I'd like to be under the sea

Happy weekend!

2012-02-10T14:12:00.000-05:00

the week, in pictures

2012-02-10T09:22:00.000-05:00

2012-02-09T09:24:00.000-05:00

I've had a Pinterest account for a long time, but I only just started using it a couple days ago. It's been really fun. These are few of my favorites right now. February has me longing for bright, fun colors.

Almond Milk

2012-02-08T09:08:00.000-05:00

I recently learned from chef Amy Chaplin that fresh almond milk is an absolute cinch to make!

It's a much better price than buying the cartons... and then there's no carton, which means less waste too. As a bonus, it's delicious and takes maybe 15 minutes of active work. Love it!

Here's the recipe for you...

Place 1 cup of raw almonds in a bowl, cover with filtered water, and soak overnight in the refrigerator.

The next day, drain and rinse the almonds. Put them in a blender with 4 cups of filtered water, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Put the blender on a high speed for 2 minutes.

(I used an immersion blender. It worked great but was a bit messy, seeing as there's no lid)

And that's almond milk! It's a bit grainy, and I suppose you could filter it -- but where's the fun in that?

Pour your milk into a bottle or jar to keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 or 6 days. And be sure to shake it well before pouring!

[original recipe here; all photos by me]

high on a hill

2012-02-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

This little goat is at the beginning of It's a Small World* at Disney World. I just adore this little goat. Someday I will make myself a little goat to call my own. (But first, I must work on my carpentry and upholstery skills.)

*a confession: that's totally, 100% my favorite ride.

Who won the superbowl

2012-02-06T09:06:00.000-05:00

Can anyone tell me? I didn't watch...

My thinking was, "Why watch the superbowl when I could spend the evening making three different kinds of soup instead?"

2012-02-03T14:52:00.000-05:00

via iheartcalligraphy

the week, in pictures

2012-02-03T08:45:00.000-05:00

cover

2012-02-02T08:56:00.000-05:00

I'm loving this Bob Dylan cover. I listened to it, like, 5 times last night.

“I Shall Be Released” - David Bazan, Chris Carrabba, William Fitzimmons, Mariah McManus, Noah Gundersen, and Abby Gundersen. from: Heavy and Light 2012: An evening of songs, conversation, and hope, Orlando, 1/7/12

Thanks BR!

sketchbook days

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

This is an old charcoal piece I did a few years ago. I've never been all that good, but I miss it none the less.

Do you have things in your life that you just don't have an outlet for anymore? I struggle with that a lot. And I'm trying to change it.

Sketching is a good place to start, don't you think?

Coffee and Milk

2012-01-31T09:34:00.000-05:00

via lowcommitmentprojects

Sleeping in the Forest, Mary Oliver

2012-01-30T11:25:00.000-05:00

I thought the earth
remembered me, she
took me back so tenderly, arranging
her dark skirts, her pockets
full of lichens and seeds. I slept
as never before, a stone
on the riverbed, nothing
between me and the white fire of the stars
but my thoughts, and they floated
light as moths among the branches
of the perfect trees. All night
I heard the small kingdoms breathing
around me, the insects, and the birds
who do their work in the darkness. All night
I rose and fell, as if in water, grappling
with a luminous doom. By morning,
I had vanished at least a dozen times
into something better.

this little beauty is number two on my list of poetry to memorize.

Happy Weekend, friends!

2012-01-27T14:48:00.000-05:00

Don't listen to anyone. Trust what gives you pleasure. Trust the emotions. If you love something, but can't explain why, that's enough.

Calice Becker

image via murderedbypiratesisgood

The week, in pictures

2012-01-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

knitter

2012-01-26T09:08:00.000-05:00

She is just the coolest knitter ever, don't you think? I hope I look half as cool as her while I'm knitting. But I'm doubtful...

via the sartorialist

BKFST

2012-01-25T09:04:00.000-05:00

BKFST, my new favorite blog, is just that: really pretty photographs of really delicious looking breakfasts. Excellent.

Just in case...

2012-01-24T09:30:00.000-05:00

It's very unlikely, I know, but just in case you haven't heard, I wanted to let you know that this show is AMAZING. Seriously.

The second season aired on PBS Masterpiece a couple weeks ago, and I have been losing myself in the magnificent sets and costumes. Ah, the costumes!

If you can find no other reason to love this show, there's always this lady. Maggie Smith is the best.

SNOW

2012-01-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

I woke up Saturday morning to the sound of shovels scraping the sidewalk. Music to my ears!

Cold weather does not feel so cold when there's snow falling. It's far more enchanting.

And tomorrow we head back up to 50 degrees. It's been lovely while it's lasted, anyway.

Have a wonderful weekend

2012-01-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.

[quote by Arundhati Roy, photo via iheartcalligraphy]

the week, in pictures

2012-01-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

Confetti Pushups!

2012-01-19T09:53:00.000-05:00

These are so amazing. Confetti Shooters in pushpop form? People are genius! I love confetti. POW.

by Sharon via YAMF

Homemade Yogurt

2012-01-18T09:52:00.000-05:00

My sister Janine makes her own yogurt. (How cool is she?) I've been thinking that I want to do the same...

Apparently it's delicious. This picture sure makes it look delicious, don't you think?

[photo (and recipe!) via roost]

The Joy of Books

2012-01-17T10:24:00.000-05:00

via

This time last year...

2012-01-16T09:39:00.000-05:00

This time last year we were covered in snow. I am so ready for it. Come on, Snow!

photos by Jessi Bautista via GRDN

happy weekend!

2012-01-13T15:35:00.000-05:00

[via MurderedByPiratesIsGood]

This week, in pictures

2012-01-13T09:30:00.000-05:00

Central Park, Variation on a theme

2012-01-12T09:42:00.000-05:00

I went for a walk around Central Park last weekend as well, using this fun iApp by Bluebrain, called Central Park (Listen to the Light). "It uses a global positioning network to activate different themes as the listener wanders through the park. The app contains more than 400 tracks, each tied to a location. They were written to fit together harmonically like a sonic jigsaw puzzle."

I have to admit that I often find the GPS stuff creepy, but this was pretty cool. It was fascinating to hear the different musical themes layering and changing as I ventured from one area of the park to the next.

[Quote from the NYTimes, Photos by me]

color

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I apparently cannot get enough of this blue, red, and gold color combination. It's popping up
everywhere in my pictures this week.

Poetry

2012-01-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

I've decided I want to be a little old-fashioned and memorize some of my favorite poems. (You never know when you'll need them, right?) I've started compiling a list, and this one is at the top.

e.e. cummings, in time of daffodils

in time of daffodils(who know
the goal of living is to grow)
forgetting why, remember how

in time of lilacs who proclaim
the aim of waking is to dream,
remember so(forgetting seem)

in time of roses(who amaze
our now and here with paradise)
forgetting if, remember yes

in time of all sweet things beyond
whatever mind may comprehend,
remember seek(forgetting find)

and in a mystery to be
(when time from time shall set us free)
forgetting me, remember me

What are some of your favorites?

[watercolor by Jill Rosoff]

Moroccan Court

2012-01-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday I went to the Met to see the New Galleries for the Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and Later South Asia which reopened in November after extensive renovation. It was beautiful!

The Moroccan Court was especially impressive. The video below takes you through the creation of the Court. Wow.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;De&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

The Damascus Room was utterly amazing as well. This video shows the removal and reinstallation of the reception area within a Syrian home from the Ottoman Period.

Definitely a worthwhile visit!

All I want for Christmas...

2011-12-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;This &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

This video is too much. So ridiculous that I kind of love it.

On that note, I'm off for a bit of vacation! Have a very merry holiday, and I will see you all in the New Year!

Thanks to dear Betsy for sharing.

Ryan Gosling Reads Young Adult

2011-12-21T08:56:00.000-05:00

If you ask me, this blog is all kinds of weird... but also kinda hilarious. For whatever reason, Ryan Gosling Reads Young Adult takes random shots of (that's right) Ryan Gosling and adds text referencing plot lines, quotes, and common stereotypes from Young Adult novels.

I heard about it from my sister, who is a YA novelist herself. (She also writes here.)

Amazon

2011-12-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

I'm struggling with Amazon, thanks to this story by my sister. I usually try to buy stuff in real live stores... to support community, eliminate environmental costs of shipping, etc.

And also, I have to ask myself, if I can't find it in New York City, do I really need it?

Holiday cheer

2011-12-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

There are a few simple things keeping me very jolly...

my bedecked mantle

The Nutcracker on vinyl

this funny house with wreaths on every window

The holidays are fun!

Have a merry weekend!

2011-12-16T14:30:00.000-05:00

I'm off to Pennsylvania for the weekend to see my niece, Mica, perform in The Nutcracker. There's not much that can top The Nutcracker, in my book, for spreading holiday cheer!

painting by Degas

pretty clever

2011-12-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

and very useful

via

octopus jewelry!

2011-12-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

My mother would freak out, because an octopus (or a snake or a frog) is too creepy to wear as jewelry, BUT I just love these pieces. All things octopus are fine by me!

by digby & iona

Music Philosophy

2011-12-14T07:58:00.000-05:00

I love these posters by Music Philosophy

new shoes

2011-12-13T09:27:00.000-05:00

I wish this happened naturally. I would love it if flowers grew out of my shoes!

Ashish Spring/Summer 2012 via Suicide Blonde

pretty fridge

2011-12-12T09:48:00.000-05:00

I know this is silly, but I have a great appreciation for tidy and pretty refrigerators.

[photos via frolic]

Have a happy weekend!

2011-12-09T13:41:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is my first day off in 10 days, and I am stoked! It's gonna be awesome.

Have a good one!

[image via littlebrownpen]

Buttered Rosemary Rolls

2011-12-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Yeah, these Buttered Rosemary Rolls look totally bangin'. I need to find me a cast iron skillet pronto.

[via the pioneer woman]

macarons

2011-12-08T10:21:00.000-05:00

So, sometimes in life you think, "My sister would love it if I randomly sent her a box of macarons in the mail." So you go buy some at the French bakery down the street.

On the walk home, you remember that these things are so gosh darn fragile. They'll never stand a chance against the US Postal Service!

So, you call your sister, saying "Please please come visit me. It's fun here. Plus, I have presents...."

That is when she reminds you that she cannot visit. She is not even home. She is on a trip far away. She'll be gone at least another week.

And that, my friends, that is when you joyfully and eagerly gobble them up. But first, you take pictures. Because your sister asked you to, and, seeing as she got the really short end of the stick, you oblige her.

more rain

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Everything is so grey outside. All the color in this photo makes me happy.

via emmadime

Wee Willie Winkie Hat

2011-12-06T08:38:00.000-05:00

Me oh my! I am in love with this nightcap. I need to get better at knitting hats.

by toast

The Megaphone

2011-12-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

Now, this is just the coolest. A ceramic amplifier for your iPod. No electricity needed.

It's enormous!

by en&is via designboom

Have a super weekend!

2011-12-02T14:00:00.000-05:00

print by edubarba via Mary Poppins

Outtakes

2011-12-02T09:39:00.000-05:00

Much cuter than last time, these outtakes feature my niece Mica. Her brother, Judah, made an appearance as well. Aren't they the best?

Oh, and yes, this does mean there's new stuff up in the shop! Kid's stuff!

Cauliflower & Chickpea Stew

2011-12-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

This cauliflower and chickpea stew is at the top of my to-do list this weekend. Yum!

by Smith & Ratliff

BIG NEWS

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've finally opened my etsy shop!!

CHECK IT OUT!

image via metroflog

I just keep hoping

2011-11-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;:_)

:)

My Little Day

2011-11-28T09:04:00.000-05:00

I'm digging this French party shop and their photo styling. Super fun, don't you think? This looks like a party I want to be at!

[via sayyestohoboken]

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T10:05:00.001-05:00

I'm thinking that my Thanksgiving may look a lot like this, as I'll be spending this holiday in NY, working.

There's still plenty to be grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving, folks.

animal prejudice

2011-11-22T09:50:00.000-05:00

I love these!

a tent

2011-11-21T09:30:00.000-05:00

"The most important part of a tent is the stars," she says.

I'd have to agree.

by firstmilk

Have a good weekend!

2011-11-18T15:00:00.000-05:00

image via helpink

little red riding hood

2011-11-18T09:30:00.000-05:00

How impressive and ADORABLE is this project? Jodie at Vintage Ric-Rac is a craft genius.

The Outtakes

2011-11-17T09:28:00.000-05:00

Intakes to follow. Get excited!

photography by Janine, my sister

The Otter

2011-11-16T09:15:00.001-05:00

It's a little gloomy out in Brooklyn today. I thought some river otter action might cheer things up. :)

Honestly, I would keep a couple of these in my bathtub if I could.

Angela Adams

2011-11-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

I always love Angela Adams' rugs. (Remember these?) This one is no exception. So fun!

cheery artwork

2011-11-14T09:38:00.000-05:00

I love these little felt messages.

by castleandthings via simplesong

NYC marathon

2011-11-11T09:51:00.000-05:00

The NYC marathon was last Sunday.

Did you know that kids as young as 8 years old have run the marathon in the past? How crazy is that? And this year an 84 year old woman endeavored to be the oldest female ever to complete the course. (She totally rocked it, by the way.)

How are people so awesome?

Tomorrow, I'm heading to Tyler State Park in PA to run a 10K. I am proud to say that this event has raised over $90,000 in support of Autism Cares, a non-profit that provides free events for people on the autistic spectrum and is in the process of building an Autism Resources Center in Bucks County, PA.

[image of Geoffrey Mutai via Reuters]

Ban.do

2011-11-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

I assumed the girls behind Ban.do were awesome, but who'd have thought their studio would look like this? This place looks like a heck of a good time. Fun, fun!

[as seen on theglitterguide]

Lookin' Out My Backdoor, Creedence Clearwater Revival

2011-11-09T14:44:00.000-05:00

Gotta say, I wouldn't mind sitting on the sofa there, listening as they play away..

Farm Anatomy

2011-11-09T10:17:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking I might have to buy this book by Julia Rothman. I know I live in an apartment. in Brooklyn. But I have a romantic notion about living on a farm and making everything for myself. You never know, maybe it'll happen someday. For now, I'll just look. I especially love the illustrations and guidelines on how to color wool with plant-based dyes.

photos by lena corwin

Mary Oliver

2011-11-08T10:23:00.000-05:00

Mornings at Blackwater

For years, every morning, I drank
from Blackwater Pond.
It was flavored with oak leaves and also, no doubt,
the feet of ducks.

And always it assuaged me
from the dry bowl of the very far past.

What I want to say is
that the past is the past,
and the present is what your life is,
and you are capable
of choosing what that will be,
darling citizen.

So come to the pond,
or the river of your imagination,
or the harbor of your longing,

and put your lips to the world.
And live
your life.

image

delicious

2011-11-07T09:51:00.000-05:00

Biscuits and clementine marmalade. YUM.

I'm definitely going to be making these this winter.

recipe on greenkitchenstories by roost

It's the weekend - Go Crazy!

2011-11-04T14:37:00.000-04:00

[via leigh wells]

Shake it Out, Florence + the Machine

2011-11-04T10:29:00.000-04:00

I was lucky enough to see Florence + the Machine (for free!) a couple weeks ago in DUMBO. They are super awesome live, and this song was especially fun.

[image via Tillie]

dusty

2011-11-03T09:16:00.000-04:00

As a rule, I hate dusting.

But sometimes, it surprises you.

And reminds you to keep your eyes open -- there's beauty everywhere. :)

[image via mymom]

good to remember

2011-11-02T15:32:00.000-04:00

(I forget where I got this. I think facebook..)

Paris, in pictures

2011-11-01T13:15:00.000-04:00

the terrace in the apartment I rented

not pictured: the most unbelievably delicious figs

view from 1st level of the Eiffel Tower

view from the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower

Les Invalides

Notre Dame

Le Musee du Louvre

Mona Lisa paparazzi

Jardin des Tuileries

chocolat chaud

I want my house to look like this

Saint Chapelle

my personal heaven, Musee de l'Orangerie

Sacre Coeur

Versailles

Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet

I also want my house to look like this

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T09:37:00.000-04:00

See you next week!

2011-10-23T12:31:00.000-04:00

I'm off to Disney World with my family!

Have a wonderful weekend!

2011-10-21T11:22:00.000-04:00

It's my birthday tomorrow!

via

Sessun Collection, behind the scenes

2011-10-20T09:37:00.000-04:00

A behind the scenes look at the shoot for the Sessun Collection catalog. Gorgeous fall colors and such great light! Don't you think?

spotted on alilovescurtis

DrinKlip

2011-10-18T10:14:00.000-04:00

Isn't this thing cool? Like a giant clothespin that holds stuff. It would be very useful to have a couple of these around the house, don't you think? Apparently they sell them at the MoMa.

DrinKlip via NotCot

London, in pictures

2011-10-17T10:34:00.000-04:00

I've been back from England for almost a month, so I guess it's time I shared some pictures from my trip. Since I'd done most of the classic touristy things when I studied abroad in London, I spent most of my free time in museums, at the theatre, and walking around town. It was heaven.

King's Cross St. Pancras

Outside the British Library (where there's lots of really cool old documents)

Trafalgar Square

My fabric purchase from Liberty of London

Big Ben

Westminster Abbey

Buckingham Palace

In the middle of Hampstead Heath, hidden away

The English Rose

I had never seen a magpie before - Aren't they charming?

Doesn't this mushroom look from a storybook?

These are some favorites from the V&A

Watercolors by Beatrix Potter

gorgeous hydrangea were everywhere

Another visit to Hampstead Heath

(Paris to follow!)

Happy Weekend

2011-10-14T14:30:00.000-04:00

[Mary Oliver via wit+delight]

just because

2011-10-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

My cousin got a new puppy. I thought I'd share a picture, for no reason other than, it's stinking adorable.

New York Fog

2011-10-13T14:23:00.000-04:00

It was so foggy this morning! I stopped to take a few photos on my morning jog. (I'm training for a 10K for autism awareness.) Doesn't the city look powerful?

How to Tie a Scarf

2011-10-13T09:30:00.000-04:00

I like to have options. Especially when they're put together in a charming little video.

[via pinkindiaink]

Out of My Head, Fastball

2011-10-12T14:00:00.000-04:00

My sister and I were talking about these guys the other day -- I'd totally forgotten about them.

a hallowig

2011-10-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

I may just have to knit this little beast...

by Megan Reardon via knitty.com

Le Shack

2011-10-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this place? This little French idyll was featured in the New York Times back in August, and I keep going back to ooh and aah over it some more.

polka dots

2011-10-10T12:32:00.000-04:00

This party looks like a whole lot of fun, don't you think?

You can only hope they had some giant confetti like this to go along with it...

[via youaremyfave and ohhappyday]

Have a lovely weekend

2011-10-07T15:00:00.000-04:00

via feltandwireshop

I need new clothes

2011-10-07T09:11:00.000-04:00

Saw this skirt in the shop window the other day. I'm very much liking it. I really do need new clothes, as practically everything I own either has holes in it or stains on it. Now, if only I weren't on a spending freeze...

Banana Republic

camping in style

2011-10-06T10:06:00.000-04:00

I mean, talk about cooooool. Am I right? I would definitely go camping in this... What an artistic take on the RV, or what my niece calls "a car that has everything a house has."

The Opera via Bedlam of Beefy

SHAME

2011-10-05T11:22:00.000-04:00

Alright, so... it's been a while (again). I wasn't sure what I was going to do with this page-- but I think I might be up for another round after all. Stay tuned for real posts, with some regularity. (fingers crossed)

an old shot

2011-08-03T23:25:00.002-04:00

because I'm going back. And I'm really excited about it.

England, 2007

a reminder

2011-07-27T13:08:00.001-04:00

really needed this today.

from kerismith.

Happy Weekend

2011-07-22T09:04:00.002-04:00

Keep cool, folks!

2011-07-19T09:59:00.000-04:00

Indeed.

to reiterate

2011-07-18T14:56:00.002-04:00

color is cool.

(so is this whole house. via Dwell.)

color is cool

2011-07-15T12:35:00.000-04:00

By Rebecca Bauman via youaremyfave

2011-07-14T11:07:00.000-04:00

Austin Kleon

oh heck yes

2011-06-24T12:08:00.003-04:00

How can I get me one of these?

[via architectureblog]

2011-06-07T09:35:00.000-04:00

"And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."

[The Great Gatsby]

tattoos

2011-06-02T13:38:00.003-04:00

so gorgeous.

[I'm sorry, I don't remember where I found these. Somewhere on flickr or pinterest...]