Uptown Avenue

Its been awhile....

2011-01-31T21:14:00.000-08:00

Has it really been since July that we've said 'hello'? So sorry!

Here's some pics from a fun photo shoot Alex and I did recently. No, she's not getting married - but we had some fun vintage hats to list in our vintage shop (www.uptownvintage.etsy.com). We spent the afternoon laughing while we played dress-up.
She edited them with a very cool vintage effect - what do you think?

Oregon Gardens

2010-07-28T02:36:00.001-07:00

Hello friends and followers! I wanted to share a few pictures from the gorgeous Oregon Gardens. One of our favorite types of photographs is flowers from underneath.

What are your favorite types of nature photos?

♥/Lex

Studio Macros

2010-07-22T23:33:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share a couple macros from my studio, totally digging this color combo lately:

and

♥/Lex

Summer Reading Digs

2010-07-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

I'm having fun catching up on some of my stacks of books I seem to habitually buy. Here's my shortlist of some good reads to delve your mind into:

'So Long Insecurity, you've been a bad friend to us' by Beth Moore - Entertaining, deep and honest. Beth openly shares her own insecurities and the path she took to healing and wholeness.
Excerpt: "We can get away with thinking we're secure people because, for a time, we have the important things just like we want them. But then change happens, and suddenly we are thrown for a severe emotion loop. We realize we weren't secure. We were spoiled."

and...

'Make A Scene, Crafting a Powerful Story Once Scene at a Time' by Jordan E. Rosenfeld - If you love to read then you've probably thought about writing a book or screenplay at least once or twice in your lifetime. For me, that's more often, such as every hour on the hour! I do love writing and I hate receiving those rejection slips from publishers. This book is amazing. I bought it when I wondered if there could be more to writing than just creativity, good punctuation and the ability to organize an intelligent thought into something worth reading. There is a SCIENCE to writing a book, novel or screenplay. These items designed for mass entertainment must contain elements that a publisher and producer are looking for. I love this book because it is easy to understand, inspiring and is a fun read! I have a full blown library of books on the craft of writing. Some other recommendations are: 'The First Five Pages' by Noah Lukeman (he also offers some free online downloads of writing helps - just google his name and see what you find), 'Write Better, Write Faster' by David A. Fryxell, and 'Writng For Children and Teenagers by Lee Wyndham.

I'll leave you with these two for now....I'm off to read a bit more before jumping into my day!
I've got a fun sewing ideas, art ideas and decorating ideas...I'll show you some pics when I finish something worth posting. :)

Let me know what you've been enjoying this summer!

TTFN (Tah, tah for now)
Theresa

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

My father always had a load of good things to say, but the most profound thing he told me was when I was in my twenties. I had said, "Wow, Dad, you've really changed since I've grown up." His response, "Theresa, I'm not the one who grew up." I had to think about that one a bit as it caught me off guard.

As we grow older, we hopefully grow wiser, less selfish, less demanding, more content, more forgiving.

The past is the past and the future is waiting for you to create it.

Today, share you love with the man who loves you as only a father can. Leave him
with a tidbit that makes him stop and think a bit. Tell him you love him, silently forgive him
for all his short comings and let your heart be light and trouble free. The past is the past, the present is a gift, and the future is an unfolding adventure!

Cheers!
Theresa

Can you help?

2010-05-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

Please read the incredible story of 14 month old Israel at http://www.thejourneyofisrael.blogspot.com/. This family is very near and dear to our hearts. Israel is such a special boy, amazingly sweet and very brave. He's had to endure multiple surgeries and hardship just to survive. As you read his mother's latest post, you'll read the heartwarming story of how Israel just took his first steps! Unfortunately, his therapy is only twice a month and an hour away. Can you please help this loving family purchase his special therapy walker to use at home? The cost is $2,000.00 - so if 200 people can contribute $10....or if 100 people can contribute $20, Israel is well on his way to learning to walk. Its going to take a lot of hard work on his part, and his family will be there day and night to help him, to encourage him and to cheer his every step. As for me, I am happy to give up my weekly coffee a couple of times, or pack a sack lunch for a week to pass on a blessing to Israel. Can you please help?

Thank you so much - have a blessed Memorial Day Weekend!
~Theresa :)

2010-05-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

One of my personal favorites....just one of many!

Mod Flower Power Reversible Cup Cozy

2010-05-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

Cotton Candy Reversible Coffee Cozy

New HOT seller!

2010-05-13T06:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Family Reversible Coffee Cozy

Did I mention that all of our cozies are reversible? That's a budget friendly 2 cozies for the price of 1.

New At Uptown Avenue.

2010-05-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

Visit us at www.uptownavenue.com

New in our handmades! Did I mention they are reversible? Great selections for gals and guys.

Dazzling Reversible Coffee Cozy

Is It Summer Yet???

2010-05-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

The count down is on!!

Many of you know that I homeschool my 2 boys. While it is a joyful task, I am really ready to get my sewing machine humming, my paints flowing and spread my craft supplies from one end of my studio to the other. Oh, and did I mention that I intend to finish at least one of the many books I've begun writing? I yearn for those free days when the kids are playing with friends and I'm happily creating without a care in the world.

This was also my plan last summer. I must admit that I did have creative days, but I mostly sabotaged myself. I looked out the window. From my window I can see the mountains, and I got the bug to go hiking. I saw the sunshine and got the bug to go swimming. I heard the kids laughing and got the bug to play at the park. I kept talking myself into enjoying the summer and to simply put aside my indoor stuff until Autumn and Winter when I am stuck inside without much to do. After all, it rains for months here in the Pacific Northwest.

That's what I eventually did. I gave into temptation, gave into outdoor fun instead of indoor flair. How do you think that worked for me - the whole procrastination thing? If you homeschool, you already know. School began again in September and my days were filled to the brim. When you homeschool there is always way more to do in one day than humanly possible. Teaching, cooking, cleaning, laundry, errand running, PE, field trips, parties, phone calls to and from all the sources of your homeschool connections (friends, groups, etc...). That's just the morning. Then comes the afternoon with grading, explaining, listening, researching and debating. Afterwards, evening. That's dinner, dishes, pajamas, bedtime stories, prayers and tucking in - all while I am completely tuckered out. The day is done, the kids are happily dreaming and do I go to sleep? No! I, like most of my fellow homeschool moms, stay up late emailing, facebooking, blogging, online shopping and surfing. Its how we unwind - and it can take hours!

I am completely ready for summer. I'm going to do it this year - stay dedicated to creating all my stored up ideas....that is.... just as soon as I finish watching all those breathtaking sunsets! :)
Cheers - Theresa

New Art Prints!

2010-03-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

My mom and business partner, Theresa, is selling art prints of her original paintings!
The prints are available in our Etsy shop - clicking your favorite prints below will take you right to the Etsy page where it's being sold. I loooove her art (the one on the very bottom is my personal favorite).

More details about them on Etsy.

♥ / Lex

Happy Spring!

2010-03-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

When the sun comes out and the temps get warmer, I cant' stay inside! As an artist, I love the colors in nature and Springtime in Oregon is eye-popping (guess all those long months of rain, rain and more rain really paid off). Blooms are everywhere - flowers, shrubs and trees - petals fall like snowflakes and cover the streets like intricate lace. The fresh air is fragrant and refreshing (let's not talk about hay fever here!). Anyway - the colors and textures inspire me so much I can hardly sleep at night - instead, I design in my mind (Can't exactly fire up the sewing machine or break out the paintbrushes when the sleepy members of my family are in dreamland). But in the morning when I wake up (guess I accidentally doze off sometime between midnight and sunrise) I begin to create! Look for new goodies popping up in our handmade shop.

What inspires you? What new blooms (ideas!) is Spring bringing your way? I'd love to hear!

Blessing,
Theresa

Psssst...

2010-03-07T12:15:00.001-08:00

Shhhhh, we have ONE set of the rainbow mustache mug sets available in our Etsy shop!

You can get it here!

Love those graphic tees

2010-03-02T17:50:00.001-08:00

Happy almost Spring, friends! Just wanted to show the new camera, which I loveloveLOVE.

I think I might sign up for another Photog class next month. I took one in high school but didn't learn anything that I didn't already know. Hopefully this one is different.

Took it out the other day when it was crazy gorgeous. This 60 degree weather is awesome! Today was rainy and chilly again, but the sunny warm days make me remember last summer. Days of smoothies, running, and new adventures. This summer will be much the same, but better. Because 2010 has been a-mazing so far.

I feel like it might be hard to stay away from my beloved graphic tees this summer though. Last fall I made a pact with myself that I would try to have a more grown up wardrobe, because I was stuck in a tee shirt/jeans/sneaker rut. I bought a bunch of cardigans, which I didn't think I would like so much but wound up adoring. And straight leg jeans with ankle boots. But after Allie blogged the CMYKRGB shirt from Threadless again {one that I'd been admiring because of my graphic design love}, I started searching out other super fun graphic tees. Thus making it harder yet to stay true to my promise to myself. I might just break, because they are so great!

Because I ♥ Portland {duh!}

Because foxes + bikes might just be the coolest combination all week.

To prove to myself that I should stay on track because this is just completely adorable.

{All items can be found on Etsy, click on the photo to go to the listing!}

What wardrobe resolutions have you made to yourself lately?

♥
Lex

Unexpected hiatus is officially over

2010-02-28T12:46:00.001-08:00

Hello again friends!
Sorry it's been a while. My handy-dandy, usually trusty laptop started having issues a little over a month ago. First, it would freeze in the middle of everything I was working on {usually graphics, it was a PAIN!}. Then, it started forcing me to shut down manually and would take an hour to load back up. Next, it started taking 14 hours {yes, HOURS!} to load. And then it refused to load completely.The hard drive went bad, apparently. So I had to take it back to Best Buy and they replaced the hard drive for me. So now I'm back in blogging business! It made me realize how dependent I am on a] my own computer with customized settings {I customize them like CRAZY! I hate the default programs and have to change almost everything. Plus all of my Firefox add ons, etc.}, b]the internet. I think I went slightly crazy without the internet there for me.

I've been playing with our new camera lately, and now that I have the computer back I can get around to editing and uploading the pics!
Here's a sneak peek from the Wedding Extravaganza we hosted at my day job a couple weekends ago:

There was so much cake and other scrumptious goodies. Yummmmm!!!

So much more soon, I promise! Just wanted to drop by and say hello and let you know that I'll be back in full swing VERY very soon!

xoxo ♥

Lex

Mustaches Galore!

2010-01-17T19:25:00.001-08:00

So in case you DIDN'T already know - we have mustache mugs back in stock! Right now we have them in white, a new style for 2010! I think they're super classy looking, great for a wedding or more formal look - but of course, still crazy with mustache graphics!

You can find them here!

Also, I watched Leigh-Ann's 2010 photobook project live today, that was so much fun!

She is totally adorable, most of the crafting session is viewable at UStream right here. I wish I had registered for a UStream account while I was watching, so I could join in on the chat - but is was fun watching and hearing her cute stories! I've loved Leigh-Ann's blog for quite a minute, going through one of my old blogs from YEARS ago I saw comments from her and it made me happy in my heart again. Isn't it funny how thrilled we get when someone we look up to takes time out to say hello to us?

xoxo
-Lex

So pretty

2010-01-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

I'm very inspired by turquoise again. Remember my dresser that I painted Tiffany Turquoise over the summer? Well, when I moved into my new bedroom I painted the walls gray, and I've been wrestling with myself over what accent colors I should put in. I have decided upon turquoise and red. I thought about going turquoise and royal purple, but royal purple is too much of a fad color for me. The nice thing about my neutral walls is that I can change out accent colors as often as I want!

Here are some of the most inspiring images I found on WeHeartIt when I searched for turquoise {you can see more of my faves in my stream}:

If you are on WeHeartIt and want to heart these images too, I've saved the web address in the Flickr description - just click on the photo to get to the link!

Also, I've added a shiny new blog button you can add to your blog if you love mine! Its in the left sidebar, check it out ♥
I'll be adding buttons to my favorite blogs here too.

Ok, it's late, which means it's project time!!
Goodnight♥

-Lex

New in the Shop

2010-01-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!
Small shop update, including Valentine's Day {or just "love"} cards, some new earrings, and original mustache paintings!

Mustache Original Paintings here.

Sweetheart Earrings here.

Love Cards here.

I'm working on lots of new projects, can't wait to show you!

xoxo

-Lex

PS: Are you keeping up with your resolutions? I think I need to start reviewing my resolutions book every morning when I wake up. I'm trying to keep up with taking more photos, but they've mostly been for the shop this last week. More personal pics are just around the corner!

A few resolutions

2010-01-08T23:55:00.001-08:00

Instead of having just ONE New Year's Resolution, I decided to make a scrapbook of sorts called "10 Things To Do in 2010". Not all of the pages are finished yet. Actually, most of them aren't! But I thought I'd share the majority of my list of resolutions with you. I'm hoping to accomplish every single to-do on this list before 2011!

Here goes:

*Take more pictures {see below for page!}
*Take a creative, just for me class {see below for page!}
*Volunteer more
*Go to Renegade!
*Make a kawaii quilt
*Send more packages to faraway loved ones

Well, it just happens that I signed up for Style School, so I get to cross this one off my list! It still counts, because even though I paid for it in 2009 it starts this year! Plus, it's the first fun, creative class I've taken since high school {intro to digital photography}.

And speaking of Style School - here are a couple pages I've done for my "homework".

The binder cover - used Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses - Woodland 12x12 for the woodgrain background, then drew one of my signature trees and colored it in using metallic gel pens. It took forever, but I was watching a movie the entire time so it was ok!

And one of my wardrobe inspiration pages:

These are actually the only two pages I have done for it, but I have a TON of ideas for future pages!

And, no page in either one of my new books is free from future altering. They never are :)

What are YOUR New Year's Resolutions?

xoxo
-Lex♥

Fort Love

2009-12-25T14:24:00.001-08:00

This is what I dreamt about last night:

Merry Christmas, Happy Whatever You Celebrate!!! ♥

xoxo
-Lex

Super Mario Christmas Eve

2009-12-23T23:34:00.001-08:00

I bought Super Mario Bros Wii for a Christmas preset this year, and I'm kind of excited for it to get opened so I can try it out as well! So far, my favorite Super Mario Bros game has to be 3, mainly because of Princess Peach. Anyway, this one should be fun, 4 player means *almost* everyone in the fam can play at the same time!

Of course, pretty pictures on topic riiiiiiight.... now :)

Oh look, all cakes and cupcakes. Guess you can tell another favorite thing of mine!
Some non foodstuff Mario pretties:

The last one is soooo cute. Amigurumi makes me want to learn to crochet.
By the way, I found out that you can buy Super Mario Bros amigurumi patterns {like the one pictured} right here on Etsy!

♥
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas Eve!! {It's still Christmas Eve Eve here on the Best Coast.... er, West Coast for another half hour!}

-Lex

It's starting to feel like Christmas!

2009-12-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh! The first Christmas with Uptown Avenue has been CRA-ZY! Lots of orders on both our Etsy sites and the main website, but it was awesome :)

I'm writing a super fun New Years Resolutions list that I will share with you soon!
But here are some super cute holiday photos that completely inspire me ♥

Cable Knit stockings! Eeeeee cute! And adorable pom pom garland. I feel a project coming on.

Um, yes. Adorbs. I've hated pink my entire life, I'm strangely feeling drawn to it more and more since my study in pink project {I purposely painted only in pinks to try to get more used to it}.

A white tree and the ornaments are in COLOR ORDER?! Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm slightly obsessed with color order! I totally want a fluffy white tree like this. I have a cute simple white tree right now that I still adore and will be setting up this weekend. And I've already wrapped some presents and put them under the family tree, which smells so wonderfully of pine. I am pretty proud of myself, I don't usually put out wrapped gifts until Christmas Eve, or even have all of my shopping done until a couplle days before Christmas! I think my list making this year really helped keep things going, even with the busy holiday shipping schedule.

Okay, I have a Christmas work party to get ready for.
More blogs soon, my dry spell is over!

XOXO ♥

-Lex

mustard and olive

2009-11-11T09:20:00.001-08:00

A little themed vintage inspiration for you while I am on vacation!

Hope you are having as great a week as I am!

xoxo
-Lex

Daydreams

2009-11-05T22:41:00.001-08:00

If I could choose it, I would turn my nighttime dreams off. I dream all day long, and I looooove to choose the dreams I have during the day! I have lots of good dreams at night, too - but I rarely get to remember them and this bums me out slightly.
Anyway, I joined weheartit today because it's gorgeous and inspiring! Soooo you can keep up with what's inspring me right here. It says you can follow other people, my guess is that it's similar to following someone on Twitter? Anybody know?

Found on weheart it here and here!
xoxo
-Lex

Song Inspiration

2009-10-18T11:37:00.001-07:00

I just listened to the 09 Paramore album, and there's one song in particular that I lovelove. It's called "All I Wanted" and I've had it on repeat for 3 days and counting. The music itself makes me think of dusk, with some glittery lights - being wrapped in a cape or blanket with some hot chocolate or cider. Ok, it can have a summer feel too, that includes a night in the park. But it's fall now, so I like the glittery lights and blanket in bright red orange leaves at dusk.

Some images to go with my interpretation of the setting of the song:

Oh, and the rain picture is because fall to me = rain. I'm in Oregon, what can I say.

This last picture goes with the same feel to me, but is not set outside. It's ok, it's just as inspirational.

Hope you are having a gorgeous weekend!

Don't forget to enter our lovely giveaway!

XOXO
-Lex

{All images found on WeHeartIt.com}

October Treats

2009-10-10T11:10:00.001-07:00

Dun dun dun, okay it's time for our fun October giveaway!! No tricks involved :)
We have gotten a lot of feedback on what you guys wanted to see in a giveaway and the #1 answer was jewelry. But we were torn, because we just came out with a popular mustache mug set that we thought you might be interested in also. So.... instead of picking one or another, we're giving BOTH!

The grand prize is a mustache espresso set - they're SUPER cute!

I kind of think they would be perfect for a girls tea party as well.

And the second prize is this crafty fox pendant necklace. He's completely adorable, and is on a great necklace made from the same rubber as wetsuits {I know, cool right?}

Aaaand these are just in time for the holidays. You can either gift this awesome set or keep it for yourself, but I'm pretty sure you'll want to keep it if you win it :)

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment telling us what your favorite book is and why {I'm on the hunt for a new list of books to read!} Then keep checking back to see if you've won!
The winners will be chosen at random on October 31st.

Hope you are ALL having a fabulous weekend!

Cheers ♥
-Lex

PS: If you want to be in "the know" for all future giveaways, sign up for our newsletter on the bottom left corner here.

Sunday Love

2009-10-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

I have a whole list of fun personal projects I want to work on!

In the meantime, a recent Etsy fave:

And some other web faves:

Seen on design is mine

Seen on ohdeedoh

Hope everyone is having an amazing weekend!
XOXO
-Lex

Friday Shop Update Sneak Peek!

2009-09-24T01:48:00.001-07:00

So, I'm still in love with owls.

This cute little guy was made by my mother, Theresa, and he is probably my favorite new recent wardrobe addition!
He's part of our Sneak Peek for our Friday {tomorrow!} Shop Update - I couldn't wait to show him off! Him and his other felted owl friends are available in several different ways - but that's still hush-hush until tomorrow!

This guy was a super find! Designer out of San Francisco, but didn't get the name {I'm bummed, help me out if you know who made this!}. Found it in a cute boutique in Salem, OR called Bittersweet Boutique. It's a gift for my lovely friend Joy, who I've adopted as my grandmother. She's amazing, and I could go on for days about how awesome she is. But she's definitely the most hip, trendy, classy 80something EVER.

Yep, another sneak peek! Shhhhhh

And my last sneak peek tonight {wow, it's really this morning I guess!}

We've been working super hard this week, can't wait to show you all of the new goodies tomorrow!!
Goodnight friends! ♥

xoxo - Lex

Cable Knit Goodness

2009-09-15T00:38:00.001-07:00

I looove cable knit! And so, being the visual person that I am - here are some delicious photos. Enjoy this eye candy from two of my favorite sites ever: Etsy and Flickr.

Set of 3 Greeting Cards by NerdyTogether:

"look ma, i'm knitting cables!" by gwenelliott:

Handknit Pillow by strikk:

Charcoal Cozy by onaroll:

Frivol Hat by flint_knits:

xoxo,
Lex

The Best Summer Eva!

2009-08-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

What is the most outrageous thing you did so far this year?

Sounds a bit like a truth or dare question.

Sadly, as much as I think and think, I can't remember a single outrageous event.
Not even a semi-odd one.
Not even an embarrassing moment.

What did I do all summer?

Cooked, cleaned, shopped, painted, created, strolled, comforted,
listened, shared, wondered, dreamed, worried and laughed.

That's about it.

No fantastical vacations, but I did soak in the rays at the beach.

No heart-stopping rollercoaster rides, but I did have many picnics with my family and friends.

My summer maybe wasn't as exciting as yours, but I loved it just the same.

I didn't spend much cash, but it was rich in love. I didn't travel miles from home,
but I had lots of in depth conversations with those I love.

For sure, without a doubt, this summer has been one of my favorites.

-Theresa

Late Night Surfing Inspires Me

2009-08-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

While the house is quiet, I sneak away to explore one of my favorite websites.

RealSimple.com has so many interesting stories and tips, I feel inspired everytime I visit.
For instance, here is an interesting article: Summertime New Uses For Old Things.

These cute place cards are made from paintchip samples - cute and colorful!

I love to recycle and to create, so this article was just right for me!

What do you enjoy reading? What inspires you?

Enjoy your life - Give generously to those you love!

Blessings,
Theresa

Looking for a New Look!

2009-08-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Why is change so difficult?

When was the last time you decided to just step out of routine and change things up a bit?

For me, it seems often - as in hairstyles - or so I think! Funny thing is, every time I get a new
'fresh' cut, I seem to keep styling it the same as I have for years - so it really never looks that different!

I'm committing today to stop being such a creature of habit - to change my hair and NOT keep styling it the same! Yeah, we'll see how that goes...

Now the big question - do I go for layers, a bob, something trendy, short, long, medium?

Now I know why change is so difficult - too many choices!

Whatever changes you have going on in your life, big or small - easy or difficult - fun or serious, may they all be enriching times of growing and learning.

Blessings,
Theresa

Vintage!

2009-07-31T23:24:00.000-07:00

Watch out!

You are not going to believe what's coming soon to Uptown Avenue!

Our vintage scouts have been working overtime (is shopping really working???)! We hope you enjoy the beautiful, tenderly cared for items we have acquired from yesteryear. Visit often and don't delay if you see something you love, because most of our vintage items are one-of-a-kinds and once they are gone...well, you get the picture!

Have a fun-filled day!
Theresa

Inspiration - Red Canoe collection

2009-07-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

A little inspiration for today - I'm loving Stephanie's Red Canoe collection

Her entire Flickr photostream is inspirational.

PS: How cool is this panda bread?!

Tic Tac Toe, 3 birthdays in a row!

2009-07-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

We're celebrating a lot of birthdays around here lately. Three in just nine days, actually!

We're living it up with breakfast in bed, lots of cupcakes, presents, days at the beach, birthday dinners out {getting embarrassed by singing servers}, and park days with friends!

Hope you're having a fabulous weekend too!

-Lex

It's a Wrap!

2009-07-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

We ate a wonderful lunch at a new cafe the other day and I went home and tried to duplicate it - minus the mayo! Here's the recipe:

Ingredients: (adjust portions to your own tastes)

In a large bowl mix 1 cup plain yogurt with 3 TBS of honey (my substitution for the mayo!)

Add:

2 cups cooked, cubed chicken breast
1 apple, sliced and cubed
1 cup seedless grapes - cut in 1/2 or 1/3's
3/4 chopped walnuts
3/4 cup Craisins

Stir all together and spoon into a tortilla or pita!

Take to work, school or picnic in a stylish bento!

Bon Appetit!!
Theresa

P.S. Let me know how you like it :-)

2009-07-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

What has designer Lex Leigh been up to lately?

Creating - New and wonderful expressions of art and style!
Updating - Presenting her new collection of fashion 'button' earrings!
Coordinating - Fabulous ways to attain her beautiful pieces!
Formulating - Inventive ways to keep her costs low and her quality high!

We are proud to announce that Lex Leigh designs are now available at Uptown Avenue!

What will Lex Leigh do next? Keep watching at UptownAvenue.com to stay at the top of her artistic trends! We Love, Love, Love Lex Leigh!

-Theresa

Zum Bars

2009-07-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Are you like the rest of us, finding the long hot days of summer are really taking it's toll on your skin? The dryness and rough patches from too much sun, chlorinated pools and sand - whew! There has to be a solution. Well, we've got just one word that will make your skin sing - Zum!

Time to give our bodies the pampering they deserve. Enjoy a refreshing spa bath with Zum products, including incredibly scented soaps to give your skin a lift with raw and wonderful moisturizers of goat’s milk, glycerin, vegetable oils, herbs and pure essential oils. Zum goat's milk soaps have low pH and are loaded with restorative and rejuvenating alpha-hydroxy acids, and luxuriant moisturizers.

We invite you to pamper yourself during these hot summer months. Check out our array of soaps, bath salts and lotions (we even have baby Zum to pamper your little ones!). Help make your skin the healthiest and happiest it's been all summer. Live life to its fullest - enjoy!

-Theresa

PS: My favorite scent is Almond! But I also adore the Tangerine Orange and Lime Basil -Lex

Quick Friday Update - Bibs!

2009-07-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

I am loooving the new baby bibs we received in stock this month, and perfect timing for the many people we know who are expecting! Who wouldn't think that wipe-clean vinyl covered bibs are the just best?

And, they're handmade by featured artist Lisa D!

The lowdown - they're $10.50 and our free shipping lasts until July 31st, check them out!

Cheers!
-Lex

West Coast Wednesday - Oregon Wine

2009-07-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

When we hear the words 'Wine Country' we usually think of California's Napa Valley, but Oregon's Willamette Valley is quickly becoming as well known as our southern sister wineries.

Oregon is a world-class wine state with 15 approved winegrowing regions and more than 300 wineries producing 72 varieties. We are blessed with some of the most diverse and beautiful wine-growing landscapes in the world. Beauty abounds in Oregon wine growing, from the soaring lands of the Columbia River Gorge to the Willamette Valley’s green, rolling hills to the high mountain valleys of Southern Oregon. There are some incredible sights to behold—and some incredible wines to taste.

In Oregon, our winemakers are farmers, families and environmental stewards who believe in high-quality artisan wine. In fact, most Oregon wineries are relatively small, producing on average just 5,000 cases a year. Oregon country roads are dotted with beautiful wine tasting rooms where you sit on large decks to sample a fragrant pinot noir or pinot gris while soaking in breathtaking views of the vineyard and lush landscapes beyond.

4th of July - Redding California style!

2009-06-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

I know it’s still June - but you need to know about an incredible place to go for the 4th of July and sometimes a little time to plan is good! Where’s the best place to go for the 4th? Redding California - that is if you can stand the heat! The fireworks are the best I’ve ever seen - sort of like everybody else’s grand finale - only an hour long of the best fireworks!! The colors are incredible and they have shapes! Like hearts and lips and other things I didn’t know you could do with pyrotechnics! For a glimpse of what you’ll have in store check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw6hbwVOIW0.

And during the day, you can stay cool at Shasta Ice Caves, the pool, or shop or visit their amazing water park!

Viva La Fourth!
Theresa

Robin Sharp - Mastering the Art of Kosher Cooking

2009-06-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I discovered the amazing photography blog of Robin Sharp. Her style really caught my eye, as you know I'm huge on visuals. I started following her blog, drawing inspiration from her and her gorgeous photos. Recently she started a fabulous new photo blog documenting the creation of kosher dishes and I knew it was time to feature her amazing work. Her impressive client lists boasts companies such as Pepsi, Johnson & Johnson, New Balance, and Frommer's Travel Guides. Trust me, you'll want to pay attention to her.

What made you want to start a blog about kosher cooking?

I started Mastering the Art of Kosher Cooking when I began my conversion to Judaism. My fiance is Jewish and I've been slowly learning about the culture and the values of Judaism. Pretty early in our relationship I realized that if we got married I would want a Jewish wedding and I would want to live a Jewish life with him after we were married. His family were originally kind of hesitant to accept me, but once they did they became just as close as my own parents and siblings. I've learned a lot about Jewish cooking from R's grandmother (or, as she's called by the family: Baba Luba) and because I no longer have living grandparents of my own, I understood how important it was to preserve her recipes. We had started a cookbook on paper at home, and I thought: Why not blog about it? Everybody else is doing it. Haha. So the blog is kind of a mix of me learning her recipes and creating kosher recipes of my own, plus a few thoughts here and there about my conversion.

And of course, the ever present cliché - What inspires you?

I get inspired by a lot of things. As far as the blog goes, I'm inspired by food magazines, other food bloggers, and of course the name of the blog was inspired by Julia Child's book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I'm also inspired by my conversion classes. It seems that almost every Jewish holiday has food as its focus. So as I learn about the holidays, I learn to cook the traditional foods that go along with it. This year I made Hamatashen on Purim, cauliflower latkes on Chanukkah and an apples and honey pie for Rosh Hashana.

What has been your favorite dish to prepare so far?

I think that it has to be Baba Luba's chicken soup. It takes a while to prepare: You have to tear apart a whole chicken and cut up the vegetables, and then you have to let it simmer for as long as possible (like, 5-7 hours is perferable) and then you have to make the matzoh balls to go in it. But it's the epitome of Jewish comfort food and the fact that it takes so long just makes it all the more worth while. Plus it makes the whole house smell like your grandma's house, and during the winter it steams up our kitchen windows and makes you feel so warm inside.

What has been your least favorite?

Hamantashen. I don't know if I'll ever be able to make a good batch of hamantashen. They're these cookies that are shaped like triangles and they traditionally have prunes or poppy seeds in them, but I wanted people to actually eat them so I used raspberry and apricot jam. The problem is that I can never get the dough quite right, so it always ends up falling apart and the triangles bleed jam all over the cookie sheet. It's such a mess! But this year it was fun because I did it with my neice, who quickly got bored of the "making" part and while we were filling the cookies with jam, so she made herself the Official Jam Cleaner Upper, which soon turned into Official Eater of the Jam Straight From The Jar. Her parents picked her up and she was covered with flour and jam!

How do you keep up with your job at the university, photography business, planning a wedding, AND your blog?

Jeez, when you say it like that it sounds like so much! Really, it balances out perfectly. I'm really fortunate to have my job in the photography department at the university because I only work there 3 days a week, but it gives me a steady paycheck and allows me to keep current because it's my job to know about the latest technological advances in cameras and equipment. On the other two weekdays I'm either out at a photoshoot or I'm delivering things to clients or I'm updating my portfolio and website, which are constantly changing. I tend to find time to cook things for the blog on days when I don't have a heavy photography workload. R and I are pretty much planning our wedding in our spare time. We're having a fairly simple wedding, so the amount of planning we have to do is manageable. The wedding's still almost a year away, so maybe you should ask me this question in 7 months and see if I'm still managing to keep up with everything!

Any cooking gadget you're dying to own?

I got a Kitchenaid mixer last winter and thus fulfilled a lifelong dream. R thought that it might end up as a counter decoration, but I've used it a fair bit! It definitely comes in handy when making doughs, like the one in the peirogie recipe on my blog. It cuts the work in half. The next thing I'd like to buy is a juicer, actually. When R and I were in Israel in May we drank the most amazing freshly squeezed orange and carrot juices. Plus, in Israel they make this drink called "Lemon-nana", which is lemonaide and mint (which is called nana in Hebrew). We have mint growing like crazy in our garden this summer and I'd love to try making some Lemon-nana with it, but I don't have the patience to squeeze that many lemons by hand!

What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?

That's a tough question! Career-wise it was probably the first time that I had my work published in a magazine. It's harder to say what accomplishments in my personal life bring me the most pride. If I can manage to plan our wedding with as many DiY elements as I'm currently intending, that will be a big one for me.

Name 3 future goals you have;

-To publish a cookbook that would be a collection of the recipes from Mastering the Art of Kosher Cooking. I'd take the photos, of course. :)

-To shoot for Gourmet, Martha Stewart Living, House Beautiful and Bon Appetit. Their photographs are a huge source of inspiration to me and I would love to
someday be a source of inspiration to other young photographers.

-To finish my conversion and have a Jewish wedding that's a true expression of who R and I are as a couple without spending a fortune. We've set a modest goal. I really want to look back on our wedding and feel like it was a perfect day and a perfect reflection of US. I know that everybody wants that from their weddings, but so many people end up giving in to all of the pressures and buy a big poofy dress and get monogrammed napkins and rented linens. That's not what we're about and I'm making sure that we steer clear of all of that.

Check out Robin's work:
Mastering the Art of Kosher Cooking
Sharp Photo
Her Flickr

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-21T12:11:00.001-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there! And especially to ours :)

Sassy Saturday...

2009-06-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Just for fun
Eating ice cream
Water fight, soaking wet
Laughing until it hurts

Kickin’ it with friends
Calling somebody wonderful from the past
Spending time with people who are thoughtful
Saying only nice things – or else saying nothing at all

Time at the mall
Trying on trendy clothes
Buying something for someone just because
Going into the stores usually ignored

However you choose to spend your Saturday, make it fun and different – make it sassy!

Blessings! Theresa

Flickr Friday - Vintage Illustration

2009-06-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

A little eye candy for you today!!

I loooooove retro illustration;

Happy Friday!

Lex

Make You Think Thursday - Simply Jo Designs

2009-06-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

I believe every person is important. I believe we all have things to offer and ways we can help make the world a better place. We decided to make our Thursday blogs stories that inspire and encourage this spirit of reaching, teaching and believing.

Recently, we were asked to participate in Great Strides, a walk to benefit Cystic Fibrosis. Up until a year ago, I had no clue what this awful disease is about. But then we met some wonderful friends - the parents of Madison. If you met Madison, your heart would absolutely melt. She is brimming with love and life. Our entire family decided to walk the six miles around River Front Park to help Madison.

The boys in our family were serious about helping Madison and other kids like her, you could tell they knew how important their part was because they passed the playground without asking to play, they passed the carousel without asking to ride. They wanted to do their best so Madison could get well enough to play and ride too.

Not long after our walk, I was privileged to meet another person who loves helping too. Her name is Amanda Jo and turns out she has known Madison’s family since she was 9 years old. She also knows others suffering with CF and has decided to make a difference. Amanda Jo offers handmade jewelry and with her ‘Madison’ collection she donates to the CF foundation - go to her Etsy shop to buy or her website Simply Jo Designs to learn more.

She also put together a video of Madison, Sopia and Matthew - its their story entitled 'A Different Normal'. Very good. Our boys watched the video too and felt proud that they are helping CF suffers, doing their part to help change lives. It is good for all of us to ask ourselves, ‘what can I do to help others?’ - and then do it!

Blessings!
Theresa

Inspiration Sunday - Amy Butler and Tiffany & Co

2009-06-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

I brought home some Amy Butler fabric swatches yesterday in my continued search for the perfect pattern for my chair seats.

I think I found a winner, and it just HAPPENS to go perfectly with my dresser! They both incorporate Tiffany turquoise ;)

And a little Tiffany & Co for reference;

And beautiful just because;

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

Cheers

-Lex

The Laughing Planet

2009-06-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't already know, I'm a pretty big fan of Banksy. So I wanted to share this link with you, an entire museum full of his work! The project was kept a secret from even the highest ups at the museum, known only by the curator and a couple of board members. I think it's note worthy that he has installed many of his own works in museums without being caught prior, and is now being invited to show! An inspiration of sorts to the little man. I've always been intrigued by graffiti, but the illegal aspect is less than glamorous. So one day I will practice freely on plywood.

Today we went to Portland to check out their fabulous artsy stores and grab some delicious eats. One of my favorite Portland places to feast at is The Laughing Planet Cafe. I'm positive all of their burritos and other food shtuffs are amazing, but my favorite and never failing go-to burrito is the Southwestern Green Chili. I mean how can you go wrong with: black beans, mild green chiles, local sweet corn, Tillamook {local} jack cheese, organic brown rice, and pico de gallo?? You just can't. I also drench it in their fabulously HOT sauce - it's a bit sweet at first and then leaves your tongue burning for quite a while. Some pics? Of course, as always!;

Also, wanted to show you a great artist I found on Etsy!
erinwardell

Ok friends, that's all for now! Gotta prep some more photos for a product update on the site!

Cheers!

-Lex

The French Press

2009-06-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

So it turns out that while we were at the coast, there was a pretty severe thunderstorm back home with funnel clouds and tornado warnings. Thankfully, it seems the worst damage was some blown down trees and some people lost electricity. Tornadoes are unusual in Oregon, but even so, most people have basements. There haven't been any more tornado warnings, but we have had rainy, cooler weather - perfect weather to snuggle up to the computer with a cappuccino and scone and get back to work.

Afternoons have been a great time for creating new artwork for the shop, as well as a few surprise goodies. We've indulged in watching past seasons of The Office (what a hysterical show!) while we work away.

Today we took a break and ran for more supplies - and made a stop at The French Press. This is a great coffee shop that serves up delicious breakfast and lunch crepes, amazing smoothies and other incredible yummies! We had a grilled veggie crepe with black bean hummus on the side (which was spread on top to give this crepe a truly wonderful flavor).

More freight has been coming in and tomorrow we plan on taking more pictures and having our second product update since the launch on June 1st!

Pacific City

2009-06-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well after the big site launch we decided to go to the coast for a couple days. Little fact: Oregonians usually call the beach the "coast" because it's nothing like tropical beaches. It is mostly overcast, chilly {perfect sweatshirt weather!} and windy. Fun, nonetheless! Crashing waves always calm me down and help me realize that day to day problems are smaller than they seem.

One of the three "Haystack" rocks in Oregon

Climbing this hill is a GREAT [intense!] workout for your legs!

When I was little I wanted to be an Oceanographer. Ocean life fascinates me! I missed this scenery so much when I lived in Kansas City, but glad to be close to the Pacific again. Did anyone else watch the BBC's Ocean series recently? Amazing! I get my fill watching shows like that and visiting places like this!

And we found the cutest coffee shop in Pacific City! It's called Stimulus - great name, no?

They feature the art of local artists, which always makes me happy in my heart!

I absolutely adored these giclee prints of oil on canvas by Marilyn Burkhardt

And some gorgeous mixed media pieces by Teresa Mahannah also!

I found her on Etsy with two GREAT shops, Artsy Rubbish which sells really fun tiles, and Yellow Dog Vintage that has some amazing vintage finds! Now if only I could find where she sells her mixed media pieces like the ones found at Stimulus...

That's all I have for today! I'm working on setting up the Etsy shop and adding more products to the website!

Cheers!
-Lex

PS:
You can see more pictures of our trip in my Flickr stream if you're interested.

Dresser Project

2009-06-03T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hello crafty friends!
I wanted to share a project with you that I recently completed, a $5 dresser I found at a yard sale.

Started as a banged up little pink dresser, but LOADS of potential!

The paint samples I went through;

Bought some super cute pots, and wanted to use them with the dresser.

So I had to stay around that color scheme. Then I realized that the elephant plate also complimented the colors;

Final result?

Sorry for the small pics on the last 2, they were blurry.
I'm not done with the arrangement on top, but that's what is there currently.

I bought a new camera, so I'll get some better photos of the dresser and post them later!

Cheers!

-Lex

Greetings!

2009-06-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

After months of hard work (and little sleep), we are so happy to announce that Uptown Avenue finally has a niche in cyberspace. We have rolled out our 'welcome mat' and invite you to come in, relax and enjoy your shopping experience. You can find us at www.uptownavenue.com

We at Uptown Avenue wanted to create a unique shop that is personal and inviting, filled with all sorts of things we think you might like. Uptown Avenue is like several stores all rolled into one. We have everything from bath salts to mouse pads, from finger puppets to wine racks - we even have some great accessories to satisfy your high-tech cravings. We are thrilled to offer our products at a great value and hope you find something for everyone on your shopping list (including yourself).

Whether you are buying or just 'window shopping' we hope you stroll through Uptown Avenue's website often as we add more unique products. We sincerely hope each and every visit to our site is as enjoyable to you as the years first, fresh Spring day!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and we hope to see you here for many years to come.

Don't forget, we support worthy causes by donating to various charities around the world. For more information, follow our blog and see who's being helped by your purchases.
And, even though we still have product shipments trickling in, we couldn't wait another day to 'open our doors' and meet all of you! Say hello in the comments so we can get to know you! And be sure to sign up for our newsletter on the site so that we can send you special coupons and keep you informed on other goodies!

Cheers!
Lex and Theresa