watering the garden

Is there anything more alive and sunshine-y feeling than that gentle soft of mist that rises up when you're watering the veggie patch out back and the spring light hits green leaves so new and so tender that they're almost transparent.

More examples of being alive:
Mike to our little mutt puppy with her bright eyes: Look at you, your're so alive right now your could fell an antelope.

d*s contest

I am and forever will be a deadline girl. I have a few scant hours (ok, close to 48 to be exact) to conceive of and execute a kickin' couple entries for the design sponge DIY contest.

Macaroni on construction paper, anyone?

damp day tonic

This looks like something you’d hatch sea monkeys in, but think of it as the rainy day version of sun tea. I’m steeping some rosemary, thyme, lemon and ginger in hot water for an herby tonic on a wet weekend.

come on. my local coffee shop is now putting THREE teabags in a cup of tea. is this because we're so amped up that we want the favor now now now instead of waiting the couple minutes it takes to brew?

a refresher: http://www.artoftea.com/learn_about_tea/brewing.htm

nookie

this is a dark little corner that's tough to photograph, but this 10 minute project cheered the place up. the recessed nook was screaming out for some color and pattern, so I cut a piece of cardboard to fit, neatly wrapped it in gift paper, and pressed it into place.

springtime

seasons are much more nuanced here on the west coast, but if you pay attention, spring is just as tender as back east. spring comes with a rush of cherry blossoms that smell light as air and fava beans blooms in the garden.

tea towel makeover

These were a steal at ikea, but didn't look like they'd hold up over the long haul:

I thought they'd be much better suited to napkins, with a sort of sea shack, clam chowder, wintery day kind of feel:

http://the-coveted.com/blog/2008/01/30/gradient-tights-i-done-myself/
instructions for making these super cute, homemade haute tights.

easy like sunday morning

laundry tumbling in the dryer, sewing machine chomping along a seam, and roast potatoes slathered with yellow butter. add salt, perfect day.