Kona Grill

Met a friend for a quick lunch out in the Suburbs yesterdat. We went to Kona Grill for Sushi. Not too bad, and  a nice break from a hectic day. What’s your favorite daytime escape?

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Drumroll Please….

Well, I promised. And a promise is a promise. So here goes.

I’m changing things up. This blog, The Write Ingredients, is going back to it’s roots. It’s going back to Food. All about eating food, and cooking food, and exploring ingredients, local (and not-so-local) goodies, and chocolate. Because you have to have chocolate.

But, but, you say. But what about all the sewing and drawing and art fairs and all that stuff? Well, that’s moving to a new home. (This is where the drumroll comes in…). I’d like to introduce you to…

It’s my new blog which will host my creative endeavors, including paper goods, sewing fun, design (graphic and otherwise) and my dreams. I’m still working on the details, and the Etsy shop, but it’s all coming soon. (Like next week if I can get my %$$^ together).

So hang tight, add it to your reader, and I’ll see you after the 4th. Happy Celebrating!

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It’s All About The Birds

I’ve been on a bird kick this spring. I love listening to the birds outside my bedroom window early in the morning. I love watching the baby birds being fed by their parents outside our kitchen window (living in the bird houses Husband built), and I love seeing birds in artwork and fabric and other inspiring places.

I love the birds in Rachel Ann Austin’s work.

This sweet little buy on this necklace I found from Ruche.

These fabric bird houses from an adorable shop in Soho.

These bird wall tiles from (hush) Crate and Barrel.

And this print on the PJs I picked up for Daughter at Target.

They’re so happy and bright, they just make my day. Speaking of, it’s time to have another weekend. I plan to meet my Mom for lunch, do some sewing, make a Key Lime Pie and go for a few walks with the family. What about you?

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Etsy Finds in New York City

I saw so many amazing things in New York, how could I not? But among everything there were two artists that stood out to me. I ran into the first artist, Kristiana Parn, at the Union Square Green Market with Jen. We walked straight to her booth and I immediately bought this print. I love her simple style and whimsy sense of humor. Of course the Giraffe’s are my favorite, but the bunnies are pretty darn cute too.

The following day, Patricia and I found ourselves at the Hester Street Fair where we met Jewelry Artist (and Actor!) Saska Devries. I fell in love with her bold colors and unique combinations. I tried on a bracelet and a few rings, but with my super skinny fingers, nothing fit. I kept her card and hope to have something custom made someday. Until then, check out her shop. Beautiful.

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Little Blue Boo Dress

A few weeks ago I bought this pattern from the Little Blue Boo etsy shop to make Daughter a dress. I gradually dug up old t-shirts, cut out the pattern, bought starch spray, and started putting it all together. And it came togehter so easily and the dress was so adorable! But, (deep sigh), it was WAY too small. Like, couldn’t even get it over her head, small. Since she’s a big 13 months, I created my own pattern halfway between the 12M and 2T sizes. Guess I should have just gone with the 2T. I considered giving the dress away, but I really loved the pieces I put together. And since the dress is a patchwork of sorts anyway, I found the same gray t-shirt that I cut the straps from and add two inches on either side of the dress. Bingo! It fits beautifully! The top apron piece is a little narrow, but she’s young enough that it doesn’t matter. I can’t wait for a warm summer day for her to run around in it.

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Spring Inspiration

I found this print in Valentina Design’s shop on Etsy a few weeks ago and I just love it. It’s so happy and just shouts Spring. Might just need to order myself a copy.

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Fabulous Etsy Find

Six Poppies Archival Print

My office (the day job) recently moved from the 5th floor to the 2nd floor. In the process, I lost a door, but gained a huge (HUGE) window and, best of all, a couple of walls to decorate. Keeping with our clean Ikea decor, I decided to order a couple of prints from Etsy and frame them with simple light wood frames. I asked Jen for a few recommendations and among the fabulous options, I came across Rachel Ann Austin’s work. I love it. I love her sense of proportion and color and her interpretation of the natural world. I ordered a couple prints of her Poppies. They’re colorful and fun and work perfectly with our new palette of tan, deep red and chocolate brown.

I also ordered one of her adorable journals. No idea what will end up in there, but it’s still cute!

Rachel has both an etsy shop and a blog so we can all be inspired by her work. Enjoy!

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A New Knitting Project

A while back I bought a great pattern from Danger Craft’s Etsy page of this adorable monster. Her name is Penelope. Now that the holidays are over and we’re back from Mexico, I decided to finally start it. I realized I can’t work on sewing projects in front of the TV, so knitting is the answer. But I”m a beginning knitter, I’ve been limited to scarfs and scarfetts. This monster is a big undertaking. Jen came over last night to help me work through some issues, but now I’m ready to get moving. Wish me luck!

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Etsy Find(s)

I’ve been looking through Etsy for a simple necklace to give my Niece for the Holidays. She’s 11, so I don’t want anything too childish, but I still want to find something fun. Without breaking the bank. I found a few great options.

I love these simple circles from Daisy Chains.

And this smiling star from MaryMaryHandmade.

Or this amazing little bird from ZoozJewelry.

None of these would be limited to a tween, in fact, I might just need to order one of these little elephants from ZoozJewelry for myself!

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A Few Fun Finds…

(photo from etsy)

I’ve been trying not to buy anything lately. No reason really, other than I already have too much stuff, so why add more? But there are a few things that might make me give in to the impulse.

These adorable hats are one. I mean, it gets cold here and a baby girl needs to stay warm, right?

And check out these earrings…. perfect for all those holiday parties!

This bowl... how does he do that?

And this table runner…. again, the holidays are approaching.

And these plates. Just because they make me smile.

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