Curious Bird

Finally...

after months and months of procrastination. I got new glasses.  Now I can actually see when my hair is totally windblown in the photo above.  I'm not saying I'm going to do anything about it, but I can see it loud and clear. And I get to clearly see the beauty of the leaves outside my front door. Love those colors.

 

And lastly, I get to see The Fantastic Mr. Fox as soon as it opens. Can't wait.

Have fun,
L.

Hello out there. I'm still here, just feeling a bit quiet lately. The change of seasons is making we want to hibernate a little. Although as I type this I see the most amazing leaves outside my window -- I think the red and deep orange are my favorite -- must get my camera and go for a walk before they all disappear.

I've been perusing Etsy lately and here are some recent favorites I wanted to share.

Lovely Lotus Gold jewelry is something new for me. Always been a pretty strict silver girl until lately.

This simple and pretty crocheted accessory in one of my favorite colors.

I really need to learn how to knit. This scarf pattern might just give me the kick in the pants I need.

Lovely and comfy Lirola handmade dresses. Like this one, and this one. Perfect with tights and boots.

Also, did you see that Blair is in the chocolate business? So cool.

And one last thing. Urban Weeds. I'm sold...although it makes me want to live in Portland again. I miss that city and my little house on Yamhill Street.  Maybe one day we'll make our way back there...

Be well,
L

pretty things

Look at this lovely handcrafted piece of jewelry I get to be the temporary owner of. Isn't it a pretty little thing? It will eventually make its way to a new home -- as a gift to someone with an "A" name -- but for now I get to hold it up close and admire it. I am considering ordering this necklace for a few other people in my life, and maybe even myself. I am really pleased with how it turned out -- so simple and pretty.  In case you're curious, it was created by Lisa from Lisa Leonard Designs who happens to be one talented lady with a lovely shop and an equally lovely blog. 

Stay warm out there (can't believe I'm saying this so early in the year),

Leya

 

gifted

 

If you stop by very often, you probably know how wacky I am for pickled veggies (and grapes). This past summer was definitely the Summer of the Pickle. I pickled everything I could think of: cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, okra, and of course multiple batches of Molly's wonderful pickled grapes. I think cauliflower was probably my favorite, although that was before I was gifted a jar of the most amazing pickled green beans made by my fellow pickling fiends/friends, Atticus and Christine.  They are spicy and crisp and perfect. Now the tricky part is recreating them because according to Atticus, they didn't measure, they just whipped them up using white vinegar, salt, sugar, mustard seed, black peppercorns, and garlic. I'm going to give it a try but until I get it just right I may be taking trains to Brooklyn to say hi and pick up jars of pickled green beans.

Loving this fall weather.

Also loving this photo and this one
too.

This blouse is super cute. 

Perfect for dessert.

Say no to plastic. These are nifty.

Take care,

Leya

p.s. If you happen to live in Philly. This week is Neighborhood Food Week. There are tons of restaurants in various neighborhoods with special prix fixe menus. We're looking forward to getting to know some of our new neighbors while eating a tasty dinner later this week.

Hello,

After a long and emotional week, Friday and Fall Break(!) is finally here. I can really use a little break, let me tell ya. No real plans to share, except I think I am finally going to find the time to paint the kitchen walls from drab white primer to a lovely apple green. Fingers crossed (for like the third time) on this one. Honestly, after such a sad and stressful week since getting the news about Motown being so sick, painting sounds pretty darn relaxing and meditative. I am kind of looking forward to it.  I'm also looking forward to making a big pot of potato soup, reading something other than articles or chapters for school, re-potting some new mums in our backyard (not really a yard, but you know), watching several back-to-back episodes of This American Life, making apple butter, and listening to the new(ish) Cass McCombs record on repeat. Yep,  that list sounds pretty nice.

I wanted to let those of you who were curious about the upside down caramel apple cake know that I used this recipe and it was pretty good. Dustin liked it a whole lot -- I have less of a sweet tooth, so I could only have a couple of pieces before I needed to move on. I will say that it was wonderful warm out of the oven. Warm apple anything is good if you ask me. 

Hope you have a lovely Autumn weekend. 

-Leya

a snail's pace

there is nothing like a good snack plate when times are stressful and the adjustment to a new schedule is taking its toll. a little salty and a little sweet and I'm set. if you like figs, you should get your hands on some pronto because they are really amazing right now. well, at least the ones I've stumbled across lately. amazing.

in other news, the house is slowly coming together --I am moving at a snail's pace with this move, which I'm certain has to do with school, but it has been frustrating nonetheless. perhaps this weekend will be a good weekend to get settled a little more -- I'm having a clothing swap/ladies get-together on Saturday evening, which I'm hoping with be just the kick the pants I need to get things in order. Lots of little projects in the works...maybe my kitchen will be painted greeeeeen soon. fingers crossed.

and just in case you're curious, the boys are really relaxed lately (photo proof below). they love the new house, especially sitting at the front door looking out onto the street. so much to take in out there. it's exhausting.

oh, and happy autumn!

have a lovely weekend.

out with the old

I love letters and packages. Well, I suppose I should clarify by saying I love sending letters and packages -- getting them is great too, don't get me wrong. And one good thing about moving is a new address, and that means new return address labels. I know, I have more pressing things to be thinking about right now, but I can't help scheming about these customized rubber stamps by Paperwink. Pretty snazzy and so many to choose from. 

the deets.

If you read my list of favorites over at Simple Lovely and are wondering what the heck I was talking about when I mentioned what I use to protect my camera when I toss it in my shoulder bag (the link was missing),
here you go:

These camera covers are great. Each one is really easy to throw in a bag and will protect your camera from getting banged up,  scratched, or damp -- beats using a clunky camera bag, if you ask me.

There, hope that clears things up for those of you who asked for details.

Hi there,

A quick hello before beginning the long holiday weekend. We have visitors arriving very soon and lots of plans are in the works. I'm looking forward to learning a little more about the city of brotherly love -- I find that I explore a lot more when I'm showing people around.
Also, if you live in Philly and know of any amazing spots or happenings this weekend that aren't to be missed, please pass them along.

In other news, last night I met up with some friends at the ICA to see the Sun Ra exhibit and later watch the Sun Ra Arkestra perform, and guess who won the Arkestra raffle? Well, wouldn't you know, it was me! I do not remember ever winning a raffle, so I was really surprised to get the call this morning. Not exactly sure of what loot I won (a big basket of stuff), but I am looking forward to biking over to the ICA to bring it home. 

Loving this story I saw in the Times today.  I hope to have a little cottage fixer-upper someday...
For starters, I would put the new print that just arrived up on the wall first thing.

Have a great weekend.
Be safe with those sparklers and roman candles,

-l.

productivity

okay, so I didn't make a dress before sundown. I did, however, make a tunic out of really wacky fabric instead. I didn't have enough fabric to make a dress (besides I think it would have looked like a muumuu) but this fabric has been screaming out to me for a few years, so it had to be used. had to.

man, two posts in one day. I need to relax...
been meaning to share some links and today seems like as good a time as any.
-----------------------------------------------

braids are everywhere. I found this braid tutorial  to be really helpful. I am terrible when it comes to braiding my own hair (Dustin actually braids it for me), but I'm getting better. (thanks, anna allen)

very enchanted by this photograph available at 20x200. perhaps a trip to the beach is required.

planning to download this free sundress pattern from Heather Ross. so cute.

having fun looking at i can read

and finally, one gorgeous food blog. the photos, oh, the photos.

until next time, take it easy,
l.