Urbanestics

Extreme Makeovers, DIY Magazine

2012-01-14T15:52:00.000-06:00

If you grabbed the recent DIY magazine you might have noticed my name featured in more than just one article. I was able to work with several extremely crafty bloggers, having them take old pieces of furniture and making them into something new. What fun it was being able to find all the furniture pieces used and seeing their transformation when they came back in the mail. Here are the pages from the article below.

{here's a photo of us all on set}

{cake stand by: style me pretty}

{chair by: centsational girl}

{Polar, my sister's dog started his modeling career}

{chair by: hey jen renee}

{planter by: renegade handmade}

{key cubby by: the 10 cent designer}

{stool by: young house love}

Happy New Year!

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Another year has snuck up on me and I realized I managed to write the least amount of blog post ever. It is a shame I haven't recorded the year the way I out to, so many things happened. Hopefully I will not be so absent this year. First off I need to make new goals for this year! I do know that many of last year's were met despite all my doubts that they were to far out there. Who would have ever thought I would actually leave my home town and move to Brooklyn?! Now what will this year's goals be? I'll get back to you on that. In the mean time...

xoxo, Leslie

Scrappy Lady, DIY Magazine

2012-01-08T22:14:00.000-06:00

Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle I haven't had the chance to share with you my crafty talents have been published in the current issue of Do It Yourself magazine. Here are are the pages from the story bellow.

{here are the directions on how to make your own}

Afternoon DIY

2011-10-29T18:11:00.000-05:00

Searching for a place to hang my necklaces, hats and scarfs I decided to pull out the creative genius in me and go to town. I came up with an accessory clothes line made out of materials I have around my apartment, 2 eyes screws, wire and clothes pins. Voila!

Now I need to figure out how to fix the leak in our bathroom ceiling but I think that is going to take a professional.

Fall Adventure

2011-10-10T21:21:00.000-05:00

Today I took the train up-state to see the fall foliage and to go to the orchard with my roommate. What a breath taking day it was. not only did we pick apples but also found pears, grapes, and tomatoes.

I think my favorite part of the day was seeing the view of the Hudson river from my train window. I took my knitting with to keep my hands busy and listened to my Pandora Washed Out radio station. It was a perfect soundtrack to the trip.

It was such a wonderful day, I am hoping that I get to take another trip before fall is over. In the meantime I will watch this video over and over again and pretend that I am in France or just up-state.

loire valley from Olivia Rae James on Vimeo.

Kitchen Tips: How to Peel a Garlic Clove

2011-10-03T21:08:00.000-05:00

Tonight I made garlic mashed potatoes from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking and peeled each garlic glove one by one. Really wished I would have seen this video sooner!

How to Peel a Head of Garlic in Less Than 10 Seconds from SAVEUR.com on Vimeo.

Paper Craft

2011-10-03T08:56:00.001-05:00

Birthday month is in full swing so it's time to break out all the crafting tools and make some decorations. Let's get this party started!

Kitchen Time

2011-09-23T11:56:00.001-05:00

I have the day off work today and have been day dreaming what I am going to bake today. It's a quiet rainy day and I am enjoying the sound of the raindrops on the window sills. Isn't that a perfect day to spend in the kitchen? My family came to visit last week and brought much of my kitchen to me so I feel like I can go back to baking once again. Woohoo! It's been a summer of no cooking or baking and if you know me that is a tough thing for me to go without.

I wanted to share this video that I found on different ways to frost cupcakes using different tips. Such simple classic looks that anyone should be able to do with just a little practice.

I hope you have a lovely day and get to spend a little time in the kitchen as well.

Need inspiration?

2011-08-30T21:45:00.001-05:00

In just a few days you can have this at your fingertips! I am excited for this book... Design Sponge being one of my favorite blogs to read. Also, it's another way for me to continue the adventure in decorating my new apartment. Maybe I will add it to my birthday wishlist blog when that day comes?

Design Sponge at Home (Official Book Trailer) from The Panic Room Videos on Vimeo.

On my next trip to the beach

2011-08-28T21:59:00.001-05:00

I am planning on taking public transportation. I've figured out that it isn't going to be terribly hard to get there, I will only have to transfer to 2 different subway lines from the L train. I also want to stop and have breakfast or lunch at Rockaway Taco!

Rockaway Taco, A Selby Film from the selby on Vimeo.

I better make it there at least once more before the summer is over.

The Good Life

2011-08-22T19:47:00.000-05:00

I would like to put this cookbook on my wish list. It looks and sounds amazing! I love that it has recipes depending the season and what is available. The photography for each recipe makes it even easier to follow the directions if you're not a natural born chef. You know my birthday is coming around the corner friends, and this year is a monumental one.

{THE Good LIFE}

Speaking of cookbooks, I've been thinking about where I will be storing mine once my parents bring them out to me in September. I don't have oodles of storage in my apartment and I've always wanted this book stand so I feel that this will also go on my new bedroom/apartment wish list.

{array silver bookcase}

Pie

2011-08-12T11:50:00.000-05:00

It is sad to me that I have been here in Brooklyn for almost a month and half and haven't gone back to Four and Twenty Blackbirds to have some pie? It's not like I need any more pie though... it goes right to the thighs. But it sure sounds good right?

Perusing bon appetit's website and they have some deliciously sinful looking pie recipes. Mom just put my issue in the mail for me and I am hoping it is just as inspiring for me. In September I will finally have my kitchen items moved out to me and I can go back to baking. Sadly I've only made one batch of cookies as well as strawberry ice cream this summer. I miss baking!

{lime & blackberry italian meringue pie}

{stone fruit lattice pie}

So maybe you want to take up some pie baking this weekend on your days off and bring over a piece while I'm at the Flea. I would greatly appreciate it!

Hungry

2011-08-09T00:38:00.000-05:00

Reading food blogs late at night are not always a good idea. I am lying here in bed with a rumbling stomach and looking at delicious foods that are making me salivate. I just really should go to sleep and get a good nights rest so that tomorrow I can go explore more of Brooklyn and enjoy some real food versus dreaming about it.

Before I go to bed I wanted to share with you quickly the new salad recipe that I found today from Kinfolk. I made it tonight for the Vegetarians and I and it was a success. I had to change a few ingredients due to the fact the grocery store bellow us didn't have parmesan cheese and I didn't want to spend $13.00 on pine nuts. My revisions where delicious... give it a try for yourself!

ribboned asparagus salad from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

Also while I am in the food mode I went and hand dinner at Eat last week with my friend Erica. It was her CSA's night at the restaurant and nearly everything they served us was from her CSA. Delicious food and such a fantastic atmosphere. There was no menu, we just sat down at the table and was served the three course pre-set meal. I have no idea what some of the items I ate or even the names of the dishes but it was good!

The Duvet...

2011-08-05T23:01:00.000-05:00

this being probably the hardest decision out of all my decisions for the new bedroom. This is what the rest of the bedroom design will be based from. Now that I say that I do have a pillow that I received from one of my best friends as a going away present that is headlining all the decisions.

{Rosette pillow from Dwell Studio Target}

As you can see, my favored color pallet is gray and white with accents of mustard yellow. The Draper Striped duvet from Dwell Studio has been one of my favorites for the last couple of years and it is on the top of my list but I have one dilemma with it... being the true color is not that of what we've all seen in the catalog and online. I went to see it in person at ABC Home store in Manhattan and was torn and what I had thought was my final decision. The gray being more of a taupe and the yellow being much more gold.

This picture is more true to what the actual color is.

In my disappointment with the color way of the duvet I have searched all over to find something remotely like it. Obviously I've fallen short and am not happy with any of my other finds.

Until.... I spotted this duvet!

{Overstock}

I just ordered it and am hoping not to have a let down once it arrives. The price is AMAZING and so we will see if I get what I paid for. From the description as well as the reviews it is gray and white and has been better then what the customer's have expected, so my fingers are crossed. I was also thinking that if I really want to have a yellow edge around it I can sew it on myself to make it more similar to the Dwell duvet.

New times

2011-07-21T21:41:00.000-05:00

Lately I've felt like I've kept my life a little more private and I've enjoyed that. Times got really busy, insanely busy and I had to change. I've stepped back and started new. Along with new I am going to have a new place to live soon and I have been searching for the new decor. I am so excited to have a fresh pallet to decorate!

I am going to need some help or advice on what I should choose for my new diggs.

{two arms inc.}

So in turn I hope to be posting options that I would love to have your opinion on.

Rainy Spring Day

2011-05-25T17:32:00.000-05:00

Some perfect things to go along with this cool, cloudy, rainy day we've had today.

Sophie Dahl just makes me want to live out in the country side and have all sorts of frilly girly things and decorate my house with florals and antiques. Not normally me.

Then because it's spring you must have some Rhubarb.

I baked up some delicious rhubarb muffins and boiled up some simple syrup to make a refreshing rhubarb soda. When I really should have had a cup of tea for the gloomy day but sometimes you need to bring a little bit of sunshine into your life.

How do you feel about this?

2011-03-18T21:44:00.000-06:00

Yup, let's analyse this.

{via here}

Delicious Miss Dahl

2011-02-23T08:48:00.002-06:00

My friend Kate just introduced me to this delightful show this week and I instantly fell in love. Embarrassingly, I can't tell you how many times I've watched these clips. It would be so delighful to be in Miss Dahl's kitchen cooking with her.

p.s. do you just love the wallpaper in here? I've been thinking about wallpapering again and this makes me want to go to town and wallpaper my whole house.

feeling a little inspired lately?

2011-02-21T07:59:00.003-06:00

DO IT!

What it could have been

2011-02-10T08:02:00.001-06:00

Here is something to think about this time of year.

Don't be shy this time, tell someone how you really feel... just do it!

My 3 favorite things

2011-02-03T08:40:00.006-06:00

Cakes, stop motion and Valentine's OH MY! Three of my favorite things all put into one. It's hard for me to ask for anything more.

diy valentine's cakes from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

This couple has such amazing videos they make and their blog is so delightful too! I wish I would have found them a long time ago. You may read their blog here.

What are you doing to get ready for the delightful day?

Hugs and kisses,
Leslie

Warm Wishes

2011-02-02T08:03:00.001-06:00

During this blizzardy weather all I can think about is staying warm. So get out your knitting needles, heat up your hot chocolate, and put a log on the fire, lets stay all cuddly and cozy during our snow days.

I think it would be wonderful to have one of these knitted collars to put around my neck.

I want to keep my toes warm with these cable knit socks. I think they are from Toast.

Mmmmmm

{via we heart it}

Valentine Inspiration

2011-02-01T08:04:00.002-06:00

{bake adorable and easy to do, heart sugar cookies}

{shape love letters with yarn}

{give a naturally sweet treat}

{glue together a sentimental note}

{decorate with paper heart garlands}

{and paper wreaths}

I've shared some ideas for you now go craft your own Valentines to share with the special people in your lives!

Xoxo, Leslie

2011-01-31T16:52:00.000-06:00

{found on French by Design}

Goals for the new year

2011-01-26T18:30:00.000-06:00

I'm running a little behind this year. I felt like the holidays were a whirlwind and I ended up disappearing for a while to just take some time for myself.

With the new year always comes a time to start over and try doing things different.

Some of my goals include:

wear lipstick more often

make a new recipe twice a month at the least

make new friends

get involved in my church community. {that really can be apart of the making new friends bit.}

craft more!

What are some of your goals you've made for yourself this year?

all pictures via {weheartit}

The lives we lead.

2011-01-23T14:10:00.000-06:00

This man gives me so much inspiration and I know he does for you too. Enjoy!

Stop Motion Wedding Day

2010-11-02T20:54:00.000-06:00

My affinity for stop motion takes another step forward. What a great way to document your wedding day!

{Barly and Moore}

Paper Craft

2010-11-01T11:33:00.000-06:00

I am starting to feel the pressure of the holidays upon me! Who isn't? It will be here before you know it. I have been getting all sorts of paper inspiration for this years decorations. Here are a few things that I want to make.

{acorn garland}

{paper Shakespearean garland}

{paper flower by my Sister-in-law}

{one of my creations available at Ephemera}

This book is so inspirational, I've put it onto my Amazon wish list but I don't know how much longer I can wait till I order it for my very own.

p.s. I'm teaching my Paper Wreath Class over at Ephemera next week, November 11th... so if you want to come join me in my creativity and inspiration sign up here.

Cables

2010-10-28T23:11:00.001-05:00

I'm all about cables right now, even more then I was this summer. I've even recently learned to knit them myself after being intimidated by them for the last 5 years. What a breeze they are once someone just leads you through it! So I recommend you have a fellow friend show you how or even use this video to get you started. You won't be able to stop just like me.

{Natalya1905}

{Preciousknits}

{Tomiffy}

Now go get started yourself! I can't wait to see what you are knitting up.

Cakes, cakes and MORE CAKES!

2010-10-06T08:25:00.000-05:00

You can't have a birthday party without cakes!

{kaylas kakes}

{myrna may)

{martha stewart}

{can't remember where I found this pic :/}

{hellojenuine}

{SweetDee}

Hope you have a wonderful day... I'm panning on it. :)

3D Photography

2010-10-04T08:40:00.000-05:00

Went to an art show the other night that was photographed by Fred Truck, these phenomenal 3D photographs were so much fun to look at through our special blue and red glasses. I was blown away by the detail of each picture. I would highly recommend going to Steven Vail Fine Arts Gallery (2nd floor of the Teach Out Building) in East Village to see it for yourself.

Baked Explorations

2010-10-01T23:34:00.002-05:00

Now I'm really hoping I get the Baked cookbook for my birthday!

Went to Baked back in June when UrbanPosture went out to Brooklyn for Renegade Craft Fair... I had to try a Brookie made from their kitchen versus mine. If you didn't see that blog here it is.

That's right! (friend Ezra took this picture for me, I think it was even outside Baked.)

I'm even enjoying a real Brookie with a glass of cold whole milk as I sit here thanks to some good friends who mailed them to me. mmmmmmm!

Birthday Wishlist

2010-09-27T09:57:00.000-05:00

It's a countdown to my birthday and it feels like it's only a few days away but really I have a week and half till the day. I was told that I needed to create my birthday wishlist blog once again so here I am curating the items I've had my eye on.

Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Enamel Cast Iron Fry Pan

Everyday Foods Magazine Subscription

Bon Appetit Magazine Subscription

Ready Made Magazine Subscription

Vinyl

and other great new music I don't have yet. :)

Cookbooks as always!

Kitchen Scale

Pastry Brush

Animation via the iPad

2010-09-21T08:14:00.003-05:00

I never imagined a stop motion film made this way! HOLY COW... my mind is blown! I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Making Future Magic: iPad light painting from Dentsu London on Vimeo.

Where has September gone?

2010-09-16T23:01:00.000-05:00

I just can't seem to get enough time in my day to get all the things done on my list. Came home from Chicago on Monday night after a great weekend selling all our wears for UrbanPosture at Renegade Craft Fair, dumped all our merchandise in the studio and piled my food on the counter in the kitchen. I haven't had hardly any time to clean up after myself since then, yet alone share my weekend with you.

On our way back from Chicago, Erin and I decided to make the trip just a little bit more fun and stop at some small town thrift shops to see what treasures we could find. Here are a few of the interesting things I just couldn't pass up sharing with you.

We could hardly hold onto our socks imaging what treasures we would find in this adorable St. Vincent De Paul! To our dismay, the once shop is now just the society and no treasures were found.

Here is what I did find at the next thrift shop... nothing purchased though, but I did get a kick out of them.

Indian wall hanging

Lobster Fondue Pot

And the best thing of all... a Swedish Spritz cookie maker! The packaging alone would have sold me if I had the room for one more kitchen utensil. I told Erin this weekend that she needed to rub some of her practicality off on me and by restraining from purchasing any of these items I could possibly say she did. :)

A stop motion Save the Date

2010-08-30T08:57:00.000-05:00

Wow, this is just amazing and adorable!

Save the date! 31 july 2010 from Kishi-Grover on Vimeo.

I hope you have a wonderful Monday!

Weekend Plans

2010-08-26T09:38:00.001-05:00

I'm headed to Omaha once again, I think this will be my 4th trip I've made there this summer. I must have some fascination over the place but I really think it's just a mini retreat for me. I don't ever want to move there but I can't complain about there being an Anthropology, Whole Foods, and Dick Blick. This time I am headed to see She and Him with my friend Erin. So excited to be able to see Zooey Deschenal up close and personal!

She & Him - Thieves from Merge Records on Vimeo.

Fall Food

2010-08-24T22:36:00.001-05:00

I hate to think about the fact that summer is coming to an end but I really start getting excited for cool breezes that come with fall. I enjoy baking once again, no more miserable hot days to keep me from running the oven for hours. Oh gosh my mouth is watering for warm apple pie with some cinnamon ice cream melting over top!

{Apple Pie from Smitten Kitchen}

{Butterscotch Ice Cream}

I also recommend this really yummy cinnamon ice cream recipe my friend Tiffany introduced me too.

I've also been craving something ooey gooey and chocolaty... these Brookies from Baked in Brooklyn would be wonderful to have right now too.

Yesterday, I pulled out Jim Lahey's My Bread cookbook I borrowed from my friend Dan and gave the basic bread recipe a try. Baked up like a charm, but I didn't expect anything less. It's just been to darn hot to even think about turning the oven on.

D tour

2010-08-22T23:07:00.000-05:00

Watched the documentary this evening about Pat Spurgeon the drum player from Rogue Wave who needed a kidney transplant. I definitely recommend you see it, it moved me to tears.

and now a music video from Rogue Wave's newest album.

Short

2010-08-19T22:26:00.000-05:00

Do you collect pictures of hair styles you aspire to have? Here is a collection of short hair styles I've collected.

There have been times that I tried growing it out but it ends up that I've always liked my hair short.

That summer skirt

2010-08-19T08:48:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah, I forgot this was something that was on my to do list and now that it's nearly September I think I better get sewing.

A super easy pattern for sewing your very own skirt via Etsy How-Tuesday.

Let me know how it goes for you.

Super 8

2010-08-18T00:00:00.003-05:00

I like to call it "research" for wedding and cake ideas for work but really I just love looking at all the wonderful pictures and crafting ideas. And then... I came along several great Super 8 films of weddings and just fell in love.

Max, Margaux, & The Marvelows from Shark Pig on Vimeo.

Keira & Dan's Hello Guest Book from Hello Super 8 on Vimeo.

Max & Margaux from Shark Pig on Vimeo.

We can even have a wedding filmed in Super 8 here in Des Moines by The Wedding Format!

Cupcake Wars

2010-08-04T10:13:00.002-05:00

Not only did I go to the lake for the weekend but I also helped with the planning of an audition video. We like to call it at work our own "48 Hour Film Project".

Friday, we received a phone call from Cupcake Wars asking us to put together an audition video for the show for them to have on Monday. Holy SMOKES! Lucky for us I have a WONDERFUL brother who is in the business and he agreed to help us out.

Being his sister I might be partial to how amazing I think it is but really I think he is the greatest. I also want to make sure to say thanks to Seth who also helped him do this all.

Weekend at the Lake

2010-08-03T23:08:00.000-05:00

How about a mini weekend away at the lake house? Two days sure wasn't long enough.

Sunday the weather was perfect... went jet-skiing, swimming and floated on a single person raft with my little sister as well as got a little bit of sunburn. This would be the second time this summer that I've been swimming.

Took a little bit of time to catch up on my magazine reading.

Played with my most adorable nieces.

Even got to see tight rope walkers at the amusement park. It was a classic summer weekend.

Reupholstry

2010-07-29T08:36:00.001-05:00

There was once a time that I thought I could really get into reupholstering furniture. I've did one chair many many years ago when working for a drapery sewing room. It was such please to see how much the chair changed from once I started to how it was when finished.
Spruce Home has been a favorite of mine on Etsy for quite a long time. I'm so amazed and how gorgeous each and every furniture piece ends up. Wouldn't it be fantastic to own one of their furniture pieces!?

Don't miss me

2010-07-28T00:29:00.000-05:00

... I'm blogging in more then one place! You can also catch little tidbits I write on UrbanPosture's blog where Sarah and I keep busy most of the time screen printing it up and finding new ways to use wood.

Mad Men Time

2010-07-26T23:16:00.000-05:00

Once again I have a weekly TV show that requires me to devote an hour to doing nothing but watching... this is not something I normally can do. I just can't sit and watch TV without working on a project or surfing the net. Anyone else have this problem?

So I am very excited for Mad Men season 4 and it giving me at least an hour of vegetation a week! Oh the wonderful sets... I LOVE them! Spotted one non-original piece of furniture this evening though. ;) Wanting to know some of the behind the scenes details? I enjoy reading Mad Men Unbuttoned after watching each week.

In my own love for Mad Men and Mid-Century Modern furniture, I wanted to share this awesome way to make your computer tower a little less Twenty-first Century and a little bit more Mid Century.

{instructions via apartment therapy}

Will someone PLEASE make this for me?!

Road Trip

2010-07-19T23:33:00.001-05:00

Had a fabulous weekend traveling to Omaha with my siblings and friends to go see one of my all time favorite bands Rogue Wave play at the Waiting Room Lounge. We made an overnight trip out of it so we could enjoy the city and get some great eating and thrifting in as well. Coming home this evening I am pooped, but it was well worth it!

Stopped in Adair for some ice cream and Abe showed off for the locals with his sweat yo-yoing skills.

The lady watching asked what kind of yo-yo it was, she was only familiar with Duncan.

Mckenzie and Jeremy

Rogue Wave, they were so great as always! Played some of their new songs from the album Permalight and many of their old songs that are so dear to my heart. Abe even got a shout out from Zach, the lead singer for wearing his geeky Star Trek t-shirt.

Again another chance to yo-yo... after the show.

We asked some guys at Whole foods where they would suggest having breakfast at... out of the three places they told us Lisa's Radial was where we ended up at and it was delicious. I was full practically the rest of the day.

David found another great eatery via Urbanspoon, Amsterdam Falafel and Kabob where we had Falafel, Gyros, and Curry Fries for lunch. I regret to inform you that I think this might be the first time I have had falafel and it was GOOD. I even loved the curry fries and I'm not a huge curry fan! I loved the way that Amsterdam had decorated their little restaurant, they have Eames Chairs for everyone to sit in as well as coat hook, great light fixtures, wallpaper, and even wall art!

the envied coat hook is here behind Abe. While we are at it, don't you just love his mustache?!

I hope you all had a good weekend as well!

Designer Cupcakes

2010-07-17T17:24:00.000-05:00

Why have simple pastel colored cupcake liners when you can have these!?

All can be found along with much, much, more at Bake It Pretty, I could easily spend so much time and money at this website.

...the deer are so adorable they remind me of Baked's cupcakes!

{here}

For your home

2010-07-16T08:55:00.001-05:00

{Ranunculus Poster}

I've been thinking of doing some redecorating lately and this poster would be a fantastic addition to my house. Ranunculus are my favorite flower and I love how BIG this poster is... even better it's not from your local craft store. It is so fantastic to be able to decorate with original items without spending a fortune!

{Deer Print (Human Nature)}

Had to include the deer as well because they are just so darn cute!

Night Stand Reading

2010-07-15T09:35:00.001-05:00

I'm changing the blog name up due to it being so easy to miss read... this week's "On the Night Stand" is My Life in France by Julia Child. A fantastic book that I found for only $.75 at the thrift store! After growing up watching Julia every Saturday morning on PBS while I was folding the clothes... apart of my Saturday morning chores, I've enjoyed learning new tidbits about her that I never knew. Thanks Julia for changing the way us American's cook!

Paris je t'aime!

2010-07-14T23:17:00.000-05:00

Before the day is over I thought I would share a few pictures of when I went to Paris in the summer of 2005. I find it so much fun to go through all my old pictures and bring up all the memories of my trip. I hope you had a great Bastille day and enjoyed a little something French.

xoxo!

Leslie

I heart Paris

2010-07-14T09:23:00.001-05:00

Happy Bastille Day!

{via papercutworks}

{via Labokoff}

{Downtown Farmers Market Crepe Stand}

A new way to Wrap

2010-07-14T09:04:00.001-05:00

Here is just another fantastic way to use paper!
What a nifty way to personalize your gift as well as create a unique ribbon for any package.

Find the directions on how to make your own at Martha Stewart's Craft Department

What if...

2010-07-13T08:30:00.001-05:00

What if Jello is the next big thing... like cupcakes? Pretty amazed by all the creations from GSS Jell-O Competition!

Great Combo

2010-07-12T20:48:00.000-05:00

of my favorite things... cake and wallpaper. Ferm Living has such wonderful wallpaper and always keeps its fans up to date on wallpaper spotting's... this one is the most recent. You can shop their store here for your very own goodies.

this picture comes from Design Addiction Mom

I don't know if it was the wallpaper or the cake that caught my eye first but I can't help but LOVE both!

Veggies

2010-06-29T22:42:00.000-05:00

with the warm weather comes sunny days and with that comes fresh produce! I've always enjoyed shopping the farmers market for all my summer meal makings but this year I thought I would try something new and joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). I've been receiving all sorts of new veggies in my weekly box and trying to make new dishes has been a fun challenge... this week, stove top gratin made with turnips, carrots and onions. Pretty darn good!

I'm thinking that I am going to need to get some reusable produce bags like these, made by Wonderthunder

On the Night Stand

2010-06-24T23:34:00.000-05:00

My new Everyday Foods arrived about 2 weeks ago and it's taken me some time to actually read through it. I was intrigued by the drink recipes... and Erin and I decided to have Summer Breeze as our drink of choice for the Craft Party last week. A light orange colored drink with a refreshing citrus flavor, delicious!!

Etsy... another year older

2010-06-21T12:25:00.003-05:00

another year better! We were so happy to help celebrate this milestone and hope to have many more to come.

With this we had a crafting theme cake decorate with fondant buttons and glue gun, made by Jennifer from Carefree Patisserie (my wonderful employer!).

What the progress we've seen throughout the years of Etsy's growth, I've been apart of the selling scene there for 2 1/2 years now and have seen it grow so much! A thank you again to Etsy, Happy Birthday!

Also thank you to my brother Dave for taking pictures, Carefree Patisserie for making the cake and Erin for letting us invade her apartment, and all the gals that came and helped up make the party a great evening!

Let's get crafting

2010-06-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

In honor of Etsy's birthday we're celebrating worldwide by having a CRAFT PARTY! It will be a night of crafting mayhem, burnt fingers from hot glue guns, paper-cuts, pin pricks, X-Acto knife gouges... all injuries we will be nursing the day after. OH WHAT FUN IT WILL BE THOUGH!

So we hope that many of you will join us with your CRAFT PARTY and celebrate too...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ETSY!!!!!

Thank you for being the wonderful website we can create and sell our handmade's... without you so many of our dreams would not be made possible.

On the Night Stand

2010-06-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Eco-Chic Home

Author Emily Anderson, designer, writer and creative consultant... just wrote this fantastic new book I picked up while at Brooklyn Renegade. I had a great time chatting with Emily and getting to meet her. She is a lady after my own heart... using what you have and making it fabulous! I can't wait to try out some of her projects!

A take away show

2010-06-16T08:00:00.005-05:00

I've been enjoying these Take Away Shows today and wanted to share my favorites with you. Doesn't it make you want to go the Paris?

ENJOY!!

National Bike Week

2010-06-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Without even knowing it... I start thinking about bikes just a week behind National Bike week. I guess I'm a week behind an need to catch up here. Maybe I've been walking and need to get the bike out to get moving faster?

wouldn't you love to ride this sunshine yellow bicycle by Ola Kiley around town?

and always loving the vintage Schwinn bike... how about in a t-shirt?

this t-shirt by Vital has always been one of my faves on Etsy.

Where on earth have I been?

2010-06-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

Brooklyn, NY!!!

Last weekend I, along with Sarah and Tiffany took UrbanPosture to Brooklyn for Renegade Craft Fair. What fun we had! This was my first trip to Brooklyn and with that I was able to check off one of my many bakeries I want to visit off my list.

BAKED!

Love the way the bakery is decorated... woodland theme, with dashes of elegance.. i.e. the crystal chandelier, and their logo is deer antlers to make it even better!

Then the 2nd to best part of going to baked was being able to taste THE BROOKIE! I've been baking these at home and was excited to compare mine to the real thing. I give them a thumbs up!

The Bike Mower

2010-06-13T22:56:00.004-05:00

This might look familiar to you... I blogged about the Bike Mower about 3 years ago. The topic just came up with a friend of mine today and then I go looking at a new website this evening and there it is again. Coincidence or no?

I still think it would be cool to have one of these. It's possible that it could change my whole outlook on mowing the lawn, I hate the way the exhaust makes me smell as well as the tingle in my hands after pushing the mower around my yard. Well... if anyone feels inclined to make one let me know how it turns out, I might just have you make one for me.

Made it!

2010-05-17T09:52:00.009-05:00

What a weekend... cupcakes, out of town friends, weddings, birthday party, UrbanPosture business... so glad I have today to catch up on all the household work!

Practically my brother... Grant (whom I've been a family friends with for 22 years) and Allison got married! Their wedding was wonderful and guess who was able to do their wedding cake/cupcakes... the Patisserie I work at! So I was able to be apart of making their day special.

Here I am at the reception with Tiffany (Grant's sister), Mary (one of my second mothers), and Julie (also apart of the adopted family).

Then to make me weekend even MORE special... Angie came to visit from Chicago!!! It's been far to long since I've had Angie visit! With the busy weekend we were able to eat many meals together. I was able to take her to some of my favorite dining places in Des Moines, and even make her favorite breakfast... our tradition from college days... waffles!

With the top down in the Audi... Angie, Jimmy, and I ran to Domestica before they headed back to the windy city.

And last of all... my little brother turns 22 this week! We had family birthday party to celebrate.

I think there might have been an emotional moment or two, this weekend.

Haylie, my niece who is 2 said her cake tasted like Elmo... too cute!

Coming from a shoe lover...

2010-05-16T21:31:00.003-05:00

I've been wearing my TWO new pairs of TOMS and am sooo happy to have them! I can't even imagine what it would be like to be one of these kids who get a pair... and it's their first pair of shoes!

New Favorite Pastime

2010-05-09T21:10:00.003-05:00

Thank you, to my friend June Craft for tweeting this video for us all to see!

Love it, love it, love it!

It's a BIG day!

2010-05-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

It's the middle of the week and you may have noticed if you are a Etsy frequenter, today my business partner Sarah and I are the featured sellers on the front page! This is such an honor for us, never in our lives would we have thought UrbanPosture would have been chosen to be apart of this! Thank you everyone who has been so good at supporting us in our start up year!

...another great part of my day is.... I'm also a guest blogger for my friend Stacey on Island Canary!

please check them out!

xoxo

Leslie

Oh Sweet Cupcakes

2010-05-04T23:13:00.000-05:00

That the sweet buds which with a modest pride

2010-04-21T22:56:00.003-05:00


I STOOD tip-toe upon a little hill,
The air was cooling, and so very still...

John Keats

I've got you and you've got me.

2010-03-29T14:39:00.003-06:00

found this via friend Matt. THANKS! :)

New She and Him!

2010-03-15T09:53:00.001-06:00

I just wish the sun was shining today.

Grow yourself a garden today

2010-03-07T22:52:00.003-06:00

After having a little bit of a teaser last week by going to L.A. to visit my good friends Raechel and John, I am so ready for spring and am anxious to have fresh produce once again! For now you can have your very own little garden that will grow indoors by going here.

New Albums

2010-02-15T00:33:00.006-06:00

This IS a year for great new music! Ihad a discussion last night with a friend saying he had already decided that this year is much better in the way of music than last and I have to agree.

Just discovered my two ALL time faves have a new album out or have one coming soon.

THE ALBUM LEAF, A Chorus of Story Tellers was out on February 2nd,

Mixing in Iceland from TheAlbumLeaf on Vimeo.

and Rogue Wave will have Permalight out on March 2nd.

WOOHOOO!

cupcake land

2010-02-12T23:41:00.003-06:00

Hope you are having a great time getting ready for Valentine's day! I've been working hard behind the cupcake counter helping everyone celebrate their day with delicious cupcakes. Sorry for my absence this is a BUSY week for the cupcake girls... will be back soon.

Leslie

Be Mine

2010-02-08T20:03:00.002-06:00

For Valentines I joined in on a swap through my friend Raechel's blog and am sending off a great little package of cheer.

wood you be mine? veneer wood post card

Gourmet Vanilla Marshmallows rolled in cocoa

Faux bois tshirt

All packaged up and ready to mail off if this snow would stop and I feel brave enough to leave the house.

2 books

2010-02-08T10:19:00.006-06:00

In my opinion one needs these books and shouldn't go without. My Bread, Jim Lahey and Rose's Heavenly Cakes, Rose Levy Beranbaum. I don't have either yet because I just discovered them last night while I was at my friends for a Super Bowl party. But they are going immediately on my wish list on Amazon and I hope I don't have to go to long without them.

I first knew about the My Bread several months ago via Martha Stewart but hadn't actually held the book in my hands until last night. I thumbed through every delightful page... beautiful pictures and really easy directions to fallow.

Jim Lahey

Rose's Heavenly Cakes was remarkable with every type of cake you could imagine. I also loved how the ingredients were laid out in a simple table just like how My Bread was done. Why is this not done in EVERY cookbook?

Rose Levy Beranbaum

Today I am baking a Rustic Italian bread from my America's Test Kitchen baking book. I am waiting for the sponge to finish falling so I can proceed onto the next step.

wish me luck!

A Hand Written Note

2010-02-01T11:45:00.006-06:00

I am not ashamed to say it... I watched Bright Star 3 times this weekend and after reading Poppytalk this morning I had to pass on this beautiful article and handwritten Valentines by Hello Handmade. I think this would be a wonderful way to express you admiration for someone.

source

Last Year's Valentine

2010-01-31T18:08:00.004-06:00

Mom had my valentine out that I made her last year so I though I would share it with you for a little bit of inspiration. I am currently working in the studio on new ones that I am not going to show you. For some of you it's a surprise so you will have to wait.

This is not mine.

2010-01-25T23:03:00.006-06:00

But don't you think it could have been?!

I think I drank to much tea this afternoon and my brain is going a million miles a minute. I am reading several blogs, knitting a neckwarmer and watching Julie and Julia all at once!

In my blog reading I happen onto this... Brooklyn Brid e. Even though I am not the bride or wedding type I decide it's a great way for me to educate myself on what's in so I can be better at my job. I can tell you what's in in the world of interiors but when it comes to weddings and cakes I am not so familiar. The two things do go hand in hand... the world of fashion influences interiors as well as weddings. (Good thing I went to school for fashion design back in the day.) It all RELATES!

Ok anyway... back to the flowers made out of paper. I think I am going to have to give these a try because they are so darn CUTE! Plus they say "Leslie" all over them. They are apart of a wedding shoot from the new blog I am looking through that is definitely going to go on my google reader.

I did make this though. I was working on so new paper wreaths for Ephemera today. There will be a few Valentine ones as well as Spring themed. These guys are so beautiful it's hard to not have one for every season and holiday.

you've been asking...

2010-01-25T11:17:00.006-06:00

so I've decided that I am going to show you how!

Create your very own brooch out of recycled magazine pages, fold and role your way into a creative fashion accessory. This project uses paper from magazines, rolled and glued into your very own color, shape and size brooch.

Thursday February 4th from 7-9pm at Ephemera, class is $20 and includes all the supplies. Sign up through Ephemera's website before the class is full!

Hope to see you there!

Paper Textiles

2010-01-21T23:12:00.004-06:00

Reading through Design Sponge tonight and like always it had many great inspirations for me... but I just had to share this one post with you. Here is another great idea of something to make for Valentines day! Or if you don't want to give it your hand and trying to make these lovely delicate flowers you can order them from Ermersonmade.

p.s. I will be teaching another paper class at Ephemera in February! We will be making brooches out of magazine papers. Another great opportunity for you to create something for a special someone. I hope you will come join us!

save the toilet paper tubes!

2010-01-17T19:47:00.003-06:00

what a great idea! I've been saving my toilet paper roles for months now thinking I would make something adorable out of them and this evening came upon this fantastic idea via Craftzine.

Toilet Tube Still Life: by Anastassia Elias

Adorable!

a few ideas...

2010-01-17T19:17:00.006-06:00

I haven't got to crafting my Valentines yet but have found several great ideas from my old pal Martha. Here are some for you that are the baking type.

Conversation Heart Cookies

I think I love the packaging the most.

more packaging ideas Heart Covered Cookie Wrappin g

Now don't think you can't do this because it's not even February yet, get it done now while you have time. Do your baking and store it in the freezer (or as I do... in the garage) so you can pull it out and package it up just in time for the day.

I heart it!

2010-01-16T20:45:00.005-06:00

what is it with people who don't like Valentines day? I know, I know... it's not the best of holidays if you supposedly don't have a special someone to share it with... but seriously it can be a day that you show all those wonderful people in your life that you care about them. So those of you who are rolling your eyes at me... get in the mood, get out the pink and red, hearts and flowers, chocolates and candies, we are going to make this valentines day one you are going to LOVE!

I've got some fun ideas up my sleeves and am hoping that I have plenty of time to get crafty and show you some fun ideas that you can make too.

take some time today.

2010-01-11T14:49:00.003-06:00

Take some time today to sit back and relax and enjoy a steaming hot cup of cocoa and homemade marshmallows. That's what I am doing. Well I am doing that as well as working up some new items for UrbanPosture.

year of the bread

2010-01-10T22:55:00.005-06:00

(Brioche Bread I made last week, the first bread of the year)

This evening I had a revelation come to me... this year is the year of the bread. Last year was all about cake. Now don't take this the wrong way, I am not dissing the cake in any way. You know how much I LOVE CAKE!

Last year was trying out all sorts of new cake recipes and trying new techniques, pans, ingredients, you name it. I even started attending an evening dedicated to CAKE once a week.

Well, this evening at my so called "Cake Night" we got off onto the topic of bread. To find out... I am not the only one that has taken on this sudden interest, there are others in my clan that are thinking the same thoughts as I! We want to make our very own bread... we want to experience the sense of achievement... of learning something new! We are ready to try something a little more complicated. (that's my feelings towards bread, scared sick of it... or maybe just impatient with it and discourage when it doesn't rise.)

We've determined that we are going to take on the challenge of bread and see if we can make a year of trying new recipes, techniques, you name it!

So wish me and many of my other friends luck! We are going to try something new this year... BREAD!

Crochet Headband

2010-01-04T18:43:00.005-06:00

Don't let your fashion suffer during these cold days of winter, make a lovely headband instead to keep your ears warm!

I've been knitting mine but this is another great way to make one as well.

While we are at it check out this amazing little video. The wool she uses is AMAZING! Makes me want to have sheep and learn to spin once again.

that's right.

2010-01-04T15:49:00.002-06:00

(saved this poster pic on my computer and have no idea who made it... that was stupid.)

Share my feelings with me today and go get some stuff done on this beautiful sunny day!

20 more.

2010-01-01T22:25:00.006-06:00

3 years it's been since I started this blog... amazing how time flies! every year I get a little farther and write just a few more blogs. I am hopping that this coming year I make it at least 20 more than last.

(My new Stendig Calendar)

debating on what goals I should set for myself this coming year.

... would like to teach a few more classes this coming year on some of my favorite hobbies. (working on scheduling a screen printing class and will let you know details when it happens.)

... work on personal finances.

... continue to be creative on a daily basis.

... learn Adobe Illustrator

... purchase a new computer

... get rid of more stuff I don't need

... cook new meals and learn to use different ingredients

... travel to a new destinations

... take UrbanPosture to shows outside of the Midwest.

So with the a full year ahead of me I am excited to get started on accomplishing my list of to do and see what God has in store for me.

Wish me luck!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Snow Day

2009-12-09T23:19:00.006-06:00

When was the last time we got a snow day... REALLY? So it was exciting to have one today even though we had a little bit of trouble in the beginning.

Woke up with my bedroom feeling very very cold... the heat had gone out. This has a tendency of happening when it snows so much and it drifts up the side of my house blocking the exhaust causing the pilot light to go out. Dad was able to come save the day and put on some extensions.

There were deer in the front yard when we arrive to my parents house to do some Christmas baking.

We mixed up 3 types of cookies... Snickerdoodles, Sugar Cookies, and Chocolate Crinkles and chilled the dough outside because there was no room in the fridge.

Decided to use the snowflake cookie cutters on the sugar cookies. They turned out so pretty.

Many, many more things should have been accomplished today on my day off. But that will have to happen another day. Still have several Christmas gifts to get made.

UrbanPosture on Appartment Therapy Holiday Giveaway

2009-11-30T11:20:00.002-06:00

It’s time to really get into the Holiday Season and what better way than with this year’s Apartment Therapy’s Holiday Giveaway! We don’t want you to miss out on this great opportunity to win some of our loot.

And the loot is…

a Gray Cuckoo Clock

2 sets of Coasters and

a collection of all our Tea Towels.

Better hurry – you only have 2 days to sign up and win! Go here!

Charity: Water

2009-11-30T10:33:00.002-06:00

Shutterstock / charity: water project from charity: water on Vimeo.

This year I think that I might have it hard but truly am blessed because I have clean water. It is way more important than any silly Christmas present I might be asking for this year.

Paper Wreath Class

2009-11-16T19:42:00.011-06:00

It might have been an evening of many hot glue gun burns but it was also a great evening of creating. It was great fun showing all the ladies that joined us for an evening of using things you have already and making something lovely out of them. I will post pictures that I took of the class on my flickr.

I have found this is quite a popular holiday decor this year in many places such as Etsy, even Apartment Therapy had a little article on the D.I.Y decor!

Here are some of the wreaths on Etsy that have inspired me.

Delightful Stop Motion

2009-11-10T22:22:00.003-06:00

Annie Little, Fly Me Away (you can download for free from Amazon)

Mars D.I.Y. Night

2009-11-04T22:15:00.007-06:00

Mark your calenders, Tuesday November 24th, 7-9pm will be the next gathering of Do It Yourselfer's at Mars Cafe.

To start the chilly season off this year we will be making creative neckwear out of repurposed t-shirts.

Supplies Needed:
1. T-shirt you are willing to cut up, one or more needed. Chose one in the color you want your neckwear to be and has as little of design as you can find. (You can't use any of the t-shirt area that has image on it for this project.)
2. Scissors that cut fabric well
3. Ruler
To bring if you have on hand
4. Cutting Mat
5. Rotatory cutting blade
6. Chalk for marking fabric

Here's a little video to get your juices flowing with another type of necklace.

Hope to See you There!

Paper Wreaths

2009-11-02T20:03:00.005-06:00

Come join us in Ephemera's new location to get the holiday's started by doing some making, creating, and getting all inspired. I will be teaching a class on making wreaths out of found paper, Thursday November 12th, from 7-9pm. For more information go here or to sign up for the class stop in Ephemera's new location 333 e. grand ave. #102 .

Hope to see you there!

Fall Produce

2009-10-19T11:50:00.008-05:00

There was such an array of lovely colors that took my breath away along with the crisp fall air at Farmers Market on Saturday morning.

Sarah and I thought we would brave the cool air and step out to take our last chance we had to enjoy fresh local food from the downtown farmers market. I couldn't help but take lots of pictures it was so amazing!

Purchased some of these lovely carrots to take home to make chicken noodle soup.

Pardon my finger, it got into this shot... but have you ever seen purple Bell Peppers? They were so rich and delicious looking, we had to give them a try as well.

Look at all these different kinds of gourds and pumpkins?!

Sarah and I purchased Pie Pumpkins so we could try our hand at baking with fresh pumpkin instead of from the can.

I LOVE PUMPKINS!

Man Shops Globe

2009-10-18T23:51:00.005-05:00

This show looks amazing! Premiered on the Sundance Channel October 7th and now I am kicking myself wishing I had Sundance so I could be jealous of this amazing job Keith Johnson has. I've always wondered what the buyers of Anthropologie had to do to find all their "found objects" that are absolutely amazing, and now I know. You may watch more webisodes if you haven't gotten enough from this little tidbit I left you here.