tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84954638081651400632024-03-13T11:26:32.261-07:00newbienyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger501125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-9176364250559504192013-11-22T11:43:00.000-08:002013-11-24T18:39:10.936-08:00my week in objects (mostly).five little things that made my week.<br /><br />1. milk.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10998236656/" title="milk by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="milk" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/10998236656_7b3091d64e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because i'm going through a phase. a glass a day}.<br /><br />2. this flower market shot.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hSoQYSKMl_Q/Uo-znBJQ8SI/AAAAAAAAHM4/cM4Y5tUoi7g/s1600/nyc-flower-market-4-rebecca-baust-gardensita-640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hSoQYSKMl_Q/Uo-znBJQ8SI/AAAAAAAAHM4/cM4Y5tUoi7g/s1600/nyc-flower-market-4-rebecca-baust-gardensita-640.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />{and <a href="http://www.thedailymuseblog.com/2013/11/nyc-flower-market.html" target="_blank">this lady</a> who did such a nice job taking the photos}.<br /><br />3. paperwhite bulbs.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10998331624/" title="bulbs by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="bulbs" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/10998331624_729ba70f68_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{leftovers from a project, soon to be sprouted}.<br /><br />4. this postcard.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10998363563/" title="remodelista market by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="remodelista market" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/10998363563_c95c675502_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> {and getting to go the market. so great to put so many names to faces}.<br /><br />5. this empty window box.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10998381373/" title="empty box by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="empty box" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/10998381373_035c3552a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for being ready to be winterfied. (new word)}.<br /><br />other things:<br /><a href="http://petapixel.com/2013/11/20/peter-hurley-shares-incredible-tip-looking-photogenic-squinching/" target="_blank">squinching</a>. it's a thing and there's a 15 minute video about it.<br />a <a href="http://hackwithdesignhouse.com/shop/cocoon-dress" target="_blank">cocoon dress</a> sounds nice.<br />lately: preoccupied by <a href="http://www.shop-foglinen.com/category/towels" target="_blank">towels</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.loveandlemons.com/2013/11/20/coconut-creamed-spinach/" target="_blank">this</a> over rice.<br /><br />things by me in other places:<br />a <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/sky-deck-table-torafu-architects" target="_blank">portable balcony</a>.<br />a <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/diy-mulled-apple-cider-with-a-secret-ingredient" target="_blank">mulled cider</a> recipe from olivia.<br />gifts for an <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/gift-guide-for-the-urban-gardener" target="_blank">urban gardener</a>.<br />navigating the <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/how-to-navigate-the-nyc-flower-market" target="_blank">NYC flower market.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-11784390328288716502013-11-20T06:54:00.000-08:002013-11-24T18:39:10.942-08:00two fifty: life in a tiny apartment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjkCN1lK8Ew/UozMZsPIRCI/AAAAAAAAHME/HaizSO-_1hI/s1600/cuttingboard1388.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjkCN1lK8Ew/UozMZsPIRCI/AAAAAAAAHME/HaizSO-_1hI/s1600/cuttingboard1388.png" /></a></div>Consider your cutting boards.<br /><br />Last Sunday, after going to the grocery store, James and I wandered into a local kitchen shop to browse.<br /><br />As we wandered among the shelves crammed with every useful and preposterous kitchen implement you can imagine, we came across a stack of whisper thin cutting boards. Well. We've been using the same awkwardly shaped and warped cutting board for the last seven years. As is wont to happen in a moment of weekendly weakness, I began stroking the svelte boards longingly.<br /><br />We squabbled briefly over the size of the board we should get, then "compromised" and got one in the medium size, as I proposed. It's big enough so that the butternut squash won't fall tumbling to the floor, but small enough to balance on our tiny countertop and slide seamlessly into our cabinet. It's not the prettiest thing on the planet, but it's practical for the space we have. And storing ten tiny cutting boards in a tiny apartment is a lot harder than storing one regular-sized one.<br /><br />The packaging on the board touts that <a href="http://www.epicureancs.com/index.php" target="_blank">the board</a> is made from recycled FSC wood, which is lovely sounding, and I've been coming up with excuses for chopping things since coming home. Alas, this morning I did a bit of due diligence before squawking too loudly about my new found love and I've read a few disconcerting reports of a formaldehyde-based resin, so I've written a note to the manufacturer and am hoping to hear back soon.<br /><br />Buying stuff is hard. Any favorite cutting boards out there?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-86204140242225769602013-11-15T06:39:00.000-08:002013-11-24T18:39:10.948-08:00my week in objects (mostly).five little things that made my week.<br /><br />1. <a href="http://rstyle.me/~YGhf" target="_blank">this robe</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10869900206/" title="bathrobe by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="bathrobe" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/10869900206_f665b34aba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for not letting me how great it was until it was already mine.}<br /><br />2. this winesap apple. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10869856736/" title="winesap by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="winesap" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/10869856736_a0e2f04fb8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> {for being the winner of all the apple beauty contests}.<br /><br />3. this tea bag.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10869867786/" title="tea bag by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="tea bag" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/10869867786_528b965aa0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> {for appearing just when i needed it most.}<br /><br />4. this bunch of oregano. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10869878226/" title="oregano by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="oregano" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/10869878226_f867bd75a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> {for not dying before i rescued it from the cold.}<br /><br />5. this calendar. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10869888596/" title="calendar by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="calendar" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/10869888596_dff37bf74f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> {for being so close to the end. i love the season that comes in the last few pages}.<br /><br />other things:<br />i'm excited for <a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/remodelista-market-in-new-york-2013-park-avenue-garage-sale" target="_blank">this</a>.<br />needed for <a href="http://rstyle.me/~YGme" target="_blank">nesting</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.goodiesavolonte.com/2013/11/03/thin-crispy-coconut-cookies/" target="_blank">to make</a>.<br /><a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=246" target="_blank">to (pretend to) make</a> (patient teacher needed).<br />my choices for the perfect <a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/daily-traveler/2013/11/holiday-gift-ideas-from-bloggers" target="_blank">travel-related gifts</a>.<br />even more of my <a href="http://sayquarterly.com/issue-7/things/gardenista" target="_blank">favorite things</a>.<br /><br />things by me in other places:<br />brilliant or <a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/indigo-overdyed-patchwork-quilts-bedding-from-shark-tooth-in-brooklyn" target="_blank">blasphemous</a>?<br />photos of plants with a <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/5-houseplants-that-changed-history" target="_blank">historical bent</a>.<br />an interview with <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/ask-the-expert-tips-for-starting-a-houseplant-collection" target="_blank">alea joy</a>.<br />goodbye, <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/goodbye-fungus-gnats-pest-free-potting-soil" target="_blank">little black bugs</a>.<br />i need another <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/the-new-it-houseplant" target="_blank">windowsill</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-31689363463320569922013-11-12T06:09:00.000-08:002013-11-24T18:39:10.958-08:00on butternut squash soup.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10819533055/" title="butternut squash soup by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="butternut squash soup" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/10819533055_03728830d4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Thoughts on soup, strung together.<br /><br />Long winter nights are good for looking at neighbors. Not in a nosy way. At least not especially. Two nights ago, I sat on the couch tapping out a last-minute blog post, and looked up to notice that it had turned dark outside. Through the lights of neighbor's kitchen window I saw her standing at the stove, a gleaming stainless steel immersion blender in her hand. For butternut squash soup, I'm sure of it.<br />...<br /><br />Spice blends are an awfully nice thing to have. We've been using Herbes de Romance that <a href="http://aromatum.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Claire</a> made and sent off into homes after Ian and Amanda's <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2013/09/a-weekend-in-maine.html" target="_blank">wedding</a> in September. Stirred into just about anything it's delicious, but tossed in with caramelized onions that become the base for butternut squash soup, it's at its best: rosemary, parsley, coriander, garlic, mint, onion, cumin, rose geranium, French tarragon and oregano flowers.<br />...<br /><br />Butternut squash soup isn't always delicious. But when you make your own and steer clear of the gloppy sweet stuff steaming away in cafeteria-style restaurants, you realize it can be.<br />...<br /><br />No need for an immersion blender or otherwise. Cook the soup down until all the bits have mostly broken by themselves and then smash the biggest chunks with the back of your wooden spoon.<br />....<br /><br />Croutons make salads and soups and most everything else more enjoyable. We make them at least twice a week in our house. I have no regrets.<br />...<br /><br />I've written this here before, but that post is a million and a half years old and begging for an update.<br /><br /><b>Butternut Squash Soup - <i>a sort of recipe ripe for adaptation</i></b><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />1/2 large yellow onion, or 1 medium onion, sliced<br />olive oil or butter, a tablespoon or two<br />1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed<br />water<br />sea salt to taste<br />herbes de provence, or any other favorite spice blend that you're taken with, to taste<br />cream<br /><br />1. Slice the onion and mix with a tablespoon or two of herbs and sea salt (don't be stingy with either); cook on medium heat in a tablespoon or so olive or butter, until richly golden brown and melty.<br /><br />2. Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot with the onions, stir until coated with olive oil and add water enough to cover the top of the squash. Cover and let boil away for 20-30 minutes or until the squash begins to break down.<br /><br />3. Use a wooden spoon to smash any large chunks, or blend with an immersion blender if you must. Finish with a healthy pour of heavy cream.<br /><br />4. Serve with freshly made croutons or slices of crusty bread. Or, if you're feeling very ambitious, make to serve alongside <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2012/09/apple-and-onion-hand-pies-with-cheddar.html" target="_blank">apple and onion hand pies with cheddar and sage</a>.<br /><br />More butternut squash comfort food, <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2012/11/butternut-squash-roasted-and-mashed.html" target="_blank">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-66422998713726247372013-11-08T08:57:00.000-08:002013-11-24T18:39:10.973-08:00my week in objects, mostly.five little things that made my week.<br /><br />1. birthday packages for james.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10743894675/" title="mug by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="mug" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/10743894675_4aa450bb04_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for arriving in the nick of time.}<br /><br />2. this swiss chocolate.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10744230003/" title="chocolate by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="chocolate" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/10744230003_25d83c4f65_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{and james for sharing}.<br /><br />3. these printed photos.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10743966186/" title="prints by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="prints" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/10743966186_9133d60f66_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for putting on the fridge.}<br /><br />4. this glass stopper.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10743992496/" title="glass stopper by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="glass stopper" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/10743992496_cfd26aa858_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for catching the light}.<br /><br />5. this plant-y photo shoot at francesca's.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10744359143/" title="plantz by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="plantz" height="444" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/10744359143_1f4945dce7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{more soon.}<br /><br />other things:<br /><a href="http://shop.pasdecalais-int.com/collections/women/products/removable-hoodie-coat-charcoal" target="_blank">dreams</a>.<br /><a href="http://designismine.blogspot.com/2013/10/interior-inspiration-small-spaces.html" target="_blank">curtains</a> to separate 'rooms'.<br /><a href="http://www.stevenalan.com/CASHMERE-BILLY-SWEATER/H13_H1_WSW0078,default,pd.html?dwvar_H13__H1__WSW0078_color=RS060#cgid=womens-whats-new-new-arrivals&start=0&hitcount=84" target="_blank">cozy</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.thewildunknown.com/collections/all/products/plants-planets-2012-calendar-1" target="_blank">2014</a> looks pretty.<br />one day <a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/jenny-lewis-one-day-young-newborn-babies" target="_blank">young</a>.<br />we love <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rooseveltdime/take-roosevelt-dime-to-the-masses" target="_blank">these guys</a>. (they played at our wedding).<br /><br />things by me in other places:<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/chargrilled-broccoli-with-chile-and-garlic" target="_blank">broccoli</a> made delicious.<br />a thanksgiving <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/thanksgiving-table-top-white-green-indigo" target="_blank">tabletop</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/botanical-napkin-rings-for-thanksgiving" target="_blank">napkin rings</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/feral-apples-and-wild-mushrooms-wildcrafting-with-andrea-gentl" target="_blank">feral apples, etc</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-9935035676519280442013-11-04T06:24:00.000-08:002013-11-24T18:39:10.982-08:00sailing.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10652180265/" title="sailing by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="sailing" height="458" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/10652180265_d9f8f69d41_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10652088245/" title="sailing by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="sailing" height="960" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/10652088245_d820e25c3d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10652137326/" title="sailing by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="sailing" height="960" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/10652137326_8ebdbbc3b1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10652068156/" title="sailing by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="sailing" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/10652068156_9de5b0210a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10651989686/" title="sailing by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="sailing" height="960" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/10651989686_4ac319cb76_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10652097584/" title="sailing by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="sailing" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5543/10652097584_357fa24539_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I don't know how to sail, but I'd like to. There's something satisfying about learning a wholly new skill and when it comes with its own special set of vocabulary, all the better. There's so much satisfaction in learning when to use new words, trying them out, seeing how they roll off the tongue or get stuck there.<br /><br />I'd buy a small wooden boat and paint it a cheerful coat of white so that it gleamed. All alone, I wouldn't notice that my hair was getting matted or my cheeks were getting ruddy. There'd be too much else to pay attention to.<br /><br />I'd fly a patchwork flag from the top of the mast and count up the barnacles on the boat bottom as prizes. If I was feeling generous, I'd bring along a friend, but mostly I'd set out for watery ambles by myself. A boat of one's own, you might call it.<br /><br />...<br /><br />On Saturday, James and I rebooked our <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2013/08/year-one.html" target="_blank">anniversary sail</a> and sat under a drizzly grey sky while a double rainbow arced its way across the city. It felt good to get rained on. Especially surrounded by all that glimmering gold.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-57132264550558496052013-10-30T06:24:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:10.987-08:00two fifty: life in a tiny apartment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bxFQ5X1jX-0/UnEH0TAKm9I/AAAAAAAAHLM/HO_ZCFQDzRU/s1600/apartmenthunt.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bxFQ5X1jX-0/UnEH0TAKm9I/AAAAAAAAHLM/HO_ZCFQDzRU/s1600/apartmenthunt.png" /></a></div>Everything seems terrible at first glance.<br /><br />Oh? You need a pep talk? Me too.<br /><div><br /></div>Here's the thing about moving into a tiny apartment: On the day that you move in, you will open the door to your apartment with your shiny brass keys that almost stick in the door because they are freshly cut and just for you. You open the door and experience a sharp intake of breath and a sudden urge to boot your boxes to the curb.<br /><br />"Looks like there's only room enough for a mattress on the floor," you will say. "Everything has to go."<br /><br />And then you will come to your senses, prodded gently, if you're lucky, by a supportive partner. You will realize that 3/4 of your boxes contain kitchen junk. You will begin to unpack those boxes, carefully unwrapping everything from newspaper. You will curse yourself for using newspaper in the first place. You will put dishes into cabinets covered in black smudges because you need them to be put away and this is not the time to be testing the plumbing.<br /><br />You will realize there is just one way that the furniture fits into the space. You will slide it into place. You will split up your bedroom set, you will shove one chair into the closet and your kitchen table to the curb. You will find a new kitchen table on some other curb. You will carry it home. You will make yourself a cup of tea and realize that you're home.<br /><br />Until that happens, the hunt will feel overwhelming.<br /><br />We're in it now, friends: desperately seeking a moderately less tiny apartment. We are toying with the idea of moving away from our idyllic neighborhood to be closer to family and work. We are scanning endless apartment listings and meeting with smug brokers who tell us that our price range is impossible. They remind us that we're looking for an apartment in New York<i>, </i>as if that means that magically means we have money oozing from our ears. And suggest preposterous things like "maybe you could raise your budget and go out to dinner several fewer times each month." Ah yes, we've been meaning to kick that <a href="http://www.perseny.com/" target="_blank">Per Se</a> habit.<br /><br />But we're holding on. Because one day soon, we'll find another tiny apartment that's just the right size for us. We'll unpack our dishes and rearrange the furniture and everything will fall into place, just like it did before. Same goes for you.<br /><br />Photo found <a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/abo/4160271789.html" target="_blank">here</a>, of course.<br /><br />Tiny Apartment Survival Tips <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/search/label/life%20in%20a%20tiny%20apartment" target="_blank">1-82</a>. (And some <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2013/07/two-fifty-life-in-tiny-apartment-how-to-find-a-tiny-apartment.html" target="_blank">practical advice</a> if that's what you're after.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-44341771612839649772013-10-28T06:06:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.058-08:00tradlands.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10534525744/" title="tradlands henley by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="tradlands henley" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/10534525744_2f843e8452_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />I've worn <a href="http://tradlands.com/products/the-avenues-liberty-henley-womens-long-sleeve-shirt" target="_blank">this shirt</a> every weekend, all weekend, for the past three weeks. It's a shirt for living in. It's thick and sturdy and loose enough under the arms that it doesn't feel constrictive and it doesn't make me sweaty and uncomfortable. But it's not so loose that it's frumpy or boxy. Being able to unbutton the top buttons ups the sex appeal, in case that's something you're after.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10534602596/" title="tradlands henley by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="tradlands henley" height="960" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/10534602596_d47854ee4a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>If I sound fussy about t-shirts, that's because I am. And this one fit the bill.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10534700793/" title="tradlands henley by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="tradlands henley" height="960" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/10534700793_924bdc1c0b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />I don't regularly post sponsored content, but this shirt is made by a company that I'm proud to align myself with. Based in San Francisco and run by husband and wife team, Jeremy and Sadie, <a href="http://tradlands.com/" target="_blank">Tradlands</a> is committed to making women's clothing inspired by designs typically found in the men's section. All of their shirts are designed and sewn right in San Francisco. And while I haven't held their line of <a href="http://tradlands.com/collections/all" target="_blank">button-ups</a> in my own hands, I can vouch that <a href="http://tradlands.com/products/the-avenues-liberty-henley-womens-long-sleeve-shirt" target="_blank">the henley</a> they sent my way is pretty near perfect.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10534618686/" title="tradlands henley by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="tradlands henley" height="960" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/10534618686_cba175814e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Made from 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton sourced in the USA, the shirt isn't fabric-softener soft, which endeared it to me all the more. It feels like something that will actually last through the wash. And it has.<br /><br />For the next week, Tradlands has been kind enough to offer Reading My Tea Leaves readers a 15% discount on their orders. Enter the code <b>tealeaves15 </b>when you make your purchase. Xo.<br /><br />PS. In case it helps, I'm wearing a size XS in these photos.<br /><br />PPS. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamespcasey/" target="_blank">James Casey</a> was the patient photographer/huzband.<br /><br />PPPS. As always, thanks so much for supporting the companies that keep this space afloat (More of them over on that sidebar-->).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-54251123908796881812013-10-25T06:38:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.065-08:00my week in objects (mostly).five little things that made my week.<br /><br />1. these acorns.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10474890633/" title="acorns by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="acorns" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/10474890633_88f7abf339_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for adding to a wall of fallish things.}<br /><br />2. these flannel pajamas.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10474699574/" title="flannels by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="flannels" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/10474699574_5e0d0265bd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for coming back into the rotation.}<br /><br />3. this postcard.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10474687544/" title="soap by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="soap" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/10474687544_4cfed8402a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{by <a href="http://www.annemourier.com/" target="_blank">anne mourier</a>.}<br /><br />4. this window garden.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10474817365/" title="garden by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="garden" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/10474817365_d3c801d0d3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because there are just a few more weeks until it moves inside}<br /><br />5. this pumpkin.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10474844374/" title="starry pumpkin by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="starry pumpkin" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/10474844374_650c88e36d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because.}<br /><br />other things:<br />i want to go <a href="http://gansonyc.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />en <a href="http://www.barberryhillfarm.com/2013/10/en-plein-air-barberry-hill.html" target="_blank">plein air</a>.<br />might need. <a href="http://store.kaufmann-mercantile.com/collections/accessories-gifts/wear/products/llama-wool-knit-pom-pom-hat" target="_blank">in grey</a>.<br />memory <a href="http://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/2013/10/24/im-jealous-of-frances-berry/" target="_blank">extended</a>.<br /><br />things by me in other places:<br />roasted <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/sweet-and-spicy-roasted-pumpkin-seeds" target="_blank">pumpkin seeds</a>.<br />a milky way <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/pumpkin-carving-milky-way-edition" target="_blank">pumpkin</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/shoppers-diary-brown-is-a-color-at-grdn" target="_blank">brown</a> is a color.<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-17563305710589071102013-10-22T06:22:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.070-08:00roosevelt island.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10402367854/" title="roosevelt island tram by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="roosevelt island tram" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/10402367854_1ebb7bcb34_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10402399615/" title="roosevelt island by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="roosevelt island" height="960" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/10402399615_9679e54b76_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10402489995/" title="roosevelt island by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="roosevelt island" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/10402489995_6bf9e0633e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10402606163/" title="roosevelt island by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="roosevelt island" height="960" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/10402606163_cea0191b03_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10402510196/" title="roosevelt island by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="roosevelt island" height="960" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/10402510196_294d9b78b8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10402562475/" title="roosevelt island by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="roosevelt island" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/10402562475_724982713c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10402473135/" title="roosevelt island by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="roosevelt island" height="960" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/10402473135_441a8a1684_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10402536024/" title="roosevelt island by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="roosevelt island" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/10402536024_0213532ca2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10402583086/" title="roosevelt island by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="roosevelt island" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/10402583086_07c90a4dba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Like anything in dwindling supply, each sunlit hour of an October day is more precious than the one before it.<br /><br />Relatedly, James and I finally made it to Roosevelt Island a few weeks ago. We stood face to face with the smallpox hospital I've only wondered at from a distance and explored the new FDR memorial. But my very favorite part was a wander through the golden last chapter of the wildflower meadow where curled up cocoons of Queen Anne's Lace and echinacea and black-eyed susans and golden rod have put on their fall colors and the wild aster is still cloaked in purple.<br /><br />You know it's been too long since you've spent a proper fall day outside when you can't remember the last time you pulled burrs from your hair and coat lining.<br /><br />Here, encouragement to log as many burr-pulling days as possible. When the germy side of October shows its face—and it will—you can embrace the longer nights with big bowls of chili and flickering candles, and flannel pajamas and use your stored up blue-sky days for dreaming.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-19130129838971000112013-10-18T07:02:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.076-08:00my week in objects (mostly).five little things that made my week.<br /><br />1. this curlicue pumpkin.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10335133314/" title="pumpkin0011 by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="pumpkin0011" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/10335133314_935a0998a4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because it's just enough for getting in the spirit.}<br /><br />2. this dried echinacea pod.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10335123724/" title="echinacea by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="echinacea" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/10335123724_17dfffa359_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{taken home from a little wildflower adventure last weekend.}<br /><br />3. this tea tree oil.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10335126855/" title="tea tree by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="tea tree" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/10335126855_48bb2499a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for steams. head cold, be gone.}<br /><br />4. this kale.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10335326923/" title="kale by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="kale" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/10335326923_de208fbced_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for brightening up my <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/a-tiny-fall-garden-in-a-brooklyn-window-box" target="_blank">window box</a>.}<br /><br />5. these brussels sprouts.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10335165755/" title="brussels9644 by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="brussels9644" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/10335165755_9365e3c688_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for being so falls'.}<br /><br />other things:<br /><a href="http://bonbonoiseaudesign.blogspot.com/2013/10/hill-sand-river-in-honor-of.html" target="_blank">bonbons</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/791851600/ceramic-drinking-vessels" target="_blank">vessels</a>.<br /><a href="http://yummy-books.com/2013/10/13/the-legend-of-sleepy-hollow-brown-butter-buckwheat-pancakes/" target="_blank">pancakes</a>.<br /><a href="http://taylorstitch.com/collections/womens-basics/products/sea-washed-womens-basics-indigo-dress" target="_blank">comfort</a>.<br /><br />things by me in other places:<br />the great <a href="http://neighborhood.vivint.com/good-neighbor/in-the-great-halloween-debate-between-healthy-and-sweet-my-question-is-does-it-really-matter/?EXID=18484" target="_blank">debate</a>.<br />coddled <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/coddle-your-houseplants-with-a-devoted-leaf-brush" target="_blank">houseplants</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/design-sleuth-spooky-planters-for-halloween" target="_blank">spooky</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/a-stylish-root-basket-for-the-pantry-or-garden-shed" target="_blank">root basket</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/pumpkin-soup-with-an-unexpected-twist" target="_blank">pumpkin soup</a>.<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-89609340515089203552013-10-16T06:05:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.147-08:00two fifty: life in a tiny apartment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTlAJ4D3w4k/Ul6GSvGup3I/AAAAAAAAHKY/XeesNUCwiEI/s1600/whitesheets.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTlAJ4D3w4k/Ul6GSvGup3I/AAAAAAAAHKY/XeesNUCwiEI/s1600/whitesheets.png" /></a></div><br />Choose white sheets.<br /><br />Not all tiny apartments have tiny sleeping lofts, but some do, and even if yours doesn't, unless you sleep on a futon or a murphy bed, there's no way that your bed doesn't loom large in your space. How's that for double negatives? Keeping your bed neat and tidy goes almost without saying (though of course, I do say it in <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2012/08/two-fifty-life-in-tiny-apartment.html" target="_blank">Tip #24</a>); but a recent switch to white bed sheets has been the real game changer in our tiny nook.<br /><br />I've been putting off buying new sheets because I hold out hope against hope that one day we might one day soon live in a space large enough to host a queen-sized bed. But now that it's going on 2.5 years in this tiny apartment, I broke down and bought an inexpensive set of whites to serve in the interim.<br /><br />And, "Ahhhhhh!" The angels are singing.<br /><br />Background: We started out with a set of <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2011/07/two-fifty-life-in-tiny-apartment_20.html" target="_blank">bright yellows</a>, but they didn't really match anything else and the bottom sheet ripped down the middle rendering them useless. Then came a set of baby blues. The bottom sheet of this duo turned a mysterious three shades lighter than the top sheet in the wash, and I felt like I was walking into a college boy's dorm room every time I scrambled to the top of the ladder. Not good. Finally, there were dark greys. An apparent run-in with bleach turned those into a set of Halloween-inspired sheets, all flecked in orange. Festive!<br /><br />So: white. Surely I'll complain about James's drool rings before too long, but for now, white's the clear winner.<br /><br />What about you? What's dressing your beds lately?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/search/label/life%20in%20a%20tiny%20apartment" target="_blank">Tiny Apartment Survival Tips #1 - 81</a>.<br /><br />PS. More on that bit of greenery, <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/splitleaf-philodendron-temporary-houseplants-for-the-commitment-phobe" target="_blank">right here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-27044799758495939242013-10-11T06:36:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.243-08:00my week in objects (mostly).five little things that made my week.<br /><br />1.<a href="http://rstyle.me/~RHI2" target="_blank"> these tights</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10206917603/" title="tights by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="tights" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/10206917603_c759883c30_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because they're a bit of a splurge but they're really the best.}<br /><br />2. this jacket.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10206805085/" title="fall jacket by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="fall jacket" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/10206805085_aa394b1844_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{same one as <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2012/11/bridge-burn-castle-jacket-giveaway.html" target="_blank">last year</a>, just as perfect this time around.}<br /><br />3. this apple peeler.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10206900163/" title="apple peeler by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="apple peeler" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8418/10206900163_18939ab60e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>{because of apple sauce (and <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2012/09/apple-and-onion-hand-pies-with-cheddar.html" target="_blank">hand pies</a>).}<br /><br />4. this gratin.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10206960706/" title="gratin by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="gratin" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2834/10206960706_9c459752e9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{with a side of garlicky kale.}<br /><br />5. this photo.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10207298495/" title="4-orchidcare-erinboyle-gardenista by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="4-orchidcare-erinboyle-gardenista" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/10207298495_f6a699f564_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because shooting with someone else in the room makes things considerably easier.}<br /><br />other things:<br />this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/11/books/alice-munro-mining-the-inner-lives-of-girls-and-women.html?_r=0" target="_blank">good news</a>.<br />a time for <a href="http://rstyle.me/~RId3" target="_blank">sweaters</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/84653667969511791/" target="_blank">two tones</a>.<br />pants <a href="http://www.youmustcreate.com/products/womens-bottoms/winter-moon-trousers/" target="_blank">like these</a>.<br /><br />things by me in other places:<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/celeriac-gratin" target="_blank">cheesy comfort food</a>.<br />an <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/the-worlds-most-stylish-orchid-pot" target="_blank">orchid pot</a> for style mavens.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-25362769156550314152013-10-08T07:38:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.315-08:00secret: i never take medicine.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10155780566/" title="elderberry syrup by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="elderberry syrup" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3739/10155780566_bc47c218a9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Well, sometimes I do. But not usually. I don't know why, really. Stubbornness, probably. An overblown belief in willpower, definitely. But even if I can be reluctant to pop Tylenol for a headache, I'm a big proponent of embracing natural remedies. Medicine of my own making.<br /><br />Last week, I brewed a big batch of elderberry syrup to get me through flu season. I've sworn by the immunity-boosting concoction for the past three winters and this year, I made more than ever. Germs, you don't stand a chance. I've got spoonfuls of sweet, elderberry goodness to keep the doctor away all season long. Not to knock my own <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2012/11/make-your-own-fire-cider.html" target="_blank">Fire Cider </a>recipe, but elderberry syrup laps that spicy concoction in the flavor department. No need to hold your nose while downing this stuff. If you're like me, you'll have to stop yourself from drizzling the whole bottle onto a sundae. Mmmm.<br /><br />If you'd like to make your own, the full recipe is on <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/flu-prevention-a-spoonful-of-elderberry-syrup" target="_blank">Gardenista</a>.<br /><br />And as always, I'm curious. What are you favorite immunity-boosters during flu season? Any fellow elderberry devotees out there?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-50097861344225677972013-10-07T05:26:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.388-08:00neighborhood musings.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUM4VFzwftI/UlKlWptlylI/AAAAAAAAHKA/TfIY1d568CI/s1600/fallinbrooklyn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUM4VFzwftI/UlKlWptlylI/AAAAAAAAHKA/TfIY1d568CI/s640/fallinbrooklyn.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was a weekend for long walks around the neighborhood and Sunday afternoon movies and making salsa verde with last week's tomatillos. Last weekend we searched for bits of autumn, and this weekend it hit us smack in the nose. I've photographed this brownstone for each of the three falls that we've lived here, but I think that this <a href="http://instagram.com/readtealeaves" target="_blank">instagram</a> that I snapped yesterday might be my favorite photograph of it yet.<br /><br />In case you missed it, more musings on the neighborhood <a href="http://neighborhood.vivint.com/good-neighbor/my-neighborhood/?EXID=18484" target="_blank">right here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-71199601731858193842013-10-04T06:31:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.459-08:00my week in objects (lately).five little things that made my week.<br /><br />1. this big leaf.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10084056655/" title="monstera by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="monstera" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/10084056655_b5d4ea9438_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because it's not precisely my style, but it's kept good company.}<br /><br />2. this paperclip.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10084032004/" title="clip by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="clip" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/10084032004_9f0157f6b5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{perfect for hanging a print.}<br /><br />3. this diamond mist euphorbia.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10084100156/" title="euphorbia by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="euphorbia" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/10084100156_53bc475eb0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for making a fall comeback.}<br /><br />4. this sack of apples.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10084094135/" title="apple sack by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="apple sack" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5329/10084094135_f5b0339c82_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because you can never have too many.}<br /><br />5. this bowl of tomatillos.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10084149243/" title="tomatillos by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="tomatillos" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/10084149243_c6062c6a63_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because of course i haven't gotten to cooking them yet, but they're still hanging on.}<br /><br /><br />other things:<br /><a href="http://www.artifactuprisingblog.com/inspired-stories/even-though/" target="_blank">sweet words.</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49677956@N00/7250157570/" target="_blank">collections</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wilderquarterly/field-art-from-wilder-quarterly" target="_blank">field art</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114766346/white-area-rug-in-new-design-4-x-6-feet?ref=favs_view_3" target="_blank">for a bigger space, one day.</a><br /><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/10/is-this-the-grossest-advertising-strategy-of-all-time/280242/" target="_blank">yikes</a>.<br /><br />things by me in other places:<br />thoughts on <a href="http://neighborhood.vivint.com/good-neighbor/my-neighborhood/?EXID=18484" target="_blank">aspirational living</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/flu-prevention-a-spoonful-of-elderberry-syrup" target="_blank">elderberry syrup for flu-prevention</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/new-york-city-tree-identification" target="_blank">class notes</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/steal-this-look-a-perfect-potting-shed" target="_blank">a perfect potting shed</a>.<br />my <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/splitleaf-philodendron-temporary-houseplants-for-the-commitment-phobe" target="_blank">temporary houseplant</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/bringing-big-trees-inside" target="_blank">big trees, inside</a>.<br /><br />ps. we're running a <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/take-our-reader-survey-to-win-100" target="_blank">reader survey on gardenista</a>. if any of you guys are readers, i'd love to hear your thoughts.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-57617885679682500432013-10-02T05:24:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.533-08:00two fifty: life in a tiny apartment.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxafu-usNHE/UkwKWznbE1I/AAAAAAAAHJA/F6XMM9jWMMg/s1600/baby8143.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxafu-usNHE/UkwKWznbE1I/AAAAAAAAHJA/F6XMM9jWMMg/s1600/baby8143.png" /></a><br />How to host a baby in a tiny apartment.<br /><br />First of all: this post is not be confused with the one-day post of how to <i>have</i> a baby in a tiny apartment. Hold your horses, etc. But as a relatively newly minted aunt, I've had to think a bit about making the old apartment just a touch baby friendly. When babies are tiny things themselves, small apartments don't much matter. But with smiles and laughs and other signs of adorable life, there comes scooting and crawling and a perpetual need to stand up. Ah, mobility.<br /><br />There's no room for baby corralling equipment within these four walls, so we've needed to be more inventive. Three tips:<br /><br />1. <b>Provide plenty of "toys."</b>No need to stock the apartment with a set of baby toys: honey sticks, wooden spoons, and rubber spatulas provide whole <i>minutes </i>of distraction.<br /><br />2. <b>Pad the floor.</b> Woolly blankets spread on the floor make for cozy spots for wriggling and bouncing and otherwise being "on-the-go." Bonus points for being "water" resistant.<br /><br />3. <b>Embrace the hallway. </b>If bébé gets a little restless, the hallway offers a nice break. Who knew that banisters could be so mesmerizing?<br /><br />For more bright ideas: <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/search/label/life%20in%20a%20tiny%20apartment" target="_blank">Tiny Apartment Survival Tips 1-80</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-72184748064189582342013-09-30T04:49:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.604-08:00late september, red hook.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10017828146/" title="red hook, september by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="red hook, september" height="841" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/10017828146_369c1c0fe8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10017802344/" title="red hook, september by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="red hook, september" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/10017802344_82e2ba7295_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10017828485/" title="red hook, september by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="red hook, september" height="960" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/10017828485_3d9bfb586c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10017844985/" title="red hook, september by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="red hook, september" height="960" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/10017844985_e028102704_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/10017867015/" title="red hook, september by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="red hook, september" height="840" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/10017867015_116a558b7b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>A little acknowledgement that New York has been killing it with good weather lately. It's been all sunshine and blue skies and temperatures for pairing sweaters and sandals. Perfect, in other words.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Unless you're in the middle of a park, autumn in New York is a thing you need to go treasure hunting for. Outside of the city, the season puts on a spectacle, but here, you need to spot signs. A touch of golden here, a deeper burgundy there.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Here are photos from yesterday's ramble in Red Hook. My favorite neighborhood to walk to when I'm in the mood for treasure hunting.</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-15798722062088459742013-09-27T07:06:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.674-08:00my week in objects (mostly).five little things that made my week.<br />1. this apple.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9965718745/" title="apple by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="apple" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/9965718745_22900b840b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because we're fully embracing apple season around here}.<br /><br />2. these socks.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9965812996/" title="socks by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="socks" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/9965812996_d6c5680839_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because pulling on the first pair of the season feels so good}.<br /><br />3. this white paint.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9965788844/" title="whitepaint7714 by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="whitepaint7714" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/9965788844_6ea5c1caa8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because i finally got around to a tiny project i've been wanting to do forever}.<br /><br />4. this journal.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9965761334/" title="garden journal by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="garden journal" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/9965761334_669f019aa3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for keeping track of green things}.<br /><br />5. this kale.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9965804316/" title="kale by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="kale" height="482" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/9965804316_5691cac29b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because we're embracing kale season, too}.<br /><br /><br />other things:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt9jWoXmrLw" target="_blank">best thing</a> i saw last weekend. maybe ever.<br />on my fall <a href="http://www.lottafromstockholm.co.uk/clogs/high-heel-clogs/highwood-tbar-tan.html" target="_blank">wishlist</a>.<br />to get <a href="http://tradlands.com/products/the-avenues-liberty-henley-womens-long-sleeve-shirt" target="_blank">cozy</a> in.<br />true story: i love to <a href="http://gawker.com/jimmy-fallons-latest-lip-sync-off-was-actually-epic-1382881971" target="_blank">lip-sync</a>.<br /><br />things by me in other places:<br />favorite <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/raw-kale-salad-with-apples-and-almonds" target="_blank">fall salad</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/cypress-gardens-swamp" target="_blank">swamplandia</a>.<br />a <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/a-fern-of-a-different-color-hardy-foot-fern" target="_blank">fern of a different color</a>.<br />a <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/suitcases-of-cardboard-with-wood-strips" target="_blank">suitcase</a>.<br />a <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/keep-a-garden-journal" target="_blank">diary</a>.<br />a <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/10-silk-scarves" target="_blank">silk scarf</a>.<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-51396232102398568362013-09-25T05:51:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.745-08:00two fifty: life in a tiny apartment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZGU2vwUxwo/UkLX8qPvInI/AAAAAAAAHIk/8IrzEgDLHok/s1600/plants.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZGU2vwUxwo/UkLX8qPvInI/AAAAAAAAHIk/8IrzEgDLHok/s1600/plants.png" /></a></div>Up there? The afternoon shadows that the plants on my windowsill cast onto my apartment wall.<br /><br />The tip? Fill your tiny apartment with houseplants. Mostly small ones.<br /><br />My very <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2011/06/two-fifty-life-in-tiny-apartment.html" target="_blank">first apartment tip</a> was to use tiny pots. I still hold to this mostly, but I think it's worth saying that tiny pots are hard to sustain. Plants, like humans, eventually need a little leg room and they're not likely to last very long in very tiny pots, adorable though they are. So I make a compromise and choose small over tiny.<br /><br />For me the trick is to stash green things in places where they're not in the way but where they can still work hard. A bathroom shelf, a windowsill, suspended from the shower rod...<br /><br />Lately, I've been drawn to plants that come in soft hues potted up in white pots. Too many colors in a small space and I begin to feel claustrophobic. Instead, I prefer to let the plants themselves shine and to choose a neutral pot to ensure that happens. My latest love? The <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/a-fern-of-a-different-color-hardy-foot-fern" target="_blank">hardy blue fern</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/search/label/life%20in%20a%20tiny%20apartment" target="_blank">Tiny Apartment Tips 1-79.</a><br /><a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2012/11/the-sill-houseplant-has-arrived.html" target="_blank">Soft plants, white pots, delivered.</a><br />Lots more houseplant ideas <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/list/houseplants" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-17271038881014959272013-09-23T05:23:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.816-08:00neighbor lights.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9885529524/" title="neighbors lights by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="neighbors lights" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/9885529524_dd69ba9612_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9885541824/" title="neighbors' lights by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="neighbors' lights" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3700/9885541824_acf7510789_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Two things lately: weekends away and a lackluster apartment search for a place to stretch our legs, just a little bit. Both have made me feel all kinds of fierce about our tiny abode and our tiny block.<br /><br />New York City is really just a collection of tiny villages. And as we've started to talk about the possibility of wanting just a touch more space, I realize that I'm about as provincial as they come. I don't really like the idea of looking for an apartment on another street, let alone another neighborhood. Don't get me started on James's repeated mention of an entire island swap.<br /><br />Last night, twinkling string lights and open windows and blankets to keep off the chill. Who would want to leave fairyland?<br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-117445994501117762013-09-20T05:34:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.886-08:00my week in objects (mostly).1. this fall-blooming anemone.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9826903775/" title="japanese anemone by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="japanese anemone" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/9826903775_c4a1915c76_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because it's the prettiest flower on the promenade}.<br /><br />2. these dilly beans.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9826886214/" title="dilly beans by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="dilly beans" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/9826886214_98d7deced7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because we devoured two whole jars}.<br /><br />3. these amber bottles.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9826942163/" title="amber bottles by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="amber bottles" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/9826942163_67f4479dfc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because next week it's remedy-making time}.<br /><br />4. this coral nymph salvia.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9826892366/" title="coral nymph anemone by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="coral nymph anemone" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/9826892366_1cb0a2eede_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{for finally deciding to bloom again after a summer of green leaves only}.<br /><br />5. this scarf.<br /><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9826901156/" title="scarf by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="scarf" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3730/9826901156_d25162ff96_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />{because it was just what i needed in a pinch and i've worn it ceaselessly since}.<br /><br />other things:<br />best <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/the-romance-of-the-homemade-candle" target="_blank">DIY</a> of the week.<br /><a href="http://www.unruly-things.com/2013/09/recent-work-the-weekly-ring-satomi-kawakita-jewelry.html" target="_blank">satomi</a>, my favorite.<br />this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Designlump?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">shop</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110902406/the-set-of-5-porcelain-plates-ceramic?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">these</a> especially.<br />brilliant: <a href="http://www.theamericanedit.com/" target="_blank">the american edit</a>.<br />totally out of character: <a href="http://www.atelieratsuyoetakiko.com/collections/womens/products/tee-burnout-kisses-red-1" target="_blank">i need it</a>.<br /><br />things in other places by me:<br />dilly beans,<a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/dilly-beans" target="_blank"> the full recipe</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/plant-of-the-week-japanese-anemone" target="_blank">anenomes</a>, explained.<br />fresh flowers, <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/tried-and-tested-can-you-make-fresh-flowers-last-longer" target="_blank">fed</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/10-shrub-recipes-for-summer-fruit" target="_blank">shrub</a>.<br />hooked on <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/steal-this-look-houseplants-in-the-bedroom-teen-edition" target="_blank">houseplants</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-89531810076042851112013-09-19T04:46:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:11.957-08:00a sneak peek.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xaw-6LPcIM4/UjoYC7_8uWI/AAAAAAAAHHs/3vsnUZZbhNA/s1600/remodelista_blackchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kqxpQBDuNk/UjoYEoB9e1I/AAAAAAAAHIE/vdjmzeg09zo/s1600/remodelista_bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kqxpQBDuNk/UjoYEoB9e1I/AAAAAAAAHIE/vdjmzeg09zo/s1600/remodelista_bookcover.jpg" /></a><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xaw-6LPcIM4/UjoYC7_8uWI/AAAAAAAAHHs/3vsnUZZbhNA/s1600/remodelista_blackchairs.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36N17pDsd28/UjoYDATXewI/AAAAAAAAHH8/Y0OC70zOWHU/s1600/remodelista_drawers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36N17pDsd28/UjoYDATXewI/AAAAAAAAHH8/Y0OC70zOWHU/s1600/remodelista_drawers.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sM2WXBg3mNM/UjoYC3V7sOI/AAAAAAAAHHw/vmgep0BZpsM/s1600/remodelista_shaker_redux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sM2WXBg3mNM/UjoYC3V7sOI/AAAAAAAAHHw/vmgep0BZpsM/s1600/remodelista_shaker_redux.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kqxpQBDuNk/UjoYEoB9e1I/AAAAAAAAHIE/vdjmzeg09zo/s1600/remodelista_bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><br /></a><br /><i>Photographs by Matthew Williams</i><br /><br />There's a new book coming to bookstores on November 5th and while I can't claim to have been a part of any of its creation, I'm not above bragging that I've gotten to rub shoulders with the women who did bring the masterpiece to light.<br /><br />The blog-to-book model is not always a successful one, but in the case of <i><a href="http://amzn.to/18wpYh3" target="_blank">Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home</a>,</i> it's pure gold. 400 pages of gorgeous photographs that manage to inspire, without catapulting readers over the edge of lusty despair. And this from a woman who makes her home in a wee 240. Kitchen cutlery in an old filing cabinet? Why yes, I <i>can</i> do that. Keeping things simple and spare while still managing to be warm and personal? Well, that's just the Remodelista way. <a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/announcement-remodelista-book-announcement-post" target="_blank">Head here</a> to see the chapter-by-chapter guide to what you'll find inside.<br /><br />The book is available for <a href="http://amzn.to/18wpYh3" target="_blank">pre-order</a> on Amazon, and if you place your order soon, I have a sneaking suspicion that you'll be rewarded with an early delivery. This just might be the best $22.50 you'll spend all month.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-47372946730832329462013-09-18T06:51:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:12.027-08:00two fifty: life in a tiny apartment.<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/-HrC9tF31a9s/UjmrMtKER1I/AAAAAAAAHHM/fY3Lp2vwGFc/s1600/giveaway6967.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrC9tF31a9s/UjmrMtKER1I/AAAAAAAAHHM/fY3Lp2vwGFc/s1600/giveaway6967.png" /></a></div><br />Purge often.<br /><br />Pack it up, pack it in, etc.<br /><br />Believe me when I say you don't have room to hang on to socks without toes or sweatshirts with grease stains ten years in the making. This part you know, but what you might need reminding of, as I do, is the need revisit the purge every few months. It's the start of a new season. Now's your chance.<br /><br />No doubt during the last purge you decided to hold on to that faded red long-sleeved shirt on the off chance that you'd be called up on to rake leaves or paint a mural and you might <i>need</i> something ratty. Chances are, it's been sitting half-folded in your drawer ever since. Purge.<br /><br />I understand the temptation to hold on to things. I did a drawer purge this very morning and hand-typed notes from my cousin Mildred remain in the bottom of my underwear drawer because I'm just not ready to see them go. I get it. But ratty t-shirts and unread paperbacks have a limited lifespan in a tiny apartment, and you need to be the one to do the hard work of letting them know their time has come.<br /><br />Fill up a bag, drop it at a donation center, breathe a little easier.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495463808165140063.post-43517589026925941232013-09-17T05:53:00.000-07:002013-11-24T18:39:12.097-08:00a weekend in maine.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9778981002/" title="wedding treats by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="wedding treats" height="433" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/9778981002_4e1750b41b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9778989672/" title="new england by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="new england" height="960" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/9778989672_71d25e7706_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></u></span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/readingmytealeaves/9779178444/" title="punch by reading my tea leaves, on Flickr"><img alt="punch" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/9779178444_4bd336a211_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />This weekend: songs and sun and poetry to celebrate two dear friends as they decided to stitch themselves together for the long haul. Here: three little photos to capture the colors of their wedding weekend in Maine. Not shown: two of the very biggest smiles I've ever seen, propped in front of a cerulean sea.<br /><br />Also: <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2013/05/lobster-rolls.html" target="_blank">lobster rolls</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0