vanillabean knits

Onto New Things - Please Join Me!

2011-09-19T23:54:00.006-04:00

Hello, dear friends!

If you're still reading or subscribed, thank you for your support and friendship! I've dropped off the face of the earth, and miss you all dearly. It was a combination of lots of work travel to North Carolina, volunteer work obligations, fun travels, road trips, lazy summer attitude and of course....shenanigans. Then time went on...and it was harder to break the silence. Until now!

I was also feeling quiet since I wanted to focus more on interior design and illustration, but found it hard to do on my knitting / crafty blog. Pigeon holed and not knowing where to go.

So it's time for a fresh start. Please join me on my new blog at http://marissahuber.com

I'll still be drawing a lot, and talking about food and travels, showing off my knitting and crafty things, and knowing me, and to my mom's chagrin, sharing some slightly embarrassing stories occasionally because I cannot HELP myself, and you KNOW this! But I think this is why you like me anyhow (wink wink).

I've loved having this space over the past 5 years. It has given me the chance to write again, draw again, try new things, find the confidence to be braver, a place to talk about and document life changes, grieve and discuss my beloved brother, connect with my beloved Philly knitting pals, share parts of my life with my loved ones far away, and gain access to this wonderful online community.

It's only right that I leave you with my latest knitting project that I'm wrapping up, the Most Favorite Scarf Ever by Lisa Bruce in my Colinette Jitterbug.

And a "professional" type picture of how I'm looking these days.

And one last picture of how you all know me to be on the inside.

Thank you for sharing this space with me!

Lots of love,

Marissa

Out of Hibernation

2011-03-01T11:32:00.005-05:00

Like many of you, I have been hibernating, thus the long absence.

My knitting mojo returned during the winter, and I whipped up these adorable mocassins for an old friend's new little girl. Aren't they darling? They're by Whit Van Ness for The Purl Bee.

I started and finished the Dijon Sweater by our friends at Fairmount Fibers. It's with Manos del Uruguay, which is the yarn that Fairmount Fibers distributes, which is handmade in Uruguay on a women's collective. Gorgeous yarn, great cause...it's a win for all.

Over a brunch with my knitting gals, we decided I needed to redo the top. I'm glad I did it, so that the end result is much nicer, and the inside looks just as pretty as the outside. Before you think I became too classy, please note that I posed wearing this unfinished sweater flashing my armpit holes.

I'm so proud of myself for this sweater. It's my third one, but it actually fits very well and looks better than I anticipated. Not too shabby for this lady.

I also wanted to share the gorgeous crocheted afghan my dear friend recently Clara made us for our wedding. She picked colors that were in our wedding, and it's such a special gift. Thank you Clara! You will be receiving a heartfelt, severely overdue letter!

Happy March!

Saying Goodbye to 2010

2010-12-31T20:37:00.005-05:00

Surely it's a sign of getting older, but this year seemed to go by more quickly than ever. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the things that happened in 2010 before it passes tonight.

I got married to a person who loves me exactly as I am, silliness and quirkiness and sometimes crabbiness (when tired). And vice versa.

I worked out pretty consistently for about 3/4 entire year, and feel much more healthy and energized. Started running with "The Wolfpack" on Saturday mornings.

Read my first 2 Jane Austen books and really enjoyed them!

Baked a little under my goal of one loaf of bread per month (unless you count the individual small loaves, which I will!).

Went to Art Baselin Miami with my Mom, Aunt and Cousin.

Was showered with love and generosity from so many members of my family and faux-family this year.

Started oil painting! Love it.

Did a bunch of color studies which got me to start noticing my surroundings in new ways.

Helped my Tita and Tito design out the layout for their kitchen renovation! Loved doing this too. I want to do more stuff like this.

Lost my knitting mojo for the summer, and found it again in the fall.

Went on my first cruise, and did not get seasick (knock on wood).

Enjoyed 3 road trips!

Attended my little cousin's hockey game. Attended my first IU basketball game.

Played water polo in one last practice / scrimmage and realized that I didn't want to invest the time, but truly enjoyed the experience.

Treated ourselves to a new MacBook Pro!

Found some new music to pique my interest again. Ryan Bingham, the Crazy Heart Soundtrack, The National, and Jens Lekman.

Got to watch friends' babies be born, get bigger and give me my baby fix.

Experienced 5 years of my brother being gone but not forgotten.

Met one of our financial goals to save money.

Bought a pair of knee high brown boots I love.

And worked towards my own personal happiness.

Happy New Year, friends!

xoxo, Mariss

Creepy Ornament Party + Cute Doxies!

2010-12-20T18:12:00.005-05:00

We got a late start on our annual tradition of creating ornaments this year. At last count, we were going to make one for each of our 8 years together. Last year we made a blue bird, fried chicken drumstick, pink snuggie, christmas tree, star, and yellow popple. For other people, I made a fly fishing vest, a leopard snuggie and a candy cane.

Our good pals came over last night for pizza, ornament making and eggnog spiked with Snap liquor. Mike rounded out our count of 8 ornaments with the creepiest elf ever (and boyfriend to Shona's scary ornament), and a sweet pink and white candy cane. Olivia made a cute ornament of her greyhound Salty, and inspired me to make canine ornaments for my cousins in NYC.

They have 2 rescue daschunds named Mr. and Mrs. Beasley. I adore my cousins and the dogs, so thought they deserved their own ornaments. Mr. B had a health scare too, so I thought this could cheer them up a bit.

Here are their names with some holly (inspired by ornaments my Mom and Godmother made with felt back in the 70s!).

And the back! I will not lie. I am damn proud of these ornaments. The colors are lovely, and they're just so cute!

I may have a few more ornaments left in me this year. Here's hoping!

Oh, and the fourth member of our group made his own creepy ornament to put Mike's to shame. It may have been my idea, to commemorate a Halloween costume that our friend made to document the trash and chicken bones that are constantly littering our street...

Ah, Christmas cheer!

Bits of Yellow on a Gray Day

2010-12-13T12:28:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite color studies that I did. It was a gloomy and gray day last May, and it felt like it would never warm up again. I found myself riding my bike home slightly miserably, but then I started noticing electric jolts of yellow, amarillo, chartreuse, mustard, citron, and any other name for the color of lemons you can think of.

It cheered me up a bit. It reminded me that life is never just about the good things and beauty. As every good story and tale over time shows us, there is always light with dark.

Life tends to kick you in the ass at times, but we keep on going. If we're lucky, we have many loved ones that can lend support or rally us in bad times, and will celebrate with us in better times. If we're luckier, they'll let us be there for them as well.

One thing that I really learned from my trips to the Philippines, is that nothing is more important than family. It doesn't matter if it's the family you're born with, or the family you make in my family's opinion. It's all the same. Even the family that I may not see more than once in a very long while, when I do see them, the love and shared connection is strong. We laugh and we cry, and sometimes at the same time.

This past week has been a hard one for my family. My dear cousin's newborn baby passed away due to complications, and it was the anniversary of my brother, Tito (uncle) and Lolo's (grandfather) death. We are a strong bunch, but it can be a bit melancholy over the holidays. This Christmas season, I'm grateful for all the love and support my family gives each other, and I wish for peace and love for all. I'm looking forward to spending time with my Indiana family, but will be really missing my Mom and Dad too.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate, and are also surrounded by people you love!

Necklace Holder...Finally

2010-12-13T12:02:00.005-05:00

I have been meaning to make a simple necklace holder for about 5 years. Just something simple, a piece of nice wood with hooks, and something in the back to mount it.

How funny that when I did finally got around to making this, it only took about 2 hours.

I found a gorgeous piece of wood that was 12 x 18", sanded it with our orbital sander (one of our favorite wedding gifts!), beveled the edges, drilled the holes, varnished it, and Mike hung it up for me one day while rearranging all the artwork in the house.

I would have painted it, but there were 3 different colored lines in the wood that were so pretty, almost greenish gold, that I kept it plain. I'm becoming more of a neutral gal lately, or as my crazy color twin and I like to joke, our tastes are maturing!

Sweet and easy if you have a few minutes and some patience. I highly recommend measuring twice to get the alignment correct on your hooks. It made a difference, and I'm glad I was not lazy this time.

P.S. Enjoy the cast of my teeth. That's what you get when you are sweet to the nice dude at the orthodontist!

Montserrat Orange + Peonies

2010-12-09T20:22:00.006-05:00

Remember the rainbow spectrum of luscious oil paints I received for my bridal shower?

I made something with them! It was a long overdue painting for our super talented wedding photographers Ashley and Philip Colhouer. The first attempt didn't work out how I wanted it to, which led to the delay.

I thought something graphic and sweet would be perfect for their adorable little girl. Here are the progress shots leading up to the most final image. I'm tempted to go into it one more time, I think that it's a little flat, but overall, I feel that it's finished.

Oil paints are really wonderful. It's like painting with butter.

I think I'll consider this finished. I don't want to delay more, and don't want to mess it up.

I like how writing makes you feel more confident about your endeavors over time.

Fall to Winter+ a Little Baking

2010-11-22T16:13:00.008-05:00

With the frigid temperatures this week, the golden fall leaves from last week seem far away.

I celebrated my 32nd birthday on November 19th! I threw myself a lovely party and invited a medley of friends from different parts of my life. I left it to them to get along, which they did! I baked apple and pear crisp, cupcakes, the sugared cranberries (which have become tradition), Layla's amazingly easy and addictive artichoke spinach dip, and a cake.

Having learned from last years unintentional $76 champagne punch, I tried to tone it down a bit this year (so that I could spend all of my money on baked goods). Tip: try not to pick drinks that require multiple fancy bottles of liquor by accident, though it is a fun way to stock up your bar! I went with a citrus infused champagne punch via Epicurious. I like champagne punches because they're festive and bubbly, and don't seem to leave my friends with a hangover.

It was beautiful with all the oranges, limes and lemons cut up in circles. And there were barely any leftovers (beverage wise). I had to send the troops home with cupcakes and pumpkin bread.

The following week we stayed in the area for Thanksgiving this year. It was a nice change to not travel to Indiana, though we missed seeing family and friends. We headed down to Atlantic City area to spend Thanksgiving with my Uncle, Aunt and cousins. I brought Mike's mom's Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan topping (so good, I can be encouraged to post recipe if anyone is interested), more sugared cranberries, and a blue ribbon dutch apple pie

Other than that, we made our first Black Friday purchase ever, a new MacBook Pro laptop! What a glorious little machine that probably deserves a nickname. I bummed around and spent way too much time watching Arrested Development (yes, I'm a latecomer!) on Netflix on the new laptop and cackling merrily and loudly at their shenanigans.

I may or may not have re-read the last Harry Potter book snuggled up on my couch and watched a couple of the movies.

Until next time,

Never Knitting @#$% Socks - Socks

2010-11-22T15:38:00.003-05:00

The last pair of socks I knitted took me a year. Not because they were hard, but because I felt that they were sucking the life out of me for sheer boredom. I even wrote extensive notes to myself on my Ravelry page lest I make the poor decision to think I'd like knitting socks again. You can see me get more insane and melodramatic as the time passes.

See below:

9/2008: I was inspired to finally make these socks for Mike with this yarn after he called to tell me he had “extra time” before work and had removed a large bolt from my truck tire and changed the tire for me. What a keeper.

10/2008: The pattern is pretty, quite easy, but this yarn is just not my favorite color. Girls, I ain’t subtle when it comes to color. But I do love that boy, so he’ll get some socks and love the color.

10/27/2008: SOCKS = B-O-R-I-N-G

1/22/2009: So boring I can’t even have it listed as a WIP (work in progress).

2/2/2009: Goal for 2009, finish these %&#^#$^$ socks!!!! for the LOVE of GOD!!

2/7/09: I’m giving these f#$%ers another chance. Maybe they’re not so bad.

2/18: I told Mike that his socks were finally almost done. I said, “Are you even excited about these stupid socks?” He surprised me and said, “Yes! I can’t wait to put them on my feet!” That’s making me work a bit quicker to finish. Awww.

2/26: DOOOOOOONE!!! I am so excited, you don’t even understand. We’re calling these the betrothal socks. Mike bought me a gorgeous ring, and I put love and lots of cursing into these #$%#$% socks. He loves them, put them on right away. Well, I’ll admit, I joked around, went down on one knee, and asked him to marry me with the socks and put them on his feet. We cracked up, since we’re nerds.

So after all that, and proclaiming to a woman at knitting circle, "I'll NEVER knit socks again!" I turned around, felt the squishiest pretty socks, while still trying, "Socks are NOT for ME! I hate them, ugh....OOOOH! Pretty socks!"

Bought. Paid. Cast on. And totally enjoying.

The secret is bigger needles for this pain in the @#$#!

Chop Chop and a Falcon

2010-11-12T15:57:00.008-05:00

October was eaten up by two trips to Indiana on consecutive weekends for yours truly. Mike stayed for the week, so I did a round trip road trip, with a round trip flight from Indy to Philly sandwiched in between. It was wonderful because I also got to spend time with one of my best friends Tracy, and have brunch with some very special people.

We had two weddings to attend, our niece's and Mike's best friend's wedding.

Right before the trips, I made a spontaneous decision to chop off 10 inches of my hair. It was only going to be a few inches, but I figured, who knows when it will be this long again, and wanted to donate it. Not completely selfishly, mind you. I did want to donate, but I also wanted to have an excuse for myself when I missed my long hair that said, "Get over yourself, Merce, you gave your hair to some kid in need. Quit whining!"

So yeah. I'm happy, and actually, it gave me some much needed polish for work. I was feeling blah hair wise. Oddly, my short hair is harder to care for, since it sticks up in the morning. Ha.

As I said, Mike's BFF had a wedding in Indiana. Well, it was Halloween themed! And it had a taco bar! And tombstone shaped cakes that Mike helped make! We dressed up nice and wedding-like beforehand, especially since Mike was in Sheila's wedding party. Aw, how cute.

Then, yours truly ended up in a parking lot with Mike's entire family (Mike was diligently taking wedding photos) where we all changed discreetly by the cars and put on makeup (hawk-like eyeliner for me, more vampire powder for others). No seriously, check out that eyeshadow!

I jumped at the chance to be part of a Royal Tenenbaum themed couples costume, as the third wheel to Richie and Margot Tenenbaum. I could have easily found a curly black wig and red tracksuit, but that would be no fun. Not when I had the best idea ever for a Mordecai Tenenbaum costume. (This is the pet falcon that belongs to Richie Tenenbaum).

How amazing do we look?! Susan (one of my amazing sisters-in-law) even made the wooden finger that Margot has. It was the most fun...

Then we have one of Mordecai and Mike. I can't tell you how much fun I had with these wings. And it was the easiest costume to make. Hot glue gun, feathers, scraps of fabric and a little glitter.

Mike and I couldn't do the couple's costume because I did not feel like being the mate to a pink gorilla. Though I have been called a crazy banana before...

There's always next year!

Yeah yeah yeah...I know....

2010-10-09T16:34:00.005-04:00

The longer I waited to write, the lazier I got. So I took some time off and just enjoyed my summer...and then some more summer, and a bit of fall (wink).

I've missed you all! Without further ado, some excuses and photos in a semi-coherent package:

Lots of rollercoasters at Hershey Park with my best friend, godson (cutest boy alive), Mike and about 20 of their closest relatives.

An end in sight to hundreds of fabric flowers. I have this down to a 2o step art that takes 1.5 minute per flower. Ghetto of course, but they'll hold up and have their volume.

Enjoying the oil paints that I received for my super sweet Bridal Shower from one of my best friends, Heather. She was certainly listening when I said I wanted to start oil painting. It is so much fun!

Starting small, with color studies. But more to come!

A bit of tie-dying and fabric dying to create some more fabric for those billions of fabric flowers I made. I don't regret it actually, and I saved them all to make some big fabric filled pillows when my callouses heal. Just kidding.

Packed and partied and packed and planned and packed and left town for our wedding in July! Road trip from Philly to Ft. Lauderdale to get hitched in my hometown.

I decided to just keep going with the fabric flowers. It was 20 hour drive, so why not finish up the stash of fabric I had? As you may guess, these flowers will be a recurring theme in this post...

Shoeboxes and my organizational and resourceful nerd skills came in handy. It reminded me of roadtrips with my family when Andrew and I would create our own little spaces for all of our belongings, lest we get bored! And if we crossed that invisible line, madness and hitting would ensue.

I made a ringbearer pillow from scratch from Philly to Baltimore. I was quite impressed with myself. It even had a little fabric handle on the back side.

We arrived in Florida, and had a few days to enjoy with family and friends in town to finish up some last minute stuff. Excluding the fabric flowers, we really didn't go crazy with the DIY stuff. We only made the chuppah (Mike built it, and I'm not sure what the term for it is if you're not Jewish, but that's what I've been calling it since I'm a South Floridian), fabric flowers for the chuppah and the faux-to booth backdrop, programs, some paper goods, etc...

We had a wonderful day, and we didn't expect or want everything to be perfect. I slid down a floating ramp while taking photos (before the ceremony, so that we could have more time to party), skinned my elbow and nearly fell into the intercoastal. And you know what?! It was hil-arious (mostly since nobody got hurt). Thankfully, I stuck in that position from the boning in the dress and lack of abdominal muscles from laughing so hard, so I had time to yell out, "Take a picture!!!!"

I cried and laughed repeatedly at the same time for two days straight. I'm such a girl....

My dad and I danced to "Rainbow Connection" by Kermit the Frog. And I cried some more. Then him and my BFF Brooke both made speeches that had more than just me crying.

How cute are my mom and dad below?! I had them both walk me down the aisle, since they're both equally important to me. Plus, my dad wouldn't have had it any other way!

I threw my bouquet at the girls, it hit the ceiling and with my water polo goalie reflexes, I caught it myself.

Yes, I caught my own bouquet. I backhanded it a second time, because I am not doing this again!

All of the colors worked out beautifully, and our wedding party looked gorgeous. We had told them to just buy any dress that fit into a palette of poppy reds to oranges and yellows. They enjoyed having the choice, and it was better than if we had even tried to plan it.

You can see a short blog post of our photos from our brilliant photographers, Ashley and Philip Colhouer here. I can't say enough great things about them. If I move back to Florida ever, we are so hanging out! You'll also see my crazy self and friends making insane faces for the faux-to booth, including a couple who ended up knocking the thing over, cracking up and kissing. I love my family and extended fake family.

We had people from Sweden, France, Indiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Philippines, Canada, Missouri, DC, California, etc. We were overwhelmed with love.

I talked to everyone that I could, tried to stay in the present and focus on all of our loved ones, and just enjoy the ride.

We watched a storm roll in off the ocean, and swam with friends. Found out about new babies and engagements! Went on a short cruise in the Carribean since a road trip with the whole set of Fiesta Ware that my mom scored for $30 at a yard sale (!!!) and other super-generous gifts and my 100K mile car just didn't seem feasible at the time.

It was perfect, and we had time to get back to Philly in time to hang out with my mom and her twin that was visiting from the Philippines for our big day. So I ditched the new hubbie after a few days and took a road trip to NYC with the twins. We had a blast and saw Mamma Mia and ate lobster for lunch at Bergdorf Goodman, and tons of Filipino food. Mmmm!

We wrote millions of thank you cards and didn't mind it one bit. We were so grateful for all the love and generosity.

We've been cooking and baking A LOT. Having knives that aren't broken off at the tip make such a difference. Bliss....

A glimpse of the Fiesta Ware. My mom is the best. That and an Audobon bird clock are just about our favorite gifts.

Bread has been baked.

Dutch babies and muffins have been baked.

Farmer markets have been visited. Books have been read from the library. And someone you know has gotten hooked to True Blood and Arrested Development (on Netflix).

Oh, and an iPod cake was made for one of my favorite Apple obsessed uncles!

Thanks for visiting me again! I'm glad to be back.

Love,

Marissa

To Do: Fabric Flowers

2010-05-20T16:25:00.004-04:00

Our next wedding project is making some simple fabric flowers to create an arch for the ceremony. I purchased some solid fabrics a few months ago, and a new pair of scissors (half off! thanks to the lovely, Andrea!) We have finished the tissue paper pomanders, so now we can move onto this step.

Heck, I even washed the fabrics when I purchased them, so they would be ready to iron and sew up when I got around to it. I'm thinking of improvising on Martha Stewart's fabric flower tutorials.

There are some cute ideas, especially the May Day type wands for the flower girls. Mine are adorable, and little spitfires (in a good way). I'm worried that they may whack some guests, or their siblings if i created this though....

Our colors are slowly turning into yellows and oranges. I may dye some muslin with some bright pinks, to bring that out. I just didn't see anything at the fabric store in the warm colors I wanted. I have a feeling that I'll be making enough fabric flowers in the next two weeks to last a lifetime. Good thing I have two thimbles! Perhaps Mike will be watching golf or hockey instead of March Madness for this craft.

Other than that, we just have to finalize some details for the actual ceremony, and take care of a few things here and there, like making namecards. A great friend of mine is an officiant, and we're so lucky to have her marrying us! She's also a poet, and I just know it will be so special.

Hope you're all having a lovely day!

Stamps, Purging + Best Trail Mix Ever

2010-05-14T12:06:00.001-04:00

We finally mailed our invitations out. Being the artsy people that we are, we really liked the Abstract Expressionist stamps. I didn't realize until I brought them home how large they were. The Pollock and Motherwell stamps are about a whopping 2" x 3" stamp! I found it hilarious, and made sure to give some of our sillier friends both huge stamps on the front of their invite. It was also fun to pair up some of the stamps with our artist friends, since we have so many of them!

Every time the season changes, I feel the need to purge and donate many of the belongings that I no longer need or want. I like to take advantage of these moods, so I can finally rip my emotions away from a 15 year old tee-shirt with my name in plastic letters back.

My friend Kari used to say that she wanted to own a uniform of 7 outfits, and I thought she was nuts. Some days, that starts to make more sense. I definitely need a bit of a makeover in the clothing department, but that's for another day.

When I was going through clothes and belongings, I finally tackled a box full of projects and research from my Interior Design program in college. I trashed most of it, but it was fun to look at the old projects and sketches. I always loved the beginning of a project, where we could sketch and dream big. I'd sketch quickly and just let a roll of trash paper (or tracing paper) keep going and going so that the ideas would not stop. If it was 2am or time for a chocolate milkshake break after 2 days of not sleeping, we'd use my 11 foot long drawing as a faux wedding veil to tease one of our wedding obsessed pals.

Needless to say, this 11 foot drawing was one of the things I kept. And my final project boards with the original illustrations, I just can't trash those! Plus, it's fun to see how your work and style has evolved over the years.

On the flip side, it's funny to see how some things do not change. I'm looking at this latest recipe card I made, and my handwriting and line quality are about the same. I've gotten a little looser with my line work, but other than that, it's pretty close!

Moving on. Behold, the Best Trail Mix Ever. It's the Pumpkin Seed Dried Cherry Trail Mix by Claire Robinson. My Martha Stewart-like friend in the office gave me a taste of hers, and I asked for the recipe mid-bite. I finally made it on Tuesday, and I am in heaven. Just thinking about it makes me want more.

I followed the instructions, but had to go out and purchase Grade A Maple Syrup on hand (you shouldn't use Aunt Jemima, which I'll admit, I love on pancakes sometimes!), and added pomegranate to the mix.

It is so good. And the colors are lovely too, with a green for the pepitas and a maple brittle that makes everything stick together. It satisfies the sweet, salty and crunchy categories (which is my favorite, probably since I was a biter as a kid).

Why aren't you making this yet?! Go on, and git!!!

Enjoy your weekends, everyone. I'm looking forward to a weekend in D.C. to celebrate my cousin's graduation part deux for her Masters from George Washington University!

Color Mixing

2010-05-05T12:21:00.002-04:00

Feeling inspired by the geometric prints and bright and muted colors led me this piece. I've been enjoying mixing random colors to create new shades, and placed some of my favorites here.

Oddly, I'm finding myself drawn to the muted shades, and neutrals and browns lately. (Oddly to me, since you know how much I love bright, bold hues). I think I'm influenced alot by the season of year, and the colors popping up in design and fashion.

Here are details of some of my favorite pairings. Minty blue-greens, non-1970s avocado, blushes and corals.

Pinks and purples. Those have been my favorite since age three!

And grays and browns and tans. I love them, lately. The tan on the right is what I mistakingly thought my natural skin color was before I moved to Indiana for college, and was not in a bathing suit playing waterpolor or diving daily... The bright yellow/green is lovely too.

Other than my latest obsession, we're getting ready to mail off invitations for our wedding. I got the Abstract Expressionist stamps, since I could not stomach the wedding cake ones, and they were out of the King and Queen of Hearts. Mail is so much more fun with pretty stamps, but I'm not going postal (pun intended) and doing the vintage look.

I'm attending a Green Building event tonight, and know I'll be glad I went. Paying in advance helps this cause.

But right now, I would prefer to either go home, eat some pineapple, address mail and watch the most recent episode of Lost that I missed last night due to Quizzo! Or attend a free seminar on urban gardening (one can dream), or hear Charlaine Harris of the Sookie Stackhouse fame read from her newest book at the Philadelphia Free Library. And of course, see my knitting gals and especially Miss Regina at Rosie's.

Color Studies Quatro, Cinco y Seis

2010-04-29T12:12:00.006-04:00

Life's been hectic the past few weeks. Changes at the job, but I'm looking forward to new opportunities within my workplace. Fingers crossed!

Short trip to New York City to spend time with my cousins.

Indiana to pay my respects to a wonderful women who will be missed dearly.

Florida for my bridal shower with family friends. My mom bought me a silly crown to wear which made me extra happy, since I love hats. My best friend truly went above and beyond!

Sandcastles and an open air Jeep ride with my favorite two year old little boy and best friend. Practiced my Spanish, which is vastly improving with the help of said two year old!

Lots of time with my adorable Mom and Dad.

Happy hour in their neighbors garage. He rolls up his garage door on Friday and Monday afternoons, for "Bumper's Happy Hour". How cool is that? I got to drink out of the Holy Grail cup, and wear an iron key around my neck to be officially sworn in. I love my parents' block.

Met my amazing photographer for our upcoming wedding! We just click (no pun intended).

Flew into Ft. Lauderdale at 5AM, and got a wedding cake and some inexpensive flowers by 1PM!

Baby shower and Derby Party yesterday in Philly.

Today: blissfully lazing about the house writing thank you notes!

I think I'm back on the grid now...

P.S. I put some color studies in here since I was camera-less.

First Signs of Spring

2010-04-13T15:00:00.001-04:00

I went for a run one afternoon after work, and noticed that it felt like the first official day of Spring. Everyone was outside, smiling, and there was green popping up everywhere.

I mixed as many greens as I could in order to experiment more, and create the colors I saw.

I use artist's tape with watercolor, since it makes a lovely clean line and also flattens the watercolor paper after it dries. It worked in this case too.

Palette knives and anything makes you feel artsy. It's true.

Finito.

Green, Grey + Denim

2010-04-10T17:53:00.003-04:00

Color study number 2. Green shoes, green scarf, green shirt, grey and denim.

In other news, I had the great pleasure of seeing my friend Magda's artwork in a show last night with Lisa and Robin. As Lisa aptly told Magda's father, "Magda is like the sun, when she walks in, everyone gravitates toward her and becomes happy." Mind you, Lisa was imitating a sunflower rather well, it was tres cute.

There was a Latina vibe at the show, so we left craving Mexican food. I had my first cactus and sweet potato burrito, and must say, it will not be the last!

Oh how I yearn to speak conversational Spanish one day!

Color Study No. 1

2010-04-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

The summer before I met Mike, I had fully intended to try oil painting. It's one of the mediums I have not really tested out. The not being able to use water issue seemed hard to wrap my mind around at the time, especially to someone who mainly works in water based mediums. Then I started dating a painter, and became friends with an astonishing number of painters. Hearing about their trials and errors with oil paint, along with the level of expertise that came with years of practice ended up deterring me in some way. It felt so foreign, that I stuck to other mediums that felt more familiar.

As I've been painting and drawing more, and want to try new things, I'm thinking of trying out oil paints once more. Using oil based inks for gocco printing and linocut seems much easier to comprehend now. Months ago, when I told Mike I didn't know where to start with oils, he suggested I try some color studies. That sounded like a good idea, so I filed it in my brain and carried it around to revisit later.

One day in February, I returned from work and the light was just setting as I stepped into my apartment. It made the room glow pink and orange, and there were pieces of sunbeam littered throughout the apartment. If there were a day to capture some color, this seemed like the day to start. I tried to get the color of the pink shadows, and the sunlight shining through my now almost dead begonia.

So I did. I decided to make a 5" x 7" color study, and to try to focus on the colors and isolate the shades to communicate what I had seen. I decided not to try to overthink it, so that it did not become a chore. I'll keep the format the same, and it will probably stay pretty true to horizontal rectangles of color on a vertical frame. It's helpful to have some limitations in my opinion. Endless possibilities can seem paralyzing sometimes. Anyone else ever feel that way?

I will only paint colors that I see on the same day, but can use whatever medium and will try to keep it loose.

I want to have a goal of how many to make. I'm at about thirteen right now, but am still deciding how many I want to create. One hundred seems too small, five hundred too large, and I'm partial to odd numbers.

So far, I'm enjoying this project, and am finding myself noticing the small bits of color, even if it is a piece of trash on my sad little sidewalk. It's also forcing me to practice mixing colors instead of just using ones that I have, even if they nearly match.

Oil paints will be used, that's a promise. (wink)

I wished it could stay wet, but that's not what watercolors do!

There's a Time & Place for DIY

2010-03-30T20:21:00.004-04:00

As an avid crafter and Jack of All Trades type of girl, I'm usually the type to do it myself. However as most of my fellow crafters know, sometimes doing it yourself is more expensive and not worth the hassle and time. With a lot of preparation, planning and help, I fully believe that nearly anything is possible. But sometimes you just have to look DIY projects in the face and say, "Hells to the Nah" and let it go.

That was the route with our invitations. I fully intended to do it. I wanted to do it. We had ideas and sketched them out. But the more we thought about it, running into limited time with busy schedules, our hearts weren't into it. Also, I had an inkling that my vision and knowledge for what I wanted to do would not match up in this case.

I'm so glad we goccoed our Save the Dates, but I'm a busy lady, and found it was more affordable to order so we could focus on other avenues. What a relief case to find a great deal, agree on a design, and press a button to pay. As my pal Andrea sagely advised, I should not feel guilty, and perhaps can print thank you cards instead.

So, onto the DIY projects that we are going to take on. Decorations for the ceremony, the reception, and a few fun things here and there. We're not going crazy, and have a plan of attack. One thing I've learned over the years is how to be realistic. (Give or take a bit).

It always helps to get the ideas out of my head and onto paper. Brainstorming with pen and ink, and of course some fun color.

We're doing three main projects. The first is tissue paper pomanders (made with recycled paper so I don't feel too bad) in shades of creamsicle, marigold and vanilla. Mike and I make a great factory, and my cousin Cara visited this past weekend and helped out. We'll use these for putting on chairs down the aisle.

The second project will be making a simple structure for us to stand underneath. Like a chuppuh, but without a top and only 2-3 posts. I do want to keep it simple and create easy fabric flowers to hang. That way we can do it ahead of time, and not have to worry about fresh flowers or anything. Affordable, and we can keep the flower garlands afterwards! We'll make it so we can bring it outside or inside, depending on the weather in Florida.

We'll make some fan programs most likely. Perhaps some little banners and pennants for the entree table. Decisions, decisions!

Our goal is to keep things simple, have fun, and allow our personalities to come through. Our colors are slowly migrating from pinky-orange to orangy-yellow with accents of pink. We'll make it work though, you know I hate matchy matchy! As long as we get hitched, dance with loved ones and have fun, that's all that matters.

P.S. My heart nearly burst between laughing while watching Mike diligently creating tissue flowers while watching March Madness baseketball games.

Ink Quilt + Piles of Books

2010-03-22T21:02:00.003-04:00

A baby girl was born to a lovely lady who loves matching colors. She's a sweetheart, so I sent her a drawing showing a "matchy-matchy" girly quilt with her little one's stats.

Really, what is faster than making a quilt? Drawing and painting one. Plus, you can make up whatever fabric patterns you wish!

I've been enjoying the extra sunlight, and our reading nook in my studio. His and her book piles are quickly growing. Most of my current pile were borrowed from the library, so I'm trying to finish. Especially The Hakawati novel that is due soon, which resulted in my reading it on the treadmill today!

I also blocked and called it quits on my Frankenblanket. Finito. It's huge, stretched out, ugly / fun, and I'm done working on it, and about out of yarn. Now onto the few crafty projects Mike and I are tackling for our July wedding. More to come once we start!

Ah, and thank goodness for the time change. The older I get, the more closely my mood is tied to light after work. Exercise helps bust it, as do these gorgeous views from our apartment each night.

Hope you're all well! xo, M

Color on My Mind

2010-02-25T17:48:00.008-05:00

I can't stop thinking about shades of turquoise, grey, fluorescent yellow, blush toned pinks, and warm purples. I even cleaned up my studio wall and just hung up these felt squares to get them out of my head.

Okay, and hot pink, ugly-pretty shades of green and mauvey purples.

Color study projects are in the works. The thoughts just need to finish stewing.

Foreign Correspondent's Scarf

2010-02-24T12:57:00.002-05:00

I may as well make something else, since I whipped up the last scarf so quickly. Next up, using up two skeins of pewter Lorna's Laces to make the Foreign Correspondent's Scarf. Easy and pretty project, bring it on!

I'm finding that I'm more likely to want to knit things that I want to wear these days, as opposed to process items. I'm also toning it down with some of my colors (knitting wise). I'm enjoying gray, cream...cream for God's sake! That's usually not in my color vocabulary, but I'm jonesing to use colors that I generally overlook. There is something magical about colors that edge their way into your heart, rather than forcing themselves on you (cinnabar).

It's not just me though, my color twin, Jen, is also enjoying the neutrals.

So far, I'm digging this scarf. Herringbone type patterns are always admired in my eyes, followed closely by the sometimes underestimated but glorious seed stitch.

Pink + Purple Endless Knitting

2010-02-22T12:18:00.004-05:00

My fingers have been itching to knit something mindless, without having to deal with a pattern or much gauge. I saw Jenny Gordy's adorable hat and scarf set on Wiksten-Made, and was inspired to make my own continuous scarf.

It was the perfect excuse to use a gorgeous skein of Socks that Rock. from Kate that I somehow managed to keep during an intense holiday yarn steal and exchange at Rosie's last year. I wanted to something with it, but didn't have the right inspiration. The 2 x 2 rib helps to break up the pools of color, and I like the zig zag effect.

Quick, easy and fun to wear. Wow, I've finally finished a project this year!

Ex-Mullet House Proud Patron

2010-02-17T12:24:00.001-05:00

The year I turned 24, I became interested in cooking. Prior to that, "cooking" throughout college consisted of late night, post-party blueberry pancakes, variations on ramen noodles, or Hamburger Helper if we were feeling fancy.

We lived a block away from the Waffle House (lovingly nicknamed the Mullet House), where they'd let us drink unlimited coffee for as many hours as we needed to study. Our record was nine hours. One of my proudest moments during this era was reading Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness in one sitting. That's a lot of coffee, folks.

After many of my cohorts moved out of Bloomington, I got my first apartment and started cooking. Going to the Waffle House alone is a path to self destruction of which I wanted no part.

So I cooked. Mainly, one salmon dish I could make decently over and over, until I couldn't eat it anymore, and then some new ones that I can't remember. Mom was called often, advice and cooking times were given, and some things were not meant to be eaten.

Today, I consider myself a pretty good cook, but I enjoy following recipes. I'd rather trust the experts with their cultured palates and honed skills so that I don't end up with wasted food and half eaten experiments.

I go through phases where I totally dig cooking, or can't bear the thought of heating up soup. Though one thing remains constant, my seven year old love of cookware and kitchen aisle goods. That said, the Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer has been eclipsed by the glossiness that is Staub's 5 Qt. Round La Cocotte in Aubergine. The enamel glows. The rich warm-purple has a depth that has been in my head since I saw it in Smitten Kitchen in December.

Material things have been on our minds alot recently, especially since we registered for our wedding. There are so many things that I don't need. For us, it is a panini press or appliances that we may use once a year, and get irritated with it taking up space the other 364 days. I'm sick of replacing coffee makers and crappy knives. I'd rather take good care of the things that we do get.

I'm trying to be more conscious of buying things that we really like, won't get sick of, and that could possibly last a lifetime. What I love about good design is that you can enjoy something even when you're not using it, just by looking at it. Like this purple object that I obviously have a huge crush on.

I must go before I get a restraining order from Staub.

P.S. La Cocotte sounds much more sophisticated than Dutch Oven. As seen from my Mullet House references above, I believe I can use some more class, and less...

One or The Other?

2010-02-09T12:11:00.001-05:00

I'm trying to carve out more time after work to draw and paint. Why is it that we feel the urge to get all of the chores done before we can take time for ourselves. I think it's important to be a little selfish, if it's for a good cause, such as yourself.

I played around with my markers to make geometric shaped grids. I thought of it more as a meditative exercise like Jess at Sweet Eventide's zendalas. It was a fun exercise to get my hands moving again, and not to put any pressure on myself. After all, I hadn't drawn anything in quite awhile, and want to change that.

I'm also taking advantage of having my very own art instructor handy. Mike was helping me draw ellipses better, and we ended up having an impromptu lesson on shadows and color. I was pretty impressed, he's able to make you understand things that you felt were beyond your grasp. Now I just need to practice my newfound understanding. And practice some more.

I mean, this guy really knows what he's talking about, especially when it comes to drawing from life. The example below is his huge painting in progress out the window of his studio. The notepad shows some of the math that he uses as one of his references when site measuring the view. Who says math and art don't mix? Just thinking of all that work makes me anxious, but he loves doing it. I guess someone who sees a knitted shawl that takes a year may think the same of me, but everyone is different.

Sometimes I wish I was one of those people (like Mike) that had one thing that they were uber passionate about, and wanted to focus on that particular thing. But I don't think that's how I'm built. I love the thrill of a new interest, and learning as much as possible about it. This does mean I can get bored easily, I guess, but I don't think I'm alone in this. We all need challenges to grow and learn, or life gets stagnant. A wise friend said to just go with the flow.

What's your take? Are you all about one thing, or a medley of a few things like myself? For conversation's sake, my current core list of interests is design, art, crafts, and a side of baked goods.

The Bread That Went Awry

2010-02-08T12:26:00.001-05:00

I made some bread this weekend. Or it was intended to be bread, but something happened. It shall now be known as The Bread That Went Awry.

I've made it before with no problem. But something with the temperature, flour that had in my freezer and not thoroughly warm, the tendency not to try not to add too much flour...it was a bad mixture.

The dough was surprisingly supple, so it was even more shocking when I found myself the new creator of flour dumbells.

No words can really describe it. So I have drawn you some examples of how these loaves failed on so many levels. However, I have to admit that it was throughly enjoyable dropping the loaf on the table so that my mom could hear just how crappy the bread baking had went over the phone. And scaring my friends who stopped by for a beer, by dropping it on the floor, twice.

THUMP! CRASH!

Next time, I'll be more patient in my baking. Lesson learned!

The Universe Doesn't Want Me to Drown

2010-01-29T12:01:00.005-05:00

I grew up in the water. Being from Florida, it's important to learn to swim early, since there are so many canals and pools that kids can fall into. My godmother taught me when I was a toddler, even though I fought her every bit of the way at first. Once I learned, I felt at home in the water. After all, Marissa does mean "of the sea".

In third grade, I joined the diving team, and was a competitive springboard and platform diver for the following ten years. However, in ninth grade, I fell in love with water polo, and especially the group of friends I made playing. I was a goalie all through highschool, and a year in college at Indiana University. After I stopped, I figured it was a part of my life that was over.

Recently, some of my friends started playing in California and Florida. MB mentioned playing volleyball again, and ended up sending me a link for a water polo league in the area. Two days later, I was at my first practice in eleven years.

I switched back and forth from feeling completely excited, to so nervous I thought I'd retch. I've found that most times you put yourself into situations that scare the bejesus out of you, things turn out okay. And if they don't, you can always just move on, learn from it and try something else.

Of course, the people were incredibly welcoming and nice, and though I feel like I got hit by a mack truck, I'm looking forward to going back. I'll be easing into this, after all, it has been eleven years, people! Plus, my gym membership is up, and the treadmill was getting really boring.

There was one part of the practice when I felt so out of an element that used to be second nature, and simply exhausted. I switched out with the other goalie.

He asked, "What's your name, anyway?"

"Marissa."

Kiddlingly he replied, "Ugh, like I need another Marissa in my life! That's my sister's name."

Guess what his name is? Andrew. Just like my guardian angel out in the universe who used to be a goalie himself, for ice hockey. So if that's not a sign that things will be okay, I don't know what is. And even though it may be kind of silly, it's more fun to believe that it's a special wink from someone out there saying, "Suck it up, Oldilocks!"

Ah, and while we're on the topic of floating and not drowing, I want to show you my newest addition to our art collection. Isn't this a beautiful print, from Lisa Golightly? She runs a shop called Kiki and Polly, where she sells her original pieces and affordable prints. I loved it immediately, but it makes complete sense just why I like it now that I'm writing all this to you lovely friends.

My mom did ask that I call her after the practice so that she'd know I did not drown. She laughed when I told her how beat up I felt. But she laughed even harder when she heard about the teenagers in the truck next to me driving home who invited me to a party! After feeling so old and out of shape, that was just what I needed to boost my poor ego!

Thank you, Universe. You sure know how to crack me up.

Drawing Maps and Gettin' Hitched

2010-01-25T12:39:00.000-05:00

Mike and I broke out the Gocco before the holidays, to work on Save the Date cards for our wedding guests. Since many people will be traveling, we wanted to get the word out as soon as possible. Making that list was damn hard. Especially when you have 70 people who count as family members...on the bride's side!

We're getting married this July, in Ft. Lauderdale. I know. Holy Rusty Hotness, Batman. But there are good reasons. Mike doesn't teach in the summer, we want to have it in my hometown, and many of our friends and family are in school or also teach. Air conditioning is aplenty, so nobody will melt.

We both love maps, and had been tinkering with the idea of making a map for our cards. Many of our friends will be flying or driving down, from as far as the Philippines, Sweden, France, New Jersey and Indiana! We're feeling very lucky.

The cards were a total collaboration and we had a good time doing this. He drew the front, I did the banner, the details, and an illustration in the back. Bickering was minor, but unavoidable.

I am mighty proud of that banner, people. Having us walk off a plank was vetoed though.

I love that everything does not line up exactly. Obviously, some were better than others, but I enjoy seeing that overlap. And here is my cute little anchor below.

The best part was that I was able to use all of my existing gocco and paper supplies for this project! I knew I'd been hoarding them for a reason. Mike learned to gocco, and we did not throw anything at each other.

It was a labor of love, but it's worth it, just to see that pile of cards stamped and addressed, ready to travel all over the world.

P.S. Please tell me I'm not the only person who gets immense satisfaction from a stack of letters ready for post? And did you like buying school supplies as a kid too?

P.P.S. We're having fun planning, but are definitely not going overboard. Ha ha ha! Pun totally intended!

Creme Brulee French Toast

2010-01-22T14:56:00.005-05:00

Ah, the sinfully decadent, Creme Brulee French Toast as promised! This recipe is from Gourmet Magazine's July 1998 Issue. I stumbled upon it via Epicurious when hosting a bridesmaid shower way back, and have been recommending it ever since. I've shown the ingredients below and some quick notes, but please click on the actual link for the exact recipe.

This would be perfect to make for a Sunday brunch. Not for tomorrow morning, because it tastes best if you let the egg mixture soak at least eight hours...overnight is better.

I've made it twice, and both times used brioche or challah bread (my favorite). Just like with regular french toast or bread puddings, it's better if the bread is not fresh, so it can really soak up the mixture.

I did not have Grand Marnier, so I substituted it with Chambord (left over from the $76 Punch), a good amount of orange zest and some orange juice. I don't think you can go wrong with anything, even if you left the alcohol out. I would recommend a touch of orange zest though, to balance out the ultra-sweetness. Believe me, I have a major sweet tooth, so that should give you a hint about this recipe.

You make the "creme brulee" portion by making a caramel mixture of brown sugar, corn syrup and butter, which coats the bottom of the pan. I liked cutting the challah bread into fluffly little clouds, and tucking them in as seen below, before covering with the egg mixture.

It is best if served fresh, so keep this in mind since you'll need about 35-40 minutes of baking in the oven. If you're bringing it to a party, you could even bake it there. It will make the house smell great!

This particular batch was walked to Robin's house in about 12 inches of snow on a lovely Saturday morning, unbaked. That part is completely optional, and not really recommended.

Let me know how it goes!

Happiness is....

2010-01-11T12:32:00.001-05:00

I was tagged by both Ambika and Andrea for meme type things. Like Ambika did, I'll combine them both and try to think of 10 things that make me happy. It would be a nice reminder to myself to get out of my Monday induced less than desirable mood today!

My list will probably border on the materialistic today. What can I say, we're living in a material world, and I'm a material girl....(please read that like Adam Sandler in Wedding Singer).

1. The perfect brown boots that I've been eyeing for some time now. They were more than 1/2 off and my mom treated me to them! Thanks, Mom.

2. Much needed new running shoes. They make me want to work out and don't make my feet hurt!

3. Happiness is how texting has gotten me in much more regular contact with my best friend. Our schedules are not in sync for regular phone calls, but texting works great for us. Plus, it lets me receive more photos of my favorite little boy.

4. Sonny! My godson makes me so happy. Just thinking of his laugh or seeing a picture of him brightens my mood instantly. He calls me "Meesa" and my mom "Lola" (grandma in Tagalog). My heart breaks in a good way every time he says, "MeesaLolaMeesaLola" on speaker phone.

5. New music. I'm in love with the song Dead Sound by the Raveonettes. I found it on the Whip It soundtrack, which is rather fun!

6. Working out makes me much happier. If the work day is stressful or aggravating, I can leave my aggressions in the gym, or work it out on the treadmill. I also enjoy just letting my mind wander and think out all the creative things I want to do. Endorphins are good.

7. New to me podcasts from The Skirted Roundtable. These three generous ladies have a wonderful set of podcasts where they interview famous designers and most recently, the Editor-In-Chief of House Beautiful, Stephen Drucker. He was such an intelligent and gracious man, that I'm subscribing to the magazine next paycheck! Oh, and he loves grilled cheese and is best friends with Ina Garten. The grilled cheese was all I needed to know, being friends with Ina was a bonus).

8. My new electric toothbrush. I am working on keeping my gums healthy, my dentist recommended it, and after 3 days, I'm a fullblown convert. I really need to protect my gums since I have a dental implant and don't want to waste the investment in my grill. Thanks again, mom and dad. If you're thinking of getting an electric toothbrush, I recommend the Oral B Sonic Complete S-320. I found one on Amazon for about half of what I've seen in the stores, and yes, it was new and in the plastic impossible to open stuff! (Try using a can opener for the impossible plastic stuff, it totally works!)

9. Citrus fruit! I don't want scurvy, and I find myself craving naranjas or oranges in this weather. I made a blood orange salad the other day, and it was delicious! I'd like to get my hands on some famous Florida Honeybells as well...we shall see.

10. Warmth! Being happy to have indoor heating (not to mention shelter), snuggly down blankets, hot coffee and a boy to hold hands with. Yay for coziness.

How bout y'all? Let's see your list? Tag yo'self before you wreck yo'self. (Excluding Susan. We know how she's scared of the memes! Kidding!).

xo, Mariss

P.S. Work is making me loopy today. Could you tell?!

Christmas Break Roundup

2010-01-07T22:21:00.004-05:00

I baked 2 loaves of Cuban Bread before I left Philly for South Florida to see my family. It was delicioso, and quite easy.

We finished ornaments for ourselves. I decided to make a special set for my Aunt Sissy and Uncle Steve. She and I have a Snuggie joke, and she was smack talking my pink one since she has a leopard print one. They recently took up fly fishing as a joint hobby, and really enjoy it. Thus, the personalized ornaments as a little Christmas present. Cute, no?

I enjoyed the snowstorm in the Northeast before I left. I enjoyed bringing Creme Brulee French Toast to Robin's house for brunch. It was a peaceful and uplifting walk in the snow! I'll post the recipe soon, it's fantastic. You guys will love it.

Mike and I fulfilled my wish of making my second ever snowman...on the roof of our next door apartment. We made snow angels, and heckled my friends below. Good times!

I spent most of my time with my parents, best friend and godson, and my aunt and cousins. It was a nice change to spend quality time with people I love over the holidays, rather than rushing around trying to fit everyone in. Sometimes, you just can't do everything you want to!

We went to the Miami Metro Zoo, on the last warmish day of the year. Usually, South Florida is warm in winter, but they have a cold spell right now. Seriously, I saw on the news that the Orangutans are using burlap sacks for warmth and drinking hot chocolate! Who knew?

We saw a giraffe family, elephants, gorillas, flamingos, alligators...you name it, we saw it. It's a big zoo, and we spent about 6 hours there! How cute is the baby giraffe? It was kind of sad to see some of the animals in the zoo, but there were many that are endangered and their young are living in the wild now. I guess it can be a good thing. Also, the Miami Metro Zoo is open air, so at least they're not caged up too badly, though it's still sad.

We stopped by the Humane Society in Ft. Lauderdale to visit the dogs, since my godson loves them! It was so heartbreakingly cute to watch him squeal,"Doggies!" and kiss them through the fence. I don't think I could love a kid anymore than I love this one!

There was a New Years Eve party. I enjoyed chilling with the folks this year. One of the highlights was playing pool with my dad, and including a sweet four year old in our game. She has a new baby brother, so could definitely use the extra attention! After the first party, it was off to our next door neighbors, for their annual midnight handmade chocolate buffet and practically illegal quantities of fireworks!

There was a short trip for Mom and me to Jacksonville and Melbourne beach, where I got to hang out with our Northern Florida faux-family members and the eight grandchildren whom I adore. I was able to be a star in a fashion show, a "recital", the finale of my "recital" (under orders from an adorably bossy future flower girl), and sign my name on the wall of a secret Girls Club underneath the stairwell of their house!

I mean, how amazing is this little room? Their mom is the coolest, which is why she was my favorite babysitter of all time! Just don't tell the other sisters!

Alright, looking forward - lets enjoy this year!

Quilt for Gavin

2010-01-06T12:05:00.000-05:00

The last thing on my 2009 To-Do List was to make a quilt for my friend's new baby. He was due January 1st, but arrived a little early, healthy and gorgeous.

This was the perfect opportunity to use a portion of the giant Box O' Fabric from Heather Ross. I love her fabrics, and they're perfect for new babies. No pastels for these artist parents!

A little bit of washing.

A little bit of drying. Some cutting and a lot of ironing. I kept it simple, and made 6" x 6" squares, 4" wide strips and 2.5" strips. Then I ironed it fastidiously, but didn't agonize over uneven lines. You know that I'm a lazy quilter!

I wanted to make sure that the colors were not all lumped together, especially with the squares. The strips were put together more haphazardly. I have a tendency to put certain colors together, so tried to break it up a bit.

I made it on the generous side, clocking in at 45" x 60". The front is pieced together with a thick batting and soft chocolate brown fleece. The green cordury edges are not perfect, but the new mama is not one to notice. So I let it go and didn't worry about it. Plus, I had a deadline! I was co-hosting the baby shower with friends.

She loved it, and I'm really happy with the results. The baby is using it already, I hear!

Happy New Year, by the way! Wishing you all health and happiness for 2010. Twenty Ten? Veinte Diez? Whatever you'd like to call it...

$76 Champagne Punch

2009-12-17T12:18:00.006-05:00

The past few years, my friends Rich and Alice brought a delicious champagne punch to my birthday party. It was lemony, electric blue, and made everyone's teeth and tongue match the punch. Potent is an understatement.

This year, I told them to not worry about the punch. After all, they have a new baby and deserve a break. Their little guy is awesome, he ended up at the party and being one of the last people there!

Since it was time for a new punch, I found a new one from Gourmet Magazine's July 1992 issue on Epicurious. It's refreshing and lighter than the bright blue one. At first, we weren't sure if we liked it. However, the first batch was quickly gone and I had several requests to refill it.

I will warn you, unless you have a stocked bar, this punch is rather expensive. I'm not a huge drinker, so I didn't pay attention to the multiple liquors needed for the recipe. I figured it was an opportunity to add to our tiny bar, and forced myself to get over the price. There's also something in just letting go so that you can get everything done in time and not have to look up a new recipe! Plus, it got rave reviews on Epicurious.com.

The punch is made with champagne, Chambord, Triple Sec, Brandy, pineapple juice and ginger ale. Make sure to follow the directions on the above link and prep the first step of the ingredients the night before your event. This would be perfect for a holiday party or a New Year's Eve bash.

Enjoy!

Fried Chicken Ornaments

2009-12-15T12:19:00.000-05:00

Last year, Mike and I started an annual tradition of creating handmade ornaments for each other for Christmas. This year, I started early by ordering a sixty color mini bundle of felt from Lupin Handmade.

We started off normally. Mike made a Christmas tree ornament for our Christmas tree. I made something that I fondly remember. My yellow Popple stuffed animal from 1985. Andrew and I both had one, and they were the best toy. The Popple ornament has a seam on the back (for it's head to pop out), and a miniature pom-pom that I made with tufts of yarn in my stash. Though small, it was a mighty effort! Ha.

Then things just got silly. The big stash of felt started to beckon us. "What is ridiculous that needs to be made out of felt? I have your perfect color right here!"

Uh, obviously a pink Snuggie ornament had to be made. Mike bought one for me as a joke for my birthday. It is not perfect for an outdoor sporting event, by the way, because my butt would freeze! That is why I will be developing the "Snoncho" in 2010. That's right, it will be a poncho with sleeves, and perhaps a beer cozy. I cannot wait to act in my own infomercial.

Mike crafted a Frankenstein-looking fried chicken leg. I love it.

We've also decided to make up for the past 8 Christmases where we did not partake in this tradition. Hilarity to surely ensue... Our new fake tree loves us.

Impromptu Flowers

2009-12-10T12:16:00.002-05:00

My new space makes it so easy to decide to create spur of the moment hand carved stamps.

I carved a quick flower, printed shades of reds and oranges, and used the oil based ink I have, since I don't have any stamping inks. I covered an old attempt at goccoing, that had way too much negative space. It was fun to create and send and write lots of thank you cards and notes to friends.

If you have never carved a stamp, Geninne Zlatkis has an amazing and fun to watch video tutorial here.

She is quite prolific, and uses such vibrant colors in her work. I have purchased two of her prints in her Etsy shop, and will surely purchase more in the future.

Stamp Carving from Geninne D. Zlatkis on Vimeo.

A Studio of My Own!

2009-12-09T12:10:00.000-05:00

Mike had his studio in the back of our apartment for the past three years. His friend Meghan asked him to share a studio with her, which has a great view of downtown, and is quite affordable. This means that we moved all of his supplies out of the studio in our apartment, and my things right in!

The room has windows facing south and west, so it gets amazing light at the end of the day. We relocated a small sofa into the room, which creates a cozy little reading nook. (This also improves the layout in our living room drastically!)

My bike fits right underneath the mountain of books. This meant that we could get rid of the wall rack that was getting to be an eyesore, and the kitchen is less crowded.

There huge graphite drawing is Mike's, which is a view from the opposite side of the room. The pretty Florida scarf is from Shona, and has certainly inspired our wedding palette and Save the Date cards. (I'll show them soon).

This wall was a mess from the start, so it's practically a bulletin board by now. We will fix it up quite nicely when it's time to move out. It is so wonderful to have an actual room for myself. I can listen to music or podcasts and work on whatever my heart desires!

If you were thinking of carving out a space for yourself, I highly recommend it. Whether it's an entire room or a desk in your kitchen, it's great to have a place that inspires you to create.

I'll have lots of things to show you soon!

White Nest

2009-12-07T19:06:00.003-05:00

When I was in school for interior design, we had grueling schedules. One semester consisted of four all-nighters per week. Needless to say, us students truly bonded.

One of my closest friends in the program was Meg. Completely talented, dedicated, detail oriented, and humble and fun as heck. She's an uber-successful designer these days in Chicago, but also keeps up with her crafting.

I just found out that she opened White Nest on Etsy. Meg combiness her attention to detail, excellent craftsmanship and refined taste to create these gorgeous and understated pillows.

I really love the geometric design in the top one, and the subtle colors. (I know that Marissa and "subtle colors" don't tend to go together, but my tastes are changing slowly).

The flock of birds is cute. I like how it is a looser graphic of the birds, rather than so detailed. It can read as a pattern or be a literal interpretation.

And lastly, stripes with a slight pop of her signature color, hot pink. This is a classy lady who included a monochromatic candy bar at her wedding, complete with jars of hot pink sweets.

So go check her out, and tell her I sent you! I realize that my opinion is completely biased, but trust me, she's truly that amazing!

P.S. Meg, you need a blog. Get on it, girl.

Do Gigantic Alligators and Toddlers Mix?

2009-12-07T17:50:00.028-05:00

Something about being Aunt Merce to the cutest two year old boy in existence just makes me want to give him outlandish things to play with. Toys like the giant fabric snake my Grandma Craine got me when I was 11. Impractical, but awesome and completely memorable.

Enter a huge scrap of bright green soft corduroy that was not used for Axl Rose stenciled tote bags for two friends. What can one do with 35 square feet of green fabric?

Originally, I thought that a giant stuffed alligator (with a non-scary grill of course) would be a wonderful present. But that would be extremely cumbersome and could possibly frighten the cutest boy in the world. Perhaps giant toys will wait until he's four.

After all, I don't want to be the well meaning lady who gives her granddaughter a clown shaped hamper with pointy diamond eyes which needed to be stuffed in the closet each night before said granddaughter could go to sleep. And lets face it...I still knew that clown was in there, plotting to kill me if any of the barriers of pillows fell off the bed!

I loved that my Grandma Huber bought it for me though. She was pretty amazing.

So, the 35 square feet of green fabric will turn into a Christmas tree skirt. Mike is using his crazy math skills that relate to art to create a perfect circle. Thank goodness that man is creative and handy and can destash some fabric for me!

I think we can settle on an eighteen inch tiny and happy baby gator instead.

P.S. When I say 18 inches, I do not mean 18 feet, which would be the exact opposite of the miniature Stonehenge in one of my favorite movies, Spinal Tap.

P.P.S. Merce is my nickname with high school friends. It's the way my name sounds when said lazily by a good friend with a thick Puerto Rican accent. It's my favorite nickname.

Treinta y Uno!

2009-12-03T18:42:00.011-05:00

"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around" - Woody Nelson.

I saw that quote today from Danielle LaPorte. That really resonated with me. Why do we find ourselves looking so far into the future of all the things we have not accomplished yet? Things to cross of the list, things to do before we can move onto the fun stuff. I think it's good to stop for a second, and realize how far we've come as well.

What better time to do that than after my 31st birthday?! I feel like I've been focusing on career and life goals so much, I've forgotten to do like Woody said. Though I won't be taking any of his herbal remedies, I'm a good girl! Instead, I partake in cupcakes with lots of frosting and sprinkles and a glass of milk. I made my own. Sometimes, you have to create your own happiness.

So yes, I've turned 31. Treinta y uno. I wanted to take a few minutes and think of all the highlights from my last year. It's been a good one Maybe one of the best yet! That's good, since the last few were kind of tough, but they make you stronger and make you realize what is important. For me, that is my loved ones. And pursuing your dreams now, not later. (This is unapologetically all about me today, if you couldn't tell).

Accomplishments and Highlights for my thirtieth year:

1. Carved and created my first linoleum print.

2. Finished my damn Pi-Shawl!

3. Watched my best friend marry the love of her life, with the best seat in the house.

4. Took my cousin Cara to Key West after promising a trip for seven years. The Reggae Catamaran counts as our open water portion.

5. Was fortunate to create illustrations for a Manos del Uruguay catalog.

6. First loaf of bread that required kneading!

7. Won a contest for Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing book.

8. Dyed Easter eggs with my sweetie. And was asked to marry said sweetie!

9. Becoming more involved in interior design and architecture happenings in Philadelphia.

10. Biked to work consistently for a whole year (and counting).

11. Studied madly and become a LEED AP.

12. After getting shot down to volunteer with 2 organizations due to lack of need on their part, and a skill set that didn't match up, I finally found someone who I can help!

13. Went out of my comfort zone and took Holly Becker's online course.

14. Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Olivia.

15. Finally updated my blog header!

16. Bought a real life, grown up, not free from a summer home I lived in 10 years ago, bed!

I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. Life is a journey. But don't forget, you can't do everything on your own. Sometimes you need to ask for help. Which is why Mike and Zach decorated these cupcakes for my birthday, and got creative with the remaining sugar letters.

I'm looking forward to getting acquainted with you, Mr. Treinta y Uno.

Illustration Friday: Unbalanced

2009-11-20T10:52:00.004-05:00

Here's my Illustration Friday submission for unbalanced. I should have drawn him or her a net...

Have a great weekend, everyone! I'm off to clean my house and prepare snacks for my birthday party tomorrow. Any ideas for go-to easy appetizers?

Headresses + Hats with Horns

2009-11-19T17:01:00.003-05:00

At my work, we all doodle toward the end of our meetings while we're chatting. As Mike stated when I showed him this, "That's one hell of a work doodle." It's like knitting while talking, I was definitely paying attention, just moving my hand around. Can you tell that subconciously I must want a headress and Viking type helmut with horns. The funny thing is that I've drawn headresses before, and didn't realize that I went home and braided my hair to match the drawing (minus the horns) until Mike pointed it out.

My Swedish "brother" is coming to visit next summer for our wedding. I may get my hands on one of these helmets after all!

We've finally gotten some colors picked as inspiration for our nuptuals next year. It's a jumping off point, we'll see how it pans out. I hate matchy matchy, but love a broad spectrum of colors. My limited selection is half a rainbow. I know this says something about myself...

'

I'll have to get some type of sweet treat tonight. After all, it is my birthday! However I have my first committee meeting tonight for something I'm looking forward to, and didn't want to miss it. Believe it or not, volunteer work in my field has been hard to find! Cake with three types of sprinkles to follow on Saturday.

Pom-Pom Rug + Blue Jeans Mojo

2009-11-17T12:09:00.002-05:00

I always seem to meet such cool people through my pal Aimee. MB is no exception. I've only hung out with her a few times, but she's so down to earth, charismatic and full of life, you can't help but totally dig her at first meeting. Oh yeah, and she's travelled the world doing what she loves...producing television. It would be hard to like this lady if she didn't work her tuchus off and wasn't so darn nice! (wink)

Since we're both knitters, she let me know that her company, Junkdrawer Media, recently produced some Two Minute Inspiration videos for Lion Brand Yarn. I think these would be perfect for beginning knitters who may need a little extra encouragement or to help find ways to connect the dots between knitting a square and turning it into a gift.

Here's one of them below. Of course I had to link the one on pom-poms and embellishments.

They also have other videos on knitting and crochet that I didn't know about. I'm definitely interested in their crochet videos, since no matter how many times a friend shows me, I still cannot master a granny square. Videos can't get annoyed with me for needing to repeat the steps over and over!

In the video above, there is an actual rug made out of pom-poms. I think that my living room needs one of those pronto.

Congrats on a nice job, MB! I'm so glad that I scored one of your pairs of jeans at that clothing swap, so that some of your awesome mojo will rub off on me. (Insert scheming fake-evil laughter)

Cacti and Patience

2009-11-11T12:04:00.000-05:00

Patience. Required for growing succulents and cacti and for learning to become better at drawing and painting from life.

I love using my watercolors for filling in and painting, but usually with pen and ink. It's entirely different when trying to actually draw, site measure and make it look like the object. Luckily, I have a university level drawing instructor and fine artist as a significant other. My ellipses are improving than from when we started dating seven years ago. (However, my other ellipses and propensity for tangent run on sentences will probably never improve!)

This drawing shows the beginnings of my still life.

I took a second pass this weekend, while watching the end of Dirty Dancing on television and crying at the end. Is it just me, or do you all do that as well?

This is the second pass. I may go over it a final time to get the spikes and improve some of the details. It's all about a path, not the end result. Alas, the patience part.

I hope at least one of you is humming Patience by Guns N' Roses at this point... I'm sure I'll probably do the Axl dance here in a few.

JC's Beef Bourguignon

2009-11-09T12:08:00.002-05:00

Vegetarian friends may want to cast away their eyes. This meal was all about the meat!

Beef Bourguignon was one of those dishes I had heard about, but figured I'd never make it. My good friend Olivia though, being the excellent cook that she is, had been talking of making it for some time now. Then the book came out. You know which one, Julie and Julia. Shortly after, the movie with the phenomenal Streep and Adams. (Though I didn't like how Julie was portrayed as much in the movie, in her book, she's way less whiny, more charming and writes so hysterically, it will bust your gut). Needless to say, my interest was piqued.

This is how I found myself at the farmers market with Olivia to pick up a few ingredients to create this dish yesterday. We used the recipe that can be found here. I believe it's slightly altered, but pretty much the same as in Julia Child's book.

There were a lot of steps, but it was much more manageable with a friend, two sets of hands, and a brewsky each. We followed the recipe step by step, dried the meat off before browning (which really does help), and washed a ton of dishes. Olivia's husband walked in the door and said he could smell it cooking from two blocks away! I kept going on and on when the adorable pearl onions were sauteeing in butter with an herb bouquet. I had to cut myself off from exclaiming, "have you ever smelled anything so wonderful?"

We started at 4 P.M. We cut the cooking time to 2-1/2 hours so that we could eat around 7 P.M. instead of 8 or 9. In between, we made an apple crisp, roasted fingerling potatoes, a light salad with a medly of pink radishes, did a little bit of knitting (me) and piano playing (definitely not me).

The Beef Bourguignon was divine. We felt so accomplished sitting in our aprons after all the cooking, dramatically fake sighing and asking the guys to fawn us with compliments on the meal. We watched a tad bit of football while drinking a beer (in our aprons), which made us feel like quite the well rounded modern day women. Will I make it again? Certainly. Will I be willing to try out a more simplified recipe? Absolutely!

However, I'm more convinced than ever that I will add a Le Creuset 5 quart French Oven (in red) on my wedding registry.

P.S. Susan, this recipe is for you. Have at it, lady.

P.P.S. I forgot to draw the stewing beef. How inappropriate!

Illustration Friday: Skinny

2009-11-05T16:55:00.004-05:00

People either love them or hate them, but I really like the matchstick jean styles that have been popular in the past couple of years. With a pair of ballet flats, you can't help but feel sassy like Ms. Hepburn, or feel like doing an impromptu grande jete in the corridor at work.

The shoulder pads trend however, needs to stay six feet under. I already look like a linebacker as it is (in a good way, thanks to waterpolo and diving), and do not need any extra in that area.

Archetypal Stand Mixer in Turquoise

2009-10-30T12:41:00.001-04:00

My love of baking probably stemmed from my immense love of baked goods. Or rather, I needed to bake in order to create a layer of cake-like substance from which to eat large quantities of frosting. I love frosting. Or icing. But not the gourmet type. I like the generic Dunkin Hines, Funfetti, and fudgy chocolate from plastic canisters. I'm sure many of you don't approve, but I'm just being honest.

Sometime around third grade, my mom taught me to use the oven myself (with supervision of course). I'd spend an entire Saturday baking and decorating sugar cookies. The recipe was actually from an old Sesame Street book, called Cookie Monster's Cookie Dough. They were delicious, and I can't believe it took me until just this minute to look for it on the internet. Oy!

My brother would help me decorate, we'd roll the dough out with our grubby hands, working the dough into worms, hat cookies (so I could decorate with flowers and rainbows of color), monsters, airplanes, alien starships...you name it, we made it. We'd take over the entire kitchen table and cover it with flour, would get dough smeared everywhere, and frosting in the remote places that the dough hadn't contaminated.

I don't know how that got all cleaned up. I'm sure we did a bit, but I'm sure my mom did a lot more than I remember. Another reason to love that woman...

I'm not a girl who needs a lot, kitchen appliance wise. I use my immersion blender (from Aunt Marty) for everything. So much that I got rid of my hand mixer, blender and a waffle iron for good measure. But the KitchenAid Stand Mixer. I lust after it. When I first started learning to cook, it stood out as an archetype for being a real baker or just knowing my way around the kitchen. Plus I saw one online with flames painted on the side, and you don't forget that too easily.

My mom bought a white one off of a friend, that she says I can have next time I go home to Florida with my car. I may just have to take her up on this! But I wanted to draw the turquoise one that is part of the Martha Stewart collection at Macy's because you know how I love pretty colors.

How about you guys? What's the one material thing that you thought would make you feel like a grown up, or that you want even though you may not need it? Uh, this and the Franklin Covey planner in 2002 are obviously mine!

Gouache and Karma

2009-10-28T20:51:00.003-04:00

Jess reminded me that I need to play with my goauche set, after I saw she had been using the extra set I sent her. I hate throwing things out and am so glad when you can pass something along that someone else can use and enjoy. It's also money in the karma bank, in my opinion!

I reminded myself to just play and not worry about the end result.

I've obviously had these colors on my mind. Perhaps it's the beautiful dahlias and flowers I saw in San Jose?

Or the gorgeous vintage scarf that Shona (one of my most favorite crafty friends that I haven't met yet) sent to me as a little surprise. Good grief! I guess that karma stuff really works! (wink wink)

Bliss List

2009-10-26T12:57:00.001-04:00

Jessica Gonacha Swift started a sweet creative mission (I'm not sure what to call it...) over at Treasuring today, and I felt compelled to participate. So I made a quick "bliss list. I'm thinking of good and positive things that I have to look forward to today. Okay, I read it wrong, it's from the past week, so I can add extras. I think I'll cap it off at 8 for today.

1. I'm attending a lecture tonight entitled "Trends in Sustainable Design and Construction". The people over at Onion Flats are speaking, and I'm really looking forward to it.

2. The slowly building rat's nest atop my head got a much needed haircut this Saturday. It was only a trim, but I feel like a new gal.

3. I bought a new lipstick, mascara and painted my nails. I feel like Operation Dress Like an Adult in the Workplace is working for me. Don't google it, I made this one up.

4. Gorgeous weather and getting out of the office at lunch. Where I scored a Phillies Phanatic foam hand at the rally at City Hall. I'm not even that into baseball, but am proud of Philly!

5. The show 30 Rock. Wow. I'm actually glad I waited so long to get hooked, since I just finished watching all episodes this past weekend and have a total girl crush on Tina Fey. She's phenomenal!

6. The amazing entertainment at the Laundromat yesterday. Instead of dreading laundry, I took advantage of the crisp / sunny weather to sit on the stoop and read a book. (#5 of the Sookie Stackhouse series...I'm hooked). Two teenage boys came in (approximately 12 and 14). They were ribbing on each other over a girl one of them liked, and making fun of each other's mamas...but all in good fun. The one boy was so silly, that he was cracking himself up. At one point, he pretended that he was receiving text messages and phone calls from the practically obsolete pay phone. When he said the words, "Hey! I just got a text from this pay phone! Your mama wants to go on a date with me!" I was the one who lost it. I was trying to be normal while folding clothes, but started laughing so hard I could not stop. I walked over to the dryer to get a hold of myself, but to no avail. This lasted for 3 straight minutes. It made me miss my brother (in a good way), since he would have thought this was just as silly as me.

7. I just saw the photo (that everyone on the internet has probably already seen), of graffiti that someone wrote on an electric hand dryer. Someone changed the directions to read: 1. Push button. 2. Receive bacon.

8. Knowing I have a great guy in my life makes the list. He's pretty special, and I really appreciate him.

How about you guys? What's good with you?

Home Sweet Home!

2009-10-20T12:52:00.001-04:00

Not for me, mind you! I'm stuck in the apartment with no washer and dryer or dishwasher until the end of time...but enough about me!

A friend of mine recently purchased her first home, and commissioned an illustration for a moving announcement. I think it will be pretty cute! Home portraits are really fun to do.

Pencil first.

Inked.

And a bit of color.

(Photos were taken at night, so they're looking a bit peak-ed, but you get the gist...)

Two Coasts + A Mountain Top

2009-10-12T23:32:00.005-04:00

Correct grammar will not be utilized today. I want to document, but girl is dragging!

Some space planning to help a friend who just bought a beautiful new house! Friend's band playing in town. Helping a friend with kitchen planning, and got yummy food from a Greek Festival in exchange. (Thanks, Clara!)

Friends in town from Louisville. Reading Terminal. Eating our way through Philly. The usual historical sights. The Philadelphia Museum of Art. More food!

Oh, and they wanted to see the Atlantic Ocean! We built a big hole and watched it fill in with water. Way too much fun!

Subway, Amtrak, 2 Subways, 1 bus, 1 taxi and a rental car with friends to make it to my best friend's wedding in Shenandoah National Park. (Mike would arrive later, so thankfully I only had to take this crazy route once to make it to the rehearsal dinner!)

The wedding was amazing! One of those weekends where you get to spend lots of time with old friends and new friends, work together and enjoy everything! The view wasn't half bad either (wink).

Two days in Philly. Quizzo. Flight at the crack of dawn to Las Vegas to San Francisco to visit 3 of my favorite cousins who were visiting from the Philippines. They're the children of my mom's twin, so that's pretty special in my opinion.

Seeing Lake Mead and Las Vegas where I spent a wonderful summer at the age of 22 and got a huge scar from a cactus.

San Francisco. Getting accused of trying to steal a breakfast sandwich from Burger King due to a bacon / sausage discrepancy. Uh, not quite. Sausolito. Napa Valley. More new Filipino friends! Picnic in Napa from their "7-11" aka Dean and DeLuca. Not a cheap picnic! Haha. Wine tasting. Beautiful California light. I think I'm a California Girl stuck on the East Coast, but am okay with that. Breathtaking views on the drive and sunsets on the way home. Filipino food at a real Pinoy restaurant! Complete with my favorite Ube Ice Cream.

Helping the economy with our shopping for gifts to bring home to the Philippines. My cousin buying a pair of Converse and realizing they gave him 2 left shoes! More laughter than you could imagine in 4 short days. So much love for all of my cousins. Filipino and American.

Flight home last night at midnight. Cab ride home. Bike ride to work in the chilly weather. This girl is ti-red. But oh so happy!

Goodbye, Summer!

2009-09-07T20:05:00.003-04:00

We said our farewells to Summer this weekend with a nighttime walk on the Ocean City boardwalk with my uncle, aunt and favorite 12 year old cousin. We had some Kohr's ice cream with chocolate jimmies, pink cotton candy, and were forced (by my uncle), to bring home a tub of Johnson's Caramel Popcorn.

I made it to the Farmer's Market with Olivia, and got to witness the making of some world famous potato salad, to which I am going to write down in my journal for future use. We attended a barbecue, and enjoyed holding a sweet baby girl and catching up with good friends.

And today, we did the opposite of Labor. Unless you count watching movies with your beau and making a grilled cheese sandwich on Challah bread labor...

I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to crisp air, apple cider and soup making.

Bridal Tea Party

2009-09-04T12:10:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share the first creative thing I've done in awhile! I'm so flattered to be the Maid of Honor in one of my dearest friend's weddings next month. This past weekend, I drove down to Virginia to host an English Tea Party for the bride with a few of her friends.

I wanted to create a favor for the guests, and used the Tea Party itself as inspiration. I purchased each girl a jar of local Delaware honey from The Reading Terminal in Philly. Is there anything prettier than the glowing amber shades created by sun shining through honey?

Then I selected three loose teas from Premium Steap, which is my favorite local tea shop. I was going to get a tea ball for all of the ladies, but instead, we stuffed them ourselves with tea bags I already had. Well, Mike stuffed fifty something bags of tea, and I stapled and labeled. He also helped me color hearts and labels! Mainly, because the bride is one of his favorites of my friends, but basically, it's because he's so sweet!

I finished it off with tongue-in-cheek, ultra cheesy rhymes. They were cutesy, but also explained what the teas were. Here's a sampling if you will:

"Let's celebrate the Bride to Be, With a cuppa English Breakfast Tea!"
"Our best wishes that they won't live in a hut, So drink some Black Tea with Coconut!"

It was hard to rhyme with Pineapple, but Lord knows I tried:
"Wishing them a life filled with love and laughter, Enjoy Green Tea with Papaya and Pineapple!" (I know...right?!)

All in all, it went well. Except for the poor gal that was grossed out by the thought of Wildflower Honey. Bless her heart. I told her she had my permission to give it away or throw it out! (wink)

Finnegan's Wake of Excuses

2009-08-11T19:29:00.010-04:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah...took a "quick" 25 day break here. I missed you guys, if you're still around (wink). Me, quiet?! I know. But it happens each August, what can I do?

Without further ado, here are my excuses for not writing. Oh, and it's going to be long.

1. I've been attending green design events and tours in Philly after work and on weekends. I've been seeing such amazing things, and may (fingers crossed) be able to do some rooftop gardening. We shall see. The place that I originally wanted to help out with does not really need my type of expertise right now, but I'm still meeting some great people and enjoying myself. I'll just keep trying, persevering and keep learning.

2. I blocked my huge Pi Shawl and got to wear it to a wedding in Indianpolis! The groom is the little brother of one of my best friends. I adore her family, and it was so good to see them. We laughed and talked and had a wonderful time. To my delight, my favorite type of cake was served at the reception. It's Carvel ice cream cake with the wonderful chocolate crunchies, I know you were wondering.

There was an instance my friend's aunt and I raced to the dance floor and started an enthusiastic rendition of the Chicken Dance, only to realize that it was a traditional Polka song. We stared at each other sadly, half attempted to try the Polka dance, and walked away to our table full of folks laughing. It was one of the best moments!

3. I found myself visiting KJ in Brooklyn when she told me one Friday morning that due to some fluke, she had a free weekend from her busy restaurant schedule! This rarely happens, so I hopped in my truck to hang out. What a relaxing weekend of having nothing to do but walk around, talk and eat with one of my favorite people.

We watched the roller skaters in Central Park balancing water bottles on their heads and pirouette in hot pink spandex (jealously from the sides), saw turtles, witnessed the good deed of a fighting couple help a stranded canoer whose paddle had fallen into the lake, and ate like kings at the Shake Shack where KJ's friend is the manager. I mean do you see these ice cream sundaes that were brought out for us? It pays off being a hanger on to the foodies.

Coincidentally, we were sharing our table with a man visiting his daughter in NYC so that he could cross things off of his Bucket List. The new Yankee Stadium was on the agenda that day. Isn't that cool? In addition to being awesome, he works for our health insurance provider. His daughter works for Fitness magazine. So they were there on hand in case we had a heart attack due to ice cream overload. What are the odds? Although they were the lucky ones, since we shared our table and desserts with them!

4. I went to a super sweet baby shower for my friend Alice. I had an excuse to buy teeny clothes with little footie pajamas in the shape of dinosaur paws or featuring an adorable monkey that was incognito as a bandit. A bandit of bananas I guess. What else do monkeys steal? I won a blue ribbon for pinning the "baby" on the "bump" which I proudly attached to my new dress. We also enjoyed delicious cupcakes from Flying Monkey bakery. Mmm!

5. I took my cousin Cara to Key West for a few days. This means I can cross something off of my own Bucket List if you will. It makes up for the cruise that I promised I'd take her on when she was 16 and I was 24. In my 24 year old mind, that by the time she was 21 and I 30, I'd have enough money saved to take her on a little special trip. Ha! It's been the family joke for six years, but it was really fun to hang out and have this time together. Cue some cheesy music and a video montage of our trip...

I didn't have my camera, but the entire drive from the tip of Florida to Key West is breathtaking. It's a one way highway which has you travelling over miles of various bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, or small pieces of land that have water on either side. They had a heat index of about 105 degrees. It was brutal. So we alternated between the pools and the ocean, rode on scooters, attended a drag show, drank icy beverages, went on a sunset reggae snorkeling outing with people so hilarious that I wrote down things that they said so I wouldn't forget, and conducted our own Key Lime Pie tour complete with a 50 point scale. Our final winner was the Blond Giraffe's delectable pie featuring a cookie crust, tart filling and a lovely meringue. We even saw an endangered Key Deer on our drive home, and made sure to alert other drivers so they would not hit the cute little guy.

6. After the hullabaloo of the Key West trip, I headed home to Plantation, Florida for a week with my parents and to get down on some serious wedding planning. Thanks again Mom for letting me borrow your car. I know you don't think it's a big deal, but I really appreciated it!

7. On August 1st I got to wear a pretty party dress (not this one, but something similarly cute) because I was asked to be my nephew's Godmother! What an honor! I love that little guy so incredibly much. And although I'm slightly biased, he is the brightest, cutest, funniest, most mischevious, charming and flirty little bilingual boy that I know. No. Seriously.

Are you really still reading?! I adore you guys.

8. I haven't really talked about my wedding yet, but that's because I didn't want to do anything until I went down to Florida, picked a place and set a date. We knew we wanted it to be June or July of next year, to make it easier for many of our family members (and the groom) who are either in school or teach and work for schools. Also, this would allow enough time for my mom's sisters to possibly come all the way from the Philippines! So, we found a place that we are all really excited and happy about. And set a date (07.17.10). This was the second place that we visited, and all because of a chance conversation with one of my mom's incredible friends. Who is owed a thank you note immediately!

9. On Thursday of last week, my Mom, Aunt Marty and best friend, Brooke went dress shopping. At the second store, I wasn't going to try anything on, but Brooke insisted I try on a fun mini-dress made of crinoline that I was eyeing. While I was changing, she brought out a fun 1980s style dress that didn't make the cut, and then just one more. "Just try it on!" exclaimed Little Miss Bossy. She laced up this dress (I thought I hated a bit of lacing) which took about 10 minutes. After she was done, we knew! And the four of us were just discussing (over a huge lunch and more dessert!) how maybe we weren't the type of people to get that gut feeling over the dress, since we also weren't in the mood to cry... But then I came out and we all got excited. There was a bit of crinoline to kick around, but not huge, and I felt like myself! It was on sale, in my budget, and may be crossed off the list. Oh, and it's so pretty! Hee hee!

10. I am 99.87% sure that I've found the soldier in the Gulf War who was my pen pal for two years thanks to Facebook. We were asked to write to a soldiers in Mrs. Gelman's sixth grade class. Well, mine was a writer, the nicest guy, and wordier than yours truly (if that's possible). He wrote and typed these amazing letters that my mom and I would read. He'd send postcards from all over Europe, and actually made a big impact on what I would end up reading for fun in high school. Mainly long novels based in Russia and a love of anything Camelot related. Anyway, he was a really nice person who had an impact, and it will be nice to see where his life ended up, and which of those girls he ended up with. Ha!

So there you have it, my Finnegan's Wake length post of excuses. I'll leave you with a small photo of my journal which shows the edge of the Earth, and me falling off of it. It is also documenting a strange man that we saw advertising a new Laundromat, in the most outrageous three-dimensional get up, that we thought he was a Pro-Life person wearing a shirt showing the insides of a pregnant belly. But no, it's a washing machine. Bless his heart. It makes you love your job, doesn't it?

Glad to be back, Mariss

P.S. I have not resorted to writing emoticons on my blog, I just don't want to. However, please insert winks, smiley faces and big squealing noises in the appropriate places.

P.P.S. This post is dedicated to my friend Nicole. You happy now?! Ha ha ha.

Illustration for Knit-Knac

2009-07-18T09:19:00.004-04:00

My friend Andrea at Knit-Knac wanted an illustration for her knitting blog, to reflect her love of sewing and knitting. She's also a very talented budding designer, in my biased opinion! The one we came up with is influenced by another bust I did awhile back.

We have her works in progress on her lovely headless model.

We wanted to showcase a chaotic medley of sewing and knitting supplies, as this is a multi-talented lady.

And lastly, the final result.

I really enjoyed creating this for my friend. She's a wonderful lady who makes me laugh so hard my sides hurt sometimes. I can't wait to see what she does with my drawing.

Alright, I'm expected in Brooklyn and better get going! Have a great weekend everyone.

What's in Your Knitting Bag?

2009-07-14T16:17:00.009-04:00

Knitters and crocheters love to talk about what is in their knitting bags. Notions, random tools that they use, favorite stitch markers, you name it. I have always loved looking at the contents of others' bags, be it in photos on Flickr, or at my friends' bags in person. I think it's a combination of seeing what fun tools they have mixed with looking at the inside of someone's purse.

I asked my friend Regina (fellow Degenerate Knitter) to be my guinea pig. Happily, she didn't mind. She spilled the contents of her bag, sent me some photos, and I made her this drawing. Isn't it cute? She always has this great tin filled with rainbow colored stitch markers, nifty little odds and ends and buttons with witty phrases. This is the girl who gets stopped each year at Maryland Sheep and Wool because people love her t-shirts reading "Likes to Knit While Slightly Lit".

If you or anyone you know needs a custom illustration to document a special crafty project, or the contents of their knitting or crocheting bag, feel free to email me for pricing and a time frame. During my annual summer knitting hiatus, I still love to draw the related items (wink ).

Email: marissandrew (at) gmail (dot) com

xoxo, Mariss

Tortoise Shell Sunglasses Needed

2009-07-12T21:40:00.005-04:00

Why does this pair of sunglasses from 1996 outlast any other pair I've purchased in the past thirteen years? They're my new favorites again, since my cheap ones keep killing themselves.

Philadelphia has been gorgeous. After the two sunless weeks, we've been treated to bright, cloudless days, and weather that is not too hot. I have yet to hit the beach this year, but I hope to remedy that next weekend.

I've been doing some reading, drawing, biking, walking around town and seeing friends. I'll show you some new drawings soon!

I was so sad to not enjoy a Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpet for the storming of The Bastille with the Degenerate Knitters, as Hostess Twinkies sponsored the event this year. That was nice of Hostess and all, but as Lisa pointed out, Twinkies just do not have the impact resistance that Krimpets have. The Twinkies exploded and smashed on impact, and were not one bit appetizing. I went home and made a microwave S'mores instead.

Hope you all had a great weekend too!

07.08.09.

2009-07-08T13:50:00.003-04:00

Today is a special day to me, because it's the day my mom and her twin sister were born! She is an amazing person, and I'm so lucky that the stars aligned so that her and my dad could meet at a picnic in Ohio and my brother and I could be born. She's the greatest.

Happy Birthday Mom! I really wish I could be there to celebrate with you.

But alas, your card will have to suffice!

Why I think we'll make it.

2009-07-07T19:27:00.006-04:00

Because we're crazy, Mike and I found ourselves baking lasagna. Giada's delicious recipe. But yes, lasagna, on July 3rd. Mike has been jonesing to make it. Me? Not so much. It's summer time. Time for fresh foods, light fare and cereal when we're lazy.

"Do you really want to make lasagna?"

"Yeah. We can eat it for days on end. It's very economical."

"Do you think we're the only people in the history of the world who baked lasagna on July 4th weekend?"

"It is pretty funny. Let's make a tradition to do it every year! But you know we'll probably forget."

"Yeah! But yes, we probably will forget." (recording it via the blog for next year)

And this is reason #341 why I should marry this guy.

We do make a pretty good team. I agreed to make the bechemel sauce while Mike did the prep work. This is how I know we'll make it as a couple. Cooking as a couple requires compromise and cooperation. For example, I smile nicely and don't voice my opinion about the sheer volume of small dishes that he's using for prepwork that will have to be washed. He pretends that I'm the saddest act in the planet for having a slight cold this weekend and does all the dishes. (wink)

Okay, after all that sweetness, here's something tart for you. It looked pretty enough for a picture, until it fell upside down (wrapped in plastic, thank God!) at Olivia's house. It still won the taste contest against the reigning supermarket in New Jersey, the famous Wegmans.

Afterwards, we watched fireworks with thousands of people and I treated myself to a $1 glow in the dark necklace. All in all, a pretty great weekend.

Okay, I must go and choose between cereal or sixth serving of lasagna before Quizzo.

Manos del Uruguay Illustrations

2009-07-01T12:35:00.004-04:00

I had the opportunity to do illustrations for Fairmount Fibers last fall. They included some of the drawings in their new Manos del Uruguay pattern book. The new book includes patterns for seven blankets that highlight their Cotton Stria yarn. You can pick up a copy at Rosie's Yarn Cellar.

There is a lovely blanket that features Concentric Squares. It would be an adorable baby blanket.

My favorite one to draw would have to be this colorful Log Cabin type blanket. It must be the rainbow colors!

There is a cozy double blanket in a sophisticated color palette of dark brown and a subtle blue.

If people want to challenge themselves with new patterns, there are three color variations of a blanket that features twelve different stitch patterns.

There is a lovely Hexagon blanet, that I've heard are completely addicting to knit.

The last two blankets include one that features a Quilted Lattice stitch with a unique edging, and a sweet blanket with a hood that will swaddle a wee one. Pom poms or tassels may be added, and you know that I sure hope they are!

This was such a wonderful commission, and I loved drawing and painting one of my favorite hobbies. Thank you for the opportunity, ladies!

Asian Rotisserie Chicken Salad

2009-06-23T18:48:00.002-04:00

Each summer, I find myself standing in front of my refrigerator (not with the door open for too long though!) at a loss of what to cook. Not to mention, that I just spent all this money at the grocery store, and feel like I don't have actual meals to make. We don't have an outdoor space, so grilling isn't really an option. (Insert dramatic and pathetic sigh).

Last week, we planned out some meals to make, and shopped for the ingredients. I've decided to find interesting summery recipes so that I don't have to think of anything. After all, I just follow the directions, I'm no expert! It also goes along with my Make, Bake or Buy project. I cannot stop drawing my food. It is way too much fun.

So for Week one, we made Martha Stewart's Asian Rotisserie Chicken Salad. It was so refreshing, that I'm getting a bit more excited to cook this summer. What meals do you guys make when you're uninspired in the kitchen?

100,000 Stitches +/-

2009-06-22T19:17:00.003-04:00

My hardcore knitting friends know that I'm not the most dedicated of knitters. So you can imagine my surprise when I finally cast off (well twice technically, since I did it the first time, almost ruined and burned the whole thing) my Pi-Shawl. I did a quick tally, since it's based on Pi (3.1416....) and it comes out to approximately 100,000 stitches.

You heard me. One hundred thousand stitches. Not to mention the three times that I knit the garter edging which may bring my count up another 50,000? I washed it and blocked it last night, but was "glowing" too much from my workout and bike ride home tonight to model this for you guys. We don't want to ruin that cashmere. All shall be revealed soon, I promise.

After all that accomplishment, I thought I deserved a little treat! Don't you think? (Purchased for one Washington at a tag sale down the street).

Illustration Friday: Unfolded

2009-06-19T16:23:00.006-04:00

The Northeast has been under a blanket of clouds and rains for much of the past week, and next week as well. I'm not complaining, I'm sure we need the rain... However, it has made me notice other people's colorful umbrellas. The shots of yellow, leopard prints and plaid are making me smile. Whatever happened to those umbrellas with ruffly edges? I think I need to find myself one of those!

I must enjoy the fleeting sunshine now. So I'm off to bike home, scrounge up dessert for dinner with friends, a rudimentary button sewing lesson and holding an adorable little girl!

Here's hoping you get lots of sunshine this weekend.

Note to self: create new header for summer. That one is tired.

Coffee + Tea

2009-06-17T12:58:00.001-04:00

I keep typing and deleting sentences that will explain my obsessive inclinations regarding the two following products, but I give up. You know me by now.

I ride my bike to work. I like to bring my coffee in the morning because I'm realizing that I will never be one of those people who gets up early enough to sit at my kitchen table eating breakfast while drinking said coffee and reading the paper (which we don't even get)... Who are these people, and why do I admire you so much? Speak up, now!

I love practicality, common sense and good design, and hate clutter and things that don't work. I've been looking for a few months for that one coffee mug that would not spill in my bike pann ier, would keep the contents hot, and have all parts able to remove so that they wouldn't get moldy and gunky. I thought it did not exist. It does. It is called the Timolino Vacuum iBottle with Infuser. I searched online for specs on this mug but couldn't really find a suitable description. Thankfully, I visited Steap, where I was able to examine it in person, and purchase it on the spot. It's for coffee or tea. There is a removable strainer that is exellent for loose tea, if you prefer. Here's how it works.

When I get home, I like to have a little snack and a cup of organic coconut black tea with vanilla soy milk. In this instance, a travel receptacle does not fit the bill, and I was having a hard time with the tea infuser I did have. I went back to Steap and treated myself to the red mug. It's called the FORLIFE Curve Teacup.

I think I'm set for the next 10 years, and am so glad that I don't have to buy any more mugs! On to the next thing to research extensively...

The Final Countdown

2009-06-15T18:43:00.003-04:00

It's the finish line that I hope I have enough yarn for. I restrained myself and placed minimal beads (for me) on the garter edging. This is my first time knitting with beads, and now that I know how easy it is, I'm predicting many more in the future. If you ever find yourself knitting with beads, I recommend the crochet hook method.

This edging is garter stitched side to side perpendicularly to the edge of the circular shawl, demonstrated below. This is why I ran out of yarn eighteen times, Mom.

I spent Saturday with the Degenerate Knitters starting the edging, worked through the weekend and am almost done. Fingers crossed!

Louis Sofa

2009-06-08T20:04:00.006-04:00

My dream sofa, the one I think of a few times a day, is the Louis Sofa from Elite Leather. Our next big purchase one day will be a sofa. For now, we're working on the emergency fund. This sofa wouldn't be in the running anyway, for one, Mike is vehemently against leather, and it's quite pricey for us. In this little picture though, it is mine.

A girl can dream, can't she? That's what my Make, Bake or Buy project was about, after all. A collection of all the silly things that I would like to have, but realize I don't need.

What ridiculous materialistic items are you guys dreaming about these days?

National Donut Day

2009-06-07T17:06:00.004-04:00

This illustration serves three purposes. Illustration Friday's topic this week is "craving". Something I often crave are the fried sweet treats below. Donuts!

Apparently, the first Friday of June is National Doughnut Day. I did not get a free donut, but I treated myself to one Mike purchased for me.

Lastly, this image has been sitting in my head waiting to come out. It's so festive and calorie free! Sounds good to me.

In honor of this day, these are my favorites:
Entennmann's Chocolate Crumb Donuts
Entennmann's Rich Chocolate Frosted Donuts
Glazed Donuts (especially hot from the oven)
Sugar Twisty Donuts from Publix
Chocolate with Glazed
Chocolate Frosted
Anything with sprinkles.

Have I forgotten anything? What are your favorites?

Peruvian Handiwork

2009-06-06T16:34:00.006-04:00

When we went to Maryland Sheep and Wool last month, my objective was to only purchase something that really spoke to me. I found it between the funnel cake stand and the ribbon fries.

Turning a corner, I was assaulted by stunning imagery and craft work at the Ayni booth. Peruvian handcrafted textiles of the Ayacucho tradition, which is a tradition that is passed down through families. The families raise the alpaca, process and spin the fleece, dye it with natural plant dyes, and create beautiful art by weaving and crewel type embroidery.

Ayni is a non-profit organization founded by three American woman, a botanist, an anthropologist, and an educator / artist. To quote their mission,"Ayni aims to preserve the cultural patrimony of Peru and promote social welfare in Andean communities through sponsorship of cultural programs, and through sales of Peruvian handicrafts."

The one with the black background reminds me of one of my favorite Josef Frank textiles. It's the black background and the swirls of pattern and color that draw your eye every which way.

I was enamored with this piece, but it was just not in my budget at the time. I took three or five walks around before coming back and seeing it looking at me. The last time I came back, a woman was holding it up in amazement. We started talking and I told her I was so pleased that she was going to have it in her home. She especially loved the bobbles, just so you know.

Although I had my heart set on the one piece, this salmon colored piece also caught my eye. It was in my budget, and was made by the woman in the photograph. Sales of the work help support Los Gorriones Orphanage, ANFASEP, which helps survivors of a violent conflict in the area, and University of Huamanga, which works with a grant to protect irreplaceable artifacts in the region.

I carefully sewed a dowel rod on the back of the top and bottom, with 2 eyehooks screwed into the top rod to mount it.

Isn't it lovely? Even though it doesn't have the chains of bobbles like it's more elaborate sister, it suits my taste just fine.

Silk Kerchief Finito!

2009-06-03T21:48:00.002-04:00

Look what I finished last week! My Silk Kerchief. I knit until I reached the purple in the skein, then felt that I was done.

Is it not the cutest kerchief ever? I see you nodding your heads. But you'll have to make your own! This one's mine.

I remember two years ago when I hated triangular shawls. That seems like a lifetime ago.

Pink + Orange

2009-06-01T20:36:00.007-04:00

In the last apartment we lived in, we repainted every room. The ceilings were around 16 feet high, so this was no easy task. There was cobalt teal, purple, green, and a bathroom called "Oriental Orange" which was realistically Glow in the Dark Pylon Orange. (It looked slightly better than it sounds...) After repainting it all white when we moved out, I decided that I would not paint until I had my own home. I got burnt out on making it mine, and leaving it.

After almost 3 years in my current apartment, I've been slowly getting over this. I'm not repainting the place or buying a couch or anything, but I'm beginning to care again. Like my favorite style guru's Stacy and Clinton, it's time to invest in myself. That means enjoying my surroundings, and ironing my clothes like a grown up!

Mike was in Indiana this week, so I took some time to do my quarterly cleaning out of the closet to donate and trash. I organized, I repotted the houseplants, and even bought a flat file at Ikea for my studio area. It's a simple start, but is making me really happy.

I bought these magazine holders in plain white, and thought I'd enhance them a bit. I painted with acrylic paints for the first time in nearly 11 years. 11 years. Watercolor and inks are not the same. There's that meditative quality of making these marks with paint. I think I need to raid Mike's oil paints afterall...

I mixed some different pinks and oranges that would go well together, and created a pattern on the one side to make them go together. I love lots of shades of similar colors. When we do get hitched (probably next summer), I'm telling the gals to wear different shades like this. Because isn't one color just boring? (wink)

If it hadn't been for the gorgeous weather, the Art Star craft fair, bike rides and an invitation to my friend's pool, I don't think I would have left my house!

Catching Up

2009-05-27T22:50:00.004-04:00

I keep meaning to write summaries of these weekend trips I've been on, but the words are not coming out. I am tired! Here's a quick map instead. The markers are from college, and I couldn't reach the second set with the more neutral colors, I'm just saying...that green is not my favorite!

I went to Virginia to visit wineries and celebrate Heather's 30th birthday!

There was Baltimore to attend Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, which I've written extensively about (you'll remember the funnel cake).

We went to Washington D.C. to attend my cousin Cara's graduation from GW. Mike and I visited the Smithsonian Native American Museum (amazing, need to go back) and the Natural History one. We also walked down the Mall, visited Abe Lincoln, saw the monuments, and got told by a sweet old man that I was humming a wonderful tune. (He was clearly lying, but sweet nonetheless!) I'll admit that I got verklempt by all the history while standing next to a huge President Lincoln. It was so humid Mike could not believe I come from Florida with all my complaining. Yet, when we were by the Lincoln Monument debating whether we had time to run up and see it, we agreed that he helped free slaves, and we could walk up the damn stairs!"

It was really cool to see things that I've seen as a child (we visited DC twice for 4th of July as a family), and see them as an adult. I still loved the minerals and gems, since I loved collecting rocks as a kid. The dinosaurs weren't too bad either.

This weekend I visited my family in Jersey to celebrate my cousin Meghan's graduation from Rutgers. She was Magna Cum Laude from the School of Engineering. I am so proud of both of my cousins! Aunt Pam made her famous garlic crabs, yum!

I may just make it up to New York this weekend to see some middle school friends. We shall see. The tolls are kicking my butt!

Neverending Pi Shawl

2009-05-20T23:17:00.004-04:00

My Pi Shawl will not die! After reknitting the edging twice, running out of yarn once, and semi-stalking a girl on Ravelry for two months, I was done caring about this project.

But then the girl I was semi-stalking insisted on selling her unused skein of yarn to me. It was hard not to get back into it when I finally received this squishy little skein.

I unravelled, unknotted, tinked back and started knitting again. I couldn't knit too much though, for fear I run out of yarn again. At Sheep and Wool, I realized that I should have gone up a needle size to make the edging stretchy. I had to rip it out a third time. There were more knots and snags and messes.

In the midst of all of this mess, I found these beads. Coincidentally, I found them at the same place that had sold me my 2 original skeins of cashmere 3 years prior. It also marked the third anniversary of attending Sheep and Wool. So I guess it's only fitting that I rip and re-knit 3 times too.

I had intended on putting beads on the shawl originally. I guess that the Heavens will not let me bind off until this shawl reaches nirvana.

Box of Sunbeams + Rainbows

2009-05-14T20:04:00.006-04:00

Remember how I entered Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing Design Challenge last month? Well my entry won! It really made my week. It was a fun challenge, and there were so many wonderful entries. The prize she had offered was a box of fabric and a copy of her new book, Weekend Sewing.

As my family knows from getting presents returned to them, my street and packages requiring signatures are opposing countries in a hundred year war. The mail that does make it, such as certificates stating my achievement as a LEED AP, arrive folded in half on the floor. So you can imagine my surprise when the stars aligned and I was home on the final attempt that the package was delivered. It was a Saturday. I don't even want to think of how embarrassing it would have been to have it sent back.

It was a simple Fed-Ex box. Matte brown, undamaged, unremarkable. I stared for a moment in anticipation before opening it, then ripped that box wide open. The contents were amazing. And it kept pouring out of the box in neatly folded piles in big ziploc bags. I can't even explain it in words. Instead, I have sketched something quickly that conveys the point better.

I think you know what this is. It's my version of the archetypal suitcase or box that is glowing gold, without the evil. My version is a box full of sunbeams, gold coins minus the leprechauns (they're scary), rainbows, angels singing, glitter, sequins, shooting stars, balloons, a house, hearts, fabric scraps and girlish dreams.

Do you know what the coolest thing was though? I've always loved her fabric with little fishes, since they have names and one of them is named Andrew. When I opened up the note she sent, this was the front of the stationary. The exact fish with the exact one that shares the name of my sweet brother. Just a nice coincidence, you know?

There is a ton of yardage nicely folded under her pretty fabrics. She included another lovely book and five skeins of gorgeous yellow yarn with a note reading, "I think I remember you knit".

Heather included a plastic bag bursting at the seams with scraps of fabric, including this swoon worthy Japanese beauty.

Mike heard me gasping (or possibly cursing), and issued his own curses under his breath when he saw the contents. In utter awe! Which was quickly followed up by, "I think we need to make another quilt."

I tried to lift an eyebrow, gave him a quizzical look and replied, "You can make your own quilt. I'm making garments."

Anyhow, what a generous lady. Thank you so much, Heather!

Silk Kerchief

2009-05-13T23:00:00.007-04:00

I'm lucky to attend a weekly knitting circle at Rosie's Yarn Cellar, with a fabulous group of gals right near Square. Sometimes, I get to drool over the newest creation that Kate has whipped up if I get there early enough. To gush for a moment, that girl has got killer style.

In the case of her Silk Kerchief, the instant I saw it, I craved my own. Unlike my usual inclinations, I didn't want to alter it colorwise. I just wanted to recreate a bit of her magic. Those aren't even my colors. Where's the purple? The pink? The horror! But there I was last Wednesday asking Lisa for advice on what skeins of Noro were similar to what Kate had used.

Note I said "similar". Even my "neutrals" shown below have some vibrant variations...

I love that it's a simple pattern that makes sense. The stripes of natural whites and creams with whatever new color is appearing from the variegated skein, create a striking herringbone effect. I would not have thought to do that, which is why I'm glad that this talented lady thought it up for me.

But do you want to know my favorite part of the pattern? The skill level is rated "wicked easy".

What a sassy New Englander.

I Love My Mom

2009-05-10T23:04:00.006-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to a woman so wonderful, my best friend Brooke beat me to sending a card to her. Thank you for being my best friend, for putting up with me through the teenage years, and for being the person I hope to be like one day.

One day I promise to give you a grandchild as cute as you and Tita Jean were.

My brother summed it up at age 10 with this poem he wrote for her on Mother's Day. I'm sure he'd love it if I re-wrote it now:

Roses are red, violets are blue
Sugar is sweet and so are you
You're nice as can be
You make sacrifices just for me.
I love you alot
More than a parking lot
You run a taxi service tight as can be
For Marissa and me.
When I have a baseball game, you try to be ther.
If your car isn't in the parking lot
I know you still love me a lot.

Love,
Andrew
(May 12, 1991)

You are always ready to laugh.

To be there for any of your family members or loved ones.

And you're always so beautiful, inside and out.

Mom, I love you so very much my heart could burst.

P.S. I just watched the Sound of Music and am feeling very sappy and weepy, but it all is true.

Shout-Outs

2009-05-09T14:31:00.004-04:00

I don't even remember how I found out about crafting and design blogs. But once I started reading, I was hooked. I love the glimpses into people's lives, and seeing how there are infinite ways to live. It seems to make the world a bit more connected and smaller. It's fun to see how quickly ideas and information can spread. And I love seeing the pretty things that people are making.

One of the first design blogs I started reading was Holly Becker's Decor8. What I like most about Holly is her positive attitude, and desire to share her knowledge and put more goodness into the world. When she announced that she was teaching an e-course, I knew it would be a fun experience! Although the course is over, I wanted to share a small slice of the three layer cake that contains my classmates' blogs.

I rediscovered Sarah Ahearn, a mixed media artist who's work I've been following through Flickr. She seems like a sweetheart, who also happens to be extremely talented!

Michelle Ward is a life coach with this bubbling personality that shines through on her blog. Checking out her blog puts a smile on my face, and she asks great questions to think about, like where do you want to be in 2 years? Cue the pugs for me!

Lady Ann de Borja has introduced me to some amazing videos. For example, I had never heard of TED Talks. She linked to one featuring Elizabeth Gilbert. I then listened to Dave Eggers, Isabel Allende, Amy Tan and cannot stop! They leave you wanting to change the world, and are rib crackingly hilarious.

Lauren Paradise and Courtney Davis run Kelly + Olive. They have a fun concept for budget friendly design consulting, and I wish them well in their new endeavor. I also love their tips and fresh attitudes.

Elizabeth Floyd recently started creating art full time, and paints daily still lives. She makes me want to raid Mike's oil paints and get to it!

Now I'm off to clean my house. Work before play, right!

Illustration Friday: Parade

2009-05-08T10:19:00.003-04:00

Parades bring to mind:

Loudness, shrieks of joy from teeny children, confetti, thrown candy, hysteria, fumes from flatbed trucks, crepe paper, paper mache, bales of hay, color, umbrellas, tired parents, happy children, cheers, mounted policemen, balloons, music, feathered band hats, inclement weather, music and lots of clean-up later.

I could use a parade today!

Tie Dyed Yarn

2009-05-06T22:07:00.010-04:00

As I mentioned in my last post, 4 of the 8 gals I was with for Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival fell in love with the yarn from Creatively Dyed Yarn. The fifth girl caved in after she got home and ordered some off of the internet. I only hope that it doesn't let me down. So often I fall for these gorgeous variegated yarns (such as Colinette Jitterbug), only to have them disappoint when they don't look as pretty knitted up.

But just look at this yarn. The skein I bought is Calypso in colorway Crazy. That suits me, don't you think? (wink)

It makes me want to dip my feet into the Carribean, drink a fruity cocktail and tie dye tee-shirts circa 1987 all at the same time. While knitting a flirty shawl with my feet propped up.

I wound it up at Rosie's tonight. I immediately hugged the skein when it was wound, I kid you not.

I think my knitting hiatus has reached a hiatus...

Maryland Sheep + Wool Round-up

2009-05-04T23:10:00.006-04:00

This Saturday marks my third anniversary of waking up at 6am, driving 1-1/2 hours to Maryland Sheep and Wool, tromping through fairgrounds and giggling over the enormous size of male sheep bits. The Degenerate Knitters returned with a vengeance this year.

Once again, Regina wore a t-shirt ("Likes to knit, while slightly lit") that prompted 27 strangers to comment their approval. I said that I did not want ribbon fries, but chastised Lisa for not adding chives, helped eat half the plate and accidentally dumped the remaining cheesy fries on Andrea, which she promptly licked off her arm.

Oh, was there ever a classier bunch than this group from Philly? It was one of those times that I was damn proud to be from Philadelphia. Yet, we did not key anyone's car (though they may have deserved it), nor did we cut in line to look at yarn. We just made complete strangers guffaw because we are such a crazy bunch. I have proof.

I had goals this year, friends. They were:

Goal One: Visit Heartburn City, but to engage in fried foods with caution. For example, I split a funnel cake, forsaked the cotton candy, shared a lemonade, and pretended not to eat any ribbon fries. (Lisa, sour cream! Add the sour cream!)

Goal Two: Visit cute animals. Sometimes alpaca are shy, but this adorable little fella was a flirt. I think he tried to bite my butt. He's a baby though, he doesn't know any better!

Goal Three: Meet some cool people. I finally attended the a Ravelr y meet-up in a barn, and we got to see whom I call our Knitting Royalty. Jess and Casey really are the nicest people, and the entire knitting community wants them to succeed! Which they are completely doing, in a humble, moral and conscientious way. I did end up speaking to Jess' mother for a few minutes (by the funnel cake booth) and told her what a wonderful daughter she had.

Goal Four: Only purchase something if it was something I really would treasure and use. This shot below is something that I did not buy, but this little booth will get it's own post this week. I did ask Lisa if this was something I could register for. Kidding!

Goal Five: Don't buy any yarn unless it's really unique. My one skein is in the middle. Regina bought 2 skeins of yarn, and hadn't even pulled it out of the clear bag by the time we were running towards the booth. It's from a new vendor called Creatively Dyed Yarns which is run by a charming ex-computer programmer / yarn store owner from Trinidad and Tobago.

Lastly, I'll leave you with this photograph of hand knitted caps from Peruvian artisans. In the caps below, they create is this wonderful pliant, supple texture that has just the right amount of weightiness. Two of the Peruvian women were at the fair and demonstrating their knitting.

Summary: When is next May? I'll bring the Tums.

Hierarchy of Precipitation

2009-05-01T17:03:00.000-04:00

Oh, Illustration Friday, how I have abandoned you. Well, you're getting some attention this week. I won't make any empty promises to you, but enjoyed making a quick sketch for the week's topic in my new notebook.

The topic was hierarcy. I'm blaming it on the state of Alaska sized rainstorm drifting over the Northeast. Being the melodramatic person that I am, I'm acting like I've forgotten what the feel of sunshine on my face is like. (wink)

This is what we get for saying that it was too hot last weekend!

Happy Birthday Tracy!

2009-05-01T12:14:00.001-04:00

I want to wish Tracy a very Happy Birthday today. The banner I worked on last week was whisked off into the mail, and hopefully arrived in her post by today. An adorable miniature banner for a remarkable woman.

I love you! Welcome to a new decade!

Pennant Banners

2009-04-23T16:39:00.008-04:00

I'm not the first person to catch the fabric banner epidemic that has been going around. But who can resist them? They're festive, make people smile, and enliven any party, wedding or event.

Ever since I made the First Birthday Banner for my nephew, I can't stop thinking about them. It doesn't help that I'm peeking at all the gorgeous wedding blogs, and know that I want some type of hanging features involved in my own. Let's face it, it will probably be embellished with lights, sequins, bobbles, fringe, pom-poms, but you will all love it. (wink) Would it help if I stuck to a color palette of reds, pinks and melon...with room to spare?

Even though I was already enchanted with banners, I heard of something that makes all previous banners mundane. What is this, you ask?

Miniature banners. You heard me. I saw this one on Parallel Botany and immediately felt my fingers twitching to make my own. Her embroidery is amazing as well, but I'll have to learn that skill another time.

Miniature banners, it makes so much sense! The miniature version of anything is always eleven times cuter with the exception of cockroaches.

Note to self, procure some non-ghetto felt and learn to embroider semi-properly.

P.S. Thanks for everyone's sweet and inspiring words from my last post. You all are amazing, courageous and wonderful friends. Everything went fine. I'll tell you more about it as time goes on. xoxo.