Lovely Rain.

It’s the most lovely shade of overcast here this afternoon and looks like it’s about 9:00 at night. If the skies are telling the truth then a bit more rain is in store for us. The forecast is for rain off an on all week which actually makes me happy. I feel more productive when it’s raining because I can’t dream about being outside doing other things!

:: photo via ffffound

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Aline Yamada.

Aline Yamada is the brains behind the yumi yumi shop. Her style is really quite versatile. And while I prefer the more “cartoon”-ish pieces it’s all beautiful work.

And right now Aline is celebrating her one year anniversary on Etsy and as a Thank You offering a fourth print free with the purchase of three others!



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Solar-Powered Walkway Lights.

I’ve been pricing solar-powered walkway lights since finding out the house was mine. My walkway isn’t all that long so I didn’t need the ten and twelve packs most places were selling. Then yesterday I found a set of six stainless solar-powered beveled wedge lights for an absolute steal of a price. At Target of course.

Does anyone have solar outdoor lights? What’s been your experience with them so far?

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The Daily Eat: Coconut Spice Tea Cake.

While not my favorite baking ingredient, coconut has been calling out to me more and more lately. Maybe it’s an acquired taste. Maybe it’s just tropical and summery. Or maybe it’s just that I really am my mother’s daughter. (It’s her favorite.)

I’ve been eyeing up this Coconut Spice Tea Cake for some time now. It looks perfect for breakfast, an afternoon shot of sweetness, or dessert. I love foods that are that versatile.

:: photo and recipe via Slow like Honey

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Double-Tier Produce Basket.

Love the design behind the double-tier produce basket. First, you can opt to separate fruits and veggies that don’t need to head for the crisper. Second, it allows the produce to have 360º of air circulation which (supposedly) keeps it fresh longer. Third, it’s just cool to look at. (#3 is my favorite reason!)

:: via the kitchn

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Blank is Like Blank.

Today I need all the help I can get. My office mate is out on vacation (in Vegas no less, lucky bastard) so I have no one to complain/vent/banter with. I didn’t sleep well last night. And all I can think about are house-related things (like how I didn’t get a fridge this weekend as planned, but did score a $50 lawnmower!).

I just came across the blog Blank is Like Blank (via swissmiss) and am sufficiently distracted. Well done.

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Happy {Father’s Day} Weekend.

My afternoon is going to be consumed by client meetings, so this is it for the week.

This weekend:
• buy a refrigerator
• find a Father’s Day gift for my step-dad
• buy plane ticket for 10 year HS reunion in September (eek!)
• laundry (ugh)
• and hopefully a little leftover time to sun by the pool – with sunscreen of course!

Happy Friday the 13th!
Happy Father’s Day!
Happy Weekend!

PS: Yes, that is me and my paternal figure. Circa 1980!

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The Daily Eat: Strawberry Cinnamon Sugar Muffins.

Sometimes putting together the most obvious things is the absolute last thing I’d think of. Strawberry muffins happen to be my favorite. If you put cinnamon sugar on dirt I’d probably eat it. So Strawberry Cinnamon Sugar Muffins should have been obvious. But they weren’t – to me at least. In fact, now that I have this in my back pocket I may just try the idea with other types of muffins as well.

:: photo and recipe via eggs on sunday

Side Note: What did you think of the first themed week of The Daily Eat? Yay or nay? I tried to mix it up while still focusing on the featured food. Was I successful or not?

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Dessert Truck.

The Dessert Truck. The adult version of the Good Humor Man. The gourmet version in fact. If you happen to live near or be around the vicinity of 8th Street and University Place in NYC between Tuesdays and Sundays check it out. Every neighborhood in entitled to a Dessert Truck. Wonder when they’re going to franchise this idea?! I’d definitely run down the street to catch it.

This week’s special: Rhubarb and lemongrass soup with fresh strawberries, lemon-lime cubes, and creme fraiche. Holy yum.

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