Construction Sounds

When I wake up to construction sounds coming from the other room, I'm never quite sure what I'm going to walk out and see.  I am yet to be disappointed because of the noise.  I love this guy. 

The chair is already surprisingly comfortable.  But I think I'll wait to take my next seat until after the wire springs have been covered.

Way to go Hubby!  Keep it up.

Love,
H

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Rochester Eats

I visited Rochester, NY for the first time a few months ago.  Words, nor pictures can describe the countryside of upstate New York.  Well, two words would be Martha Stewart.  We were excited to make the trip for the wedding of friends who fell in love at culinary school. It's fitting, even though my pants no longer, that we ate a ton over the week. Like most cities, Rochester is the home to a few cult favorite foods. We had to try as many as we could.

The rehearsal dinner was a party in the park, complete with a food cart serving Zweigle's famous red hots and white hots.  "Hot" does not mean the dog is spicy, it's Rochester slang for a hotdog.  Did you know this?  I didn't.  White hots are said to have originated in Rochester, and they're white because the meat is uncured and unsmoked, which helps the dog retain its natural white color.  (This was also news to me - apparently I need to get out more.)

Later that night we hit up Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which locals say is the ONLY place you must eat at while visiting Rochester.  The place was packed, but I patiently fought my hunger pangs after hearing that wings, chicken wings, had originated in Buffalo, NY, only a few hours away.  Are we recognizing a theme here?  Help me leave my house.  Anyhoo, I don't even really eat wings, but I had a few, and man, they were delicious.  If ever in the area, I suggest you eat meat (or fish) at the Dino.  Stephen was crazy for his crusted salmon!

And then, and then, it was frozen custard from Abbott's. I think we'd eaten breakfast only an hour earlier, but I ate some anyway. The jury is out - is Abbott's custard is better than our local Nielsen's? The decision may sway to the scenery and feel of upstate New York.  Honestly, Martha Stewart. I couldn't handle it.   Last but not least, we went to Nick Tahou's for the famous Garbage Plate.   I'm gonna be honest. I did not eat this. I'll eat almost anything, but "up to four meats on a plate," combined with mac and cheese, I knew I should pass. Tim inhaled his garbage, and surprisingly, he is still alive today.

So tell me, what must I eat where you live?  I'll bring sweatpants.

xo, stacey

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Holiday Party Dress Dreaming

The holidays are here. Now. This weekend. I doubt I'm going to add a new dress to my arsenal this season, but, not to say I wouldn't like to. If I were unreasonable, I'd buy nearly every lace dress variation available. I'm really lovin' the lace.

one / two / three / four / five / six

What are you wearing this year? xo stace

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What makes you itch?

Lately, I've been trying to figure it out what makes me itch. 

This short video, full of Koyaaniqati-esque shots, narrated by Alan Watts has been all over the 'internet of inspiration' for a while now.  Mr. Watt's distant voice, probably recorded years before I was born, has been bouncing around in my head for a few weeks. 

It's not that I want to quit my job - as an HR professional in the nonprofit sector, I truly love my work, and the mission of my organization.  And to a certain degree, money is important.  However, when I get home, I am exhausted.  Physically, mentally and often emotionally.

 

Is this how someone, "doing what they'd like to do, if money were no object," feels?  Is this how I   enjoy spending my life?  I could think of a million things I'd like to do if money were no object, but the deeper question is, what do I really desire?  

I sometimes wonder if something deeper ails me, or is my life simply out of balance?  What am I missing?  Are my priorities really prioritized? 

Are yours? What really makes you itch?

xo,  stace.

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Woolly Mammoth

I think it's safe to say my favorite experience in Chicago was my stop at Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities.  Brittany suggested the place, man does she know me well.  It was within walking distance of where I was staying, and I liked it so much I went twice.  The fellow working behind the counter was kind enough to oblige my request to take a few photos.  Here's a little walk through Woolly Mammoth.   

I could have spent all day in this shop. But, I didn't have much to spend and I didn't want to over stay my welcome.  So, I made plans to go back a second time (more to come on that).  I did end up purchasing this little book, The Phantom Rickshaw by Rudyard Kipling.  It's currently living on my nightstand. 

Well, that's it for now.  Next time I find myself back in Chicago I will definitely be heading back over to Woolly Mammoth.

ta-ta,
H

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Crystal Castles

For a while there some pretty incredible shows were clustering themselves around each other on the calendar in these parts. And, I went to some of them!  As usual, I'm not doing a very good job of posting things in chronological order. That's ok though, because eventually they will all find their place here on 'shh'. But for now, I'm feeling inspired to revisit the Crystal Castles show.

I was this close to staying home that night.  As is the case any time I put the extremely small amount of effort it takes into actually leaving the house, I was not disappointed.  Old friends were found, a new (yet fleeting) friend was made.  Awesome dance moves were executed.  If you have the chance to see Crystal Castles live I suggest you put on your dancing pants and get out there!

(1) has been on heavy rotation for years.  (11) has been placed on my X-mas list. (111) needs to be released on vinyl so I can buy buy buy!

Do you have a favorite Crystal Castles song? I want to know!
Kisses,
H

P.S., remember when I saw m83 on the very same stage?

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Stasero Syrups | Fall Flavors

Springtime brought some awesome flavors into my life.  But Spring is long gone and the weather has turned my mind to longing over days spent working in a gourmet chocolate shop.  It was there I had access to many delightful things including a real deal espresso machine, which meant unlimited access to amazing hot drinks.  Ah, memories.  At any rate, it's time to get warm, so Fall time flavors have been purchased. 

I must have had some sort of a premonition that these flavors would be well placed in my cupboard. Because my cute brother and sister in law bought me one of these for my b-day.  Well, it's already been put to good use.

Mmmm, hot and frothy.  Marshmallow milk steamer, you will not be my last.

Lates,
H

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Postmarked: North Pole

Did you know you could get your holiday cards or letters postmarked from the North Pole?  Is this old news?  Is it nerdy to get excited about the prospect of sending letters from "Santa's" home town?   Either way, I love snail mail and think the service is the cutest, especially if you have kids.  If interested, getting the postmark easy, but, you'd better get to it.... the deadline is December 10th.

xo, stacey

(photo credit unknown)

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My cool neighbors had a yard sale.

Don't you love it when your neighbors have a yard sale?  I do, I love peeking at the things they're getting rid of.  It's a non-committal way to know them a bit better.  Well, recently our neighbors had a yard sale and 'get to know them better' we did.  Turns out they have a booth at the local antique mall and were looking to unload some of their wares in a different venue.  Which loosely translates into 'major score' for me.  Scarves for when I don't want to wash my hair, new lamp and clock for the nightstand, trays for party times, and random accessories. 

Yes.

Thanks for the stuff awesome neighbors!

-Eightch

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The Seven Year Pen

Picked this up the other day from my favorite local bookshop, The King's English.  I love pens.  I love red and blue together.  I like that it says 'ciao'.  In seven years I will update you on whether or not it lived up to its name.

Ciao,
H

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Shedd Aquarium

As you may have noticed in my Tilt-Shift Chicago post, Brittany and I really packed it in during my week in Chicago.  After an amazing visit to The Bean, we took a very long walk over to the Shedd Aquarium.  I was super excited to visit the aquarium, and even more delighted when I found out we would be able to see their special Jellies exhibit.  Here are some of the highlights from our visit.

Of all the strange and amazingly unique creatures we encountered during our visit, these two may have been the most elusive.  Pretty sure they were on to me, glad I could get a shot before I scared them away.

If you are ever in the area, I would absolutely recommend you visit the Shedd Aquarium. A bit of advice...check out the schedule early so you can make sure to get there in time for some of their special shows.  I would even recommend the long walk from The Bean.  It was such a beautiful day to be out in Chicago.

I could have watched those Jellies for hours.  Part of me wants to start a new type of therapy during which you just sit and stare at jellyfish as they move through the water.  Pretty sure those suckers could help me get through some of my issues.  So peaceful.  Perhaps it's time for a new career. 

Cheers,

-H

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Dreamy Diana

It's been a little bit since my last mention of Photojojo.  I've slowed down on the purchasing in order to spend some quality time with the items I've already had them send my way.  With that said, I've been having some fun lately with my Dirty Dreamy Diana lens, a plastic lens for my digital Canon.  I ordered this little lomographic beauty a handful of months back.  And since then she's nestled herself in quite nicely amongst my super secret spy lens and my camera phone lenses. I've been using her here and there and lately have figured it's time for her to take a more prominent place in my lens rotation.  Here's a look back at the day she arrived on my doorstep.

Here's one little test shot I took on the day of its arrival.  I've already been snapping a few more here and there, so pretty soon I'm hoping to have more to share.  This is a picture of a painting that used to hang on the wall in the basement of the home of my Dutch grandparents.  The other is a gift from my mother-in-law, which was originally a gift to her Dutch in-laws. 

Sigh, dreamy indeed.

More to come,

-Heather

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Tiny Tomato Parade

Man, I must have tomatoes on the brain.  With our little garden razed for winter, I'm already mourning the idea of moving back into the land of the supermarket variety tomato.  It's just not the same.  But, since the last peach received a memorial, so shall the tail end of the tomatoes.

In case you couldn't tell by the earlier shot, these suckers were tiny. Here's some perspective.

Farewell tomatoes. I loved you and shall do so again.

Sincerely,
Eightch

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The most amazing story.

Today, on a rare day off, I decided to traipse my way through the snowy weather and do one of my favorite things; see a movie.  I hadn't seen this preview prior to viewing the show and knew very little about the film.  I must say, I was on the edge of my seat!  This story is so unbelievable!  Okay okay, maybe the story wasn't that suspenseful, but I was really diggin' it.  If you are going to see the movie and as of yet know nothing of the story, I would recommend that you not watch the preview and head straight to the theater. However, if you are the type of person that isn't as concerned or can't wait when the preview is right here at your fingertips then here you go...the preview for Searching for Sugar Man.  Maybe at least consider pushing stop around the 1:06 mark.  After that, they begin to give away the ending.  You've been warned!

I saw the movie alone, therefore I'm in need of someone to share my opinion with. Drop me a line if you see the movie.  I want to talk.

-H

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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Over the summer I enjoyed a few different versions of Mediterranean Quinoa Salad at various restaurants around town.  Well, with a revolving cycle of cherry tomato harvests I figured I might test my memory and attempt to recreate my own version.  Here's my best current effort, it's quickly become a favorite of mine.

Quinoa is super easy to cook, just quinoa and liquid.  My quinoa has worked well with a ratio of one part quinoa to two parts liquid.  Some suggest rinsing the quinoa prior to cooking to reduce a taste of bitterness.  I didn't rinse my dry quinoa before cooking and still ended up being pleased with the taste.

Mix the quinoa and water in a saucepan and place over high heat.  Bring to a boil, occasionally stirring.  Once it reaches a boil reduce heat and simmer until all of the water has been absorbed.  This should take somewhere between fifteen to twenty minutes.  Once the water has been absorbed remove from heat and allow to sit for five minutes.  Fluff with a fork, now it's ready to serve/use.

You could really play around with the amount of quinoa in the recipe depending on how hearty you want the salad to be. I enjoy the balance this recipe provides.

While the quinoa was cooking I chopped up my remaining ingredients.  I mixed them all up in a bowl, added the lemon juice and olive oil...I must say I was tempted to start eating right then.  It never dawned on me to make this type of dish, just a bunch of chopped ingredients with no main base.  I'm thinking I may need to try this very soon.

But!  With that said, the quinoa was not going to be left out on this round.  And after tasting the final product?  Well, I'm glad I was able to hold out.  At this point, I added the quinoa, mixed it all up, then added salt and pepper to taste.  Yum!

 
Within a day or two Arie and I went through the entire salad.  Since I still had all my ingredients laying around I went ahead and made round two.  This time I was out of black olives so I substituted with green.  I may have liked them better, but both were great. 

Do you have any quinoa salad recipes?  I'd love to hear about them, I'm afraid they may already have grown into a new obsession of mine.

Enjoy,

H

P.S.  Apparently I love making salads. 

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Wedding Photos by Casey McFarland

Thank God for photos.  It has been a little over two months since I got married, and thanks to photographs, I've been able to reflect on the day with fonder memories.  Not that I don't have fond memories.  I do, and the day was fantastic, but at the time I felt harried and stressed due to the intense thunderstorm that took place for roughly two hours before go time. Other stories about the wedding may eventually come, but for now, I am enjoying the photos from the day, even this:

Probably one of the things that have bound Tim and I together, is our hatred of wedding photography. These days, the industry is saturated with anyone who has a digital camera and photo editing software, which is all readily available. We both don't like to pose for photos so engagement and bridal shots were out of the "picture," but we did want the day documented. We knew we wanted film, and, genuine, in the moment-moments.  Not sure of who to trust, we turned to family.  Casey McFarland shot our wedding, and we're so glad he did.   We love our photos, the details captured, the action shots (even if I look like a laughing maniac in most). 

Casey has been shooting weddings for over 12 years, long before the convenience of digital cameras. Not that there is anything wrong with digital, but I think there is a difference when someone has experience in film photography. Casey touches on that notion here, and shares a few more photos.

While the rain thwarted my plans and made for a less than ideal situation, Casey was able to make everything look beautiful, even with the last minute tent and the tables on their sides.  In the face of my freaking out, he was calm, cool, and collected.  Hey, someone had to be... thanks Casey!! 

Last but not least, I'm not shamelessly promoting a new-to-me relative, I'm being sincere.  Regardless, his body of work speaks for itself.

xoxo stacey

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These Days

 

There's a storm coming, we can feel the change in the simple winds.  We may just pull our minds toward seeing things through.  This time.

-8'ch

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Ten Percent

Holy holy, here is the one hundredth post.  I will honor the occasion by offering up my interpretation of the top ten percent, my favorite ten posts.  According to the new Happy documentary, happiness can be increased by entering 'the zone' often.  By writing these posts I've found myself in my own version of 'the zone' many times over.  I know there are a few of you out there reading this, thanks for hanging out.  And Stacey, thanks for the friendship, partnership, and motivation.  Here are ten posts that have made me the happiest, in a random sequence.

Shoe College

World Creativity and Innovation Week

What are the odds?

Measure twice cut...twice.

I've got a pretty mean serve.

New old cameras.  And a Hasselblad!

Dutch Baby

Bokeh Heaven

Good morning, Sunshine!

A Bradbury Afternoon

Here's to 100 times 100 more.  Thanks for being here.  Really.

Love,
Heather 

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