Blog Vacation

Though unplanned, I will have to take a little vacation from Bring It, Martha! for a few weeks. Check back soon for more design, crafting and cooking goodness. ~ I

Vintage MacGregor Find

Ask anyone who has known me for years, I have a massive vintage collection and/or obsession! When I was in seventh grade I would raid my grandmother's time capsule of an attic and rock all the gear I could find. Let me tell you, for the most part, this did not go over too well - when you are from a small town and it is the mid-1990's. Regardless, I wore my bellbottoms and polyester shirts with pride and to this day, I'm so glad that I did. 

Fast forward 15 years and I'm still in love with vintage! I'm guessing that it is just one of those trends that will never die. At least in my book. These days, I often I make my way to flea markets, yard sales and antique shops (instead of my grandmother's attic) with an eye for a "find." When searching through great heaps of "junk" I have to be somewhat patient (and picky), but the pay off can be huge - like this rare vintage 1960-70's Leather MacGregor Gym Bag. 

Isn't she lovely? This bag reminds me of the days of Steve McQueen or even, James Dean. Albeit not in perfect condition, (A little rust here and there!) I just love, love, love this bag - with its black leather, gold lining, oversized zippers and its throwback kangaroo logo. At $45, it was more than I would normally pay for a vintage bag, but it was definitely as steal, as these bags go for anywhere around $150 and up. If you want your own, you can purchase your own here, on eBay or try to hunt one down at your local yard sale. Best of luck!

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do...Too: Jake Walk's Halloumi & Arugula Salad

While in Brooklyn a few weeks back, my fiance and I kicked back a few frosty ones with my parents at a neighborhood bar called Jake Walk. Upon perusing their menu for some good eats, I settled on Jake Walk's Halloumi  & Arugula Salad and fell in love. Instantly, I knew what I had to do... dissect the recipe! 

Although this was not the first time that I've tried halloumi (Zahav in Philly has its own masterful version!), it was this salad that made me realize just how much I like this type of cheese. Why? Well, it's  unlike any other cheeses I've tried in the past. Halloumi, an imported cheese from Cyprus, has an extremely high melting point, thus allowing it to be grilled or fried without loosing its firm texture. Amazing! Since halloumi is super salty, it pairs well with many different types of foods - from sweet date purees to spicy peppadew peppers. It was this spicy combo that really caught my attention. So, without further ado, the recipe breakdown: 

Halloumi & Arugula Salad
1 container Organic Arugula
6 oz Halloumi Cheese (Found at Whole Foods or other comparable market.)
1/2 cup bread crumbs 
2 egg whites
1/2 cup finely sliced Red Onion 
3/4 cup chopped Peppadew Peppers (Another Whole Foods find in their "Olive Bar.")
1/4 cup Olive Oil + 2 tbs
1/4 cup Red Wine or White Balsamic Vinegar (More or less, to taste.)
Salt & Pepper

Heat skillet with 2 tablespoon of oil. Place egg whites in one bowl and bread crumbs in another. Slice halloumi into long, thin slices then dip into egg whites and cover with bread crumbs. Place halloumi in skillet, brown evenly on both sides. While halloumi is cooking, combine all remaining ingredients and toss gently. Top with halloumi and enjoy!

Crocheted Hanger Glory

A few weeks ago, I found a huge lot (The photo shows only a few of them!) of these glorious, crocheted hangers at a flea market for $1. They immediately reminded me of something I would find in my favorite store, so I gobbled them up, brought them home and used them to hang up my new stash of clothes I purchased from said store. Immediately, I was hooked to these simple hanger contraptions. My clothes (including tanks and dresses) didn't fall off the hanger onto my closet floor, there were no weird marks anywhere on my clothing from the hanger and everything in my closet just looked so darned cute. It was as if I had my very own retail store, right there in my own closet. What girl doesn't love that?

All this joy over hangers (Strange, I know!) got me to thinking, these beauties were mostly likely created by some sweet, elderly woman so I knew that it would be difficult to find more. However, I didn't get discouraged and was able to find a simple crochet tutorial online at Redux Designs which will help you through the process of making your own. Lovely!

Wedding Invitation Calligraphy

As I previously mentioned, I spend the weekend in Seattle. But, before I left, I swiftly finished a pretty little wedding invitation and envelopes for a wonderful bride in NYC. Since this was an absolute rush order, and only I finished the last envelope 4 hours before my 5AM flight, I'm a few days late on this post. Even so, enjoy! 

On the sketchboard

Finished invite, pre-letterpress

Envelope calligraphy

Envelopes -  packaged & ready to go!

Starbucks Galore!

Just arrived home from a long weekend trip to Seattle and I thought I would share this absolute ridiculousness... Starbucks has over 50 stores in little 'ole Seattle! Don't get me wrong, I love my Starbucks. But, 50 stores within walking distance of one another? Overkill, perhaps. 

No doubt. Seattle is where the coffee empire got it start, but upon walking the streets for a bit, I couldn't help but find it hilarious that there were several competing Starbucks literally across the street from one another. On top of that, Starbucks owns Seattle's Best Coffee and there were a ton of those everywhere too! Nonetheless, it most certainly made for an entertaining "I-spy" photo shoot!

My photo collage of the hilarity! 

My Two Favorites Battle It Out: Martha v. Anthropolgie

I've been blogging so much about Martha's food, I barely had time to squeeze in a Martha craft project. However, when I saw this month's MS Living, I knew that the Felted Soap project was one that I had to try.

Why? 

Well it's no surprise to anyone that knows me that my favorite store by far is Anthropologie. I mean, I'm absolutely obsessed to the point that I save their catalogues for inspiration! On top of that, years ago I was almost kicked out of the Anthro for taking pictures inside it for design ideas. I quickly learned my lesson and now I just visit the stores on a weekly basis and daydream about landing my dream job as a buyer as I wander throughout the store for hours. 

On one of these trips, I came across Fiat Luxe's Felted Soap and I had to have it. Despite the $14 price tag, I truly appreciated the innovative idea of soap and a washcloth all-in-one! I brought it home, tried it, loved it and then thought..."this has to be so easy to make!" As it turns out, it is and Martha featured the full how-to in the June MS Living. Score!