Productivity, animated

I was feeling lazy about my mile-long list of to-do's...but then I saw this music video and felt thankful that I haven't managed to take on a project that entails knitting over 700 different panels to create one animation.

Tricot Machine || Les peaux de lièvres from Dare To Care Records on Vimeo.

Now that is crazy...and incredibly impressive at the same time!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

after-glow

bedroom.

votive hanging.

blue wall back-drop.

tea lights and white sand.

wrought-iron curved hooklets.

a deep glow before sunken dreaming.

......................................................................................................

-Cameron : Santa Fe, NM

Necessary Objects

It's been a while since I've been to an IKEA....well, it's been since college, when outfitting a dorm room was as easy as $1.99, $2.99, $3.99. I thought I'd stop buy while I was visiting California and my oh my, was I delighted to see so many great deals and clever interior ideas. Golly, how I wish I could surprise the mister with a foldaway couch, patio set, full length mirrors and new curtains. But all that wouldn't exactly fit in my carry-on, now would it.
So instead I settled on an aesthetically pleasing scarf rack.
It's the perfect size for my carry-on and very necessary for corralling my collection of a ba-jillion scarves. I think it could even double as a nifty vine trellis....hmmm!
-Jessie, via San Diego, CA

When life gives you rocks....

...you can play Rock Bocce!

Sweet video by N.B.A.

-Jessie, via San Diego, CA

Don't buy it! DIY it!

I recently fell in love with a necklace during a recent Anthropologie visit. At the time I couldn't bring myself to spend close to $40 when more important things like my electric bill needed to be paid.
So instead, I decided to make it myself. While in San Diego, I took a trip to the Black Bead, a favorite spot since I was young. There, I found all the goodies I needed to re-create the necklace...for almost half the price!After a few feet of chain, some base metal pins, a lobster clasp and some jewel-y gems, I was all set!There is something more satisfying about some good ol' DIY!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Raise your hand if you love freebies!

It's that time again.... time for a Friday Freebie! I found these lovely {download-able} Français Bibliotheque Cartes via The Blah, Blah, Blahg. They are a snazzy way to lend out your books, especially if you do intend on getting them back. Click the image for the freebie, si vous plait.

-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM (technically writing from San Diego, CA)

S-s-s-pring!

"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow."
~ Proverb

I was beginning to worry, but this morning I was greeted with nature's perfect laugh.
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Epicurean Wanderlusting

Photo: All Thai Food
I'm a huge fan of international cooking....even though I haven't traveled much, I love to try new spices and ingredients that aren't indigenous to the United States. I have a great Thai cook book that I peruse for inspiration. Though, many times I run into the same conundrum, an exotic ingredient included in the recipe cannot be found in ANY supermarket. Sure, I could order it online or try 5 different stores, but hey, who wants to make more than one stop for groceries? Then once you've found bulgur wheat, how are you going to use up the 5 pound sack you had to buy?
Photo: Destination Dinners
Well worry no more! Destination Dinners has come up with a solution and a cure for epicurean wanderlusting! They provide pre-fab recpie kits complete with pre-measured {hard-to-find} spices and sauces, dry ingredients, shopping lists for fresh items and even trivia about the dining destination. They offer kits for meals around the world from Dhaka, Bangladesh's Garam Marsala Chicken to Bancock, Thailand's Khao Ob Sapparod (shown above). I'm a huge fan of their Dinner Party Kits too!

I'm getting hungry for some Kibbeh bil-Saneeyeh, how about you?
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

CRAFTERNOON: Découpage with Mod Podge

I picked up these cute little glass votive holders for a dollar a piece and was inspired for a CRAFTERNOON of decoupage.
I've have some beautiful origami and rice papers that are perfect for this special project.
Good ol' Mod Podge...couldn't live without it!
I applied the delicate strips of rice paper first and then thin strips of origami papers.
Finished off with lacquered black beading and ready to be hung!
I love CRAFTERNOON-in'
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

1970's Spiromania

Remember this!?!?

Makes me want to round up a Lite-Brite and some Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots for some good old fashioned fun! Click this for even more laughs!
Happy Weekend!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM