New York!

 Daniel and I just came back from a short trip to New York City! He had several meetings there so I tagged along!

 I never get tired of the view from an airplane. Amazing.

 Times Square!

 Being in NY felt a lot like our years living in Japan.  We got to shop at some of our favorite Japanese stores and eat some of our favorite Japanese food.

 Japan makes the cooooolest pens. That's one of the things I miss most-- Japanese stationery.

 And Japanese food! Mmmmm, curry : )

 And while Daniel spent the day in meetings (doesn't he look cute!)

 I spent the day venturing out into the city on my own. It's been a loooong time since I spent a whole day by myself. Must say, it was pretty sweet : )

 Central Park and a good cup of coffee. Yessss.

 And I got to meet up with long time friend (circa 5th grade) for lunch at an amazing vegetarian restaurant.  Oh man, New York has some of the best food! It's making me hungry just thinking about it.

The trip was short and sweet but much needed. I love New York!

Arian : )

Crochet Victory!

 Yessssss.  After 2 "how to crochet" ipod apps, multiple you tube tutorial videos, and roughly 37 failed attempts, I finally figured out the "granny square". Victory!  I know it's one small step in the world of crocheting but I can finally check that off my Christmas vacation to-do list. : )

So now I just need to decide what to do with this new power of mine. Granny square garland?

(here)

Granny square afghan?

(probably a granny square baby blanket is more realistic)

Or do I venture into new territory? I looove this pillow!

and this one...

and this hat is pretty sweet too. So many color combo possibilities!

I'm just looking forward to having a reason to make frequent runs to this little yarn shop Jude and I recently discovered within walking distance from our house.

Soooo pretty : )

Are you guys crocheters? I'd love to see what you've made. Post links in the comments and I will be sure to check them out!

You know what else I'm excited about??....WARMER WEATHER!!! I know it's probably just temporary and there's probably another snow storm in our future. But driving with the windows down and the sun roof open has been gloooorious! Hope the weather is lovely in your neck of the woods!

Arian : )

Hibernation Mode

The holidays are over, snow is covering the ground, a chill has set into the bones of this old house, and I am officially in hibernation mode. I am gathering my arsenal of space heaters, thick socks, warm beverages, blankets, and my beautifully melancholy "winter music mix" (i.e. Rosie Thomas, Ray Lamontagne, Josh Garrels....) and focusing on our nest. I'm making it cleaner, more organized, more cozy, and making sure there are plenty of snuggle stations tucked in each room.

It's becoming the perfect environment for crafting and sketching! We've got a new sewing machine, a newly-organized craft supplies pantry (thanks, mom!), lots of yarn, and a stash of vintage fabrics ready and waiting to be crafted into beautiful things for our nest. I need to get crackin! (right after I sip a cup of tea, take a hot bath, and nap) ; )

In the meantime, here's a handful of beautiful, crafty photos (some of my recent flickr faves) for your inspiration!

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Arian : )

New To Me

 Hope you had a great weekend! I got my "new" little vintage porcelain enamel desk set up. It doesn't look all that special in the photo but, trust me, it is ; ) So this is where I do most of my work! There's usually a candle burning, a space heater pointed directly at me, a cup of coffee sitting near by, and, lately, some Josh Garrels or Mumford and Sons playing. It's quite cozy.

And Hudson made that pillow for my chair. He's been big into sewing recently. He made himself and Daniel little matching tote bags from my stash of Granny's vintage floral fabrics. Although the two of them sported them proudly to the grocery store, I've since then bought a few yards of more "manly" prints : )

New, warm, fuzzy boots for the quickly-approaching winter temperatures....check!

It's beginning to look more and more like Christmas around town.  We got out our hats and gloves and walked to the bookstore/coffee shop to get gingerbread man cookies and drinks with cinnamon in them.  November's to-do list still seems way too long to really be ready for the Christmas season. But it's coming!

Are YOU feeling ready for it?

Arian : )

A Little Inspiration

Just a few things to make your day a little prettier...

(here)

(here)

I want this. : )  Cozy and vintage and green....three of my favorite things combined!

(here)

Dreamy makeshift bed tents. Reminds me of all those "Where the Wild Things Are" forts from awhile back

(here)

Boots + frilly dresses.

(here)

Vintage game boards as wall decor. Genius.

This pretty, illustrated tea set from Studio Violet. I'd love to illustrate a set like that!!

Color coordinated dishes from Rachel Denbow.

(here)

Beautiful colors.

This display at the Ohio Valley Antique Mall. I'm going there with my mom and sister tomorrow---can't wait!!

I hope you're having a cozy weekend! Jude sure is! He slept well past 10 this morning in the movie-watching couch nest we cuddled in last night. We watched "Hook"--such a fun movie : )

Arian : )

Sisters

My sister and I went out for coffee and some vintage dress shopping in OTR yesterday morning as party of my birthday month celebration. (My actual birthday is tomorrow! 10.10.10!  At 10 minutes til 10:00!)

 Time with Andrea usually involves tears, laughter, and tears of laughter...good times. We both know it's a safe place to let it all out. : )

 She's a rock star by day and a rock star by night (literally)

Self-portrait fail.

 Muuuuch better ; )  I got these two dresses. The yellow one looks much better on and the blue one is just so sweet and feminine. I'll have to show you pictures of them on soon.

And Andrea got this one which she totally rocks.

Hope you're having a beautiful weekend!

Arian : )