7 Things

7 things for week number 22.

1 - Loved looking through this Woodcut book I received in the mail, it's gorgeous.
2 - We've been playing outside a lot, it's hot!
3 - Found this in my photos, random but I like it.
4 - Dried beans + kitchen gadgets = hours of quiet fun.
5 - V loves her new divider plates and wants to arrange and photograph her snacks now.
6 - A new modern looking bookstore opened in our area, yay!
7 - This song I've been playing on repeat.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Paper Art

Lisa Nilsson's work is unbelieveable. She intricately quilled various pieces of paper into these anatomical cross-sections. What a way to combine science and art and oh my, what patience and detail!

Perfect Summery Pasta

Do you ever watch the food network while doing cardio? Probably not the best combo for obvious reasons, but this time I was glad to tune in briefly because Giada was making this delicious pasta dish.

We do this silly thing in our home called meal grades especially for new recipes. After we go around the table discussing our highs and lows of the day, I ask for a rank of the meal between 1 and 10. I don't know if I shot myself in the foot by doing this, but it is helpful to see what my family really likes to eat and their individual preferences. For example, V gave me a 5 on first taste of last night's dinner (Pueblo Rice) but it slowly changed upwards to a 8 on her last bite. As for this dish, our kids gobbled it up and really enjoyed it (although V set aside the zucchini and tomatoes). It was ranked 10 by all, and a great recipe especially for the kids. Do you do meal grades at your house?

*Notes : As for this recipe I've made it twice and I think the key is the great mascarpone, I also add a bit more orange juice. Also note to cook your sausage (or protein you want to add) before you assemble the dish.

(photo : Rachel Jones)

Graduation Cards

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela.


Here are a few different fun graduation cards I've seen out there. I wish I personally knew someone graduating this year so I could give them one.

They have some great ideas for parties here from Martha where the photo above is from.

1. Owl Congrats - Rifle Card Co.
2. Adventure Awaits - Sycamore Street Press
3. Change the World - Greer - I love what this one says inside. (quoted above)

Music Monday : Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

The folk-rock band "Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros" definitely has a free loving hippie vibe and I am just crazy about their sound (as you can see from my previous post here). It is soothing music that hails back to another era with a slightly modern twist. This morning I've been listening to their beautiful new album Here that dropped today, and it is stunning. Here's to Music Monday on a Tuesday. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

// photo from their Facebook page.