whew... what a summer!

I've taken a little time of from the jewelry bench and the blog this summer... but I have a good reason.  My summer started off with a family surgery of sorts.  Here's a pic of my bro Zachariah and me.  He's the proud new owner of my left kidney.  Probably goes without saying, but most of my summer has been spent recuperating.  For about a month, the biggest decision I had to make was whether I was going to lay on the couch, or stay in bed all day.  

Anyway, it's been a few months now and I'm almost all healed.  Now it's time to get back to business.  I've got many new jewelry designs cooking in my head and hopefully will have some finished pieces to show soon.

Although my summer was pretty low key, I did get a chance to go see some great music.  One of the highlights was the Incubus concert I went to a few weeks ago.  

I don't think I have to mention again how I think they are one of the most talented group of guys, but they out did themselves this time.  I was blown away by the last song they performed.  Incubus has recorded a rad version of Prince's "Let's go Crazy".  To say I loved it would be a complete understatement.  I've been listening to it on repeat and dancing my booty off.  Enjoy!

operation beautiful

A couple of months ago I was strolling through Barnes and Noble (after a lousy day of work) when a lady came over to me and said, 

"I just wanted to let you know that my husband and I watched you walk in and we were just discussing how nice you looked.  I just thought you would want to know, women don't compliment each other enough."

I was a little stunned by her comment, by it completely changed my attitude that day.

I love the idea of this website "operation beautiful" where women write little inspirational notes and leave them in public places such as the gym or work.  Just like the bookstore compliment, I'm sure finding one of these little positive messages would totally make my day.

pretty words

via mixed plate.  

by kate miss

infectious dance

who knew that the slightly spastic dancer on the hill would inspire such a beautiful scene?  proof that living in the moment can create the most memorable experiences. 

let the music move you!

fear no more

for a lot of my life, I have let fear control many of my decisions.  Recently, I've been trying to play it a little less safe.  I love the message of this photo.

image found via flickr

double shout out!!!

A BIG happy 30th birthday wish to my sister, Erin Quinn!  

(this was us just a few years ago) 

XOXO

And also a very Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful Momma.

Love you lots.  :)

Onwards

I just got back from a run, and this made me smile.  Oh, how I love animation!

Onwards from AKQA on Vimeo.

oh Tord! you've done it again.

First, Tord Boontje had me enamored with his delicately intricate paper installations.  Then he made his art accessible to everyone through his paper lanterns.  Next came his greeting cards... and NOW, he has a wearables collection.  Oh Tord, how I love thee.  These beauties should be on sale next month at Artecnica.

this is what art school should have been like...

I was recently introduced to the celebration of Holi, also known as the festival of color.  Hindus all over the world celebrate on March 11th, the triumph of good over evil, by splashing around in a sea of paint.    I can't get over the vibrance of color.  Check out other photos here, they are just as beautiful.

happy earth day!

happy earth day!

get out and enjoy the air today!

image via flickr- izzydempsey

boom! boom!

I heard this song on the radio on the way to the gym today and I can't get it out of my head.  It may be my new favorite song.  (until tomorrow at least) :)

mmmm... new recipe!

Let's begin with the fact that I LOVE bars. Larabars in particular. But, the price adds up when I eat them everyday. So, I was intrigued when I found a recipe for homemade energy bars in my Women's Health magazine.

The recipe is quite simple:

1cup honey (my one non-vegan allowance)

1cup peanut butter (or any other nut butter)

1 cup carob powder

1cup sesame seeds

1cup sunflower seeds

and any other fruit/nut/or seed that sounds good

All you have to do is heat up the honey, slowly stir in peanut butter (to make a sticky base) and then just throw all the rest of the ingredients in. Smooth into a 8x8" pan and chill for an hour in the refrigerator. Cuts into squares or bars and you're done.

I've made them twice now (the second batch turned out much better after I made some adjustments) I prefer less carob powder; I also added oats, cranberries, almonds and walnut chunks.
Take my word... they are AMAZING!!!