Rachel Ashwell

I am so happy that I had the chance to meet Rachel Ashwell at a Country Home magazine "Be Creative" event in New York City way back when.  I love her Shabby Chic/faded rose/soft color world and am so happy that her brand continues to thrive.  Did you see her contribution to the Feburary 2011 Country Living magazine?  I'm with Rachel, off-white canvas sofas are timeless!

You can see her at the event in the distance, signing books for a few ladies near a table she had decorated with layers of lace, ribbon, roses and feather plumes. 

After I took this photo, I walked over to her with one of her books (Shabby Chic) and she was as relaxed as can be while we talked about the event and she signed my book.  No lines, no security, no restrictions.  A bunch of women at a beautiful event, enjoying the sun and sharing notes about living a creative life. 

Tinsel Trading

I have wonderful memories of my Fall trips to New York City and this time of year always makes me long for a chance to get my "ribbon fix." 

When I am in New York, my first stop is always Tinsel Trading (and their ribbon-only shop called "The Store Across The Street").  What a selection! And I love to shop in a store of like-minded people.  Nothing I say sounds crazy to them and that makes the hunt for the perfect ribbon all the more fun.

When I am here, I can hardly carry on a conversation over the noise in my head and I often have to sketch my ideas so I can remember which ribbon is for which project.  So much fun!  I always end up buying a little of this and a little of that for sewing projects, jewelry design and home accents.  

There is no such thing as too much ribbon. 

Beekman Boys

Here I am with my fabulous Beekman Boy! Who knew?

You see, this is my dear friend Josh. He is part of a table of friendship that started back in college - Josh, Tracy, Kerry, Me.

We met as English majors at Michigan State University and spent every day together for years. We are all still good friends and see each other (mostly in pairs) whenever we can. Here we are the last time I was in New York City.

Josh and his partner, Dr. Brent Ridge, are now living and filming a reality show on Discovery Channel's Plant Green called "The Fabulous Beekman Boys." It revolves around how two Manhattanites leave the big city to work and live on a beautiful piece of property in a quiet New York town called Sharon Springs. The house, land and its history takes on a life of its own and eventually turns them into "accidental farmers" with a goat milk soap and cheese business named Beekman 1802. (I love their soap, still need to try the cheese!)

A little crazy? Yes. A bit like "Green Acres?" You bet. But it is also light, charming, and a really fun blend of modern life with age old farming rules. Tweeting & pigs? Josh. Worried about having a clean farm? Brent. It is full of love and nature and goats. Check it out Wednesday nights at 9 o'clock.

Wonderland of Dishes

There is a shop in New York that pulls me like a magnet every time I am in the city.

Fishs Eddy is a wonderland of dishes, cups, glasses and flatware. I walk inside, my heart races and I am in love all over again.

I have wanted this many dishes ever since I saw Martha Stewart's barn full of dishes in her video, Secrets of Entertaining: A Buffet Party.

Country Home magazine

One of my favorite memories is attending the 2005 Country Home "Be Creative" event in New York City. My dear friend, Kerry met me in New York and we spent the day at design lectures, book signings and enjoying a perfect Fall day in Central Park. I had hoped that this event would hosted again, but I am sad to say that the magazine has ceased publication all together. The April 2009 issue that I received in the mail yesterday will be their last.

I have 74 back issues of Country Home in "The Reeves Library" (my linen closet) so at least I will be able to refer back to years of beautiful articles. I wanted you to know right away in case you'd like to print off favorite recipes etc. from their website - it is anyone's guess how long the online content will be available.

I'd like to say thank you to the editors of Country Home for publishing a glorious magazine. I have loved every page.

Candy Couture

I took my first trip to New York City in 2005. I had a "must see" list of shops and my friend Kerry skillfully mapped out our route for the weekend. 

Ribbon stores, a paper emporium and the tearoom of a Japanese department store were all on my list. But it was when I said that I needed to see Dylan's Candy Bar that my friend really perked up. 

A store devoted to candy candy candy - yum! My photo of their shop window (featuring a mannequin in a candy gown) combined with the skyline reflecting behind, became my "signature shot" for our amazing weekend. 

Can you tell I am dreaming of New York City...

Escape to New York

I have 2 different friends on trips to New York City this weekend and I am feeling a touch jealous. I sent one girl to Tinsel Trading, a glorious store loaded with velvet, cotton and paper flowers and a wall of ribbon!   

Can you imagine standing in front of this wall of ribbon? It's like Baskin Robbins and their 31 flavors...how do you choose? 

When I was shopping with my friend here, I actually had a hard time hearing her. The ribbon screaming to be used was simply too loud.

Martha Show debut

Today marks the season premiere of the MARTHA show in NYC. 

I was in the audience for premiere week last fall (wonderful!) and the craft segment featured a no-sew suede wrap skirt from Blueprint magazine (You can see it on the mannequin).  We had terrific seats and I was so happy to have a bird's eye view of my favorite show. 

You should check out the Sept/Oct Blueprint magazine article "100 Reasons to Learn Something" - it is organized like a periodic table and it loaded with ways to expand your brain.