Thanks Giving

For those of you who celebrated Thanksgiving, how was it? Josh and I enjoyed a laid-back homemade dinner with some friends and their new baby. Last week was a long week at work and to be honest, I'm glad it has come and gone. Although, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday--I want to celebrate it all year long! I have so many things to be thankful for...and near the top of my list this year? YOU. Thank you for reading and thank you for your continuous support! 

Maak Soap Lab

Loving everything about Maak Soap Lab--the packaging, the process, the products. They focus on refining an old world craft and reconnecting with a resurgence in handmade goods. Maak Soap Lab is based out of Portland, OR.

*Images via MSL.

INDULGING IN THE SIMPLE

I find great satisfaction in sitting down for a solo cup of tea...

AROUND THE HOUSE...

Just a few things around the house I was drawn to this week. Other things I enjoyed: quiet moments, preparing a meal for new parents, and connecting with friends. I'm ready for the weekend, how about you?

Color Coded, No. 1

Votive Image via Once Wed

Modern Geometric Necklace/Bracelet via ISWAS + WILLBE

Paper Flowers by THUSS + FARRELL via Anthology

Hilary via Mammal & Lamb, spotted on Down and Out Chic 

Scarf Multi 2. via ECG Design

Weekend

Inspired by a pretty potluck picnic this past weekend at The Jungalow with some of my very favorite people. I crave days like these...

SUN-FLOWER-DYEING: by Romina Bacci

I couldn't pass up sharing this beautiful fabric dyeing process by Romina Bacci of Miles of Light and Dear June. Romina's blog and shops are a few of my favorite things right now. For instructions on how to dye your own fabric, check out part I, and part II on Romina's blog. The perfect weekend project, no?

*All images by Romina Bacci

Black and White

Just a little B&W visual candy. Looking forward to seeing product round-ups around the web for the holidays! Check out the one I put together for Emma's blog, here.

Supreme via Enid's Pin // Sea, Black and White Circle Print via Ribbon Squirrel (spotted on Seventy Tree)

Bamboo Charcoal Soap // Good Day Soap via Ez's Pin // Girlie Chiffon Bow via ban.do

What's Your Art? // Bekka Palmer

While in New York, I was lucky to meet the lovely Bekka Palmer at the Swissmiss/Tattly/Studiomates headquarters (she is interning for Tattly). This girl is all kinds of creative! I couldn't wait to feature her in this series. Be sure to check out her blog and keep up with her on Twitter. Enjoy!

Bekka + Tina (aka the SWISSMISS!)

1. What's your art?

My art is making things. I make anything from websites, to event design, to crafts and clothing.

2. What brought you to New York from San Diego and what's your favorite thing about New York so far?

I've always had a strong desire to move to New York and after my last visit I just bit the bullet and made the move. I was lucky enough to have savings and sell my car which made it a lost easier to come here without a job. My favorite thing about New York is watching the people here, New Yorkers are a fantastic bunch despite the stereotype that they are cold and always busy.

3. What keeps you going?

Besides massive volumes of coffee, the internet and blog/twitter community keeps me going. All of my internet friends are doing wonderful and beautiful things everyday and I just want to create things that enrich that community as well. 

Thank you so much, Bekka! 

Claire Thomas I The Americana at Brand I S'meaches

I recently shot Claire Thomas for an ad campaign for The Americana at Brand that can be found in this month's issue of Los Angeles Magazine. Exciting!

Claire is a food-enthusiast, commercial director, food photographer, writer, blogger, and is also the host of the TV show Food for Thought with Claire Thomas on ABC. She is thoroughly inspiring with her many talents. Just take a look at her food blog and you'll fall in love! One of my favorite recipes of hers is S'meaches (watch the vid above for an overload of goodness).

*Art direction and ad design by Cleo Murnane of Project M Plus. A few outtakes from the shoot can be seen on my photography blog, here.

Aloe Blacc -- Loving You Is Killing Me.

Sometimes, we just need to dance. Thanks for sharing, Mike!

NOVEMBER SPONSORS

Have you checked out any of the sponsors* on the right-hand side of the blog lately? The above is just a sampling of the awesome things that can be found in their shops and on their blogs. I'm a big fan of each and am thankful for such creative support. Be sure to have a look-see! 

1 // Von Tundra via Live and Enliven
2 // Soap Bits ($2.50) via Morning Calm on Etsy
3 // Pendleton Scarf ($98) via Lawn Party
4 // Geometric necklace via Eve CG (shop here)
5 // Triangle Pendant Necklaces ($21.99) via AMM on Etsy
6 // Ayana ($45) via Troubadour Vintage (aka Pennyweight) on Etsy
7 // Gold cube by Martín Azúa via Destined to Design

*Interested in sponsoring I ART U during the holiday season? Send an email to iartu.jennifer(at)gmail(dot)com for more information. Thanks!