Pink of Perfection

There are some blogs that, in just from reading them, you feel like you’re able to take a step toward living your best life. For me, Small Notebook is definitely one of those. Rachel Meeks’ blog is inspiring without being aspirational; her advice never feels pat or oversimplified, but her focus on small, doable bits as well as the messy realities of real life keeps her blog firmly planted on the ground and leaves you feeling that simplifying, organizing, living well — whatever it is you’re after — you can do it.

Tell us about Small Notebook. What are the biggest challenges? The biggest surprise?

I’ve always loved journals that aren’t the “Dear Diary” sort. Small Notebook started as my online journal for my home life. I’m still surprised when I look and see that I have more than thirty readers. Of course it’s hard to manage the time it demands (and oh my, the email! I had no idea), but I’ve been learning how to craft articles in my head while I wash the dishes and ride in the car.

What’s your personal philosophy for achieving simplicity in daily life?

I just don’t want to own a bunch of stuff. I was trying to think of something better to say, but that’s really it. I don’t want my husband and I to spend our lives working for money to buy it. I don’t want to spend all my time taking care of it. I don’t want to limit our opportunities and experiences because we’re bogged down by it. It doesn’t satisfy me at all.

Simplicity isn’t our goal, but it does let me be free to think and dream, and to spend time with others.

My husband and I have a strategy: “less, but better,” and it helps us make better choices. We don’t own a lot of stuff, but we want the things we do have to be well-made. We don’t go out to eat very often, but when we do we’ll choose a nice place with good food. Then we really enjoy it.

It’s just like with food. I’d rather have one bag of ripe cherries in July than a dozen frozen party pizzas.

Continue reading “POP Profile: Rachel Meeks of Small Notebook” »

There are so many blogs I wish I could live inside, but I think Abby Try Again takes top billing. Her blog is the visual interpretation of what I love about Paris: gray, and a little bit melancholy, but like a gossamer-draped dream. Its talented creator, Abby Powell-Thompson, calls it an experiment in film photography and general happiness; I call it my favorite love letter to life’s most unassuming beauties — a tissue paper beach ball with the light catching it just so, colorful pennants stretched across the street, a donut with sprinkles. And it probably goes without saying that I’m an absolute goner for her Five Senses Friday series. We may not be able to step inside her blog for the weekend, but we can get into that brain for a few questions (and snag her prints on Etsy):

Tell us about Abby Try Again. What made you decide to do the blog? What are the biggest challenges? What inspires your posts? What’s been the biggest surprise?

I started the blog almost five years ago, right after my husband and I relocated to Portland, OR, from a tiny little farm town in California. It was a “crafty” blog and a way of keeping touch with family and friends who were back at home. Over the years the blog grew and changed just like me. I noticed I liked the “journaling” aspect of the blog and the photos just came as a natural progression. I try to be very honest and open in the blog without revealing too many boring details. The biggest surprise was finding so many like-minded people from around the world. I was (am) a really big nerd and it was nice to make connections through the blog. Another surprise is that the blog is very therapeutic for me. It calms me down, gives me perspective and it’s become a nice daily ritual for me.

Your photographs evoke the most serene, quiet, beautiful life. What’s your personal philosophy for achieving beauty and pleasure in daily life?

Like many others out there, I’ve always struggled with my self-image. Blogging has helped me realize how good my life is and how good the people are around me.  I think the majority of us are so very lucky and when you take the time to stop and notice the little beautiful things you begin to realize that. At least, it works for me. Every day I try to schedule at least one “nice” thing — whether it’s a walk to someplace quiet, a new flower from the market, a phone call to a loved one or reading a chapter in a book. I think it is important to have scheduled “good” times.

Who or what most inspires you?

Oh, that is a tough one. I glean inspiration from everywhere. I guess if I had to answer, it would be objects. When I see an old object I imagine its story; where it came from, who it belonged to, where it is going…

What’s your ideal day look like?

I love to travel! So my ideal day who would be spent in some town I’ve never been to, eating new things, exploring, digging around in old shops and shooting photos. Of course, James would be there, too.

I know Twitter isn’t a completely useless media development because it brought me to Tea. Known more formally as Tara Austen Weaver, Tea & Cookies’s namesake is warm and utterly real. If you can sense a kind, salt-of-the-earth nature in 140 characters, you know it’s the real deal. And today is a huge day for Tea. Her book, The Butcher and the Vegetarian, just hit the shelves. It seemed like a more than fitting time for a celebratory chat.

Tell us about Tea & Cookies. What made you decide to do the blog? What are the biggest challenges? What inspires you, your food, and your posts?

Tea & Cookies was a total accident. I was sick, I was bored, I had been reading a lot of food blogs. One day I started one—but I never put my name on it or told my friends. I didn’t plan to keep it up once I was healthy and back at work, but by that time I was hooked and couldn’t stop.

The site has always been about what is inspiring me at that moment. It’s a personal place where I talk about what I love—food, travel, tea, pretty things, amazing people. The name for the blog was an accident as well, but now I think of it as my tea party where I get to chat with lovely people about things that make me happy. It’s a joy.

The hard part is staying motivated and finding the time for it all. I burnt out after finishing the book and had to step away for a little while. I thought about stopping entirely, but the site has brought so much that is wonderful into my life—people who have become dear friends, a wonderful community of other bloggers, amazingly kind and generous readers. I would miss it terribly if I gave it up.

How did your experience blogging affect the process of writing a book? Do you approach the two forms differently, and if so, how?

Writing a blog is like going for a lap swim each morning—a slight effort, but ultimately a nice little workout that leaves you energized. Writing a book is like swimming the Atlantic. There are sharks, there are storms you couldn’t have predicted or prepared for, but there are huge triumphs as well. A regular writing schedule like blogging is good practice for a book, but I’m not sure anything prepares you to lose sight of the shore.

In my case I knew the book was going to look very different from the blog, as it covered material I had never written about. If my blog is about putting forth what I want to write about, the book pulled out things I was scared to write about. It was much harder, though ultimately more rewarding.

Continue reading “POP Profile: Tea & Cookies” »

Quilting for Peace is, in my estimation, the best kind of craft book. It contains 15 simple, flexible patterns to get you piecing together a quilt of your own. But as creative people know, the magic of crafting doesn’t come from the simple how-to instructions but the stories surrounding the process. In the case of Quilting for Peace, these are stories told by quilters different in every way but united in “a firm belief in justice and people’s responsibility for each other; and a faith in patchwork’s ability to absorb the maker’s care, respect, and on occasion outrage, and to let whoever touches the quilt feel those as well.” To enter a giveaway for the book, click here.

How did you learn to quilt?

About eight years ago, my mom showed me the basics of piecing and tying so that I could make a baby quilt for a friend’s first child. After that I taught myself pretty much everything I needed to know with the help of a Singer machine-quilting paperback from the Eighties. I’m learning how to hand-piece now.

What inspired you to write Quilting for Peace?

A little bit of healthy competition with the knitters. I loved Knitting for Peace and wanted to show that quilters did just as much to make the world a better place. I was also inspired by an exhibit I saw at the New England Quilt Museum about nineteenth-century quilters who used their craft to provoke social change as well as to comfort those in need. They used their quilts, for example, as a way to participate in politics, work for social justice, and raise money for the causes they believed in.

You conducted interviews with dozens of people to write the essays in Quilting for Peace. What was that process like?

The quilters I talked to were so different from each other in many ways—women (and a couple of men) from ages 15 to 80-something, on four continents and in 14 U.S. states; quilters who are liberal and conservative, who live on farms and in suburbs, in city apartments and even on a houseboat, some of whom have been quilting for decades and others who have only recently learned to sew. And yet they share a remarkably similar way of looking at the world: a mix of pragmatism, hope, and determination, an instinct for what’s needed in the face of sorrow or tragedy, the resourcefulness to make things happen with little money and on short notice, a sense of humor, and a knack for rallying others. I admire them all a great deal. I wish quilters were in charge of everything!

Continue reading “Quilting for Peace with Katherine Bell” »

Erin McKean is kind of amazingly cool. There’s the fact that she is a lexicographer (which means she pretty much takes the “sexy librarian” thing to a whole ‘nother level), and that she loves words and frocks so equally she has been known to make dresses from crossword fabric. But I like her most of all her for whip-smart, funny, oozing-with-personality-and-charm blog, Dress A Day, on which she makes sewing dreamy dresses look not so terrifying. In fact, she even makes it look fun.

How did you learn to sew and tell us about the beginning and evolution of Dress A Day?

My mother, bless her, taught me to sew when I was about 12 or so. We chose a pattern and fabric together. She made the first dress (pink rosebuds, slightly dropped waist, sleeveless) while I watched, and I made a second dress (blue floral) from the same pattern while she watched and corrected. Then I was off to the races!

As, for the blog, I was out with my husband Joey one night and was talking about the blogs I was reading, and I told him I really wanted there to be a blog that talked about a dress every day. And because my husband is the kind of guy that intuitively understands what you really want and then eggs you on to do it, he said “Why don’t you do it?”

I registered the domain name dressaday.com and then sat on it for a year, not doing anything. So when it came up for renewal I felt as if I had wasted a year in which I could have been doing something fun and cool, just because I was “too busy.” I figured I would never be LESS busy, so I’d just have to make time for it. I’m so glad that I did!

No beating around the bush: you’re hilarious. Who or what cracks you up?

Aw, thanks! I’m a huge fan of absurdist humor, and language-y humor. And if you don’t find something to be absurdly funny every day, you’re not paying close enough attention.

What do you think is the essence of great style?

Being yourself — and being fearless about being yourself. You should never be yourself half-assedly. (Go ahead — be entirely an ass!) Also, no one on their deathbed says “I should have worn more black, I would have looked skinnier.”

What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Nobody will notice (insert flaw here), and if even if they do notice, only rude people would say anything about it.

Word on the street is you’re writing a novel. Can you tell us about it?

Um, yeah! It’s about a woman named Dora who goes home to run her grandmother’s vintage shop. And it’s about being brave enough to do what you want to do and not what you think you should do. And it has “Secret Lives of Dresses” in it. And some other stuff. (But no car chases. We’re saving that for the movie.)

What or who most inspires you?

I think I’m inspired most by having an interesting problem to solve. Why can’t we do something in a different way? Why not try a new approach? The worst that can happen is that you still have the problem you started out with, only now you know one more thing that won’t work.

What’s your surefire way to unwind after a stressful day?

A novel by Georgette Heyer, Donald Westlake, or Angela Thirkell, a hot bath, and maybe some popcorn (but not popcorn in the bathtub, that’s weird). Or watching House with my husband while we hold hands.

What’s in your fridge right now?

Olives, pickles, roasted red peppers, mild yellow peppers, giardiniera (basically anything that is steeped in vinegar and comes in a jar) and every possible thing you can put on top of ice cream. I like condiments.

Last but not least: Maryanne or Ginger (from Gilligan’s Island)?

Oh, totally Maryanne, but you have to let her raid Ginger’s closet. That’s the best of both worlds. (Also, I’m totally Betty, but I wish I were Veronica.)

Lisa Leonard’s jewelry is a breath of what we all need now and then: simplicity and inspiration. She has generously offered to give away a $50 gift certificate to a Pink of Perfection reader. Leave a comment on this post by midnight EST Thursday May 14 and you’ll be in the running; I’ll draw a name on Friday, May 15. But you don’t have to be a winner to get a deal on some new jewelry. Lisa has offered a 10% discount code to use on her site. Enter tellafriend at checkout.

When did you start making jewelry and what have you learned about yourself running your own business?

I started making jewelry in high school, but got serious about it after my first son, David was born.  I’ve learned that I am more driven that I thought.  Sometimes it’s hard to stop my brain and just rest.

What or who most inspires you?

I definitely get inspired when I’m outside.  I love the sunlight and the contrast of green grass to blue sky or warm sand.  My sister Chrissie is amazingly insightful and creative.  And she totally ‘gets’ me. When we are together we talk talk talk and it’s hard to keep from getting inspired!

What’s the essence of great style?

One of the most beautiful things a woman can be is herself.  I love to spend time with friends who are genuine and willing to share their hearts openly.  So great style would be a woman who is comfortable with herself and maybe a great haircut and the perfect pair of jeans.  I’m always looking for the perfect pair of jeans.

What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

I clearly remember my dad pulling me aside one day and asking me what I wanted to accomplish when I grew up.  I shared some dreams and he challenged me to dream bigger.  I think his advice shaped me.

What’s your surefire way to unwind after a stressful day?

Surefire way during the day is a pedicure.  Heaven.  But at the end of the day-snuggling on the couch with my husband and watching our favorite shows.  Have you seen Better Off Ted?  Hilarious!  Oh and maybe a cup of decaf with lots of cream.

What’s in your fridge right now?

Our fridge is stocked with kid snacks like string cheese, yogurt, apple juice and raisin bread.  And my favorite snacks are fresca, toast with apricot jam, and lowfat milk with cereal.  And of course lots of cream for my coffee!

I’m a big fan of the sweet exuberance of Elsie Flannigan’s work and blog. There’s a simple wholesomeness — and hopefulness — about it that never fails to put a smile on my face. Learn more about this young mogul below.

Tell us a little bit about A Beautiful Mess and Red Velvet Art. Why did you start each?

I started A Beautiful Mess for fun but I never realized what a big part of my life it would become. I have really enjoyed sharing my evolving interests in art & craft. I started Red Velvet Art (RVA) 7 years ago with my sister and best friend. We started out making merch for bands and it has evolved into a way for us to encourage each other artistically and creatively.

Running your own business seems so stressful, but you seem to handle all the details so gracefully. What advice do you have about staying organized and managing a big project?

It’s actually a team effort. We try to work together really well and keep everyone in a place where they are doing the stuff that they are best at. I could never do this by myself!

What do you think the significance of the crafting movement is, particularly for young women?

I think it is amazing! The most inspiring thing for me is discovering all the stuff going on. I am just so happy to be a part of it all and helping to make the DIY industry more beautiful every day.

What most inspires you? Who most inspires you?

The most inspiring person in my life is my boyfriend, Jeremy Larson. Also, I am very inspired by my mom, who is a painter. My favorite painter is Jim Houser. My favorite band is the Flaming Lips. My favorite album of the month is the new Animal Collective. My favorite new movie is Synedoche, New York.

What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

“What doesn’t get done, doesn’t need to get done.”

What are some things on your life list (things you want to do before you die, or as I like to think of it, to feel like your living a great life)?

Just a couple of things on my list is that I would love to visit Japan, live in a cabin, have a baby, and design my own line of children’s toys.

What’s your ideal day look like?

Wake up early-ish. Coffee with the boy. Eat pancakes. Work. Go thrift store shopping!!!

If you could invite anyone to a dinner party, living or dead, who would come?

Charlie Kaufman, Bjork, Barack Obama, and my grandma!

You just won $100 on a scratch-off. How do you spend it?

On coffee and thrift store dresses.

What’s in your fridge right now?

Pineapple, left-over pizza, and orange juice.

If you’re hungry for more q & a’s, Jen at the Haystack Needle asked to do an interview with me; you can read it here! Thanks, Jen!

One of my favorite things about blogs, hands down, is how you can feel like you can count people as your friends who you might never get the chance to meet in real life. Amber Karnes, of the super fabulous My Aim is True, has long been that for me. Her craft room is a site to be seen, and I’m constantly inspired by a life that seems to be a flurry of friends, good food, creative fun, and lots and lots of colorful, meaningful beauty.

Amber (looking the happiest) with super cute hubby on the last day of her honeymoon

Tell us a little bit about your blog and what the name means.

Well my site is sort of my life in notes and photos, if that makes sense. I talk a lot about crafting, cooking, my grumpy dog, music that I like, stuff like that. The name is a line from an Elvis Costello song called “Alison“.

How did you first get into making, crafting and cooking? Any particularly memorable flops or successes?

I was homeschooled for most of my life, and my mom always encouraged creativity and artistic pursuits. We made a lot of crafts when I was younger, everything from teddy bear bread to a heck of a lot of t-shirts covered in puff paint. I guess I grew out of it for a while, then after college I decided I wanted to learn to knit, just out of the blue. I showed up to a stitch ‘n’ bitch night, and the rest is history. I love teaching myself whatever new thing I want to tackle and making things myself so it was a great fit. I taught myself to cook mostly by experimenting, then from cookbooks and the internet after I went vegan in May 2007. Vegan cooking is a totally different game.

I think my most successful DIY projects have been things around the house. I can follow a craft pattern pretty well but I feel like I’m more creative with interior design and making just so-so things into really special things.

Flops? Ask my husband, I’ve cooked some pretty awful things. A lot of it involves eggplant. Why are those suckers so hard to cook properly?
Dude, I hear you. The craft scene in Norfolk seems really vibrant. Tell us about the 7 Cities Crafters.

The 7 Cities Crafters are a group of crafters and visual artists who sort of represent the indie art scene in the area. We’ve been a group for a few years now in one form or another. We’re a pretty diverse group, most of us are in our 20s and 30s but we have had everyone from high schoolers to 70 year old women come to our get-togethers. We have a monthly meetup where we bring food, hang out and craft together. We also host free skill-sharing workshops where one member of the group will hold a demo and teach the rest of the group a skill like knitting, photography, whatever. They’ve been very popular and we just scheduled several more for the next few months. I got the group going out of a totally selfish desire to meet more creative people in the area, sort of bring them out of the woodwork, and it worked!

What do you think the significance of the crafting movement is particularly for young women?
I think the coolest thing about the crafting movement is the information sharing. I am a big advocate of knowledge sharing, skill sharing, making or doing something and then getting the word out about it so others can do and enjoy it too. One of the
things that makes the DIY/craft movement most appealing is that someone can look at something I did and say, “Hey, I can do that too!” Then they might take the technique I used and put their own awesome and unique spin on it. I love that! I think the craft movement has been a great outlet for young women to be a part of something bigger than themselves. I am going to have a hard time articulating this, and I’m sure some women’s studies major could do a much better job, but I feel like young women have a hard time bonding with other women a lot of times. Men seem like they are just born to support each other or bond with their “bros” but girls are bred by society to compare themselves to one another and compete with one another. I feel like the craft movement has been one way for young women to find their own voice, express themselves creatively, and be a “team” with other girls just like them.

I think you hit the nail on the head — and very articulately, I might add! So what most inspires you?

Continue reading “Amber Karnes of My Aim is True” »