27 March 2007
I know this is a familiar shot, but I had to capture this new bouquet before Booty gets to it. How could I expect a cat to resist those grassy fronds?

I bought that at the brand new Trader Joe's that's just opened in Maple Grove. I'd never been to one before, and while the food all looked great, I was underwhelmed by the selection. They didn't have what I'd specifically gone to look for, and I don't think I'd ever go there for general shopping. Given the hype around the chain, I suspect other branches must be more impressive, but I'll stick to the Wedge for my organic, hippy goodness.

I got this new-to-me table from somebody on craigslist this weekend. I really liked the old school teacher's desk I had in the office, but there wasn't enough room for my legs; I think it will be my sewing desk from now on. This table matches the other furniture in the office, and being able to see the floor underneath makes the room seem less crowded. Huzzah!

Booty, dreaming about the neighbourhood. Minnie and I, being the ones who actually go out in the neighbourhood, have been enjoying the warm weather lately. Rather, I've been enjoying the warm weather, and Minnie's been a bit of a baby. We go for our usual walk, and then she spends the rest of the day flat on her side on the wood floors. I laugh at her, because she has no idea how much warmer it's going to get.
I forgot to mention this!

The Crafter's Companion is in the latest issue of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine! I love this mag anyway -- it's one I always make sure to buy -- so it's extra exciting to see the book included. Crafter's will be available in US bookshops starting 1 April, which is good news indeed. Do you realize I still haven't seen it on a bookshop self?
I have never heard of the Wedge before! Around my parts, all we have is Trader Joe's and a teeny tiny selection at a health food store (which is mainly supplements, the food covers a whopping half shelf). There is a Whole Foods about 30 mins away, but they are pricey and it's a drive. Lucky you to have a nice selection!
posted by Taryn Domingos at March 27, 2007 10:04 AM
I've been eyeing that "Keep Calm" poster for a while, but didn't want to foot the bill for custom framing. Is it close enough to standard size that it would fit in a standard frame?
posted by Leslie at March 27, 2007 01:54 PM
We went to the Trader Joe's in St. Louis Park for the first time a few weeks ago and had the same response. It's nice to live in a place where there are options for organic, hippy goodness. :)
posted by Dana at March 27, 2007 02:32 PM
I thought the TJ's in St. Louis Park had a decent selection. It's not a place where I do my general shopping but definitely a place I go to once or twice a month for various things. Oh and btw, the St. Louis Park TJ's sells Brazil nuts in big bags.
posted by Sara at March 27, 2007 02:39 PM
Leslie -- I've just stuck it in an ill-fitting frame for the moment. I don't think it's quite standard (though it might be A3; I haven't checked), but a cheaper option would be to get a frame from Ikea (or similar) and just get a mat cut.
Taryn -- The Wedge is a local co-op in Minneapolis. One of the only places I've ever seen selling vegan marshmallows!
posted by Anna at March 27, 2007 02:41 PM
Lovley flowers. I very much like your wall color. Looks peaceful.
I am so happy the book will be available! I have kicked myself (HARD) for not preordering when I could have. I have been ogaling it on others sites since then. :)
posted by CrystalT at March 27, 2007 02:46 PM
i love that desk, good job craigslisting!
posted by connie at March 27, 2007 04:53 PM
I find Trader Joe's best when you don't want anything in particular or when you want a specifically Trader Joe's brand thing. The selection can be a little random, so it can be hard to do general shopping there. You should know, though, that the chocolate is delicious.
I have my copy of the Crafter's Companion on pre-order - can't wait for it to arrive!
posted by rfg at March 27, 2007 04:58 PM
I love the poster and the magazine holders. Are they the IKEA wood ones covered with fabric or paper?
The desk is great. What a lovely place to work.
posted by anne at March 27, 2007 08:52 PM
Anne -- Yep, Ikea magazine files covered with Paper Source paper!
posted by Anna at March 28, 2007 12:03 AM
I saw the crafters companion in that mag too, and it mentioned Etsy as a good place online to shop as well, which is cool. I bought the mag as an import, here in the UK. We have your book in all the big bookshops on the shelves locally, I should go take a pic for you! I bought mine from Waterstones in Cardiff, Wales.
posted by hannah at March 29, 2007 09:27 PM
oh cool!
yay for the CC book!
and you site layout just looks more and more pretty.
posted by tania at March 29, 2007 09:49 PM
I love the Keep Calm poster -- and your office in general!
posted by Abbey at March 31, 2007 11:51 PM
I've been reading on and off for a while but had to post a comment when I saw you have the poster. I too have it in an ill fitting frame, but it seems to suit it somehow. It makes me laugh a lot, because it says so much about my country that in the middle of a six year war this is the advice they printed out for everyone to follow.
posted by Jo at April 2, 2007 11:16 PM
Cute picture of booty!! He looks as if he wants to go right through the window!
posted by Tamer at April 4, 2007 05:06 PM





