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! 

February

I seem to have missed two weeks- I might need to catch up on some of the highlights of February.

Ori turned four and mastered the iphone camera
Valentines meal made by Danny
Cookies enjoyed by Ori and friends

Season's Greetings

picking out a tree, spying on the kids, a lit up living room, and last minute gift shopping.
There are some wonderful, creative people who I have to met through blogs, emails, and comment boards, and just wanted to wish my extended network of friends a very sweet holiday season!

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.

Birthday Thoughts

Phia woke up to birthday balloons floating around the house. Her reaction was classic- so filled with amazement and excitement. I had a kind of epiphany in which I realized that I remember five very well- I can recall the details of my fifth birthday like the cake we ate, the games we played, and the confetti that fell out of the cards. It reminded me that I might have to step it up a bit, so Phia will have those same special feelings when she thinks back to her early birthdays. I wonder what little things she will remember- the outfit she picked out, the endless rain storm, the Ikea lunch she requested, or all of the sweet messages, cards and gifts she received from friends and family.

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

Regroup.

We are playing catch up after a weekend of parties. Cakes were baked and a birthday was celebrated while laundry was left unfolded, so I hope to be back to our normal state in a day or two.

P.S. Check out those awesome shades.

Goodbye, July

July has come and gone.It is kind of my favorite month- filled with fireworks and clam bakes, pool parties and summery skirts, it always feels wild and free. I celebrated my birthday with friends and family this weekend, and while I love my fair share of birthday cake, my special day always marks the beginning of the end of summer.
So lifestyle altering heat waves, you can not sway me- I love the month of July.

Home.

We are back home and finally unpacked. I am glad to have shared a little taste of Wichita with my kids- when I was a child visiting was always the highlight of my summer vacation.We enjoyed our time with relatives, countless limeades, and a little vintage shopping. It was just perfect.

On Hold

The kids and I are setting off on a little trip to Kansas to enjoy some family time. So posts about our garden state adventures, sewing projects, and summer eats will be on hold for a week or two.Until then, I hope that everyone has an incredible and magical summer!

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.

Released

Doesn't it feel amazing to escape captivity? We have been enjoying my favorite time of year with hikes, parks, hanami, wet rain boots, and even some street fair festivities.
Oh, spring- you are so thoroughly inspiring, and almost as awesome as funnel cake.

Signs of the Season

1. Spring Thaw


The ice and snow have finally melted, revealing renewed growth and beautiful landscapes. We live in close proximity to an expansive natural reserve, and while the leaves still have some time before their arrival, it is a wondrous place to explore. I love to watch the kids run wild and free, acting out great adventures.

2. Spring Songs

Ben Harper and Vanessa da Mata - Boa Sorte
Norah Jones - Somewhere Over the Rainbow
The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun
Jack Johnson - Breakdown
Stevie Wonder - You Are the Sunshine of My Life

3. Transitional Flavors

Vegetable Stew is perfect for warm and chilly days, and it reheats well for an easy dinner.

Exploration

I love how one day may be spent encouraging the exploration of new ways to entertain ourselves at home with a variety of mediums, from tempura paint to library books to new recipes.While the next might be spent invigorating the spirit of adventure with new train lines, long treks through a city, and meet ups at planetariums.
I am so happy for each and every new adventure we take together...
...even if my feet are still sore from walking in merciless boots.

To Grandmother's House it Goes...

It is a little embarrassing to admit how long this quilt has taken me to finish. I have always had a recipient in mind, and always wanted it to brighten up their end of winter, since those cold months before spring always seem the longest.
I used up many little green and blue scraps to create a lush floral collage. I chose to back it with white chenille and finish it without binding.
This quilt was sent out to an endlessly amazing grandma. She has helped me through hard times and awkward phases, and I am forever thankful for all of her support, guidance, and love.

Moving Experience

It's official- we have moved into a new apartment. With big bright windows, hardwood floors, and much more space, our new place is undeniably nicer. But, I have to admit, I was really reluctant to move out of our tight duplex.

In general I am not a huge fan of packing or unpacking, but this time the move seemed a little more personal. It was the first time I have felt like a home was being made since we started our family, and even though we weren't living in the most glamorous accommodations, we were in good company; we were surrounded by great neighbors who became great friends. So, adjusting to the new place has been both exciting and sad- I just have to keep telling myself that even though we aren't borrowing cups of sugar anymore, my friends are only a 25 minute drive away. That very happy reminder has been very comforting, along with the package of Jojo's that Ori is so delicately enjoying in the above picture.

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!

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.

Never have to question...

...Danny's love when I am snacking on coffee macaroons that he brought home from work.

As of October 16, 2010

We have taken a family trip to the orchards.
I have cracked open an old Cutie magazine for outer ware inspiration.