friday favorites

some of my favorites from lately-- going clockwise:

>> custom family portraits from yellow heart art. Even if I wasn't friends with Leonora, I would still be over the moon about her custom family prints. No joke, I've ordered three. One for me, and two as gifts. They're adorable and I can't wait to hang mine. 

>> patterns from Sew Caroline. I love when I get to see a small biz lady do really incredible work. Caroline does amazing work and it's been so wonderful to see her grow her pattern making business! I just bought the Out and About dress and I cannot wait to sew it up and rock it all summer long. 

>> Indie Gift Box. There are a lot of subscription boxes out there, but I have a special place in my heart for those that support handmade businesses. Indie Gift Box sends out a box of adorable, handmade goodies each month. I got the box from the month of May and got adorable cards, a cute little Spring print, necklace, ring and decorative candy. All gorgeous and beautifully packaged. And they're generously offering a discount to you guys-- use rougeandwhimsy15 for 15 percent off your first purchase of Indie Gift Box!

>> asparagus salads. I know, this doesn't fit with the small business feed, but did you know you can eat asparagus raw? I got a ton of it in my CSA box and after searching the internet, found some awesome salad recipes -- like this one -- that uses diced asparagus. Highly recommend.

This week has been a rough one-- I got hit with a nasty summer cold but I finally feel like I'm on the mend. What is it about summer colds that are way worse than getting sick in the winter? It's June! I shouldn't be allowed to get sick when it's sunny.

Happy weekend!

xo, erika

friday favorites

The husband and I are headed to New Orleans next week and although I've been to Atlanta (for like a day), this is my first time to the South. We're excited to explore and to eat-- and I need your suggestions! Where should we go? What can we not miss? We'll be gone for five days.

Some of my favorite stuff from the internet from this week:

>> jonesin' for likes-- an incredible post about creating boundaries about the web.

>> I have a ridiculously huge rhubarb plant and rhubarb-lemon bundt cake and rhubarb pie sound like perfect uses of it.

>> have you guys heard of Alt? I have been taking their free classes and I highly recommend. (It's on my bucket list to go to their full conference.)

>> I confess, I love me some NPR and I remember first hearing about the girls getting kidnapped in Nigeria but then the Nigerian government said they were returned... which somehow was a lie and they really are not home. So join me for praying for their return. I love this post about that.

>> I love to read. You know that. So although this book list is for moms, I think a lot of these would work for any book worm.

>> such a beautiful post about endings leading to new beginnings

Also, if you are local, the Moorea Seal store is opening in Belltown! I am so over-the-moon thrilled for her and her team! The launch party is from 6 to 9 p.m. and the first attendees get a little gift. :)

happy weekend friends!

xo, erika

bits of my week

from left to right...
>> moved where I sit at the day job and I no longer have a water view. Skyscrapers are cool, but my heart belongs to the sea.
>> been running more & had a pretty great one during my lunch break along the pier
>> kale calzone explosion! delish.
>> pike place market + sunshine.
>> pretty earrings from hannah's etsy shop happy days. (I'm wearing these.)
>> the husband sharing chocolate cake with his grandma while we celebrated her 94th birthday.


also... the husband and I booked a hotel in London. It's really expensive and it's really happening!

 internet life:
>> thoughts on your social media presence
>> discovering the "coast to coast challenge," which I think could be a great way to get more creative with my closet. (you know how I love that.)
>> it is like the season for sales. anthropologie has a ton on sale, ann taylor loft a huge sale right now, and so does jigsaw london. (use BlogLove0506 for 20% off their sale section until next wednesday).

this weekend I may catch up on laundry, I want to sew a few DIYs and I should sleep in a little bit. What are your plans?

xo, erika