the haystack needle

staying cool

It hasn't really hit me that it's the start of Memorial Day weekend. My head seems to be in one of two places: checking off our to-dos before baby comes (which could officially be anytime now) and staying cool (with feet elevated!). For the first time, the start of summer and 80 degree weather is not a welcome treat. Heat and pregnancy don't seem to mix. So I plan on staying cool this weekend, seeing some friends, enjoying having Dan home for three days, and maybe indulging in my favorite popsicle. Hope you have a great long weekend!

Image: Ice Bucket (only $20) from World Market

kate's lazy meadow

I can hardly believe it, but our two year wedding anniversary is coming up in a couple weeks. Dan and I knew we wanted to go away for the weekend, and what we agreed on was simple: to be unplugged for a couple days. Neither of us has any gear for camping, and it seemed daunting (and expensive) to pull together everything you'd need for a fall camping trip. I was just about to book a room at an inn upstate, when my friend Chris shared photos from her recent vacation. I instantly fell in love with where they stayed: Kate's Lazy Meadow. And I knew this would be the perfect solution for us — stay in an airstream trailer. How fun! Kate's Lazy Meadow includes several kitschy airstream trailers located right on a creek, as well as rustic cabins decorated with mid-century modern decor. Kate from the B-52s helped create this cool Catskills getaway. I can't wait to stay in an airstream. And I'm excited to explore Woodstock and the surrounding little towns. Any favorite spots you've been to up in the Catskills?

maine weekend

 

We had some unwelcome drama on the roadtrip to Maine (I'm headed to the doctor as it seems I have an eye infection following a contact lens freakout) — and I never knew so many people could possibly drive through the little state of New Hampshire. But other than the traffic and the puffy eye, our weekend in Maine was the late summer bliss we were craving. We sat by the lake, caught up with family, and enjoyed the sunshine. I also learned how to play cribbage (skunked Dan on my first try!) and am now addicted to this game. We played cribbage in teams on a picnic table by the lake for most of Sunday morning. And we came home with two heaping containers of wild Maine blueberries from a farmstand on Route 1. 

(photos taken with my fuji instax camera)

 

it's raining!

And I love it. Seriously. It's been raining for days here, and it feels so good to put on a pair of jeans after weeks upon weeks of oppressively humid days. I'm working on a post for tomorrow that I'm so super excited about — a peek inside one of my favorite places in my neighborhood. See you soon!

Happy puddle jumping!

(ruthe umbrella via the etsy shop topsydesign)

 

bachelorette hike

 

 

Hey everyone! I'm back from our amazing week in California (I'm already dreaming about when I can make my way back to northern California — I fell completely in love!). A huge thanks goes out to Melissa, Jane, and Nole for filling this site with loads of West Coast inspiration while I was away.

I'm feeling quite out of sorts today because I didn't sleep a wink on our redeye flight home, and now my body has no sense of what time it is. But I wanted to share a few of my mini "polaroids" taken with my super fun Fuji Instax Mini camera. Every part of the wedding felt so completely authentic to my friends Trisha and Cary. They live in Mill Valley, and hiking is a big part of their lifestyle. So I wasn't surprised at all to find out that Trisha's version of a "bachelorette night" involved a small group of us girls (and her mom) hiking down a mountain to the most charming restaurant, where we ate a feast of organic foods (from a farm that we passed on the hike down!). This was truly one of the highlights of my week — more on the magical restaurant/inn where we ate soon! (That's Trisha above with her friend Anne who styled the flowers for the wedding, and that's me below with my friend Erin.) 

 

guest post: favorite summer activity

Hello again! This is Mercie from A Lovely Evening. Thanks for stopping by while I guest post for Jen, who is enjoying her summer holiday in Maine. 

This week is all about favorite summer pleasures. One of the perks of New York City is the abundance of fun, free summer activities. The one I look forward to every year is the Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City. Lots of parks throughout the city have movie nights, but I'm partial to this one for several reasons. Not to mention, it's a short bike ride from my apartment. 

 

First and foremost, the location! Socrates Sculpture Park is nestled along the East River with incredible views of the sun setting over the Manhattan Skyline. Second, and equally important, the food. Local restaurants serve up regional cuisine, which they usually coordinate with the film's country of origin. Neat. You can also pack a picnic, like my husband and I do, which is just as nice. And last but not least, prior to the screening there are performances by local musicians and dancers. Cool, right?

The Outdoor Cinema is every Wednesday evening in July and August. Go here to get the complete schedule.

Photo via Socrates Sculpture Park. 

guest post: favorite summer escape

Hello! Just a quick note to welcome Mercie as a guest blogger here. I quickly formed a connection with Mercie as we seem to be living parallel lives in many ways — and she's awesome. She'll be sharing some favorite summer pleasures for the next few days. I'm so excited to share her ideas (and photography!). Enjoy!

Hi everyone! I’m Mercie from A Lovely Evening. I’m guest posting while Jen enjoys her summer holiday in Maine. The Haystack Needle was the first blog I ever read and I immediately fell in love with Jen's rustic and vintage aesthetic and her convivial prose. Every day is like reading about a friend's favorite finds and crafty pursuits. So I’m thrilled to be here! 

This week I will be sharing my favorite summer pleasures. I love everything about summer. The sound of crickets and the flash of fireflies. Riding the salty ocean waves in Long Beach and diving into the fresh black water in Lake George. Melting popsicles and frozen margaritas. Lazy bike rides around the park and road trips upstate… But, I’ve narrowed the list down to: my favorite summer escape, NYC summer activity, and of course, summer cuisine!

 

I fell in love with the ocean as a child and have been drawn to it ever since. I love escaping to the beach early in the morning before the throngs of people descend. Sometimes I just sit and stare out into the vast ocean, daydreaming. Other times I close my eyes and listen to the waves crash over and over again. It is so tranquil and comforting. 

Photo by Mercie Ghimire.