season's greeting

Just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful new year. This is the holiday card we sent out this year, which makes the sketched portrait a four year old tradition. Woo!

This year has been up and down, busy and free, exciting and relaxed. Between hurricanes, sewing contests, holiday overtime, and all the other little facets that fit in between, I definitely feel a little guilty for neglecting craftiness. But I am so thankful for all the friends I have made through my little space  here, and look forward to all of our creative endeavors. Best wishes and happy new year, friends! 

Newer and Older

Imagine my excitement when the construction process of inset pockets clicked in my head. I felt like new doors had been opened, and realized that this newly found skill could be put to use to make an EmersonMade style skirt.

Said red skirt is a present for one of my two sisters celebrating a birthday today- so happy birthday Lauren, and I owe you one, Allie!

Calm Before the Storm

Usually you can find me most relaxed when I water my little garden in the morning. It wasn't a big production this year- it started with Cherokee and cherry tomatoes sharing space with venturing cucumber vines, and after I dumped the loose seeds from the bottom of my sowing kit I ended up with some surprise pepper plants, marigolds and a young zucchini.Right now I am listening to the wind gust and pounding rain on the windows, and can't believe the worst of this storm is still hours away. It's a little sad to think that when I go out to water my little garden it will probably be torn up and unrecognizable.
But I am also very thankful to be waiting it out with the family couped up in our little abode, and I hope that everyone is safe and doing much of the same.

Five.

It's really hard to imagine that five years have passed since I first held my little Phia. It's surreal, it's incredible. She is so sweet, so curly, and so funny, and there are so many ways she has enriched my life and filled it with such pure happiness. Happy birthday, sweet girl!

Fatherly Love

Since Danny is an incredible father and occasional viewer of my posts, I decided to stay mum about father's day ideas until after he received his gifts. I made him a gray chambray tie after some stylish inspiration from jcrew, and a purlbee tutorial.
Happy father's day to you, Danny, and to anyone who has been there to provide some fatherly love.

Long Weekend

Summer is here, and I hope that everyone has a bright, beautiful weekend. Besides a very welcome heat wave, everything has become lush and alive again, and we have been enjoying the late evenings filled with that earthy summer smell.

I have one thing on my agenda for this long weekend: throwing together a bowl of chunky guacamole.

Simplicity

On Saturday I had the pleasure of attending a bridal shower in the city. It was for a truly beautiful friend of mine who met her match- a charming man who also happens to be a very talented floral designer.
We were sent home with these gorgeous arrangements after an evening tea filled with good company and fortune readings. On my train ride back home I mulled over a few thoughts, such as one can never underestimate the therapeutic effect of a girly tea party, the deliciousness of scones with creme friache and raspberry jam, and the striking beauty of peonies.
This was my shower gift to the bride to be- a hand quilted throw in various weaves and colors of wine. I am hoping she will enjoy this simple gift as much as I enjoyed being a part of her shower.

Thoughtful Sewing

For the past month I have been toiling away on a very special project.
What makes this quilt really special is the story that goes along with it. I was really moved when a very wonderful woman asked me to make it for her dear friend who has been courageously battling leukemia. It was an honor to make a quilt that symbolized such love, hope and strength.

Little Works of Art

Season's greetings, from my family, to yours.

The family portrait was completed a little later than planned this year, but with a last minute push, I tried to make it look cute before sending it out to loved ones. After drawing the portrait, I framed it in a collage of vintage stamps and then took a picture of it. The cards were then printed and mailed out with the vintage stamps, which were purchased from this very lovely etsy shop.

Thanks Given.

To keep it short and simple, I am thankful for the sweet people who make my days so wonderful. I am thankful for this opportunity to create my life, and shape it into what I want. And I am thankful for our warm oven, in which I bake goods that make my home smell like sugar and happiness.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lunch Dates

The kids are pretty lucky as they have some pretty special aunts.
One of their aunts will meet us in the city if I have to drop Danny off at work. And then their aunt will go with us to get falafel for lunch from Maoz, and enjoy eating it with us at Union square. Yum, falafel.
And two of their very special aunts are getting a little older tomorrow. Happy birthday, Lauren and Allie!

May Birthday

A little birthday cake was put together because some friends are so special, they deserve confections enrobed in whipped cream.

California lovin'

Strolls through the produce sections usually always include a minute or two of avocado testing. I squeeze a good majority of them, and if I find one of the perfect texture with no bruises, I literally beam for a second. I never imagined it would be so hard to find good avocados out here in Jersey, or that I would find myself missing California so much. As a mixed up teen, I couldn't get out of soCal fast enough, and I never took the time to think about all of the things I would miss or be missing out on.
So, here's to ripe avocados stuffed into little beds of lettuce, tucked under slices of peppered bacon on homemade foccacia. Here's to appreciating the place that you grew up, even if you are a couple years late. And, here's to all of my friends and acquaintances in California; may you find comfort in simple pleasures and fond memories. 

More Cookie Pictures

-the p. family