going starfishing

hearts on a string

2012-02-10T22:01:00.001-05:00

whipped up a few heart garlands

to send off to tay

in a little valentine's day care package

they were so quick and easy

i made a set for above our fireplace too...

this little burst of creativity was a warm up for the weekend-

camped out in the woods

for our annual girl's crafting weekend

and it feels SOOO good to get out of the house!

back next week with the results

...

warm oats

2012-02-01T16:57:00.001-05:00

knitting

has to be one of the best things about winter...

i seem to totally retire my needles come the warmer weather-

strange, because i so enjoy it- i just can't imagine working with wool while the sun is blazing

and, that i never seem to ever just sit in the summer!

sitting...

there has been PLENTY of that these days

my foot keeps me home bound, leg elevated and iced nearly all day

(i think i'm officially starting to lose it)

netflix and knitting

have been keeping me relatively sane

finishing the oatmeal sweater

my first garment (and for me!)

seems like a bit of an accomplishment

and at this point, i'll take it!

comfort.

2012-01-25T06:45:00.000-05:00

egg noodles. butter. poppy seeds.

a childhood favorite
randomly remembered
quickly prepared
deliciousness devoured

comfort, in a bowl.

snow day hat

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

being snowed in this weekend

didn't make me feel quite so guilty

for (full)days spent laying on the couch

fire blazing, warm tea, fingers lost in merino

my parents (have i mentioned how much they ROCK!?!?)

came to town

mum cleaned and did probably 10 loads of laundry

dad cooked and waited on me

(boy, did we eat. like. kings.)

to keep from feeling totally useless

i knitted daddio a thank-you-hat

now i've got to figure out how to sew left-footed

some mum can get some hand-made love too...

...

it's really amazing how

fur-free floors

clean countertops

and freshly folded laundry

can truly make you feel

human, again.

...

m+d: lova ya. WICKED.

false start

2012-01-23T11:21:00.003-05:00

i was just saying that 2012 was gonna be a good one
...

then

i broke my foot.

as in,
snapped off a chunk of the 5th Metatarsal.
sound fun?
NO.

so now

it's ah gonna be a looooong 6-8 weeks

(and possibily up to 12 until i can lace up sneaks and comfortably go for a run)

so that's like... spring, right?

%!$#^#(@)?!

so, that's where i've been
not driving, cooking, sewing, exploring, traveling, cleaning, exercising, standing
good times, kids.
good times.

hoping this + an extended doggie ER visit + car drama = our "they come in 3's" bad-luck streak

ye-ummmm!

2012-01-10T10:50:00.001-05:00

dark chocolate

caramel

black sea salt

...

thank you, trader joes.

green goodness

2012-01-06T19:00:00.003-05:00

i almost gave up

on the avocado

...

i try to always find the nearly ripe ones

but then

by the time i remember to use them

they've turned

(and those buggers get expensive- especially to keep throwing away!)

...

but today

i caught a glimpse peeking out from the corner of the fruit bowl

sliced in

and, ahhhhh....

glorious green perfection

diced with tofu, cherry tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, s+p and a dusting of grated cheese

insta-lunch

fresh start

2012-01-05T12:15:00.003-05:00

not gonna lie...

2011 kicked my heiny.

loss. illness. drama.

(i know, i didn't get into it here. i try and keep this my "happy place.")

left me floundering.

but

it's done.

i've learned. i'm loved. i'm letting go. i'm oh-so-lucky.

already,

i am so in love with 2012.

bring it.

here's to: a blog face-lift, house projects galore, travel, tutorials, singing in the shower...

xoxo

...

*hang a few sprigs of fresh eucalyptus in your shower- the steam + their menthol-y scent are a perfect mid-winter wake up!

oh christmas tree...

2012-01-04T11:40:00.000-05:00

one last christmas post-

tay came for a visit the week between christmas and new year's...

we love decorating cupcakes together

and she wanted to bring something festive home for her family to enjoy

so, we decided on:

christmas trees!

we had a blast and they were ADORABLE!

christmas 2011

2012-01-03T18:43:00.001-05:00

a little late-december catch up before officially moving into 2012

...

we hosted christmas here

in providence-

the official christening of our sweet home

and though i didn't manage to snap too many pictures to prove it

the weekend was lovely

our mantle

decorated with handmade gingerbread houses

and fresh cut greens

christmas morning, stocking excitement!

daddio, looking dapper in his new scarf

evening light

and dinner (beef wellington, which i don't have one picture of- boo!)

was topped off with

baked alaska:

(thin flourless chocolate cake, topped with a boule of alternating layers of strawberry and pistachio ice cream, covered in piped swiss meringue and just scorched in a broiling oven)

yumm.o.

family. friends. food.

christmas perfection

...

to you and yours...

2011-12-24T09:40:00.000-05:00

L.O.V.E.

2011-12-20T08:38:00.004-05:00

this:

Brian and Natalia - Their Story from The Cana Family on Vimeo.

is the. most. amazing.
wedding ceremony
i have ever seen
honestly?
goosebumps. tears. laughter.
watch.
watch again.
...
oh, and the pictures, too...
EPIC.

signed, sealed, delivered

2011-12-17T09:45:00.005-05:00

i simply adore
holiday cards

sending, receiving...
every december day's mail
literally feels like christmas

seeing family and friends
favorite family pictures from the year
printed on beautiful paper
with great graphic design
a little gift in each envelope

ours finally went out today
and i am so pleased with them
each envelope sealed
with a bit of washi tape
....
xoxo

knitting, lately

2011-12-12T10:10:00.002-05:00

it seems all i want to do lately

is play with yarn

i've got a project in my purse, for lines and waiting rooms

and two by the couch

...

it will be a handmade holiday this year, for sure!

you can follow my projects here

saturday morning

2011-12-10T17:07:00.002-05:00

sleeping in

shearling slippers

kettle simmering

husband-made waffles

fresh raspberries

breakfast, bathed in december sun

menagerie

2011-12-06T11:12:00.002-05:00

latest thrifting find:

menagerie of nine wooden candle-holding cake toppers
$4

wouldn't these be adorable on top of a white frosted birthday cake?!

soup for supper: chili + cornbread

2011-11-30T08:41:00.006-05:00

last week

the patriots were playing monday night football

so i couldn't resist cooking up a chili

adapted from self's better body chili

it's hearty and loaded with flavor

(my husband doesn't even mind the lack of meat)

not to mention super healthy (excuse the cheddar topping!)

Just throw the following in a slow cooker:

(on heat on stovetop until simmering in french oven, transfer to oven and heat, lid on for 6-8 hrs. at 200 degrees)

1 Tbs. Canola Oil

4 cloves Garlic, peeled and minced

2 cups chopped onion

1 Tbs. Chili Powder

2 tsp. Oregano

1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

1 Green Pepper + 1 Red Pepper, diced

1 lb Carrots, cut in 1/4" slices

1/2 lb Sweet Potatoes, diced

1 can (15oz.) Crushed Tomatoes

1 can (15 oz.) Diced Tomatoes

1 can Black Beans

1 can Kidney Beans

1 Tbs. Cocoa Powder

...

served with green onion cheddar cornbread

seriously, insane.

make some.

ladies who lunch

2011-11-30T08:20:00.003-05:00

we have had more than our fair share of temperate fall days here in rhode island

(eeek! my bulbs are coming up!!)

and on one such afternoon

my dear friend meredith and i

popped into duck+bunny

for a leisurely lunch

in their garden

which, of course, ended with a cupcake tasting!

yum.

their cozy-glam interior

leaves you craving a girl's night out!

looking forward to more visits this winter!

day trippin': zimmans

2011-11-22T10:24:00.003-05:00

a spur of the moment trip to the north shore

left me the opportunity to hit my favorite resource for interior fabrics

zimmans in lynn, MA

packed with ev-ry-thing under the sun

the latest designer faves

and inspiration galore

(excuse the iphone blur)

i left with two perfect picks...

soon-to-be roman shades
for the guest room
...
and some thing punchy

for tay's room

soup for supper: mushroom barley

2011-11-16T20:31:00.002-05:00

this week's soup:

mushroom barley

with p&b boulangerie multigrain loaf

perfect for this chilly, rainy evening!

...

thanks to blair for the suggestion- delish!

wellfleet beach days: fall edition

2011-11-14T07:54:00.005-05:00

during the summer

we try and make it to the outer cape

for a day on the beach

and in the waves

every sunday

this weekend

sun blazing

we decided

why let a chill in the air stop us?!

off-season bonuses:

the dogs can join in on the fun

rarely seen starfish!

barefoot in corduroy

crowd free!

...

how did you spend your weekend?

weekend knitting

2011-11-13T14:57:00.004-05:00

i know, i've said it a millions times lately

but i am really, really

loving fall

bulky, cozy yarn

chilly, dark afternoons

heaven

this is my second autumn hat

(i made a seaform version for myself late last winter)

it was a quick one-day-knit

for a very deserving mum

xoxo

soup for supper

2011-11-08T18:03:00.003-05:00

i love fall

crisp air and cozy nights

the farmers markets brimming with greens and root veggies

not to mention a pantry loaded with organic canned tomatoes

i've been making a weekly soup

we get at least a dinner, two lunches and two servings to freeze out of each pot

not bad for a hour in the kitchen!

so far...

roasted butternut, leek and apple

topped with crisp bacon

served with homemade whole wheat pumpkin bread

...

tomato fennel

served fireside

with cheddar dill scones

...

chicken stew

(the recipe from my high school- this was one of my favorite lunches!)

over cous cous

...

and

lentil

topped with a drizzle of balsamic

served with seven stars country loaf

...

i love this part of our week's menu

and plan to continue throughout the winter...

next week i think i'm going to give blair's suggestion of mushroom barley a try!

have any favorite recipes to share?

birthday beanie

2011-11-07T18:47:00.003-05:00

yesterday was my husband's 31st birthday

we celebrated first with my 'rents on cape

with breakfast at a favorite joint

and then

dinner in providence

with his fam

topped off with cake, a cozy fire and presents at home

...

his big surprise has yet to arrive

but i also knitted him a cozy beanie

to add to his collection

...

this was a great

back-at-it-knit

for my first project of the fall

and the yarn

uber-soft-like-cashmere

yum.

happy birthday, my love!

xoxo

fall tunic

2011-11-03T15:07:00.002-04:00

my list of sewing to-dos these days is loooong

but with the color wheel commission successfully off

and a few halloween gifts sewn and shipped

i needed a day

to dive in my stash

and get creating

for me

i caved and bought wiksten's tova tunic pattern

knowing i could draft something myself

but not wanting to get in my own way

i used alexander henry's "dasha"

...

a few hours and one tunic later!

the pattern was simple to follow

my only change was taking 1" off the hem

i love that it looks polished with dark jeans and a blazer

or comfy with black yoga pants

i haven't taken it off since i finished topstitching

eventually, i'll have my husband snap a few pictures of it on me and share

...

now, i'm even more inspired to keep sewing

more tunics to come, for sure!

happy halloween!

2011-10-31T18:45:00.000-04:00

(yes, that is SNOW)

wishing you all a very happy halloween!

our street is packed with kiddos and i just can't wait to hand out treats...

cover brillance

2011-10-27T19:09:00.002-04:00

i hope adele's vocal chords get better real soon

'cause...

yeah:

the boat life

2011-10-26T15:00:00.000-04:00

after two days of canning

my sister and her fam

invited us to join them on their tug boat (!)

for dinner

late summer, early evening light over lake chaplain

ahhh,

the good life!

my sweet niece

this was the evening before my nephew's first day of kindergarten

so i surprised him with a watch of his own

as a special good luck gift-

he was so super psyched!

the fam

dinner grillin'

mama and babe

me and amanda

tired, but still friends! (hahaha)

our captain, oh captain

...

yeah, a pretty sweet end to a work day!

...

thank you, meggin and al, for a most memorable evening

and amanda, for the photos!

custom color wheel

2011-10-25T07:51:00.002-04:00

after seeing the results of our crafting weekend last winter

blair, of design studio b

contacted me to see if i might be able to make her a queen size version

...

at long last, it was delivered to her last weekend

and she snapped these pics before a cozy fall nap

i just how her photos of it have such a moody and fall-like feel
paired with her garnet hill flannel ticking sheets
her bed will be glorious!

thanks, blair... so glad you love it!
...

getting the quilt off
left me with renewed inspiration
to start sewing again...
i can't wait to dive into my stash!

oystah fest!

2011-10-22T14:59:00.003-04:00

last weekend

under sunny skies

we headed to the outer cape

for our favorite of fall festivals

the wellfleet oyster fest

shucking contests

local crafters

live music

our favorite restaurants, serving fresh-from-the-sea goodies

(sam adams even makes an oyster beer, just for the fest!

to top it off

the day ended

with the most glorious sunset

mark your calendars for next year!

adventures in homemaking: canning peaches

2011-10-20T07:31:00.000-04:00

after our success canning tomatoes

amanda and i decided to grab a bushel of peaches

to can the next day

...

for lack of a better phrase

it wasn't quite as peachy as our tomato experience

we were tired

and even after blanching, the skins wouldn't come off

which meant peeling all 35lbs before we could even get going

not to mention, this was DEFINITELY a two person job

standing over a full stove full of boiling pots

stressful!

so, yeah...

amanda was being generous here with that smile

...

but, after we finished canning halves

a little peach lavender butter

to end the day

not nearly as taxing

and should be de-lish on homemade breads this winter

...

our loot at the end of day two:

ahhhh....

an evening on lake champlain followed

(to come...)

pics 3+7: orchardcove

comfort food

2011-10-19T11:06:00.004-04:00

it's raining, chilly and grey

in providence today...

the type of day

that leaves you no inspiration to get out from under the comforter

a warm shower, fresh shaven legs and an impromptu face mask (or two) later

i scuffed into the kitchen

with no interest in my normal breakfast of oatmeal and smoothie

i needed comfort food

the kind that makes you think of big family holidays, a tiny kitchen stuffed with lending hands and the sound of the skillet sizzling

...

farm-fresh scrambled eggs topped with shaved cheddar

crispy thick-cut butcher bacon

thin apple slices

and green tea

fulfilled. warmed. ready.

(UMMMMM... have you tried trader joe's unexpected cheddar?!? holy goodness. run.)

glory days

2011-10-12T20:33:00.002-04:00

this weekend's weather

was just

in.sane.

we biked

swam (yes! in new england! in october!)

and enjoyed lunch

barefoot

under the shade of our great maples

life

for a moment

was warm

calm

and peaceful

...

happy fall, indeed!

words for the week: the crazy ones

2011-10-06T08:15:00.003-04:00

as an artist, designer, american

i canot imagine my world without the genius that mr. jobs brought to it.

thank you, thank you, thank you

may you rest in peace.

Steve Jobs

1955-2011

unwind

2011-10-03T06:47:00.003-04:00

during our adventures in canning

three yellow labradors

waited patiently (mostly) on the back porch

for us to take them on an adventure of their own

nellie tells us what she really thinks of the 7 hour wait:

the skies were a little threatening

so it was a quick walk

to amanda's

happy place

the future homesite

of. her. dreams.

ahhhhhh....

a lovely way to unwind after an intense day

...

followed by dinner at the bearded frog and dessert and wine at the inn

we were revived and ready

to start again

the next morning!

pictures 1/4/5: orchardcovephotography

dog-sitting

2011-09-30T11:19:00.000-04:00

this:

is how you get 'er done-

2.5 mile run

and

two two-year-old pups

worn out

before 8:30am

...

off to (photo) class

...

thanks to:

(2) easy walk harnesses

adjustable-handle leash

super-awesome neighbor to document

adventures in homemaking: canning tomatoes

2011-09-29T06:51:00.000-04:00

my trip to vermont

was not without purpose-

amanda and i

decided this spring

to give canning a go

when tomatoes were in season

...

with 70lbs. of organic roma beauties

62 wide mouth quart jars

and a few YouTube videos

we were off and running...

washing the jars

blanch. peel. core. dice.

our stovetop ready for sterilizing jars

hard at work

(i was on tomato duty, amanda- jars)

well diced. but oh-so-many-more to go!

admitedly, we freaked when the first batch came out looking like this:

but after some phone calls to

canning-friendly friends

we were relieved to discover the separation was totally normal

(color and amount of water may vary depending on tomato-type)

death. by. canning.

we put in some SERIOUS man hours

exhausted for good reason:

47 quarts of diced tomatoes + 5 quarts of tomato puree

...

think we'd had enough?

HA!
we decided we'd had

SO.MUCH.FUN

we'd tackle peaches

next...

(told you we were both psycho!)

drink, please!

2011-09-28T16:00:00.001-04:00

latest thrifting find:

set of 6

blue + gold

vintage culver ltd. glasses

...

i'm dreaming up a fabulous retro-gypsy-glam dinner party table-scape!

sick day

2011-09-28T09:39:00.001-04:00

i had big plans for this week

house projects

yard work

blogging catch-up

emails and calls

...

but

i'm sick.

knocked off my feet

by a nasty chest cold virus

so all i've seen of this glorious weather

are the slivers of early fall's golden light

across our hardwood floors

if i had more energy

i'd feel guilty for all the lounging and on-demand watching

and, i have to admit, i am NOT a good sick person

but

dad's chicken noodle soup

and

flowers from my sweet husband

are brightening my week

...

off to dose up on echinacea and vitamin c

hoping to catch up on posts later today...

ahoy matey!

2011-09-15T08:50:00.003-04:00

this little pirate

turned three

this week

...

so i offered to make the cupcakes

for the jake and the neverland pirates lover

yo ho ho!

skully the parrot

a little lass

and gentleman of fortune

...

a few sketches

while they baked

and a quick iphone pic

before dropping them off

happy birthday, benny!

xoxo

back to class

2011-09-14T08:22:00.004-04:00

my kid's sewing class

started up again this week

...

our first project of the year:

quilted pencil cases

perfect for september

a quick, 1-day project

to get the little ladies

back in the groove

...

and boy, did they impress

craft-show worthy

(amazing. seriously. these girls are nine!)

...

it's great to be back

woot woot!

road trip: shelburne, vt

2011-09-08T10:13:00.002-04:00

irene thankfully didn't affect my plans

to head north

for a week

of canning and catching up

with my dear friend, amanda

...

i woke early monday morning

and hit the road

nellie in tow

calm after the storm, indeed!

(taken through the windshield)

the cloud formations in the brilliant blue sky were just phenomenal

...

arriving

felt like a homecoming of sorts

i have such found memories

of amanda's family's farm...

high school long winter weekends

summers swimming in the pool

playing dressing up from an attic full of 60 + 70's finest

and, then, amanda and jeff marrying

all with a lake view...

we brought the dogs for a romp and swim

before heading over

to amanda's cousin's

for dinner

ummm, yeah... i could come home from work to that every day!

i followed amanda and fia around the gardens

(amanda is working on an album of fia's first two years and was snapping some final shots)

before we settled into a spectacular dinner

thanks, ave!

with a spectaular view

and even better company...

worth the loooong drive?

ummmm....

YES.

more and more and more

to come

....

it takes rain to make a rainbow

2011-09-07T15:30:00.004-04:00

a rainy, gray day

was just perfect

for baking

birthday cupcakes

sprinkled

with cheerful color

three years...

2011-09-06T07:10:00.001-04:00

three years ago today

we married during hurricane hannah

waking today

to a beautiful rain storm

made us smile

happy anniversary, reid

all my love, forever

xoxo

photography: orchardcove

words for the week: make a little space...

2011-09-05T15:59:00.003-04:00

thought this

was just the most perfect way

to start september

...

not to mention

she

is just the cutest ever, no?

via pattersonmaker

lobster lawn party

2011-08-31T15:42:00.001-04:00

the night before

our summer family and friends

left to head south

to start the school year

we dined

under the maples

on 100%

new england goodness

home-grown tomatoes with basil

east dennis oysters

(the sweetest of the sea, if you ask me!)

me * tay * mum

local lobsters

all enjoyed on

the latest addition to our yard

an outdoor farm table

which has become

the centerpiece of summertime livin'

on the cape

for dessert...

grilled peaches

served with a scoop of vanilla

...

completed with

a sparkler send-off

to bid goodbye

to the

until next year...

we miss you emily, abby, theresa and noah!

xoxo

irene

2011-08-30T10:45:00.003-04:00

hurricane irene

made her way to cape cod

in the early hours of sunday

and blew her way throughout the day

it was eerie

never have i been through such a storm

with NO rain

not. a. drop.

the skies were gloriously blue at times

but the wind was ripping

...

by late afternoon we were all a bit stir-crazy

so we brought the dogs out to survey the damage

nellie gets a sand-blasting!

power lines and tree limbs

everywhere

but luckily

no structural damage to our home

or those around us

not to let our fresh food go to waste-

pizza on the grill

and dinner

by candlelight

peace.

at the end of a tumultuous day

...

still no power at my parents house

and could be that way for days to come

i'm feeling lucky to be up in VT

for a week with Amanda

to can 60 lbs of organic tomatos!

high school roomies

2011-08-25T15:43:00.000-04:00

this week was a whirlwind

chock-full of last-chance

summer fun

...

but

i managed to sneak away

to visit with

a high-school bestie

on the east coast from the west coast

...

we spent the day

at her grama's horse farm

ummm, yeah.

....

walking the trails

catching up on all-girl-gossip

and meeting

janie

her super-sweet

as-delicious-as-she-looks

daughter

(here, with her uber-hot-mamma- jess)

was

heaven

...

hand-carved mushroom stumps

and picturesque trails and jumps

left me craving

to get back in the saddle.

oh, and a dip in the pool afterwards?

sure,

no prob.

...

roomies with the first, of the next generation

...

jess, how i miss you, and our late-night-chats, so...

move back home, soon?

please?

xoxox

hobnail

2011-08-24T20:05:00.000-04:00

latest thrifting find:

$15

mint condition hobnail-milk glass

cake stand

of. my. dreams.

i'd love to start a collection

of these pretties

and what a piece to start with!

...

back to bikram

2011-08-23T09:23:00.005-04:00

sunday morning

i woke early

ignored the little voices

of fear, exhaustion and to-do's

to roll out my mat

at my first bikram class

in 6 years

...

it was hot

i got dizzy

and even sat down

once or twice

but i stayed in the room

and pushed my way through all 26 poses

and it felt

oh-so-good

...

i left recharged

proud

and determined

the way home-

windows wide

cool late summer cape breezes

with a little old-school

dmb "crash into me"

blaring-

goosebumps

...

namaste indeed.

instagram

awesome-ness

2011-08-19T11:06:00.002-04:00

"What we did on our summer vacation" by the Peña Clan from Tiffany Burnett on Vimeo.

ahhhh, little compton.

what else would you do during a vacation week there?!

obsessed.

summer snaps

2011-08-11T10:15:00.003-04:00

favorite summer moments

found on my phone

tay's floral creations * naptime: better together

nectarine cupcakes * summertime @ 6pm

all taken with: shake it for iphone

escape

2011-08-10T21:24:00.003-04:00

life

CAH

RAZE

when you have to get away

to catch up on emails

...

but that

is just what i needed

so we packed up

and headed to

little compton

for a few days

...

rainy, hazy afternoons

farm-fresh food

and

blooms snipped daily

rounded out

the perfect getaway

...

summer fun

2011-08-08T17:26:00.002-04:00

theresa and i

made the most of an overcast day

last week

to get down on paper

all the plans we've been dreaming and scheming for the summer

we've only got a few short weeks left

before it's back to the bronx...

lady lovely

2011-08-02T12:23:00.004-04:00

my latest thrifting find:

vintage vera ladybug belt
$12
pretty sweet score, i must say.
...
thinking it will be the perfect accessory
with skinny cropped jeans
and a cayenne red blazer
for fall

summer soiree

2011-08-01T17:35:00.001-04:00

i hosted a

rikshaw design trunk show

last week

in my parent's front yard

catherine's gorgeous gauzy creations

looked perfect

in the shade of the maple trees

...

a beautifully sunny

slightly breezy

afternoon

made even sweeter

with petite cupcakes

and prosecco

boho baby bloomers

all in a row

ladies browsing

the softest

baby blankies

make the perfect shower gift

love. love. love.

...

what a wonderful excuse to throw an afternoon soiree!

thanks catherine and francesca xo

weekend perfection

2011-08-01T10:18:00.002-04:00

beach blues

...

mango lobster salad

served in the shade

with a splash of rose

...

cape cod

july 2011

bon voyage

2011-07-26T08:11:00.002-04:00

a dear friend

moved away

last week

before she pulled out of town

we shared one last lunch

with fortune cookies for dessert

...

hers:

our fingers are crossed for you, sara!

good luck and love in sunny CA

...

safe travels to you

and tucker too-

nellie misses her BFF already

xoxo

breath of fresh air

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

we were interviewed last weekend

with theresa

by the cape cod times

about our experience with the fresh air fund

...

900 underserved kids are still looking to get out of the city

for one week, this summer...

consider hosting

words for the week

2011-07-20T11:00:00.000-04:00

girls on the run

2011-07-20T07:00:00.002-04:00

down in north carolina

at training for

the first season of

girls on the run

RHODE ISLAND!

i'll be one of the coaches

for our inaugural season

spring 2012

...

it's a long way off

but my life has already been changed

and i cannot wait

to pass it on.

easy, breezy, boho beauties

2011-07-19T17:39:00.002-04:00

(next tuesday)...

come one

come all!

email or leave a comment for the address...

summer blues

2011-07-19T14:00:00.001-04:00

my sister came home this weekend

kiddos in tow

(while her super-hero hubby stayed home to refinish their handwood floors)

...

we spent glorious days on the beach

but saturday morning

the whole family woke early

to pick plump blueberries

and scamper home

to bake our bounty

into muffins bursting with summer goodness

...

girls night

2011-07-18T00:18:00.000-04:00

a night of bachelorette viewing

is best enjoyed

gabbing with girlfriends

and munching on fig- caramelized onion- goat cheese pizza

perfection.

...

mucho thanks to that fabulous foodie blog

house to haus

(we went to high school together!)

for inspiring me in the kitchen-

if you don't read her

you should

saveur thinks so too.

summer in the city

2011-07-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

my dad and i were in NYC for a few days last week
and managed to hit all my favorite places
for food, drink and inspiration

...

lunch at balthazer
their goat cheese carmelized onion tart is one of my very favorite things!

way-cool vintage interior decor
and gherkin bar snacks

pizza at serafina
...

purl.
a trip to the city is never complete without a visit.

color. texture. perfection.

and then....

McQueen.
at the MET.

there are no words.
except:
GO.

day-cation

2011-07-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

the school year was finally over
but summer was already in full swing
and reid and i needed
a day
to slow down...
...and catch up

little compton
ahhhhhhh.

blue skies

lucky rocks

and the season's first raspberries.
perfect, no?

nellie picked up a new skill
(note the ball AND stick picked up mid-swim)

and even work
seemed sweeter
...
happy.
thank you.
more, PLEASE!

happy thank you more please

2011-07-12T23:11:00.000-04:00

saw this movie the other night

and

wow.

LOVED....

the sweet life

2011-07-11T21:34:00.001-04:00

this:

is a good start to a saturday...

...
and even if you get skunked by the waves

beating the boys to shore
means an over-sized fleece is waiting
...

and life,
is good.

wiped.

2011-07-08T11:28:00.001-04:00

just back from a few days in NYC
and chaperoning the fresh air fund bus
loaded with city kids headed to cape cod
for a summer vacation...

adventures to come.

school's out for summer!

2011-06-27T08:23:00.000-04:00

my sewing girls finished up a couple of weeks ago
just in time to go off to camp
in new outfits
completely designed and sewn by themselves!

it was a multi-week process
project runway - style
starting with drawings, a trip to the fabric store, muslin prototypes, label design and a photoshoot
the finished products were so impressive and the girls extremely proud- rightly so!

a few other spring projects to catch up on...

hand-sewn snails
(using a wee wonderfuls pattern)

patchwork pillows
for mother's day!

bunting banners
using the triangular fabric scrape left over from the floor pouf project!

it's been a productive spring for these little ladies!

words for the week

2011-06-23T18:37:00.002-04:00

and with that...
i head to the salvation army
with a car-load of donations.

amen.

quote

quilted coasters

2011-06-21T17:43:00.004-04:00

really, i promise
it didn't take me 4 months
to finish this project:

just 4 months wrap, gift and then photograph.

this weekend, in little compton for father's day
gave me the perfect opportunity to snap some photos
of the quilted coasters
i made for my mother-in-law's birthday gift

and, i have to say,
they look just as lovely as i'd imagined they would
in their home by the marsh.

one set for the living room

another for the kitchen/dining room

...
i was inspired by the coasters in denise schmidt quilts
but mine ended up being totally free hand... for better or worse.
i used a combination of quilting and upholstery weight fabrics
and am now totally obsessed with robert kaufman's quilter's tweeds...

words for the week

2011-06-15T13:21:00.003-04:00

after boiling heat and rain
today
is a PERFECT spring day:

light breezes, warm sun, clear blue sky, bright green grass and happily chirping birds

enjoy it!

laura george

...
i just had the most delightful little picnic parfait lunch
under the shade of my cherry tree
iced pomegranate green tea was the perfect accompaniment

nellie, of course, licked the bowl.

glass, glee and girlfriends

2011-06-14T07:28:00.003-04:00

last week
i met one of my very best friends, amanda
for a girl's day in boston...

our first stop was the MFA
for the Chihuly exhibit

my fave: the persian ceiling

i was literally blown away-
(no pun intended, i promise)
the detail, scale and symmetry
left me with a whole new appreciation for the art of glass blowing.

these enormous chandeliers
designed to hang at eye level
have my wheels turning for a piece in my dining room...

glass "baskets"
shown with the native american pieces that were the inspiration

...
we left the MFA, hoped the train to newbury
and thanks to a quick facebook shout-out for recommendations
grabbed lunch at parish cafe
YUM.

afterwards we (mostly) window shopped
until
meeting up with a like-minded blogger, blair
for mac and cheese, street-side

slightly obsessed with the up-cycling here of tomato can to wine bucket

and i just have to get in a word about how amazing this whole "blogging world" thing is...
being able to share our lives, inspirations and obsessions with a virtual set of "friends"
is even cooler when you meet those people in real life
and fall into conversations as easy as with your nearest and dearest
pretty. awesome.

(girls, let's please set a date for more...)
...
high-on-life after dinner
we reverted back to our dorky high-school selves
and belted our hearts out
at
glee: live!

no, we had no shame asking the 12-year-old behind us to snap our photo

kurt singing single ladies
the warblers- he-ll-OH! version of teenage dream...

AH-mazing.

and then
i needed a week to recover.

hello,
i'm back.

garden delights

2011-05-26T09:12:00.003-04:00

after weeks of rain
the sun is finally out, bright and warm

i've been soaking it up
working in my yard
planting and weeding

a well-earned lunch break
of a favorite pasta salad
leaves me wanting
more more more
summer...

simple + fresh summer pasta salad:
tri-colored pasta (ronzoni garden delights radiatore)
cucumber
cherry tomatoes
black olives
carrots
fresh corn
red peppers
scallions
feta cheese
olive oil
salt + pepper

home sweet home

2011-05-19T07:49:00.002-04:00

what is one to do

on day four

of straight rain?

bake

plump chocolate chip cookies

to welcome new neighbors!

hello, goodbye

2011-05-18T13:14:00.002-04:00

my iphone and i had issues.

the dropped calls on at+t

were enough to make me throw the thing against a wall

but, contrary to the evidence, i didn't.

but it did fall. a lot.

my husband replaced the screen 4 times.

the last one i lived with for nearly five months

cracked and taped

because the call quality was actually better once it had cracked.

crazy, yes.

but the last time it slipped from my fingers, did the old girl in.

we made the switch...

BUH-bye at+t...

and

hellooo verizon.

and hello to my pretty unscarred white little friend.

meet YOUR new best friend:

the case.

(and yes, i can hear you now. hallelujah!)

impending storm

2011-05-17T11:19:00.002-04:00

honestly-

not quite sure how weather forecasters manage to keep their jobs...

this weekend on the cape

was forecasted to be miserable and wet

so, saturday's glorious sun, was a welcomed surprise.

sunday, too, allowed for gardening

and one late afternoon beach walk

just as the weather turned moody...

last light

black and white

dark and stormy

photos snapped on the iphone

monday's mood

2011-05-09T18:10:00.003-04:00

checking in around my garden this morning...

pink

purple

and a

lilac scented breeze

...

a perfect cap-off to a glorious weekend

celebrating mom

happy monday!

xoxo

happy anniversary!

2011-04-25T18:54:00.002-04:00

happy anniversary

mum + daddio!

30 years and still making each other laugh...

CHEERS! to that.

xoxo

martha mondays

2011-04-25T15:05:00.000-04:00

mondays

have become

my day to re-group around the house...

do the laundry, re-stock the fridge, cook and clean.

i have lovingly named this day of the week a "martha monday"

one part martha stewart and one part my mom martha

...

mornings in the kitchen

making lunch box snacks:

organic trail mix

...

and

organic homemade yogurts with mango compote

...

a good fridge scrub-down

makes one feel

fresh and new

ahhhhh.

in the oven:

oatmeal flax bread

spinning downstairs:

loads and loads of laundry

good to start the week!

happy easter!

2011-04-24T22:15:00.003-04:00

chirp chirp!

HAPPY EASTER!

spring is in FULL bloom

and the sun

is finally shining

i hope this special sunday was filled with family, chocolate bunnies and sunshine.

xoxo

words for the week

2011-04-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

this week was a doozy...

looooooow lows

and great days.

but

i know

everything

DOES

happen for a reason...

and

life IS good.

and

i am so

SO
grateful

for friends and family.

image: kindovermatter

glitter-fest

2011-04-21T08:44:00.002-04:00

theresa is here for spring break

so we spent yesterday

decorating dozens of eggs

for easter

we had a (messy) blast

blowing out shells

dyeing, glueing and glittering

and adding beads and wire to hang

on our "easter tree"

good day, sunshine

2011-04-19T08:27:00.004-04:00

this past weekend

really did feel like spring

starting

with the opening of local ice cream shops

my summer pick- perfectly tart pinkberry-esque yogurt with fresh berries

...

and fresh tunes

on the ipod

for the file stretch of my run

comfort food

2011-04-14T10:26:00.002-04:00

don't you love how certain foods can bring to back in time...

to a moment

or a place

to childhood in general

to home

rice pilaf does it for me.

every.time.

cold, clumpy and straight from the left-over container.

usually shoveled, yes, shoveled while standing.

it brings me back to all those evenings before swim team practice, or just home from.

i can hear my mom telling me to sit.down. and chew!

ooh, so good.

and then

there are the unexpected...

welch's white grape juice.

i found a bottle in my in-law's fridge a few months ago

and couldn't resist.

oh, i literally felt like a kid in a candy store!

so random, but so good.

right back to after-church coffe hour-

the only place we ever got non-watered-down juice.

100% sweet goodness.

what foods bring you back?

(the return of) words for the week

2011-04-13T11:15:00.002-04:00

note to self:

image: vol.25

slouchy in seafoam

2011-04-13T11:02:00.000-04:00

while at nido a few weekends ago

i picked up the most yummy skein of wool

in a rich seafoam green

perfect for the autumn hat

that's been in my ravelry favorites all winter

such a satisfying project-

big needles, chunky yarn

two evenings

...

just in time

for those

misty

moody

early spring

beach walks

favorite shop: nido, burlington vt

2011-04-13T08:31:00.000-04:00

while up in vermont

i had to make time to stop into (admittedly in paint-covered pants) one of my favorite shops in burlington:

nido

a perfectly edited fabric + yarn shop right downtown.

the exposed brick

warm winter sun streaming in the tall windows

antique cabinets and wooden crates

bursting with a rainbow of organic yarns

favorite projects

hung to inspire

anna, denise, nani

oh, my!

and the icing on the cake-

picture-perfect vignettes

featuring japanese goodies and the best in crafting books

it's like a little purl

in the great green mountain state!

the waldo family painters

2011-04-12T10:23:00.001-04:00

march wrapped up with a trip up to vermont

to help my sister + co. paint their new house before move-in.

i can't say enough about all the help my parents gave us when we moved last year

so this time, we took our show on the road...

here we are, the waldo family paint crew:

actually, my mom is a CAH-RAZ-Y cleaner, so she was on scrub-down-duty

(with her toxic chemicals- she brought her own because we joked that they didn't sell bleach and pine-sol in the state of VT)

...

the kid's rooms were the first priority

and we decided on neutral palette's

so those quilts we made would pop...

pictures really son't do justice to how much BIGGER the rooms look with lighter colors on the walls.

not to mention fresh trim paint.

ahhhhhh!

but, oh no...

that wasn't all.

it kept going.

and gooooing.

until, we all got a bit wacky...

(must have been the cleaning fumes)

happy birthday daddio!

2011-04-12T07:24:00.004-04:00

it's a BIG one this year for my daddio

appropriately, he and my mum are celebrating somewhere sunny

...

i hope your day is extra special, sk!

looking forward to yard-work-weekend (his gift from all us kids) when you get back...

xoxo

photo: orchardcove

march, in a nutshell

2011-04-11T17:14:00.005-04:00

ok, so when even my husband comments on my lack-of-blogging

you know it's bad...

i've been all over the place.

lots of stories to tell-

pictures to share-

this was my march:

3/8: forcing spring

...

3/9: loaded strawberry shortcake in celebration of my mom-in-law's birthday

...

3/18: day with my mom complete with an afternoon beach walk in falmouth, ma

shells aplenty before tourist season!

...

3/19-20: weekend in little compton, ri...

ahhhhh.

...

3/26: projects, in progress

...

3/29: salem, ma for a day with the girls

all grown up

and brand new

knitted with love

...

now, catching up on my 1000+ reader queue...

stress!

i feel so out-of-the-loop!

hahaha

cozy cowl, complete!

2011-03-26T16:10:00.003-04:00

i had finished this luxurious little number
a few weeks back
but hadn't taken the time to weave in the ends
because i really did think it was past the season for wearing.

clearly not...
it is coooold here this weekend
but sunny!

so i'm breaking her out.
and think this cowl will be my early spring staple.
loving the idea of wearing with a chambray work shirt...

word to yo motha (nature):

2011-03-21T09:09:00.001-04:00

it's now officially SPRING.

so this:

just ain't right.

please make note.
xoxo

help!

2011-03-18T08:52:00.001-04:00

here

on my work table...

2011-03-16T11:35:00.002-04:00

uncharted territories with a new color palette...

progress to come.

life

2011-03-15T21:18:00.005-04:00

this past weekend was a busy one
but at times, it felt thick with despair...
watching news from japan, a dear friend losing her amazing mom, another suffering after a miscarriage...
things that make you question everything
and leave you with nothing.

i suppose this is the human experience.
pain. suffering. adversity.

and then

light
and
hope.

this weekend had that too...

flowers, brought home "just because"
...

celebrating with my gram-in-law on her 90th! birthday
...

husband-made waffles topped with organic strawberries and vermont's finest
...

getting a fresh coat with mum

sunny

2011-03-11T12:15:00.003-05:00

i awoke to one of those late winter days-
chilly. wet. gray.
the kind of morning that is dark and moody
the kind that makes you want to turn off the alarm
snuggle back under the warmth of the comforter
and fall back asleep.
until may.

but stumbling into the bathroom
with eyes half open
and finding these waiting for me

turned the day

all sunny
just. like. that.

also sunny- the trader joe's price: $1.49
yes, please and thank you very much!

signs of spring

2011-03-08T14:19:00.003-05:00

could it be!?
is spring
really
nearly
here?

i ran out this morning to run some errands
and returned to these popping up in my backyard
this afternoon!

of course,
the rest of my yard is a hot mess
after a long winter of abuse.

but the to-do list actually has a smile on my face:
time. outside.
ahhhhhhh.
...
for the record, this post was not meant to torment my sister
who just received 24" of snow up in burlington, vt!
can.you.imagine?!
no.

brand new baby

2011-03-07T07:32:00.002-05:00

my girlfriend meredith

recently gave birth to her second child

last week while i was visiting

she asked if i would snap a few photos for his announcements...

the little man

his regal big brother kwinn

a welcome kiss from big sister ella

(check out her stunning blue eyes!)

is there anything sweeter than a brand new babe?!