I’m on the hunt for a good vintage kitchen scale for measuring out ingredients since they are really more accurate in baking. I found a huge assortment on etsy but while searching I got distracted by the goods at this great little vintage shop, haven. Cute, huh?

And though I have an absurd fear of squirrels, I’d be willing to overlook that in the name of home style. Don’t you think the nutcracker below would make a handsome doorstop?

What music are you listening to these days?

I’m listening to Bon Iver, Idaho, Mieka Pauley, Sufjan Stevens, and Death Cab for Cutie.

Read any good books lately?

Hmm….. not really, to be honest! I go through phases where I read a lot and then others where I hardly read at all. Lately it’s been the latter. One that I’m almost through with, though, is Patti Digh’s ‘Life is a Verb’, and it’s wonderful! I also loved ‘Eat, Pray, Love’.

Have a yummy recipe to share?

I’d be happy to share one of my favorite easy soup recipes! (I never measure anything, so all the measurements are approximations)–

• Boil a cup or two of water with 4-5 dried shiitake mushrooms in it.
• Chop up whatever veggies you have in the fridge (some that I like to use are carrots, zucchini, chard, and green beans) and add them to the boiling water.
• Add a few tablespoons of rice vinegar to the mixture.
• Add some bean thread noodles.
• Add a tablespoon or so of tamari.
• Cook for 5 minutes or until veggies and noodles are to your liking.
• Turn off heat and add a heaping spoonful of miso and some chili paste (I add a lot, because I like it spicy!)
• Then enjoy!

What is inspiring you at the moment?

Inspiring me: warm weather! I’m also really inspired by creating artwork based around the idea of abundance. I love starting a piece and just seeing where it goes.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on getting some new things created for my etsy shop, as well as starting to apply to some spring and summer shows. I’m about to send out a bunch of promo postcards in an attempt to get some illustration/pattern design freelance work, and soon I am going to be starting some new paintings for a show at Yes Gallery in June. ANd I”m working on my new blog, Pecannoot! I have big plans for it.

Paintings by Matt Adrian available here.

I love the metal locket juxtaposed against the dainty crochet work on this necklace from etsy seller Muntedkowhai.

Ashmae’s profile speaks to her work better than I can: “The day i was born, a blizzard bigger than my parents had ever seen filled the sky and deep snow fell on the roof of the small brick house I would later write about in poems. I love the sky the night before a snow, when it is pink and safe, and the whole world is quiet. I almost always miss home, even when i am there. I want to make art that will change someone somewhere.”