Aaron Shapiro

Every now and then I just have to brag a little about this photographer I know, Aaron Shapiro [aka the Husb]. I really, truly dig the work he does and love to show it off here.

These are a few street photos from a recent roll he shot around Nashville. We both share a love for street art and graffiti so naturally, I'm completely enjoying these shots.

See more of his work on his website and blog.

Farmer's Market snippets

 

Some snippets from this past Saturday's farmer's market. I was so excited that husband and I could actually make it to one and one of us didn't have to work. This is our favorite market in Nashville because of the small neighborhood feel it has. Apple loves going too because she always makes new friends! :) I didn't need any produce or anything so we just walked around and "oohhed and aahhhed" at all the goodies. Maybe this week I'll wait until Saturday to buy tomatoes and apples at the market.

stormy, cozy weekend

I can't ever post "scenes from my weekend" because I don't have a typical Saturday/Sunday weekend like a lot of people. These photos however are from this past weekend. Last week it was hot, humid, and in the 90's and then all of a sudden the weekend turned into cold, rainy, and in the 50's. I can't decide if I like the break from the heat or if I really am ready for the hot summer. Husband took these photos of me cuddling with my baby girl, Apple. At 90ish pounds, she is the sweetest, gentlest giant :)
Photos shot by husband...see more here.

Community Care Project

Happy May friends!

I'm excited to talk about a little project I've started called Community Care. Just recently I've discovered that a lot of my overall purchases are made at big box stores. Thinking about it, this isn't how I want to spend my hard earned money at all.

So my dears, this May and continuing through the summer I'm challenging myself [and you too kind of] to spread my money around and produce growth in smaller, locally owned businesses around Nashville and other places I visit. I realize it would have made more sense to start this last month in April which is Earth month but honestly, I hadn't thought about it.

Today, husband brought home bagels from our favorite local bagel shop, Star Bagel. We've had lunch at local 50's diner joint and plan to buy dog treats at a local holistic pet shop. Honestly, we already regularly enjoy and frequent local, independent stores but I'd just like to ex out commercial chains completely. For the next few months I'll talk about the project here and the challenges I come across. I'll also highlight the awesome things too :)

Slip cover action

Oh my it's almost the weekend! I am spending this lovely Thursday making progress on the slip cover that I'm making with my mother-in-law! We started a few days ago and she snapped this photo of me with her phone. As you can see, my sweet Apple is trying to help as best she can ; ) Such a doll! 

Making slip covers for the first time has been...well, interesting. It's just a lot of fabric! Thankfully, The Nester and Pink and Polka Dot have paved the way and shared all of their knowledge to help us. If you have any interest in learning how to sew a slip cover I'd highly recommend buying the e-book that we are using! And when it's all done and I'll be sure to share my triumph here on little plum.

Cheers everyone!

Four for Fido

 

I've always been an animal lover but it wasn't until Husband and I got our very own dog that I became that kind of pet owner. You know, the kind that spoils their dog rotten, talks to them like they're a human being, and even talks for the dog in how you think they'd respond. I love my dog Apple. She is literally the apple of my eye! 

Since she is over 80 pounds I've had to find some durable toys and accessories for her. Above are recommendations I'd give to anyone with a large breed dog. Number two is still on my wishlist, or I mean, Apple's wishlist!!

Monster Mouth/Bumper dog beds/FURminator/Tuffy's dog toys

5 x 5 by Aaron Shapiro

My ever talented husband just opened up an Etsy shop named 5 x 5 and you guys should all go take a look [and buy a print maybe?] ! His photos in the shop are taken with a Holga and used as an accompaniment on his photo shoots and travels. To see his other work visit his site. 

[Click on his "Nashville" project to see his senior thesis work which will be hung later this month. We're so excited!]

Have a happy weekend! I will since it's my bdayyyy tomorrow!

Favorite Finds: Chicago

Just a few of my favorite places and things from our stay in Chicago...

Quimy's Bookstore-- A quirky little bookstore full of local artist zines and interesting books. I found this little flip book that totally looks like something I'd want to make in pursuit of becoming acquainted with a new home city. Aaron was excited about his purchase of some "mystery grab-bags" of random comic books and periodicals.

Wormhole Coffee-- Ok, I'll just be straightforward and tell you that you NEED to visit this coffee shop. It's full of 80's movie memoribillia complete with a DeLorean in one of the corners. The Yelp reviews warn of swarming hipsters but I have to say, out of the several coffee shops we visited, this was the best damn vanilla latte I've ever had!

The Chicago Cultural Center: "Finding Vivian Maier"-- I was pretty adamant about seeing this show after all the hype it's been getting. As I've said before, Vivian Maier's photos are without a doubt stunning. In person they were even better. Here's Aaron looking at one of my favorite prints.

Una Mae's--Stopped in this boutique due to a friend's recommendation. The clothes were lovely and so springy and just a tad out of my price range but still lovely to dream about. I found this beautiful locally made handbag. The inside was lined with deep purple suede. I really really wish I had written down the etsy seller's name so I could give credit and also look at the shop!

Renegade Handmade--This shop was on my must visit list and oh my I was in Heaven right when I walked in. Every single item-handmade with love. I saw so many prints, screen printed tea cloths, candles and an Ira Glass finger puppet too! Even though it was hard to narrow down my selection, I left with some YessJess knitted ear warmers and Aaron picked out a felted pin to put on his camera strap.

Other places we loved: Lula Cafe, Piece, Veerasway, Vintage Underground

Michigan

After driving 10ish hours, getting to Grand Rapids was pretty exciting. Seeing my family was even better! I got to spend some much needed catch up time with my parents and sibs as well as see what GR had to offer.
Aaron and I took my little sister to Madcap coffee-an awesome local coffee shop that knows what they're doing. If you are in downtown Grand Rapids don't miss this place.

[oops! finger shot!]

For breakfast stop by Wealthy Street Bakery. It was the place to be that morning with even some firefighters stopping in for coffee and danishes. They make everything in house which includes breads and baguettes, pastries, and other yummies to go along with Intelligentsia coffee. mmm!

Two other things that are too fun to not mention:

My mom bought me my new favorite nail polish which happens to be a [get this] Nicole OPI Justin Bieber inspired polish! ha! I guess it's inspired by One Less Lonely [is this an album?] and my nail polish is all sparkly and purple and amazing and called "one less lonely." Bieb or not, it's my new fav.

Just before hitting the road for Chicago Aaron and I ducked in the GRAM [Grand Rapids Art Museum] and I spotted these beautifully made salt and pepper shakers by OOM. Hyum Yoo is the artist behind OOM and seeks to create objects that are simple, clean, functional, relevant, and poetic. I'd say these little shakers were just that. They were stunning. To shop and see more click here.

...on to Chicago...

"on vacation"

Last week the ever adventurous husband and I traveled North to explore Michigan and Chicago, for family and fun.
We love making this trip because it means several things.
1. Road trip candy and snacks
2. Stopping in Indianapolis

    

    

A little help from an iced chai latte and my favorite sour punch straws

Aaron and I have this crazy love for this one spot in Indianapolis. There's a little strip of about 4 awesome stores on Massachusetts Ave. that we wander through to stretch our legs. Usually, we just go in the starbucks on the corner but this time we found a local coffee shop called Henry's. 

The drip coffee was just what I needed-strong. Even though Aaron didn't really care for it we both agreed it was better than starbucks. Then we walked down the block to our favorite shops.

At Home in the City...all kinds of fun, unique, crafty things.

I loved the bottle garland [to hang in front of a window!] and the Yarn Bombing book! I also wanted the Gnome salt and pepper shakers they had and the portable fondue for two set and just about everything else in the store. 

Some of the other shops we stop in are Global Gifts, Luna Music, Three Dog Bakery, & Mass Ave Toys.

Then we headed to Michigan which needs it's own post.

Green Post favors!

Wedding favor preview!!!

So excited to hand out recycled, handmade, plantable tags from Green Post!!