via svimes
"Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today."
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
hope
"Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today."
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
sunday supper: lavender
The weather in Chicago this past week has not been very Spring-y! Snow = Winter, not Spring! I am so over snow and the cold. I'd really like to believe that Spring is just around the corner. But if I can't get Spring weather I'm at least going to get Spring flavors. So keeping with last week's theme here are some lavender inspired Spring recipes.
Happy Spring! At least I'm hoping!!
herbed focaccia via pinkparsleycatering
lavender roasted potatoes via boulderlocavore
grilled chicken salad with lavender via frommylemonykitchen
lavender shortbread cookies via jessicasdinnerparty
lavender lemon bundt cake via thefoodlibrarian
Happy Spring! At least I'm hoping!!
Friday, March 25, 2011
photo love
via hulaseventy
I really dig her photos. The colors, the angles, the stories behind the adventures- they make me happy!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
art of the title
Another cool video.
A Brief History of Title Design from Ian Albinson on Vimeo.
I saw this over on Black Eiffel this morning and because I love movies so much I wanted to share it with all of you.
A Brief History of Title Design from Ian Albinson on Vimeo.
I saw this over on Black Eiffel this morning and because I love movies so much I wanted to share it with all of you.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
chalkboard paint
I bought some chalkboard paint because I've been wanting a chalkboard wall in the kitchen for some time now. We're renters though and I don't want to actually paint the wall. And not because we can't paint our walls because we can, I just don't want the responsibility of having to repaint whenever we move...I know, I know- kinda lazy!
I bought a piece of ready-to-use plywood from Michael's Arts & Crafts, but I haven't painted it yet. I'm just not sure it's the right size for the wall space, so now I'm re-thinking the whole project. I've been looking for some inspiration and I think what I want to do is to use the chalkboard paint on clipboards and hang the clipboards on the wall.
Here's some inspiration from etsy:
I bought a piece of ready-to-use plywood from Michael's Arts & Crafts, but I haven't painted it yet. I'm just not sure it's the right size for the wall space, so now I'm re-thinking the whole project. I've been looking for some inspiration and I think what I want to do is to use the chalkboard paint on clipboards and hang the clipboards on the wall.
Here's some inspiration from etsy:
via blissinateacup
via waveney
via vintagehomeshop
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
flourish
"No work or love will flourish out of guilt, fear, or hollowness of heart, just as no valid plans for the future can be made by those who have no capacity for living now."
~ Alan Watts
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
sunday supper: hello, spring!
Spring is here...finally...and I couldn't be happier! It was such a long winter, at times I felt like I would never see blue skies again or feel the warmth of the sun against my skin. I know, I know...a bit dramatic, but being cooped up for months at at time will do that to you.
When I first started looking for recipes to feature on this joyous day I kept thinking about the flavors of spring- what flavors remind me of spring? And for some reason I kept tasting lemon, asparagus and goat cheese. I don't know why those ingredient's "sprung" to mind, but they did. So here are some spring-time recipes for you to enjoy!
Happy first day of spring!
When I first started looking for recipes to feature on this joyous day I kept thinking about the flavors of spring- what flavors remind me of spring? And for some reason I kept tasting lemon, asparagus and goat cheese. I don't know why those ingredient's "sprung" to mind, but they did. So here are some spring-time recipes for you to enjoy!
asparagus, goat cheese and lemon pasta via smittenkitchen
lemon scented quinoa with asparagus via eggsonsunday
asparagus, fingerling potatoes and goat cheese pizza via achowlife
shaved asparagus salad via eatmoredrinkmore
lemon goat cheese cheesecake via tartlette
Happy first day of spring!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
happy st. paddy's day
It's 68 degrees in Chicago today- time to put away the winter coat and I'm really hoping it stays put away. When we lived in L.A. this green coat was my winter coat. Oh, how times have changed.
Happy St. Paddy's Day!
star gazing
Good things are happening on this here blog of mine- not only did I get to collaborate with Julia yesterday, but today I'm collaborating with the talented Becky of Empty Wallet. Becky created Empty Wallet to share her love of the arts with the people of Chicago, but knowing that a lot of artists have empty wallets themselves only free or pay-what-you-can events are listed. I love that! I often say to Ebert "chicks dig economy", especially this unemployed chick. Empty Wallet is currently getting a makeover, so in the meantime you can look for free events here on create . your . happy!
The first event Empty Wallet has for us is a FREE public viewing at the Dearborn Observatory in Evanston. Every Friday at 8pm the Dearborn Observatory is open for public observing with the historic 18.5-inch refracting telescope. Spend an evening gazing into the night sky dreaming about boldly going where no man has gone before. Doesn't that sound lovely? And you can't beat free.
via Northwestern University's CIERA
The first event Empty Wallet has for us is a FREE public viewing at the Dearborn Observatory in Evanston. Every Friday at 8pm the Dearborn Observatory is open for public observing with the historic 18.5-inch refracting telescope. Spend an evening gazing into the night sky dreaming about boldly going where no man has gone before. Doesn't that sound lovely? And you can't beat free.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
featured local: basya berkman vintage
Remember when I mentioned wanting to collaborate with someone on something awesome? Well, I'd like to introduce you to Julia, the owner of Basya Berkman Vintage- a fabulous vintage shop on etsy. Julia is my first featured local guest and she's been kind enough to share a bit about herself. I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I have!
What are a few of your favorite things to do in Chicago?
Thrifting would be high on my list as it feeds both my shop and my creative soul! Some of my favorite pieces have come from the many neighborhood Salvation Army's and Village Discounts. One of my best finds was a red wool coat with black floral applique, c.1960s. I scored it for 49 cents and have worn it for over a decade now. My husband and I enjoy seeing plays and hearing live music. Remy Bumppo often puts on work by our favorite playwright, Tom Stoppard and Uncommon Ground in Edgewater has great local performers and good food.
What five things can't you live without?
In no particular order and focusing on just ”things”, of course: hot tea, hot baths, books – the “real” kind, my laptop, and sweater tights!
What's your favorite vintage possession?
My husband bought me two engagement rings (he couldn’t choose) from the 1930s/1940s that I treasure. One is rose gold and pearl and the other is white gold with gorgeously delicate scrollwork.
How do you put together a fabulous vintage outfit?
I prefer vintage mixed in unusual ways, often with modern pieces, so I'm all for not being afraid to try unusual combinations. Pair a fancy chiffon dress with chunky boots or wear a pillbox hat with jeans and a vest. Stay open to possibilities, so many things come to life on the female form that just seem dead on the hanger. Try it on! Also, everything looks better in heels. Learn to love them. Platforms and tall wedge heels can be pretty comfortable.
What's your favorite Chicago store, restaurant or etsy shop?
I love Bittersweet Café in Lakeview for incredible hot chocolate, sweets, and brunch. Akai Hana in Wilmette for the most kid-friendly Japanese food. Bookman’s Alley in Evanston is my favorite used book store hands down- it’s a world within a world. As far as clothes, I’m a shameless bargain hunter and enjoy the clearance racks at H&M and Urban Outfitters. For storefront vintage, the plainly named Antique and Resale Shoppe on the northwest side might be the best kept secret in town – affordable with an amazing selection.
How do you create balance between being a stay-at-home mom and an etsy shop owner?
That’s my biggest challenge. I work mostly in the evenings and on the weekends when my husband is home. I try to include my kids in my work when possible. They are expert estate sale attendees at this point and I’ve been meaning to ask my son to try his hand at some of my book-keeping, so that he can practice some arithmetic while seeing how much the business has earned that month. The best thing was when I stopped feeling guilty whenever I needed to pull myself away to do work related tasks, and realized how positive it can to be for them to see mommy excited and immersed in her work.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I can only gush and gush when trying to answer this! Apart from friends and fellow Etsy shop owners who are always doing amazingly creative things, I get inspiration from older movies, especially from Europe, they are full of incredible costumes and set designs that fuel me: Fellini, Tarkovsky, and Hitchcock, to name a few directors. I also can’t overlook films I saw growing up such as Flashdance and The Unbearable Lightness of Being where I consciously tried to copy the look of those heroines at different stages of my life. Style icons would include Bjork, Sophia Loren, and my aunt Victoria who turned me on to Erte when I was little. I still can’t shake the decadence he represents. Mad Men goes without saying, but I also adore British period dramas like Downton Abbey and The Cazalets. Then there are old fashion magazines and catalogues, as well as vintage and antique photographs that I collect. Finally, street fashion really excites me and I try to follow a few blogs/websites to get a feel for that. Here are three I like: leflattery, lookbook, keikolynn, plus one out of Finland which is pretty wild: hel-looks
How do you create your happy?
It so happens that homeschooling my kids, collecting vintage clothes, running my Etsy shop – all are things I love to do and there are few boundaries between my family, my work, and my hobbies. The happiest days are when my passions intersect and show me new and exciting paths.
What are a few of your favorite things to do in Chicago?
Thrifting would be high on my list as it feeds both my shop and my creative soul! Some of my favorite pieces have come from the many neighborhood Salvation Army's and Village Discounts. One of my best finds was a red wool coat with black floral applique, c.1960s. I scored it for 49 cents and have worn it for over a decade now. My husband and I enjoy seeing plays and hearing live music. Remy Bumppo often puts on work by our favorite playwright, Tom Stoppard and Uncommon Ground in Edgewater has great local performers and good food.
What five things can't you live without?
In no particular order and focusing on just ”things”, of course: hot tea, hot baths, books – the “real” kind, my laptop, and sweater tights!
What's your favorite vintage possession?
My husband bought me two engagement rings (he couldn’t choose) from the 1930s/1940s that I treasure. One is rose gold and pearl and the other is white gold with gorgeously delicate scrollwork.
How do you put together a fabulous vintage outfit?
I prefer vintage mixed in unusual ways, often with modern pieces, so I'm all for not being afraid to try unusual combinations. Pair a fancy chiffon dress with chunky boots or wear a pillbox hat with jeans and a vest. Stay open to possibilities, so many things come to life on the female form that just seem dead on the hanger. Try it on! Also, everything looks better in heels. Learn to love them. Platforms and tall wedge heels can be pretty comfortable.
What's your favorite Chicago store, restaurant or etsy shop?
I love Bittersweet Café in Lakeview for incredible hot chocolate, sweets, and brunch. Akai Hana in Wilmette for the most kid-friendly Japanese food. Bookman’s Alley in Evanston is my favorite used book store hands down- it’s a world within a world. As far as clothes, I’m a shameless bargain hunter and enjoy the clearance racks at H&M and Urban Outfitters. For storefront vintage, the plainly named Antique and Resale Shoppe on the northwest side might be the best kept secret in town – affordable with an amazing selection.
How do you create balance between being a stay-at-home mom and an etsy shop owner?
That’s my biggest challenge. I work mostly in the evenings and on the weekends when my husband is home. I try to include my kids in my work when possible. They are expert estate sale attendees at this point and I’ve been meaning to ask my son to try his hand at some of my book-keeping, so that he can practice some arithmetic while seeing how much the business has earned that month. The best thing was when I stopped feeling guilty whenever I needed to pull myself away to do work related tasks, and realized how positive it can to be for them to see mommy excited and immersed in her work.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I can only gush and gush when trying to answer this! Apart from friends and fellow Etsy shop owners who are always doing amazingly creative things, I get inspiration from older movies, especially from Europe, they are full of incredible costumes and set designs that fuel me: Fellini, Tarkovsky, and Hitchcock, to name a few directors. I also can’t overlook films I saw growing up such as Flashdance and The Unbearable Lightness of Being where I consciously tried to copy the look of those heroines at different stages of my life. Style icons would include Bjork, Sophia Loren, and my aunt Victoria who turned me on to Erte when I was little. I still can’t shake the decadence he represents. Mad Men goes without saying, but I also adore British period dramas like Downton Abbey and The Cazalets. Then there are old fashion magazines and catalogues, as well as vintage and antique photographs that I collect. Finally, street fashion really excites me and I try to follow a few blogs/websites to get a feel for that. Here are three I like: leflattery, lookbook, keikolynn, plus one out of Finland which is pretty wild: hel-looks
How do you create your happy?
It so happens that homeschooling my kids, collecting vintage clothes, running my Etsy shop – all are things I love to do and there are few boundaries between my family, my work, and my hobbies. The happiest days are when my passions intersect and show me new and exciting paths.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
present
as in being present...
"There exists only the present instant...a Now which always and without end is itself new. There is no yesterday nor any tomorrow, but only Now, as it was a thousand years ago and as it will be a thousand years hence."
~ Meister Eckhart
"There exists only the present instant...a Now which always and without end is itself new. There is no yesterday nor any tomorrow, but only Now, as it was a thousand years ago and as it will be a thousand years hence."
~ Meister Eckhart
Monday, March 14, 2011
happy monday!
Pi(e) Day makes me happy!
If you're feeling adventurous and want to bake a pie today, here are some recipes for you:
Lemon Merinque Pie
Key Lime Pie
Rosemary and Pear Mini Pies
Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies
But, if you just want to eat some pie today, check out these places:
Hoosier Mama Pie Company was listed in many sources as the best place to get pie today, but unfortunately they're closed on Mondays, however all is not lost because they're tweeting locations today
Golden Apple Diner
Lovely
Bake
Peach and Creme Fraiche Pie via smittenkitchen
If you're feeling adventurous and want to bake a pie today, here are some recipes for you:
Lemon Merinque Pie
Key Lime Pie
Rosemary and Pear Mini Pies
Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies
But, if you just want to eat some pie today, check out these places:
Hoosier Mama Pie Company was listed in many sources as the best place to get pie today, but unfortunately they're closed on Mondays, however all is not lost because they're tweeting locations today
Golden Apple Diner
Lovely
Bake
Sunday, March 13, 2011
sunday supper: the luck of the irish
In honor of St. Patricks's Day, especially since celebrations have already commenced in Chicago this weekend, here are some Irish inspired dishes for you.
Colcannon with brussel sprouts is good too! Or maybe try it with kale.
And here are two foodie blogs I just found that I'm loving: thestonesoup and honeyandjam
Happy Cooking!
Corned Beef & Cabbage via peggyunderpressure
Colcannon via the goodmoodfoodblog
Colcannon with brussel sprouts is good too! Or maybe try it with kale.
Boxty via theparsleythief
Guinness Chocolate Cake w/Peanut Butter Frosting via pigpigscorner
Irish Brownie Bombs via endlisssimmer
And here are two foodie blogs I just found that I'm loving: thestonesoup and honeyandjam
Happy Cooking!
overnight vacation
While Ebert and I were in the suburbs this weekend we were given a gift certificate for an overnight stay at the historic Hotel Baker. I love staying at hotels, especially the moment when you first open the door to your room- there's such a sense of anticipation and excitement as to what magic is waiting on the other side.
Our room had a lovely view of the Fox River.
And there was a gorgeous revolving door to the entrance of the hotel.
We dined with friends, then everyone came back to our room for wine and brownies. Maybe I'm getting old, and that's ok, but hanging out with friends in a nice a hotel room is a really fun evening!
Our room had a lovely view of the Fox River.
And there was a gorgeous revolving door to the entrance of the hotel.
We dined with friends, then everyone came back to our room for wine and brownies. Maybe I'm getting old, and that's ok, but hanging out with friends in a nice a hotel room is a really fun evening!
Friday, March 11, 2011
italiano
We went to ZaZa's last night for dinner. Every time we eat Italian food Ebert always brings up this scene . . .
Hilarious, right? If you haven't seen Big Night then I highly suggest you plan an evening this weekened to make a big bowl of pasta, drink a glass or two of red wine, and enjoy the sibling squabbles of Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub. Buon appetito!
And Happy Weekend!
Hilarious, right? If you haven't seen Big Night then I highly suggest you plan an evening this weekened to make a big bowl of pasta, drink a glass or two of red wine, and enjoy the sibling squabbles of Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub. Buon appetito!
And Happy Weekend!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
shine
via ecstaticist
"Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas." ~ Henry Ford
Monday, March 7, 2011
kicking it up a notch
Sometimes I'm in utter amazement of how the Universe works- you always receive at exactly the right moment. It doesn't always feel like this to me, sometimes I feel like I'm floundering in a stagnant pool of mud...stuck, going nowhere with nothing happening. My dreams have been squashed. But, then in an instant everything changes. I'm filled with hope again, my dreams are bigger than ever, and there's magic...lots and lots of magic!
Today's magic was brought to me by the bringer of magic extraordinaire- the lovely Amy KR! She shared this on her blog today- a piece written by her 13 year-old daughter. It was exactly what I needed to hear!
Read it, pass it on, share it with others. Someone you know, it may even be yourself, needs to hear these words today so that they don't give up on their dreams.
happy monday!
Sunshine makes me happy!
I'm hoping that if I post enough about sunshine that maybe Chicago will see some, so get your sunglasses ready because there's going to be rays of light shining this week.
via Jason Mraz
I'm hoping that if I post enough about sunshine that maybe Chicago will see some, so get your sunglasses ready because there's going to be rays of light shining this week.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
sunday supper: oscar inspired menu
The only thing I enjoyed about last week's Oscars was the 5 minutes that Billy Crystal was on stage. I really, really hope he comes back to host next year. I mean, come on, he received a standing ovation everybody wants him back.
Even though I was not inspired or entertained like I want to be when watching the Oscars we did have a plethora of delicious food to enjoy and that made up for a disappointing show.
Here's what we ate, and we ate a lot, while watching the Oscars. Some of the dishes were based on a character's name, which was a lot harder than I thought it would be but a really fun menu to create nonetheless. The other dishes were inspired by the overall theme of the movies, also quite clever and creative. Good thing it's such a long show, it allowed our bellies time to rest so that we could enjoy eating throughout the entire evening.
Here are the dishes for the 10 Best Picture nominees . . .
Even though I was not inspired or entertained like I want to be when watching the Oscars we did have a plethora of delicious food to enjoy and that made up for a disappointing show.
Here's what we ate, and we ate a lot, while watching the Oscars. Some of the dishes were based on a character's name, which was a lot harder than I thought it would be but a really fun menu to create nonetheless. The other dishes were inspired by the overall theme of the movies, also quite clever and creative. Good thing it's such a long show, it allowed our bellies time to rest so that we could enjoy eating throughout the entire evening.
Here are the dishes for the 10 Best Picture nominees . . .
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT: Bacon Wrapped MedJULES
&
127 HOURS: Mixed Green Salad w/PoMEGANranate Dressing
&
127 HOURS: Mixed Green Salad w/PoMEGANranate Dressing
Saturday, March 5, 2011
gotta love chicago
First there was calling "dibs".
Now, there's Pulaski Day . . .
and Paczki Day. I'm not really sure what a Paczki is but it looks delicious!
I really do love this city!
via Huffington Post
Now, there's Pulaski Day . . .
and Paczki Day. I'm not really sure what a Paczki is but it looks delicious!
I really do love this city!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
strength
Hatillo, Costa Rica
"Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength."
~ August Wilson
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