Lemon Fire Brigade

Lemon Fire Brigade is not only recipe magic but food art!  Sarah Bolla's photos belong in frames.  I could look at these images for-evah. 

Also.. I wish I knew the story behind this blog name : )

Discovered via Apartment 34

New News

Arg, I know- I ditched you last Thursday and Friday.  But I'm back now and here with an exciting announcement.  Job change has occurred!  For the last 5ish years I've been designing shirts and tops.  The move is within the company; suiting and coats here I come!  It's a big change.  Ginormous in fact.  It's a lot to take on and the learning curve something akin to taking on the Yungus Road.  I'm kinda terrified (lots of bad dreams lately) but I'm looking forward to the challenge.  Hopefully it doesn't disrupt my posting frequency too much.  The loyalty of all you readers is very important to me and growing w&w is still very much a priority!  (Not to mention a much needed non-fashion design and social outlet!!!)  I hope you all had a lovely weekend and I'm thrilled to see you here on this gorgeous Monday.  (Seriously, NYC is heaven right now!)

Some of my recent market research:
- Warehouse
- Topshop
- Asos

Pups Please!

How cute are these Lumadessa doggies?!!!  So stinkin' sweet!  Check out their bird and African animal prints too.

Link List

This week is more than a bit cray-cray at work.  The hours are flying by but I can't quite say that I'm lovin' it.  Trying though.  Part of the happiness project is to act the way you want to feel... energized, enthusiastic, happy!  Enjoy my laundry list of fabulous links (to investigate at greater length when I have more than a minute to myself)!

- J'adore this FB page. 
- This Pinterest board was made for me.  This one too.
- Almost time for baking up some autumn apples!
- Desperate for this chic lighting in my kitchen.
- Lovely and refreshing drinks, perfect for these final summer days!
- Hugo Tillman's home.  Jeal.
- Love silky pants.  Need these wide legs and these printed pegs.
- Experiencing stamp-design lust.
- I'm taking sexy-dressing cues from Haute & Rebellious.  Daaaaamn gurl!

Etsy Love/ Sarah Louise Matthews

The Sarah Louise Matthews shop is smack-dab in the middle of Design Heaven Boulevard.  I love, love, love her intricate die cuts with layered-paper.  This print is also a fave!  And can I just say OMG, these snowflake garlands will make your winter holiday fête!

Four for Friday

Hey-now, weekend time!  Hooray for the 4-day work week.

- I love dip-effects.  Check out these super simple (and way-easy on the budget) dipped cans!

- I've been casually shopping for some new prints to throw around the apartment.  I'm racked with indecision over which Jennifer Sanchez pieces to go with. 

- I am completely obsessed with Diana Beltran Herrera's paper birds.  Want them to live with me.

- I've been pinning like a crazy from Suvi Sur Le Vif.  Alas, I don't speak Finnish.  Google Translate is getting a lot of recipe translating action : )

Pretty Picture/ Emma Dibbenn

Wouldn't a triplet of veged-out watercolors by Emma Dibben look sweet in the kitchen?  Shop around for more frame-worthy edibles.  She does great fruit (oranges!  grapes!) and if seafood is your fancy, the fishies are abound as well.

- Beet Roots
- Garlic
- Piccadilly Tomatoes

Discovered via Gems

Vinegar Tonic

I've just discovered something... curious.  Vinegar tonic?  Have you heard of this mysterious beverage before?  Have you tried one?!!!  This intriguing virgin cocktail is news t'me.  Like I said, my curiosity is running rampant!  The photos here are a concoction from Tina Jeffers, featured on Bliss.  I'm dreaming up refreshing recipes already; cucumber-lemongrass or blueberry-basil or orange-rosemary.  More suggestions?  Let me know if you already have a favorite flavor vinegar tonic!

Tuesday Inspiration

So sorry I skipped out last week, dearies!  I was actually still around; working full days, taking extra dance classes, doing some real cooking, and working on my entry for this contest.  Check out my Lab entry here on Pinterest.  It was a fun little creative flourish that reminded me how much I love compiling mood boards.  I've been so bad about creating them for w&w lately!  I foresee more in the future.

The long weekend was nice, right?  Happy belated Labor Day all you Americans!  I hope yesterday was special.  I actually did get to go to the beach.  It was chilly and overcast. (Of course!!!)  But the BF and I went for a nice walk in the salted wind.  We got our feet wet and watched sassy shore bird squawk at one another.

A few of my favorite contest pins above, left to right and top to bottom:
- Michelle Arams painting
- Call me Cupcake cake
- Bouquet from Wild Weddings
- Tumblers for sale on Etsy
- The Sweetest Occasion's Cocktails 
- Collage by Matt Wisnieski

Yes, The Answer Is No

I've been working (lots and lots) on a certain project today.  Getting all ready-set-go for the debut this weekend; my twelve month Happiness Project starts the first of September!

I'm really excited, since there is a lot going on in my life right now.  Work is a story all it's own... stay tuned for some big news next week.  I'm at my wits end in conflicting feelings about my home.  I've been mulling over and re-examining my p.o.v. on traveling, health, my relationships with family and friends, and my intellectual growth and learning.  All the crazy going on in my head could definitely use some structure : )

Loosely related to The Happiness Project... I found this beyond lovely story over at A House In the Hills.  Please read; it will make you smile!

Image by Brian Vu, via A House In the Hills.  BTW... Brian Vu's collages are eerie fabulous amazing-ness.

Not Your Basic Box

As I tidy up the (still rather terrifyingly untidy) apartment, I'm wishing my storage boxes and bins were a bit more chic.  These graphic font-ified boxes from House Industries would fit the bill!  

Found via Grain Edit

The Last Days Of Summer

I haven't been to the beach this summer!  The BF and I went once last summer.  Once the year before.  This is of course not counting our vacations to Florida or Hawaii.  But even with those included, I haven't enjoyed the surf and sand more than a half dozen times in 2 years.  Wonh-wonhhhhh.

Reminiscing...  college days, living in Santa Monica, roasting on the beach nearly everyday at noon.  Tan.  Nearly blond.

I know I'm the better for moving on and moving away.  No more road rage and hopefully no skin cancer in my future.  It would be pretty amazing if I could weekend in Montalk all summer though.  Or maybe just this weekend, as a seasonal farewell.  I hope you have some kind of lovely labor day weekend plans.  Possibly revolving around the seaside?  Take me?  I 've already packed my fantasy travel bag...

- Color block sundress by Parker
- Faux suede sandals by Urban Outfitters
- Python swim suit by Melissa Odabash
- Ray-Ban Oversize Clubmaster in Demi-shine White
- Weekender tote by Everlane

Four for Friday

Hey guys, hope you're having a happy Friday!  It was so sad and startling today when the Empire State Building news erupted.  My heartfelt sympathies to the individuals involved, their family and friends.

On a lighter side, I feel like I'm kinda... almost... sorta getting back into the swing of things around here.  (Geez-Louise, vacation throws things outta wack!)  On Tuesday we traded out our house guests; my parents and cousin returned to California, in exchange for my sister's two best friends.  We're taking them to Champs tomorrow for a killer vegan brunch, Brooklyn style.  Can't wait! 

I'm really, really looking forward to spending some much needed quality time with the BF, hangin' with friends at not one but two evening rooftop soirees, continuing to spruce up the apartment, try my hand at a version of these cookies, plus whip up this favorite too.  Enjoy the waning summer, dearies!  See you next week!

- Probably the most beautiful soup ever made.

- Because I'm Addicted, a fabulous-o blog featuring everything lovely under the sun.

- Check out this incredibly thoughtful & meticulously planned party!

- Stress shopping gained me a new pair of leopard jeans yesterday.  Also like these and these and these : )

Ice Scream!

I bring you another glorious find from Celine's Have Cake, Will Travel: the Vegan A La Mode recipe book!  I gifted this absolute treasure to my BF last night.  He was thrilled!*  My BF is quite the vegan ice cream connoisseur.  His chocolate peanut butter and chocolate peppermint are to die for.  So, you can imagine he already has a few non-dairy ice cream recipe books on the shelf.  But Vegan A La Mode isn't one to skip over.  I became an instant fan after flipping through, finding a gorgeous and mouth watering photos of every recipe!  Every one!  How often do you find that?  Not often.  There are some heart-stopping photos on Have Cake, Will Travel of a few ices Celine tried out.

* And so was I, because 1. he liked his gift and 2. I can look forward to lots more home-made ice cream!

Image from I Love Doodle's Flickr (so darn cute!)

Veg Sandies

I'm impatiently waiting for the weather to cool off, so I can start baking treats again.  I'm getting really interested in candies these days; I've been day dreaming about these caramels and this Turkish delight.  I can't find the heart to stand over simmering sugar when the kitchen is over 80 degrees though.  In the meantime, icy treats must suffice.  Pssst, that was foreshadowing.  Yeah.  Tomorrow.  Come see.

But since it's still balmy, I thinking I should tgive these good lookin' sandies a go.  They come from Vegan Sandwiches Save The Day.  These recipes look and sound amazing.  Plus, not too complicated; this book could kick my behind back into kitchen creativity mode.  Post vacation, the most complicated meal I've whipped up was a 3-ingredient salad assemblage.  Shame.

Discovered via Have Cake Will Travel

Last Chance Armas

Michelle Armas just flooded her shop with goodies.  If you're hankering for some original art that doesn't break the bank, the 12x12 paintings are a steal at $100.  Get them now, because they're the last she's making!  They're all warm and Indian-summery too; I love Hink with it's blood orange and dusty lavender splotches.  There are also some lovely prints for sale (crushing on That Bowtie I Like and Laura).
Of course, if you really need a big ol' statement piece maybe check out Spinx.  Exhilarating florescence!

Doodle Everyday

I still love I Love Doodle.  Check out the cuteness again!  It will help to beat the "Moonday" blues away, promise!

The must see is Doodle Everyday, view all 365 sketches on Tumblr. 

Sketches above, left to right: Revenge, Magic Love & Bad Hair Day.

Sketch at left: Moonday Blue






...Also see why Pluto got dropped from the planetary roster.

Friday, Minus Four

Sorry, sorry, no FfF today.  I'm skipping out of the digital world to go play with my fam at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.  Tonight we're going to one of my most favorite restaurants in the city, Awash.  It's a little Ethiopian place with the most delicious and wholesome food evah.  If you're ever in NYC go check it out!

Instead of four entertaining links, I'm going to leave you with just one (possibly life-changing link).  The Happiness Project.  Heard of it?  If you need an end-of-summer read, pick up Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project book!  I read it during vacation and am now obsessed.  Re-reading, taking notes on every page, internet cross referencing kind of obsessed.  And I'm starting my own happiness project!   Gotta say, I've never gotten into anything self help relate before but I really loved this book.  Something about jump starting happiness just sounds awesome!  Duh.

Illustration by Marcos Chin

Lemon Salt Straw Potatoes

Let me begin by telling you, shamelessly, that I love fries.  It's not something that I often declare- even when I'm eating a plateful of especially delicious ones.  But, I've thrice had incredible fries in the last week.  The most recent encounter was Tuesday night, back in my beloved BK, at Robeling Tea Room with my family.  Before that, Antwerp and Brussels.  Read: Belgium, founder of the pom fritte.  All delicious.  All different. 

And behold, last night this gem of a recipe crosses my computer screen.  Now, I haven't tried it out yet so I can't definitively say these fries are winners.  But, geez-louise, they look good!  They sound tasty too.  Honestly, I was had at "Lemon Salt".  Two of my most favorite flavors gettin' all cozy together!  Head over to Alexandra Cooks for the full recipe and more mouth-watering photos!     

Jetting Off (For a Day)

Arg.  I'm so bummed that work has sent me away today.  Irony.  For serious.  Parents just flew 3000 miles to visit New York and now I have to hop a plane.  But I'm taking a half day tomorrow!  Summer Fridays, you rock.  Wish you aged into Fall and Winter Fridays and then were reborn in the new year as Spring Fridays...  Sigh.  Tangent.  Sorry.

I do have a post saved up for later.  But for now, if you fancy, check out my Pinterest.   I'm planning to stash a link over in the right menu bar.  I haven't been super diligent about pinning lately.  But maybe you'll find some goodies that don't make it onto the w&w blog.  Enjoy, kittens!

Pretty Air Canada poster designed by Jordan Puopolo

3yrs!

Happy 3 years together, my sweet!  It's been exciting.  Tons of fun, in fact.  Full of wonderful adventures!  And accompanied by lots of delicious veg food.  Lots of Netflix too.  You're the best pumpkin carving, apple picking, and scrabble-dominoes-rummikub playing companion.  You make to-die-for ice cream and some lip-smackin' tasty lemon hummus.  I've learned so much from you.  Like how recover when your car slides on ice and how to instal a bathroom sink.  Not to mention that using a blow-dryer to heat up a sticker will make it come off clean, no icky goo left behind.  You have the cutest, most-softest-ever beard.  Plus, some of the greatest design and music taste in the world. (As far as I'm concerned.)  You are generous and kind to no end and I cant wait to spend "lots is" more time being your "Bunny".

Happy Belated Birthday Wishes!

To my wonderful boyfriend Dwayne, a huge (albeit belated) happy birthday!!!  My guy turned another year older (wiser & more handsome) last Thursday the 9th, whilst I was away.  (Bad girlfriend!)  I'm wishing with every atom of my being that his year is filled with joy.  Enjoy your 32nd year, sweet "Buggy".

Cupcake image found on Flickr

Back!

Yes, home, finally.  Aaaaand it's been crazy.  It's still crazy.  Crazy good though.  Two (plus) weeks away, and bam!  My parents and cousin are here visiting.  Work is a hot mess.  Apartment is literally a hot mess.  But it's wonderful to be back.  I really missed New York.  I love my city.  But, man oh man I loved every other city we visited too.  I was trying to choose a fave but it's just not possible.  The big cities topped my list though; Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam and Brussels (I really liked Antwerp and Dresden too).  One quick photo to share for now.  Many more pics, plus some stores to follow.  Promise!

Image of buttery river-front buildings, taken in Prague.

Hello, hello!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  Mine was exhausting but super productive and peppered with some fun too.  My bathroom has nearly reached it's fab finished status.  The new sink and medicine cabinet are installed, shower and toilet have been re-vamped.  It's in need of some paint touch-ups and small decorative details.  But that's gonna be easy peasy.  Other than the bathroom work, the BF and I saw the Batman movie.

I'm under the heat of a deadline today, so head over to one of my favorite places (for one of my favorite posts).  101 Cookbooks author Heidi shared her favorites list a couple weeks ago.  It's always fun to click through. (Esp this link to Herb-infused clara con limón!)

Images from The Yellow House

Four for Friday

I haven't forgotten!  Have a fab weekend!

- Designspiration has the most beaut' places and spaces!  Plus, this cute pup and his bandanna are melting my heart.

- Check out Kitchen Konfidence.  It's an omnivore spot (and pretty heavy on the bacon) but I like!  Pictured here is plum tabbouleh.

- Read this interesting story about making friends (in your 30s & beyond) in the Times.  It's written by Joanna's hubby.

- Some of the prettiest mugs ever, at 3191.  Sip things warm & tasty, store pens and pencils.  Even plant a pretty flower in them!

Travel Tips?

Wonderful, lovely, dearest readers, I'm reaching out to you today for some advice.  Next week I leave for two (plus) weeks of European adventure.  My sister and I will be traveling mostly by train, staying in the city centers.  There are a few spots where I would love your travel guidance: Prague, Brussels and Luxembourg.  Markets and neighborhoods for shopping?  Museums and galleries?  Parks and gardens, palaces, landmarks, etc?  We are also hitting Leipzig, Dresden, Berlin, Rotterdam and Amsterdam; tips for those would be greatly appreciated too!  I'm soooo in need of referrals.  Please help me out by posting comments or sending emails, dolls!

Image from Wikimedia

Ballet Therapy

So... there's a lot going on at the moment; work is cray-cray, I jet off on a super-vacation at the end of next week, I'm trying to ready my apartment for a parental visitation, and I'm still desperately trying to catch all the fun social summertime activities plus make 'me' time.  Fingers crossed that I can sneak out of work this evening and make it to my dance class.  I need some ballet therapy.

What do you do to find your center?  Read? Jog?  Paint?  Drive your car?  Go shopping?

Image from Ballet Beautiful

Apologies and French Independence

I'm so sorry for my recent delinquency.  But, happy belated Bastille Day!  Over the weekend the BF and I missed the city's parade and instead opted for the festival in Brooklyn.  We chatted with friends, sipped cocktails and watched the petanque tournament.  It was a fab French fête!

Resort 2013/ Tucker

On Monday, Tucker was posted up on Style.  It's kinda kooky, kinda crazy in fact.  And, I kinda love it.

Summer Sippin'

I'm a picky drinker.  Fussy.  Peevish.  I like what I like.  But last weekend I went out on a limb* and ordered a huckleberry lemonade.  Besides the berry vodka and lemonade I think there was some lavender in there too.  Deeee-lishy!  It was one of the most wonderful earthy/sweet/tart concoctions.  Also- madly refreshing on that balmy evening.  The recipe is pretty basic: ice, cup'o lemonade, and shot'o vodka (but if you prefer to make your own lemonade check out this recipe ).

* A low sturdy limb.  I know, a spiked lemonade isn't wild but my boozy comfort zone is small.

Photo from Martha Stewart & Mama's Gotta Bake

Etsy Love/ Snug Studio

I found another fabulous-o Etsy shop full of wooden trinkets: Snug Studio.  Of course, I'm smitten with all the jewelry but there are lots of other sweet odds and ends.  Check out this adorable bear chopping block, fun geo magnets and these sweet birdie mobiles!  (The DIY necklace is still my fave though.)

Pretty Picture/ Jen Garrido

These pretty abstracted florals are by Jen Garrido.  Garrido also does great linear, almost architectural  gouache on paper paintings too.   

Discovered via Butter & Brass

Four for Friday

I saw this yesterday and cracked up.  I don't think I'll ever really, truly like or adjust to the heat and humidity on the East Coast.  Sigh.  I'm actually kinda dreading tomorrow, Accu Weather predicts a high of 98 and "strong thunderstorms".  Eep!

- Mmmm The Simple Lens.  So many great summer vegan dishes!  Note to self: must start planning picnics.

- Do you know about the Swimming Holes site.  YEAH.  It's like a treasure map. (River rock photo via Flickr)

- The Apartment is so much, too much pretty.  I'm feeling super inspired, clicking through their references.

- Instant fan of The Fashioneaters.  Read their "about" for a giggle.

Citrine Kisses

I hope everyone had a great (and safe!) 4th of July!  I'm back at work and kind of relieved to be in the ultra air conditioned office.  It's stinkin' hot out there!

In other news... Isn't Betty cute there on the left?  Very summah-time.  I love all these citrine pops.  Do you wear bright chartreuse?  Fluro yellow?  Acid green?  I definitely think there are easier neon colors to wear (namely pink) but lemon-lime hues feel right when it gets hotter than hot.  Hotter than hot is upon us.  In fact wish I was wearing this. 

Happy 4th!

Just a little post today, wishing all my American readers a happy Independence Day!  Enjoy your day off; I hope it's filled with friends, family, BBQ and lots of pretty fireworks!

Sparklers designed by Enjoy Fireworks.  Found via Grizzly Bear Modern.

Etsy Love/ Rachel Loves Bob

I feel like a fussy little kid... I found Rachel Loves Bob and I want everything.  Can't have it, of course.  But oooh!  I'd really like to clean out that Etsy shop.  It's deco meets ethic in a mash-up of pure perfection.  Can you pick a favorite? 

The bad news is my cold stuck around.  The good news is that the weekend was still pretty awesome.  Highlights: Moonlight Kingdom, biscuits & gravy brunch (complete with spicy soysage), lots of motor head entertainment on Netflix, cooling off with one of these every day, deputing some new neon jeans,  Like Crazy (Felicity Jones is so pretty!), sunsets at the Williamsburg waterfront and a peaceful evening glimpse of the just-opened McCarren Pool.

I'm still a little bummed to be sick, at work during this lovely holiday week.  Are you vacationing?  Planning some fun festivities for the 4th?  I'm not entirely sure what the BF and I will be doing.  Any suggestions?

Photo of the Manhattan skyline, from the Wburg waterfront park, by the (supper spiffy, one-and-only) BF