Weekly Love Letter for July 18th, 2014

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“California, here I come!  I’m so excited to head back to the Bay Area for a week of Carla, BlogHer and new clothes.  Then it’s off to Ohio for a few weeks with the family, Mexican food and craft store shopping sprees.  While I’m not looking forward to the long flights, I really can’t wait to escape the crazy heat here in Tokyo.  See you all Stateside!”  

*This cooler makeover is so brilliant.  Although it seems like it would be much easier if you just used a white cooler to begin with.”

*Oh my goodness.  I love gourgeres, and these BLT Gourgeres just take them to a whole new level. 

*Want this sign to hang above this bar cart. And while we’re wishing for things, I’ll take a little extra space in our apartment to put these things.

 

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 “So, you may have noticed that some of the CARLA has been M.I.A. here at Alyssa and Carla recently.  I’m getting used to my new office, my new job and my new coworkers- and somewhere along the way I have NOT gotten used to what will need to be my new writing schedule.  What better way to work out the kinks by getting to spend A WHOLE WEEK with Alyssa, heading to BlogHer and making lists!  Where should I take her first guys- the craft store or the farmer’s market? 

P.S. Aren’t these custom order spatulas from our shop the cutest?  They’re headed to a FL school district (and don’t worry, they’re not using them to serve food)!”

* I LOVE letterpress, but even though I took a great class at the Oh Happy Day studios it’s not awfully accessible for those of use without a usable machine nearby.  That’s why I’m delighted about this post which gives directions for making faux letterpress with embossing folders!

*I’m one of those people who always WANTS to find a great thing to use paint swatches for but can’t.  This paint swatch art idea is simple, but pretty.

* I’m obessessed with this crochet sleeve swing dress from Asos.  In cream or black, do you think?

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One year ago: Cinnamon Horchata Milkshake.  Yes, please.

     

Carla went to Blog Party in SF this week and met some amazing bloggers, won a beautiful bag and ate lots of salsa!  Here’s a great recap with lots of photos from Nancy at spiffykerms.

Pretty in Pistachio included our DIY Cocktail Umbrellas in her Crafts for Entertaining post.  

Our Grilled Chicken, Almond, Feta and Blueberry Salad with Nutty Citrus Vinaigrette made it into Bright Settings’ 10 Summer Salad Recipes.

Love This Pic thought our Sequin Swizzle Sticks make great DIY party crafts.  There are some other fantastic DIYs in the roundup, so definitely check it out! 

Le Blog Friendstitch included our embroidered watercolor polka dot napkins in their weekly link love.