This weekend I am back in New York and very happily so.

I spent a few hours at work yesterday, but mostly dreamt about being outside. The office was so stuffy and unbearably warm, and the air outside smelled like spring. I felt almost like an indoor cat who had caught the alluring scent of a bunch of flowers inside the house and was crazed to get a closer whiff of them.

I managed to get outside and walk around the green market in Union Square. I cannot seem to help myself from shopping at each stall in a market where there's such an abundance of fresh produce on offer. Artisanal honey lures me in and a rustic-looking loaf of bread completely overwhelms me until I have it in tow. This time I ended up with a bunch of snap dragons, fresh kimchi, loose spinach leaves, and a few gala apples.



Today went equally well. I made a trip to GRDN in Boerum Hill--one of my favorite garden shops--with the notion to repot the herbs from the farmer's market that I had picked up about a month ago that were still sitting snugly in their plastic pots and becoming root bound. I ended up picking out two identical pots by Ben Wolff with little copper plates underneath for drainage. They look really gorgeous on the window sill and I cannot wait to see them in their full glory when the herbs fill in.

PS: Check out the father and son potters, Ben and Guy Wolff on MS here.

This weekend came and I finally have a breath of fresh air. I opened all of the windows in the house because spring is outside my window waiting. A few new things in the apartment, a rubber plant from Dad's house, new herbs in the kitchen, linens from South Africa, and a new book. Oh and A is home.

We're off to D.C. in 2 weeks and then to Providence, RI to visit my sister and her fiancé.

[1-2. c. lynn]

Virginia Johnson

A clothing/textile designer by trade, Toronto-based Virginia Johnson produces the most fantastic patterns using organic shapes. In addition, Ms. Johnson has also illustrated several Kate Spade books including Manners, Occasions, and Style. Her clothing line is available at her online boutique.

a shoe-in

What shoe will I be coveting most this summer? 

3.1 Phillip Lim's new collaboration with Tatami of Birkenstock has produced this season's must-have sandals. They have an overall great design with fun materials and deliver notable comfort. I especially like the pony hair cheetah print option above.

I cannot wait to slip them on and conquer my very own urban jungle.