Polka Dot Tulips

Just back from SCAD style in glorious Savannah, where we met up with friends Nick, Rita and Michelle for a thought-provoking panel on the magazine editor-turned-blogger phenomenon. Some highlights: a) magazines may be shrinking in number, but the nimble shall survive; b) the best blogs are the most original—and the most authentic; c) partnerships between the two benefit both; and d) whether you're 18 or 81, if you've thought about blogging as a way to get your name out there, do it. Just be yourself and say something interesting. On that note, I know we don't post as often as we once did, but we're going to be better about it, continuing to inspire and delight you as often as our travel dates allow! So with that, here's a spring arrangement I made with tulips and pear blossoms growing in the garden.

The polka dot bowl is vintage Fire King from the 50s, one of my favorites for a cool, retro-style party. In the summer, I love it for classic barbecues with potato or macaroni salad. And how cute would it be at a holiday brunch for a make-your-own waffle buffet? Well, it may not be Christmas, but it is Sunday, so now I have waffles on the mind. If only I had one of these and my fantasy would be complete.

It's an old Nelson Waffle Iron, probably from the 40s. Here's the recipe every machine came with back in the day, just in case you're feeling the nostalgia.

We're off to Philadelphia tomorrow for A Date with a Plate, a fantastic event of inspirational table decor, benefitting the Noreen O'Neill Foundation for Melanoma Research. In addition to creating one of the tables, we're doing a presentation showing how it all came together, soup to nuts. If you're in or around Philadelphia this week, I'd love to see you! Now, back to the kitchen for some waffles...     

Comments

[Rochelle]

Love those fire king polka dots!! Such a good idea with the bouquet in it - gotta try that with my set! You always work your magic in one way or another.....
Cheers
Rochelle

[my favorite and my best]

amen sister!

[ralphie]

Hey Eddie,
Polka Dots and tulips are a great combination make for a beautiful floral arrangement. Polka dots seem to be coming into their own now days. I recently bought wedding gift wrap of silver on silver polka dots-playful and elegant at the same time. Good luck on your trip!! Thanks Eddie. Ciao.

[cristin @ simplified bee]

I love the thought of bloggers and traditional mags working together. Love being a blogger too... yippee!

xo,
cristin

[seleta]

Well said. I enjoyed Thursday evening's panel as well as all of the creative thoughts you and Jaithan shared. And the nimble blogs shall survive too...YOURS is a perfect example. It's always bursting with original, authentic material and beautiful writing.

[The Zhush @ thezhush.blogspot.com]

Between the tulips and the waffles...dying!

[Patti Davis]

That tulip arrangement is heartbreakingly beautiful! I don't suppose that bowl will show up in the Etsy shop? First dibs!

Love you both,
Patti

[Victoria]

Gosh, this is lovely!
Miss you guys, are you going to be closer to home soon?

XX
Victoria

[Shawn Herbert]

We treasure your posts whenever you can do them. Those tulips are probaby the most beautiful I've ever seen. Good luck with the pilot this week!

[Acanthus & Acorn]

Love polka dots and the old receipe...too good!

I am amazed you guys can even get a post off at all with your crazy schedules, so don't worry...makes us all enjoy and savor each one!!!

[patti]

Lovely arrangement in a beautiful bowl!!

[Erika Ward]

You guys were the highlight of my week at the scad event. I believe in everything you guys do! Much love and continued success!

[Pretty Pink Tulips]

Hi guys! Love the arrangement - and the waffles! That is a standard request in our house on the weekends. And, our Mickey Mouse waffle iron is still the favorite of our 5 year old!

Safe travels....again!

[martha]

Just today Eddie I upacked a box at our church rummage sale and there was this terrific Waffle Iron just like yours but square. There was no cord with it but I am sure they are still available. You would just love our sale, filled with silver and vases and so much more. Been thinking about you all day long. I get airsick just thinking about all the planes you are flying on. But the results are such fun reads..

[Pat's Addition]

Love the look of the recipe page. Obviously well used!

[Reynolds Still]

As always Mr. Ross, incredible post and images. Loved the recipe and going to try out the Sour Milk Waffles. And yes I'm going to tell everyone that I Eddie recommended them! ha Have a great week friend.....spectacular bouquet by the way!

Best regards,
Reynolds!

[Sally@DivineDistractions]

Can't believe this came in today. I have everything out to make waffles tonight, and I'm going to make this recipe. I'm making waffles to use in sandwiches for a trunk show I'm doing with our Kravet rep this week. I'm going to spread them with Nutella and strawberries and cut them into 4ths for little bites of delight! Doesn't that sound good? Thanks for the post. I look forward to reading whenever they come in.

[kelley@thehiddenlist.com]

Thanks so much for sharing the points about blogging. I'm a frustrated corporate worker that has found an avenue to share my creative soul through blogging. I'm putting myself out there (a little scary) in hopes that all of the connections I make may someday lead me out of my uncreative job and into somethings different that feeds my passion for design, fashion and knowing the latest and greatest. Your info has encouraged me to remain true to myself and enjoy the ride!
Sending you a big Texas hug!

[Laura Casey Interiors]

You all need to come to Metrolina in Charlotte in the fall! It is huge and fabulous. Would love to hear more about SCAD! love the tulips.

[Karen Evans]

The arrangement is darling. I'm so happy to hear that you will be posting more frequently too!

[Stephanie]

Polka Dots & Tulips are two of my very favorite things! Oh how I wish I had that bowl!

[Anne]

Another winner! Love it!

[Trina]

I just had some waffles! xo Love your gorgeous tulip bouquet. It feels like a wonderful marriage of spring and summer beauty. I can't wait for cold summer salads!! xoTrina

[Diane]

pretty pretty!
:)

[Sarah Youngblood]

Eddie and Jaithan:

So enjoyed your blogging panel at SCAD style. You were very generous in your comments and willingness to share your knowledge with others.
I continue to be a fan of you both, watching your projects with anticipation of more fun and creative things to come.
Come on back to Atlanta! We love you guys!

Sarah Youngblood

[Amanda]

So jealous that you guys got to go the SCAD event. I was so close, but so far away. I was happy to hear what was said about magazines and blogs.

Love the arrangement and I'm glad to learn that we will hear from you more often.

Have a good time at A Date with a Plate!

[pve]

No waffling here! You will always be such an inspiration with everything you do. My Mom had the same waffle maker and we would make grilled cheese in it, yummo!
Post when you can, life is busy and nobody is counting.
Blogs really have brought so many kindred spirits as a force to bring beauty to everyday life.
pve

[Home solar panels]

Polka dot bowl sounds so cool. Good luck on your trip to Philadelphia.

[Low Tide High Style]

Your floral arrangement is lovely, and that waffle recipe looks just like one my mother in law gave me when I was first married!

Have a wonderful time at A Date with a Plate. It sounds like a great event and for such a worthwhile cause, wish I was a little bit closer to Philly!

Kat :)

[kathysue]

E & J, Love the fireking bowl and how perfectly you arranged the tulips. Love your inspiration and I know all your fans will be here whenever you do a blog post. I need some Eddie inspiration. Actually I thought I was very clever and started taking apart an old antique rocker to paint and recover. Well lets say I am in over my head and hubby is helping, Yikes!! DIY I am not sure I can, Kathysue

[Ann Chamberlain]

Once again a lovely arrangement of flowers. Spring is alive and well. Thank you.
abcoroville

[Karena]

Love the polka dot bowl arrangement. Eddie you and Jaithan have been traveling so much! It is always great to read your posts though!

Karena
Art by Karena

[KG]

Thanks for the info and blogging tips - it is always hard to be original and find new things to blog about! Will keep trying to keep people reading......a partnership sounds good too to compliment both forms of communication. Love the polka dots too - thanks! KG

[say.la vie]

Lovely!

[Shani]

Love the arrangement and the discussion topic. Symbiotic relationships between bloggers and magazines have helped make both more interesting, vibrant and fresh. Bring on the collaboration! :)

[Stephanie Tuliglowski]

So Springy and Cheery! :) Love the vintage bowl and how it plays off of the tulips and the pear blossoms! :)

[boots]

simply gorgeous!