so simpatico

farewell (for now)

2012-08-27T14:32:00.000-04:00

Don't be sad, but this is my last post. Never say never though, I might be back again on so simpatico, but no promises.

I started this blog in February 2010 as way to practice design skills and catalog creative ventures. I've learned so many things through trial and error, and just plain experimentation. I've pushed myself to try new things, and I've persevered through creative blocks. This space evolved over time. I started to develop a style of blog design and brought on more projects for myself (cooking, cocktails, crafts, etc.) Then my life got super busy. I launched a business (eva b. paper goods), started teaching boat loads of yogis, and took on more volunteer opportunities. Still I kept blogging, archiving things that caught my eye. At this point though, I've realized a lot of what I blog these days can just as easily be viewed on Pinterest, where I have a brand new account (it took me awhile to get on the bandwagon there.) And if you ever want see some original photos, well just check me out on twitter via instagram. I've always got some silly photos there.

Thank you so much for your visits to so simpatico. I hope that I've given you a little inspiration here and there.

tile love

2012-08-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

Tracey Reinberg of Kismet Tile is a genius, and I'm in love with the patterns she creates. I wish I had something that needed tiling. (Note some of the outdoor tiles are different colors. Cool.)

poppin

2012-08-21T07:55:00.000-04:00

My love of office supplies continues. Check out the bold colors and clean lines from poppin.com.

two things

2012-08-20T07:37:00.000-04:00

I just love both of these. The wallpaper is from Hermes, designed by naturalist painter Robert Dallet. So naturally it's way out of my price range, but it's fun to look. These trays stack and nestle into one another for endless organizing opportunities, and come in all sorts of lovely colors. They're like the adult version of these blocks, remember them?

trays / wallpaper

photo friday

2012-08-17T10:51:00.000-04:00

nude study
may 2005

coffee table books

2012-08-16T07:13:00.000-04:00

Gypset Travel / 100 Years of Fashion / Doris Duke's Shangri La: A House in Paradise / The Sartorialist: Closer / Love Looks Not with the Eyes

hardcore

2012-08-15T07:30:00.000-04:00

Black and metal elements.

black shoe / watch / silver shoe

eau d'italie

2012-08-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

I can appreciate the clear and concise packagin from this Italian beauty line. Especially when it's early in the morning and you're bleary eyed in the shower. Go here to see to more.

breakfast of champions

2012-08-13T07:30:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago my father-in-law was in town for a visit. One lazy morning we made this frittata (go here for the recipe) which I had been dying to make for weeks. It calls for jalapenos, which I have an aversion to unless they are fried and stuffed with cream cheese. So instead of scary peppers, I threw in red onion and feta. Much much better I think. The end product was so tasty.

photo: Johnny Miller for Whole Living Magazine

end of summer

2012-08-09T07:30:00.000-04:00

Some end of summer entertainment. Pocket bocce ball, Tivoli Audio's cordless iPal Speakers, and Mulderbosch Rose.

two different books

2012-08-08T07:30:00.000-04:00

Here are two takes on being female.

How To Be A Woman / Tomboy Style

pinning

2012-08-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

Lots of people have been prodding me to join Pinterest, but to be honest, I just couldn't get into. I already spend so much time scouring the world wide web for my blog. Then Oh Joy gave me some serious incentive to join up and start pinning with abandon by creating the awesome Splendid Summer Contest. Done. The prizes are amazing. So without further ado, come see my newly formed boards right here.

the best potato salad

2012-08-06T07:30:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, Sam and I went to a friends' house for a bbq / crab feed / all around feast. I've been wanting to try this recipe (go here if you want try it too) of potatoes, green beans, dill, and the money ingredient ricotta cheese, and this seemed like the perfect time to test it out. As much as I love mayo, I've got to say I love ricotta way more. Two tips, if you're going to try this. Don't over cook the potatoes like I did. It still tasted good, but it just wasn't as pretty. And, for a little more pizzaz, I added about 1/8 cup of super teeny tiny finely chopped red onion. Happy picnicking, your friends and family will love you more if you bring this.

photo friday

2012-08-03T11:42:00.000-04:00

potomac river, washington, dc

july 2012

potato chip cookie

2012-08-02T07:30:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I ventured into the crazy unknown world of the potato chip cookie. It was worth it. It was delicious. The savory sweet combo was perfectly balanced. The recipe (right here) calls for toasted pecans, and while this was quite tasty, next time I'll sub in chocolate chips instead. I think this will really take the cookie to the next level.

august 2012

2012-08-01T07:30:00.000-04:00

For your desktop...

2 years

2012-07-31T07:30:00.000-04:00

It's official! Sam and I have been hitched for two years now. Without getting too mushy gushy, I've got to say that I love him more now than I did when I married him.

Below is one of my favorite photos of our wedding on Vashon Island, WA, and when the party really go started.

photo credit: the amazing and talented Yossy Arefi-Afshar

cucumber cape codder

2012-07-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

I've made this delicious cocktail from for two parties now, and both times it was a hit. It's easy to make a big batch, tote it to the party then just serve over ice. The combination of cucumber and cranberry juice is perfection, especially in summertime heat. Go here to get the recipe.

photo friday

2012-07-27T07:30:00.000-04:00

shore club, miami beach, fl
july 2012

crazy totes

2012-07-26T07:30:00.000-04:00

I'm slightly obsessed with the fabric by Swedish designer Josef Frank. So much so that I wanted to cover my daybed in it, but it was way too pricey. Well, if I can't have a whole couch covered, I can definitely settle for a tote.

Source via Cup of Joe

notebooks

2012-07-25T10:22:00.001-04:00

I'm a sucker for all things paper, including great notebooks. I always need at least one on hand to jot down lists, ideas and inspiration.

brown paper design / field notes

insta pics

2012-07-24T07:30:00.000-04:00

I think I'm a little behind the times here, but did you know you could turn your instragram photos into real tangible photos? Well, apparently you can right here. Pretty nifty.

source

sunnies

2012-07-23T07:40:00.000-04:00

These are really just too much, but I still kinda love them. Anna-Karrin Karisson Sunglasses

photo friday

2012-07-20T07:22:00.000-04:00

path to beach
miami, fl
july 2012

weekenders

2012-07-19T07:48:00.000-04:00

I'm really looking forward to these next couple of weeks. My husband is free from studying, which means we will actually get to hang out together! I've got to get this book. It looks like the perfect guide for mini vacations and quick get-aways. With his weekends off right now, I think we might have to do some exploring.

source