A Frightful Evening

Twas a cold, dark night on a spoooooky street... but we were merry and bright in a warm & cozy home! I would not go so far as to say my favourite holiday is Halloween, but there's nothing I love more than dressing up in costume! I do try to find a way to dress up in costume to some capacity for most holidays, but it's fun to see everyone dress up on a cool autumn night.

Rebekka and Manley had a sweet gathering of their dearest friends over for a fancy feast, warm drinks, and bellows of laughter. The house was decorated (no, those cobwebs are not authentic, Rebekka cleans daily and diligentl; her house is always smelling of lavender & basil), cute and creepy cards were placed in front of each dish on the expansive table of treats, and we all slipped a little bit into character. As Mrs. Claus, I showed up with a plate of cookies (you have to make your own until Christmas Eve, and then Santa really doesn't share with me), a zombie chased folk around, and the dalmation puppy nuzzled noses with the children. The extent of my crafting was tying vintage red velvet bows on everything, bringing Christmas cheer, so all the party details are attributed to Miss Cruella herself. How did you celebrate? Did you dress scary, clever, or dreamy?

Our Summer Picnic

Another seasonal picnic, another favourite day of my life! We joined Rebekka and Manley in their backyard, tucked away into a quiet corner to celebrate their handsome new picnic table. We shared stories, laughter, a few drinks, and a LOT of delicious food. Cheese upon cheese upon cheese with figs, sausages from a local farm, a vegetable quinoa pasta. Danny and I brought a punch bowl to fill with a rosemary gin fizz. We had fun preparing the ingredients, and even more fun drinking it! It's a perfect party drink, and smells just wonderful.

You can find her recipe for an incredible Peach Ricotta Tart in Rosemary Almond Shell here. Enjoy!

We're off to Chicago to find some adventure. Au Revoir!

Our Spring Picnic

We've been having oh so much fun having seasonal picnics.. that we've decided we absolutely must do this each month as a group! Danny and I certainly love our picnics together, but it seems that there is an overabundance of laughter and delicious food when we are coupled with dear friends.

This time, Rebekka packed up spiced salamis, artisan bread, two plates of figs, cheese, pickled goodness, and artichokes. Not only that, but she made us heavenly St. Germain cocktails and a magical strawberry soup with a special kick. You can find the recipe on her blog. The wind whipped around us at Shelby Park, but our conversation (and a little Four Roses!) kept us warm and spirited. An afternoon we did not want to ever end.

Also, you can now find these cute mason jars in my etsy shop, then have your own picnic with friends!

A Treat for Valentines

A few weeks ago, some friends and I packed up a warm picnic for a cold winter's afternoon. A heavy fog settled the outskirts of Nashville, and we gazed upon it's beauty while sipping raspberry wine, eating brie and sandwiches wrapped in brown paper and baker's twine at Arrington Vineyards. Hannah made delicious madelines, and you can find the recipe here.

We snuck in some New Belgium Abbey and took photos of the new pint glasses I have been etching. You can buy them for your Valentine here and here! As always, please feel free to request custom etchings.

(photos courtesy of Rebekka and Hannah)

Tree & Axe

Christmas has come and gone. But my decorations are staying up for as long as they will last! I will keep my home smelling of fresh fir and vetiver (if not by tree, by candle).

What am I keeping my nights busy with, when not stuck at the office? Wood burning, glass etching, die cutting, knitting, and painting. I had to narrow it down to the things I want to become really good at.

I still find time for fun playdates with friends. Rebekka and I recently took a few axes to Shelby Bottoms and she shot the coasters Danny and I have been working on. Then, the dear made me a beautiful new blog header. I am oh so excited! She does all kinds of custom illustrations, for sale here. Her house paintings are my absolute favourite!

Have a safe & happy New Year, and remember that each morning is a fresh new start.

A Black Tie Affair

Remember the birdhouse I made to raise money for kids that can't afford music lessons in music city?

Well, the auction was terribly fun, and I had a really hot date. We nibbled a couple finger foods and drooled over the bakery yummies we gave up for lent. But we offset it with many glasses of red wine! She donned a couple of Say Ooh headbands, we put on expensive new heels, and laughed the night away. Oh, and my birdhouse sold for $50!

Craigslist

I will no longer be perusing this site daily (eh hem, hourly) for apartments or jobs! Or gigs! Now, I will pretty much only be looking at missed connections. Guilty pleasure. And, coughcough, maybe you know my missed story from a year ago. Gotta love it.

One of my exciting new things is that I'm moving (I won't admit to how many times I've moved in the last 5 years, or last 1 year even). To my own place! A cozy little home in the heart of East Nashville to call my own. Let me know if you'd like me to mail you a letter with my new address! Or better yet.. if you'd like to help me move ;) Or better yet... if you'd like to buy things I can't take with me. Art included. Name your price. I'm really excited about the cute little retro kitchen I will have, with soon-to-be ballet slipper pink walls. They will match my new apron just delightfully! My dear friends Rebekka and Manley are adopting a sweet little baby girl, Beda Beulah, from Ethiopia. She is making and selling gorgeous aprons to help fund part of the adoption. I think they are even prettier than the ones at Anthro. Rebekka also helped give me some advice for efficiency living, as they recently moved into a loft downtown. I need to visit her again soon at her yummy work! This gal does it all, I tell ya. What an inspiration.

As for the job factor, well, ask me in person if you can actually catch me not working or moving. I'll blog about it down the road!