Life Lately + New Favorites

1 // Jason and I found a nice, quiet bike path the other day. We try to go on bike rides as often as possible. Eventually when the weather cools off we want to ride to our local farmer's market or record store. I found a helmet that I can't wait to order. You can find it here.

2 // "Don't let anyone dull your sparkle". I just love that quote, although I don't know the original origin. I found this beautiful starry headband on Etsy. This would be perfect for Christmas, New Years, or a birthday. You can find this gorgeous number here.

Image found here.

3 // Coffee = happiness. I ordered a bag of Stumptown Coffee, and it should arrive in the mail today! I'm so excited. I haven't tried a new blend is such a long time, and it was highly recommended. I decided to start with the Holler Mountain blend. If that goes well I'm going to try one of their cold brews.

4 // I've been looking over some recipes from Julia Child's book Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I think the first one I'm going to try is the pear clafouti.

Image found here.

5 // I found the cutest book ever. It's called 14,000 Things to be Happy About by Barbara Ann Kipfer. I love lists, and this book is the just the most delightful list of all the little things in life to be happy about.

Image found here.

6 // When I work out I like to have something on television. I've been watching The Office via Netflix. Jim and Pam are my favorite onscreen couple ever.

♥ What's going on in your life lately?

The Art of Coffee Making + Brew Methods

The French Press. This is probably the second most popular method other than the classic drip. I like the full flavor, but it can be quite dense and heavy. I did learn that directly after brewing it is important to transfer the coffee to a carafe. If you leave the contents to sit it will continue to brew and disrupt the flavor.

The Espresso Machine. Lattes are definitely my weakness. They say that there is no such thing as a perfect shot, but I disagree. I believe that if it is packed correctly and you're quick to mix the espresso with the milk it will taste like heaven.

The Chemex. This is a method I'm looking forward to trying one day. Apparently this model has not changed since German inventor Peter Schlumbohm created it in 1941. The only helpful hint I've read is to ground your coffee a bit coarser than for the classic drip.

The Moka Pot. I have not tried this method yet, but planned to in the near future. I've heard it can make pretty yummy espresso, so I'm all in.

The Nel Drip. I had never heard of this method before, but it reminds me of the chemex. Apparently it produces thick, sweet taste. 

The Siphon. This looks like a science experiment. This little coffee magic maker was created in the 1840's by a Scottish marine engineer and a French housewife. When done right it produces delicate, tea-like coffee. I'd have to say this is the most interesting method I've seen yet.

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♥ Have you tried a brew method other than the classic drip?

If you live in Arizona, check this site out. It gives great tips on local coffee shops!

Friday Favorites + Weekend Links

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Jason and I are planning a trip to San Francisco at the end of summer and I just love reading this blog.

NPR interviewed a woman about her success on buying antiques form yard sales and selling them on eBay. You can find her blog here.

The Lucky Draw Project reminds us how therapeutic coloring can be. Interested? Subscribe here.

I'm teaching myself how to crochet. I get inspired from this lovely blog.

There are no stockists for this magazine in the states yet, but it's definitely worth the shipping.

♥ Happy Friday lovelies! What are you come of your current favorites?

Lovely Little Things + eBay

1. Hardwood Walnut Wine Rack | 2. Black Agate Necklace | 3. Retro Print Laptop Case | 4. Stainless Steel Hourglass | 5. Sun/Moon Shower Curtain Hooks | 6. Iwachu Cast Iron Tea Pot Set

I started selling some items on eBay, which you can find here. By this weekend I should have my Etsy shop up and going with all my little crafty goodness. This is my first time selling things online, and I have to say that it's pretty fun.

♥ Have you ever sold anything online? Do you have any thoughts on eBay, Etsy, or Store Envy?

Currently + Audrey

Image found here.

Watching. All I have to say is thank you, Netflix. Lately I have been spending my nights curled up on the couch watching Audrey Hepburn movies. I re-watched Breakfast at Tiffany's, and saw Roman Holiday and Sabrina for the first time. She is amazing to watch, and has easily become my favorite actress.

Playing with. Colors. I have an idea for a painting, and really it's more like playing than anything else. I think I will start that either today or tomorrow. 

Loving. I love all my goodies from our trip to Los Angeles. I got a bonsai tree, the new Frankie magazine, some cheap cat eye sunglasses, a new book, and a frock (or two) from Anthropolgie.

Working on. I have been selling a few things on eBay, and I have a few things ready to go up on Etsy.  I really love the whole process of buying and selling items online. As soon as everything is ready I will add a link on here to the store.

Reading. I'm in that weird place where I have started a few books, and now I have to narrow it down to one. I think it will be The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan.

Thinking about. Everything, really. I'm trying to get the most out of life by trying new recipes, planning trips to new places, reading new books, and not only becoming inspired by things, but turning that inspiration into something tangible.

Tasting. Trader Joe's has baked peas called Inner Peas. They are so delicious. Seriously, pick up a bag next time you are there.

Anticipating. This weekend Jason and I are actually going to wake up early enough to go to some yard sales. Then, Sunday we were thinking about getting out of town to go on a nice, long hike. I can't wait to get lost amongst the aspen trees again.

Listening to. Death Cab For Cutie's album, Something About Airplanes. We listened to it the whole drive to California, and I just can't get enough of it. I would have to say that I've never listened to anything Ben Gibbard has done that I haven't loved.

Inspired by. Thrift store shopping is my favorite weekend activity to beat the heat. I get inspired by all the antiques. I would have to say that milk glass vases, and vintage pyrex have got me swooning.

♥ Thank you to Danielle at Sometimes Sweet for the idea for this post. What are you currently into?

Garden, Knoll + Matador

Michael's Garden

1. My brother Michael's garden | 2. Hibiscus | 3. Succulent collection | 4. Fresh blueberries | 5. A tomato picked for dinner | 6. Thrifty windmill | 7. Spiral staircase

Angel's Knoll - 500 Days of Summer

1. Where they sat | 2. Downtown Los Angeles | 3. Angel's Flight

Matador Beach, Malibu

1 & 2. Walking along the beach | 3. Cove | 4. Jason | 5. I fell in love with him all over again while taking this photo | 6. Birdie | 7. The rest of the flock | 8. Picture the sound

We spent last weekend on a quick, three-day trip from Phoenix to Los Angeles. I feel so lucky to be able to visit as often as we do, and stay with my brother. One night he made us dinner, and everything came straight out of the garden. We made a lot of good memories, and I look forward to our next little adventure.

♥ How did you spend your weekend?

Fourth of July + Little Leona

1. Me and Leona | 2. Michelle and Leona | 3. First fourth of July | 4. Jason, looking adorable holding a baby | 5. Getting some fresh air | 6. Up close and personal

♥ I hope you all had a beautiful & safe 4th of July! What memories did you make?