Merry Christmas!

There's snow outside, Christmas joy is in the air and I've been a busy little bird.

First, here's this years Christmas card. Which, I have to apologize to a few people - I accidentally put 3 envelopes in the mail without a stamp, and I don't know who they were addressed to! Hold tight, as soon as they come back to me in the mail (fingers crossed) I'll send them out again; this time with stamps!


Second, there's a new restaurant of the month and song of the week!

If you haven't been to The Wine Guy Bistro in Rookwood Commons, you need to check it out. Amazing food, great wine and a trendy atmosphere. Todd and I had the bruschetta, Italian wedding soup and the Margherita pizza - simply delicious!

This week's song was on Glee a few weeks ago, in the episode 'Special Education'. I loved these songs, and purchased them before the episode was even over! Their cover of 'I've Had the Time of My Life' by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes and 'Valerie' by Amy Winehouse was soulful, impressive and inevitably catchy with a hint of toe tappin' in there somewhere! Check the link to watch the performance.

And lastly, I've been busy painting some beautiful heels! All 3 pairs are currently on display in Dutch's Wine Shop in Hyde Park, and also available on my Etsy shop - which is here if you haven't been there before. Check the pictures below!

Audrey Hepburn

Marilyn Monroe

Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra

In other good news, I sold my Beatles paintings, Cary Grant and Grace Kelly within a few weeks of each other last month! Thanks to my supporters :)

Merry Christmas everyone - I hope you have a blessed holiday with your families and loved ones.

Everyone needs a little Girl Talk

Holy crap. Girl Talk's new album came out yesterday - which he released for free on his website - and wow, does it impress! This album of gritty raw mash ups has been playing in my headphones non stop. He's got quite a few albums, but this one is by far my favorite.

Girl Talk is also coming to The Madison Theater in January - Todd and I are going and I cannot wait! It's sure to be a power house of a show.

For more information on Girl Talk and what he does, visit his website here.


And for the restaurant of the month - go to your neighborhood Skyline and enjoy :) The invention of the canned Skyline chili has been a very dangerous, but pleasant addiction for me and my pantry!

A total Cincinnati tradition, I encourage everyone who hasn't tried it to do so - because it's amazing!

Europa - A taste of Heaven!

Todd and I went to this awesome little eatery in Covington the other night called Europa.

Located @ 616 Main St, Covington KY, 41011, right in the heart of Mainstrauss, this place offers an amazing selection of food.


When you first walk in, you're happily greeted by those who work there and a giant freezer case of homemade gelato. I was drooling as soon as I walked in.

We sat in the back, where the tables are for patrons, and took in all the cutesy, Italian-esque decor. Their menu is extensive, and also changed every 2 weeks, featuring different foods from different countries.

I had the salad and sandwich meal, getting the Queen Elizabeth Salad and the French - Rosa de Monte panini.

The salad had green apples, chicken, pears and walnuts with raspberry vinaigrette dressing - it was to die for! And then panini - melted brie cheese with pancetta and green apples on a baguette - I could have eaten another one it was so good.



We both enjoyed a helping of fresh homemade Oreo gelato. There's only one way for me to tell you how amazing this place was - just go there and try it for yourself.

This restaurant has definitely earned its places as Restaurant of the Month!

Grapevine Fires

There's a new Song of the Week and Restaurant of the Month! Grapevine Fires, by Death Cab for Cutie is awesome. I've been listening to it non stop.

The new restaurant is Pelican's Reef on Beechmont in Anderson Township, Cincinnati OH. They have been there for a long time, and they the best clam chowder in the city! They have cheap drinks too. I highly recommend you check it out. They also have a piece of artwork hanging by a friend of mine, Tyler Hildebrand.

Tyler is an amazing artist. We went to high school together for a year, and I never knew he was artist! A few years went by and all the sudden he showed up in the Cincinnati Art scene. Check out his work at Hilde's Gallery. He also has a storefront gallery in Bellevue, KY.

Well, now that the holidays are over, I have been able to get back to painting. I've finished John Lennon and will be finishing Ringo Starr tonight. I have a meeting with the owner of Gilpin's Deli and Bagel Shop this week to discuss me possibly showing my work in there. So I'm trying to get some of this stuff done so it'll dry in enough time! I'll post pictures later when I'm finished with them.

It dawned on me that I've shared pictures of everywhere else in the new apartment except the living room. It's kind of messy, so when I'll clean it, I'll post it so you can see! But I was able to organize my 'studio' part of my living room.. so here it is!

Restaurant of the Month

I've decided to start another new little section on my blog called Restaurant of the Month. In an effort to help local businesses and friends alike, I figured it's the least I can do.

This months' restaurant of the month is Vitor's Bistro on Harrison Avenue, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The chef's name is Vitor and he's so very pleasant to be around. Always coming out of the kitchen to check on his customers, he makes sure that everything is top notch. His food is nothing less. I've eaten there a few times, and every time I've been exceptionally satisfied. His lasagna is my favorite dish - he mixes in sausage, pork, beef and deep fries the pasta. Just recently I experienced his famous French Toast and I have to say it was absolutely delectable. The breakfast eggrolls are also fantastic.

His restaurant is a quaint little place, with a few rooms and an outdoor terrace. It's got an Italian cafe feel to it and you immediately feel welcome when you walk in. The staff is pleasant and the general crowd of people that come there are very amiable.

I highly recommend dining there for either breakfast or dinner soon. I know with the holiday season, Vitor has some specials running. Check out his website for more details. And stop in for some good fulfilling food!

www.vitorsbistro.net
Also check them out on Facebook and become a fan!

Vitor's Bistro
3232 Harrison Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45211

1-866-455-1020

Hours:

Wed - Sun:

8:30 am - 2:30 pm

5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Enjoy!