Allure of Flowers at the Mint Uptown

A touch of warmth and beauty - and a breath of spring

Today we had a real springtime experience at the Mint Museum’s Uptown location as we previewed its newest exhibit, Allure of Flowers: Botanical Motifs in Craft, Design & Fashion. 

Tulip vase

 We strolled through a unique array of flowers made from glass, textiles, and paper. 

Exquisite ladies'  fan shows roses on paper

 We viewed these lovely creations arranged in perfect harmony, one after the other, in awe of how and when they were created. 

Hanging tree lamps provided guidance through the exhibit

Annie Carlano, Senior Curator of Craft, Design & Fashion for the Mint, graciously guided us through the exhibit of beauty from the Mint’s permanent collection, and described not only each piece but where, when and who created it.

A sculpture of fashion and design and a paper dress preserved from the '60s

This paper dress is quite rare

What a warm and beautiful visual experience visiting the Mint Museum’s Uptown location! If you are getting tired of the cold and wintry weather, this exhibit is sure to warm your bones and your heart. 

Iris on glass comes alive

More flowers on glass

 Don’t miss the visual display of digital flowers opening and changing on petals of fabric to the sound of music designed especially for this display.

Textile with a poppies design

Beyond quilting

The Allure of Flowers exhibit continues until August 10, 2014. For more information, go to mintmuseum.org/

Hornets nest in the garden

To Be or Not To Be Gluten Free?

By Dilworth Now nutrition columnist Marian Bennett

Pasta, whole grain bread, crackers, and pancakes galore! 

Surprisingly enough, all of these foods contain gluten. 

Gluten is a storage protein found in wheat, spelt, kamut, rye, and barley, just to name a few. It acts as a leavening agent in food, a thickener, and a flavor enhancer. 

There has been some speculation in recent years about whether gluten is really good for the body. Some effects that gluten has been linked to are brain fog, muscle and joint aches, sabotaging weight loss or perhaps gaining weight, digestive complications (bloating and diarrhea), and fatigue. 

Individuals who experience these symptoms may have a gluten sensitivity. Their bodies have an inflammatory response to the gluten. 

Some individuals say that switching to a gluten free diet has changed their life. They can think more clearly, rest better, and have lost weight! On the other side, some individuals can consume gluten and have no side effects. 

Some options for eating a gluten free diet include consuming more brown and wild rice, quinoa, millet and oats. There are also gluten free products available such as, bagels, breads, tortillas, English muffins, and desserts.

Breakfast options:

• Gluten free English muffin with a poached egg, sliced tomato drizzled with mozzarella cheese, alongside an orange 
• Gluten free oats simmered in water or almond milk with a handful of berries, sprinkle of walnuts, and a drizzle of honey 
• Buckwheat pancakes with blueberries, strawberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup 

Lunch or Dinner options:

• Quinoa with black beans, avocado, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and lime juice on a bed of romaine lettuce 
• Baked salmon with roasted asparagus and brown rice 
• Roasted chicken on gluten free bread with sliced tomatoes, lettuce and mustard coupled with an apple 

Dessert options:

• Fruit smoothie ice pop (blend together a combination of fruits with almond milk, put into a mold and freeze for a few hours) 
• Lemon almond macaroons 
• Chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies using oat flour or gluten free baking flour