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A few favorite places:
Exceptionally talented director:
Her sister, and equally as exceptionally talented photographer, here: (I am so moved):
Melinda Dahl (she did all of the photo work for Alison Sudol (A Fine Frenzy)
I was partially joking when I told my husband they would do our first music video given we ever do a first show….or record a first cd of all these songs…….they have such a depth in capturing the music of the artists they work with in film and photo medium. I’m so impressed!
I finally narrowed down what my little plot of land could hold for the season. I think we’ll be full of peppers, tomatoes, peas, strawberries, raspberries, spinach, radishes and more herbs then I can name. I think I might have been a bit over zealous! But, the kids love it! (Here’s to the season’s first sunburn!)
So, we finally finished planting the garden. Hopefully, all the hard work will pay off!
Orange pepper plant
Our patch of asparagus. We watched his little threads weather the winter and were overjoyed to see these little spears coming up a whole season early!
The back yard raspberry bush. This is a fall variety. His buddy in the front yard is a spring bearer (and going nuts) – our goal is to have raspberries from summer to late fall. (We are all ‘berry’ crazy round here.) ha ha.
Fresh strawberry bed. We scooped a pit, mixed stand, dirt, a little prayers…and hopefully they will be coming out of our ears by summer!
Snow peas. The best part of planting the snow peas was the hike we took to find the stakes. (Why buy when you can recycle?!)
When I was 15, I visited NYC for the first time and completely fell in love. The sounds, smells, visuals….the sheer artistic nature and the way that care was taken to preserve the design of so many buildings and streets – just amazing. I remember laying awake in my Uncle’s spare bedroom that first night, eyes open wide, taking in all of the sounds – taxis, voices, trees moving…people walking. I left there a week later with a longing to stay. I can’t decide if it was the love for art, music or performance that runs heavily in my blood – being sort of matched there. Or, just the depth of culture and excitement mixed with the quiet and peace of the place. I still can’t decide. Since then, it calls to me quite often and I can’t help but answer it when I can. My most recent trip brought back a great deal of memories for me…to revisit some of my favorite places….either discovered with those I love, or found alone and on foot – exploring. I love to explore. On a different trip as an older teen, my Uncle sat me down with a subway map and said, “look, I have to work today. I’m not about going to get off work and walk you all over this city, so go for it!” (It turned out to be one of the best days of my life.) I realized the passion for travel and exploration was just part of my heart. At any rate, I want to share some of my favorite NYC places. Some of the photography is not mine, where applicable, I’ll let you know the photographer’s name.
Abraco espresso (so quaint – and a gorgeous little shop next door for all kinds of fashionable findings)
(photo: Jeremy Liebman)
Ciao (Greenwich – sweet, simple and sooo tasty)
Tsampa
(Cosy and hidden – Tibetan cuisine in the East Village….VERY yummy…a bit pricey!)
(from twin NY)
Tinto Fino- I think the sign says it all (for those of us who are Spanish wine lovers)
Kaas Glassworks. Amazing, amazing. (kaas.com)
Alfama – wonderful and so quaint. Quite pricey, but one of the few Portuguese places in the city that does it well.
I think the name sort of explains it. Amazing tapas. Hidden, cozy – lovely place in the West Village.
I have to stop here when I’m downtown. They have the best vintage and used finds in the area. And, not too bad on price either.
The absolute best gnocchi in rich gouda sauce I’ve ever had. Yumm. Wonderful service, too. A bit pricey, but great for a special visit. Wonderful wine list.
Because I can’t seem to decide which of the hundreds of photos I have best fit in here…and because I have about a thousand places I love here, I’ll just end with some of the spots that make me feel peaceful, give me a sense of quiet and really make me feel like ‘yeah, this is home.’ (away from home) 
(cafe cafe – lower left hand side – GREAT little break stop – laid back coffee shop atmosphere)
Fitzgerald has always been one of my favorite authors. And, I’m in love with Mia Farrow and Robert Redford (just watch A river runs through it – acting talent AND amazing director!) right now after revisiting the past through a little blurb about Robert R. on the news. The Great Gatsby. The light airy calm and stillness – the sudden outburst of emotion after lengths of barely audible tones. I read the book in my early teens and fell in love all over again after growing an appreciation for light in film while watching the movie as an adult. Some things are so wonderful to revisit. Mia seems ageless, Robert is, as usual, so suave, revere and calm….and the cinematography is just breathtaking. Jack Clayton, a superb director, (“I am Camera” – 1955, awesome. And, the original Moulin Rouge – 1952 – Zsa Zsa did SUCH a better job then Kidman! Please!) knew what he was doing with all the white linens amid the bright color bursts and sparkling summer light. Even the light use in the film has such waves of emotion! (But read the book first….wink).
I decided long ago that life is better spent with those I love. Being so independent, it’s hard not to strike out on my own and do things solo quite often, so I don’t always merge my passions with my favorite people. But lately I’ve felt the deep desire to bring to life those bonds that I share with others in our similarities. My Aunt, sister and I started a little vintage, dry goods shop here because we are all treasure hunters. Now, my sister (who sadly lives very far away from me) and I decided to try to stay connected a bit more through blogging together. Please take a peek and get lost in her very deep ocean of words. (She’ll be famous one day, she is already among us.)
I’m a traveler at heart, and when I can’t travel, it’s always VERY second best to at least learn, or look…browse pictures, languages – whatever – something to draw me a bit closer. Etsy has a wonderful selection of shops from all over the world – here are a few of my favorites from my first round of country searching: (in quite random order!) Look next for Ireland, Norway and a few other off the beaten path places!
Japan: I love Matryoshka (otherwise known at ’stacking dolls’). Finding this little coin purse on Etsy made me so happy! And, this school of tadpoles from AYMK was so odd that I had to include it.
Spain: I thought these ’sea’ earrings from Iomiss in Spain were stunning. Loved the tunic styling of this great yellow shirt from Katsai (also Spain). I am typically not a big fan of felted jewelry, but this necklace by Luziernaga was too great to pass up.
Italy: I have always loved these scarf pieces by Larimeloom in Italy since I found them a while back. And, I absolutely love her selection of shrugs, boleros and capelets, among other wonderful things. I love Suesun from Italy’s beaded jewelry pieces. I can’t decide if I’m craving summer so much that ‘made in sunny Genoa’ has anything to do with why I love Sunflowerdesign’s bags so much or not. (Maybe they are are just fabulous!) Betsys in Bergamo makes some beautiful, simple jewelry that I love. Anita’s Bags in Milano – very well crafted purses – I am completely taken with the ‘Clara’ series, which can be purchased in red or a variety of polka dot – and the sweet bow clutch. Stunning. And, from ‘When in doubt, draw flowers’, I simply love this little wallet. The mapping design and messenger bags from Italiacraft - so unique and original. I recently purchased a recipe booklet from Retrocall, which was just perfect, and she sent along this note set, that was so vintage and sweet. Great shop!
Sweden: Katafalk - love the little clocks and dails she works with. I dig the pocket mirrors at LaNinja.
France: The subtleties in A few seconds photos are quite breathtaking. I can’t stop staring at Vincent Teuliere’s mystic ship art photo. Another great photographer out of France – Kyrsun. Of course, Labokoff - one of my favorites on etsy.
Argentina: The concept for Trash but Chic shop is creative, and her pieces are quite amazing. Love Ciaffie’s digital imaging and artwork. India Y la Luna’s line ring is stunning, as well as her other unique offerings. I love the simple feminine appeal of this card set from Majito.
Africa: The concept of printed tape is really quite innovative – love it! (by Jezze)
India: The Enchanted Necklace by Art By Susmitha is just stunning – as well as her other very unique jewelry.
As my business begins to have foundation laid, I’m seriously starting to consider the reality that ‘going green’ has become a huge trend. It seems that label is popping everywhere – the super market’s line of canned goods now carry the ‘organic’ version tomato paste, skin care companies now have their ‘green’ lines, you have the option of ‘green’ in building material for homes. I shudder to think of using that label as a marketing tool when it’s so important to understand the full affects of NOT going green. It seems companies are opening up their lines to ‘include’ green in order to expand their markets, rather then convert that way altogether. I think the trend in the world has become ‘going green’ for ‘more green’ in the pocket, rather then going green for the right reasons. I decided to use organic goods in my products because of the impact not doing so has on people’s lives. Yes, I’m concerned about our environment, but I also don’t subscribe to most of the B.S. that the government puts out about it every year and the scare tactics about the world perishing unless I do something about the fuel emissions my car is putting out. I am excited to see the growing green movement because I know the impact it has on people is good. However, I’m disheartened to see that the motives behind ‘going green’ usually boil down to lining pockets and ’saving mother earth’ and have little focus on ’saving people.’ In my opinion, if a company is green and not fair trade, then they are only half way concerned with the planet. As far as I’m concerned, our focus is off – we should be focusing on sustaining people in the world before we worry about the world itself. Spraying pesticides on a field in India is harmful to the people that work in it and I’m more concerned about them, then I am the field. So, lets start promoting organic, FAIR TRADE products before we buy into the ‘going green’ trend wholeheartedly. Anyone can put some organic goods into their product, but who makes it? A child in China? A guy working for $00.20/hr in India? I would rather buy a fair trade product that was not organic, if I knew the people involved were treated fairly. Now, having the option to do both – perfect.
So, that being said – a place that is people-friendly (yes, fair trade) sustainable AND green (and OH, so stylish with fantastic photography) COVET
Also, keep an eye out for things coming from Sweden – they are one of the most sustainable focused countries in the world right now – especially in the area of fashion – AND most companies are usually fair trade, too. Sweden info.
Yes, I am a self proclaimed explore-a-holic. When trapped indoors, it’s either via writing a new song, using a new medium or surfing the web, adding to my list of ‘will go here someday.’ When outside, well, the sky is truly the limit. Today, after loading a new battery into my Polaroid, it’s off to explore! (And possibly get some good shots along the way – at least, that is the hope!)
Also, I found a few new places that I must add to my list…perhaps you’ll want to, as well!
SO unique and interesting – great odd finds for children – Paxton Gate
A favorite haunt of mine in Decatur, GA. (well, this isn’t new to me, but…it may be new to you! They currently stock Lollia ‘wish’ perfume – sweet/spicy and very addicting! (and such a pretty bottle!)
Eco-friendly AND super chic – Doe
Earth Girls (again proving the eco-friendly can be super fashionable)
A great place to stay ‘in the loop’ on all things green.
I am in love with their light, feminine clothing for Spring, especially this:
I’m in camera heaven. I just got an amazing deal on the following (and in working condition!!!): ANSCO Panda, Baby Brownie Special, Kewpie No3 box camera, Polariod Land model 95A
After a little hourly camera excursion, I finally powered up my old Nikon and have made the sweet transition to film. Using a much appreciated, but very out of date digital was just getting to me. Thanks to a sweet friend, I now own a beautiful polaroid which I will be playing with non-stop until production (sniff) of polaroid film ends. As well, the 8 old cameras found at thrift stores over the course of a year and the vintage movie camera from my grandparents……they will just have to remain….well….in the box, until I can figure out batteries, film and…..Eh-hem…how to use them. Excitement! Excitement! And, overwhelmed at the same time!
Some more random happenings – found her website today and am completely astounded. And, this makes me smile! I am also inspired to scour even more fashion and travel magazines after finding amazing editorials done by Nathaniel Goldberg and William Abranowicz.
Inspiration rocks!
Though today feels like a curl-up-on-the-couch-with-THIS-good-book-and-toasty-blanket day, I need to do a long-run-for-marathon-training/finish-up-my-4th-grader’s-science-lesson/hit-the-library with-two-crazy-toddlers/get-dinner-going-by-5 sort of hectic fly through life day. I’m praying that my long run does entice me to complete it with promises of an off day tomorrow. Oh, life! I envy all you singles or newly-marrieds-with-no-kiddos people out there right about now! And, how I took for granted a comfy couch and nice book in my childless years! Never again!
(Yet, when he proclaims, “Mommy! A pirate!” after spotting a rather unique homeless individual on the street…then, “but where’s his parrot?” in deathly serious tone….I do sideline my ‘whys’ of motherhood for a few moments!)
AHHHH.
My your days be filled with peace (or at least the anticipation of its coming!)
