Purl Soho and a Plan

A few weeks ago while I was in New York, I stopped by Purl Soho. It was one of the top places to visit on my list and I was so excited to spend some time there. I’ve admitted that I’m addicted to fabric, so it could have been a dangerous stop, but I knew I was limited by the size of my suitcase so I was able to maintain some control. I picked up a few yards of some great stuff, but I also picked up this adorable pack of 1/2 yards. When I chose it I had no idea what I was going to use it for, but I finally figured it out. And it will be a surprise. A beautiful, sentimental surprise. So stay tuned. I plan to start it this week, so hopefully it will be done soon. (Soon is a relative term.) Either way, aren’t the fabrics just adorable and such a fun mix! I can’t wait to get started!

Note: I went back and looked through the fabrics to see what maker/line they’re from. The white one is from Cloud 9 Fabrics (Love them!), and I believe the top one is Alexander Henry. The  rest weren’t labeled. Bummer. Any ideas on the others?

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Advanced Sandwich Construction

I love a good sandwich, so I was pleasantly surprised to see this diagram in the New York Magazine this past week. It’s loaded with quirky advice, like butter the bread to prevent it from getting soggy. And that in terms of meat, less is more. I couldn’t agree more! Such good advice.

And along wtih the diagram is an article with the city’s 51 finest sandwiches (101 online). If only I had this two weeks earlier while in New York. Guess I’ll have to go back and eat my share of sandwiches. Yum.

Do you have a favorite sandwich?

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Friday Fun Find

A few years ago I walked into my first Dean and Deluca in Georgetown. I fell in love. Now I make it a point to visit one whenever I’m nearby. Last weekend I spent a few minutes in the Broadway location while in New York. I was not disappointed. In addition to some tea, spice rubs, and of course chocolate, I picked up this great tin of leg0-shaped candy for Husband. What fun! The actually click together!

Do you have anything fun planned for this long weekend? I plan to relax, eat some yummy food at Sea Salt and have dinner (no, I’m not dancing) with some friends for a birthday.

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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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Quick Food Tour of New York

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We had so much good food this past weekend. Above are a few photos, below are some links if you want to find some for yourself!

The Smile

Hester Street Fair

The Sweet Life

Il Corolla

Terrace Bagels

Sweet Melissa Patisserie

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Lost in NYC

I spent the last four days wandering around New York City with some amazing friends. I feel refreshed and inspired and exhausted. Over the next days and weeks I’ll tell you all about what I saw and heard and ate. The above map was where I was Sunday morning, walking back to the hotel after a quick trip through the Guggenheim. Amazing. Stay tuned…

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Off to NYC!

By the time you read this I’ll be on a plane to New York City with the girls for Jen’s Manhattan Meet-Up. As a surprise to the girls, I made them each a simple little wristlet to carry their goodies in the Big Apple. Have a great weekend, I know I will.

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Jen’s Manhattan Meetup

Three weeks from today I’ll be on a plane to one of my favorite places with some of my favorite people. I’m heading to New York City for Jen’s Manhattan Meet-up and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m leaving Husband and Daughter behind, which will be more than difficult, but it will be nice to get away and hang with the girls.

On my list of Must-sees and Must-dos:

• Dumplings in Chinatown (see above)

• Any Farmers’ Market (to get local goodies)

• Mood (!)

• Central Park (at least part of it)

• Guggenheim (never been there, strange, eh?)

• A Bagel in Brooklyn

• A cupcake that’s NOT from Magnolia

• Museum of Arts and Design

• And to wander

So, I ask you, what am I missing? What do I have to see that’s off the beaten path? Where do I have to eat? I plan to walk almost everywhere, so I’ll need at least four or 5 meals a day. Suggestions? Thanks!

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Wednesday Walk (in Mexico)

(Okay, so maybe it was from a walk LAST Wednesday, but I figured the sights in sunny Cozumel are more interesting than cold, frozen, gray Minnesota. Enjoy!)

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Martha Vargas: Jewelry Designer

There are dozens and hundreds of jewelry stores in Cozumel. They range from trinkety bracelets with your name on them to Cartier. From what I could tell, most of them were loaded with tacky silver jewelry that may or may not be made with any true silver. I bought a bracelet at one of these stores and was able to negotiate a bargain for myself. But as I wandered around the town, I was drawn to one store repeatedly. Most of their inventory was the same that I saw elsewhere, except slightly less tacky and a bit more legitimate. But then I came across a display case filled with the work of Mexican Jewelry Designer Martha Vargas.

I was immediately drawn to her bracelets made of wood and silver, but reality had me checking out this simple necklace instead.

I love it. I originally thought the black dots were a stone, but it turns out they’re wood. Makes sense. I’m absolutely thrilled that I bought it for myself. Check out her site and her beautiful work. I contacted her US rep and they are working on adding her work to this site.

Here is an artist statement I found from her:

“Today, with these hands, to the rhythm of my woman’s heart, I model the materials of the earth and mix silver, wood, stones and crystals, adding bursts of light.”

Beautiful, isn’t she?

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