roses painting, “A Meeting of Heaven and Earth”, 48 x 60”

What is in the essence of flowers that makes them so irresistible? Their presence, their beauty, their grace, and this radiating symphony of something so perfect it’s hard to find a name other than, God. I’ve been drawn to them as long as I can remember. Always in the garden. Always with the flowers. They way they transport me to another realm is nothing short of the magical.

Most often when I’m painting a Rose I feel enfolded in such a profound presence of pure compassion it brings me to tears. In this communion I begin to perceive my own opening…a blossoming of my heart that expands beyond my body and above me. I feel myself one with the Holy Spirit. I am moved.

I remember saying to my mom as a small child, “I have this really big feeling in me, mom. It’s so big, I don’t know what to do with it.” She’d ask me what it felt like.

And I’d tell her, “Love.”

no. 7 | A Journal Entry

‘Miracle’ May, 2020 :

What if all the things you love are “The Way”?

What if it all really could be that natural, that easy, that graceful?

Look around you, within you. Broaden and deepen your perspective of your heart. Take in all that you just love. All that you are naturally drawn to. Acknowledge some creative expression of that, something you enjoy doing or would love to experience. Our love has the power to catalyze magical experiences that our soul is yearning for. I’m choosing to put more energy into what I love, what simply brings me joy and peace and restores my soul, and being my own inspiration. I already feel an ease in my body.

I wonder…

no. 6 | Some of My Favorite Frames For Paper Works

One of the questions I get asked most often is, “how should I frame your artwork?”

When it comes to works on paper the options are endless. Many people like to accent the artwork’s color palette with a mat board and frame molding that appears to be an extension of the piece. Others primarily consider how the frame will be a natural fit with their home decor. And then there are folks who have a completely unique style all their own and choose framing that aligns with that personal style. In the creative world, many times, you see a blend of all three.

I am a sucker for a chic, simple frame and mat that is timeless and can universally blend in any room in our home. I also find that these styles I am sharing with you below are gorgeous compliments to my artistic aesthetic as well. I will say though, going outside the box with a really cool antique find is something to treasure and makes the artwork really stand on it’s own.

Whatever you choose, just make sure you love it. Because in the end, that’s really all that matters.

1. Pottery Barn  |  Modern Silver Wall Picture Frames  25 x 25” (select 8x10”)   |  $159

The mirror molding is a classic way to dress up an artwork for any room.

Get a custom mat cut to fit your square size print or original watercolor wings.

Pottery Barn Modern Silver Wall Picture Frame in size 8x10”; actual frame is 25x25”.

2. Pottery Barn  |  Wood Gallery Custom Mat Frames  18 x 18” or 25 x 25”  |  $89-$99

The white and gray finishes softly compliment the work and are universal tones for most homes. We love the gray wood for an earthy yet refined look.

Get a custom mat cut to fit your square size print or original watercolor wings

Pottery Barn Wood Gallery Frame in Gray.

3. Pottery Barn  |  Eliza Gilt Oversize Picture Frame  24 x 24” (select oversize 8x10”)  |  $69

I love the champagne gilt for the body of roses giclée prints. The soft rosy metallic looks like its made for them.

Ask your local framer cut this mat opening larger to 10.5x10.5” for the rose paper prints.

Pottery Barn Eliza Gilt Oversize Picture Frame in size 8x10”; actual frame is 24x24”

4. CB2  | Gallery Brass Frame 18x5 x 18.5” or 24 x 24”(select 8x10 or 11x14)  |  $39.95-$69.95

This thin brass frame is a modern classic that warms up any artwork and adds a smart quality to any room.

Get a custom mat cut to fit your square size print or original watercolor wings

CB2 Gallery Brass Frame

5. Wayfair  | Titania Mirror Square Picture Frame (set of 2) for 12 x 12” print  |  $155.99

This antique style beveled mirror frame feels so magical, like it was sprinkled with stardust.

Overall size is 15.2 x 15.2” square. Fits a 12x12” print or original paper artwork perfectly without a mat.

Wayfair Titania Mirror Square Picture Frame Set of 2

6. Amazon | Lawrence Frames Sutter Burnished Gold Picture Frames  8 x 8" or 10 x 10” | $15-$20

This is one of my girlfriend’s favorites to frame the watercolor wings! The beautiful shade of gold brings out the light any artwork. Lovely with the body of Roses giclée prints. Plus, you can’t beat the price!

Fits an 8x8” or 10x10” print or original paper artwork perfectly without a mat. You can always do a smaller print with a custom size mat to fit your aesthetic.

Lawrence Frames Sutter Burnished Gold Picture Frame

7. Go Antiquing!  |  Any size  |  Any Price

Get a custom size giclée print made for your new treasure or commission an original work to fit the frame.

Find a one-of-a-kind frame that fits your aesthetic and customize the artwork print or original to fit it. We can creatively collaborate on this to discover together what size and frame finishing options would work best.  

no. 5 | Meditation for the Heart

Baba Hanuman by Krishna Das

A chant for Grace ~ the nature of being composed, refined, unobtrusive, and accepting. And above all. having faith in the unfolding of life.

This mantra expressed by Krishna Das brings me directly to the depth of my heart, in sweet surrender to Source. Giving it all back to God and returning to the Oneness of Love. It’s one of the most effective forms of medicine in my life. One that I now share with you.

My recommendation is to go to a quiet place and lie down. Close your eyes, listen, and allow.

“I bow. I bow again and again…”

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises Baba Hanuman · Krishna Das Breath Of The Heart ℗ 2001 Triloka ℗ 2001 Triloka Records, a division of Sheridan S...

no. 4 | Commission For Remembrance

Outside of painting, my favorite aspect of working on a commission is the connection. 

Connecting heart~to~heart, soul~to~soul with another person on behalf of bringing forward a reflection of their unique Love into tangible reality is one of the greatest gifts I continue to receive in my life. Through these connections, I feel the field of love widening, and within me a deepening occurs. Each experience feels like a Homecoming - a return to the essence that originates all of life. It is pure renewal. It activates Remembrance.

Through the Remembrance of Who We Truly Are, a Love that is individually experienced in the day-to-day living and communing with others, we shift the world to a brotherhood/sisterhood experience that we are all yearning for.

This amplification and expansion of love within an individual’s lifestream, which overflows into the collective, has the power to transform life — one moment, one breath, one choice, one connection at a time.

I know this because I have lived it, and it has changed me.

photo by Michelle Livingston in my LA studio, 2017

no. 3 | Best Ever Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

Fact: I have been on the hunt for the most delicious “healthy” banana bread recipe for probably the past 7 years. It’s one of the most comforting snacky breakfast-like desserts to me. I’ve had times where I was egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, vegan, no refined sugar, etc. You name it, I’ve probably tried it in the last decade. I have made so many crappy loaves because I just couldn’t get the ingredient proportions and baking conditions right. Until I found cookieandkate.com’s recipe, which I’ve made a couple tweaks to. I hope you enjoy it as much as the three of us do!

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup grapeseed oil or extra-virgin olive oil (or substitute with applesauce if oil-free)

• ½ cup honey (or maple syrup if vegan)

• 2 eggs (or flax eggs)

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium or 2 large bananas)

• ¼ cup nut or oat milk

• 1 teaspoon baking soda (NOT baking powder; they aren’t the same!)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 ¾ cups gf oat flour (I use old fashioned oats and grind them myself)

• Optional: ½ cup mix-ins like chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, fresh banana slices (I add in walnuts and top with walnuts and roasted and salted pumpkin seeds)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. 

*(I just use parchment paper to line my pan.)

2. In a large bowl, beat the oil and honey together with a whisk. Add the eggs and beat well, then whisk in the mashed bananas and milk.

3. Add the baking soda, vanilla, salt and cinnamon, and whisk to blend. Lastly, switch to a big spoon and stir in the flour, just until combined. Some lumps are ok! If you’re adding any additional mix-ins, gently fold them in now.

4. Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and sprinkle with extra walnuts and pumpkin seeds or whatever topping you like!

5. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (typically, if I haven’t added any mix-ins, my bread is done at 55 minutes; if I have added mix-ins, it needs closer to 60 minutes). Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes before slicing.

original recipe from https://cookieandkate.com/healthy-banana-bread-recipe