Our little black 2001 Honda Civic died nine days ago. RIP. It chugged along with so few complaints and problems for almost a decade (we bought it used), but it expired ignobly by overheating repeatedly, becoming unfixable. It had seen better days, sure, but it never felt precious -- not once did I feel the need to admonish clumsy hands attached to kid bodies for spilling a few morsels/drops of eats and drinks and we gave muddy shoes little thought. It was a no big deal kind of vehicle. Car ... Read more
Happy Friday + Randomness
Happy Friday! Have you checked out the Instagram hashtag #2016sve? Beautiful, beautiful stuff. Ute and I were joking that the sneak peeks make us want to steal all of the gifts for ourselves! We're excited that quite a few of you opened an IG account to get into the spirit of sharing the progress. Be forewarned newbies, you'll get hooked! The photos are pouring in, and I've tried to comment on as many as I can, but I'm a slowpoke when it comes to IG -- how do you guys all stay on top of the ... Read more
SVE Prep
I'm "shopping" through my stash, looking for Secret Valentine Exchange inspiration. My partner, like me, favors blues and neutrals and linens, so I've got an abundance of choices. Ute has already completed and shipped her gift!! Isn't she amazing? By the way, if you haven't been following Ute on Instagram, it's a must. She takes breathtaking photos of nature and her projects are impeccably made and presented. I often gasp at the beauty she creates. Totally inspired, I'm plotting and ... Read more
Last Day to Sign Up for 2016 SVE!
Hello! Just a quick note today with one last reminder that today's the deadline to sign up for the Secret Valentine Exchange. We'll stop taking sign-ups tonight, around midnight-ish my time (PST). We have nearly 150 participants!! Ute and I can't wait to pair everyone up - there are over 20 countries represented, making this the most internationally diverse SVE yet! I, of course, am planning, planning, planning. Last year, Ute made a stunning constellation mini quilt for Elle (scroll down ... Read more
2016 Secret Valentine Exchange!!
It's happening: the 3rd annual Secret Valentine Exchange!! Ute and I are teaming up as per usual, and we're thrilled to be hosting this unique and all-around creative event. Based on the Scandinavian Secret Santa tradition called Julklapp, our first SVE brought 40 participants together and last year we had a whopping 100+ participants! Essentially, you sign up and Ute and I assign Secret Valentines (we're part of the gift exchange fun too). We'll send you the info about the person for whom ... Read more