In the last year I've become more conscientious (obsessed) with buying local and unprocessed foods. I may have broken down and bought a frozen dinner one day last week (maybe) but in general I have been making more and more at home. I make hummus on a weekly basis. I still haven't perfected bread making, but I'm working on it. Luckily, I don't eat that much bread. I still buy my yogurt and pasta and oatmeal at the grocery store, but about 90% of my produce comes from my farmers' market near work (in Brooklyn Heights).

The decision to eat/shop this way is multi-faceted. It has to do with my health and the health of our nation and our planet. I do what I can, within reason. I am not perfect and I don't go overboard. I haven't bought a bottle of water in 3 months. I haven't bought chicken stock in about 6 months. But I did buy some Pepperidge Farm's Puff Pastry Dough on Sunday. But in general, the less that goes into bringing me the food I eat, the better.

Shopping at the Farmers' Market is the biggest change I've made. And I am trying to use every bit of everything I buy. I never ate radish or beet greens until last month and you know what? They're pretty good! I wish my market sold more so that I could buy more when I'm there. Maybe they will soon, because I think this way of living is catching on. Until they do, I'm going to keep doing what I do.

And every week, I'd like to share it with you as a way of spreading the word. Enjoy!

Happy 4th Everyone!!!!!!!!

Two things that caught my fancy as I was surfing the web at work.
(Shhhh. Don't tell my boss!)
Sophie Blackall's Missed Connections illustrations. They're so charming! I always imagined that someone would write one about me. Alas, I am not the girl who was afraid of birds in Williamsburg.

Built By Wendy is having a sale. I am on a strict, strict budget and so please buy something and tell me about it so I can live vicariously through you. OK?

*sigh*
Well, those of you who live in the NYC area know what that sigh is for. This ridiculous rainy weather we've been having. Just ridiculous. Though my tomato plant sure in enjoying it.

As it usually happens when the weather turns warm, I start knitting less and sewing more. I still have a knitting project on my needles. It's sitting in the little basket next to the couch and it comes out when "So You Think You Can Dance" comes on. Which is only once (well, twice) a week, so you can guess what Kind of progress is going on there.

I have been doing quite a bit of sewing, however. I finished this skirt, from a pattern I got a few years back. It seems I make one new wrap skirt every summer, which is just about the right number to make.

I also completed several new items for my shop, but the dang rain simply does NOT allow for me to take a decent picture of anything. Even this last skirt pic is all blurry and creepy because I used my super bright hallway bulb as a light source. Anyway......

I hear the sun may come out this weekend. On Sunday I plan on being at the LIC Water Taxi Beach to try and catch it. If you're in the 'hood, stop by and say ,"hello".

A little FYI for all your knitters: My two most popular designs (according to Ravelry favorites) are now available for download on Ravelry!

The Last Hurrah scarf is a free download that was previously on The Point's blog. Now that The Point is (sadly) no more, I've moved it over to Ravelry.

The Fiona Wrap Jacket is for sale for $5.00 - the same price The Point was selling it for, which seemed fair to me.

My Ravelry and Etsy shop are now pretty much complete with all of my patterns. It's kind of amazing for me to look at them all in one place like that. It made me realize what a productive knitter I was when I was working at the yarn shop. Hopefully I will continue to be inspired and add to my shop.

Thank you to all of you who put a little heart next to one of my designs!!! It makes me incredible happy!!! Thank you so much!

I went to the Renegade Craft Fair on Sunday with Jess/LittleBunny and Ana. I had a great time. I made a few purchases. I did not, however, take any pictures.

My favorite purchase (aside from a huge slice of organic watermelon!) was this tote from Survive Design. They have a wonderful message and their motto is"Style is Natural"! Hello!

I've been using the tote non-stop and the bright colors have livened up this dreary, rain-filled week. Turquoise is my new obsession for summer. It's a welcome break after Spring's navy blue bonanza. (I was just a tad obsessed)

I've also been visiting the Green Market at Cadmen Plaza every Tuesday on my lunch hour. Last week I saw the first strawberries of the season and nearly lost it. I was waiting and waiting to see some berry action! Now I can't get enough. I actually bought two pints this week. Shocking, I know.

The peas I lovingly shelled and put into a dinner of pasta with arugula pesto and fingerling potatoes. The pods are being saved for this. Can't wait!!!!

About a week ago, it looked like Spring was in full swing in NYC. The good weather was infectious and I responded by planting a little window garden. I have oregano, rosemary, thyme and basil. All seem to be doing very well, thank you. I hope that they'll continue to thrive all year long, seeing as they're inside and all.

And outside! Outside is glorious! Every single front yard on my block has an enormous rose bush in bloom. Simply walking down the street is a heady experience. Our rosebush, for which I've been waiting patiently to bloom since October, has finally let forth with an amazing number of blooms. More than enough for me to snip three or four a week and keep my dining room table looking cute.

On this dreary day it's nice to have a little reminder of the sunshine!