tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10758795701252228252024-03-05T20:24:02.629-08:00dear francesAmanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-73344699945657700272014-05-16T20:09:00.000-07:002014-05-16T20:09:07.371-07:00a spring like no other<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
If there is one thing that I can thank our last long brutal winter for, it is the utter desperate compulsion I have had to get outside at least once a day, under all circumstances, so long as the temperature is 30+ degrees. </div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
And we've been out. A lot. Looking at this compilation of photos, you might think we cover a lot of ground on our walks. Sometimes we do. But 30 of the 32 photos below were taken within two blocks of our house. </div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
One of the most amazing gifts that toddlers give you is forcing you to slow down - waaaaay down - and observe every square foot around you. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Weeds. Pinecones. Pebbles. Tiny divots and crevices filled with water. Tree bark. Moss. Bugs (we're talking every, single, tiny red ant).</span></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QuEuGfCp26Q/U3a-AlJ3KoI/AAAAAAAAC10/Rh0CpHnx_F4/s1600/blogger-image-2162684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QuEuGfCp26Q/U3a-AlJ3KoI/AAAAAAAAC10/Rh0CpHnx_F4/s400/blogger-image-2162684.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And when May comes, flowers. Oh, the flowers. I observe and obsess over the flowers around me to begin with - but I find that I see so much more when I am looking with Colin's little curious eyes in mind. For instance, the color variations in the tiny wild daisies everywhere - some are hot pink!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Tg2bgA_W864/U3a90WkNnDI/AAAAAAAAC1E/v8iVONHAZrI/s640/blogger-image-55175133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Tg2bgA_W864/U3a90WkNnDI/AAAAAAAAC1E/v8iVONHAZrI/s400/blogger-image-55175133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
I learn which spots in the sidewalk and in people's driveways collect the best rain puddles, and how truly awesome it is that you can see yourself, the trees above, and even an airplane flying overhead in its reflection. </div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kJSVzCsgpgI/U3a92jgZWzI/AAAAAAAAC1M/khcql013T_E/s1600/blogger-image-115572507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kJSVzCsgpgI/U3a92jgZWzI/AAAAAAAAC1M/khcql013T_E/s400/blogger-image-115572507.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">Colin is also trying to get me to believe that sometimes you just have to lay down in puddles to fully appreciate them - I am not so convinced. But I do know that the neighbors who don't edge the sidewalks in front of their homes harbor the best millipedes and roly poly bugs (or armadillidiidae, for any of you bug nerds out there) under the tufts of grass that hang over the cement. </span><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a8pkRFTt2Ns/U3a-Cmb02eI/AAAAAAAAC18/zDxEA00TTJY/s400/blogger-image-515355578.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-09_l0Erh8wY/U3a96wHPmiI/AAAAAAAAC1c/jCW5CtSXKOw/s1600/blogger-image-270011764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-09_l0Erh8wY/U3a96wHPmiI/AAAAAAAAC1c/jCW5CtSXKOw/s400/blogger-image-270011764.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="text-align: start;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Unrelated to our walks, I have also learned that 10 free minutes on the hammock at the tail end of baby's nap time is better than none at all, and who cares if a big tacky plastic turtle is staring at you while you savor that time. I sure don't.)</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TdmlZNJI3b4/U3a98q2KuaI/AAAAAAAAC1k/qFtW52tLfkU/s400/blogger-image--1422634553.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kzrpb4FHSwk/U3a94krgCrI/AAAAAAAAC1U/MhaJ4omMihE/s640/blogger-image--1576232127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kzrpb4FHSwk/U3a94krgCrI/AAAAAAAAC1U/MhaJ4omMihE/s400/blogger-image--1576232127.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
I have never felt more connected to the natural beauty around me since moving to Buffalo from Maine nearly twelve years ago. </div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
I'm so thankful to this little boy for slowing me down long enough to take it all in. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n9A9tvadW8E/U3a9-QlCBMI/AAAAAAAAC1s/Yz2xiufR1ro/s400/blogger-image--881051121.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
XO, and Happy Spring, friends!</div>
Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-19324620336321826902014-04-21T06:01:00.000-07:002014-04-21T06:01:45.972-07:00of rabbits, foxes and pirates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I started thinking about what I would put together for Colin for Easter months ago. I'm not sure why. Maybe because the surprises of Christmas were so fun to behold as a parent, and his birthday seems so far away? In any case, the excitement I felt over planning this day kind of surprised me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The first thing that came to mind was that I had to finally make a pillow insert to fit this pillowcase, which was mine as a baby. My mom recently dug it and a matching sheet up for me. It has an adorable but also creepy embroidered fox (I think?) smoking a cigarette! And also a wee cactus. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFNLx8PHPXU/U1R2P0E-hWI/AAAAAAAACuo/QvAw3d03t0E/s1600/photo+1+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFNLx8PHPXU/U1R2P0E-hWI/AAAAAAAACuo/QvAw3d03t0E/s1600/photo+1+copy+4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHdMwkva6qY/U1R3eC_jHJI/AAAAAAAACwk/sG2pZG81090/s1600/photo+3+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHdMwkva6qY/U1R3eC_jHJI/AAAAAAAACwk/sG2pZG81090/s1600/photo+3+copy+4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7i91kS5Z0U/U1R4aZ3BleI/AAAAAAAACxY/i6SYXEjyA8I/s1600/photo+4+copy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7i91kS5Z0U/U1R4aZ3BleI/AAAAAAAACxY/i6SYXEjyA8I/s1600/photo+4+copy+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Then there was this rabbit at the <a href="http://broadwaymarket.org/">Broadway Market</a>. Handmade, with moveable arms and legs! As soon as I saw him, I started hatching big plans for him. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YolOnoFmBkc/U1R2uQ2IYZI/AAAAAAAACvo/YZ4cMV8giAk/s1600/photo+2+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YolOnoFmBkc/U1R2uQ2IYZI/AAAAAAAACvo/YZ4cMV8giAk/s1600/photo+2+copy+4.JPG" height="320" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I instantly thought of the <a href="http://www.mailegusa.com/products/maileg-big-brother-mouse-in-box-16-3783-00">Maileg big brother mouse in a matchbox</a> that I covet, but just can't justify spending so much money on. A friend tipped me off to some soaps at Marshall's that would provide the perfect slide out style bed, and I had all of the materials to cover the outside of the box, and craft him a little mattress and quilt. It felt good to get crafty - it had been so long! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGTg3w4vZrw/U1R4hEd85dI/AAAAAAAACxo/YdWn2zxb02g/s1600/photo+4+copy+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGTg3w4vZrw/U1R4hEd85dI/AAAAAAAACxo/YdWn2zxb02g/s1600/photo+4+copy+5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rG8WYznY4_Q/U1R3hC44_0I/AAAAAAAACww/7dUncAyICZQ/s1600/photo+3+copy+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rG8WYznY4_Q/U1R3hC44_0I/AAAAAAAACww/7dUncAyICZQ/s1600/photo+3+copy+5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlQqcCGQZiI/U1R2VEVrBlI/AAAAAAAACu4/JgLiAptVURY/s1600/photo+1+copy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlQqcCGQZiI/U1R2VEVrBlI/AAAAAAAACu4/JgLiAptVURY/s1600/photo+1+copy+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was a big hit this morning!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxbhQnQL4Og/U1R21mUj8cI/AAAAAAAACwI/bZiUzdpPOIs/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxbhQnQL4Og/U1R21mUj8cI/AAAAAAAACwI/bZiUzdpPOIs/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also found these awesome pirate eggs, which fit the little animal finger puppets I got for Colin perfectly. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61HsGwN8npo/U1R4ZBWHbbI/AAAAAAAACxQ/qjT3jYxMLIM/s1600/photo+4+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61HsGwN8npo/U1R4ZBWHbbI/AAAAAAAACxQ/qjT3jYxMLIM/s1600/photo+4+copy+4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obB5LSBcqIs/U1R2V3gYC7I/AAAAAAAACu8/KaJLytMMOss/s1600/photo+1+copy+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obB5LSBcqIs/U1R2V3gYC7I/AAAAAAAACu8/KaJLytMMOss/s1600/photo+1+copy+5.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was impressed by how quickly Colin picked up on the "hunt" concept in the backyard this morning! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dp5xkNoihF8/U1R3nlEJuzI/AAAAAAAACxI/DOH7L-LbtiY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dp5xkNoihF8/U1R3nlEJuzI/AAAAAAAACxI/DOH7L-LbtiY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGocCoUzPF4/U1R24KlU_HI/AAAAAAAACwQ/6leqwaAcwAw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGocCoUzPF4/U1R24KlU_HI/AAAAAAAACwQ/6leqwaAcwAw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xsNDHxXH6jc/U1R4jTZ2mXI/AAAAAAAACxw/Lpn-Lp_l0BQ/s1600/photo+4+copy+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xsNDHxXH6jc/U1R4jTZ2mXI/AAAAAAAACxw/Lpn-Lp_l0BQ/s1600/photo+4+copy+6.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cracking the eggs to see what's inside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJS9zKRQy0o/U1R2S_38E-I/AAAAAAAACuw/hujP6HU3qL8/s1600/photo+1+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJS9zKRQy0o/U1R2S_38E-I/AAAAAAAACuw/hujP6HU3qL8/s1600/photo+1+copy+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsUJT4ZmcPU/U1R2wxGO0EI/AAAAAAAACv4/U5nYD9LkFPk/s1600/photo+2+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsUJT4ZmcPU/U1R2wxGO0EI/AAAAAAAACv4/U5nYD9LkFPk/s1600/photo+2+copy+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And books! Gah! There are so many adorable books for kids that emphasize the beauty and significance of Spring. I couldn't resist a few. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Hank Finds an Egg</i> is the mother of all adorable Spring and Easter appropriate books. Take two minutes to view <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b7GKvPsG6Y">this video preview</a> of it if your heart is able to withstand momentarily paralyzing levels of cuteness. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6_phtj-rZA/U1R2vX3c_DI/AAAAAAAACvs/40lRknfJ0eA/s1600/photo+2+copy+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6_phtj-rZA/U1R2vX3c_DI/AAAAAAAACvs/40lRknfJ0eA/s1600/photo+2+copy+5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><a href="http://www.adelearongreenspun.com/bunny_and_me__20742.htm">Bunny and Me</a></i> is just ridiculous. I found it at the thrift shop a couple days ago for $0.30. How could I refuse?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9SYXt4hKsU/U1R2bwu6hWI/AAAAAAAACvY/yy6tEfRcyeI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9SYXt4hKsU/U1R2bwu6hWI/AAAAAAAACvY/yy6tEfRcyeI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><a href="http://100bookseverychildshouldreadbeforegrowingup.com/tag/i-am-a-bunny/">I am a Bunny</a> </i>may just be one of my favorite kids' books so far - and we have a LOT of kids' books. It is simple and beautifully illustrated by Richard Scarry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAnRwx2_7aw/U1R4bnMGqOI/AAAAAAAACxg/pn0x8J_DOj0/s1600/photo+4+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAnRwx2_7aw/U1R4bnMGqOI/AAAAAAAACxg/pn0x8J_DOj0/s1600/photo+4+copy+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Colin was also spoiled by his Grammies and Nanas. There were stickers, books, sweets, assorted figurines of foul, an adorable antique hugger style Eton cap, a perfectly sized dump truck and front loader set, and much much more. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--IbKa5ku2Vs/U1R3lXrJ5-I/AAAAAAAACxA/YJ3dc8JSYtE/s1600/photo+3+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--IbKa5ku2Vs/U1R3lXrJ5-I/AAAAAAAACxA/YJ3dc8JSYtE/s1600/photo+3+copy.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We also did a lot of the traditional Easter related activities around town this year for the first time, including visiting the Easter Bunny last weekend. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First try was classically traumatizing ...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr6esz_Z1fs/U1R2WD_EVUI/AAAAAAAACvA/4cdXFZyzkag/s1600/photo+1+copy+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr6esz_Z1fs/U1R2WD_EVUI/AAAAAAAACvA/4cdXFZyzkag/s1600/photo+1+copy+6.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The second was much better - with Colin giving him a high five of approval.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-znvH8XxAaKU/U1R2zaMjlYI/AAAAAAAACwA/2kDv_tVaQtY/s1600/photo+2+copy+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-znvH8XxAaKU/U1R2zaMjlYI/AAAAAAAACwA/2kDv_tVaQtY/s1600/photo+2+copy+6.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This afternoon, after all of the eggs were found, the baskets combed through, the new books read, toys played with and naps taken, we had Easter dinner at Evan's uncle's house, where Colin loves to watch the airplanes flying overhead …</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWyTyLtEFNo/U1R2qC-djeI/AAAAAAAACvg/Bw3ikatpBW4/s1600/photo+2+copy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWyTyLtEFNo/U1R2qC-djeI/AAAAAAAACvg/Bw3ikatpBW4/s1600/photo+2+copy+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
… and to try to drown himself in a half full tote of dirty water while mama turns around to have a bite of ham. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hwn7z4FxM8/U1R3jV5m0DI/AAAAAAAACw4/O6I7BDpdumo/s1600/photo+3+copy+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hwn7z4FxM8/U1R3jV5m0DI/AAAAAAAACw4/O6I7BDpdumo/s1600/photo+3+copy+6.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Thankfully the experience didn't traumatize him enough to keep him from his beloved bath, and to try out his new foam bath letters when we got home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BATRfRNBZgE/U1R3eMsPlbI/AAAAAAAACwg/Q3_ZRxG7ywA/s1600/photo+3+copy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BATRfRNBZgE/U1R3eMsPlbI/AAAAAAAACwg/Q3_ZRxG7ywA/s1600/photo+3+copy+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCpSUBWVNhY/U1R4nQkUlII/AAAAAAAACyA/mghtyLqDPJo/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCpSUBWVNhY/U1R4nQkUlII/AAAAAAAACyA/mghtyLqDPJo/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="309" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Egg letters courtesy of Grammy. :)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wishing you all a Happy Easter, and a very happy, well-deserved Spring! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-83249537455657372522014-03-31T19:55:00.000-07:002014-03-31T19:55:13.684-07:00Dear Frances<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tKnr4bG2EOg/UzoGY3GdbuI/AAAAAAAACpA/uhRDL-CCMkA/s640/blogger-image-1121897434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tKnr4bG2EOg/UzoGY3GdbuI/AAAAAAAACpA/uhRDL-CCMkA/s320/blogger-image-1121897434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"The only time I got into trouble was in college when I accidentally cut a class during my first semester.... I looked at my schedule and thought I had a free period, so I went out to the woods to collect ferns for my biology class collection. </span></i><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I thought it was funny that everyone was at the tennis court - I had cut physical education! I got called before the House Committee. Fortunately my biology teacher was a member. When I told them I had been collecting ferns, he broke out laughing, so they forgave me." </span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My grandmother Frances has told me so many unbelievable stories about her life, and I'm not sure I will ever forgive myself for not writing them down immediately, and subsequently forgetting many of the rich details. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've never been good at retaining details and retelling stories in a way that does them justice - unlike my grandmother, whose clarity of even her earliest of memories is almost startling. (Frances, on her first grade experience: <i>"I attended a one room schoolhouse at Birch Harbor and loved it. I was so interested in what the older students were doing that I didn't do my own work, so the teacher gave up on me and I got put in subprimary class, where I colored pictures of fruit bowls and butterflies. That was fine with me."</i>) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She loves to talk to people - <i>all</i> people - and tell stories. Stories about herself, stories about others. Stories about decades of the past, stories about yesterday. Thankfully she also loves to write. Over the past year her voice has diminished to barely a whisper, mainly due to radiation treatments she had 20 years ago. Talking is now difficult for her - and presumably quite painful, though she'd never say so. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While it used to be difficult to get a word in edgewise, conversations are now almost entirely one sided, with her doing almost all of the listening, and almost none of the talking. It doesn't feel right to me, this role reversal. While I used to wish for a little more listening on her end, this new reality seems patently unfair - and the world is worse off for it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So while I still call and yammer on and on, filling her in on my day to day adventures with Colin, work and life overall, I've decided to start writing her letters more frequently, and to leave her with a few questions per letter to answer in writing, at her leisure. I wasn't really sure how she would take to an "assignment" - she is a very busy woman, and - despite all of the talking </span>and storytelling she is famous for - doesn't exactly relish the exercise of talking about herself. B<span style="font-family: inherit;">ut I gather from the seven page letter that I received from her today that she enjoyed recounting several of her school related memories in response to my first round of questioning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I will press on. Tomorrow I will put another letter in the mail, with a few new qu</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">estions (and a few follow ups that this ex-journalism major can't stop herself from asking). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But first - Frances, on not being sure what she wanted to "do" after college:<i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"I always thought I'd like to be a writer, and still might do that." </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1Hj3axugOY/Uzonrbn98AI/AAAAAAAACpQ/L9_yIupZUWg/s1600/Bredeau003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1Hj3axugOY/Uzonrbn98AI/AAAAAAAACpQ/L9_yIupZUWg/s1600/Bredeau003.jpg" height="400" width="252" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">xoxox</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PS - <i>"I'm back" </i>sounds a little too </span>…<span style="font-family: inherit;"> bombastic? </span>…<span style="font-family: inherit;"> but as my fingers itch to peck away longer and longer Instagram captions lately, it has </span>occurred<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to me that there might be a better venue for such observations </span>…<span style="font-family: inherit;"> So I will say that I do hope and intend to get things going again here on Dear Frances. Thank you to one of the blog's namesakes for inspiring me to write again. Both here, and on paper. And thank you for visiting </span>- I have missed this.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-51966946460001794592012-10-18T15:48:00.002-07:002012-10-18T15:48:57.218-07:00worth the wait<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Holy smokes. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have not posted in over 4 months. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In that time I got more and more pregnant (go figure!); amassed a gazillion photos and instagrammed them to post here and then never found time to do so; was treated to five baby showers by some of the best friends and family a lady could ask for; bitched about the heat, humidity and lack of rain this summer more than I care to admit; bought my first pair of Birkenstocks to accommodate my swollen football feet....</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And then, a little over a month ago, on September 6, 2012 ...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wO4_gZOhQ5M/UH10ohDFURI/AAAAAAAACbs/kGO2wqumdMI/s1600/IMG_5797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wO4_gZOhQ5M/UH10ohDFURI/AAAAAAAACbs/kGO2wqumdMI/s1600/IMG_5797.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Colin, at one month old (he's now 6 weeks old today - impossible!!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This guy came into the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He's been referred to as the meatloaf, the peanut, sweet pea, honey bear. More formally known as Colin. He is the center of our universe now and we wouldn't have it any other way. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But let's be real here - like all healthy bundles of joy, he is all-consuming. So please excuse the hiatus of unknown duration here, and know that I miss posting to this blog very much. Once I hit that magical point that all moms I know assure me will come - when you feel more like your pre-baby self again and you have some semblance of control over your time - I will be back. Promise. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Until then, check out <a href="http://colinbussiere.tumblr.com/">Colin's tumblr page</a> where we post new photos of our petit chou often. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xoxox</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-74099061450686801172012-06-05T08:44:00.001-07:002012-06-05T08:46:11.796-07:00A successful Memorial Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
... defined here as plunging into freezing water and having a cheeseburger loaded with pickles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOjH-683RBQ/T8wmNRpmNrI/AAAAAAAACac/-NoA1HGN3io/s320/IMG_2679.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ob86YsV2GM/T8wmP3cf2UI/AAAAAAAACak/wp0tQlVr4IA/s1600/IMG_2680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ob86YsV2GM/T8wmP3cf2UI/AAAAAAAACak/wp0tQlVr4IA/s320/IMG_2680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, that is the real color, and not an Instagram trick.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-An3KmmX6NNI/T8wmSYkXQnI/AAAAAAAACas/8KHE7L5LeHM/s1600/IMG_2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-An3KmmX6NNI/T8wmSYkXQnI/AAAAAAAACas/8KHE7L5LeHM/s320/IMG_2681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxdAfms5m4U/T8wmUT6JdRI/AAAAAAAACa0/kE4oB4PmI3k/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxdAfms5m4U/T8wmUT6JdRI/AAAAAAAACa0/kE4oB4PmI3k/s320/IMG_2682.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Jake helping me get ready to float in the mighty freezing Niagara. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3EciUMeMB4/T8wmWZ8do0I/AAAAAAAACa8/TNgYI5B4XjA/s1600/IMG_2683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3EciUMeMB4/T8wmWZ8do0I/AAAAAAAACa8/TNgYI5B4XjA/s320/IMG_2683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Evan fetching the drink I left all the way down the stairs on the boat. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">These boys sure know how to treat a pregnant lady.</span><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jvFs8VwlttY/T8wmYZi0YXI/AAAAAAAACbE/G6jk2D5t8go/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jvFs8VwlttY/T8wmYZi0YXI/AAAAAAAACbE/G6jk2D5t8go/s320/IMG_2684.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a hot, hot Memorial Day (90ish?) spent cooling off in the breeze of
the Niagara River in Lewiston, catching up with one of our oldest Buffalo friends, now living in L.A. but home for holiday weekend. We decided not to actually take the boat
out, but instead just hung out down on the dock. But I had to get in the
water. Had to. Those who know me well know that this is really beyond my
control - like a sickness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Evan does not share my hydroholic tendencies, especially when the water in question is, say, below 70 degrees (admittedly, I have
no idea what water temperature is considered comfortable by normal
people, as you'll see).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Getting in the water involved a particularly ungraceful flop from
the back of the boat, clutching onto a
floatation device (see above) and then paddling with one arm
back to the boat to hang on. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was no actual
swimming involved - just a jarring mild paralysis as I waited for things
to go a little numb, and then shimmied myself to a position where my
belly fit into the tube's hole, with my backside basking in the sun and
my front side freezing in the water. (One of my favorite things ever.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was the closest approximation that I have felt anywhere in
Western New York to the frigid Maine ocean that I love and miss so wildly. I think Jake's dad said it was about 55 degrees, which I do know
most normal people would find unpleasant, but I find - honest to god - refreshing. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJFkuyXFpFw/T8wmadGa5VI/AAAAAAAACbM/qaOHjEYyIT8/s1600/IMG_2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJFkuyXFpFw/T8wmadGa5VI/AAAAAAAACbM/qaOHjEYyIT8/s320/IMG_2689.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We ended the day attempting to assuage a fierce craving with an epic journey through the 'burbs for the dinner of champions - cheeseburgers at <a href="http://www.fiveguys.com/">Five Guys</a>. I suggested we suck it up and brave the mall location, so that at least we could maybe swing into the Children's Place to use a coupon on something - maybe pick out our first baby outfit together? (we both lack the obsessive baby clothing gene), to make the trip feel a little more justified. We got to the mall around 7 pm to find it closed, and proceeded to trek up Transit Ave to the other Five Guys, meaning that we probably spent more money on gas to get there than we did on the meal itself.<br />
<br />
You see, Five Guys is one of just a few places in Buffalo where I can get a burger loaded with pickles actually <i>on</i> the burger. Maybe you are from a place where that doesn't seem like a big deal, like me. A place where getting pickles on your burger doesn't mean having to take the pickle spear they give you on the side, slice it crudely with your butter knife, and stick the ill fitting pieces onto the burger, constantly poking them back into place as they try to escape with every bite.<br />
<br />
OH - and riddle me this - if you buy a hotdog from a hotdog stand around here, you can almost always get pickles on it. Whaaat? Seriously, Western New York - what gives? So, yes, I guess you could say this is a peeve of mine, and that the availability of pre-sliced pickles (regardless of their caliber) has pretty much become my benchmark for a good burger 'round here. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*End of pickle rant. * (for now)</div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-49396972251418934542012-06-03T19:44:00.000-07:002012-06-04T12:59:35.173-07:00garden retail therapy and a new mantra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6a_ALktc78/T8mEwGn4rCI/AAAAAAAACYk/wOFzPC0M5qU/s1600/IMG_2588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6a_ALktc78/T8mEwGn4rCI/AAAAAAAACYk/wOFzPC0M5qU/s400/IMG_2588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
There are only a handful of shopping venues that I would classify as "therapeutic" - meaning that I usually have a smile on my face the whole time I am browsing, my mind is completely clear of stress and clutter, I take my sweet time taking everything in and don't have that "Oh my God, I am wasting so much time and money and need to get the hell out of here" feeling. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The handful of my personal retail therapy venues include fabric stores, farmers markets, thrift and junk shops, flea markets, flower markets and garden centers. I recently treated myself to a little dose of the last, when I set out to splurge on some annuals to put in pots.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xemr9-YgQg/T8mEWtSsPbI/AAAAAAAACXM/_6WDJop1tPA/s1600/IMG_2565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xemr9-YgQg/T8mEWtSsPbI/AAAAAAAACXM/_6WDJop1tPA/s400/IMG_2565.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRcRkMib7j8/T8mEYgZKSfI/AAAAAAAACXU/Y4mrslDPRKU/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRcRkMib7j8/T8mEYgZKSfI/AAAAAAAACXU/Y4mrslDPRKU/s400/IMG_2567.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1hRZVj8UIk/T8mEbiiYNMI/AAAAAAAACXc/OHHXP3FheYY/s1600/IMG_2569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1hRZVj8UIk/T8mEbiiYNMI/AAAAAAAACXc/OHHXP3FheYY/s400/IMG_2569.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8ZCd08-_qo/T8mEeBkyV5I/AAAAAAAACXk/zJWWfgUgPBs/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8ZCd08-_qo/T8mEeBkyV5I/AAAAAAAACXk/zJWWfgUgPBs/s400/IMG_2571.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> photo bomb</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPtPJP3VyAE/T8mEg9boZ4I/AAAAAAAACXs/YJ57JQO_Pic/s1600/IMG_2580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPtPJP3VyAE/T8mEg9boZ4I/AAAAAAAACXs/YJ57JQO_Pic/s400/IMG_2580.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This little shopping trip was an exercise in what I am calling "less planning, more doing" - something I aspire to make my new mantra (ignore for a moment that it sounds an awful lot like the Home Depot tagline). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am, by nature, prone to fits of obsessive planning, researching, debating and - ultimately - indecision, which all too often ultimately stalls if not completely extinguishes many of my creative aspirations.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztheuiCzQtM/T8mEimGadvI/AAAAAAAACX0/qFtWi4AlJT8/s1600/IMG_2581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztheuiCzQtM/T8mEimGadvI/AAAAAAAACX0/qFtWi4AlJT8/s400/IMG_2581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I recently heard that my favorite floral designer came down with a bad case of <a href="http://instagr.am/p/LWEhpQMMqs/">clematis</a>. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I think its going around.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49MStIMLzpU/T8mEksTRtrI/AAAAAAAACX8/jsXa3clderM/s1600/IMG_2582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49MStIMLzpU/T8mEksTRtrI/AAAAAAAACX8/jsXa3clderM/s400/IMG_2582.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Holla holla, hellabore. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usqw8rcbe7w/T8mEmNHcVeI/AAAAAAAACYE/AjUMnY_3R3g/s1600/IMG_2583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usqw8rcbe7w/T8mEmNHcVeI/AAAAAAAACYE/AjUMnY_3R3g/s400/IMG_2583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>{All shots above taken at <a href="http://www.elberslandscape.com/">Elbers</a>, around the corner from my house. It's good to have a garden center that close to home, and I was really impressed with their selection this year. All shots below taken at <a href="http://www.urbanroots.org/">Urban Roots</a> - a cooperative community garden center with an excellent selection of plants and garden supplies, staffed by your knowledgable, friendly, garden crazy Buffalo neighbors. They also host several workshops and events (including plant swaps!) throughout the year, and happen to have one of the most adorable websites I have ever seen (<a href="http://www.urbanroots.org/">check it out</a>).}</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZQbBjtHYzw/T8mEo_sWP7I/AAAAAAAACYM/m_P_pZn0pQ4/s1600/IMG_2584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZQbBjtHYzw/T8mEo_sWP7I/AAAAAAAACYM/m_P_pZn0pQ4/s400/IMG_2584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Japanese painted fern - I will be back for you.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pAAbKhQCuRE/T8mErKMegaI/AAAAAAAACYU/FQvFh7z6zMY/s1600/IMG_2585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pAAbKhQCuRE/T8mErKMegaI/AAAAAAAACYU/FQvFh7z6zMY/s400/IMG_2585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> And you too, Jenny.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHmGD4GllHc/T8mEtRh7ZpI/AAAAAAAACYc/3DMEMMZuBzk/s1600/IMG_2586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHmGD4GllHc/T8mEtRh7ZpI/AAAAAAAACYc/3DMEMMZuBzk/s400/IMG_2586.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> And you, Jacob.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qThRe6ckL0o/T8mEyk93aCI/AAAAAAAACYs/3JnbrgVhpuk/s1600/IMG_2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qThRe6ckL0o/T8mEyk93aCI/AAAAAAAACYs/3JnbrgVhpuk/s400/IMG_2589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvwacfaZvfg/T8mE0EWnEII/AAAAAAAACY0/DmGic3E0opg/s1600/IMG_2590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvwacfaZvfg/T8mE0EWnEII/AAAAAAAACY0/DmGic3E0opg/s400/IMG_2590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It's been a while since a new car has made my heart go budumpadump like this his luscious minty Fiat parked outside Urban Roots.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Last year when I went to Urban Roots to pick out container garden plants I spent a stupid amount of time putting this and that together, trying to decide then and there what plants to put in which pot with which other plants, and trying to remember which pots I had at home, what the colors and sizes were etc. Madness, right? Only to get home and realize I had totally misjudged my container inventory, that the plants didn't quite look as good together when potted as I had thought they would, etc etc. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABhYMANPckU/T8mE2SBHc0I/AAAAAAAACY8/ub5P7AwUVJI/s1600/IMG_2633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABhYMANPckU/T8mE2SBHc0I/AAAAAAAACY8/ub5P7AwUVJI/s400/IMG_2633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhXAxGQdTc8/T8mE42LMCXI/AAAAAAAACZE/Ghaj9ZOX1K0/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhXAxGQdTc8/T8mE42LMCXI/AAAAAAAACZE/Ghaj9ZOX1K0/s400/IMG_2635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OChStBaCT8E/T8mE73olGMI/AAAAAAAACZM/p7nACeEdhVk/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OChStBaCT8E/T8mE73olGMI/AAAAAAAACZM/p7nACeEdhVk/s400/IMG_2636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dB7vJgHcMM4/T8mE-pHZgNI/AAAAAAAACZU/_adnxXbReYo/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dB7vJgHcMM4/T8mE-pHZgNI/AAAAAAAACZU/_adnxXbReYo/s400/IMG_2637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTeKtcWQKig/T8mFAtunCXI/AAAAAAAACZc/qAgnYJ3NypA/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTeKtcWQKig/T8mFAtunCXI/AAAAAAAACZc/qAgnYJ3NypA/s400/IMG_2638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8-x7zLmF1k/T8mFC_mZeqI/AAAAAAAACZk/l5da2Kfyfmk/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8-x7zLmF1k/T8mFC_mZeqI/AAAAAAAACZk/l5da2Kfyfmk/s400/IMG_2639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7hmFRHnkjQ/T8mFEtN8OrI/AAAAAAAACZs/bH4kF3C-dtg/s1600/IMG_2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7hmFRHnkjQ/T8mFEtN8OrI/AAAAAAAACZs/bH4kF3C-dtg/s400/IMG_2640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpBfMMXCScU/T8mFHbXNiuI/AAAAAAAACZ0/vxe7BqKH4oI/s1600/IMG_2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpBfMMXCScU/T8mFHbXNiuI/AAAAAAAACZ0/vxe7BqKH4oI/s400/IMG_2642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGk8xSwoO5c/T8mFJ2unMuI/AAAAAAAACZ8/1JL0BfjPyEE/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGk8xSwoO5c/T8mFJ2unMuI/AAAAAAAACZ8/1JL0BfjPyEE/s400/IMG_2643.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q1uDq0SFWQg/T8mFMLUW9CI/AAAAAAAACaE/iVhhIxgFc5s/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q1uDq0SFWQg/T8mFMLUW9CI/AAAAAAAACaE/iVhhIxgFc5s/s400/IMG_2645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtsuDzyqbpw/T8mFOHMfqrI/AAAAAAAACaM/5yP-KA8Hw7c/s1600/IMG_2646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtsuDzyqbpw/T8mFOHMfqrI/AAAAAAAACaM/5yP-KA8Hw7c/s400/IMG_2646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>This smells ridiculously beautiful. If only I could remember its name.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So this year I just took my time browsing and compiling anything that struck me as particularly beautiful or interesting. And while I tried to keep it diverse, I didn't worry about what would go with what or which pots they would go in. And - shockingly - it all came together quite easily and was a much more enjoyable experience. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Apologies for skipping the weekly review last week. Another post or two is coming on other notables, including an afternoon spent on the Niagara River - where, with the exception of minor meltdown over a HUGE black spider on Evan's shirt (flashbacks to my horrid sci-fi spider bite episode from last summer) we had a lazy, breezy time catching up with one of our oldest Buffalo friends who now lives in L.A. (and he freaked out a little about the spider too, so that made me feel a little better).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Happy summer!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
xoxox</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-48486820052414609232012-05-20T14:46:00.003-07:002012-05-20T14:46:45.781-07:00the week in review: good reads, magic and Mozart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
A pictorial review of the week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Flower appreciation.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8slLXmniBdU/T7lbabztzbI/AAAAAAAACU8/ewB06Ivqg7k/s1600/IMG_2258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8slLXmniBdU/T7lbabztzbI/AAAAAAAACU8/ewB06Ivqg7k/s320/IMG_2258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 1 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prettiest flowers I have ever seen growing out of a crack in the sidewalk. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pahq-B_7woU/T7lbb7oepuI/AAAAAAAACVE/-ryhtvEfllk/s1600/IMG_2259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pahq-B_7woU/T7lbb7oepuI/AAAAAAAACVE/-ryhtvEfllk/s320/IMG_2259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 2 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Campanula. Why do they remind me of toys, images and characters from my childhood in the early 80s?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5V1-ABygQs/T7lbmncyeoI/AAAAAAAACV0/YS2ilKtfAYQ/s1600/IMG_2287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5V1-ABygQs/T7lbmncyeoI/AAAAAAAACV0/YS2ilKtfAYQ/s320/IMG_2287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 3 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My beloved clematis burst into bloom this week.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOT2nYmeH-M/T7lboZWJYzI/AAAAAAAACV8/-MxDpFkeRK8/s1600/IMG_2288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOT2nYmeH-M/T7lboZWJYzI/AAAAAAAACV8/-MxDpFkeRK8/s320/IMG_2288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Living room progress surges on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jahywiiKLJw/T7lbdGFCobI/AAAAAAAACVM/BYPMSJwN1Gk/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jahywiiKLJw/T7lbdGFCobI/AAAAAAAACVM/BYPMSJwN1Gk/s320/IMG_2282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
/ 4 / </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Evan spent most of the evenings this week scraping, and scraping, and scraping the 10 windows in the sunroom. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z4vlnjewGI/T7lbfpMJSXI/AAAAAAAACVU/Cx0hLlXwtUM/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z4vlnjewGI/T7lbfpMJSXI/AAAAAAAACVU/Cx0hLlXwtUM/s320/IMG_2283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 5 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More attention and commitment to detail - original hardware covered in layers of paint by decades of DIY homeowners without Evan's attention to detail. Soaked in baking soda and water, and scraped and polished. Like magic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3d2bGzYy_w/T7lbhROrM1I/AAAAAAAACVc/b3-47BWO3d8/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3d2bGzYy_w/T7lbhROrM1I/AAAAAAAACVc/b3-47BWO3d8/s320/IMG_2284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3PIuwEJzM4/T7lbxm4lOxI/AAAAAAAACWs/L1NWIPiqIaU/s1600/IMG_2385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3PIuwEJzM4/T7lbxm4lOxI/AAAAAAAACWs/L1NWIPiqIaU/s320/IMG_2385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 6 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Living room on lock-down - the sanding has begun.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PiVOVfaXMWk/T7lbi1jlYcI/AAAAAAAACVk/yvXwWUr2Ljk/s1600/IMG_2285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PiVOVfaXMWk/T7lbi1jlYcI/AAAAAAAACVk/yvXwWUr2Ljk/s320/IMG_2285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 7 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One wheel down, three to go on the antique industrial cart that we're turning into a coffee table (see <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2012/05/week-in-review-good-food-good-music.html">here</a>). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmPsRowi2xc/T7lbo1bTvfI/AAAAAAAACWE/fdqPqDyOIYM/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmPsRowi2xc/T7lbo1bTvfI/AAAAAAAACWE/fdqPqDyOIYM/s320/IMG_2336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 8 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sully telepathically communicating.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U5VJrAeioAY/T7lbsQ3tjuI/AAAAAAAACWU/gH4KV53oD4w/s1600/IMG_2381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U5VJrAeioAY/T7lbsQ3tjuI/AAAAAAAACWU/gH4KV53oD4w/s320/IMG_2381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 9 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dinner at <a href="http://www.leftbankrestaurant.com/">Left Bank </a>- a 16 oz porterhouse steak that I thought would be impossible to finish, but alas, was not. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnjX5mo228Q/T7lbt301zbI/AAAAAAAACWc/OYhq7j8Wxwk/s1600/IMG_2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnjX5mo228Q/T7lbt301zbI/AAAAAAAACWc/OYhq7j8Wxwk/s320/IMG_2383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 10 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dinner at home. An odd medley of ingredients in the fridge that actually turned out quite tasty and definitely unexpected - feta, cilantro, red onion, jalepeno, cider vinegar and lemon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tq8tmRFnmno/T7lbvojaz4I/AAAAAAAACWk/GtKf9j9TTwY/s1600/IMG_2384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tq8tmRFnmno/T7lbvojaz4I/AAAAAAAACWk/GtKf9j9TTwY/s320/IMG_2384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
/ 11 / </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Impromptu vinyl session inspires Hey Ladies dance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xS7sGI8h3Xw/T7lbrO-7JYI/AAAAAAAACWM/aTYbKpYvTyM/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xS7sGI8h3Xw/T7lbrO-7JYI/AAAAAAAACWM/aTYbKpYvTyM/s320/IMG_2374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A lot of Billy Joel, a little Jefferson Airplane, a lot of hip hop and some Mozart to wrap things up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Good reads. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XILJVhxfsMA/T7lhba1buyI/AAAAAAAACXA/52fRSdSFWz0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XILJVhxfsMA/T7lhba1buyI/AAAAAAAACXA/52fRSdSFWz0/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
/ 12 / </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a fun surprise to get this in the mail this week from my friend Penny - a down-to-earth, <a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/the-three-martini-playdate.html">hilarious approach to parenting</a> that I can really get behind. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubQhhZE9XI0/T7lbzOTyC3I/AAAAAAAACW0/BWwMV6HADmU/s1600/IMG_2386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubQhhZE9XI0/T7lbzOTyC3I/AAAAAAAACW0/BWwMV6HADmU/s320/IMG_2386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 13 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And some more parenting tips. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ways-Make-Your-Dog-Smile/dp/0761129030">This</a> made me smile while waiting to take Sully in for blood work at the vet. Might have to pick up a copy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These weekly roundups just reiterate how quickly time flies. Like woah, Nelly. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hope you all had a great week. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xoxo</div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-51786658409998035902012-05-15T08:31:00.000-07:002012-05-15T08:31:15.176-07:00the week in review: good food, good music, coffee table project and family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
A (mostly) pictorial review of the week.<br />
<i></i><br />
<i>(A wee bit late ... should have been posted last Friday). </i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr8EhlFwzVY/T63Lb_m_MwI/AAAAAAAACUY/WGjHgB74Y3I/s1600/IMG_2232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr8EhlFwzVY/T63Lb_m_MwI/AAAAAAAACUY/WGjHgB74Y3I/s320/IMG_2232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
/ 1 / </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lemon Buttermilk sorbet, inspired by <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/">a recent trip to my favorite restaurant</a>. Recipe found <a href="http://lemonsandanchovies.com/2012/03/lemon-buttermilk-sorbet/#.T7J071IykwQ">here</a>. The official kick-off to homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet season - highly, highly recommended! My only modification came from a lack of planning - I only had one lemon, so that's how much zest and juice I used. Honestly, even though I am a lover of lemon and all things intensely tart and sour, I can't imagine making this with any more than one lemon. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-0lvczMbxQ/T63LYgCWs2I/AAAAAAAACUI/-sHuOctp610/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-0lvczMbxQ/T63LYgCWs2I/AAAAAAAACUI/-sHuOctp610/s320/IMG_2149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
/ 2 / </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
St. Vincent at the Town Ballroom. Annie Clark was such a great performer - obviously her voice is stunning, but she also seemed comfortable and genuine in her comments between songs which is always a bonus. Her crowd surfing at the end made me nostalgic for high school ... my first concert and crowd surfing experience was at Dinosaur Jr. at the State Theater in Portland, Maine in 1994.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XSIz_Bmue4/T63Lad0ICXI/AAAAAAAACUQ/27svuPt7J4w/s1600/IMG_2225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XSIz_Bmue4/T63Lad0ICXI/AAAAAAAACUQ/27svuPt7J4w/s320/IMG_2225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 3 /</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dinner at Bambino with my lovely lady lawyer friends. We shared a lot of things, but this was by far the prettiest - assorted melon balls over arugula and proscuitto with balsamic drizzle. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbH98F6btsc/T63LdpCtL1I/AAAAAAAACUg/OA1P-trUeG4/s1600/IMG_2233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbH98F6btsc/T63LdpCtL1I/AAAAAAAACUg/OA1P-trUeG4/s320/IMG_2233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 4 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A coffee table in the making. I found four industrial carts locally on Craigslist - we bought two, convinced another friend to buy a third, and then sold one of ours to other friends. They've all finished restoring and converting theirs already and both of them look amazing. Things on this end are moving a bit slower due to the living and sun room renovations underway. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5B7XzrbXWY/T63LfFS59ZI/AAAAAAAACUo/-620NeWGglU/s1600/IMG_2234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5B7XzrbXWY/T63LfFS59ZI/AAAAAAAACUo/-620NeWGglU/s320/IMG_2234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the wheels after Evan cleaned off some of the rust and gunk (new pictures of this wheel completely gunk free coming soon). I love the pin detail. I'm feeling pretty smug that we'll have something like <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1558003">this</a> for more than ten times less. The thrill of the hunt and being able to watch it transform from a crusty work horse into something beautiful for the house right before my eyes makes it that much more satisfying. If you are interested in one and cant source inexpensive carts in need of DIY'ing, Etsy has <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=factory%20cart%20coffee%20table&view_type=gallery&ship_to=ZZ&min=0&max=0&ref=auto2">some great finished options</a>. Not inexpensive, but now that I am seeing all the work that can go into cleaning one of these buggers up, I can say that they are not overpriced either.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJmJubEZxKQ/T63LhJ0GCXI/AAAAAAAACUw/6_ovh_Pwk88/s1600/IMG_2248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJmJubEZxKQ/T63LhJ0GCXI/AAAAAAAACUw/6_ovh_Pwk88/s320/IMG_2248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 5 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer bedding switchover! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not pictured: Getting to visit Evan's Aunt and Uncle on Friday - they just moved to Buffalo from Nashua, NH this week. It is the first time since we moved here 10 years ago that we've had family in the area, and it feels great. Evan's Aunt and Uncle met each other while living out here over 25 years ago - his Aunt was from here, his uncle was from Massachusetts. They moved to New England but always came back a few times a year to visit her family. When Evan's grandparents passed away, they decided to move back to be closer to her family, and incidentally, ours! They do not have children of their own, and Evan is their godson - so it will be like having one set of grandparents nearby when the little guys arrives in September. Good stuff. :)</div>
</div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-36880738210659703212012-05-04T19:35:00.001-07:002012-05-04T19:39:26.967-07:00the week in review: art, flora, my "least meal" and staggeringly thoughtful birthday gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
A pictorial review of the week. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bV3bl7cpag/T6RDlZQYfmI/AAAAAAAACR8/03J_oRSJqao/s1600/IMG_1952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bV3bl7cpag/T6RDlZQYfmI/AAAAAAAACR8/03J_oRSJqao/s320/IMG_1952.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 1 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Sunday trip to the <a href="http://www.burchfieldpenney.org/">Birchfield Penney</a> art museum. <a href="http://www.burchfieldpenney.org/artists/artist:james-j-vullo/">James J. Vullo</a>'s "flying sculptures."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-go_7p6KAF0U/T6RDnUiDw5I/AAAAAAAACSE/TTy-CfF6bYg/s1600/IMG_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-go_7p6KAF0U/T6RDnUiDw5I/AAAAAAAACSE/TTy-CfF6bYg/s320/IMG_1953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A recreation of <a href="http://www.burchfieldpenney.org/exhibitions/exhibition:12-19-2011-12-19-2016-charles-e-burchfield-s-gardenville-studio/">Charles Burchfield's studio</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1v5vOTRyeuY/T6RDpKLfbCI/AAAAAAAACSM/nEw0JwU-JF8/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1v5vOTRyeuY/T6RDpKLfbCI/AAAAAAAACSM/nEw0JwU-JF8/s320/IMG_1954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KX1n0SFLtQs/T6RDqqb6f1I/AAAAAAAACSU/Hj0_7hXJB6Y/s1600/IMG_1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KX1n0SFLtQs/T6RDqqb6f1I/AAAAAAAACSU/Hj0_7hXJB6Y/s320/IMG_1973.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 2 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Birthday dinner at Tempo. Tasty tart mocktail to start.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_9nDiltQCQ/T6RDrn9EosI/AAAAAAAACSc/0CMIk6MnNN0/s1600/IMG_1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_9nDiltQCQ/T6RDrn9EosI/AAAAAAAACSc/0CMIk6MnNN0/s320/IMG_1974.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Antipasto. The feta and salami were amazing, and even better paired with the roasted red pepper spread.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CxcIcMCLdoU/T6RDurP5OZI/AAAAAAAACSo/S8FTiazd1_c/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CxcIcMCLdoU/T6RDurP5OZI/AAAAAAAACSo/S8FTiazd1_c/s320/IMG_1976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Best carpaccio in town: herb and sea salt marinated rare beef sirloin with a</span>rugula, shaved parmigiano reggiano, garlic dressing and capers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-In2Txw6do/T6RDwcTrGJI/AAAAAAAACSw/YG2xQTy54WA/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-In2Txw6do/T6RDwcTrGJI/AAAAAAAACSw/YG2xQTy54WA/s320/IMG_1977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This would - hands down - be my "last meal." It's been my favorite special occasion meal in the city for the past five years or so: proscuitto wrapped filet crusted in warm gorgonzola, over the best gnocchi I have ever had (browned and somewhat crispy on the outside, pillowy and warm inside) with garlic braised escarole. Looks fussier than it tastes, but the combination of flavors is seriously stunning considering that they are not particularly exotic. Just perfectly prepared.<br />
Never ever fails me.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjUvZca6-dA/T6RD1iuL2EI/AAAAAAAACTE/R7CPLQbb6q0/s1600/IMG_1979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjUvZca6-dA/T6RD1iuL2EI/AAAAAAAACTE/R7CPLQbb6q0/s320/IMG_1979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorbet trio for dessert - highlight was the one on the right: a lemon buttermilk sorbet. I wasted no time in looking up recipes to make at home. Found one <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Lemon-Buttermilk-Sorbet-105187">here</a> - a bowl of it is sitting in the fridge, waiting to be put through the ice cream maker this weekend. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxVwHaX5gN8/T6RD8Fj3VEI/AAAAAAAACTM/GY-30Jmclgo/s1600/IMG_1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxVwHaX5gN8/T6RD8Fj3VEI/AAAAAAAACTM/GY-30Jmclgo/s320/IMG_1981.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 3 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And speaking of sweets, here's just one of the small <i>cooler full</i> of <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/02/making-whoopies-and-getting-nostalgic.html">whoopie pies</a> my <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/02/making-whoopies-and-getting-nostalgic.html">Grandmother</a> sent me for my birthday. *Verklempt!*</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fh8rUROwEg/T6RKpgnPmtI/AAAAAAAACT0/jeJuC0O9j8E/s1600/IMG_2044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fh8rUROwEg/T6RKpgnPmtI/AAAAAAAACT0/jeJuC0O9j8E/s320/IMG_2044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 4 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The medley of shade loving plants that my mom lovingly packaged up from her garden in Maine and sent to me for my birthday for my shade garden project. Verklempt again!<br />
There's Solomon's seal, peony, lady's mantel, lily of the valley, white and red bleeding heart, columbine, Bethlehem sage, ferns and hosta. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I don't even have words. To say my mom is amazing is such an understatement. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYz9CvkQseI/T6RD-LaU1XI/AAAAAAAACTU/4LmN8Q5z3NM/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYz9CvkQseI/T6RD-LaU1XI/AAAAAAAACTU/4LmN8Q5z3NM/s320/IMG_2021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 5 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saying goodbye to the ridiculously long-lasting dubium bought weeks ago. I kept trimming and downsizing, trimming and downsizing until almost every last bud had popped. Finally, I came home to this. It's as if they collectively said, "Enough already, lady - our time has come. Just let us die!" Either that, or the last bloom standing decided she needed more space and shoved all the others out. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XC9tKztDcF0/T6RM7lVdK7I/AAAAAAAACT8/01TjUWaaYhE/s1600/IMG_2047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XC9tKztDcF0/T6RM7lVdK7I/AAAAAAAACT8/01TjUWaaYhE/s320/IMG_2047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 6 /</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grocery store flower pick of the week: Campanula. I plan to play around with them this weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gt8vsjddG5A/T6REBA2XqbI/AAAAAAAACTk/uIMes-3yKbg/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gt8vsjddG5A/T6REBA2XqbI/AAAAAAAACTk/uIMes-3yKbg/s320/IMG_2039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 7 / </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tired of wasting fruit, citrus and herbs on their way out (but still edible), here is my quick and easy solution - especially good for cleaning out the fridge before or after a trip to the grocery store. I am enjoying a big glass of apple-lime-mint flavored water as we speak, and it's fantastic. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Highlight not captured on film: Baby's first real kick! Big enough for Evan to feel. The look on his face when he felt it was priceless, and I'll never forget it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Definitely not a highlight - Adam Yauch's passing today after a battle with cancer of the salivary gland, age 47. The world lost an extremely talented musician and (although I didn't know him personally, I'm willing to bet that everyone who did would say that he was) just a really, really good person. RIP, and xoxo.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy weekend, everyone. </div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-38718634909508023042012-04-28T09:38:00.000-07:002012-04-28T09:38:40.066-07:00the week in review: renovations, fabrics, birthday pampering, and - of course - dogs.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A pictorial review of the week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pU33Uqa0fhM/T5tyoo_8GlI/AAAAAAAACPA/0VzcWxMbmJY/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pU33Uqa0fhM/T5tyoo_8GlI/AAAAAAAACPA/0VzcWxMbmJY/s400/IMG_1824.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
/ 1 /</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The gold yellow painted wallpaper with popcorn-like texture is now gone. Gone!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RIWw74owNOY/T5ty89zoEEI/AAAAAAAACQI/RZFVqmriWZ4/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RIWw74owNOY/T5ty89zoEEI/AAAAAAAACQI/RZFVqmriWZ4/s400/IMG_1833.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I almost wish we could keep the walls in this stripped down, textured look - but it has a fuzzy surface now and doesn't look so good in person. It will be stripped further, sanded, and painted.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4wnTsVx5fk/T5ty-mNOGlI/AAAAAAAACQQ/RcU7aTvDK20/s1600/IMG_1834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4wnTsVx5fk/T5ty-mNOGlI/AAAAAAAACQQ/RcU7aTvDK20/s400/IMG_1834.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sully always finds the sun, even if it is in a corner littered with scraped wallpaper remnants and paint chips. Behind him, the one last gold surface in the sun room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oSWVPLvQWU8/T5typ1d4rAI/AAAAAAAACPI/lUSmxrGJhZA/s1600/IMG_1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oSWVPLvQWU8/T5typ1d4rAI/AAAAAAAACPI/lUSmxrGJhZA/s400/IMG_1825.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
/ 2 /<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sully's perch during dinner time. I've been trying to snap a photo of this for a long time but he always looks away. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Surely from the shame - so naughty.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwaIxkTSq88/T5tyrlA9pVI/AAAAAAAACPQ/KEXl8mLLVu0/s1600/IMG_1826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwaIxkTSq88/T5tyrlA9pVI/AAAAAAAACPQ/KEXl8mLLVu0/s400/IMG_1826.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
/ 3 /<br />
Picking fabrics for a <a href="http://www.finecraftguild.com/baby-quilt-follow-the-lines-free-pattern/">"follow the lines" quilt</a> for the little guy coming in September. Scenes from <a href="https://www.superbuzzy.com/shop/product/petite-ecole-enjoy-every-day-all-in-one-blue/">my favorite</a> (a fabric from Japan) below:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYq9k6q1IAY/T5tyub0nJiI/AAAAAAAACPY/1zGMGXG9JpU/s1600/IMG_1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYq9k6q1IAY/T5tyub0nJiI/AAAAAAAACPY/1zGMGXG9JpU/s400/IMG_1827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A loss in translation, but it sounds so profound.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8jvfpF52gg/T5tyzfJ3mvI/AAAAAAAACPo/7mv-RevSSgQ/s1600/IMG_1829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8jvfpF52gg/T5tyzfJ3mvI/AAAAAAAACPo/7mv-RevSSgQ/s400/IMG_1829.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makes perfect sense to me (and to Sully & Otto).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ckm22FAmqsI/T5tyw43z_MI/AAAAAAAACPg/fa-IctgX1EE/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ckm22FAmqsI/T5tyw43z_MI/AAAAAAAACPg/fa-IctgX1EE/s400/IMG_1828.JPG" width="400" /></a>This one, not so much.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnvcwc3UsGY/T5ty1adc7MI/AAAAAAAACPw/8m-h45E1DZY/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnvcwc3UsGY/T5ty1adc7MI/AAAAAAAACPw/8m-h45E1DZY/s400/IMG_1830.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one made me laugh out loud. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SLfG8YfUSU/T5ty4f8ZZ4I/AAAAAAAACP4/VDzxbBMHKl4/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SLfG8YfUSU/T5ty4f8ZZ4I/AAAAAAAACP4/VDzxbBMHKl4/s400/IMG_1831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Good travel."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XnWaBGR9xL0/T5ty7Oxm1LI/AAAAAAAACQA/MhacJsRaoSA/s1600/IMG_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XnWaBGR9xL0/T5ty7Oxm1LI/AAAAAAAACQA/MhacJsRaoSA/s400/IMG_1832.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Let's enjoy every day with us." Words to live by.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bonus - this fabric can serve as a teachable moment in grammar in later years. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-c5sCabc4w/T5wOe_Ps73I/AAAAAAAACRQ/mK3T99o2DJ0/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-c5sCabc4w/T5wOe_Ps73I/AAAAAAAACRQ/mK3T99o2DJ0/s400/IMG_1863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another contender - Alexander Henry's "<a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8643-Alexander-Henry-Animal-Kingdom">Animal Kingdom</a>." Even though the quirky Japanese fabric charmed the pants off me, I think this one might be better for the follow the lines quilt. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fCFYJLV59-4/T5tzB5-4VtI/AAAAAAAACQg/YaANHQYChFg/s1600/IMG_1836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fCFYJLV59-4/T5tzB5-4VtI/AAAAAAAACQg/YaANHQYChFg/s400/IMG_1836.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
/ 4 /</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mantel top in progress. Scraped and slathered with wood filler, waiting to be sanded.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1k0sLOSOilc/T5tzDToX84I/AAAAAAAACQo/jSZ4cKnm5FY/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1k0sLOSOilc/T5tzDToX84I/AAAAAAAACQo/jSZ4cKnm5FY/s400/IMG_1837.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the walls no longer deep red, its easier to appreciate the reflective sunlight coming through the beveled glass windows. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQrzrgyPsgs/T5tzE-VNYdI/AAAAAAAACQw/uKRwV1OgV_M/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQrzrgyPsgs/T5tzE-VNYdI/AAAAAAAACQw/uKRwV1OgV_M/s400/IMG_1838.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
/ 5 /</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunset on the Niagara River.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zhmfXSFELFg/T5wBhYexgbI/AAAAAAAACQ8/4l7t-Z6dJhg/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zhmfXSFELFg/T5wBhYexgbI/AAAAAAAACQ8/4l7t-Z6dJhg/s400/IMG_1860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
/ 6 /</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The bump looks like a mountain here. I wonder if Sully has any idea what's in there?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1286ZjWc7_0/T5wBxsR3ufI/AAAAAAAACRE/6AZzXdUg6CQ/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1286ZjWc7_0/T5wBxsR3ufI/AAAAAAAACRE/6AZzXdUg6CQ/s400/IMG_1859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 7 /</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Birthday toes, preceded by an hour long facial with scalp, head, neck, shoulders, upper back, arms and hands massage - all by the lovely Annette at <a href="http://www.fixsalonbuffalo.com/">Fix Salon</a>. Heaven - thank you Evan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYK_cKulPHs/T5wXetQ22UI/AAAAAAAACRw/7COxKCmmayQ/s1600/IMG_1876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYK_cKulPHs/T5wXetQ22UI/AAAAAAAACRw/7COxKCmmayQ/s400/IMG_1876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
/ 8 /</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the deluxe facial and pedicure, a shopping trip to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chicnsweet">Chic and Sweet</a> clothing and accessories boutique. A Happy Friday indeed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v01-YkPbu6U/T5wTTekARZI/AAAAAAAACRk/Nzxi8atG1qs/s1600/IMG_1877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v01-YkPbu6U/T5wTTekARZI/AAAAAAAACRk/Nzxi8atG1qs/s400/IMG_1877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bought a Living Social voucher back in December, before I knew I was pregnant. It expires on Monday, so I used the whole voucher on accessories: a few pairs of earrings, a vibrant scarf and three long beaded necklaces. Sometimes being forced to have a limited focus is a good thing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
{Bad blogger alert} A highlight not pictured: wrapping up a fun filled Friday with a fantastic dinner with girlfriends at <a href="http://www.tasteofindia.com/">Jewel of India</a>, newly opened in my neighborhood this week. So, so, SO good.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have a happy weekend everyone. xoxo</div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-32541647566383311132012-04-20T18:37:00.000-07:002012-04-20T18:37:22.092-07:00making my week<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am shamelessly borrowing this idea from one of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/">Reading My Tea Leaves</a> - a weekly feature summing up the little highlights of my week (or, at least those that were captured on my iPhone). I like that it is a way to pull together all of the random things that inspired me to snap a photo during the week, no matter how profound or mundane. </div><br />
If you have not checked out Erin's blog, you should do so <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/">now</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vksKOJmJtFY/T5IAUOsmNfI/AAAAAAAACN0/pTmwsG9bxZo/s1600/IMG_1764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vksKOJmJtFY/T5IAUOsmNfI/AAAAAAAACN0/pTmwsG9bxZo/s320/IMG_1764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">/ 1 / </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Azalea branches budding in the yard brought in to brighten up the bathroom.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix_1dIBv_4g/T5IAa4DDosI/AAAAAAAACN8/KZ3SxABJhe4/s1600/IMG_1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix_1dIBv_4g/T5IAa4DDosI/AAAAAAAACN8/KZ3SxABJhe4/s320/IMG_1765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">/ 2 /</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Sully is no dummy - if I were his size this is exactly the place I would want to curl up for a nap - buried in down pillows.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tRhAckRfSl8/T5ICBbMUlOI/AAAAAAAACOU/mBR83-ss170/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tRhAckRfSl8/T5ICBbMUlOI/AAAAAAAACOU/mBR83-ss170/s320/IMG_1767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">/ 3 /</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Otto's own moment of bliss. If I panned out you would see that he is napping on top of the back cushion of an oversized chaise, all by himself. Yes, he fancies himself a king, and admittedly we don't do much to dispel the notion. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UB7vAVsmGhQ/T5ICDRMjUwI/AAAAAAAACOc/GqZL-reK6j0/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UB7vAVsmGhQ/T5ICDRMjUwI/AAAAAAAACOc/GqZL-reK6j0/s320/IMG_1768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">/ 4 /</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Progress in the sunroom - goodbye gold! Its a <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2012/03/slow-transition-living-room-story-pt-1.html">very slow work in progress</a>, but little by little the living room and sunroom are transforming, shedding their old, unfortunate, "what were they thinking?" McDonald's red and gold identity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m895n2cfpPA/T5IL7UG5_tI/AAAAAAAACO0/Pm07lH8U5bg/s1600/IMG_1715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m895n2cfpPA/T5IL7UG5_tI/AAAAAAAACO0/Pm07lH8U5bg/s320/IMG_1715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">/ 5 /</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">This page from <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2012/04/i-cannot-think-you-can-make-rules-about.html">Bringing Nature Home</a> on the three foundational elements of a natural, wild arrangement. Game changer!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4ctR7OnCYg/T5ICXvzb4nI/AAAAAAAACOk/57ZftB81vG8/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4ctR7OnCYg/T5ICXvzb4nI/AAAAAAAACOk/57ZftB81vG8/s320/IMG_1761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">/ 6 /</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">The <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2012/04/birthday-gift.html">long lasting dubium</a> - I think I bought the stems almost two weeks ago, but I just got around to making this arrangement today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">And last, but certainly not least, finally feeling ready to make this announcement to the world at large: </div><div><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDUJ5WwR2HE/T5IG80Abc6I/AAAAAAAACOs/_1rtaihr-bc/s1600/IMG_1507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDUJ5WwR2HE/T5IG80Abc6I/AAAAAAAACOs/_1rtaihr-bc/s320/IMG_1507.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">/ 7 /</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">At almost 20 weeks along, we are due to have our first child in September. And I have definitely popped. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy weekend everyone. xoxo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-3826816650346432892012-04-20T17:28:00.000-07:002012-04-20T17:28:05.957-07:00birthday gift<div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you, dubium, for holding on long enough for me to work with you on a birthday arrangement for my friend Liz. Keeping it company: a few early blooming stems from my purple leaf plum bush and a couple of boxwood-like foliage stems (not positive what they are, but they smell great - anyone?).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWoskEI66h8/T4hMzSu8OlI/AAAAAAAACM0/3BROfRxYazo/s1600/IMG_1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWoskEI66h8/T4hMzSu8OlI/AAAAAAAACM0/3BROfRxYazo/s320/IMG_1583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FadwO21Wok/T4hM1FpEFoI/AAAAAAAACM8/wc8dYxgl_Tk/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FadwO21Wok/T4hM1FpEFoI/AAAAAAAACM8/wc8dYxgl_Tk/s320/IMG_1585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1OMiVssQw4/T4hM2nJTpCI/AAAAAAAACNE/gNWnD1g3X9Y/s1600/IMG_1586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1OMiVssQw4/T4hM2nJTpCI/AAAAAAAACNE/gNWnD1g3X9Y/s320/IMG_1586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R83yymdt_dE/T4hM4Yy0oRI/AAAAAAAACNM/gwVTvwORNog/s1600/IMG_1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R83yymdt_dE/T4hM4Yy0oRI/AAAAAAAACNM/gwVTvwORNog/s320/IMG_1588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-_Z9B8LmxQ/T4hM6Pxqr5I/AAAAAAAACNU/lT-W5KNt5ks/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-_Z9B8LmxQ/T4hM6Pxqr5I/AAAAAAAACNU/lT-W5KNt5ks/s320/IMG_1589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3FqFctd3_g/T4hM8HHeMvI/AAAAAAAACNc/vWcE2lGp-lY/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3FqFctd3_g/T4hM8HHeMvI/AAAAAAAACNc/vWcE2lGp-lY/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHY3ZakFuOQ/T4hM9nqFo-I/AAAAAAAACNk/x_9ELQr-uWE/s1600/IMG_1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHY3ZakFuOQ/T4hM9nqFo-I/AAAAAAAACNk/x_9ELQr-uWE/s320/IMG_1591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vXOHhteYHQk/T4hM_gkvUTI/AAAAAAAACNs/swcGRD3Ud44/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vXOHhteYHQk/T4hM_gkvUTI/AAAAAAAACNs/swcGRD3Ud44/s320/IMG_1592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I had never seen dubium before picking up a few stems at the grocery store last week. I can't get enough of that vibrant orange. </div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-58682263848527107942012-04-10T18:14:00.003-07:002012-04-10T18:17:56.661-07:00achieving the good & beautiful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #38761d; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><i>I cannot think you can make rules about these things. </i><i>One can only have an idea of what seems good and beautiful, </i><i>and then use any means to achieve it. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">- Constance Spry in </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>Flower Decoration</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">, 1934.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">One step I recently took toward achieving what seems good and beautiful to me was ordering four books that I can hardly wait to devour from cover to cover. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780847838004"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWzvNjUJzhY/T4Q_uoPyIuI/AAAAAAAACKE/xvHMbiFXmD8/s400/BringingNatureHome_cover.jpg" width="310" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">First up, <i><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780847838004">Bringing Nature Home</a> </i>- a recently released piece of eye candy for anyone prone to fits of obsession over flowers and home design. All flower arrangements were styled by <a href="http://www.nicolettecamille.com/">Nicolette Owen</a> of Brooklyn's <a href="http://www.little-flower-school.blogspot.com/">Little Flower School</a>. One of these days I will have a pretty little jar devoted to saving spare change and dollars to attend a class there. (I am bright green with envy over anyone able to attend the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://webnhworkshop.eventbrite.com/">flower arranging workshop</a> this Sunday, April 15, hosted by West Elm in NYC in honor of the book release, where participants will get hands on tutelage from Nicolette.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A couple of pages from <i>Bringing Nature Home</i>, courtesy of <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/04/bringing-nature-home-weekly-wrap-up.html">Design Sponge</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/04/bringing-nature-home-weekly-wrap-up.html"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbabAIio3k8/T4Q_2ynScNI/AAAAAAAACKM/lK1bCPJ_igE/s400/bnh.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/04/bringing-nature-home-weekly-wrap-up.html"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypiYWU8o65Y/T4Q_3_uX7wI/AAAAAAAACKU/ua9upKeReIM/s400/bnh1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Next up are two books featuring the afore-quoted Constance Spry - the highly influential British floral designer from the 1920s. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Constance's arrangements were decidedly wild, natural, loose and fluid at a time when extremely formal, stiff arrangements held together with wire were preferred among designers. Today, it's easy to see her influence on many of my favorite floral designers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shopmayeshboxlots.blogspot.com/2010/07/constance-spry-part-four.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLcyhDcqsY4/T4RIfOhXi8I/AAAAAAAACKc/n_ClNteD82c/s320/constance+spry+arrangesA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Constance Spry, working her</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">nonconformist magic</span>.</span></i><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In the post "<a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/01/past-present-constance-spry-floral-diy.html">Past & Present: Constance Spry & Floral DIY</a>", Design Sponge's Amy Azzarito notes that Constance "used materials that were usually discarded, like grasses and berries. She embraced vegetables in arrangements and preferred non-traditional containers. She would frequently raid her clients’ cupboards, pulling out serving pieces to use as unorthodox (for the time) vases." </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In the same post, the wildly talented floral designer <a href="http://amymerrick.com/about">Amy Merrick</a> calls Constance the "first lady of floral design," and notes: "Constance was ... a voracious frequenter of antique and junk shops. Her hunts for interesting vases — from rusted cans to upside-down hats — are the stuff of legend." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Based on that description, it should be clear to anyone who knows me well (or at all, really) why I was so excited to order these two books:</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0897333780/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gYQqBKjMIQ8/T4RKeHBJL5I/AAAAAAAACLs/1e9GJ35Ghmo/s400/csbook2.jpg" width="324" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0747026084/ref=oh_o03_s00_i00_details"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfSB4V2yjcU/T4RIlg2veqI/AAAAAAAACLY/PAjuzfxlunQ/s400/csbook1.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">A small compilation of Constance Spry's arrangements (click image for source): </span><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://designmuseum.org/design/constance-spry"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUXNpxG5BAM/T4RIgdYMvdI/AAAAAAAACKk/KC0nd2ZZ2pA/s320/cs1.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Flowers of Fennel and Orange Lilies, 1951</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://designmuseum.org/design/constance-spry"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RuPb4GNn_W4/T4RIhETTYwI/AAAAAAAACKs/uZF7VBp7M3I/s320/cs2.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> June morning, 1951</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://shopmayeshboxlots.blogspot.com/2010/07/constance-spry-part-one_12.html"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IO3IBDQGJuY/T4RIho2lsPI/AAAAAAAACK0/fvDKZGpL3Ug/s320/cs3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://shopmayeshboxlots.blogspot.com/2010/07/constance-spry-part-one_12.html"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_hasODZzeI/T4RIivxDRQI/AAAAAAAACK8/kIdWheQZkWw/s320/cs4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://shopmayeshboxlots.blogspot.com/2010/07/constance-spry-part-one_12.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0SYkkj2fzo/T4RIjgD0vgI/AAAAAAAACLE/6EvKy7YjP7c/s320/cs5.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://shopmayeshboxlots.blogspot.com/2010/07/constance-spry-part-two.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4p9q5J6W7tU/T4RIkVD7OVI/AAAAAAAACLM/uZSKEFGj4C4/s320/cs6.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://shopmayeshboxlots.blogspot.com/2010/07/constance-spry-part-three.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkmS56BqJa8/T4RIk6Kf1fI/AAAAAAAACLU/aA8PE8INpJM/s320/cs7.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">And last, but certainly not least, I'll be anxiously awaiting my copy of <i>Design*Sponge at Home</i> to arrive. It is chock full of home tours, DIY projects, step-by-step tutorials on everything from stripping and painting furniture to hanging wallpaper and reupholstery, before and after makeovers of rooms, spaces and furniture, and flower arranging tips (including twenty arrangements !!!). </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781579654313"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZU0zDW1qHs/T4Rc3M3AsaI/AAAAAAAACMk/36TZJMmjNE4/s400/DSBOOK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfSB4V2yjcU/T4RIlg2veqI/AAAAAAAACLY/PAjuzfxlunQ/s1600/csbook1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/07/ds-book-preview-50-off-pre-order-at-barnes-noble.html"><img border="0" height="371" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEdX4gVHeZc/T4RcZT39NTI/AAAAAAAACL0/nZGYhzm62GU/s400/ds1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/07/weekly-wrap-up-designsponge-book-preview-diy-chapter.html"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0BmpGzk4YcA/T4RcaE_4TeI/AAAAAAAACL8/ck-M0Y-06OQ/s400/ds2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/07/weekly-wrap-up-designsponge-book-preview-diy-chapter.html"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-AcyiEUQZc/T4Rca9syq1I/AAAAAAAACME/CEFRstr38R0/s400/ds3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So if you don't see or hear from me in a while...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-44089840482284225022012-04-06T08:44:00.000-07:002012-04-06T08:44:40.773-07:00practice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RfF3tUG-J6c/T378kl1rNoI/AAAAAAAACHk/0Hno7tFyCoQ/s1600/IMG_1425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RfF3tUG-J6c/T378kl1rNoI/AAAAAAAACHk/0Hno7tFyCoQ/s320/IMG_1425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxfTn2vGcSU/T378mAB-aQI/AAAAAAAACHs/ZbwCsBuNt34/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxfTn2vGcSU/T378mAB-aQI/AAAAAAAACHs/ZbwCsBuNt34/s320/IMG_1427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TakZCu3PXRg/T378-bEYG_I/AAAAAAAACI8/JiYZZGHyTGw/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TakZCu3PXRg/T378-bEYG_I/AAAAAAAACI8/JiYZZGHyTGw/s320/IMG_1440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OGXcarmEm0/T378o0UnwdI/AAAAAAAACH0/LPUZQaMnL2Y/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OGXcarmEm0/T378o0UnwdI/AAAAAAAACH0/LPUZQaMnL2Y/s320/IMG_1428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oC4W8GZT8BA/T378uLIYDYI/AAAAAAAACIE/F8v_TN6oaZ4/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oC4W8GZT8BA/T378uLIYDYI/AAAAAAAACIE/F8v_TN6oaZ4/s320/IMG_1430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqY9Wt1aN-U/T378r7c_K0I/AAAAAAAACH8/fJkBcGei5k4/s1600/IMG_1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqY9Wt1aN-U/T378r7c_K0I/AAAAAAAACH8/fJkBcGei5k4/s320/IMG_1429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZguV7E0S9EA/T38L3D0iokI/AAAAAAAACJ0/XVpFSefSiy0/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZguV7E0S9EA/T38L3D0iokI/AAAAAAAACJ0/XVpFSefSiy0/s320/IMG_1456.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xb8lho7ldq8/T38L5fCeq3I/AAAAAAAACJ8/3QoEOTgtOA4/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xb8lho7ldq8/T38L5fCeq3I/AAAAAAAACJ8/3QoEOTgtOA4/s320/IMG_1457.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua_UUHu1Hdc/T3788TPuH3I/AAAAAAAACI0/rveqtufS-Hs/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua_UUHu1Hdc/T3788TPuH3I/AAAAAAAACI0/rveqtufS-Hs/s320/IMG_1439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zwe94LoyRB0/T379A5Q42uI/AAAAAAAACJE/PJxNMx8pokI/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zwe94LoyRB0/T379A5Q42uI/AAAAAAAACJE/PJxNMx8pokI/s320/IMG_1441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It started with a bucket of flowers - nothing terribly fancy, just my weekly pick from the grocery store. Since there were <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2012/03/waxflower.html">waxflowers</a>, I had to get them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The other offerings weren't so exciting, so I went with what I knew would last a while since I wasn't sure when I would get the chance to play around with them. And as I've said <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2012/03/tulips-alstromeria-and-seeded.html">here</a> before, I'll always have a fondness for alstromeria, regardless of (because of?) how ubiquitous they are. You you can almost always count on finding them at the florist corner or checkout at your local grocery store, that you can probably afford them, and that they will grace your home with beauty for at least two weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I also liked the contrast of the flecks of bright pink in the waxflower against the green-yellow of the goldenrod. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I had a <a href="http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=flower+frog&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=rQZ_T9LFKYSG8QTE9sC2Bw&biw=1265&bih=635&sei=sgZ_T7mwE-fu0gH2zpiQCA">flower frog</a> that I found recently at a local thrift shop, and was interested in trying it out to make a short, squat, full arrangement. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmiTQ4U-o9M/T38JnD7mzAI/AAAAAAAACJs/8Oss3opd-H8/s1600/IMG_1454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmiTQ4U-o9M/T38JnD7mzAI/AAAAAAAACJs/8Oss3opd-H8/s320/IMG_1454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzmGkCVnx6A/T3781ZB2L2I/AAAAAAAACIc/rnZo8j2B93U/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzmGkCVnx6A/T3781ZB2L2I/AAAAAAAACIc/rnZo8j2B93U/s320/IMG_1435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">I'm pretty pleased with my first "formal" arrangement, though its a bit more formal / wedding centerpiece -like than I'd prefer. I'm hoping that with practice I will eventually be able to create stunning wild arrangements more akin to my <a href="http://www.amymerrick.com/">floral</a> <a href="http://saipua.blogspot.com/">artist</a> <a href="http://arieldearieflowers.blogspot.com/">idols</a>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">Practice, practice practice. </div><div><br />
</div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-28778765477693337142012-04-05T07:50:00.000-07:002012-04-05T07:50:40.251-07:00summer shoes <span style="color: white;">ss</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q6oi4e0n7Fo/T32oZ7bKKWI/AAAAAAAACEs/5YR2iNDLxJQ/s1600/f008_c_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q6oi4e0n7Fo/T32oZ7bKKWI/AAAAAAAACEs/5YR2iNDLxJQ/s400/f008_c_2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlIofRyIF98/T32oa1bwgdI/AAAAAAAACE0/y0xO8VEuPc4/s1600/f009_c_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlIofRyIF98/T32oa1bwgdI/AAAAAAAACE0/y0xO8VEuPc4/s400/f009_c_2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGjNGcMyFTo/T32obSqoFrI/AAAAAAAACE8/_OfFYZBEHmE/s1600/f031_c_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGjNGcMyFTo/T32obSqoFrI/AAAAAAAACE8/_OfFYZBEHmE/s400/f031_c_2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5frUbPWGgss/T32ob2ZM0LI/AAAAAAAACFE/eVef1poocFg/s1600/fo43_c-lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5frUbPWGgss/T32ob2ZM0LI/AAAAAAAACFE/eVef1poocFg/s400/fo43_c-lr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I just got an email from <a href="http://www.soludos.com/">Soludos </a>announcing their new Shibori line, made with authentic shibori pattern fabric imported from Japan. If I had not gone so hog wild last summer, buying four pairs (above) after seeing a post about them on <a href="http://www.katyelliott.com/blog/2011/04/signs-of-spring.html">Katy Elliot's blog</a>, I would be so tempted to order at least four more pairs from their new collections! But 8 + pairs of Espadrilles feels excessive, even to a shoe hoarder like myself. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">According to the email, <i>Shibori </i>is a Japanese term for dyeing cloth with a pattern by binding, stitching, folding, twisting, compressing it or capping. I absolutely love these:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHZtQ9Bk91I/T32p95JquYI/AAAAAAAACFU/9bwpCADDImE/s1600/f087_a_alt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHZtQ9Bk91I/T32p95JquYI/AAAAAAAACFU/9bwpCADDImE/s400/f087_a_alt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idRXgQwz37E/T32p-Udr_QI/AAAAAAAACFc/YXcdM4yiaaY/s1600/f088_a_alt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idRXgQwz37E/T32p-Udr_QI/AAAAAAAACFc/YXcdM4yiaaY/s400/f088_a_alt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also love these<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"> new vibrant Aztec inspired prints: </span></span></div><div class="panels_pane panel-pane pane-node-body product-description"><div class="pane-content"> </div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqfhSGZW68A/T32qlJ3hFFI/AAAAAAAACGs/8rR3OcH64Wo/s1600/f093_a_alt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqfhSGZW68A/T32qlJ3hFFI/AAAAAAAACGs/8rR3OcH64Wo/s400/f093_a_alt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3h8EkyHoZo/T32qmddvhTI/AAAAAAAACG8/9_V1NMCTu6s/s1600/f094_a_alt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3h8EkyHoZo/T32qmddvhTI/AAAAAAAACG8/9_V1NMCTu6s/s400/f094_a_alt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">And while I have not jumped on the Ikat bandwagon when it comes to household textiles, I would gladly sport the trend on my feet with any of these beauties:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-169SyyiAC5c/T32tq0Cs-vI/AAAAAAAACHM/on-qw0_8OOo/s1600/f085_a_alt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-169SyyiAC5c/T32tq0Cs-vI/AAAAAAAACHM/on-qw0_8OOo/s400/f085_a_alt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xMee8_tYyG0/T32trbVURhI/AAAAAAAACHU/PyuG60nb1zo/s1600/f091_a_alt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xMee8_tYyG0/T32trbVURhI/AAAAAAAACHU/PyuG60nb1zo/s400/f091_a_alt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vf7jkZqXulw/T32ts7N5brI/AAAAAAAACHc/7KGHUSW5HGM/s1600/f092_a_alt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vf7jkZqXulw/T32ts7N5brI/AAAAAAAACHc/7KGHUSW5HGM/s400/f092_a_alt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">We'll see how long my willpower lasts. Their espadrilles look cute with jeans, capris, shorts, skirts and dresses, and are very comfortable. I highly recommend treating yourself to a pair!</div><br />
Happy Spring!Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-25464700523433052782012-03-29T16:10:00.001-07:002012-03-29T16:22:38.341-07:00waxflower<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I almost can't stand how adorable waxflowers are. It's hard for me to pick absolute favorites with flowers, but they have to be in the top three. Or at least five. That is to say that I really, really love them and I can never resist buying a bunch when I see them. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKzCG9F1Tyg/T3TqL3taJaI/AAAAAAAACD8/ycuf03lLs2Q/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKzCG9F1Tyg/T3TqL3taJaI/AAAAAAAACD8/ycuf03lLs2Q/s400/IMG_1337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz-ZZVnCbyc/T3Tup1PUKfI/AAAAAAAACEU/B8GmMr4Vc_I/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz-ZZVnCbyc/T3Tup1PUKfI/AAAAAAAACEU/B8GmMr4Vc_I/s400/IMG_1193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81p1bniGjmI/T3TqIWHURyI/AAAAAAAACDs/0vdtSFfI0ic/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81p1bniGjmI/T3TqIWHURyI/AAAAAAAACDs/0vdtSFfI0ic/s400/IMG_1335.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQT_WwlQPqI/T3TqOS3pz1I/AAAAAAAACEE/q4uekzHTkeE/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQT_WwlQPqI/T3TqOS3pz1I/AAAAAAAACEE/q4uekzHTkeE/s400/IMG_1347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-75865004423159573282012-03-29T15:58:00.004-07:002012-03-29T16:31:21.793-07:00the year summer crashed spring's party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Some shots snapped while out on many long walks these last couple of weeks ... you know, that time in March when it was in the 80s. In Buffalo.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQnfTQIMO5c/T3TkQPPU9bI/AAAAAAAACB0/mBlFa2V7XcU/s1600/IMG_1317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQnfTQIMO5c/T3TkQPPU9bI/AAAAAAAACB0/mBlFa2V7XcU/s400/IMG_1317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVW_hpeW_bg/T3TkpwyMrVI/AAAAAAAACCs/ye-0RT6oa00/s1600/IMG_1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVW_hpeW_bg/T3TkpwyMrVI/AAAAAAAACCs/ye-0RT6oa00/s400/IMG_1324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63B9Vker1oo/T3TkUjM6GDI/AAAAAAAACB8/awqEE_loWq0/s1600/IMG_1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63B9Vker1oo/T3TkUjM6GDI/AAAAAAAACB8/awqEE_loWq0/s400/IMG_1318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So happy that I took lots of magnolia shots - just yesterday I was out walking, less than a week later, and all the blossoms are dead and brown. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8s7kqQE5ToY/T3TvY1dDFgI/AAAAAAAACEk/ekV5M9D78hA/s1600/IMG_1201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8s7kqQE5ToY/T3TvY1dDFgI/AAAAAAAACEk/ekV5M9D78hA/s400/IMG_1201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's hellebores. </div><div><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZIsCYEcPKg/T3TkYG5ur8I/AAAAAAAACCE/oRRmSt_sK7Y/s1600/IMG_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZIsCYEcPKg/T3TkYG5ur8I/AAAAAAAACCE/oRRmSt_sK7Y/s400/IMG_1319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXuiiDJD0Kk/T3TkMTDqNDI/AAAAAAAACBs/t6dzmo8k354/s1600/IMG_1316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXuiiDJD0Kk/T3TkMTDqNDI/AAAAAAAACBs/t6dzmo8k354/s400/IMG_1316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOy2CnAdZKI/T3Tka2DX96I/AAAAAAAACCM/OHg68cSzhVM/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOy2CnAdZKI/T3Tka2DX96I/AAAAAAAACCM/OHg68cSzhVM/s400/IMG_1320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UotcJ-_ftI/T3Tkc7oQOkI/AAAAAAAACCU/7fHuMrpty-4/s1600/IMG_1321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UotcJ-_ftI/T3Tkc7oQOkI/AAAAAAAACCU/7fHuMrpty-4/s400/IMG_1321.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love the pale pink petals against the color of this house. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHL7xuROOwU/T3Tkh_RdDJI/AAAAAAAACCc/vR3j2wdhXpY/s1600/IMG_1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHL7xuROOwU/T3Tkh_RdDJI/AAAAAAAACCc/vR3j2wdhXpY/s400/IMG_1322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olOPn4aKDJ0/T3TkkuI02WI/AAAAAAAACCk/0Ei6j7SkAuE/s1600/IMG_1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olOPn4aKDJ0/T3TkkuI02WI/AAAAAAAACCk/0Ei6j7SkAuE/s400/IMG_1323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crzopcslmfs/T3TkswPeWJI/AAAAAAAACC0/WNgdRu8BZTc/s1600/IMG_1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crzopcslmfs/T3TkswPeWJI/AAAAAAAACC0/WNgdRu8BZTc/s400/IMG_1325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZvjaXmKYRA/T3TkyXYiirI/AAAAAAAACC8/I7LJPfjZNto/s1600/IMG_1326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZvjaXmKYRA/T3TkyXYiirI/AAAAAAAACC8/I7LJPfjZNto/s400/IMG_1326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v9dpmB21vcU/T3Tk1ul1LfI/AAAAAAAACDE/p9X97zyyqAE/s1600/IMG_1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v9dpmB21vcU/T3Tk1ul1LfI/AAAAAAAACDE/p9X97zyyqAE/s400/IMG_1327.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TDKxtaOiK-8/T3Tk328RlSI/AAAAAAAACDM/kF6Ys4Qwxow/s1600/IMG_1328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TDKxtaOiK-8/T3Tk328RlSI/AAAAAAAACDM/kF6Ys4Qwxow/s400/IMG_1328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6bOtYYjcqio/T3Tk6spVn8I/AAAAAAAACDU/_HSxYUwZE-4/s1600/IMG_1329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6bOtYYjcqio/T3Tk6spVn8I/AAAAAAAACDU/_HSxYUwZE-4/s400/IMG_1329.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ8mrhuGjz0/T3Tk_HJekVI/AAAAAAAACDc/w6iX31KRUM0/s1600/IMG_1331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ8mrhuGjz0/T3Tk_HJekVI/AAAAAAAACDc/w6iX31KRUM0/s400/IMG_1331.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Its a rare treat to see pine trees gracing the city lots here - they always remind me of Maine. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6rEIEvRJ9A/T3TlBLvRX3I/AAAAAAAACDk/0e23lSl6aU0/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6rEIEvRJ9A/T3TlBLvRX3I/AAAAAAAACDk/0e23lSl6aU0/s320/IMG_1332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I always struggle with the hyacinth - when to let them be, and when to cut them down to bring inside so that I can enjoy their fresh, clean, and intensely floral smell before the blooms fade.</div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-42071369434330106312012-03-20T11:22:00.000-07:002012-03-20T11:22:10.421-07:00slow transition - a living room story, pt. 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Anyone who works full-time and endeavors to do nearly all home repairs and updates themselves knows that even the smallest, simplest of projects can move agonizingly slow. Add a house with a history novice, DIY homeowners having their hand at said updates, and now a current owner who is busy lawyer, and who, in a former life, was a wildly talented, but anal retentive, perfectionist house painter (talking about Evan here - I have no such talents) - and you quickly come to appreciate just how agonizingly slow it can be. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8vOTWdlXaQ/T11S4uuSVeI/AAAAAAAACAo/cQjj6mAC-H4/s1600/IMG_1053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8vOTWdlXaQ/T11S4uuSVeI/AAAAAAAACAo/cQjj6mAC-H4/s400/IMG_1053.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Living room furniture shoved like a Tetris game into the dining room. Do you spot the two boston terriers? They will not be deterred from napping in their favorite chairs. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">But in the end, its always worth the wait both financially and aesthetically. Evan really does do great work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The current project underway is the living room - Hallelujah! New visitors to the house always compliment us on its charm - the loads of windows, beveled glass and built-ins galore, which I gladly accept ... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fifruof_DGs/T11S_aSROBI/AAAAAAAACAw/drhinFr6b4E/s1600/IMG_1055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fifruof_DGs/T11S_aSROBI/AAAAAAAACAw/drhinFr6b4E/s400/IMG_1055.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">dust everywhere from Evan sanding off the faux popcorn finish on the ceiling </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">- yes, there is such a miserable thing.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">... But then comes the obligatory polite compliment on the wall color. The wall color which I have come to absolutely loathe over the past two years, which was chosen two owners / at least 8 years ago. I usually try to preempt this by interjecting defensively, "All of the paint colors you see downstairs are not us - we just haven't been able to repaint them yet!" </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thankfully those days are numbered!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aCDi2TLMUPE/T11TF2PLAaI/AAAAAAAACA4/6XMQkzrox7o/s1600/IMG_1057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aCDi2TLMUPE/T11TF2PLAaI/AAAAAAAACA4/6XMQkzrox7o/s400/IMG_1057.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">sun room sealed off</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9PtLhYxaGgI/T11TMAKYlXI/AAAAAAAACBA/AvgtXE2eUcA/s1600/IMG_1062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9PtLhYxaGgI/T11TMAKYlXI/AAAAAAAACBA/AvgtXE2eUcA/s400/IMG_1062.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Walls patched, waiting for primer. A nice view of the dark red, cream and black </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">color scheme... did I mention I loathe it? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And then, VOILA! Red walls no more! Its kind of pathetic how giddy just a coat or two of primer on the walls has left me. Evan could walk away from this whole project right now, and never touch a paint brush again and it would be a vast improvement in my book. Despite all the windows in this room, it felt like the red walls just sucked every ounce of natural light out, which was especially hard to cope with through the long dreary winter. (A friend of mine recently called this shade of red "yuppie crack den." Wonder if Benjamin Moore still carries it.)</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKSy-HSvwNg/T11TQAJyXlI/AAAAAAAACBI/nzQpWY-iPS0/s1600/IMG_1121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKSy-HSvwNg/T11TQAJyXlI/AAAAAAAACBI/nzQpWY-iPS0/s400/IMG_1121.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And no, I dont <a href="http://alexfultondesign.blogspot.com/2011/09/reader-request-karate-chop-cushions.html">karate chop</a> my cushions. My dogs just happen to love sleeping in the middle of the back cushion (see first photo, above), leaving this <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/karate-chop-to-27950">unfortunate indent</a>. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rIRfUULFSec/T11TUxuFPQI/AAAAAAAACBQ/FF4AU2YBkHM/s1600/IMG_1123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rIRfUULFSec/T11TUxuFPQI/AAAAAAAACBQ/FF4AU2YBkHM/s400/IMG_1123.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WczrXF6293I/T11Taa-gatI/AAAAAAAACBY/Tlv7AdWhCYE/s1600/IMG_1124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WczrXF6293I/T11Taa-gatI/AAAAAAAACBY/Tlv7AdWhCYE/s400/IMG_1124.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">My only job in this whole process is to pick out the paint colors. Sounds like a fun, simple task, right? Hah! Leave it to me to turn even the most superficial, non-urgent, far from life-threatening decision into an ordeal to lose sleep and hours of productivity over. I want a very light neutral, that will still have enough contrast with white trim to show off the built ins. I thought this would be fairly simple to choose. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw-wlOPxEMQ/T11ThXGbowI/AAAAAAAACBg/wFsM4GLPoZs/s1600/IMG_1161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw-wlOPxEMQ/T11ThXGbowI/AAAAAAAACBg/wFsM4GLPoZs/s400/IMG_1161.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Of all these options, I narrowed it to four, all Benjamin Moore colors: Ashwood, Overcast, French Canvas and Halo. Evan painted swatches on three different walls, and while I thought they were all lovely, I found them all too dark. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So the search continues ... as will this saga. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I know you'll be on the edge of your seat, waiting for more. </div><span id="goog_806752082"></span><span id="goog_806752083"></span>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-66191610129946250782012-03-05T13:14:00.000-08:002012-03-05T13:14:36.006-08:00mr. jason grant's boston terrier paint<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://decor8blog.com/2012/03/02/jason-grant-for-murobond/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+decor8blog+%28decor8%29&utm_content=Google+Reader"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFAq_fpxhWs/T1Un-0mbFvI/AAAAAAAAB_4/mI9u8BIhrbY/s400/img_home5.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://decor8blog.com/2012/03/02/jason-grant-for-murobond/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+decor8blog+%28decor8%29&utm_content=Google+Reader"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ac3fyfkCddE/T1Un8trxlYI/AAAAAAAAB_g/AOpS4CYqRcA/s400/img_home2.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">We are in the middle of a living room redo. As I type this I am sitting in the living room, downright giddy at how bright it is in here! Evan finished priming the formerly dark red walls last night, and its already an astounding improvement. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The living room is pretty large, and has a ton of built ins with glass doors and a mantel shelf that runs the depth of the room - all of which are going to require extensive scraping and prepping for a new coat of paint. Thankfully, I might add, because I need all the time I can get to choose colors for the walls, built ins, trim and brick facing around the fireplace.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So paint colors are on my brain right now in a big way - who knew choosing light neutrals could be so difficult? Oh, thats right - everyone who has ever had to do it. Here is my <a href="http://pinterest.com/warneram/house-envy-living-room-color-inspiration/">Pinterest inspiration board</a> for colors. More on those soon!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So when I came across this <a href="http://murobond.com.au/">Murobond</a> paint line out of Australia designed by <a href="http://mrjasongrant.com/">Mr. Jason Grant</a> via <a href="http://decor8blog.com/2012/03/02/jason-grant-for-murobond/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+decor8blog+%28decor8%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Decor8</a> today, I had to share it. Gorgeous colors, and paint cans featuring a Boston Terrier? Come on - what's not to love?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkDMwGElj48/T1Un9LVGB_I/AAAAAAAAB_o/44SuRRCpg0A/s1600/img_home3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkDMwGElj48/T1Un9LVGB_I/AAAAAAAAB_o/44SuRRCpg0A/s400/img_home3.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mrjasongrant.com/blog/"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsRCNNlshRQ/T1UoojIbhGI/AAAAAAAACAA/BJH9mGsg-BY/s640/IMG_3695-568x760.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Handsome devil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mrjasongrant.com/blog/"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1NRiuQJMSU/T1UoplBqGHI/AAAAAAAACAI/-pMBWmvPFtY/s640/IMG_3696-568x760.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mrjasongrant.com/blog/"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYGA3NM5YQw/T1UorF0FL_I/AAAAAAAACAQ/I6WioFya_Zc/s640/IMG_3780.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mrjasongrant.com/blog/"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--lTAm-klgN8/T1Uor58kVYI/AAAAAAAACAY/_uIwSRjLsKE/s640/IMG_3783.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />
(Don't worry - I haven't lost my mind so much as to seriously consider ordering gallons of paint from Australia because they feature a Boston Terrier. But I still had to share the BT love!)Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-63654606092419403512012-03-04T19:48:00.000-08:002012-03-04T19:48:29.655-08:00tulips, alstromeria and seeded eucalyptus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFQZw_z-KcE/T1QxcHG475I/AAAAAAAAB-4/fqv0lY1Q6to/s1600/f539a822666c11e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFQZw_z-KcE/T1QxcHG475I/AAAAAAAAB-4/fqv0lY1Q6to/s400/f539a822666c11e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVJ76bjo6v0/T1QzZ5n5a7I/AAAAAAAAB_A/rUC_tepee9A/s1600/0862999a664f11e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVJ76bjo6v0/T1QzZ5n5a7I/AAAAAAAAB_A/rUC_tepee9A/s400/0862999a664f11e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rP6TUJjt0FQ/T1QxHS-C4oI/AAAAAAAAB-A/9gSCe0Vxh0w/s1600/25b73bbc665011e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rP6TUJjt0FQ/T1QxHS-C4oI/AAAAAAAAB-A/9gSCe0Vxh0w/s400/25b73bbc665011e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCfCzYOY5e8/T1QxKuM84WI/AAAAAAAAB-I/GMaFgpUCyfY/s1600/56abd51a664211e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCfCzYOY5e8/T1QxKuM84WI/AAAAAAAAB-I/GMaFgpUCyfY/s400/56abd51a664211e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> on my nightstand</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J2LtqH8a9Nk/T1QxNwmOG3I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/r_VHGEhKsWM/s1600/57b1d0f6664f11e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J2LtqH8a9Nk/T1QxNwmOG3I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/r_VHGEhKsWM/s400/57b1d0f6664f11e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRXifeIqZ6Y/T1QzmAKMzqI/AAAAAAAAB_I/IiTrUgihevs/s1600/79a7537a664f11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRXifeIqZ6Y/T1QzmAKMzqI/AAAAAAAAB_I/IiTrUgihevs/s400/79a7537a664f11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3Wv9xEKmtw/T1Qz2NV-G3I/AAAAAAAAB_Q/DiSKiqenCMk/s1600/b8eee5ac664f11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3Wv9xEKmtw/T1Qz2NV-G3I/AAAAAAAAB_Q/DiSKiqenCMk/s400/b8eee5ac664f11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7aVrvvtzH0/T1QxV01UoVI/AAAAAAAAB-o/01YB-tTNtLY/s1600/d716c280664e11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7aVrvvtzH0/T1QxV01UoVI/AAAAAAAAB-o/01YB-tTNtLY/s400/d716c280664e11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-User8OcinsA/T1QxZK-MV-I/AAAAAAAAB-w/K3SHUHtC-sY/s1600/e757314c664f11e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-User8OcinsA/T1QxZK-MV-I/AAAAAAAAB-w/K3SHUHtC-sY/s400/e757314c664f11e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">A little flower therapy to beat the late winter blues. I bought three bouquets at the grocery store - creamy white tulips, burgundy/purple and white alstromerias and seeded eucalyptus - and spent an hour lost in making a bunch of small arrangements. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love the seeded eucalyptus for its muted silvery green color and the fact that it dries looking almost exactly the same. I have sprigs stuck in old bottles all around my house from an arrangement brought home almost a year ago. Its one of my favorites. Alstromerias are so easy to find, affordable, beautiful and they last forever. And tulips of course help me remember that spring is in fact around the corner. I think the white ones are so graceful. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hope you had a great weekend - think Spring!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">xoxox</div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-30531657383471709612012-03-02T13:51:00.000-08:002012-03-02T13:51:52.270-08:00put a blanket on it<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh, Pinterest. I am afraid you have led me even further astray from my resolution to blog more.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have you been sucked in yet? It's wildly addicting, and once you get the hang of how to use it, incredibly easy. Too easy. With a few clicks you've created a beautiful inspiration board, and then a few minutes later, 27 strangers have liked or "repinned" your post! Woah - holy instant gratification!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is, however, no substitute for blogging. But since I dont see this addiction/delightful time suck going away any time soon, I will try to use Pinterest as a tool for paying Dear Frances more of the attention she deserves.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To start, some images I have pinned that serve as follow up to my last post about casual sofa covers.These images prove that sofas covered in blankets, throws, sheets etc. can be attractive while being incredibly functional - comforting assurance to the owner of light colored upholstered furniture and two snuggle loving dogs. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2010/11/sneak-peek-scarlett-of-saffron-and-genevieve.html"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s69-7AXsuZw/T1DXX4owlrI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/JmLoHYYaJos/s400/sofa1.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This one is from one of my most <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2010/11/sneak-peek-scarlett-of-saffron-and-genevieve.html#comments">favorite Design Sponge </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sneak Peaks - Scartlett of <a href="http://saffronandgenevieve.com/">Saffron & Genevieve</a>, </div><div style="text-align: center;">an antiques and interior goods shop in Santa Cruz, CA.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.themarionhousebook.com/hello-neighbor-kessa-len/"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v01Px2JRURI/T1DXYEGR3JI/AAAAAAAAB8g/wh9TyJvZLlk/s400/sofa2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From a house tour of <a href="http://www.themarionhousebook.com/hello-neighbor-kessa-len/">Kessa & Len's home</a> in Toronto, via </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.themarionhousebook.com/">The Marion House Book</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedeskofannie.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbbMv7ypbfA/T1DXYhgzJ1I/AAAAAAAAB8o/lbTnvreSvLk/s400/sofa3.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Originally pinned from <a href="http://thedeskofannie.blogspot.com/">here</a>, but could not find this image for source.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cabbagesandroses.com/shop/100702/homeware/homeware-style-guide"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vnp6dzA92hE/T1EySjJrnQI/AAAAAAAAB9g/psiRP5UwSeo/s400/sofa9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">If you were to say to me, "Amanda, if you only had one website </div><div style="text-align: center;">to refer people to to get a sense of your 'style' - a place where you </div><div style="text-align: center;">would giddily adopt every single thing featured into your home </div><div style="text-align: center;">- what would it be?" </div><div style="text-align: center;">I would say, visit the <a href="http://www.cabbagesandroses.com/shop/100702/homeware/homeware-style-guide">Cabbages & Roses Homeware Style Guide</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I go back to Christina Strutt's <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cabbages-Roses-At-Home-Country/dp/1907030166">At Home with Country</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">over and over again to get inspired. The obsession began with </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2010/07/sneak-peek-interview-cabbages-roses.html">another Sneak Peak/Interview</a> at <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/">Design Sponge</a>.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://home-biba.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kBXBluWOZ4/T1DXZa6WLYI/AAAAAAAAB84/_Jac9jOx2xw/s400/sofa5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Originally pinned from <a href="http://home-biba.blogspot.com/">here</a>, but could not find this image for source.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37u2UwrGpdc/T1E2cqIXVlI/AAAAAAAAB9o/cJFPeHh3vK0/s1600/sofa10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37u2UwrGpdc/T1E2cqIXVlI/AAAAAAAAB9o/cJFPeHh3vK0/s400/sofa10.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXHp636lj14/T1E2dMIUNHI/AAAAAAAAB9w/p_izTFPmwA4/s1600/sofa11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXHp636lj14/T1E2dMIUNHI/AAAAAAAAB9w/p_izTFPmwA4/s400/sofa11.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two photos above from <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/">Apartment Therapy</a> House Tour </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/stefanie-and-mikes-heavenly-ho-149023">"Stefanie and Mike's Heavenly Hollywoodland Home" </a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">- homeowners who clearly let their pets all over the furniture </div><div style="text-align: center;">without sacrificing style or cleanliness (their furniture is white!). </div><div style="text-align: center;">I love these shots - our two dogs love sleeping on the top </div><div style="text-align: center;">of the back cushion of our chair and chaise, just like this.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/amy-butler-house-tour/item/244794"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1A1EvFeR408/T1DXaPfBDzI/AAAAAAAAB9I/h4IlXIfVPhU/s400/sofa7.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From Apartment Therapy's </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/amy-and-davids-creative-textil-145530">House Tour of textile designer Amy Butler</a>. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbbCK5UIZmZck-1el0QjZhbQLyjAhjOOE4tQNi_OhLdkmh3FfpXcrPjqjyBMS_xZfnBwlQdt2MMQjrF8ZVRvmwP1DXw0kSYLcfQ2B7p86w3ri_erm3BPebNg9Zh7sHlFafdyWKYuGwD4U/s1600/DSC_1978+%282%29.JPG"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekTDqeSPP0U/T1DXafF_0KI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/QJBRryslTmE/s400/sofa8.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbbCK5UIZmZck-1el0QjZhbQLyjAhjOOE4tQNi_OhLdkmh3FfpXcrPjqjyBMS_xZfnBwlQdt2MMQjrF8ZVRvmwP1DXw0kSYLcfQ2B7p86w3ri_erm3BPebNg9Zh7sHlFafdyWKYuGwD4U/s1600/DSC_1978+%282%29.JPG">This </a>is where clicking on the Pinterest pin takes you. </div><div style="text-align: center;">If you know the source, please tell me!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Ok, so those last two aren't covered in blankets, but they still show how a loose, non-custom fit (i.e. affordable) slipcover can look great, wrinkles and all, with a little help from some comfy pillows. While our current living room set isn't a forever set, I would still like to keep it in good shape and as clean as possible. We bought the three pieces (oversized chair, chaise and sofa) off Craigslist for the same price that we sold our old sofa and loveseat so someone else for, so it was essentially a free upgrade! The chaise was the real catalyst for the transaction, and I would like to "trade in" the sofa soon on Craigslist for something else. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What can I say? I get queasy at the price tag of new sofas, and love the thrill of the hunt. </div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-74524893955841056942012-02-16T20:14:00.000-08:002012-02-16T20:25:01.952-08:00casual sofa covers?<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As the proud parent of two spoiled Boston Terriers who have never been taught to stay off the furniture, which happens to be light colored upholstery, I am always on the lookout for attractive, but casual throws, blankets and quilts to toss over the sofa and three chaises that we - and the dogs - love so much (wherever we like to sit and get cozy, so do they). While browsing on Etsy recently, I came across <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jaisalmerhandloom">this shop</a> that has several gorgeous handmade textiles from India, which - considering the detail on some of them - seem pretty reasonably priced.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few appliqued bedspreads that I have my eye on (I would have to check on whether these are machine washable, to serve the intended purpose):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88939962/applique-color-full-cotton-bed-cover"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ml60e5SO6pU/Tz2FRtQNj3I/AAAAAAAAB6M/M4W_Elm7zGo/s640/india3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89524263/applique-color-full-cotton-bedspreadsbed"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbrLsY2xG2Y/Tz2FTH1wttI/AAAAAAAAB6U/gNpXlNXSMCA/s640/india4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85778422/cotton-applique-bed-sheethandmade"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7JtnPqEW-I/Tz3RekQNwHI/AAAAAAAAB8E/2pQT2Ov-MeQ/s640/il_570xN.284978141.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81763848/applique-patchwork-bed-coverapplique"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1UMrUfpWmLQ/Tz2FT6ABn0I/AAAAAAAAB6c/a5JLOviOPWM/s640/india5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85778871/indian-cotton-applique-bed-sheethandmade"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3q1stOwCn78/Tz3RkgTx1TI/AAAAAAAAB8M/xH2i7MEH9go/s640/il_570xN.284978711.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The shop also has several beautiful throw sized Kantha quilts, which are made out of gorgeous recycled cotton saris using an embroidery technique called "kantha"to form intricate designs. I love that many of these are reversible, and have sort of random patches here and there. These are more for decorative use than what I am searching for - <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/authentic-kantha-throw/">Pottery Barn</a> and <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/kantha-quilts-b673/">West Elm</a>, who sell vintage kantha quilts of similar size for twice as much money, advises against washing these.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are a just a few that caught my eye:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93116673/reserved-vintage-kantha-quilt-gudari">Quilt 1</a> ~ Side 1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sK8LRfMwZ1o/Tz3L9fyUo9I/AAAAAAAAB7c/Br5mEtjXe3Q/s1600/il_570xN.312413613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sK8LRfMwZ1o/Tz3L9fyUo9I/AAAAAAAAB7c/Br5mEtjXe3Q/s640/il_570xN.312413613.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quilt 1 ~ Side 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2t8upfKEQAE/Tz3L-ybFN3I/AAAAAAAAB7s/qojfCkaVlh8/s1600/il_570xN.312541670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2t8upfKEQAE/Tz3L-ybFN3I/AAAAAAAAB7s/qojfCkaVlh8/s640/il_570xN.312541670.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85612784/vintage-kantha-quiltsrallisgudris">Quilt 2 </a>~ Side 1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ed_QK5pSMsY/Tz3L34n17DI/AAAAAAAAB60/JHWazxwiDxs/s1600/il_570xN.284519602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ed_QK5pSMsY/Tz3L34n17DI/AAAAAAAAB60/JHWazxwiDxs/s640/il_570xN.284519602.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Quilt 2 ~ Side 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5ZYY97j9wg/Tz3L26SxdfI/AAAAAAAAB6s/sFnUm2UJqeA/s1600/il_570xN.284395467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5ZYY97j9wg/Tz3L26SxdfI/AAAAAAAAB6s/sFnUm2UJqeA/s400/il_570xN.284395467.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91148696/kantha-quiltskantha-bedcovers-hand">Quilt 3</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHvHZtpZcyU/Tz3L4hkCCMI/AAAAAAAAB68/K6RTNbfKK5U/s1600/il_570xN.305272532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHvHZtpZcyU/Tz3L4hkCCMI/AAAAAAAAB68/K6RTNbfKK5U/s640/il_570xN.305272532.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92410549/vintage-kantha-quiltt-gudari-ralli-india">Quilt 4 </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tzC70geRZQ/Tz3L5QryaSI/AAAAAAAAB7E/OBefC8R06CQ/s1600/il_570xN.309822931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tzC70geRZQ/Tz3L5QryaSI/AAAAAAAAB7E/OBefC8R06CQ/s400/il_570xN.309822931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Quilt 4 ~ Side 1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfgtBey-dIQ/Tz3L6SD7GOI/AAAAAAAAB7M/LsMscLu8pmw/s1600/il_570xN.309823083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfgtBey-dIQ/Tz3L6SD7GOI/AAAAAAAAB7M/LsMscLu8pmw/s640/il_570xN.309823083.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Quilt 4 ~ Side 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCyoff3K5EI/Tz3L8aEiKbI/AAAAAAAAB7U/ydFjUsOwUE4/s1600/il_570xN.309823181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCyoff3K5EI/Tz3L8aEiKbI/AAAAAAAAB7U/ydFjUsOwUE4/s640/il_570xN.309823181.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93127250/indian-kantha-vintage-quilts"> Quilt 5</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQMT_UlLr2I/Tz3L__BoFyI/AAAAAAAAB70/9o9bKoYrrxI/s1600/il_570xN.312577996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQMT_UlLr2I/Tz3L__BoFyI/AAAAAAAAB70/9o9bKoYrrxI/s400/il_570xN.312577996.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Quilt 5 ~ Side 1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHDOQe-udyo/Tz3L-Rh0nrI/AAAAAAAAB7k/PIIgcXiWM7M/s1600/il_570xN.312450561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHDOQe-udyo/Tz3L-Rh0nrI/AAAAAAAAB7k/PIIgcXiWM7M/s640/il_570xN.312450561.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Quilt 5 ~ Side 2 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZeMEpWr6S8/Tz3MB39x-sI/AAAAAAAAB78/Z3eigUPkO_4/s1600/il_570xN.312578162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZeMEpWr6S8/Tz3MB39x-sI/AAAAAAAAB78/Z3eigUPkO_4/s640/il_570xN.312578162.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I am such a sucker for intricate, soft textiles. I just love the stitching on these, not to mention the patterns. One of these may be too tempting to resist. It would be mine, all mine - dogs forbidden to set a paw upon it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just like the cherished crazy quilt that my mom made for me out of scraps of fabric with very sentimental memories - the dress my Grandmother wore to my wedding, a pair of pants I bought in Paris when I was 15, a dress my best friend bought for me at a thrift shop in Germany in high school, a pair of purple embossed corduroy bellbottoms that were too hideous for my rebellious teenage self to resist. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll have to share photos soon. (Of the quilt, that is - not of me sporting the purple bellbottoms circa 1995).</div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-23789235194690956372012-02-15T12:43:00.000-08:002012-02-16T07:06:17.936-08:00a very tardy farewell to 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pEHe7AHIrQ8/TzwWsCBUYcI/AAAAAAAAB50/EngewDQIwnI/s1600/DSC02867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pEHe7AHIrQ8/TzwWsCBUYcI/AAAAAAAAB50/EngewDQIwnI/s320/DSC02867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I'm not doing so well on one of my 2012 resolutions - to blog more. Much more.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've let Dear Frances' <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/01/pickled-cauliflower-and-baby-booties.html">1 year anniversary</a> pass by without a mention, and now, Valentine's Day. How will I ever make up for missing both an anniversary AND Valentine's day, all in less than one month? I'm such a bad boyfriend.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">How about a very tardy farewell to 2011, a year in review - including some things that should have been posted about, but were not. Maybe that will count for something.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">2011 started out with a trip to Toronto that was pure magic. In fact, over a year later, I still owe a post on that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUSH6zl9dmI/TzrVko8DOGI/AAAAAAAABw4/dIu6yBThnkU/s1600/DSC02875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUSH6zl9dmI/TzrVko8DOGI/AAAAAAAABw4/dIu6yBThnkU/s400/DSC02875.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PoT7rzXEHrw/TzrXDyhoYSI/AAAAAAAABxg/pAK4ktyvoIE/s1600/DSC02887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PoT7rzXEHrw/TzrXDyhoYSI/AAAAAAAABxg/pAK4ktyvoIE/s400/DSC02887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnxGq-19GfE/TzrWOJhceBI/AAAAAAAABxY/2KS1wRMK4iE/s1600/DSC02892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnxGq-19GfE/TzrWOJhceBI/AAAAAAAABxY/2KS1wRMK4iE/s400/DSC02892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0X7gr6ydrt8/TzrYVf339bI/AAAAAAAABxo/SY7cMMZQFnc/s1600/DSC02928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0X7gr6ydrt8/TzrYVf339bI/AAAAAAAABxo/SY7cMMZQFnc/s400/DSC02928.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwQDs-KyTVc/TzrYem_wjYI/AAAAAAAABxw/3WRmkw1P45I/s1600/DSC02935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwQDs-KyTVc/TzrYem_wjYI/AAAAAAAABxw/3WRmkw1P45I/s400/DSC02935.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Dear Frances was born on January 21. That month I sewed <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/01/pickled-cauliflower-and-baby-booties.html">baby booties</a> and <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-bundle-and-trip-to.html">welcomed my niece Emily into the world</a>, watching my baby brother turn into a father, and my parents turn into glowing grandparents.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In 2011 I made pickles, lemonade, and my grandmother's <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/02/making-whoopies-and-getting-nostalgic.html">whoopee pies</a> - all for the first time ever (yes, ever).</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6olboz5DQmM/TzrauwN_IwI/AAAAAAAAByA/7HSNWbG7M_Y/s1600/63302_1553761639868_1109971112_1545649_5179780_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6olboz5DQmM/TzrauwN_IwI/AAAAAAAAByA/7HSNWbG7M_Y/s400/63302_1553761639868_1109971112_1545649_5179780_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I broke a treasure from Bar Harbor, but acquired many others.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GGqo4dSyxUU/TzraFvQnr9I/AAAAAAAABx4/tupQ235AH3U/s1600/DSC03220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GGqo4dSyxUU/TzraFvQnr9I/AAAAAAAABx4/tupQ235AH3U/s400/DSC03220.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I checked out the Brooklyn Flea for the first time during a visit to the city and was totally overwhelmed. All I left with was <a href="http://www.mcclurespickles.com/">McClure's pickles</a> and hotdogs from <a href="http://asiadognyc.com/">Asia Dog</a> in my tummy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I enjoyed the view of snow on hydrangeas from my newly put together sunroom, which quickly became my favorite spot in the house.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtMjExZH7Dw/Tzrc5-noj3I/AAAAAAAAByI/IxwYeG2ex30/s1600/DSC03358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtMjExZH7Dw/Tzrc5-noj3I/AAAAAAAAByI/IxwYeG2ex30/s400/DSC03358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTU_kZZknbU/TzrdDXJq2SI/AAAAAAAAByQ/FESmr2-TpYI/s1600/DSC03360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTU_kZZknbU/TzrdDXJq2SI/AAAAAAAAByQ/FESmr2-TpYI/s400/DSC03360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-joJQ4jGkhsg/TzrdJHfI7VI/AAAAAAAAByY/g4EIbffTkQQ/s1600/DSC03362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-joJQ4jGkhsg/TzrdJHfI7VI/AAAAAAAAByY/g4EIbffTkQQ/s400/DSC03362.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I acquired several antique mirrors and discovered the dangers of liquid mercury as a result (be careful with antique mirrors made in the 1860s and before - they are plated with mercury, which as I found out the hard way, can come detached from the glass and bead up into a million hazardous balls of liquid mercury if the mirror is jostled in any way!). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I finally scanned <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/02/making-whoopies-and-getting-nostalgic.html">old family photos</a>, asked a million questions about them, and felt a burning desire to one day write a book about all the stories. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went on <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/03/silver-linings.html">a fantastically fun trip to Florida</a> where, lounging poolside, I got a call that informed me that I would be losing my job of four years in a couple of months due to funding cuts beyond my employer's control. I panicked, then promised myself I'd make the most of whatever time I would have "off"- an unpaid vacation of unknown duration (aren't I clever?).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I discovered <a href="http://www.mennenursery.com/">Menne Nursery</a> and proceeded to collect and kill several beautiful plants as a result.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rN_bWhbVphI/TzrkCfZhZHI/AAAAAAAAByg/Fn5IADlX9K0/s1600/DSC04531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rN_bWhbVphI/TzrkCfZhZHI/AAAAAAAAByg/Fn5IADlX9K0/s400/DSC04531.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Now a mere shadow of its former grandiose self. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">No more flowers, and only a tiny amount of foliage. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgREo2UOcEk/TzrucSlMtRI/AAAAAAAAByo/48SUAuVylWo/s1600/DSC04512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgREo2UOcEk/TzrucSlMtRI/AAAAAAAAByo/48SUAuVylWo/s400/DSC04512.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gardenias - dead and gone. :(</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8h7m0KDddc4/Tzrw-lcnjbI/AAAAAAAAByw/Ts-BNse4kUE/s1600/DSC07462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8h7m0KDddc4/Tzrw-lcnjbI/AAAAAAAAByw/Ts-BNse4kUE/s400/DSC07462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Maidenhair fern - met the same fate. This is the most painful loss. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This may have been my favorite houseplant, ever.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbYk334_KE0/TzrxGW0f6bI/AAAAAAAABy4/EhuhnIf--Lw/s1600/DSC07466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbYk334_KE0/TzrxGW0f6bI/AAAAAAAABy4/EhuhnIf--Lw/s400/DSC07466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqZzW8zVC6w/TzrxPCnOGhI/AAAAAAAABzA/GQFfWkHvdiU/s1600/DSC07475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqZzW8zVC6w/TzrxPCnOGhI/AAAAAAAABzA/GQFfWkHvdiU/s400/DSC07475.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Another fern, now gone. On a positive note, the little succulent on the left is still alive!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I trained for the Toronto Half Marathon and drew strength from a perfect stranger when things got rough around mile 8. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ8OwVAVIN0/TzvT_G0J7zI/AAAAAAAAB4A/APbKsg5Bcss/s1600/DSC04880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ8OwVAVIN0/TzvT_G0J7zI/AAAAAAAAB4A/APbKsg5Bcss/s320/DSC04880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Our last supper before the Toronto Half Marathon:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">House Cured Meats platter at the <a href="http://theblackhoof.com/">Black Hoof Cafe</a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">They had a lavender whipped "lardo" spread that sounds disgusting, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">but was the most silky buttery delicate thing I've ever spread on bread. </span></div><br />
I hosted a baby shower and discovered the joys of toddler bath time and <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/05/tell-me-is-there-anything-more-sweet-to.html">toddler/dog bonding</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOD0fODRECU/TzsQeoUUT1I/AAAAAAAABzI/H7fwPMH3Jng/s1600/DSC04605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOD0fODRECU/TzsQeoUUT1I/AAAAAAAABzI/H7fwPMH3Jng/s400/DSC04605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">In one particularly classy weekend in April, I welcomed a muscle car into my marriage and threw myself a hotdog birthday party, inspired by aforementioned Asia Dog. Evan finished his DJ booth in the rumpus room, and we hosted several impromptu dance parties.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1x2MjhFK7Ng/TzsQ-fmKrjI/AAAAAAAABzQ/aqYcLpfldXw/s1600/DSC04820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1x2MjhFK7Ng/TzsQ-fmKrjI/AAAAAAAABzQ/aqYcLpfldXw/s400/DSC04820.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f-qDaxPUjWM/TzsRWNr1n0I/AAAAAAAABzg/nc6XXRvDyY0/s1600/DSC04844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f-qDaxPUjWM/TzsRWNr1n0I/AAAAAAAABzg/nc6XXRvDyY0/s400/DSC04844.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I planted an <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/05/alpine-succulent-garden-project.html">alpine succulent garden</a> and reveled in the <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/06/lilac-festival-and-shade-garden-envy.html">lilac gardens in Rochester</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">At the end of May, I said goodbye to my job, and hello to my Mom and Grandmother for a long weekend in Buffalo. I got to see my Grandmother experience Niagara Falls for the first time, made her macaroni and cheese recipe with my mom under her supervision, and dug around in the garden with her. It was magic.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWf5Yjhs4ng/TzsTvj0x2KI/AAAAAAAABzw/DaM4G4mPNZM/s1600/DSC05142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWf5Yjhs4ng/TzsTvj0x2KI/AAAAAAAABzw/DaM4G4mPNZM/s400/DSC05142.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I brought Mom and Grammy back to Maine and stayed for two glorious weeks (see pictorial review <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/06/unpaid-vacation-of-unknown-duration-new.html">here</a> and <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/07/unpaid-vacation-of-unknown-duration-new.html">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I revisited rivers in the White Mountains of New Hampshire for the first time in over a decade. Immediately began scheming for how we could afford an old rundown farmhouse somewhere in the White Mountains, recent unemployment be damned.<br />
<br />
I visited an old friend from college and marveled at how much more we have in common now than we had back then. I rode on a vintage motorcycle with my dad. I melted repeatedly in the presence of my niece. I relaxed in my parents' small backyard oasis, surrounded by Solomon's seal, ferns and a crackling summer fire. I rescued a turtle with my Auntie and celebrated my best friend's birthday with her.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I returned from that trip, and a couple of weeks later traveled to a place that could not be more opposite from New England: Las Vegas. The highlights of the trip were seeing old friends renew their wedding vows in a delightfully cheesy chapel after 10 years of marriage - Elvis presiding of course - and trying escargot for the first time, with fancy french cocktails, watching the Bellagio water fountain show across the street.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnpCec_leSs/TzwT1nokhwI/AAAAAAAAB5c/962X_SPqvsc/s1600/DSC05829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnpCec_leSs/TzwT1nokhwI/AAAAAAAAB5c/962X_SPqvsc/s640/DSC05829.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y97y9OgG0-0/TzsUbbCzJ7I/AAAAAAAABz4/QB4OhhydpHI/s1600/DSC05957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y97y9OgG0-0/TzsUbbCzJ7I/AAAAAAAABz4/QB4OhhydpHI/s400/DSC05957.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>In July, I fell head over heels for one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen - <a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&client=safari&pwst=1&rls=en&q=Lake+Skaneateles&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1215&bih=636&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=2N07T5X9DYKL0QHB_KG9Cw">Lake Skaneatelas</a> - and coveted this cottage on it so badly it made my heart hurt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gcGGEXC-j40/TzsU54iAcnI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/M9G0kBZrRIY/s1600/DSC06239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gcGGEXC-j40/TzsU54iAcnI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/M9G0kBZrRIY/s400/DSC06239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7f_M9yY3jc/TzsVANQVnkI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/pxIpwzQpxS0/s1600/DSC06251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7f_M9yY3jc/TzsVANQVnkI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/pxIpwzQpxS0/s640/DSC06251.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Can you imagine??</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I spent a blissfully relaxing, no cost vacation at Sylvan Beach, NY surrendering myself to fruity tropical cocktails and the creepy yet delightfully rundown amusement park nearby.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJHah6podm0/TzsWrR0uKCI/AAAAAAAAB0g/TQxAyE1Kd9c/s1600/DSC06317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJHah6podm0/TzsWrR0uKCI/AAAAAAAAB0g/TQxAyE1Kd9c/s400/DSC06317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzkV0w_M4o4/TzsW0ZCiK1I/AAAAAAAAB0o/YbXabsBvMHk/s1600/DSC06319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzkV0w_M4o4/TzsW0ZCiK1I/AAAAAAAAB0o/YbXabsBvMHk/s400/DSC06319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3qN3bWxkac/TzsW-b1V2RI/AAAAAAAAB0w/Q9cg4sSMBMU/s1600/DSC06323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3qN3bWxkac/TzsW-b1V2RI/AAAAAAAAB0w/Q9cg4sSMBMU/s400/DSC06323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Sweet prizes!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMueLneJJvc/TzsXGfo42wI/AAAAAAAAB04/arVBVRU6qqU/s1600/DSC06332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMueLneJJvc/TzsXGfo42wI/AAAAAAAAB04/arVBVRU6qqU/s400/DSC06332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhOkgg7Oy8c/TzsXXKbiHNI/AAAAAAAAB1I/tp8ouh0s0fY/s1600/DSC06348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhOkgg7Oy8c/TzsXXKbiHNI/AAAAAAAAB1I/tp8ouh0s0fY/s400/DSC06348.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Bliss.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aIb4c2r3JA/TzsXnO-gYrI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/g3GxYAvbW1s/s1600/DSC06399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aIb4c2r3JA/TzsXnO-gYrI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/g3GxYAvbW1s/s640/DSC06399.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I got a new bicycle, named her Violet and rode her 20 miles up the <a href="http://byways.org/fws/byways/2488">Seaway Trail</a> and back. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In August, I visited Cape Cod for the first time and fell in love with Quivet Neck Beach. I got over my college induced aversion to rum and enjoyed my first Dark & Stormy with cousins-in-laws that I adore. I ate the best s'more of my life (look at the size of that marshmallow!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_6BM_hGxpI/TzsYyLvQPGI/AAAAAAAAB1o/DYMMLL015Tk/s1600/DSC06540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_6BM_hGxpI/TzsYyLvQPGI/AAAAAAAAB1o/DYMMLL015Tk/s400/DSC06540.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr5zuwKx6w0/TzsY8OhU4JI/AAAAAAAAB1w/5wKnoX-RJN4/s1600/DSC06542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr5zuwKx6w0/TzsY8OhU4JI/AAAAAAAAB1w/5wKnoX-RJN4/s400/DSC06542.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5VNH66BVRQ/TzsZIEL38XI/AAAAAAAAB14/hPDCg9A5LHM/s1600/DSC06543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5VNH66BVRQ/TzsZIEL38XI/AAAAAAAAB14/hPDCg9A5LHM/s400/DSC06543.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5UdhRutLMdg/TzsZScwyOJI/AAAAAAAAB2A/NvveDgnrWI4/s1600/DSC06546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5UdhRutLMdg/TzsZScwyOJI/AAAAAAAAB2A/NvveDgnrWI4/s400/DSC06546.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAjPJDvIXfA/TzsZceNSZFI/AAAAAAAAB2I/pAniOW1lXXA/s1600/DSC06550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAjPJDvIXfA/TzsZceNSZFI/AAAAAAAAB2I/pAniOW1lXXA/s400/DSC06550.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4SpO_BoN84/TzsZl7b7IDI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/4PVOeoztp9w/s1600/DSC06563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4SpO_BoN84/TzsZl7b7IDI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/4PVOeoztp9w/s400/DSC06563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaHj8ZxJYYk/TzsZ0rgfc1I/AAAAAAAAB2g/lbVRhOIJ5RQ/s1600/DSC06608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaHj8ZxJYYk/TzsZ0rgfc1I/AAAAAAAAB2g/lbVRhOIJ5RQ/s640/DSC06608.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MAE4Hc0vUpU/TzsZ3q2hSgI/AAAAAAAAB2o/dvALjvB57vs/s1600/DSC06631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MAE4Hc0vUpU/TzsZ3q2hSgI/AAAAAAAAB2o/dvALjvB57vs/s400/DSC06631.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I finally made it to my father's family's annual get together for the first time since they started three years ago and had a blast catching up with family that I hadn't seen in years. Also in August, we welcomed a new addition to the family - a rescue dog from Ohio named James Bond, who we promptly re-Christened Otto.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NQBzh-5yNc/Tzsb4Uf5kvI/AAAAAAAAB3A/5qUgUDqwxnY/s1600/DSC07609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NQBzh-5yNc/Tzsb4Uf5kvI/AAAAAAAAB3A/5qUgUDqwxnY/s400/DSC07609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Shortly thereafter, I got bit by a spider - which doesn't sound terribly noteworthy, but it actually made my life miserable for a solid three weeks and left me with a serious spider neurosis bordering on arachnophobia - not to mention a bright pink quarter-sized scar on my leg. Do not do a google image search for "spider bite" - it's the stuff of nightmares. No joke. I got off easy, apparently.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>I explored Zoar Valley - my favorite place to swim in Western New York, hands down - and dreamed of one day having a camp along the river one day (just add it to my growing collection of waterside fantasy homes).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5uxfr9yUhA/TzsdxZ5R2xI/AAAAAAAAB3I/O5npsblOsP0/s1600/DSC07167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5uxfr9yUhA/TzsdxZ5R2xI/AAAAAAAAB3I/O5npsblOsP0/s640/DSC07167.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb_HkYb-a-M/Tzsd4NG7KHI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/okNrKHoaE98/s1600/DSC07170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb_HkYb-a-M/Tzsd4NG7KHI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/okNrKHoaE98/s640/DSC07170.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cc28m2AvzRg/TzseAgzl5ZI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/I4eGX7wHLyI/s1600/DSC07171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cc28m2AvzRg/TzseAgzl5ZI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/I4eGX7wHLyI/s400/DSC07171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tP0UJH-6feg/TzseK8Vm8oI/AAAAAAAAB3g/g1qhGdQVFZ4/s1600/DSC07177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tP0UJH-6feg/TzseK8Vm8oI/AAAAAAAAB3g/g1qhGdQVFZ4/s400/DSC07177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUBTAGiH-jI/TzseWAu70dI/AAAAAAAAB3o/a6UpKOoQ0eM/s1600/DSC07197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUBTAGiH-jI/TzseWAu70dI/AAAAAAAAB3o/a6UpKOoQ0eM/s400/DSC07197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJt3qxMnzAU/TzsegIATbKI/AAAAAAAAB3w/8R570f5Tns0/s1600/DSC07199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJt3qxMnzAU/TzsegIATbKI/AAAAAAAAB3w/8R570f5Tns0/s400/DSC07199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I chased this small gorgeous butterfly around my yard, until it finally stopped for a rest, and I could snap about 100 photos. Its wingspan was maybe 3/4 of an inch across. Tiny, delicate and insanely intricate. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak4ZrheV37o/TzsfPTlAlyI/AAAAAAAAB34/1uHJ36ywt-0/s1600/DSC07548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak4ZrheV37o/TzsfPTlAlyI/AAAAAAAAB34/1uHJ36ywt-0/s400/DSC07548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I messed around with flowers from <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/08/more-dan-tower-farm-love.html">Dan Tower Farm</a> - the highlight of every trip to the Farmers Market last summer. I toured <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/09/tour-de-farms.html">Buffalo's community gardens and urban farms</a> on my new bike, and rediscovered the joys of jewelweed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/12/october-in-maine.html">visited New England in the fall</a> for the first time in years and years and vowed to make it an annual tradition. I had a meal at the Burning Tree restaurant in Bar Harbor that made me obsessed with preserved lemons and Moroccan spices.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister-in-Law and Niece all came to visit us in Buffalo for a long weekend in October, which was such a treat. I joined a murder of crows for <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/10/caw-caw-happy-halloween.html">Halloween</a> - my most favorite costume to date. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In November my tortured Blackberry finally died, setting me free to cross over to the world of iPhone and Instagram - finally!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In December, <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/12/o-christmas-tree.html">we hunted for a Christmas tree</a> on a friend's family farm in the land of windmills. The farm borders the same creek that runs through Zoar Valley. I begged with no uncertain desperation to come back to camp there next summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HAW9Ti0BOXQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Windmills - video is not for the easily carsick. :)</span></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I spent a very peaceful, content Christmas in Buffalo, <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-feasting.html">cooking up a storm</a> for just Evan and I. I <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2012/01/nye-revised.html">rang in the New Year</a> with a new dress in a beautifully renovated Buffalo landmark. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2011 was a year of ups and downs, but mostly ups - a lot of travel and time with family and friends for which I am endlessly grateful for. I remain hopeful and excited to see what 2012 brings ... there are some big changes on the horizon which I am sure I'll share here in due time. </div><br />
Happy 2012, dear friends - I hope it's started off well for all of you!<br />
<br />
xoxo<br />
Amanda<br />
<br />
PS - and happy belated Valentine's Day! I was not on the ball enough to live up to <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-done-right.html">this post</a> from last year. As I did last February, I will leave you with a few stunning flower arrangements by the brilliant Amy Merrick, whose <a href="http://www.amymerrick.com/index">dreamy website</a> you must check out, now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amymerrick.com/flowers"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bM0M8Nwa9bw/TzwCV92H-FI/AAAAAAAAB4k/aqdTnZH7YSI/s400/001-amy-merrick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amymerrick.com/flowers"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6I-2qFGkXk/TzwCWtnRwcI/AAAAAAAAB4s/k7GNJntBR7w/s400/0010-amy-merrick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amymerrick.com/flowers"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2I4kqgJhvz8/TzwCXMzueQI/AAAAAAAAB40/rB_Qdn0lvF4/s400/013-amy-merrick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amymerrick.com/flowers"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGf7SHGgYVU/TzwCX7eaAnI/AAAAAAAAB48/X9i9gFcNdek/s400/124-amy-merrick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-9417728568798007962012-01-30T19:13:00.000-08:002012-01-30T19:25:52.151-08:00nyc weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HW-FAckw8pw/TydUu7Nb2HI/AAAAAAAABt4/xCSNaOrxs-0/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HW-FAckw8pw/TydUu7Nb2HI/AAAAAAAABt4/xCSNaOrxs-0/s400/IMG_0874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Beautiful sky on Saturday, on the way to <a href="http://eatalyny.com/">Eataly</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRbL42Y02Lw/TydUwFRICsI/AAAAAAAABuA/sANbWSiN85U/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRbL42Y02Lw/TydUwFRICsI/AAAAAAAABuA/sANbWSiN85U/s400/IMG_0875.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jpT5yUf8mgw/TydUy1twdPI/AAAAAAAABuQ/oKLQ6nh_hPo/s1600/IMG_0877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jpT5yUf8mgw/TydUy1twdPI/AAAAAAAABuQ/oKLQ6nh_hPo/s400/IMG_0877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Drinks at the <a href="http://cloverclubny.com/">Clover Club</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYC_SpztxFQ/TydU0knBGzI/AAAAAAAABuY/Js8CIwR1XXE/s1600/IMG_0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYC_SpztxFQ/TydU0knBGzI/AAAAAAAABuY/Js8CIwR1XXE/s400/IMG_0878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Teddy, snoozing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BpKvljMsb-w/TydU25QpWmI/AAAAAAAABug/14P8LuUvQTM/s1600/IMG_0879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BpKvljMsb-w/TydU25QpWmI/AAAAAAAABug/14P8LuUvQTM/s400/IMG_0879.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Fresh apple, carrot and ginger juice.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xrduEzydPs/TydU4gEjZqI/AAAAAAAABuo/YXN109kMqCY/s1600/IMG_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xrduEzydPs/TydU4gEjZqI/AAAAAAAABuo/YXN109kMqCY/s400/IMG_0880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> At the <a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/">Brooklyn Flea</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssoG4xuFFs4/TydU6MBHuVI/AAAAAAAABuw/y4N-UKWGaVk/s1600/IMG_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssoG4xuFFs4/TydU6MBHuVI/AAAAAAAABuw/y4N-UKWGaVk/s400/IMG_0881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Brunch at <a href="http://www.no7restaurant.com/home-01.html">No. 7</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpg0xhyI-mI/TydU7GzQHeI/AAAAAAAABu4/oUObC7ihpBw/s1600/IMG_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpg0xhyI-mI/TydU7GzQHeI/AAAAAAAABu4/oUObC7ihpBw/s400/IMG_0882.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjKnFcGENDw/TydU8p8J6OI/AAAAAAAABvA/4cEQunpsxeY/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjKnFcGENDw/TydU8p8J6OI/AAAAAAAABvA/4cEQunpsxeY/s400/IMG_0883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Fried eggs & nachos.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10Mx7ihLyVQ/TydU9rx8dnI/AAAAAAAABvI/88vzS7u7lJI/s1600/IMG_0884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10Mx7ihLyVQ/TydU9rx8dnI/AAAAAAAABvI/88vzS7u7lJI/s400/IMG_0884.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Colorado & Florida by <a href="http://dsanddurga.com/">D.S. & Durga</a> at <a href="http://shopbird.com/home.php">bird</a> - my proudest moment of restraint. Despite this seriously gorgeous perfume's hefty price tag, I was dangerously tempted when the store clerk said it was a limited edition, only 99 bottles were made, and that bird was its sole distributer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIEjvY_ln68/TydaHANdMAI/AAAAAAAABvw/zC7jsoBjONU/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIEjvY_ln68/TydaHANdMAI/AAAAAAAABvw/zC7jsoBjONU/s400/IMG_0885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn3sjHKsgpI/TydaJiIfDUI/AAAAAAAABv4/rtpjKugkJvc/s1600/IMG_0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn3sjHKsgpI/TydaJiIfDUI/AAAAAAAABv4/rtpjKugkJvc/s400/IMG_0886.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8OCjoGhM0qo/TydaNHbbrMI/AAAAAAAABwA/q9oUV65MB14/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8OCjoGhM0qo/TydaNHbbrMI/AAAAAAAABwA/q9oUV65MB14/s400/IMG_0888.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sunset views from Sunset Park.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">ps - It seems surreal that it was exactly <a href="http://mydearfrances.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-bundle-and-trip-to.html">one year ago this weekend</a> that I was basically doing the same thing - visiting Alice in Brooklyn, having a blast eating my way through the weekend, and checking out the flea market for the first time while my sweet little niece Emily was busy being born. Happy birthday sweet pea! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So excited to visit my family in Maine this weekend to celebrate this milestone properly, together with my Mom's birthday, for the first time in at least a decade. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1075879570125222825.post-14895074710761531072012-01-24T18:56:00.000-08:002012-01-24T18:56:50.931-08:00this made my night<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Bliss spa signature scent, found this evening at Marshall's - $5.99 for a travel sized rollerball, $9.99 for a full bottle. Its probably been around for ages, but tonight was the first time I'd smelled it, and now I'm obsessed. Its uplifting and fresh - perfect for the dead of winter doldrums. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zqZIjK8T9E/Tx9tehPgCJI/AAAAAAAABtw/_O1Hj7vytcM/s1600/BLISS-372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zqZIjK8T9E/Tx9tehPgCJI/AAAAAAAABtw/_O1Hj7vytcM/s320/BLISS-372.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">From the <a href="http://www.blissworld.com/bath-body/shop-by-brand/bliss/bliss-eau-de-toilette/">Bliss</a> website (where you can also see what a great bargain this was):</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ec008c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span></b></span></span><br />
<div class="middlepart" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 974px;"><div id="ctl00_PageContent_pnlContent" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><table style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-bottom-color: red; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: red; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: red; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><tbody style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<tr style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;" valign="top"><div class="right-part-content" style="border-bottom-color: green; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: green; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: green; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: green; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 777px;"><div class="product-detail-container" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: blue; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: blue; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: blue; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 570px;"><div class="product-detail-right" style="border-bottom-color: red; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: red; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: red; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 10px; width: 280px;"><span class="product-head-small" id="p-Description" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; width: 280px;"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Bliss Spa began with a simple mission: to deliver the best possible feeling in the world. This signature ‘scent’-iment—which literally permeates our spas—inspired our eponymous eau de toilette.<span new="" roman","serif";"="" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" times=""> </span>A fresh, mood-boosting medley of vibrant bergamot, dewy cucumber, and bright florals like lily, ylang ylang and violet, this unique blend is light enough to be your signature spritz—but exceptional enough to wear on special occasions.<span new="" roman","serif";"="" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" times=""> </span>In simple speak, it’s our spa in a bottle.<br />
</div></span></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe I can visit the actual spa when I am in New York this weekend? Let's see what I can afford .... a 15 minute "pucker perfecting facial for my lips" for $35? Hmm - I think I'll be sticking to the Marshall's bargains for now!</span></div>Amanda (Dear Frances)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01439275335545058523noreply@blogger.com0