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Orcas Alchemy

July 13, 2021 by Erika Jurney

OMG, raspberry sugar? I think that’s what sugar in heaven must be like.

And lime sugar? Not sure which of these would be more incredible on the rim of my cocktail glass, so I’d probably have to try it both ways. You know, just to be thorough.

I’m all about the research.

The things I do for you people.

Orcas Alchemy is a family-owned all natural and organic specialty food company, located in the beautiful San Juan islands of the Pacific Northwest.

Orcas Alchemy emerged from our own dinner parties, where we explored new flavor combinations with friends. Oftentimes, one special ingredient can elevate a dish or culinary experience. We seek to create conversational ingredients: flavors that are worthy of a conversation themselves, or will create conversation among you and your friends. Our mission is to encourage life’s most treasured moments spent with good friends and family by connecting you to food in a transformative way.

The Paper Addict

May 29, 2021 by Erika Jurney

The Paper Addict: I love a whole bunch of aristic mediums, so many that it’s hard for me to decide what exactly I want to do! I love oil paints, fabric, paper, and photography. I dabbled a couple times in making candles. I thought about making soap…. I have sanded down furniture, stained or painted. Pretty much anything I looked at and thought I could make I have tried it or wanted to try it!

The cold winter months can drag on when you’re stuck inside all day, but sometimes the best thing to do is get out and embrace the chilly weather. The ice rink in downtown Chicago has some of the best views of the city and I would try to go at least once a year to take it all in. It was always crowded and I was always wobbly, but, if nothing else, I would have a good laugh at myself and enjoyed some hot chocolate at the end of it all.

If you’re ever looking for an excuse to put on a twirly dress, ice skating is it. This knit dress by Jessica Rose Design features a full skirt that’s perfect for 360 spins or just trying to stay on your feet. The classic design, v-neck and full skirt are figure flattering for women of all shapes. And, since it’s cold outside, the knit fabric is perfect for layering with sweaters and scarves.

These amazing screen-printed leggings by Pretty Penny Designs are truly going to set you apart on the ice. Made of a cotton Lycra blend, you’ll be able to move around the ice with ease and stay warm as well. The blue and white fireworks pattern is a surprising accessory to your classic blue dress.

Of course, your legs are going to need a bit more warmth if you’re going to be out on the ice all day. These speckled blue leg warmers by Uniquely Chic for You are a great accessory, both on the ice and off. Made of wool and viscose yarn, these are sure to keep your legs warm and the relaxed fit ensure that they will fit right over your ice skates.

The cute and eco-friendly ice skates featured at the top of this post were created by Recycled Parts.

On Starting Small

April 13, 2021 by Diana Prichard

I am incredibly goal-oriented and deadline-driven. Give me a deadline and while I may be a procrastinator, I will also be wholly motivated to meet it — even if at the last minute. Give me a challenge that needs conquering and I will become obsessed with accomplishing it.

It’s probably these inward tendencies that make me particularly fond of the Eat Local Challenge, a movement that as of October 1st entered its fifth year.

[Read more…]

Kirschbits

March 18, 2021 by Erika Jurney

Look at these great bags by Kirschbits that I found in the Try Handmade Inbox! I love seeing products that are both beautiful and reasonably priced. (Please buy the hobo bag before I do…)

Kirschbits was born in Schleswig (a small historic -and viking related- town in the northern most region of Germany) through the skills and creativity developed through my curiosity and desires to make different things, try different materials, and above all, Hand-making everything I shape in my mind.

Kirschbits is me, Vanessa Kirsch (Graphic Designer, Artist) a Venezuelan living in Germany. I make different kinds of handmade stuff (handbags, jewelry, art, design and graphics, etc). I throw in a whole bunch of ideas, concepts and above all, love and professionalism in everything I do.