Spring is for celebrating new life. I was so honored to be able to photograph baby Darius’ baptism at Greens Farms Congregational Church. It was a festive Palm Sunday service, a beautiful family, and a sweet little addition to the congregation.
My worst habit is that I wait for ideal conditions to do things. I’ve spent the last year saying, “when I have more time...”, and, “when I’m getting more sleep...”
But then I realized how quickly that can lead to putting your ambitions on the back burner. All of a sudden a year goes by and you haven’t done the things you intended. What if I’m tired for the rest of my life? Then what happens? So, I won’t be using that as an excuse anymore.
Over a year ago I had the idea to do a collaboration with Mobile-based artist Kathleen Kirk in response to the Trump administration’s decision to allow ivory trophy imports. The idea was that we would each draw one half of the same bull.
There’s still some work to be done, but it felt so good to pull him away from where he had been resting in the corner between my desk and the wall; to take pen to paper and give him some life. I’m not sure what will come of him, but at least he’s not waiting on me and my excuses anymore.
If you were to browse through my Ravelry favorites, you’d find pages of sweaters I’ve wanted to make but have been too apprehensive to cast on. It’s intimidating - the thought of committing that kind of time and money to a project where mistakes can’t be easily undone. But, after making what seems like countless baby items, I was ready in November, and I went for the big guns.
Caitlin Hunter of Boyland Knitworks has a gift for design, specifically a knack for piecing color and texture together in ways that you wouldn’t expect. Earthy fiber selections coupled with dynamic elements make her pieces feel somehow modern and timeless all at once.
Zweig incorporates lace, color work, and cables knit up with a fingering weight wool that makes the sweater versatile, beautiful, and engaging to knit. The x-pattern not only adds a delicate detail to a practical piece, it also creates a flattering fit from a straight body.
I am so proud of the finished product. There is something incredibly special about creating a quality garment for yourself. I love the idea of filling my closet with meaningful, handmade pieces that I can keep by my side for a lifetime.
Pattern: Zweig
Author: Boyland Knitworks
Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Loft
I’ve gotten every. single. germy. bug that has come into our home this season. Between lingering illness and irritatingly chilly weather I have been doubling down on sauces and soups. Because, you know, when it’s a little damp, too warm for snow, but too cold to want to go outside and play, something bubbly on the stove makes everything feel a little warmer.
Spicy, warm, and filling, this tortilla soup is guaranteed to take the chill off. Give it more or less heat by moderating how much jalapeño you use. I also think this soup would be great if you swapped in rice for the tortillas. Bonus: Most of the soups I make are a snap. One pot, big flavor, low maintenance.
Tortilla Soup
2 tbsp coconut oil
6 green onions, chopped and separated into whites and greens
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 jalapeños*, seeds removed and finely chopped
2 tsp chile powder
1.5 tsp ancho chile powder
28 oz can of canned peeled tomatoes
1/2 cup dry white wine or pale beer (like Modelo or Corona)
4 cups chicken broth
1 boneless skinless chicken breast
1 cup sweet corn
1/2 diced sweet potato, uncooked
1-2 cups vegetable oil
2-3 flour or corn tortillas, cut into strips
Salt & Pepper to taste
Crumbled Cojita Cheese
Chopped Cilantro
Lime Slices
Fried Tortilla Strips
1. In a heavy dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the green onion whites, garlic and jalapeños* until the onions and peppers begin to soften. Add chile powders and sauté until fragrant.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the tomatoes to the pot. Stir only occasionally, letting them caramelize.
3. Deglaze the pot with the wine or beer, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce to a low simmer and add the chicken breast. Place a lid on the pot and let it cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken and shred with two forks.
5. Place the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the corn and sweet potatoes, and simmer until the sweet potatoes are soft. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Meanwhile…
In a cast iron skillet, add 1-2 cups of vegetable oil. Heat until the oil is shimmering and a drop of water spits when introduced to the pan. Add the tortillas and fry until lightly browned. Remove to a paper towel to drain the oil, salt lightly.
OR
Brush tortillas with vegetable oil and bake at 375* until browned.
Put it all together.
Spoon soup into a bowl and top with crumbled cojita cheese, lime, cilantro, chopped onion greens, and fried tortilla.
*You can moderate the spice by reducing or removing the peppers.
The original recipe came from Alison Roman and NY Times Cooking.
Knitting was a skill I learned on a whim in college and now, 16 years later (oh my god), it’s one of my favorite activities. I love that it’s both creative and methodical. I love that it can be as simple or complex as I want or need. I find it incredible to look at a finished product and think about how the whole thing is just one long piece of string arranged in a special way to create something new.
I’ve really started to love making kids sweaters. They’re a great way to practice new techniques without a huge time commitment, and the girls always need new sweaters. This December I volunteered to be a test knitter for Big Red Balloon’s new design, String of Diamonds. They are one of my go-to designers for kids sweaters. Hailing from Iceland, Big Red Balloon’s designs are full of the warmth and texture befitting a nordic winter. This design features a doubled-up collar and a single cable panel for extra warmth and squish. The pattern was released on Sunday (January 9) and is available in her Ravelry store.
If you’ve been wanting to try knitting a sweater, this is a great pattern to start with. The structure is relatively simple, and the cable adds a lovely detail that also helps create a flattering fit. Shelter by Brooklyn Tweed is a nice starchy new wool that really showcases structural details and finishes very nicely. I especially love the earthy quality of their fibers and colors.
Doodle loves her “new purple sweater” and has barely taken it off since it came off the needles. Now, if only I could get her to stand still for a photo…
Pattern: Big Red Balloon Designs
Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Shelter
LYS: Westport Yarns
For Bernie, dry magnolia prompts memories of hours spent raking the yard of his childhood home in Metairie (but I’d be willing to bet a bit of sentimental nostalgia as well). To me, the sweet leathery leaves bring with them an understated elegance alongside wild imaginings of Garden District grandeur. Our home is cozy and perfectly suited for the tartan and greens that come with the holidays - preferably enjoyed with a fire in the hearth and old fashioned in hand.
As much as I’ve enjoyed the carryover decorations we’ve had over the years, I’ve always wanted to put a more handmade touch on my hall decking. At the top of the list is a magnolia garland for our mantle. This year I was thrilled to find reasonably priced branches at the PopShop Market. I layered magnolia with evergreen and red berry branches, then wove through copper-wire fairy lights and gold pinecones. The end result is a full, fragrant, handmade garland that brings our home comfort, joy and maybe even a touch of that southern grandeur I love so much.
Pakistani American father of United States Army Captain Humayun Khan, who was killed in 2004 during the Iraq War, Khizr Khan was the subject of international attention following his speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention criticizing then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. I’ve never heard a person speak so passionately, knowledgeably, and peaceably about the American constitution.
When I reentered the world of freelance photography, I always said I wouldn’t do newborn sessions. Then I had two babies of my own and learned how preciously fast those early weeks go. It’s a blur of heart exploding, sleep deprived, frustrating, blissfully tearful joy - and you forget, so quickly, how hard and wonderful it is to introduce life to the world.
Well, I guess it’s safe to say I’ve changed my stance. Being let into a newborn household to capture the fresh moments is such a privilege. I know too well how hard it is to open your door during those times, especially to a stranger. But it’s also a gift: The hushed set-up, careful cooing and whispered cues bring me back to fleeting moments with my own children.
Thank you to the Loth family for inviting me in to photograph sweet Henry.
It’s no secret that when the New England air gets the slightest chill, people change gears (to put it lightly). As soon as the thermostat dips below 50-degrees, it’s nothing but pumpkin spiced lattes, apple cider donuts, and sweater weather. For me, the trademark of early fall is when the Le Creuset comes out of hiding and moves to it’s seasonal home on my stove. From that point until mid-May there is almost always something bubbling in that sturdy blue pot, filling our little cape with the warmth and the smells that make a home.
Now, when it comes to local food, nothing screams “autumnal” like the orange bounty of October: squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Beyond their beautiful hue, they are rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium. Add warm spices to the mix, and a dollop of yogurt for a nice cool contrast, and you have a perfectly balanced, nutrient rich soup to warm your belly and welcome the soft chill of fall. Sophisticated yet rustic, this soup is loved equally by friends at a dinner party as is by my two-year-old daughter after a long day at daycare.
AUTUMN SPICED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 shallots, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
2 sprigs rosemary
1 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground clove
1 bay leaf
4 peppercorns
1/4 cup parsley, chopped finely
salt & pepper to taste
plain yogurt
1. In a dutch oven over medium heat, warm oil until it shimmers. Then add squash, potato, carrots, and shallots.
2. Sauté until the shallot is transparent and potato begins to soften. Add spices and continue to stir until fragrant.
3. Stir in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once the soup is boiling, put a lid on the soup and simmer over medium-low heat.
4. When the potatoes split easily when poked with a knife, remove the pot from the heat and use an immersion blender to purée the soup.
5. Return to heat and simmer on low until ready to serve.
I like to serve this soup in a warmed bowl with a dollop of plain yogurt, a sprinkling of fresh parsley, and a lightly toasted piece of sourdough. To make it more hearty (and non-vegetarian), this soup is possibly even more delicious when topped with crumbled sage sausage.
When I take a walk through the woods, I tend to keep my eyes down toward the ground and a few feet in front of me. When things feel a little to big, I like to bring my focus way in. Taking in the patterns and the colors, finding inspiration in the details that go unnoticed when I'm not paying attention.
I'm going to be honest. Some days I am so tired that making breakfast feels like climbing a mountain. Some days I'm left with the cries of two small children ringing in my ears. Some days that's all part of the ballgame and I'm a shortstop on fire. Some days it feels like too much. And, some days, all I need is some bracket fungi and a pup by my side to right the ship.
Places hold special space in our hearts, especially places we've called home. Samantha & Dave met and were married in Fairfield, spending the first chapter of their lives together in Southport - footsteps from the water. So, when big changes meant a big move to the midwest, Samantha asked if I could photograph their little family, in this place they've called home, before they left.
At Southport Beach, we captured all of the essentials: A beloved beach, a first home, and a little family about to set off on a new adventure.
Last week we saw temperatures in the upper 90s with 80% humidity (and no rain!). This week I've noticed the cicadas are out already, which is hands-down the earliest I've heard them in years. All signs point to a hot, hot summer, so we're looking for ways to stay cool. The kiddie-pool is full and our drinks are on ice.
When Bernie brought home a watermelon, my first thought was to use it in some kind of gin drink. We have basil, rosemary, and mint in abundance, and gin is our go-to as soon as the weather gets warm. But even a watermelon cocktail didn't seem cool enough to help us beat that heat. So, why not an adult frozen dessert? Something brisk and light (even more so than a gin and tonic!) to sub in for our usual aperitif? I can say with 100% certainty: Nothing brings the temperature down like this deliciously refreshing watermelon and gin granita.
Watermelon & Gin Granita
1/4 Small Seedless Watermelon, Chunked
1 cup Water
1/3 cup Sugar
2 tbsp Lime Juice
1 bunch Fresh Basil or Mint
3/4 cup Gin
1. In a small sauce pan, combine water, sugar, lime juice, and basil and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer just long enough to dissolve the sugar. Strain and set aside to cool.
2. In a food processor or blender, puree the watermelon chunks. Once liquified, add the sugar-water and gin. Pulse to blend.
3. Pour the mixture into a small casserole dish or shallow Tupperware. Freeze for 1 hour.
4. Using a fork, mix every 30 minutes until the granita takes on a slushy consistency.
5. Serve in small bowls with a sprig of mint or basil to garnish.
When the sprinkler is going and the light is just right...
What can I say? She is my muse.
(Thank you Aunt Kiki for the beautiful dress.)
Finding a groove with two munchkins in the house was (and is) not easy. One of the things that I noticed pretty quickly was that if I don't have a plan for dinner, we end up eating terribly. Too many attempts to "wing it" means too many days of pizza and Chinese take-out. Don't get me wrong, pizza and Hong Kong Garden have their time and place, but at one point I realized we were eating takeout or some variation of meat + pasta + cheese way too often. Unfortunately I had this realization because I started to just not feel good. I wasn't being mindful of our day-to-day. I've always put a high value on eating well, including eating fresh, balanced meals, and I paid the price when I lost track. Fortunately, I was able to turn the situation around pretty quickly with a few tricks.
1. Meal planning is a must. Ever get so frazzled trying to figure out what to cook for dinner that you end up just ordering pizza? Having a game plan for the week helps keep that from happening and removes the stress of trying to make magic at the last minute. Fun Fact: My meal plan includes a 'gimme' for takeout if we have a real hankering one night.
2. Stock the fridge. I get hungry. Really hungry. Like, grab-anything-in-sight to feed the beast levels of hungry. This goes hand-in-hand with being a breastfeeding mom. Nobody tells you that you should expect to be absolutely starving all the time if you chose to breastfeed. Great. It helps to have healthy options readily available so the "anything" I grab doesn't end up being the ice cream Bernie stashes in the freezer. Stocking the fridge with healthy options means I'm grabbing carrots and hummus, or throwing quinoa into a quick salad instead of sticking a spoon into a Ben & Jerry's container.
3. Another trick I have up my sleeve is that I piece together dinner throughout the day. Maybe I start the chicken marinating in the morning, or throw together the salad sans dressing during naps, so when dinner comes around all I have to do is throw the chicken on the grill and the dressing on the salad. This is way easier (and less stressful) than trying to pull everything together at once. For moms who work a 9-5, a lot of this prep could also be done in the morning or even days in advance.
4. Keep it simple. These days I have become the queen of easy recipes that pack a punch, and I'm looking forward to sharing those here, starting with...
Mexican-Style Street Corn
5 Ears of Corn, halved
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Mayonnaise
1 Lime, cut into wedges
1/3 cup Cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp Ancho Chile Powder
1/4 cup Cojita Cheese
Salt & Pepper to taste
1. Brush the corn with olive oil and cook over high heat on a grill, turning every 3-5 minutes until the corn is cooked.
2. Lightly brush the ears of corn with mayonnaise.
3. Top with salt, pepper, chile powder, cilantro and cojita cheese.
4. Serve with lime wedges.
Street corn takes a whole ten minutes to throw together, chopping included, and never fails to impress adults and children alike. Even my 2-year-old goes to town.