Hi, my name is Christine. Thanks for stopping by.I write about my efforts to create meaningful traditions and experiences, whether through homecooked meals, DIY projects, handcrafted goods or community engagement. I update regularly with carefully chosen photos and words in hopes of conveying my sense of gratitude, excitement and curiosity about the world. My husband Chris and I live in a brownstone apartment in downtown Albany, New York. If I had to narrowly and stereotypically list some of the small things that make me happy, these would be at the top: freshly baked bread, bicycles, fresh fruits and vegetables, autumn morning runs, microbrews, tea luncheons, gardens, mountains, lakes, ice cream, books, 1970s kitchenware, dinner parties & good music.
A bit of personal background...
I work in the world of affordable housing and community development and absolutely love it. I also serve on several community boards and advisory committees. I am passionate about the need to build and revitalize strong, vibrant communities. Communities with a variety of safe, decent and affordable housing options. Communities with access to quality education, health care, transportation, supportive services, jobs, healthy food, open space and the arts. Communities with engaged, healthy and happy residents who form meaningful and helpful relationships with each other. Diverse communities in which people of all incomes, ages, gender, races, religions, ethnicity, sexual orientation and abilities feel safe and protected and free.
This space offers me a potential platform to strengthen connections between my personal and professional interests, and to create a link between the revival of the handmade, homegrown movement and my commitment to progressive social justice. As my own life and journey has evolved, so will this space! What started as a place to show off my newest sewing projects morphed into a place to share recipes and kitchen experiments along with the other happenings. I'd love to talk about the big and the little things here-- to share inspiration, yes, but to start discussing some of the serious issues too. Let's see where it takes us!
From Scratch Club...
I am a managing editor for From Scratch Club, a community blog by "a small group of women who are passionately connected to the food they and their families consume". FSC hosts food swaps, skill-sharing parties, classes and other food events around the Capital Region. I'm the host of the From Scratch Club podcast, which you can subscribe to on iTunes, and moderator of the FSC Book Club. I'm thrilled to be a part of such a great local food movement and to have this incredible source of inspiration and support.
Media & other affiliations...
In January 2012, I was featured in the Wall Street Journal as part of a story on DIY home cheesemaking. In July 2011, I was featured in The Kitchn's Small Cool Kitchens 2011 contest. I was a featured blogger for WholeLiving.com during the 28-Day Challenge Action Plan in January 2011 and was highlighted in the March 2011 issue of Whole Living magazine by Martha Stewart Publications. I am a regular contributor for ShopRite's Potluck blog panel, where I share recipes and menus that help link people of all incomes and backgrounds to healthier food choices.
In July 2012, I became a Vitamix affiliate because I am obsessed with my Vitamix 5200 Blender. As an affiliate, I can offer you free shipping on your Vitamix purchase :) I also answered a bunch of Vitamix questions in this post.
Unspeakable Visions, the design studio...
Looking for information about my (former) small-scale, home-based studio? Read the latest here.
