What the Font

With my educational and professional background of the past decade in paper and press, one might say that my first love is type. And if there is a thin line between love and hate, I would venture to say that I love, (and loathe) all types of fonts. In college, I would spend days upon days letterpress printing - setting type, pawing through job trays of lead type, learning about each curve and line of every specific serif and sans serif I could get my hands on. Nowadays, I am more likely to be pouring over a cookbook, which is surely Times New Roman or the like, than found in the studio. Every now and then I have to get my fix, and after watching Objectified last night, I woke up with the design bug and had to play with some type on My Fonts. Looks like I might need to spend a couple of days printing to get this bug out of my creative system!

Images via My Fonts (top to bottom) Apricot, Londonderry Air, Gatlinberg Gossamer NF

Sunshine in a Jar

Working weekly farmers markets this summer, I've gotten to know some of the local farmers - and moreover, been able to sample most of this summer's gorgeous bounty at it's peak. Earlier this season, when strawberries were ripe for the pickin', I was gifted some 'bruised' early berries. Needless to say, I was giddy since I had already had jam on the brain. I followed a quick and great recipe using no pectin. The result was so pure and fresh I had to eat it right then and there. We whipped up some fresh ricotta, toasted some crusty bread and on top, enjoyed dollops and dollops of juicy strawberry jam. With a crisp glass of chilled sancerre, it was a beautiful dinner. Sometimes (actually, most of the time), it really is the simple things.

And while I'm jamming, be sure to check out this great post on learning to can from new blog on the block, {every}nothing wonderful (today she talks cheese!). Happy weekend!

Image via fineandlovely (excuse the poor iphone shot!)

Blog Love

I'll be the first to admit my love for Sunday Suppers. Though I haven't attended one of the Brooklyn, NY events or classes (yet!), fortunately, I can live vicariously through their fabulous blog. I am always struck by the spot-on styling, delicious & inventive menus and gorgeous photos. I am in love with this lavender lemonade - it sums up exactly why Sunday Suppers is oh so special. Run don't walk to their blog for some bonafide swoon worthy eye candy.

Images via Sunday Suppers

Queen Bee(keeping)

Loved this story I heard on NPR this morning about the surge of women beekeepers in the states. With the mysterious plight of disappearing bees these days, and the importance of bees to our food supply, it's such a welcome trend. Fingers crossed it's not a passing fancy.

There are numerous independent organizations popping up in communities all over to support and educate those who would like to learn beekeeping. If you are in and around the Chicago area, the Chicago Honey Co-Op is a great resource. I can't wait to check it out. Watch for a sweet post on that to come!

Images via National Public Radio, Chicago Honey Co-Op

Color Love

Loving some pink and gray currently. Could be the hot and hazy weather we have been having, but the romantic gauzy patina of this subtle combination never seems to get old.

Happy weekend - hope you are able to get out and enjoy some of the sweet summer that seems to be finally here. The Mr. and I have a full dance card with a waterside concert, a double birthday (fun!) a few new bakeries to visit around town and a little work mixed in. See you next week!

Images via Our Labor of Love, Katie Elliot, Design Hole, Martha Stewart, Decor Pad, Cakegirls, (painting) Edmund Charles Tarbell

Sweet Smarts

How clever and adorable are these hanging mobiles?! Coming to us from the lovey LA based stationery shop, Urbanic, these decorations are simply twine and cupcake liners. One of those, 'wish i had thought of that before' moments. Sweetness.

Image via Wiley Valentine

Stitching Pretty

Whether it's a cocktail party or wedding, it's nice to have an alternative to towering floral displays - especially those that can be reused and redesigned with different themes. We were floored after flipping through the latest Martha Stewart Weddings issue to find something we had never seen before (yes, apparently that exists)...embroidery hoops used as table cards, chair numbers and hanging decor. This idea really couldn't be any sweeter and most importantly, versatile. While MSW went with a 'Bohemian Chic' look here, we could see this idea transformed to any aesthetic from romantic formal, chic outdoor, all the way to downtown modern. There are countless sizes of embroidery rings that can be found at any local craft or fabric store, boundless textile choices or take it one step further by designing your own fabric with Spoonflower, an online custom fabric printer (with no minimum order...love it!). See the project here.

Images via Martha Stewart Weddings