off we go
For the next week I’ll be the fabulous Austin, Texas for SXSW.
I am SO EXCITED. It’s our first time going to SXSW and I’ve only heard great things. We’re going to see so many films, which is basically my dream week. Oh also, we’re staying in an airstream, which is pretty much the coolest.
We’ve only been to Austin once before, and we had so much fun. I hope we have time to do some exploring in the city. Sadly the weather forecast looks rainy the whole time, but that’s not getting me down.
Do you have any favorite places in Austin? I haven’t done any planning (oops!) so I’d gladly take suggestions for places to eat or shops I can’t miss.
crocheted bow headband
I have been knitting for what seems like forever, and while I may not be the most even sticher, it comes fairly naturally at this point. Crocheting on the other hand, has evaded me for these past few years. I tried once before to make a scarf and it just didn’t work out at all. When I came across this pattern for a cute headband with a bow I felt it was time to try again.
Lucky for me the pattern was very easy to follow and surprisingly it came out almost exactly as it should. The hardest part was keeping the whole thing away from my cat, who kept trying to steal it from me as I worked. The yarn I used was a little bit bulky so everything ended up a little bit chunkier than I imagined, but it’s still cute. I also probably should have followed the instructions for gauge, but I have a tendency too ignore that bit.
Mostly it gave me the confidence to try some other crochet patterns. While I’ll always have a soft spot for knitting, there is something appealing about only having one tool and one loop to work with.
Do you have any easy crochet patterns that you love? I’d really like to try something new.
seasons of life
March is here. Spring is creeping in. In this mixed-up, seasonless city, that doesn’t mean too much, except more sunlight in the evening, which surprisingly makes a huge difference. More importantly, it signals the progression of the year and the cycles of life. Things are surely changing around here. February, while peaked with some wonderful things, was a trying month, so I’m greeting March with open arms and high hopes.
We spent the weekend starting a massive spring cleaning. We moved in to our apartment nearly a year ago now but there are many cabinets, closets and boxes filled with things that have gone unsorted for much longer. It felt so good to reorganize and get rid of unwanted things. Not to mention the joy of finding so many strange treasures in the process. Sometimes, cleaning our home is like going to mystery estate sale for me, as Shawn has so many collections of trinkets, memorabilia and vintage medical equipment hidden away. I’m working on finding ways to display more of it, rather than having it packed in boxes.
This weekend was just the beginning of home projects that I’ve been thinking about for months. From simple things to putting up some new shelves to more complicated and time intensive projects like repainting our kitchen and all its cabinets. I’m going to have to do some serious research on stripping paint and restoring wood. Any tips are greatly welcomed. There are years of paint on everything in our place, but the last coat was done with a cheap white which has left all the previously glossy surfaces peeling. So much work, but I’m looking forward to it.
So here’s to March. Has spring rolled around your neck of the woods? Do you feel the impending changes and light it brings?
NYC Food Favorites
There are some places we have to visit every time we visit New York. Los Angeles has amazing vegan food, but there are some things we don’t have here on the west coast.
For one, we always go to Foodswings for some DISCO FRIES. You know what I’m talking about. Fries + gravy + cheesy sauce. They are so good. While places out here have tried to replicate their deliciousness, none of them measure up.
A new favorite of ours is Champs. We visited there for brunch and oh my god they have vegan monte cristo. A faux ham and cheese sandwich made with french toast. Dream come true.
The thing I miss the most out here is Vegan Treats. Officially the bakery is in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, but it’s available at nearly every veg restaurant in New York. The most decadent cakes and pastries you’ve ever had and the cutest decorations too. Look at those carrot cakes!
No one makes a better donut. You have to know when the deliveries are to get these, they sell out fast.
We also tried Blossom for the first time. These raviolis were amazing. Perhaps I am biased because I love ravioli, but these were by far some of the best.
We stopped by Blossom in a rain storm right before going to see Margaret on one of it’s few theatrical runs. You should definitely see this movie. It’s crazy but really good. I’m really glad we were able to see it in New York too, since it is really about the city in a way.
What are your favorite places to eat in New York? One day I want to go of a dedicated food tour of the city.
entertaining
I am by no means a social butterfly, but I love to play hostess. Often times, the menus I plan to make are often much grander than my capabilities. Sometimes you just have to make something simple.
For instance, this fantastic Spinach Dip that came together in about half an hour. I ate way too much of this stuff, but it was just so good, I couldn’t help myself. Not only is this recipe fast and easy, it’s missing a lot of the ingredients that freaked me out about other similar dips (like mayo, which sounds gross). Also, it has sauerkraut as a main ingredient; therefore, it’s extra awesome.
The other thing I’m learning is that you don’t have to make everything. Sometimes ordering native wings from Native Foods is the way to go. Pair that with some chips and guacamole from Trader Joe’s and you’re set. Now that’s easy.
Do you have any favorite easy recipes to share? Something good for sitting around and watching a movie with friends?
