Good Reads for March by Amanda Jane Jones

I've been in Portland for the last few days and thankfully, Amanda (one of my favorite bloggers) is stepping in to break my non-blogging streak with her March reads.

by Amanda Jane Jones

When spring begins to tip toe its way in, I always yearn for a good "light read" to go sit in the park with. Below are some suggestions for your spring reads!

1. Food Rules: Illustrated Edition - By Michael Pollan

I loved this book. I not only learned a ton, but I laughed the whole way through.

2. Cranford - By Elizabeth Gaskell

I've seen the mini-series, so I bought the book because it's pretty. It's next on my must-reads.

3. And the Pursuit of Happiness - By Maira Kalman

You won't regret it.

Thanks for the list Amanda!! -J.

Guest Post -- Michelle from Gold-Hearted

Heya, Michelle here! I'm a jewelry designer and blogger, and I recently made the move out East for an internship. My little Brooklyn abode (okay, okay, my 75 sq. ft. room) has yet to be decorated, so I thought it would be fun to share what I'm envisioning. A few key pieces, plus treasures I've collected throughout my travels, will make it feel like home in no time.

painting / lamp / pillow / clothing rack

-- Gold-Hearted Shop -- Blog --

Guest Post -- Cassie from The Veda House

Hi there I ART U readers. This is Cassie from The Veda House and I've been sponsoring Jennifer's blog for several months now because her little space of the internet is so inspiring. While she's away I wanted to show you guys something that has been inspiring me. I'm usually not a big fan of animated gifs and feel that in most cases, they are distracting and don't have a purpose. REED + RADAR (Pamela Reed & Matthew Radar) have changed my mind about the possibilities of using animated gifs. They do an amazing job, bring fashion to life (literally), which allows people to see the clothing move and interact with the person wearing it. Cool huh? They've shown me that with simple animated gifs, you can make experiences, like look at fashion clothing, so much more dynamic and interactive. Really neat! Enjoy.

-- The Veda House --

Guest Post -- Amy from Stitch and Hammer

I received a pasta machine over the holidays. I've put it to use several times for linguine, however, this was my first attempt at making ravioli from scratch. Since the recipe is so simple, the quality of ingredients makes all the difference. Italian Semola (most ideal for its high gluten content) and fresh farm eggs with a dark yellow yolk is ideal for making quality pasta. Ravioli from scratch is easy and can be prepared and served in less than an hour. I highly recommend, The Geometry of Pasta for its straight-forward recipes, plus the illustrations are wonderful. For our meal, we made a white wine and shallot reduction sauce, which paired nicely with the sweetness of the roasted squash filling of the ravioli. We sauteed spinach and dressed it with a squeeze of lemon. Apple galettes were for dessert. 

-- Stitch and Hammer -- Shop -- Blog --

Guest Post // Jeremiah Hagler

Guess I should introduce myself...I'm Jeremiah from Emerald Son. I sort of feel like the new kid still, I just started blogging a few months ago but am happy to have been invited to sit at the cool table, with all of you kids because as you all know by now, Jennifer has great style and lots of talent!

When I heard about Jennifer going to New York I became very angry that I wasn't extended an invite (next time Jenn!) so I will attempt to live vicariously through my guest post. Here's what I would bring if I was given a chance to take holiday in New York. 

 Image / Headphones / NYC hat / Baxter Comb / 3 Soaps / Makr flat wallet / Herschel Backpack / Cardigan Vest / (Illustrations by Jeremiah)

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Next time for sure, Jeremiah. :) So happy to have you in the blog world. Thanks for the post!  

Friends, be sure to visit Jeremiah here: Emerald Son // Twitter // Pinterest // Tumblr // Shop

GUEST POST // KRISTA SCHROCK

From top left to right: Art // Outfit // Space // Art // Outfit // Space

I came across these Hans Silvester photographs recently and was mesmerized by the colors, textures and graphic elements represented on the Ethopian Omo Tribe's bodies. There seems to be a story behind every one of those lines, shapes and botanical head dresses. After seeing these photographs, I thought there would be no better way than to translate the colors and textures into the other areas of our life that most represent the best of color and texture: Outfits & Spaces.

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Krista Shrock is an interior and graphic designer based out of Los Angeles, CA. 
Be sure to check out the new project she's working on, The Creative Insight--an upcoming source of inspiration!
Find her here: Krista Schrock // Portfolio // Blog // Twitter // The Creative Insight

GUEST POST // AN AUTUMN ESCAPE by ELISE YETTON

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree." -- Emily Bronte

Craving an autumnal retreat in the colorful trees, just me and my love. Dressing up for fancy candlelit dinners for no one but ourselves! 

Photo // House + House Architects via Destined to Design

Outfit // Sweater, Skirt, Clutch, Socks, Boots

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Elise Yetton is a freelance writer, stylist, and blogger based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Thank you Elise!

Find her here: Pennyweight // Troubadour Vintage // Twitter // Pinterest 

GUEST POST // BREAKFAST ON THE GO by CASEY KEASLER

*Casey is back with another awesome post! Have you downloaded her mix yet? I can't stop listening to it... Thanks again Casey!

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Hi there, it's Casey from K.I.D. Collective again. I'm an interior designer and I blog from time to time about my work, what inspires me and the food I love. When Jennifer asked me to put together a post while she's out traveling, I immediately thought about a travel related post (and how she always seems to be on the go) and then the food. We both love the food.  

In my mind, you're either a breakfast person or you aren't, there's no middle ground for this one. I happen to fall in the breakfast loving category. My favorite breakfast is a weekend morning when I can relax with a cup of coffee, catch up on whatever I happen to be reading at the moment and then make breakfast, almost always a few hours after I wake up. I've never been much of a wake up and eat kind of girl. 

The rest of the week, when I'm not up a few hours before I head to work, I try to plan ahead and take my own breakfast with me. My favorite is lowfat Greek yogurt, granola, seasonal fresh fruit all topped off with honey. I like putting it in a pint sized mason jar because it's so much nicer eating out of glass than plastic and because the mason jar cap screws on and doesn't ever pop off in my bag. My cousin-in-law, Jora, makes a great granola recipe if you want to make it yourself instead of buying. The recipe card below can be saved or scaled and printed on a 3x5 note card too. Enjoy!

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Images and Recipe Card by Casey.
Find more of her here: K.I.D. Collective // Portfolio // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest