New Collaborative Blog: 17 Apart

I'm excited to share the beginnings of a collaborative project I've been working on with Tim: 17 Apart. On this new blog, we hope to share the things we're passionate about, give a peek into our own version of what sustainable living means to us, and offer up a few surprises from time to time. Learn even more of what we have up our sleeves over on the About page.

While we're getting things going, we hope you'll take a moment to keep in touch and add our new blog to your reader to stay in the loop.

See you over at 17 Apart, xoxo

Hills & Heights Interview

I'm thrilled to be featured in the Ask a Hills & Heighter interview series on our neighborhood news blog, Hills & Heights, this week. Read the interview to find out a little more about my southern roots and why I love the neighborhood where I currently live.

Kelly Cutrone's Book

Ever since I heard Kelly Cutrone came out with her own book, I had to have it: If You Have to Cry, Go Outside - and other things your mother never told you.

One of my best guilty pleasures was watching her on reality shows like The City, and Kell on Earth. Yes I just admitted to watching those shows (religiously). For those of you unfamiliar with Kelly Cutrone, she's sort of notoriously known as a no-nonsense outspoken woman of power in the PR fashion industry - specifically New York.

While her antics are fun to watch on TV, it was fun to learn more from Kelly's softer side, or "mama wolf" as she describes herself. If you're looking for an entertaining read with bits and pieces that might resonate with you - Kelly's book is a good one to take for a spin.

Her frame of mind on NYC being one of the best teachers she's ever had, not feeling compelled to live out the destiny we (as women) are programmed to believe in, and her thoughts on work ethic were probably what most resonated with me.

"The only dream I ever had was the dream of New York itself, and for me, from the minute I touched down in this city, that was enough. It became the best teacher I ever had." - Kelly Cutrone

Mary Andrews Interview For Wolf Magazine

I'm thrilled to have been included in the first issue of UK based Wolf Magazine. Currently in sample form online only, this issue is set to print and launch this summer; it will be available in physical format across London. I'll be snagging an issue I hope to share more in depth when in final print. If you can't wait until then for a full preview, the online version is complete and available for an affordable £2 (roughly $3) via Wolf Magazine's online shop.

Expand the images above to read the full interview and find answers to questions like the motivation behind starting my jewelry shop, how and where I source materials, why having a shop contributes to my work for Etsy the company, and my one piece of advice for those considering starting their own design business.

Wishing You a Happy Valentine's

As cheesy as it may sound, a bouquet of flowers always makes me feel special. Waking up to these couldn't have been a better surprise - not to mention the made from scratch lobster risotto on the Valentine's menu chez Tim this weekend.

Kisses to you and yours tomorrow.

Vegan Diet Final Update

Tim and I completed our new year's 12 day vegan diet challenge this past Wednesday and I think while we were both extremely proud for going the full distance, the end was a bit of a relief. I'll admit that while it was easy to get into the routine of eating vegan - it wasn't always fun. Not that eating should always be fun, but all sorts of foods definitely play a key role in both of our lives.

Moving forward, I have found some amazing new food options to incorporate/substitute into my more regular food diet which I will gladly say at this point will still include some dairy, eggs, and meat. As more ethical and local options for these types of foods are gaining popularity, I'm feeling better and better about the decisions we make each week at the market and grocery store.

Lessons I learned while eating the vegan diet:

• The majority of processed foods contain some sort of animal product - it was almost funny how many things we thought might work out that in the end contained some sort of animal something. Definitely an eye opener about how the larger food system works. Whole foods are our best friends.
  
  
• Chips & salsa, peanut butter on fruit or rice cakes, and pita with hummus have become my best snacking go to's. I will definitely be incorporating these healthy snacks into my regular diet moving forward.
  
  
• As hoped, I tried foods that I'll now use as substitutes in my regular diet over some of the dairy I eat including soy milk and firm tofu. Both products I hadn't ventured into that seriously before but I was pleasantly surprised at how seamlessly they fit into my tastes.
  
  
• I'm definitely up for the idea on some variation of "Meatless Mondays." While not completely ready to give up all meats, I'm looking forward to lessening the amount over time and continuing to eat thoughtfully from ethical sources when possible.
  

• Friends and experts have great recommendations. When taking on a new venture like changing your diet, looking to those who have been there and done that is a huge help. We learned about so many different types of food options and great recipes from friends and recipe book recommendations.
  
  
• Creativity is key. I remember a couple nights starting off with a basic pasta or grain base and surprising myself with how many different ingredients I could incorporate that still fit within the vegan guidelines.
  
  
• While cooking and planning was fun for a while, it got tiring and stressful having to think so much about food at all times. This is where vegan prepared food, some processed options, and vegan specialty restaurants literally saved the day at key points. Shout outs to Ellwood Thompson's hot bar and Fresca on Addison for some amazing vegan pizzas.
  
  

All in all I'm so glad we took on this test. I have a new appreciation for those leading a strict vegetarian or vegan lifestyle more so now then ever before. This wasn't easy and taking on veganism as a true lifestyle change takes a strong person. We both struggled at times and felt over the moon at times. Most importantly, I learned so much over the 12 days and pushed myself to do something challenging through to the end. Thanks all for following during the journey and sharing your tips, advice, and knowledge. Find Tim's final thoughts here.

2011 Resolution: Food Evolution and Making Time

Had this post ready to go last night and the doorbell rang just as I was checking over for final edits. Was a great night; find the post in original form below:

-----------------------------
Once again on New Year's Eve I find myself sitting here with Tim enjoying the start to a low key evening. We have invited over some of my very best friends for a mighty feast, all ethically sound - local organic beef, local shrimp, organic potatoes, and organic greens.

Upon reflection of my past 3 food related resolutions, I'm proud to look back at where I began and how each of the small steps I've taken over these years has helped me evolve to the mindset I live each day with.

In keeping with the idea of food evolution, I've decided to join in on a challenge Tim has set: eating a solely vegan diet for the first 12 days of the new year. This means no animal byproduct whatsoever including meat, dairy, or eggs.

While neither of us plan to become vegans for the long term, we are both really interested in the challenges, hurdles, and hopefully advantages of adapting a vegan diet over the next several days. Personally, giving up meat will not be as challenging for me as giving up eggs and specifically dairy will. I know Tim's biggest challenge will be the meat.

Throughout my personal journey during this challenge, I'm hoping to find a few new alternatives for the dairy products I can't get enough of in my daily routine that might just stick with me after the 12 days are over. Tending to have higher cholesterol, transitioning into whole grains, healthy fats (oils), and antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables has been a breeze over the past few years and has even been rewarded with little weight losses here and there. Then there's dairy...a complete weakness in every way.

Wish me luck on the challenge! I'll be documenting any mood, energy, and weight changes in a follow up post once it's all over. Take a peek at the mega vegan shopping trip we made at Ellwood Thompson's earlier today over on Tim's blog - be sure to keep up over there for documented updates and recipes we'll be trying.

+++++

In addition to the vegan challenge, this year I'm finding it more important than ever to make time for my family and friends. This time last year, I made the transition from living in Brooklyn, New York back down to my home town of Richmond, Virginia. It's been an incredible journey getting to know my roots again in a new way while working remotely for the company of my dreams.

One thing I am not as proud of is while my life continues to be amazingly busy, I've sometimes let this become an excuse for not making time to spend with those most important to me. I joke that since I've made the move back to Virginia, I haven't really seen my family and close friends any more than I did while living in New York. Long story short, time to turn that into a joke of the past.

I hope each of you are keeping safe over this New Year's Eve and are looking forward to the possibilities the new year has in store just as much as I am. Would love to get any of your tips, pointers, favorite recipes, and words of advice on the vegan diet.

Photo Recap of the Long Weekend

Some of my favorite preserved memories and found relics from the long holiday weekend at Beechwood:

The time away was indulging, grounding, and gave me that sense of renewal in order to gear back up for the busy holiday season both on and off Etsy - what an exciting time of year.

Basil: An Herb of a Different Breed

Meet Basil, the newest addition to our family. He's a 14 week old weimaraner full of personality. We've known we wanted a weimaraner for a quite some time but had just been waiting for the right one to come along.

After researching the breed fairly extensively to make sure we'd make a good fit for this type of dog, we finally took the plunge and are so looking forward to the adventures ahead of us. That being said, this is the first time I've really owned a dog and I'd love to get any words of wisdom from those of you with experience.

My Prized White Pumpkin

Well it took me two years instead of just the one I had originally hoped to procure that white pumpkin, but oh - how it was worth the wait.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of spending the day with my sister along with my adorable niece & nephew at the Farm to Family fall market festival where I just knew I couldn't go wrong scoring these locally grown white, orange, and gray pumpkin varieties.

In keeping with tradition, we set out to carve these beauties earlier this morning. I'll have to admit the white and gray pumpkins were a much more difficult undertaking than I imagined. They both carried thick stubborn walls and my grand plans for master carving had to be tweaked into the polka dot designs pictured.

After painstakingly puncturing each hole manually and testing with the candles, Tim came to the rescue with a power drill and larger than life drill bit. I cannot tell you how quickly he fleshed out the original holes in the pumpkins and while I wished I had thought to do it in the first place, I was more thrilled at the end result for it to matter at all.

Note to self: consult Tim with pumpkin designs before starting next year.

Here's wishing you a Happy Halloween to you and yours!

Tattoo Files: Script

Here's the thing, I don't have any tattoos, nor am I planning to get one anytime soon if ever. While I consider myself a loyal person in many senses of the word, I go through phases of adoration/intolerance more regularly than I'd like to admit.

In any case, I'm in continual admiration of those who I feel for one reason or another have essentially gotten it right. Meaning, if I were them, I'd think that tattoo could keep me happy for a lifetime. I have a great deal of respect for these people who got it right and maybe even a little envy of their fearlessness.

The script tattoos listed above are swoon-worthy in my book. Click each image for their original origin and stay tuned for future tattoo files from this here un-inked little lady.

* See More Tattoo Files Posts *

Meet Baby Benjamin, My New Nephew

This past weekend we welcomed a new family addition into the world. Meet my new nephew, Benjamin, about three hours old. The following day my niece, Virginia, met her baby brother for the first time.

It seems so long ago now when I met little Virginia for the first time even though it hasn't even been 2 years. Here's to lots of spoiling from Aunt Mary and little bundles of joy enriching all of our lives.

Homebody Weekends

Was a busy weekend spent in the studio making custom jewelry, packaging orders, listening to music, and savoring a couple glasses of red wine with Tim. These are the types of weekends I cherish. I can only hope it was as charming for you and yours.

Mary Andrews Aprizi Interview

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Giff Constable, the CEO behind the new start-up Aprizi. If you haven't heard of Aprizi yet, you should know about it. It's a site set up like a personal shopping engine updating itself based on your likes and dislikes in order to learn your unique taste - then return curated suggestions based on your activity with the site. There are already heaps of Etsy items integrated and I've been having fun taking the suggestions for a spin on my own while the site continues to be fleshed out.

Learn more about Aprizi and see my full interview with Giff covering all things Etsy, tastemaking, my own creative journey, and some tips I've got for indie businesses over on the Aprizi blog.

Richmond's Belle Magazine Feature

Richmond's Belle Magazine published a nice feature in their June 2010 issue covering the move back down to my southern roots, working remotely for Etsy, and my love of jewelry making.

It was a treat working with the Belle writers and photographers on the feature, just click the images above to expand and read.

Announced: Guest Blogging for Kaboodle

This week it was announced I'll be guest blogging from the Etsy perspective for Kaboodle. Find the Q&A intro to the new series here and stay tuned for Etsy exclusives, insider tips, and trendspotting from yours truly over on the Kaboodle buzz blog each Thursday.

Find the first installment of the series on Kaboodle's buzz blog leaking where to find the Etsy jewelry highlighted in this season's The Bachelorette. I'm so looking forward to spreading the Etsy love with Kaboodle and hope to see you over that way!

Simple Hungarian Cherry Soup Recipe

Cherry Soup...what?

Yes, this is reaction I first had years ago when Tim told me he was going to make me a classic Hungarian soup. We share Hungarian roots and enjoy exploring the culinary heritage in our daily lives when possible. The tastes may sound unappealing when thinking of a traditional soup, but I hope you'll take me at my word when I say this is a recipe you'll be happy you took a chance on.

Cherry and other fruit soups are found on nearly every menu in Hungarian eateries and can be served hot or cold as an appetizer or main dish depending on your likes. Personally, I like to eat a serving hot when fresh from the pot, then try a colder version the next day at lunch when the soup has thickened.

So from one family to another, here's our recipe for cherry soup:

Ingredients:

• 3 24oz jars sour cherry compote, juice reserved to make 1 quart. If juice does not fill 1 quart, add cold water to make the quart.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 egg yolks, beaten lightly
• 1 cup dairy sour cream
  

Process:

• Bring quart of reserved juice to a boil.
• In a separate bowl, mix flour and cold water, mixture should be smooth.
• Once juice boils add cherries, salt, and sugar. Cook 1-2 minutes.
• While stirring, add flour mixture to soup. Bring to a boil and cook 2 minutes.
• Add 1/3 cup of soup liquid to bowl with beaten egg yolks. Add slowly and stir vigorously as not to cook the eggs. You want a smooth blended mixture.
• Pour blended egg mixture back into main soup pot slowly and stirring as you pour.
• Cook over low heat 3-5 minutes stirring constantly.
• Remove soup from heat.
• Again add 1/3 cup of soup liquid to bowl of sour cream to create a smooth blended mixture.
• Pour blended cream mixture back into main soup pot.
• Once combined, soup is ready to be served.

Tips: Pitted sour cherry compote can be difficult to find, but it's important to use these variety of cherries. I've had luck finding them at Fairway in Brooklyn and Wholefoods in other locations. If you want go super traditional, you can order the jars directly from Bende, a Hungarian imports website (we've done this and ordering works great). Also important to keep in mind: learn from my mistakes and wear an apron while making this soup from the time you open the jar lids through the finish unless you fancy the idea of red stained clothing!

Simple Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

Maybe it's my southern roots combined with an affection for creamy frosting, but a red velvet anything has the ability to make me weak in the knees. This past weekend I whipped up a batch for a full house* and got to use the KitchenAid stand mixer I've been lusting over the past few years for the first time. This recipe is super simple and a quick way to bring a little Valentine's Day treat to the table.

*I only allow myself to make a full batch when other people are around to save myself from the horror of being alone in a house with multiple cupcakes. This is not a joke, I'm sure many of you share my fear.

For these cupcakes, I tweaked a version of an older recipe I had on hand, used wheat flour, and all organic ingredients where possible. If trying this recipe, you can swap out ingredients as you like.

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup organic Amish rolled butter, room temperature
• 2 organic eggs, room temperature
• 2 1/3 cups wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons 100% cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup organic buttermilk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
  
• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup organic Amish rolled butter, room temperature
• 8 oz organic Philly cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Making the Cakes:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is fully incorporated.
  
• In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl whisk together buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring.
• Add a portion of the dry ingredients and mix, then a portion of the wet. Continue alternating until combined fully.
  
• Grease cupcake papers and scoop in batter 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Place cupcakes on a cooling rack, makes about 2 dozen.
  

Making the Frosting:

• Cream the butter and cream cheese together until fully combined.
  
• Add vanilla and mix.
• Add powdered sugar gradually until reaching desired sweetness/taste.
  
• Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

Polyface Farms featured on Oprah

Just caught wind of Polyface Farms and Michael Pollan to be featured on Oprah today (1/27/10) in a show centered around learning more about what's in the food offered at the grocery store, where it comes from, and making your own decisions based on that knowledge.

Polyface Farms was featured in the movie Food Inc, one of the films I've recently viewed which helped me come to my New Year's resolution of thoughtful consumption. After some further research, I learned Polyface Farms is located in Staunton, Virginia not far from Richmond. Tim and I are toying with the idea of making a trip this spring to take one of the farm tours. Interestingly, I also learned one of the PR employees of the farm, Wendy, lives in Richmond and makes/sells T-shirts for the business through Etsy (the shirts seem to be temporarily sold out, but am sure they will return)!

In any event, check your local listings for the Oprah show today if you are interested, I'll be taping it for sure.

2010 Resolution: Thoughtful Consumption

Over the past 2 years I've resolved to learn how to cook while branching out into new recipe territories. I'm happy to say these resolutions have led me into a more thoughtful way of thinking about and preparing the foods I eat on a regular basis.

Through learning and loving the process of assembling a recipe from start to finish with basic raw ingredients, I now look at food in a completely new way. To expand on the resolutions that have helped me acquire a new skill, this year I resolve to take it a step further by continuing to learn more about where these ingredients come from and what they contain. I'd like to place an even greater emphasis on supporting local farms and markets, eating organic, and avoiding foods which contain high fructose corn syrup when possible. Definitely not saying this will be an all or nothing change, but I want to take baby steps over time...starting today.

Sound interesting or just what am I talking about, you say? I'd recommend a couple films I've watched recently that led me to this year's resolution:

• Food Inc.
• King Corn
• The Future of Food

If you've got recommendations for my resolution, tips, or even more films, books, or other media that may help in my personal food education, would love to read them in the comments. Happy New Year to each of you; you all contribute so much to my life. Here's wishing you much success and happiness in 2010!