Bandit Running

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So as someone who loves to run, and run a lot, I have experimented with all different running clothes. A shirt here, a short there, a sock somewhere else. And I always come back to the same (1) socks and (2) tops. Both are from Bandit Running. Only 6 years old, this running company is making a splash with its quality and variety in running clothes. Every runner in Central Park wears something of Bandit on their body — not just because it looks good (it is very monochromatic and nondescript) but because they are top quality and are the best of the best.

 

I own three different styles of this race top. I love it so much and do all my long runs and races in it. They have pockets, built in bras, simple comfortable, easy.

This shirt is a different synthetic top and I love the feel of it. Boring and easy, but works perfectly.

The socks are what put Bandit on the map. They were the first products and for good reason — these are THE BEST RUNNING SOCKS OUT THERE no comparison.

 

So if you are a runner, you most likely already know about Bandit. If you don’t, trust me. And if you are just starting to run, you will love this gear. Worth it 100%. These are my favorite products: Scoop neck race crop, Stamina race crop, Stamina pocket, and Micromesh running cropped t.  Apparently I like cropped running shirts. But all of them are good — it is the quality of the fabric, the way that they feel when they are sweaty, etc…trust me.

Lil Luv Dog Wipes

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OK so we all know that dogs get DIRTY. Like, really really dirty. But I used to ignore it (ignorance is bliss) until my-go-to-for-most-everything became a new dog owner and told me about Lil Luv Dog Wipes. And now, I use them every day and am in disbelief that I didn’t use them before. It actually grosses me out that I didn’t use them in the past. These are not any dog wipes, these compostable wipes that smell insanely good, and are gentle to cleanse coats, paws, and faces without disrupting your dog’s natural skin balance. Sold.

 

Dirty dog likes to sit on me, sit on furniture, etc…and now I am ever so thankful I have wipes to make her paws and body clean. Thank goodness.

You can subscribe to them so you don’t have to think about reordering them.

Information about them.

Some more photos of the wipes.

 

 

If you have a dog, then. trust me, get them.

Boarding School Drop Off x2

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So, this happened. Both kids are off to boarding school. Before I get too emotional (because all I have been doing is crying), I wanted to share the photos of the drop off. Oversharing, yes. But wanted to show you why I have been silent (packing, traveling, dropping off, more crying), here is what I have been up to.

 

 

The kids wanted to drive from Oregon to Ojai as it is less abrupt of an arrival, and they had a sh*t ton of stuff anyways. The halfway point was lucky in that it is in Northern CA where we got to stay with our best friends and have a home cooked meal and lots of laughs. Here is Tusia with some food that our host made. She is modern day Martha Stewart and everything she does is perfection.

Best friend Amers made the most incredible pork and slaw I have ever eaten in my life and I am dreaming of it now. I literally just texted her asking for the recipe. I need to share it with you all as soon as I get it (and try to make it).

Nice Northern California sky to send us on a family walk and get our legs moving before another day in the car.

Lots of laughs. I miss that smile and laugh so much, but not going to cry. Nope, not crying.

Lots of hills.

17 hours in the car and we made it to Ojai.

A box of goodies to eat at The Duchess.

This almond flour, vegan cake is my favorite thing in the store.

Took all day (Thursday) to set up Cruzzie’s room.

The outside of his dorm — looks and feels like a frat.

Palm trees never get old to me.

Friday was the big move in day for Tusia and it was super scary and brave and courageous and emotional and hard.

But we put her room together.

This is outside her room.

Dining hall with new friends.

Ojai tangerines are everywhere you look.

Wonder if Tusia is from NYC?

Wonder if Tusia is from NYC?

The outside of the dining hall (and beautiful clouds)

My beloveds.

There is a little nook for the freshman girls to watch the sunset. I love it so much.

Cried all night and day. But made it to the Parent Party for the 9th grade parents. It was held at the Turtle Conservancy.

They gave out glass hearts in Thacher colors — I took 2. Two kids, two hearts left there.

Beautiful scenery. Kept wondering if I was going to accidentally fall in to the pool though.

Delicious Mexican food.

Then headed out with some parents to the Ojai Valley Brewery and this is my newest favorite place. Had never been and can’t wait to go back!

All types of beers and wines on tap!

Cried myself to sleep and headed back to Oregon. Goodbye, Ojai, I love you. And most of all, the two most important people to me are in Ojai, so please be safe.

 

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Thanks for letting me share. And for those other parents with kids at school — I see you, I feel you, I am here.

 

Currently Loving August 2026 Part 2

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End of August brings up a lot of feelings — the dread of the new season, saying goodbye to summer — all are so hard for me. Trying to live in the present and enjoying the NOW and the CURRENT soooooo…here is what I am loving right this very second.

 

1. Summer meals

 

Doesn’t this plate of food just scream SUMMER? Everything was perfect. Fresh. Delicious. Local. Amazing.

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Ice Cream Cake Hack

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I know I did this post several years ago, but for new readers AND old readers, I decided it needed to be shared again! An easy ice cream cake hack — so easy, it’s totally cheating but so delicious and fun to make. All you need is ice cream sandwiches, homemade whipping cream, chocolate syrup, and some type of topping like crushed Oreos. And voila, ice cream sandwich cakes.

 

You line a baking vessel with wax paper, and then put the first layer of ice cream sandwiches. I bought mini ones so they were easy to fit in and didn’t need to be cut.

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Lavender Sachets

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Mid July, we went to the Lavender Festival on the McKenzie River. Loved every minute of being admit the natural beauty of Oregon fir trees and lavender bushes. We picked lavender to dry and just *NOW* made lavender sachets with it. (As you might have seen in this week’s earlier post about art projects this summer, it has been one we started but didn’t yet finish. Until now! Never too late….)

 

U-pick lavender is the best. I loved it even though I got stung by a bee on my thumb and complained about it for a week.

My bundle of lavender to dry.

Tusia had the hard part of embroidering flowers on a piece of plain fabric. She made four of them — they are all different and all so gorgeous and imaginative.

Then, I sewed them together, stuffing them and closing them tightly.

The purple stack.

Love all four! They are definitely NOT professional, but they are so fun and smell beyond good.

 

We all participated in it as a family activity, Cruzzie even sewed them on the sewing machine (until he lost steam). I am so excited to use these and have a little of Oregon back home in NYC!

Art Projects Summer 2026

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Summers in Oregon usually are packed with lots of outdoor adventures (hiking, biking, running, exploring) as well as arts and crafts. And this year, it has been no different. Here are the arts and craft projects I have been working on this summer

 

Straw Tray

 

From straw, I braided 6 meters worth of straw together — harder than it seemed and caused my fingers to ache. But, worth the pain.

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Currently Loving August 2026

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August is one of my least favorite months — it means that summer is almost over and I start having MAJOR anxiety about school starting back up and all the changes that will take place this year. I am trying to slow down and appreciate the moment, so here is what I am loving *RIGHT NOW*

 

1. Spider Man

 

We went to the Marvel movie on Saturday night — and believe it or not, not only did I stay awake (HUGE accomplishment), but I actually loved it. Highly recommend.

 

2. Tacovore

 

Oregon tacos are my favorite — especially from Tacovore — these two tacos were perfection and I cannot wait to go back and have more this week.

 

3. Bandit Racing Top

 

Race season is creeping up, and that means a lot of running. I purchased two new tank tops from Bandit and they are my absolute favorite. No bra needed, and they have lots of storage space and pockets. They are PERFECTION.

 

4. U-Pick Flowers

 

We picked 15 stems — and they cost 15 dollars! What a steal! And so beautiful….

 

5. Exploring the River

 

Stevie our city dog actually LOVES the life in Oregon filled with lots of hikes, adventures, and water to explore. She doesn’t swim in the river but she loves to put her feet in it and putter around. Nothing makes me happier than seeing her happy in the water.

 

6. Mr. Dumpling

 

The best dumpling restaurant in Oregon — hands down — and might be one of our ALL TIME favorite dumpling restaurants. All the dishes are incredible, prices are amazing, and the service (and owners) couldn’t be nicer. 5 stars.

 

7. Neighborhood Signs

 

Eugene is known for the runners and the running community, and this sign just makes me happy. Don’t give up.

 

8. Organic Natural Wine

 

Hippy dippy natural orange wine, sign me up!

 

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SLOW DOWN TIME!!!!! Summer, I love you!

Dried Peaches

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In Oregon, one of my favorite activities is to go to one of the hundreds of farms and pick fruit or veggies. And this past week, we went to a Peach farm — which is one of my favorite U-picks of the season (who doesn’t love peaches?). We collected 16 pounds of peaches — so we kept some fresh to have as snacks, made a peach galette, and dehydrated the rest.

 

Peaches galore.

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Axe Pancakes

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As mentioned earlier this week, last week I was in the Bay Area stuffing my face with the most delicious food, ingredients, and meals. And one of my FAVORITE things (I have yet to mention) was the breakfast — Axe Pancakes.

 

Currently only available in California (you can get them on Good Eggs in Bay Area, and in various stores in Southern California). You buy this big tub of pancake mix that is frozen and store it in the freezer until the night before you want to use it.

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Northern CA Favorite Dining

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Last week, I spent a couple days with my sister from another mister( aka my best friend), at her home in Northern California. We had the best time hanging 0ut and not doing much other than eating (our favorite pastime together). Here are some of my favorite meals we ate during my stay.

 

The two of us at Land’s End in northern CA looking at the Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge — HIGHLY recommend this walk / hike — truly gorgeous the entire 3.5 miles — from every step.

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Jimmy Fairly Sunglasses

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When I was in Paris, one of my favorite items I purchased was a pair of sunglasses from Jimmy Fairly. Jimmy Fairly is the Parisian equivalent to Warby Parker — stylish, trendy, current glasses and sunglasses at reasonable price points. I could have bought so many of them but landed on one pair — The Napoli. And they just opened their first USA store in NYC so I can’t wait to try more of them on!

 

Walking in Paris eating a kale salad. On brand. (In the sunglasses) (and with the tote bag that comes with the sunglasses –even better).

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Currently Loving July 2026

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I promise you soon that I will get back to normal posts versus currently loving, but I just have so much to share and it is easy to cram everything in and be a GOOD post, versus a short mediocre one 😉 So here is what I am currently loving in July — because wow, it is mid-July (I actually saw a sign that said a festival for June 2026 and I had to think if it was an old sign or we were still in June and it was upcoming….helllooooo summer)

 

1. ISDIN sunscreen 

 

Hands down my favorite new sunscreen. If you are in Europe, buy a lot and you will be happy. I read about it — and WOW is it good. Better than any other sunscreen I have ever tried.

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Currently Loving Cap Ferret Edition

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I have been in Cap Ferret (south west region of France) for the past two weeks and I have fallen in love. This place is unlike anywhere else I have been and I love every bit of it. Here are just some of the things that I love about it here.

 

1. Parasailing

 

SUCH a fun afternoon — we thought it was just going to be up and down, but it was a whole boat ride excursion and one of the highlights of the trip so far. The kids went up (I did not), and there were two other French families on the boat so it was fun to talk with them.

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Penny Linn

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Before the summer travels started, I made my way to the newest needlepoint store in New York City, Penny Linn. Located on the very very far west of Manhattan, it was an incredibly beautiful space filled with more fibers and threads that I have ever seen in my life! Very different than my usual go-to-needlepoint-stop Rita’s (which I will forever call home base and love), this shop was HUGE. Massive. It had thousands of canvases to browse and select from, although as an avid needlepointer, I wished there were larger scale canvases.  That said, of course, I left with two canvases that I LOVED and so many cool threads to use for them. So if you are in need of a new needlepoint store in the city, DEFINITELY suggest going. And if you want to shop from their online store, I also love that website!

 

Check them out! I love their matchbox selections — so trendy and cool.

I loved this pizza box and worked on it during my time in Paris.

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Favorite Things in Paris 2026

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OK, I know last week I did a “currently loving” and mentioned a lot of what I was loving in Paris, but there is so much to love, so here is another list of my favorite current things in Paris 2026.

 

 

1. Graffiti Tunnel 

 

Over half a mile long, this tunnel near the Tuileries is so fun to bike / run in. But you can’t be claustrophobic! I loved looking at the art as I ran by — so many talented street artists out there!

 

 

2. Biologique Recherche

 

Hands down my favorite facial in the world is at Biologique Recherche headquarters — unbelievable and a quarter of the prize than it would be in the USA.

 

 

3. Forte Forte

 

One day (during my time alone), I just went in and out of all the stores wandering and wandering. I love forte-forte as it is always one of my favorite brands. I fell in love with this crochet top, but alas, they didn’t have my size. But I loved everything in there even though I walked out empty handed.

 

 

4. Matisse Exhibit

 

Loved this bright and colorful exhibition at the Grand Palais filled with Matisse. I loved everything in there.

 

 

5. Assouline Bookstore

 

I loved this original location of the Assouline bookstore — each one of these books was beautiful and if I didn’t have to travel, I would have bought many!

 

 

6.  Bourse de Commerce

 

Fun exhibition about fog. I always love the building more than anything, though.

 

 

 

7. Sunsets

 

Dare I say that NO city or place has the same light and sunsets as Paris. I love every night there — the skies just light up and shine bright.

 

 

8. Frenchie restaurant

 

One of my favorite restaurants in the world — Frenchie. It is a tasting menu, and every dish was incredible. Our problem was that it was during the heat wave and the restaurant didn’t have AC so we were dying. DYING. But the food was unbelievable.

 

 

9. Ateliers des Lumières

 

A fun museum I always go to when in Paris that is less known that the other major ones. It is an interactive experience and felt amaaaaazing on the hot day.

 

 

10. The Ballet

 

Incredible. Loved every second. Did you know that the average age of the audience in Paris is 44 years old? Compare that to NYC where the average age is 66!!!! I loved this ballet — beautiful dancing and costumes.

 

11. Notre Dame at Dusk

 

This was taken at 10 pm. Yup, incredible. Everything about it.

 

12. Strawberries

 

Strawberries in the produce stores, yes please. Best strawberries in the world.

 

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Hope you have a lovely long weekend celebrating the 4th of July (to those in the US). We are in the southwest of France and loving every minute here.

Best Jambon Beurre in Paris

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Since I was alone in Paris, I had many things on my to-d0 list. One, was find the best Jambon-beurre sandwich in Paris. So I spent HOURS (yes, HOURS) researching and looking at where I could find this best sandwich.

 

Jambon beurre is ham and butter in French. It is a classic sandwich and one I love to eat more than any other sandwich. (picture of pig because of the ham).

 

So, I ended up at Le Parizot. AND HOLY COW (or should I say, holy pig), it was indeed the best sandwich I have ever ever ever eaten in my life.

 

A hole in the wall. Only one type of sandwich — jambon beurre. A choice of three different hams, 2 types of butter, and if you wanted additions (cheese, mustard, and relish).

 

There was a line — I waited almost 35 minutes — and it was worth every minute. Only one person was allowed in to the store at a time. And the employee would slice all the ham, cut the bread, slather the butter in front of you. Nothing was prepared in advance, all of it in front of you.

 

I asked him for what was the best — and he said the ham with the spices, add cheese and relish. So I did exactly what he said, and it was perfect. Absolutely perfect.

I dream of sandwiches like this. If you are in Paris, 100 percent go visit.

 

You must go. In the meantime, I would love to recreate this sandwich — but it was obviously the ingredients that made it so good. The ham was incredible, the butter, the relish, oh me oh my.

Space Invaders + Street Art Museum

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I have been following and “flashing” space invaders for the past two years and what fun it has been! It has been a great way to explore cities (especially when in France) and to always look up. Space invaders are created by a French artist “Invader” who has been putting up different mosaics in over 30 different countries. There are almost 5,000 of them, and thanks to an app, you can track them (“flash”) them and get credit for seeing them. It makes EVERYTHING that much more fun.

 

It is especially fun when traveling with the kids, because they are also determined to find them (truth be told, no one is as determined as me to find them, though).

I started off in Paris with 167 of them already found.

 

But after some research and investigation, I found that Invader had recently made 20 new mosaics in a part of Paris that I never been to — Villette. So I went there not once, but twice! The first time, I ran (9 miles there and back) to see the Daft Punk invader.

 

So cool. So happy.

My run.

Along the way, saw this invader (and the heart sticker) which obviously I loved.

The Philharmonic.

 

Tusia went to tennis camp in South of France for a week, and since I was alone in Paris, I made it my mission to find as many as possible. So one day, during the heat wave, I went BACK to La Villette, (by metro, and still was dying of heat).

 

He created all red and white ones in the area — and although there is a map that shows them — I didn’t have the map and so just walked around for hours. Apparently there are 20 of them — I only found 6. But I did see that there was an exhibit on Street Art, so of course I had to go.

Serendipitous! Street art exhibition when I was searching for street art.

Coolest building, loved the entire exhibit.

So many things to look at.

And of course they featured Invader!

More information on Invader.

 

All this to say, I loved searching for space invaders — it makes travel in Europe oh so fun. And I also loved the exhibition — so if you are in Paris this summer, go check it out!

Currently Loving June 2026 Part 2

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OK so yes we made it to Paris and it was a big blur — lots of friends in town that made it so much fun as well as jam packed. There is so much to love here and I could post a million posts on what I love. So I am going to start with just a few right now from the first week and then come back with more! But here is what I am loving in Paris.

 

1. European Espresso

 

It tastes and hits differently in Europe. Love it so much.

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Currently Loving June 2026 Part 1

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OMGGGGGG where did the time go? I am sorry for a mini break — it was the end of the year craze with school finishing up and then packing up for the summer and flying to Europe. But I am back! So expect regular posts. Today — what I loved first part of June in NYC and tomorrow — check back, what I am loving in Paris. BUT for now, here is what I am loving right now!

 

1. Floral Arrangements

 

I did these flowers for my daughter’s luncheon post graduation (from 8th grade). I was super proud of myself (yes, humble brag) because I loved the way that they came out! Sometimes I don’t love what I do with flowers, but this time, I was happy.

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TriBeCa Galleries

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Earlier this week, with a group of friends, I went to look at some art in the TriBeCa galleries — LOVE LOVE LOVED it. Not just the art in the galleries but the galleries themselves. I highly recommend touring these three galleries (we actually went to 7!) if given the time at any point if and when in NYC.

 

Jack Shaiman Gallery

 

Currently at the Gallery, is Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. I found her work breathtaking, especially in the Tribeca space.

 

A very cool space. Huge, tall ceilings. Beautiful old moldings. Felt like an old bank.

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Currently Loving June 2026 Part 1

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Happy June 1st! Can you believe it? I CANNOT HOLY CRAP. Ok, but here is what I am currently loving right now.

 

1. My Boy

 

Cheesy but true, the most important thing I am loving is the fact that my son came back from boarding school yesterday. It was as if I could breathe again — yes he bossed me around to do everything and I have been knee deep in laundry and unpacking, but MAN, how I love having him home.

 

2. Off Campus

 

Spent the weekend binging this show. Loved every episode. Can’t wait for second season. HIGHLY recommend. Easy, light, teeny bopper show.

 

3. Rafa on Neftlix

 

And it goes without saying that I am also binging the docuseries on Netflix about Rafa — my true hero. I love him so much.

 

4. Manhattanhenge 

 

Day 1 — perfect sunset in the grid.

 

5. Manhattanhenge Day 2

 

Day 2. No sunset because of the clouds, but got a photo of something even better, my boo Tusia.

 

 

6. Keith Haring at the Brandt Foundation 

 

Even though it was sold out, I went to the Brandt Foundation on Friday and was able to go in to see the exhibit. And even better — they were free tickets, because last minute some free slots opened up. Nothing better. Getting in when you don’t expect it and for free. Although the exhibit is now closed, I loved going. I didn’t love the show (I liked it), but I always love seeing art.

 

7. Helen Frankenthaler @ The Gagosian

 

Last Wednesday, squeezed in some galleries in Chelsea. I particularly loved this green one by Helen Frankenthaler. But overall the whole show was beautiful, colorful, bright and happy.

 

8. JP Morgan Wall and connecting it to Nature

 

The facade on the front of this building is modeled after the stone and plants at the 67th Street playground in Central Park. My brother had investigated this (he read an article and then went to see it) — so when he was here two weeks ago, we went and investigated it ourselves — and sure enough — they look identical.

 

9. Penny Linn Needlepoint Store

 

A new needlepoint store is in town! Although most of the canvases are small and NYC based, I did manage to find some big ones. And it has a beautiful selection of fibers — so definitely check it out if you are in town.

 

10. Umbrella Dancing 

 

Randomness of NYC — spotting women in Chinatown learning a choreographed dance with umbrellas. I love this type of fun and adventure.

 

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So there you have it, what I am loving right now! Any suggestions and ideas of things you love that you want to share? Send them my way!

Needlepoint Bookmarks

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As you know by now, I spend a lot of time being crafty. Needlepoint is a good source of meditation for me, where I just sit and needlepoint. I feel like I am accomplishing something even when sitting still. I have become an avid needlepointer in the last 6 years — and although I like bigger projects, I always love doing these bookmarks. I start from scratch and do all of it — needlepoint, cut, sew, pom pom, etc…and I wanted to show you the process.

 

This is the hardest part. The needlepointing. It takes forever. Even though they are small. They take forever.

I then cut it out, and put clear nail polish on the ends of the canvas so it doesn’t fray.

Then I glue it on felt.

Then found matching thread.

Then sewed it together (yes even on the subway)

Made pompoms and sewed them on top.

And voila! Bookmarks!

 

I think they are fun little gifts — even if people don’t understand how long it took to make them — they are just some fun sparks of joy!

Central Park Benches

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Inspired by the instagram account @centralparkbenches, I decided to take my own little tour of Central Park yesterday and look at all the fun benches and plaques. As someone who spends A LOT of time in the park — running, walking, playing, sitting, needlepointing, talking, etc…– I always have loved looking at the inscriptions. On my run, these are some of my favorite — and I want to have one of my own when I die!

 

Love this one so much.

Made me cry.

Cute and poppy.

Dark, but I love it.

This one literally made me cry — look at the final date.

So true.

Love this one, too.

Fun.

A woman enjoying the park and its benches.

 

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I loved my little scavenger hunt looking at the Central Park benches, and I cannot wait to spend more time exploring different areas of the park with these benches. HIGHLY recommend. And if you are on instagram, follow @centralparkbench