first came love

back from the dead

Well, it was a little over two months from this weekend that I last wrote a post. I never thought I would be away for that long but things have recently changed in my life.  News that I'm finally ready to share.  We are expecting our first child this fall!  I have been hoping for this for quite some time.  I think I always knew having children was engrained in my reason for being.  The first trimester was a bit of a challenge (heavy symptoms) but I'm now at 23 weeks and finally feeling more like myself. I'm astounded every day by the changes my body is making and that it's completely in charge of what I can and can't do.  I've always been of the idea "mind over body" but right now body wins every time.

So what does this mean for the blog?  Clearly, it was the first ball to drop when everything went up in the air but I've missed it a lot and the connections/relationships that it lends.  I will be posting more now but maybe not as much as I used to... we'll have to see.  Although some posts are sure to be baby-centric; there's certainly other beautiful things happening that I'd like to contribute to and share. As for tonight, I am going to attempt to get through some of the 1000+ posts waiting in my reader.  xx

photos above are from a "babymoon" of sorts we took last week in Barbados. the water was such a beautiful cerulean blue..

sunday files

atlas quarterly

Yesterday I received the premier issue of Atlas Quarterly; a magazine focusing on the craft makers and curio collectors of America.  Small publications hold a sweet spot in my heart.  I hold huge admiration for people who do not see what they are seeking and decide to bring the object and/or thought to fruition themselves.  There are some beautiful spreads in this issue; the best ones being above:  one spread showing adulation of the wondrous Mast brothers and their dedication to honest work (I previously showed a short film of them here) and one spread of the refined beauty of heath ceramics.  Two women in Brooklyn (Laura Palmer and Jenna Yankun) tapped into the growing desire of well made goods, the artisanal work ethic, the nostalgia of a simpler time and brought the idea to Kickstarter for a publication.  Many people chipped in to bring this issue to life and I was happy to be one of them.

sunday files

We enjoyed a breezy weekend exploring the neighborhood in areas we typically don't pass through. The first two photos are from a beautiful boutique that's opened two doors down from two jakes on wythe avenue.  Unfortunately, there is no sign or store name that I could find making it hard to plug such a well designed shop.  If anyone recognizes it; please let me know and I will update this post. { Update: the store is Beautiful Dreamers  Thanks Meghan! } Another great find in this same area is Sprout Home where we picked up some new air plants. 

The other photo is of my dear friend Rose who is just days away from her due date. Rose was my college roomate so many years ago.  I can't believe she is closing in on motherhood. I think about all the future plans we used to make late at night and it makes me so happy that we are still close by to watch these plans come to fruition.  Best of luck this week my friend. xo

lately

Someone looks spiffy for Valentine's Day...

I know this space is quiet for the time being.  So many things are happening at the moment. 

I hope to be posting more in the next few weeks.  Here's a little Valentine's message

that my friend worked on over at Etsy.

Hope everyone gets a little love today.

brooklyn spot // le barricou

 

                                                                                                                                                      

I had brunch at one of my "go to" spots in the neighborhood.  Le Barricou is a country style bistro

serving southern traditional dishes of the french countryside.

Seek your way past the front room where the music can be too loud

(I've been told it's an "owner mandated" decibel).  Once you reach the backroom, it's like entering

a cozy cabin with wood burning stove, large skylight and vintage piano.  I recommend the Coq au Vin,

the french toast and the cheese plates.  I go here often both in large parties and spontaneous dates.  The interior design is impeccable; the wall treatments, lighting, and foliage all add to the surreality of being in another time and place.

sunday files

 Lately, weekends have been full of brunches, naps and boardwalk empire.  I made a quiche for the first time from a recipe found on smitten kitchen.. so good.  The weather has been wonderfully mild and we are nearing February by the day.  Perhaps we'll make it through this winter unscathed!  In other news, the mister is peforming at a fundraiser at Union Pool this Tuesday night.  So many local businesses have donated goods towards the raffle.  All proceeds go to Seamen's Society for Children and Families; a full service child welfare agency. Come on down if you like rock music and strong drinks!

featured artist // CTRLZAK

 

 

The Hybrid Collection from the Italian company Seletti is a series of plates, bowls, mugs and cups and saucers designed by CTRLZAK that show the juxtaposition of Eastern and Western porcelain in one piece. A colored divided line seperates the two cultural interpretations.  It's a beautiful take on both sides of history with bold colors, beautiful craftmenship and a perfect springboard for dinner table conversation.

I thought this feature was fitting on the Chinese New Year since the Dragon has always been a dichotomy between the two hemispheres.  Where European folklore features the dragon as an evil entity to be slayed by knights; chinese dragons are noble beasts that assist the Jade god in ruling aspects of the heavens. In China, this mythic creature is paraded for its intellect, power, honesty, vitality, and enthusiasm.

"So it follows that this year will shine brightly. We can look forward to good luck and health. We all may be prone to the Dragons extravagant habits and ambition, but if we take care to also rest and rejuvenate we may have spectacular success and a glorious time!"

Now that is something I can get behind.  Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Sources: Design Milk//Mice at Play

etsy finds

my favorite etsy finds this week

1.  2012 calendar  $12  Cathy McMurray   2.  brown oversized clutch  $120  Rib and Hull

3.  short stories of Mark Twain  $5   Indian vs Indian      4.  flock mobile  $160  bookhou at home

lately

It's been very quiet in these parts!  The temperature has dropped which has me surrendered under piles of blankets. This is the hardest part of the year for me.  January through March is the longest stretch of bleakness; my bones quiver.  This is the first year we haven't a trip planned to break it up. So I've entrenched myself in a good book 'Blood, Bones and Butter', been streaming my friend's best of 2011 mix and catching up on all the movies I've recently missed.  How is everyone else holding up?  Above are two photos of some of my favorite Christmas gifts both from my wonderful mother.  The first is this geometric plant holder that energizes an otherwise strange window between two of our rooms. The other is an ash wood platter/cutting board from Terrain.