craft | change it

hello, hello! thanks to wi-fi, i've been converting our computer cabinet into one for sewing, but having a terrible time photographing it - oy! one thing i haven't had a terrible time doing is making these pretty fabric covered hangers thanks to pascale's wonderful tutorial on \\between the lines\\. scott even likes them.

this weekend we took charlie and my brother to a favorite czech restaurant, encountered a couple of rude photographers (more on that later, although it makes me cranky to think about it) and started to watch season one of dexter via netflix. it's a bit graphic, but we are addicted and dexter usually takes care of bad (rude) people, permanently ;). hope you had a wonderful, rude-free weekend!

xo, cindy

tv | housewives of new jersey

housewives of flushing at the queens botanical garden

hello, hello! did anyone see the 'real' housewives of new jersey last night? it was the craziest thing i've ever seen on tv. ever. Ever. EVER! there were confrontations, menacing poker games, a daughter getting thrown out of the house, and a stripper pole that had me laughing out loud and cringing at the same time. and kim g with her bentley and chauffeur hanging with danielle, oy! oh my gawd new jersey, what has happened to you ;)?

xo, cindy

ps some new tunes from the stylish-girl band from california called the like.

work | personal vision

hello, hello! as previously mentioned, i've enrolled in a program from the institute of you to help identify my best opportunity for work-life fulfillment - happiness. i've finished the initial phase and it has already done a lot to open my eyes. the first step is to enter into a contract with yourself to basically dream big and it has come in handy as some of my hopes are big ones and might seem unattainable. when i feel that way, i pull out the contract to remind myself to keep looking up and moving forward.

then, you go through five phases that include different exercises and i love how the program is graphically-oriented and most of the work is completed offline. the first phase is called aims and each exercise is contained within a sealed envelope, which is great because i can get hung up on a concept and the curiosity to open that next envelope keeps me moving forward. there were four assignments in this phase:

1. external insights - involves circulating a short survey to people who know you for their thoughts - the best part!
2. past expectations - how the expectations of others and you played out - hmmm.
3. skills - activities you did as a child & skills you'd like to use now - very powerful.
4. personal vision - pulls it all together into your own personal vision statement - terrific.

a text message question every day or so also keeps you thinking about things like 'what gets you up in the morning?' you do have to be self-disciplined and confident in your answers to do this program as you will only get out of it what you put in. but, i've worked in management consulting and have endured many programs, and so far, this one is the most enjoyable and productive.

i feel like i'm moving forward in completely new directions and considering things i would never have previously dreamed of. i also must say that i can't emphasize the importance of our blog enough in all of this process and getting to know all of you. so, one phase down, four to go.

xo, cindy

ps any type of personal development is tiring, so the crazy game show wipe out is perfect for some mindless dribble and a good laugh.

life : time flies

video : my best days are ahead of me by danny gokey
inspiring, uplifting, smile-inducing.

is it really friday, already? this week has flown by. the snow is disappearing and it's supposed to be a beautiful weekend so that's good. are you watching american idol? love the girls this season, especially siobhan and crystal, plus lacy's hair & those eyes. we'll add in alex who is so young & reviving the mullet. counting down the days to liberty at target and no doubt we'll watch the oscars sunday. we saw a lot of the movies, but i love the gowns.

i'm trying to manage our side bar by featuring more current links and created master lists as posts. the 'we read' section is meant to include friends who comment on our blog and those we're in touch with by email/mail. if you're a visitor and would like to be included, don't be shy, let me know.

the link to the full list organizes everyone by category - artist, design source, writer, etc. some people fall into multiple categories, so i tried to go with the most prominent one. if you'd like to be moved from one category to another, just say the word.

scott said spring is the air. the other day, he noticed two sparrows doing the wild thing ;). hope you have a fun weekend!

xo, cindy

ps the adorable bicycle letterpress card is from paper schmaper's shop. i love the special touch in the lined envelope. the roses were not mine, but seen through the glass of a shop. the looking glass, perhaps?

fun : happiness is ...

could i wear that skirt any higher? i'm chaneling julia child. i was
inspired by meg to do the the self-portrait even though it makes me uncomfortable. as of 2:26 pm, it's been replaced three times. i'm done, now.

craft
making a simple denim skirt with some patchwork binding i purchased long ago from i heart linen and a fabric flower using a pattern from martha stewart weddings. two more things off the summer to-do list. i got the blouse in a beautiful liberty of london fabric on sale from pronk.

home
going down to the laundry room in our building and finding the lights aren't even on, yet. i'm the first one and all alone.

new tradition
i'm old enough to need a routine mammogram each year and each time i get more scared about the results. from now on, after having the test, i'm going to make a donation to susan g. komen for the cure as a thank you.

television
the new season for mad men starts this sunday. we can't wait!

tunes
a really good free itunes single of the week from british artist gary go. according to itunes he 'grew up near wembley stadium listening to music float through his bedroom window." lucky chap!

xo, cindy

fun : 2008 unreported favorites

Hi Everyone -

It's hard to believe, but 2008 is just about over! Wow, where did the time go? It really has been such an incredible year from our historic election to economic strife. Let's hope that the inauguration will help things turn the corner and head in a positive direction. Since there were some favorites not mentioned this year, we thought we could do it in one final post before January 1st. We wish you all a very Happy & Safe New Year and only good things in 2009.

xo, Cindy & Scott

Albums
Death Cab For Cutie : Narrow Stairs
Amazon : iTunes
We didn't really listen to them until hearing this wonderful album. Now, we're listening in reverse and discovering some older music that's new to us.

Allman Brothers Band : A Decade of Hits 1969-1979
Amazon : iTunes
A classic band in every sense that Scott loves and Cindy, too.

Art
William Eggleston at The Whitney Museum of Art
Mr. Eggleston is thought of as the photographer who secured the acceptance of color photography as a fine art. Images are never staged and capture scenes from daily life. His use of a dye-transfer printing process provides rich, saturated colors. See more images here.

Bakery
Macaron Cafe
It wasn't until Cindy's two failed attempts to make French Macarons that she looked to see if they could be found in NYC. She did, a mere ten blocks from her office. Find them in your town here.

Band
The Script
This group from Ireland has a very strong pop sound and reminds us of a combination of John Legend & One Republic. For a long time, Cindy just couldn't get the song Before The Worst out of her head, which meant Scott couldn't either.

Movie
RocknRolla
This movie is so tough (were going to say bad-ass, but didn't want to eat soap ;)), we wanted to immediately see it again. We're not smokers, but Thandie Newton sure makes it look sexy and Gerard Butler is so cool.

Restaurant
Marlow & Sons
How did we ever miss this incredibly cool restaurant/shop in Brooklyn? We went for the first time the other day without a camera - ugh! It felt like we were transported to Montana 100 years ago and can't wait to go back.

Songs
Stereophonics : My Own Worst Enemy
This is Cindy's favorite song for the entire year, but unfortunately there is no video. Perhaps, they need a concept? Here it is - 1960s Go-Go Dancer.

Radiohead : House of Cards
We're so happy to see Scott entering the 21st century with this favorite song and its techno-cool video.

TV
Top Gear
We love cars and this show is all about pushing them to the max. The guys look like they're having so much fun and we consider it as one of the inspirations behind starting our blog.

Video
Gwen Stefani : Early Winter
Gwen collaborated on the writing of this song with Tim Rice-Oxley of Keane and it's a beautiful song. But, it's also visually gorgeous and Cindy really loves the green and black Dolce & Gabbana dress Gwen wears.

Posts
Please indulge is as we throw in a couple of our own favorite posts. Except for the self-portrait part, Summer Vacation was totally impromptu and photographed all in one day. Surfing is a favorite because it really was so silly.

gratitude : just for you

two's company : three's a crowd : crowds are best

Hi All -

Although quaint handmade is an ad-free blog, this adorable Mastercard commercial summarizes how we feel about all of you who visit us. Thank you for sharing our little corner of the web. You are priceless. The little guy in the brown shirt gets us every time. Too cute.

xo, Cindy & Scott

我们爱奥林匹克

Photo Credit : Boston.com*

The post title means "We love the Olympics" in simple Chinese thanks to Cindy's friend Kellen who was born in Taiwan (she also makes the prettiest jewelry). We watch a lot of the coverage and enjoy the swimming, diving, gymnastics, track & field, everything, including archery. Scott wants to make sure we mention beach volleyball, oh brother!


Photo Credit : Robert Maxwell

One person we'll be paying close attention to is 41-year old swimming Mom Dara Torres who proves age is just a number. Oh yes she does. Go Dara!


Photo Credit : Unknown, but it's made from flowers

Beijing is proving to be an interesting site already, so let's hope all goes well. We're a little bit worried in light of the recent terrorist attack. In addition, the pollution situation should be an eye-opener as China is the second largest consumer of oil in the world, although the US is the biggest hog by far. But, since we don't wear masks or have smog indoors, we might have more regulations when it comes to pollution.


Photo Credit : Jurie Maree/Dreamstime.com

Oh, and did you hear that China can control the weather and will do so for the Olympics? Here's what they do per How Stuff Works, "Heavy weapons are used to launch pellets containing silver iodide into clouds. Silver iodide is thought to concentrate moisture and cause rain. The process is known as cloud seeding ..."

It's a little bit scary to us and might explain why it rains on holiday weekends once people get to their destinations. Can you imagine if Brides could start controlling the weather for their wedding days? Godzilla > Bridezilla > Weatherzilla - ugh!


Photo Credit : Official Olympic Site

Anyway, got a little bit off topic for a moment. Good luck to ALL of the athletes. Have a "gold medal" weekend everyone (jeez, we are so corny)!

*Changed logo to something really exciting - fireworks! Found the photo on Yahoo, but liked the link to Boston.com better thanks to Oh Happy Day.

xo, Cindy + Scott

are you sleeping?

She: [Scott went to bed early and I watched Live From Abbey Road. I'm not a big country music fan, but Rascal Flatts was on and they were great! I love this series and can not wait for the show with the Stereophonics. I wonder if he's sleeping.] "Scotty?"
He: "Yes angel?"
She: "I'm sorry I'm such a pain."
He: "Stop honey. Don't worry so much. Stuff happens."
She: "I know, but I'm always into something new."
He: "I like that because I'm Mr. Routine."
She: "Yeah, but it's annoying."
He: "I like the new furniture and stuff."
She: "I don't think we should re-do the bathroom so soon."
He: "Ok." [Gives a hug.]
She: [Hugs are good. When he wakes me up at 6:00 am before leaving for work, I'll tell him that I'd rather go to San Francisco! I've never been to California.]

Side Note: Baby iMac is now with Tech Support so they can "bust it open and run some diagnostics" to identify what all the buzz is about. I've been warned that it might be a bad hard drive - eek! I gave them the brand new external hard drive I was going to use, so I hope if that's the case, they'll be able to back it up. But, I still have my PC hooked up just in case. xo, Cindy

Photo Credit : A sleepy Cindy

dance, dance, DANCE!

She: "Oh, I LOVE the show So You Think You Can Dance! It's my favorite."
He: "I know you do - it starts tonight on Fox."
She: "I think the kids on the show are SO fantastic and they REALLY bust it, if you know what I mean?"
He: "I think I know" [feel that way myself around here sometimes ;)].
She: "You know that I took dance classes three times a week when I was in college?"
He: "Yes, I think you mentioned that before" [many times].
She: "I tried karate, but it wasn't for me."
He: "That's probably good for me - hahaha."
She: "Don't be so sure - dancers are very strong and limber. Watch me." [CRASH] "Ow!"
He: "CUTIE - are you ok?" [saved by a hair - she almost took me out with that flying leap - phew!]
She: "I think so."
He: "Wow, you got some serious air with that, that - move. What is the word you're always using - fierce?
She: "Very funny. I'm a little out of practice. Please help me up."
He: "Sure."
She: "I'll just watch the show and imagine myself as a break dancer. Hey homey, got any Motrin?"

Photo Credit : Fox

life in the navy

He: "I couldn't fall a sleep last night."
She: "I've been there. How come?"
He: "After watching that documentary Carrier, I couldn't stop thinking about it."
She: "It looks really hard to be deployed on an aircraft carrier to who knows where for six months."
He:"Out of context, the ship and jets are really cool. But, when you put them into context, it's not a good situation. We forget how hard it is to be in the military, especially now. Most of the guys/girls enlisted are so young."
She: "Many signed-up to get out of bad home environments. Something clicked in them to try to make a change. They are inspiring."
He: "Yeah. It's a long series, but if people watched just one episode it would be an eye-opener."
She: "On a lighter note, the Soundtrack is really great. The song by The Killers, "All These Things That I've Done," is right on the money."
Photo Credit : PBS