new domesticity

A local writer just released this book about a social phenomenon she calls "new domesticity," which is the re-emergence of things like knitting, canning, gardening, etc. It's one of my more favorite interviews of late and I'm totally planning on using an old bookstore gift card to buy the book. Check out my full article and let me know what you think. 

bite-sized dessert

You know, I wouldn't really say I have a sweet tooth. I get more excited about eggs for breakfast than scones, if you na'mean. Except then I had this birthday a few weeks ago and I do love me some carrot cake and banana bread and thankfully it's all been demolished but ... once you get in the habit of cake all the time, it's hard (but necessary) to quit cold-turkey. Perhaps I should give this sundae on a spoon notion a go. Isn't it so clever?!

[photo via Jenny]

vicarious travel

I have been majorly loving Olivia's photos of Iceland. They make me want to listen to Sigur Ros and curl up in a blanket. 

I want to be a flapper

Okay so if it was 1924 and Prohibition, would I actually be gutsy enough to be a flapper? Debatable. Since it's 2013 and I get to just admire the fabulous fashion via movies and musicals, I'll wholeheartedly say I want to be one and own this dress. 

Also, when did we stop doing The Charleston?! Today's dancing sucks in comparison. 

alone time

I went to my parents' house on Friday to hang out with them, see The Great Gatsby, etc. (ahem, I still do my laundry at home. It's fine.) Twas lovely, as always. So lovely that this was me yesterday afternoon: drama queen to the MAX. I had plans to go to a brewery and a new restaurant in Hillsborough (a nearby town) for work and while I realize that, logically, that reads as "uuuh yes please I'd love your job" I was not feeling it. I did not want to drink beer alone. I wanted to stay on the couch with my dog and my magazines and my mom and pour a glass of wine and watch a movie and let a thunderstorm roll on through. I'm almost embarrassed to tell you how grumpy I was getting about having to leave. I mean, how old am I? Because this sounds like I'm either 10 or 60 and I am neither. 

BUT. I figured my grumpy lump of a self might as well accomplish something so into the car I went. It monsooned and flash flooded on the interstate and I sincerely considered calling the brewery and restaurant to reschedule. I screamed profanities at the rain and the radio's poor music choice. I kept driving. 

And then, I kid you not, like THAT the rain didn't just disappear, the sun came out. I turned onto a road dripping with wisteria. I met some of the friendliest people I've met in a while. I drank a delightful seasonal saison at Mystery. I had a salad that was to die for at Radius - it involved lobster tail, asparagus, sugar snap peas and lemon. And grilled pizza dough bread. And I don't even like white wine that much but I was following the chef's recommendation and you know what? It was fab. 

I drove back home light and happy and still gulping in the wisteria. 

Morals of this story are: 

1. nobody should hang out in their own head foor too long. 

2. I believe in signs but sometimes it's not a sign. The monsoon - not a sign. 

3. solo activities can actually be the most satisfying. 

4. I fell in love with quirky, intelligent little Hillsborough. See ya there in 20 years. 

Happy Sunday. 

aging sisters

These 4 sisters took the same photo every year for 36 years and I can't stop scrolling and re-scrolling through them. What's interesting is that I think they get more beautiful as they get older - more distinguished and fuller of stories and personalities and memories. What do you think?

[via erin]

GATSBY.

Y'all. I'm so excited for this film I can barely handle it. The other day, a friend asked me what decade I would live in if I could choose any one and I chose the 1920's - flapper style all day everyday, please!