the marlow hobo

My friend Howard once said to me that he will never understand how women choose their purses. Since he mentioned this, I find myself observing women and their bag/purse choices and I definitely get what he means. Often times it is exactly what I expect, most of the time it is not! It is a strange thing how women express themselves through this odd necessity. Whether we base it on what is trendy, or what outfits we are wearing, the fact remains that most of us have had plenty of purses over the years that most likely outline all the phases of styles we have been through.

Recently I made the decision that it was time to find a "grown up" bag. After many, many, many years of carrying purses that were either vintage store finds (aka always under $20) or trendier finds that I refuse to pay more than $50 for because I am not a big trend person (aka Target or TJ Maxx purses); I felt like I was ready to choose a bag that I would actually want to hang onto for many, many, many years! I had already decided it would have to be brown leather, the questions over the past few months have been ... what style? messenger, tote, hobo. Should it be more of a work bag or an actual purse? How big or small did it really need to be? Did I want handles or a strap? What sort of bag would be my style for more than a short season? After much searching I have found this perfect bag! Turns out I am a “hobo” kind of girl. Large enough for work, but still can pass as a purse. Perfect brown leather, sturdy bottom so it doesn’t slouch, two types of handles, and neither compete with each other, plenty of pockets, but not too many that it looks tacky, very little detail on the outside. And to push the point home even further it is named the “Marlow Hobo”. Get out of here! Of course I had to get it! And I couldn’t be happier! I think Howard would see me with this bag and agree that it fits me perfectly!

"splendid" just about sums it up!

There is a new ice cream shop in my ‘hood and I am pretty much in love with every flavor they have. Jenis Splendid Ice Cream opened in June and after tasting what I have so far, I would like to meet this Jeni and shake her hand! This is the best ice cream I have ever had, hands down, and I am not necessarily an ice cream kind of person.

Check out some of these flavors:
Salty Caramel
Goat Cheese and Black Cherries
Pistachio and Honey
Sweet Corn and Black Raspberries
Riesling Poached Pear
Bangkok Peanut
Rockmill Golden Ale and Apricots
Wildberry Lavendar
Tonight I had the Coriander Raspberry paired with the Lemon Yogurt—yum!

Oh, and did I mention they make their own waffle cones in the shop? Come on! Too good!
This place is walking distance from my house, which is probably a good thing because I have a feeling I will need that extra walk to counter balance all of the calories I will gain eating it every week!

Here is a link to an interview with Jeni and a recipe for her Sweet Corn & Black Raspberry Ice Cream. Look for her cookbook too!

This kid was in his pajamas and was so excited to
pick out his ice cream. Adorable!

flea markets and new friends

I will have to say that this weekend was one of the more eventful weekends I have had in a while. After many years of going to flea markets, I finally experienced what it is like on the other side of the booth! The folks putting on Porter Flea did an excellent job with every little detail, making for such a positive experience. If they decide to do this more often—which they should—I will definitely be a part of it again! It was organized, well orchestrated, and the vendors were all unique and cool. The best part of it all was getting to know so many new people who are all out here doing the same thing—making things with our hands.

We did really well as far as our booth goes. There were so many questions, and so much interest in the terrariums. How to care for them…What were the different layers for…What kind of sunlight…and on and on. It was fun to spend a day talking to so many different people and getting to know them. Every part of the day was a success and I couldn’t have had more fun.

This whole "terrariums/400 Moons" thing has happened so organically, it was wonderful to step back this weekend and see how things can move along when you don’t overanalyze it too much. What started as making a terrarium or two for myself and some friends, lead to my friend’s husband seeing the potential in them, which then lead to a silly conversation about going in together and selling them, taking us further along as the brainstorming became real. When I came across the Porter Flea event, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to try this out and see where it all might go! It also seemed like the kind of market that I would want to be involved in. I was 100% right about this. It was a great way to take a leap of faith and see what can come from it!

4th of July weekend

The long holiday weekend was a good one. I spent it wandering around the farmer's market, making more pickles and pickled okra, hanging at Yazoo brewery, baking a festive cake, making terrariums, grilling and hanging out with friends on my deck, standing in line for some hot chicken at the Hot Chicken Festival, laughing hysterically at the movie Bridesmaids, and finally getting a cone of ice cream at Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream shop. I am grateful for a low key Summer so far.

farmer's market goods

prepping for making pickles and freezing corn

red velvet cake

festive red, white, and blue cake topped
with fresh berries from the market

4th of July bubbles! 

Hot Chicken Festival in East Nashville.

Sweet Corn and Black Raspberries ice cream