cooking + love

My weekends are never what one would call relaxing.  It's a whirlwind of errands, chores and cooking, literally.  But I've finally come to accept that this is what it is.  And I've actually come to love it.

One of the things I absolutely love is, what has come be a weekly habit, of cooking for the week with Jay.  It has become such a wonderful respite, to be able to spend the day with him and cook side by side.  We talk, we laugh, we eat.  (And we have lunch for the rest of the week.)

Hoping it's going to be a great week!  Have a happy Monday!

friday faves | summer dresses

This past week's heat wave reminded me that my wardrobe is still missing a true summertime staple: the summer dress.  One that is casual enough for weekend brunch, but can be dressed up for work.  I'm crushing hard on these three right now.

1. Ruche 2. Ann Taylor 3. Anthropologie

So happy that the week just flew by thanks to the long weekend!  No big plans, but really hoping to get some time in the long neglected craft room.  I have a page on my scrap table that has literally been sitting there for nearly three weeks.  Wish me luck!

through the trees

Every year I'm amazed at how much light there is at 8 o'clock in the evening.  Lately this seems to be the perfect time for me to water.  The heat of the day has dissipated and cool breezes gently move through the trees.

And I get to watch the sun set through the our neighbor's trees.  A moment of utter peace!  Have a great Friday!

abalone sweater update

After knitting two baby blankets last year practically back to back, I wanted to knit something for me.  It was spring, so I decided on Abalone, a cute short sleeved sweater that I could easily use through summer.  I excitedly cast-on and mindlessly, but happily knit a stockinette pattern during my commute on BART.  Eventually, as with all my projects it seems, the sweater was set aside for another project, Clara (which deserves a whole separate post).

Fast forward to a couple months ago.  I thought I'd take another stab at knitting Abalone, after all, it was spring again.  As I re-acquainted myself with the pattern I soon discovered that I had knit more rows that needed.  Way.  More.  Rows.  

I've been slowly tinking back to get it to the right length so I can actually knit and possibly finish.  I know I really should just insert a lifeline to the correct length, but my last attempt at inserting a lifeline was less than successful.   So patiently I continue.

red white & blue

Hope everyone is having a great 4th of July weekend!

I can't complain! Life is good, very good!

friday faves | weekend inpsiration

Happy July! Made even happier with a three-day weekend! And if today is any indication it promises to be amazingly beautiful.

Love me a long weekend and of course it wouldn't be complete without some kind of crafty plans.  (I always seem to have crafty plans for the weekend, but this time I'm really going to get something done.)  On the list: scrapping, tinking back my Abalone sweater, and sewing Sparky's pillow cover. One of my must-do projects is blocking my Sugar Maple Shawl.

It has been sitting in my knitting bin since I sort of finished it a couple months ago.  And I've been going back and forth in my mind about what to do with it.  I say that I sort of finished it because I may have not knit enough pattern repeats.  And because I may not have knit enough pattern repeats I also may not be able to pick up enough stitches for the edging which is the sole reason I wanted to make this shawl in the first place. Que sera sera! 

And as if I didn't have enough to occupy myself, here's even more cute inspiration:

• Love her stuff: quilt bunting
• I just discovered her blog: paint chip banner

I wish I could say that my weekend will be all fun and games.  J will require my presence in the backyard as we start to clear away the ill designed pond that came with the house when we bought it to make way for a patio. I'll try to squeeze some fun in! Enjoy! xo