on NEVER FEAR, BROOKLYN'S HERE!

On a Saturday in Brooklyn, Evan & I took off to the Brooklyn Flea, wandered the streets of Greene Point, and found ourselves a little dream garden to dine in. There is maybe no other NYC activity I love more than perusing the Brooklyn Flea. Piles and piles of antiques, vintage, records, art, handmade, and furniture, plus tons of food options, and dogs are welcome to join you. Like a dream, I tell ya.

I have an endless crush on Brooklyn. Every new part that I explore is the new part that I muuust move to. (This is how I am with many states and cities, too, that pesky wanderlust). The brownstones and homes really create this section of Brooklyn, there's just so much character and inviting presence.

Evan and I went to school together, and, well, I guess you should know, he is seriously incredible. First, the man can sing. He can saaaaang. Plus, he has the most beautiful spirit. His energy dances around you the whole time you're together, and he is joyously authentic. We haven't gotten to see each other too much over the past several years (hello, actors), but whenever I see him, it's just the best feeling. Aren't those kind of friends the very best?

Where have you been adventuring lately? Do tell, do tell.

On The Renegade Craft Fair (Holiday Style)

This past weekend, one of my all time bff's & I went to the Renegade Craft Fair.

For those who don't know, this fair is like Etsy.. but in person. Etsy sellers bring their goods and sell in person. Will wonders ever cease? Aside from this glorious land of Etsy, it was Nicole's first visit to Williamsburg! As a devoted fan of le 'burg, I was ever so delighted to bring her there.

After the fair, we strolled a few feet and found ourselves in the middle of Smorgasburg.

Yes, it's true, after rows and rows of Etsy sellers.. we ended up in food heaven.

Unfortunately, I have no photos of this part of the day as my hands were, ahem, full.

(That vegan truffle shot up there? That same place made me an amazing vegan grilledcheese.)

Also, how gorgeous are those bowls from Fisheye Brooklyn? The most gorgeous ever, I know.

Nic went home with a couple of those and one or two other items. I shall show you what I purchased in another post. Suspense! No, not really. Just need to take pictures of them first ;)

I love things like this. I get all giddy and jump up and down a lot and practice restraint in not buying every single thing that I see. Which is really hard, if I do say so myself.

Have you ever been to the Renegade Craft Fair? Are you going in another city?

xo

On the Dog Days of Summer

once, maybe twice a week, three times if i'm super lucky

i sneak off to Brooklyn and fall in love:

these babies are some of the dogs i've had the privilege of walking this summer.

each has given me a gift not only with their company but with a lesson:

Bella, with her long body and puppy-style walking, still figuring out how that tricky leash thing works,

plopped herself down next to the words you see above in the picture:

"A mini Tribe. Look it up. Thank you. - God"

and she gave me the gift of realizing i had stumbled into my very own mini tribe. a place that is bursting with love and welcomes you every time, no matter how long it's been since you've visited, no matter if you've never met each other before. the very definition of open hearts and open arms. at a time when i very much needed these things, i was lucky enough to find them. the gift of acceptance.

Dolores, with her giant puppy paws, and her love for chewing along the hemline of my skirt, had dodged death multiple times as she weaved in and out of traffic. eventually, some of the humans who stood by watching her, found some common sense and came to her aid. she was adopted then returned after a few days. but this little girl was flopping around on the floor, having the time of her life. she exudes joy and can't seem to figure out how to stop without skidding across the floor. you'd never know she's had a rough start. the gift of letting go of the past.

Colleen, a massive bundle of fur with a bright smile that spreads across her face when she recognizes me. colleen was the first pup i walked at the shelter and we've gotten several times to catch up. i tell her she's beautiful and she looks back at me and smiles, a thank you. she exudes the confidence of a woman who knows what she wants: each time she decides she's done with our walk, she. is. done. yanking me, she leads me back to the shelter, firmly and gently. almost to say "enough". the gift of knowing what you need, the gift of refusing anything except that.

and Staples. well, Staples and i fell in love, with his paws tucked under him, his eyes bright.

we met on a particularly achy day for me and there is not a trace, not an ounce, of sarcasm when i tell you he healed me up in a matter of 45 minutes. he gave me too many gifts to mention.

you can read about the lessons that he taught me here.

visiting these dogs reminds me of the beautiful truth that we really may only have this very moment together (as they might be adopted before i'm back) and so it's important to just enjoy every second. there is no need to hold on or worry they'll be gone - it's just how it is. imagine if we were that way with all of our humans: enjoying them, trusting if they're supposed to be in our lives then they will be, loving the time we're given without getting angry we didn't get more. can you imagine the peace?

i hope with my whole heart that i am able to give these incredible animals some sort of gift back. one of the great mystery's of the world, to me, is how anyone can be cruel to animals. just because they don't speak with words does not make them any less than us. they feel, they think, they love just the same.

and since they don't share in our words, it is up to us to speak up for them. if you see an animal being mistreated, holler yell scream at the top of your lungs make a fucking scene. think of the way they would come to your rescue and please do the same for them. okay - speech over :)

___

donate or learn more about BARC 

if you're thinking about getting a pet, please adopt

or volunteer at your local shelter first.

your mini tribe is waiting for you, too. xo

On the Renegade Craft Fair

One of my favorite summertime traditions is going to the 

Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn.

And by 'favorite', I mean I get super excited. Like, full on nerding out happens.

Just picture it.. endless rows of Etsy shops right there in front of you.

No longer is there a barrier of the internets between you and the incredible handmade goodness but instead, you can see it all before your very eyes. See? Nerding out.

This year the Brooklyn location moved from McCarren Park to Williamsburg.

That's right: Etsy AND dreamy hipster boys all in the same place. Heaven? Yep.

the kick-ass marketing of Queens Metal

 here's what i came home with:

a beautiful cross-stitch pillow from chez sucre chez

as a firm believer in Love and in wearing a tiara, this pillow and i were fate.

i am pretty much obsessed with her shop and have been drooling over the song lyric cross-stitches for a long time now. she ever has make-your-own versions and will do custom orders. think: wedding gifts, baby gifts, bff gifts, random tuesday gifts.. she's got it covered.

and my new favorite bag from buluchu

every where i go people keep asking me where i got this bag!

seems to be a big hit across the board and.. it is totally vegan!

(in case you're interested, take note that the key was an addition i added 

after spying it at the same shop. leave it to me to customize a homemade bag.)

one of the best things about Etsy, and craft fairs in general, is seeing all of the ways people have created to support themselves. running individual businesses, sometimes in addition to their day jobs, for the sake of their passion and to bring in a little extra cash. pretty inspiring.

i'll think of you fondly until next year, renegade craft fair ;)