Mon Project du mois....

This is what I'm workin with. What a complete mess. Mais, Project Number Une: completed. The transport of my bed to the alcove. Cozy lightness.

Its the end of spring and I haven't done any cleaning yet. So in the spirit of the supposed annual discard pile, I have decided to take it a step further and splash some new color on the walls and refit my room to my twenty something self. Finally taking down my teenage years from my walls, noticing how everything has changed, slowly but dramatically, over the years. Removing the pictures, the things I once thought would make me beyond cool, and throwing out all the junk that hopefully others might treasure, is a cool renewing process.... a building of my own space in my home I've grown in since I can remember. Et plus, lately I cant get enough of projects, creating and being surrounded with things I love. From my garden to my daily outfit, each seems like an opportunity to see and build my visual world. So fun...a couple sources of inspiration/ideas:

My thought behind moving my bed to the alcove = more space. My thought behind more space = room for a teepee. Duh.

This is not my garden. Or my picture. But if I could bring this into my room somehow... i might never leave.

I am in love with these colors and of course the great rustic lighting.

So, I'm not saying I want this bridal party in my room. Or a wedding in my life. But I do love this.

I am beyond elated when I see the soft side come out of the rough and tough. Today it was the grizzly paint store man than cradled his rescued kitten carefully in his arms. The other week it was a gift from a welder friend. Its just so nice to look at something and see beyond its surface beauty. Connecting to the story of these things, to make them livelier than just things, is so great.

A place filled with pillows to read, chat, and potentially tea... even if the closest it gets is just holding an empty teapot. And one thing that hasn't changed from my early teenage years? My fervent desire for a wall covered in chalkboard paint. Don't judge me.

My garden. I love my garden. It is probably the closest thing I will ever had to a child, so yes it is very special to me. Indoor pots with plants from seed and salvaged containers is the abstract plan...Ooo! And glass jars. I love glass jars.

I am oscillating between this bright and vibrant bed dress and a stark white fluffy (unstuffy) bed. I have always wanted a white fluffy bed.

My favorite read as of late. Rustic, whole, beautiful, and made with love. An inspiration for everything.

....and I want to feel like this after I jump on my fluffy white bed (that Ive always wanted).

And then, ladies and gentlemen, I will dance around listening to Bob Boylan talk about all things cool.

Alors, on va voir...

Love Me and Leave Me

wow... so its been awhile folks. I would say I'm sorry, but I had so much wonderful-ness about lately that has kept me preoccupied, that I can't say I really am. Anywho, good to be back and so much to tell.

1. I had a such a wonderful past week. My wife came for her long past due visit to the Stein household. I hadn't seen her in a little less than a whole year... shitness...an entire year...and it was a much needed reunion. She had a little extra spark about her...so positive, so wonderful, so ready to take on the world with all her talents have to offer. Anywho, we did a lot in a week, but that "a lot" that feels like not doing much at all... which I love. I showed her my favorite food co-op dans le monde, we danced in the car, made scrump didyliumptious dinners for my fam, made an impromptu decision to cut our hairs very tinsy in SF, ate the BEST veggie sandwich in Hayes Valley I've ever had, and the list goes on et on. Oh... et plus! The little one just flippin got into the Food Studies program at NYU.... booyah grandma. Et plus....

We played in the garden....

and bought peonies.

It was a great week.

2. I might just be doing the thing that would make me even happier than I already am...opening a cafe/bakery with my new great friend Lisa. I know this might be a jinx, and although I 99.9% believe in the jinx, I whole heartedly believe this will happen.... no matter how strong the god jinx is. I met this awesome chica at a BBQ gathering with my cousins a few weeks past, and it was one of those moments when everything aligns. The more we talk the more we say "holy shit this is too perfect." A great lady with great ideas and ideals that coincide with mine regarding all things food. I can't believe its happening... or at least I think it is. We've chatted a few times over sweet treats and the next step is looking at venues. I couldn't think of a better career... solving the worlds problems one chocolate laced smile at a time. I'll keep you posted...until then, ideas, suggestions welcome for cafes/bakeries....


3. So, my google reader is overflowing. I find it so much more refreshing than the pesky newspaper. Don't get me wrong I want to be informed with whatever horrible things are happening in our worlds, but more so I want to see and hear all the great projects and ventures individuals are putting out there. Its amazing. It makes me feel so nice too. There are so many talented people around, or rather people that have found what they are great at... what makes them happy and listening to that thing in their chest that goes thump. These people who have found this seem to be so gracious, so at peace with what they are doing. I think it gives me hope everyday.... and just a tince bit of anxiety when I see 213 new items in the reader to peruse each morn. Enough rambling.... here some of my new finds:

Abby Try Again - Amazing photography and a great name to boot.
The Bright Side Project - Cute interviews with the cute and talented. But, I wont lie, they have awesome giveaways everyday, and although you may be my competition, I guess sharing is worth it? Well, visit now before I change my mind and remove this.
Sweet Amandine - She hasn't updated in a bit, but I LOVE HER. You'll see why.

4. I staked my tomato plants with pretty bamboo arches and the squash blossoms are in bloom! My garden is flourishing! (Tip that Im unsure works: Plant magnolias to ward off the bad bugas... on va voir)

5. Cherries sont arrivent. Hello cherry tarts, cherry jam, cherry pie, dried cherries, fresh cherries, cherry spitting contests (which, by the way, my dad has already lost), cherry cornmeal scones, cherries jubilee*, cherry muffins... well you get the picture. I'm excited and I have the oven pre-heated and ready to go. Recipes a bientot....

7? Schmoopie just told me the other day I had luck like no other. I stopped to think about this for a few minutes and came to the self conclusion that this might be a rather large understatement. I don't think there are many days that go by when I don't think about my life for a quick second, shake my head with disbelief, and think how lucky I am. But beyond lucky. With all my great family and beyond talented and great friends....I'm just waiting for lightening or something to strike...or whatever the hell is suppose to happen. I never really know who or what to thank... so Ill just thank Trader Joe's Crunchy salted Peanut Butter. I guess its the closest thing Ive ever had to organized religion. A wonderful Deity I must say.

A Bientot:

1. Its spring and that means cherries, sun, and our annual visit to temple for the Bagel Brunch. Yum. The Steins (well, 3 out of 4) only pray over bagels and lox.

2. Bakery talk. Road trips to bakeries. Cavities to follow.

3. A quick trip to visit my long lost Costa Rican brother in Santa Cruz...

4. Shaina (aka cookie monster) est arrive.

5. San Fran for the D'Orsay exhibit. Grand ol Paris is comin for un petit visit. Woop woop. Maybe we'll squeeze a croissant in there somewhere too.

A la prochaine a tous...

*I am not exactly sure what this is... but I will. and then I will make it.