Oh, yeah. Hi. Remember 3 weeks ago when I was going to give you regular farmers' market updates? I guess that never happened. I really meant to, I've just been so darned busy.

I've been really working on getting the ol' etsy shop in tip top shape and also, trying to incorporate the other side of my life - styling and decorating. I may also be adding wedding planning to that list, but that's another story.

So I'm trying to become a brand. You know? I think I've got it all worked out, but I have this idea for a logo that involves the words "Needleworks, Inc." embroidered. I'm testing different fonts and doing the stitching then I figure I have to scan the fabric, right? Is anyone savvy enough with Photoshop to know what to do next? I have to somehow separate the writing from the background and I know there's some way to do that.

Also, I'm in the market for a very simple website. Eventually I'm going to have some styling images up there, but nothing fancy. Anyone willing to do it for cheap? Or some kind of barter?

I know that's a lot to throw out there but I figure I'd turn to my bogging friends for help first. Right?

I have been very busy, trying to bring to life all the ideas that have been swimming around in my brain.

These are the latest.

Some Moleskine notebooks (which I love on their own) that I have embellished with fabric that I love. I've had bits of fabric that just weren't big enough for any real patchwork project, so here they are. In notebook form.

I find it continuously difficult to take pictures in my new(ish) apartment. Though we get lots of light, it's never in the place that I want it to be! Someday I'll have professional photos. Or equipment!

All the items you see are now available in my shop.

The 80 acid-free pages inside (the last 16 are detachable) are ruled, soft white paper, and the back cover features the traditional Moleskine pocket to collect scraps and notes.

The perfect thing for jotting down lists, notes, ideas, poetry - anything your heart desires!!!

Inspired by this and this!

In the last year I've become more conscientious (obsessed) with buying local and unprocessed foods. I may have broken down and bought a frozen dinner one day last week (maybe) but in general I have been making more and more at home. I make hummus on a weekly basis. I still haven't perfected bread making, but I'm working on it. Luckily, I don't eat that much bread. I still buy my yogurt and pasta and oatmeal at the grocery store, but about 90% of my produce comes from my farmers' market near work (in Brooklyn Heights).

The decision to eat/shop this way is multi-faceted. It has to do with my health and the health of our nation and our planet. I do what I can, within reason. I am not perfect and I don't go overboard. I haven't bought a bottle of water in 3 months. I haven't bought chicken stock in about 6 months. But I did buy some Pepperidge Farm's Puff Pastry Dough on Sunday. But in general, the less that goes into bringing me the food I eat, the better.

Shopping at the Farmers' Market is the biggest change I've made. And I am trying to use every bit of everything I buy. I never ate radish or beet greens until last month and you know what? They're pretty good! I wish my market sold more so that I could buy more when I'm there. Maybe they will soon, because I think this way of living is catching on. Until they do, I'm going to keep doing what I do.

And every week, I'd like to share it with you as a way of spreading the word. Enjoy!

Happy 4th Everyone!!!!!!!!

Two things that caught my fancy as I was surfing the web at work.
(Shhhh. Don't tell my boss!)
Sophie Blackall's Missed Connections illustrations. They're so charming! I always imagined that someone would write one about me. Alas, I am not the girl who was afraid of birds in Williamsburg.

Built By Wendy is having a sale. I am on a strict, strict budget and so please buy something and tell me about it so I can live vicariously through you. OK?