a {vegetable?} subscription

I am head over heels excited about this new kinda subscription I just discovered...Forget about Bon Appetit magazine, I can get thee freshest fruits & veggies delivered to my door monthly, even weekly! Capay farms, located about 90 miles north of S.F., runs a sheer genius business: They grow organic produce, harvest it 6 days/week, package up a great variety of the latest, greatest in-season items, and deliver it to people for a completely reasonable price! You can be choosy about what you want in your box with each delivery. You can get a mystery package, request all fruit, all veggies, or simply say hold the cauliflower. They even throw in recipes in case (like me) you have no clue what to do with kale. {I don't even know what kale is, but I'm pumped to give it a whirl!} I'm completely up for the challenge. In fact, I've never been so excited about vegetables in my life. And although I've never been a neurotic organic, sustainable food worshipper, I am passionate about food tasting fresh, nutritious & delicious. This is going to be amazing. Can't wait to fill you in on the adventures!

more in store!

Am having so much fun with the wonderful world of Etsy...Do stop by the shop to see today's update. I've added more onesies, some cute gift tags, and {my favorite!} chipboard brag books because I heard such sweet things about the one I made for my mom. Enjoy!

love: learning

The City College of San Francisco's Fall 2008 Course Catalog arrived in our mailbox approximately 2 weeks ago. Jeff had requested it online, because he's thinking of taking some film classes there. I instantly threw it in that infamous point-of-no-return heap of mail on the kitchen counter. Then, in a serendipitous turn of events last Thursday night, after hiking and BBQing with my friend Sarah, the topic of Spanish classes arose in convo and we curiously flipped through its pages. That's when I discovered the magic. There's no turning back. I've inked giant stars on nearly every page next to each and every class in which I dream of enrolling. Simply for my own personal enrichment. I am giddy.

And for just $20/credit (this school's almost entirely subsidized by the city!), I do believe I might take them all:

ARCH 18 Residential Interior Design

DSGN 101 Design Fundamentals

ART 150A Fine Arts Printmaking

FIN 136 Intro to Financial Planning

GRPH 92 Letterpress Printing

GRPH 140 Graphic Design for Web

MUS 7C Cello

PHOT 55 Color Theory of Photography

PE 535 Ballroom Dance

RF 85 Intro to Flower Arranging

TX 150 Sew-it-All Workshop

HM202 Upholstery Workshop: Dining Room Chairs

{And my personal favorite:}

FW 141 Heart of the Matter: Cook with Artichokes

I am feeling waay too excited about the prospect of dashing back to class. Funny how 1 year ago I was in a rush to kiss school goodbye. Now I'm trying to manipulate my sched to squeeze a few of these in! Learning. Isn't it marvelous? Exposure to new things, fresh ideas, quenching your thirst for knowledge and satiating your every interest? Exhilarating.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? Just for you?

*disappearing marshmallow bars*

In the past I've shared a few exceptionally yummy recipes around here...But for the sake of spicing things up, I thought it'd be fun to introduce my kitchen adventures as a {hopefully} weekly {realistically} monthly feature. So today, in addition to a batch of these delectable bars, I whipped up a 4x6 recipe card just for you! In case you're curious to taste this for yourself, you can click the image above to enlarge it, save it, and print it out for your collection!

Today I had a chance to hang out in my kitchen for awhile--something I wish I did a little more often these days. And it's a good thing I had a little free time, because it took me two tries + two desperate phone calls home to get this one right! {Shhh...} But don't be intimidated by my blunder. It's simple, I promise! This recipe is one of my mom's signature sweets, so I just needed her wisdom to clarify my scribbled copy and refine it for sharing.1. Melt butter +butterscotch chips2. Mix dry ingredients, vanilla, + egg. Then pour in butterscotch + butter. Mix some more.

3. Fold in the best parts: marshmallows + chocolate + nuts.4. Enjoy this golden, rich, indulgence!

*Tip: For extra goodness, double the recipe & bake in a 9x13 pan*

supplies!

Hope everyone enjoyed a fabulous Memorial Day weekend. The highlight of my weekend was definitely the 25% off everything sale at my local scrapbooking store, the ScrapbookNook in San Bruno. Since I don't make it there very often, I definitely took advantage and stocked up on some gorgeous supplies! I was soo elated to spot these pins by Fancy Pants. I've been hunting for cute pins for awhile, and these exceeded my expectations. Needless to say, I've been one happy crafter lately.

birthday no. 1

This little blog's having a birthday today! It's silly to keep track of such things, I know. But...I just need an excuse to reflect on the experience & joy this has been! I think it's important for people to take time to reminisce on where they've come from, in order to make sense of where they're going. As I was saying, one year ago today, I was in the midst of a crisis. More craziness and stress than I ever bargained for. We were newlyweds. Writing capstone papers, studying for finals, & graduating from college. We were finishing film projects, throwing parties, and busier than ever. And oh yeah, we were beyond broke. We had no jobs lined up, no new home awaiting us; yet we were frantically packing up our apartment & racing to get a U-haul just so that we could leave our fam & friends, the safe & familiar, & everything else we knew and move to California. Why? Because we were nuts. Eager for an adventure. And our lease was about to run out. I still can't believe we ever took such a huge leap of faith. Well, to be honest I would've felt safer leaping off a cliff. I was reluctant about moving {to say the least} and it took me a loong, loong time to warm up to the idea. I'm still warming up to the idea today.

And that's where this dear blog comes in. I created this tiny piece of the internet simply to share the story of our move and new beginning with my friends + fam. Just for keeping in touch purposes. It's turned out to be much more, and mostly a fabulous blessing: I've met wonderful friends in every corner of the country--the world in fact. I've been inspired & encouraged in more ways than I could've imagined. This has become a place to share postive thoughts and lovely things daily, even when I'm feeling a bit lonely or overwhelmed. Believe me, blogging has helped kick me out of more funks than I care to elaborate upon. In lots of ways, it's been a refuge; a source for learning & growing. I just love sharing whatever delightful thoughts or experiences come my way. It's motivated me in my creative pursuits. And I always look forward, sometimes even live for the next post...because after all, it's about being alive & well. I hope that the next year will be filled with so many more dreams & adventures & projects to share.

But that's more than you ever wanted to hear about me. More importantly, to anyone who has ever stopped by and taken the time to read even a word of my ramblings, or dropped a sweet comment, thank you. I am so grateful for you. Truly. Your kindness means the world. I am so blessed by you.

Photo by the talented Zalita via flickr.

may flowers

Last week I brought the cam along on a walk to snap some pics of our local wildflowers on the S.F. coast. {It's all part of Karen's challenge this month at Creative Juices. See the full story here.} I don't know if I would ever have taken the time to identify wildflowers on my own initiative, but I had a wonderful experience. It's amazing how much more you enjoy the lines and brilliant design of each and every flower when you really pause to take it in. Aren't the lines on the lily (above) just exquisite? Just like a Georgia O'Keefe painting. This little project was so relaxing & inspiring, I think I might become a bird watcher next!

grads

Today I sat down to craft up some cards for the grads in my life this spring. I need to give a special shout-out to my big bro, who graduated from med school this weekend--and Jeff's baby bro is graduating from H.S. next!! Such huge deals, and I'm bummed to miss out on the celebrations. And as I think about graduations, I realize that for the first time in my {slightly more grown-up} life, the month of May has not been cluttered with final exams, papers, packing, goodbyes, and summer vacay plans. No spring fever or baseball games or plays, concerts, parties that go hand-in-hand with academia here either. It's weird. For all of the busy-ness and stress, I loved the change and new beginnings that this month brought. I miss that sense of accomplishment and the concrete thought of stepping up to the next level. Hard to believe that just one year ago, I was the hopeful college grad. So much has changed since then--it feels like it was a lifetime ago! Funny how time works. I remember agonizing through papers thinking about how I couldn't wait to be school-free one day. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but I really miss the rhythm of it all. I miss the fresh starts and satisfying finishes to each year. But most of all, I miss those glorious three months of freedom that rewarded me in between. So if you happen to be donning a cap & gown this month, or have a promising summer vacay ahead, cherish it. Trust me, you'll miss it when it's gone.

sunset

Jeff took this candid pic of me on our {romantic} hike home after a perfect date last Thursday. .

Isn't the sunset just incredible?

funky oven mitts

Every time my friend Becca & I get together, we always have some daunting craft challenge we're itching to attack. At first, it always seems like a grand idea; a quicky project. Then we make some mistakes or discover we don't have the right supplies. At least one of use winds up starting over. Inevitably our projects become huge frustrations and take all weekend. We scoff and roll our eyes. But somehow when the finished product emerges, we forget all about the annoyances and time drain, and suddenly we're feeling proud, like we're truly accomplished crafters. We look back on the process and remember nothing but good times. Sort of like how I imagine child birth. In the end, crafting again doesn't sound like such a bad idea. Last weekend we flipped through Becca's copy of Lotta's Simple Sewing (below). {Which, by the way, is an awesome resource for girls like me with sew-ophobia!} We came across the quilted oven mitt pattern and fell madly in love. I used some of Becca's leftover patterned canvas fabric + thrifted purple corduroy for my set. Of course my first quilted piece was too small to fashion a mitt with, so I made an extra square hot pad! Don't you love it when you can salvage mistakes!? :) Now the only problem is that I have zero purple in my kitchen and being matchy-matchy is very important to me. This may be impetus for redecorating! Or maybe I'll gift these to an unsuspecting friend...

recharged

Today I reluctantly returned home after a fabulous, relaxing weekend at Becca & Sam's log cabin B&B in Washington. I could've stayed forever, but I sort of missed Jeff and well, I sort of needed to get back to work. Just look at this place. It is amazing. Heavenly. Three stories of rustic tranquility, ten cozy bedrooms, a warm fireplace, hot tub, picturesque views of the Cascade Mtns, and all you can drink coffee, tea, & hot chocolate. Better yet, we had the place to ourselves for most of the nights I stayed. But a lack of real B&B guests, didn't stop Bek & Sam from delivering scrumptious lumberjack breakfasts. The place was ours. {See the little window on the right above the porch that doesn't quite match the rest? That's the room where I stayed. The one with the very best view.} I felt like a little kid and/or princess...In the perfect scene for the ultimate game of hide-and-go-seek. Never mind the fact that we were far too busy crafting, cozying by the fire, and hot tubbing to actually play. It was magical. My own personal retreat, hosted by Bek & Sam. I'm completely recharged.

Even better was a chance to catch up with some of my very best friends. I can't believe it had almost been a year since I'd seen these two! They are some of the most ultra creative/crazy adventurous people I know. I mean, how many people do you know who've lived in 3 different states in the past 3 years, part of which time was spent living in an old-school VW VAN!? That's what I thought. They're just the coolest. Becca is just so passionate and inspiring to me. I only wish I could hang out with her more. Absorb some creative energy. And even though she & Sam are completely unconventional, huge dreamers, they always manage to find complete contentment and valuable lessons in any and all situations {albeit often crazy; less than ideal}. And their secret to it all? Just rock-solid faith+trust in God. So very admirable. Oh yes, we drove into Seattle for a day of sightseeing. I promise there's no photoshopping here--it was actually partly cloudy, warm, even a bit sunny that day!! I am a very lucky duck tourist, indeed! And below, tulip season is in full swing at the Pike's Place Market. I was drooling over each and every bright bloom.

and the lucky lady is...

Fairlightday said...
Congratulations on opening your shop! Everything looks so sweet! The flower pins are my favorite. :)

I'm so excited to send this little pin your way. But first, could you please email me your addy?

set to jet

I've packed my bags. Am leaving for Seattle to visit my dear friend Bek {& Sam} for a wonderful long weekend! I've been so looking forward to this visit...Leaving it all behind, hopping on a plane, checking out the B&B where they live & work, breathing mountain air, crafting, laughing, eating tasty treats, seeing Seattle sights, and oh yeah, catching up. The only drawback is that I'm leaving Jeff behind to work & do the bachelor thing. I know I'm feeling guilty when I find myself simultaneously cleaning, baking chocolate chip cookies, & scribbling lists of potential leftover meal combinations just minutes before leaving. Somehow, I think he'll survive. And I'll have a fabulous time even without him. Oh, and I'm also feeling a teensy bit guilty to not spend the weekend with my mom. She's the best. But I guess that's what phone calls and brown paper packages are for {this year}. And to all of you mamas out there who tirelessly care & nurture, cook & kiss, & love kids in ways I cannot yet understand...I salute you. We daughters couldn't live with out you. Enjoy every blessed moment of a weekend that's all yours!

{Photo by Koreana}

what's in store...

Wowwee! Today is the grand opening day of my very own Etsy shop! Check it: {SimplySwell.etsy.com} This has been one wild, marvelous week...Crafting the days away, setting up shop, fashioning some little tags, assembling & packaging, and oh yes, a photo shoot! Am so excited to give you a bitty sneak peak here at what's in store over there:

Blossom pins extraordinaire: for your purse, pillow, or just aesthetic pleasure. {above}
Stationery sets: for your dear friends. {below}
I just have to say, thank you soo much, every single one of you lovely ladies, for your sweet encouragement & support. I can't believe I am doing this. And honestly, sincerely, I wouldn't be doing this if it hadn't been for your kind words & inspiration along the way. As a thank you to my dear readers, dear friends, I am giving away a little sample of the handmade goodness...The little pink blossom pin below!
So please, do your part & help me celebrate! Leave a comment on this post sometime this weekend...And when Monday rolls around, I'll randomly choose one of you to become the lovely new owner of this little blossom pin!

SURPRISE!!

I am so giddy.. I absolutely can't keep this a secret a second longer.. No longer can I contain my excitement & anticipation.. I've finally come to my senses, or lost my mind, depending how you look at it.. So maybe if I write this out loud, it will seem even more official: I am finally opening my very own Etsy shop!!! This is something I've been debating about for well over a year, with ideas+possibilities racing through my head. Except now my excuses+procrastination have finally worn away. Lately, I've had just enough free time and just enough inspiration to tip me over the edge. The plan is for my shop Simply {Swell} to go live this Friday morning. So for now, I am happily, busily setting up. Can't wait!! *Check back Friday in the am for a grand opening giveaway!*

family photos

I just can't get enough of these pictures. Last Friday, we got to spend the day with our very sweetest friends, the Radichels. It was the perfect day for a delightful picnic in Golden Gate park, a walk, and a giant family photo shoot session. They're such a fun bunch and we adore hanging out with them! And, em, having the 2 cutest kids ever to snap photos of makes it all the more enjoyable.
And while Jeff was very busy playing Mr. Photographer, I was just soaking up the opportunity to play Ms. Nanny on the sidelines.
{This is the part where I make a plug for Jeff's gorgeous work!!} As you can see, I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have a husband so handy behind the camera. But I'd like to share him with you, too. So if ever you find yourself living in or visiting the Bay Area, and looking for a freelance, up-&-coming, inexpensive photographer {for babes, families, engagements, seniors, weddings, you name it!} please do think of him. He's the sweetest guy and a complete perfectionist--and he's dreaming of starting his very own photography business. You can email him at jeffkesterson[at]gmail[dot]com or drop a comment here if you're interested.

softie baby book

At a recent women's meeting at church, we discussed the fact that lately our cradle roll has been more than a little neglected. And after doing a bit research, we found a whole lot of manufactured church kits for the new babes around that looked, well, chintzy and/or cheap. And I'm sure you already know where this story is going...So over the past month, my dear darling friend Erin & I have put our crafty minds together and came up with this prototype felt baby book. Not only did God provide us the opportunity to share His creative wonders with the kiddos around; He also taught us a few creative lessons ourselves through this little book. And patience. I'm not even joking--we drove all up and down the peninsula looking for grommets, and grommet setters, and iron-on appliqué, and tiny mirrors, and someone who could both speak English and teach me how to thread the cursed 1960s sewing machine that I'm borrowing from my friend Amy. (Well, it's not really cursed.) And somewhere in between this whole mess, I was repeatedly scolded by an Indian woman at JoAnn's for touching the sewing machine she couldn't help us fix. At that point, I nearly gave up. But somehow, somehow miraculously, the book is all finished! So bring on the babies, we'll be mass-producing these softie books in no-time!

God made handsGod made feet

God made flowersGod made trees

God made birdsGod made me!