On Brunch at Home.

    It is Labor Day weekend. I think this might be the first time in my adult life when I have fallen into the "9-5" category of work. The world of retail so sweetly absorbed my holidays, then offered a day off at another, more convenient time when a sale was not flooding the store with customers. The three-day weekend is a new thing to me and thus far I have enjoyed it thoroughly. 

    Jason left for work fairly early and my mind wouldn't let me slip back into a slumber. I got up. I was milling about my apartment after getting out of bed. I cleaned some. I repotted a plant. I finished up some dishes from yesterday and read a few pages in All the Light We Cannot See. After a couple of hours doing this and that, I realized I had yet to eat! My stomach was already in a state of panic, so I contemplated getting by with cereal or some yogurt. Then I realized the mistake I was about to make. I am enjoying a nice weekend of leisure. Though my to-do list might be growing, I have the time to sit and enjoy a meal. 

    Somewhere along the line, we decided that brunch occurs when you meet up with a friend, or a group of friends, and eat a fancy meal in the late hours of the morning. I had not planned to have brunch with anyone, but I could not give myself a reason to not enjoy a nice meal in my own kitchen. I turned on the stove top and put on some eggs. I grabbed a piece of bread and tossed it into the toaster. I laid a bed of spinach on my plate and placed the sunny-side up eggs on top, with a spread of Boursin cheese as a garnish. The toast finished and Bonne Maman, mixed berry preserves sweetened the meal. I poured some French press coffee and enjoyed a nice, slow meal at my kitchen table. 

    Nathan Williams expresses this notion in the mission of Kinfolk. They advocate "slow-living" and enjoying the process as much as the meal. I typically enjoy my meals. I guess this morning was a good reminder that even in solitude, enjoying the process is important. 

Currently Listening: "Planes to Crash" by Damien Jurado

Diane Keaton.

  After looking at a few blog posts around the web, I noticed a few photos of Diane Keaton. Some were from her role in Woody Allen's "Annie Hall" and others of the glory days in her youth. People say that style always comes back around. Keaton was sporting looks we aspire to mimic today. I appreciate the effortless glamour and timeless beauty she expresses in her style. Maybe it is the menswear, or possibly the large-framed glasses. Regardless, her confidence radiates from every angle.

Currently listening: "Tourist" by Jason Howell (A song in progress by Jason Howell.) 

A side note: Today marks 5 years that Jason and I have known each other! So many wonderful memories we have shared in that time. 

Kate Miss Creative.

 

        Kate Miss is a Seattle native who spent her formative years in New York City. In recent years she has been located in Los Angeles and that has only furthered her design endeavors. It can be said that many people "do it all," but I think in Kate's case this is certainly true. Not only does she have a creative eye to capture moments and develop designs, but Kate has also owned her own business and is in the process of launching her own jewelry line this coming fall/winter (!!!). Needless to say, it is beautiful work that I can't help but share. 

Check out some of her look-book with upcoming designs for later this year!

Currently Listening: "Fed Up With Hunger" by Saintseneca

MASLO JEWELRY.

   People may have seen this small jewelry company growing in popularity across various fashion blogs and even Caroline Donofrio's recent post on A Cup of Jo. The simple designs add to the ease of Summer. Whether throwing on a t-shirt to go to an ice cream shop or slipping into a dress for a warm evening dinner, the jewelry adds to your outfit without creating a look that is too busy. I love the muted colors and assorted geometric shapes strung together by a rope-like strand. MASLO JEWELRY has created a unique look to accompany the loosely cut apparel showing up in the fashion world. 

   Warning: This site may put your wallet on a diet. 

Currently Listening: 80's Hits

Esby Apparel.

I know that the Summer is moving past us quickly, but the heat has only just begun in the city. Sadly, I am waving goodbye to days full of a cool breeze and seventy degree weather. It might just be my dreamlike wishes, but perusing Esby Apparel's lookbook has made me realize that lighter fabrics and natural hair is not such a bad thing to embrace. the items are very basic in design, yet fit perfectly into a Summer wardrobe. This American-made company is doing their best to cultivate their style as effortlessly as possible. 

In other news, friends and family are starting their trips to visit our little home in New York City. I am learning more and more about  myself. I have hosted more people in my apartment than I think it can realistically support, yet I am learning to be free with the space I have been given. Balance is a good thing and I am trying to live it well. 

Currently Listening: "Wolf" by Sylvan Esso (They were amazing at Celebrate Brooklyn the other night!)

Being Mindful in My Home.

As much as decorating a home is fun, fulfilling and important, I find that somehow you accumulate too many things. From just a few short years of having my own space I gained multiple knick knacks and items that I don't want. Sometimes people have given you things or you bought something at a thrift store because it was just so cheap! I came a across this quote and realized the mistakes I have made in feeling compelled to keep things in my home. Specifically in a spatially challenged place like New York City, what you really need are essentials. Anything other than that should be beautiful and bring you joy. So now, go forth, decorating and purging away! I know that's what I will be doing. 

Currently Listening: To my husband tell me it is time to watch a soccer game. (I love him).

Navy.

Navy.

    This restaurant and everything about its atmosphere is diving. A Cup of Jo featured a small wedding and the reception meal was held at this spot. Living in New York City, there are always so many places to discover and try. I am itching to get myself down to this gem later in the week. Something that brings me such joy is beautifully curated spaces. From what I can tell my eyes will be feasting alongside my stomach. 

Currently Listening: Top 40 Hits (The reason? I am caged in my office for the day. Looking forward to the long weekend.)