| Mexico (finally)

| knitting (again)

| bridal shower favors

| in the "studio"

My "studio" currently consists of shoving everything off the dining table and spreading art supplies across it. Here's a glimpse of what went on this weekend at the table.

{At the table... hmmm, I kind of like that as a shop name or a design house. At the table. I'm going to have to remember that one.}





I'll show you the final product(s) next week after the favors have all been gifted.

| barnes foundation gardens

To appreciate The Barnes Foundation watch this documentary, "The Art of the Steal" I'm so glad we got the chance to go while the collection was still in its original home.

| christmas in south carolina

While in North Carolina with family for Christmas, we drove down to South Carolina to visit some friends at their parents' farm. We went for a stroll around the land. Everyone quickly realized that it was hopeless to wait for me because every where I turned there was something else I wanted to photograph. It was a great time with friends and a wonderful time with my camera.

Strolling about...

There was laughing

And some kissing

| taste testing

Giver's Log is a site I follow via my lovely google reader (whatever would I do without that thing?), thanks to a friend of mine who thought I'd enjoy the gift wrapping ideas (which I do!). A few weeks ago, I happened upon a post requesting taste testers. I quickly commented, hoping I was speedy enough to be chosen. Sure enough, I was!

Amber, of Giver's Log, was kind enough to mail not only one but two tasting samples to a friend's address who we were visiting in Chicago the next week. Fully intent on documenting our mini tasting party, I brought my camera.

I'll let the pictures do the work, but I will say that we really should have tasting parties more often. Who knew they could be so much fun?

If our samples were any indication, you're going to want to hop on over to Amber's shop when it opens later this month and snatch up some hot chocolate for yourself! You can read more about it here and here. Yum! Seriously, it's like Europe style hot chocolate. Swiss Miss dreams of being this good.

Carefully reading the instructions.

Notice our excellent choice in milk, for those of you in the Chicago area.

Becky, nicely stirring the first sample, as it heats up.

Whoever said sake cups were limited only to sake?

Sample number two, er, technically number 13 as they were labeled.

Our very official looking notes.

Thanks, Amber, for some wonderful samples! Can't wait til the store is open :)