monthly favs: may 2014

Sheep from around campus

This month's favorites is going to be a bit shorter than usual.  The biggest thing about this month was our weekend away in Asheville.  So while I might have purchased less items this time, I feel as though I accomplished more than I have in some previous posts.  But that doesn't mean I have nothing to write about at all.

travel: asheville, nc

Josh and I both attended and graduated from a small campus located in the middle of the Blue Ridge mountains.  In fact, this is where we met.  So once we realized graduation was coming up we thought it would be nice to take a long weekend to visit the friends who were graduating.  For the trip I chose to only take my film camera, not really so much as a challenge but because I really just sometimes just prefer the aesthetic.

project list: mini-garden part 2

A few weeks ago I wrote my first post about my early attempts at a mini-garden on my balcony.  I had planted swiss chard seeds, strawberry bulbs, and potted already grown basil and mint.  However, not long after that a sudden snow occurred.  I saw the forecast predicted the sudden weather change and didn't think much of it so imagine my surprise when I wake up and see my pots buried in snow.  The herbs were completely gone.  After a few more days I realized the bulbs were shot too.  Luckily the chard was tough enough and actually sprouted the day of the snow.  But I knew I had to pretty much start over.

monthly favs: april 2014

While I love a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate on a cold winter night there is something even better about having one on a brisk Spring morning.  While at the Museum I came across these PANTONE mugs in the little gift shop.  I have always liked the simple design and bright colors of these mugs so I had to pick one up.  I went with color 563 because it is very close to one of my favorite Spring/Summer nail polish colors, For Audrey by China Glaze.

(From my Instagram)

As I mentioned in one of my recent Exploring posts I finally tried the highly recommended Long's Bakery and instantly fell in love.  Anyone who knows me knows how much I love finding new places with delicious baked goods.  And who could argue against a fresh warm doughnut on a brisk Summer morning?

Along with tasty treats I also love when I find make-up that works for me.  While I adore lipsticks I tend to have a hard time finding shades that work well on me.  Many times I go out with a color in mind but once I try it on I find myself disappointed.  Last time I went to Sephora I had the idea of a nice Spring coral color in mind, so imagine my surprise when I end up leaving with a dusty rose color.  Dolce Vita by Nars is maybe one shade off from my natural lip color but it adds a slight pink color while remaining a fantastic neutral.

The last thing I have to mention is something I have had for a while but only really started using it regularly this past week.  After Katherine did her April Favorites post I realized that I too never wrote about MY canvas tote (thanks Katherine!).  I bought it in January, so that was after I ended my last blog but before I really started this one.  I found it on a little website called Alphabet Bags around the holidays and knew I needed to have it.  It has become my go-to light, casual, Spring bag.  With how many fairs and farmers markets I hope to go to I know I will get plenty of use out of this guy.  Also, you should totally check out this site.  If I had endless money I would just buy every canvas tote.  I use them all the time so I don't think there is such thing as too many totes.

Art Blog

This is just a mini-post to let my friends know that I recently created a new art blog.  Since I moved out to Indiana I have gotten back into Printmaking and have had a blast doing it so I thought I would try to get more serious and document everything online.  This will make things easier when it comes to commissions as well as marketing.  

Feel free to check it out at Honeybee Prints.  It is still a work in progress so please bear with me while I streamline it.

Also please check out my brand new Etsy account.  There isn't much yet, also a work in progress.  Of course, as my friends know, if you ever want something I made or have a commission feel free to contact me directly.  I am actually hoping to figure out a system for custom orders once I have everything else set.

exploring: long's bakery

After I moved to Indianapolis there was one place everyone told me I had to visit: Long's Bakery.  Everyone praised their donuts and any list for "Best Bakery" had Long's in the #1 spot.

This morning I went out to pick up some art supplies and on my way I happened to pass it.  On my way back I decided to stop.  The location was small but you could smell the warm, sweet, smell of baked goods while standing in the parking lot.

food: easter m&m cookies

This past week several family members have sent us some festive candies for the Easter holiday.  Feeling the urge to bake, but not really wanting to just add more to the "need to eat" pile, I decided to try and use some of the candy in a cookie.  M&M cookies have always been a favorite of mine, and I now had a large bag to use so that one seemed perfect.