It's the little things

I tasted my first strawberries of the season last night. And I can't stop thinking about them. I spotted them gleaming redly at me from 3 stalls away during a lunchtime Union Square farmers market visit, and I fairly ran at them. I happily spent my last $5 on the little green box, hiding them in my bag for an after-dinner treat.

It's easy to lose the connection to the seasons when you're no longer walking through a farmers market every day on the way to work. I had to make a point to take the train to Union Square to walk the aisles and see the produce stands overflowing with basil, tomatoes, and even some early corn. And just like that, I felt reconnected to the seasonal cycle of growth and harvest. Somehow it was all the sweeter for the effort involved.

interior design

These gorgeous hanging shelves from Bonnie at Going Home to Roost would hold my plants perfectly. Near the window, but not on the windowsill--an important distinction, I think. Future project, perhaps?

Don't we all just want a little bit more calm in our lives? This charming Swedish fishermen's cottage (on My Scandinavian Home) would do it for me.

Have you heard about the launch of the new print magazine, San Francisco Cottages and Gardens? I was kind of excited to read dynamic Editor-in-Chief Alissa Carroll's interview on Apartment 34, and now I can't wait to see my first issue of the magazine, as it's the only one that really celebrates the inspiring design scene in SF.

Since I'm from Ireland, and my husband is American, we constantly emphasize to our children that they're so lucky to be from two different cultures. This world map marker project from This Little Street is a tiny craft that only takes a few minutes, but would be so cute, and so meaningful to families from diverse cultures.

food

I know you don't want to be turning on your oven these days, especially if you live in an apartment where your kitchen is FAR away from your windows (like we do), but if you can bear to turn it on then try out this pea and avocado pizza from I am a Food Blog.

Here's a recipe should you want to drink your strawberries with some chia seeds, from Jessica at One Part Plant. She's also written a heartfelt piece on learning to love yourself and letting go of those in your life who bring you down.

I'm loving the idea of these poached apricots with lavender and mascarpone (and a giveaway of Kimberley Hasselbrink's book, Vibrant Food) from Brian at A Thought for Food.



Enjoy your weekend! I think it's going to be a warm one here in the city.