Toiling

 In the garden, staking, weeding, feeding and harvesting our little plot.

Every year I am so amazed by how a little seed can turn into a plant budding and ripe with fruit. It is kind of special. We have been keen on the Matt's wild cherry tomatoes and the nasturtium plants twisting all around our garden.

 In the kitchen, using up all of the zucchini and gems that the kids pick during play time. 

In the sewing room, drafting, snipping and creating my "perfect" tank top. Sometimes the most simple things take the longest to master. After some trial runs with other tank top patterns I realized that what works for others probably isn't going to pan out for me. Being rather short with a descent set of shoulders, it didn't take long to conclude that I need to veer away from wide straps, snug fit, and racer back styles. I made mine with a nice scoop, shape in the back to keep it in place, and medium width straps that are set apart wide. I like it, and am amazed at the compliments received from something so basic. I guess the lesson is something that fits well doesn't go unnoticed.

Dignity of Work

Learning how to best balance the home front while working has been a very interesting experience. While some things are just reaffirmations, I have started to pick out what makes life easier.

 Baking off eight pizzas to bulk up on dinner time staples.

Working on finishing projects.

Enjoying time with the family.

Sticking to the Plan

Earlier this fall I had set out some goals and am very happy to say I have been fulfilling them.
And just for fun I used the magic of instagram to keep track of each enjoyed moment- especially the beautiful bike rides and improvised mustaches.

Mama Marinara

I suppose it was made official after a morning spent at the DMV; I am now a New Jersey resident. So I thought I might celebrate by sharing a recipe made with garden state grown tomatoes.
Some of the more interesting looking tomatoes were put into a batch of marinara with fresh basil and oregano, and the finished sauce was pretty delicious.

Tomato Market

We have been hitting the local farmers market as much as possible. It has a nice selection of produce, baked goods and my favorite, Hoboken Farms.
The bike ride is short and hilly, but we usually get the best parking space. Since tomatoes are abundant, Phia likes to call it the "tomato market", and is always scouting out a new variety to try. Two pints for $3, experiment away.
But what to do with all those fresh maters?
Beet and tomato salad via Martha
Tomato Salad via the kitchn
Quickest Tomato Sauce via Jamie Oliver
And just because, Jamie Oliver dressed as a tomato

New Set of Wheels

Big news around here...
...we finally have a Madsen. It is just as I had imagined and we have all been loving our family rides together. Danny and I switch off pulling the kids around, and I will admit it has gotten us out and exploring the less beaten paths around our new town.
Like I do with most things I thoroughly enjoy, I started chronicling some of my most happy moments and favorite pictures of our adventures, which can be found here.

Christmas and the days following...

This was one of the few times that Danny has had off for Christmas. Phia and Ori had the opportunity to show off their new books and trains to their Dad before we headed out to visit relatives; it was a very nice treat.

And their new books and trains have been coming in handy since we are experiencing a snow in.
I expect my posts will be scarce as we will be moving on Wednesday- especially since we will be working through 20" of snow left on the ground. So, I hope that everyone has a happy end to 2010!

Oh, New Jersey.

While there have been times I have used choice words to describe New Jersey, living here does have its advantages.

Take for instance its coastal location- ideal for day trips to the beach.
Or its abundance of Palumbos- necessary for family pool parties. 
Perhaps the best part of all- its closeness to New York, making it easy to grab a bite to eat with the girls in Brooklyn.

Me: Lover of the forces of nature.

The forces that be have answered the lawn's pleadings by unleashing a monsoon on the garden state.

Storms like the one that passed through yesterday always leave me in awe. I love to sit out on the porch with the kids and feel the wind gust and listen to the sound of the raindrops battering down on the roof. To me it is a sign of summer, and it left the plants happy and filled the air with the scent of the basil from our garden.

Jersey Finds

One plus of calling the garden state home (besides the awesome pizza & not having to pump my own gas) would be all incredible finds at estate sales and thrift stores. I have a love for vintage and retro- there is something about the charming prints and undeniable character of each item that delights my senses. I have been hoarding fabrics and little trinket collections for a couple years, and decided to start incorporating them into my sewing. 
From woven belting,  unusual buttons, and beautiful sheeting, I have really enjoyed mixing new and old materials to make fun and interesting bags and quilts. 

Eating Local

Our early harvest of berries has been such a wonderful treat- the kids love picking and eating delicious ripe fruits each morning.
Since many of our plants are still seedlings, we have been taking trips to local farms for produce & inspiration with the help of local harvest...
...and my has it been a beautiful tour of New Jersey.