Sycamore Street Press: 08.2010

looking lovely: Frost River Bags

Kirk just showed me these beautiful bags by Fox River that he spotted on A Continuous Lean. Made of waxed canvas and leather to stand up to the elements, these bags will stand up to years of use. If I could find a nice diaper bag among them, I know I wouldn't have much trouble persuading Kirk to carry it.

The Camp Kitchen Pack


The Lake Superior Tote

p.s. Aren't the illustrations nice?

on the road: San Francisco Facades

I love how big cities can have so many distinct personalities.
This time we stayed with our friend Ashleigh in the Tenderloin.
Here are a few pics from previous trips to the Bay area.

The view from her window reminded us all of Jimmy Stewart's view in Rear Window. But unlike Jimmy, we didn't solve any mysteries.

Image via tcf.ua.edu

Friday Favorites

///// A few of my current favorites /////

+ the only remaining photobooth in Salt Lake City (?)

+ the friendly horses grazing near our house

+ cute couple style

+ eating lots and lots of watermelon

+ sleeping with the windows open

+ Abby's new Slice of Life blog series

Also, I made another mix on 8tracks for you to listen to this weekend.... hope you enjoy!

sycamore street press: I don't want to give this up!

I really wish we could teach letterpress workshops more often. It's so nice when other people appreciate and want to learn more about what you do for a living, you know? Everyone who comes to our classes as such positive, creative energy. It gets me even more excited about what Kirk and I do!

The class on Saturday just flew by... and although we're not completely sure we'll be able to host workshops in our new space, we're going to do everything we can to make it work. I'll keep you posted here on the blog, but you can also join our email list (in the sidebar) and opt in to the "class" list.

Thanks to everyone who has attended a class and/or helped spread the word!

on the road: San Diego Facades

Palm trees and terracotta. Bougainvillea and adobe. Bright blue and dusty white.

looking lovely: Casual Kitchens, Part 2

Scott Engler's via Design*Sponge

I'm not done dreaming of a pretty, carefree kitchen. Here are a few more I've found around the internet. (See Casual Kitchens, Part 1 here.)

Photo by Toni Meneguzzo via The House that Lars Built

via Emma's Design Blog via Design is Mine

Amanda Orcutt's home via Design*Sponge

Nancy Neil's house via Design*Sponge

Michelle de la Vega's house / Photo by Ira Lippke for The New York Times via Remodelista

Gabriel Wick and Olivier's apartment via Design*Sponge

Home of Fitzhugh & Lyndsay of Brooklyn Home via Design*Sponge

via Bright Bazaar via Design Labarynth

via Light Locations

looking lovely: Papier Mache

Photo by Ana Schechter / Styled by Katelyn Mooney for Papier Mache

Have you seen the latest issue of Papier Mache? They're so adept at keeping children's style adorable without falling into sugary cuteness.

Photo by Monika Elena for Papier Mache

Photo by Melanie Rodriguez for Papier Mache

How was your weekend? Kirk and I had such a great time teaching the letterpress class on Saturday. Everyone who came was so nice and enthusiastic about this craft we practice... it put me in such a good mood. I'll try and post a few pics later...

Friday Favorites

A few of my current favorites ///// Watching Kirk teach our nephew about the press ///// Practicing deep breathing ///// This recycled canvas and leather bag ///// Clinton's Granola (a local Utah brand) ///// Walking up and down the hill where we live ///// A beautifully illustrated Bulgarian book ///// The idea of oystering on Cape Cod ///// Dreaming of where I'd go with the All You Can Jet pass ///// Album art by Anna Emilia /////

at the table: California Eats

This plum frangipane tart from Girard Gourmet in La Jolla was to die for. The plums had incredibly intense flavor, and I'm always a sucker for a frangipane tart.

Also from Girard Gourmet: a curried chicken sandwich. They topped it off with roasted beets and chopped almonds. Very tasty.

Cheap deliciousness from La Fachada in San Diego. Chips, a few kinds of salsa, guacamole, and beans included in the price of your $2 tacos. Can't beat that. We tried a few different kinds, but the fish tacos were our hands down favorite.

A few more fantastic places we tried: Cucina Urbana in San Diego (for our anniversary dinner), Tender Greens in Culver City, and Osha Thai in San Francisco.

Thanks to Jenn, Joy, the Taylors, and Ashleigh for the recommendations!

Quote of the Week

looking lovely: Casual Kitchens

Bodie and Fou's kitchen via Poppytalk

Forget living rooms. Kitchens are the most interesting interior space to me. I think it's because function must come first and informs the design so strongly. Or it could just be because I love food. In any case, my favorite kitchens are homey, warm, and casual. Kitchens that invite you in. Kitchens that you're not afraid to make a mess in.