This year I’ve been trying to be selective about what I buy – and choosing whenever possible to support artists and makers of handmade things on Etsy. So every few weeks, there’s been some small something that I’ve found, purchased, and been delighted by from the world of Etsy shops…

+ This creamy soft hearts tunic tee, handprinted on super soft organic cotton by Linea Carta. I first found this Etsy shop via the haystack needle, and I love all the variations of the textiles and designs that they offer.

+ These silver hoop earrings by Aunali Metal. Totally simple, large hammered hoops, but I can imagine wearing this one pair of earrings every day!

+ This recycled leather card holder/wallet in yellow by Chic Modern. It’s a nice minimalist wallet that nicely limits that amount of cards and things that I can carry!

I’ve also bought little beeswax candles and vintage handkerchiefs and pretty earring fixings. I’m realizing that there’s an Etsy shop for any “thing” need that I have!

Any recent Etsy treasures that you’ve been delighted by lately? I’d love to hear what you’ve found!

If you haven’t joined a CSA* yet, spring is the season to join, friends! I’ve written bits about my experiences with CSAs before – both in San Francisco and in Los Angeles. I’ve been excited about the idea since my first box of vegetables + fruits – and I still get excited each Tuesday morning when our weekly box arrives from Farm Fresh to You.

This week’s box arrived yesterday, and the assortment of local+organic produce included a bunch of  asparagus, a bag of mixed baby lettuces, a box of trumpet mushrooms, and a few last-of-the-season kiwis. We usually supplement our weekly Valley Box with a trip to the farmer’s market and the local market – but the CSA box is the heart of our weekly cooking. It’s sometimes challenging to cook through everything, but always satisfying.

One thing that I love about Farm Fresh to You is that, although they’re really large compared to most CSAs, there’s some great personality in the business. Each week, the box includes a letter from the farm and a few new recipes to try. There’s a story behind the business that they’re doing, and it makes them worth sharing.

If you’re in the Bay Area, FFTY is an easy service to try out. If you’re elsewhere, visit LocalHarvest to find a CSA in your area. And let me know how it goes!

* CSA stands for Community Sustainted Agriculture. Learn more here!

Photographs by Farm Fresh to You

The smell of spring is in the air. Walking around our neighborhood this week, there are wildflowers popping up everywhere. The colors are pretty awesome – especially those orange California poppies. Wow!

I just found a website dedicated to tracking California’s wildflower season. Now I’m tempted to go on a colorful roadtrip.

What’s growing up in your neighborhood this month?

One of my resolutions for 2011 is to send more love – which, for me, translates to sending postcards. They’re simple and quick – and perfect to carry a little love over a long distance. This is a set of custom postcards that I just ordered through Moo.com. I was playing with favorite photos and a few words. They’re coming in the mail this week – excited to see how they turn out!

Are you a postcard sender? Or a letter writer?

The days have been flying by recently – without much daily writing or Friday founds to be had this week. But adventures are on for this weekend!

Today, we’re headed north by bicycle for a one-night bike camping trip by Bodega Bay. Mischa + I are in the midst of training for the AIDS Lifecycle in June  – from San Francisco to Los Angeles on a tandem bicycle. So this weekend will be two days of back-to-back rides and a night by the ocean and a morning with fresh camp coffee. Happy weekend!

photos from an evening training ride in china camp