Whitehall Shop

Anglophilia

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:25:00 +0000

Shop

Anglophilia(adj.)

-great admiration for England and things English. — Anglophile, n.

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I have it bad y'all. I am now old enough in life to say that this has afflicted me for decades. Seriously...at least two of them...decades that is. I can't get enough of the history, culture, countryside, architecture, tea, aristocracy, universities, accents, royal family, tweed, literature, stone walls, landmarks, and even the food (well, some of the food).

So it should come as absolutely no surprise to you that the newest addition to the shop is a map of Great Britain and Ireland.

I know that I am not alone in saying that my family's heritage extends from England, Scotland, and Ireland. We are a dime a dozen in America, and that must be why my love of Great Britain and Ireland feels so innate. We are attracted to our roots and create great mythologies about what it must be like "back home."

I hope you will love this little map as much as I do.

Available in all sizes, and found sitting in the Flags and Maps section (because we like to have things make sense around here).

O Canada...

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 +0000

In honor of our first international customer (non APO) being Canadian, and because I just like flags so darn much, we have a new flag in the shop.

So here is to you Canada...I hope you like it!

Shop

As with all Whitehall Shop prints, the Canadian Flag is available in 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14. You can find all of the flags in the...wait for it...Flags & Maps section of the shop.

Keeping Up ~ April 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:17:00 +0000

My husband likes to point out that time does not actually fly by faster as we get older...it only seems that way since we have lived more seconds in our lives, and therefore each individual second becomes a smaller portion of our total living experience. The smaller each second gets in that perspective, the faster time seems to go by. In that sense, I hope that Court remembers more of our time together than I do, since for her, this time is a more significant portion of her total life. I am front and center every day and yet I still feel like I don't remember enough of the precious seconds.

Maybe it is all just an excuse for why I don't remember what we did in April, and why the only thing that comes to mind is the hackneyed, "Gosh, is it May already?"

Let's see. In April we...

* Made a couple trips to Seabourne Creek Park in Rosenberg. The park systems in this area are doing some amazing things with integrating the natural environments and creating natural spaces that still have the elements that you want in a park. Seabourne has a great little lake where we picnicked and watched the ducks swim by. We strolled the butterfly garden with all native species plants, and we walked the woodland trails that house some of the prettiest sounding birds. I used to think that I would never be the kind of person that remember the names of flowers and birds...it just seemed to hard to remember all that...but I have already started turning into that person. By the time I am 60, I am going to be an encyclopedia of flora and fauna!

* Built a Cornhole/beanbag toss game. I will post pictures when it is painted. For now we are playing away on the unfinished version. It meets the regulation standards of the American Cornhole Association (yeah, its a thing). Each year it seems that we have some sort of gaming project going on. One year it was building a set up for darts in the garage, another year it was penny can (from Cougar Town) in the driveway, and this year it is Cornhole. For those of you who are unfamiliar, check out these boards that are sitting prettier than ours while I go find my paintbrush.

* I made the requisite bean bags that go with the Cornhole boards. Yes, I used pinto beans instead of corn feed.

* I made a lemon cake with Greek yogurt and a lemon glaze that is my new favorite use of fresh lemons. We have been thinking of getting a Meyer lemon tree, but can't decide whether to keep it potted or plant it in the yard. Either way, someday, this cake will be made with Meyer lemons!

* Hosted Jonny's fellow coaches for some smoked ribs and sausage to celebrate the end of the coaching seasons. Every time we get the smoker going, we start to debate the merits of opening a BBQ restaurant. Jonny is just so good at it that I start to think, "I could eat this every day and be blissfully happy."

*Spent too much time being sick at the end of the month to do much of anything.

Well now, the shortness of this list pretty much illustrates the need for the list. Keeping Up posts were started to keep us busy and accountable for getting out and doing, and so May is going to be in for a shake up since April was clearly too short on the 'doing.'

What were you up to in April?

Lucky Numbers and Ampersands

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:41:00 +0000

I wouldn't say that I have lucky numbers, since my favorite numbers have never shown any fruitful evidence of luck. Nevertheless, they are my favorite numbers. For me 27 and 227 make me happy. They are birthday related, and so they are my very own (and John Steinbeck's, and Elizabeth Taylor's, and Constantine's, but I digress). I smile when I notice them (2:27 on the clock, people getting off the elevator on the 27th floor in a movie, etc.). Now where was I...oh yes, Whitehall Shop currently has 27 sales listed, and I listed the 227th item in the shop yesterday!

I know that blogs are supposed to have information that might be useful or interesting to the reader, and so far this post thoroughly violates that philosophy, so here is something pretty to make amends...

Ampersands Print - Shop

The new Ampersands print is now in the shop in the Typography section.

Musical Notes and Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:29:00 +0000

Treble Clef - Shop

My grandparents had a piano in their living room when I was growing up. I never learned to play properly, but that piano is foundational in my memories of growing up. I can remember being very young and pounding on the keys...because that was music to a toddler's ears. It was also a great way to get fast attention from the adults.

Bass Clef - Shop

I remember my two older cousins and myself lined up on the bench and me scooting over just slightly to make room and tumbling off into the wall. I remember the warmth of the piano light that sat above the sheet music. I remember that when we all opened presents in the living at Christmas, my parents and I would always sit by the piano. That is where I opened the small plush toy house with the tiny plush mouse family that my uncle brought back from the Philippines, and that is where I got my first lotion from Bath and Body Works and a Jewel CD...which for a young girl in the mid-nineties, meant I was finally a grown up...like a rite of passage or something (you laugh, but it was the nineties, and you were once a 12 year old, too.).

Eighth Note - Shop

The piano bench had a hinged seat, and my grandma kept several books of piano music, along with an untold number of Christmas carol booklets. I remember being about middle school age, and knowing how to read music notes one-by-one, but not knowing how to read them fluidly while playing, I dutifully wrote down each note on a piece of tiny notepaper that grandma kept in supply in the kitchen. "A B D C A E ..." I would then set to plying it a few notes at a time, gradually memorizing how to play the song (Christmas carols in summer, mind you). Once I had it down, I would call grandma and grandpa into the living room to
watch me play, pretending that I was reading the music as I played. They never let on that they knew my secret; the good grandparents never do.

Beamed Note - Shop

I never did learn how to read music while playing, and I so wish that I had. It is such a beautiful talent to have. In the spirit of one of my absolute favorite books, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I might just have Court teach me how to play after her own lessons when she is old enough.

So in honor of those memories, that piano, my complete love of music, and my complete ineptitude at playing it, I created the musical notes line for Whitehall Shop. They can be found in the Typography section of the shop and are available in all standard sizes (4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14). The bold graphics are great on their own, but also shine as a grouping.

Keeping Up ~ March 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:10:00 +0000

March was a very busy month in the shop, with lots of new artwork in production (including a few long promised pieces), and I will have photos of all that soon enough, but let's get to the non-work related bits of March. Please grab a cup of tea and we can sit and chat for a minute. I can't wait to hear what you have been up to.

As for us...

*I have taken to eating excessive quantities of sugar over the last month and now find myself in need of a major detox. You might want to keep your distance, as this could get a little ugly.

Chasing the ducks.

*Court has learned to feed herself with her own utensils, wear Momma's slippers, color her heart out ("on da pay-pa," God bless her!), and close all the doors in the house (because she is very particular about that).

*We went strawberry picking and chicken/duck
chasing at Blessington Farm. A day of many giggles and only a couple of improperly picked berries (shhh....please don't tell on us).

*We road tripped it to Austin for a day, and spent twice as long getting home, in a car with no air conditioning. After routes A, B, and C only resulted in more traffic, we finally caught some fresh air on route D. Even still, I never think a trip to Austin is a bad idea.

*The azaleas have bloomed and they are putting on a show this year. Our own have managed rather well since survivng the drought of 2011, and the established azaleas around the neighborhood have turned me into a landscaping creeper (you know the person who stares at your house a little too long as they walk by...the one you are trying to memorize so you can describe them to the police later in case someone breaks in. Just me? Well then, moving on...).

*We have smoked two pork shoulders. Because that is what we do.

*We replanted the little avocado tree that could (we are still hoping he will...survive, that is).

Confetti Eggs

*Spent lots of time outside playing with the neighbors. Who says the weather is terrible in Texas?

*Had an amazing Easter weekend with some much missed Colorado family.

*Ate lunch with the giraffes, among other awesome things at the Houston Zoo.

*Did a little Surfside-ing, and watched our little beach lover run up and down the sand giggling with unabashed delight. That is the best stuff.

Now it's your turn. What were you up to in March?

Oh the Bookshelves!

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

We have lived in our home for a little over three years, and for a little over three years I have been talking about "when we get the bookshelves in the living room..." But now I am going to have to find something else to talk about because the bookshelves are here, and they are resplendent (okay, so resplendent may be gilding the lily, but, y'all, they make me that happy)!

When we first moved in we were left with the choices made by the previous owner. Choices like a dark red wall in an already small and dark living room, and a big hole in the wall where the previous owner wanted to create a nook for his TV. For two years we called that hole the abyss. It was black (covered in acoustic fabric), and large and sucked all of the light and joy from the room.

Knowing that I couldn't bring a baby into this world with an abyss in our living room, we patched the hole and put up these frames as a temporary fix...

I longed for crisp white bookshelves that would lighten the room and give us some much needed space. I dreamed of them. I pinned images of them. I planned for them. And finally...they are here!

Not having a couple thousand to spend on custom built-ins, we opted for the Ikea Billy Bookcases and added our own molding. You can find instructions here, here, here, etc., so I will not bore you with an unnecessary tutorial. We went for the 15" bookcases and painted the trim (that we got from the ol' HD) in Glidden's Parchment White to match the Ikea white of the shelves.

We had four empty bookcases for a week while we waited to finish the project. Oh how I wanted to load them up then and there!

Mid project, adding the molding to the base and in between the cases.

All finished!

Someday I might be painting or wallpapering the backing of the cases, but for now, I am in love.

I know that you designer-types out there are stressing out about too many books and pictures and things, and not enough clearly defined collections and negative space. But honestly, these shelves contain things that make me happy, and all of those people that have bookshelves without books (or shelves with only 'pretty' books that they will never read) make me sad.

For those of you, like me, who always wonder what is on other people's bookshelves, I give you this...

Court's zone. Toys, books, pillows for the floor, all hers.

A matryoshka doll that a dear friend brought back for me from Russia,
and behind is a painting by my very talented and beautiful Aunt Chelsea.

A collection of silver spoons that my grandmother had in her dining room (in need of polishing, I know).

The collection has a home...finally!

A piece of the South stands seating of the old Mile High Stadium in Denver,
that was absconded with at the last game of the stadium's history by a dear family member
who shall remain nameless, lest his crime be discovered.

Another favorite of Jonny's is the German stein...a gift from his parents who travelled there.

This is but a small peek at some special items, and includes nothing of the hundreds of books, pictures, or other meaningful mementos, but y'all are invited to come on over and have a looksy for yourself anytime (provided I know when you are coming...nothing ruins a good bookshelf admiring party like not having time to make a batch of cookies and tea).

International Shipping at Whitehall Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:50:00 +0000

Beinvenidos! Willkommen! Fáilte! Bienvenue! Tervetuloa! Välkommen! Croeso! Benvenuti!

A big ol' Howdy to all international shoppers. Whitehall Shop now ships around the world through the shop on Etsy.

As always, we use the United States Postal Service's First Class Shipping and you can now find the costs to ship to your location on each listing. All international duties will be the responsibility of the recipient.

Advice From a Near 30 Year Old

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:38:00 +0000

On the occasion of my 29th birthday, and start on my 30th year of life, I realize that I have learned some valuable things that I wish someone would have shared with me when I was 20 years old (if I would have even listened).

So in the spirit of giving advice that no one asked for, here are 29 things about life that I have learned (sometimes the hard way).

1. Posture is more important than they let on when they tell you to sit up straight as a kid.

2. College isn't for giggles. Get serious early on, get a degree that pays off when you get out, and learn something while you are there.

Source

3. Act the way you want to become. That doesn't mean buy a fancy-pants car before you can afford it, but it does mean that you should never go to the grocery store in sweat pants if you don't want to be the lady that goes to the grocery store in sweat pants. Sit up straight, wear appropriate clothes, use appropriate language, and act in a way that you won't be embarrassed to look back on.

4. Moisturize your face, neck, and hands. If you don't by the time you are 29, everyone can tell, and you will spend way too much time looking in the mirror and wondering what happened.

5. Find your passions and pursue them hard. Whether it be career, family, travel...doesn't matter. Tomorrow is not guaranteed to us, so don't waste time thinking about being great, just start being great.

6. What other people think of you is not your business.

7. Communicate your expectations (about events, attitudes, goals...everything), and expect the same from others. This resolves many conflicts before they occur, and irons out disagreements before they reach the emotional stage. Don't expect others to do what you want and then be upset when they don't follow your rules.

8. Always consider the other person's perspective. You don't have to agree with others, but if you understand where they are coming from, you are better able to know why they are the way they are, and how to interact with them accordingly. We all expect people to understand our life's circumstances, but rarely give others the same courtesy. It's selfish and unattractive.

9. Read books. Lots of them.

10. Start the conversation yourself. Friendship is a two-way street. Why should anyone talk to you if you are not willing to talk to them?

11. Everyone wants someone to appreciate them. Compliment others without expecting anything in return, and you will reap far greater rewards than compliments in return.

12. Sing out loud...at home, in the car, in the shower. Belt it out, be a rock star, feel alive.

13. Ask yourself what you 'do' for others. I am not talking about your 'qualities,' like "I am a nice person," but what do you do for others. If you are not actively doing good/useful/helpful things for others, don't ever expect anyone to do anything good/useful/helpful for you. It's not personal, but no one has an interest in anyone that doesn't have a recognizable interest in them in return. That is how humanity keeps on keeping on.

14. Recognize that emotions are not inherently good or bad and should not be stifled. Emotions are just expressions of where you are at in that moment. Sadness has a time and place, and happiness without sadness can never really be appreciated.

Source

15. Eat and drink whatever tastes good to you, but know that moderation is the only way to feel good about it in the morning.

16. Exercise. A lot. Do it until you like it. If you don't like it, you aren't doing it enough.

17. Keep learning new things. Keep challenging yourself in areas that you think you don't know anything about. You will be surprised to find that most people don't do this, and you will realize how dumb people sound when they refuse to think beyond what they learned in school. If you think you are an expert, you have a lot more to learn. If you think you have a lot more to learn, you are moving in the right direction.

18. Unpleasant things come and go. The more time you spend worrying about unpleasant things ahead, the longer you are dragging out the unpleasantness. Cut out the worry and stress and you cut down on the amount of discomfort/unhappiness coming your way. By the time it has all passed, you will scarcely remember it at all, because the brain is wonderful like that. So don't lose time living in the present by worrying about future discomfort.

19. Save for retirement, starting yesterday. No one in this world will pay you more than compound interest. It is the difference between travelling the world and answering to no one but your awesome granny self, or deciding between food and medicine...you choose.

20. Experience the opposite of where you live. If you love the city, get out in the country and hear leaves crunch under your feet every once in a while. If you are a country girl, go downtown, have dinner, and see a show with more people in the audience than your high school graduating class.

21. Learn what you like. Whatever the subject, learn what you like and dislike, regardless of what others think. Don't be afraid to dislike something everyone else seems to love (ie: I don't like reality talent shows on TV...any of them.). Conversely, don't be afraid to love something others scoff at (ie: I love Lyle Lovett...no joke...love him!).

Source

22. Marry your best friend. I can't say that I know any different, as I married my high school sweetheart and best friend. However, when I hear other people tell me secrets that they wouldn't tell their husbands, or things that they are afraid to talk about with their husbands, I cringe. I am just a friend, but your husband will be there with you for life. If you marry your best friend, hard times are a lot easier to get through because you know that you have a partner who you can trust to be by your side and you always know where you stand with them.

23. Live in your city. Do the things that tourists do when they come to your part of the world. Participate in all your area has to offer and you will have pride in your place and yourself for being a part of your community.

24. Don't badmouth family members. You may feel angry with them now, and your friend is on your side, but eventually you will forgive the person you are angry with (after all, they are family), but your friend won't, and they will hold grudges against people you love.

25. Never say never. Life changes, people change. New experiences will make you into a different person, and that is okay...good even. People who say "I hate..." or "I will never..." or "I have no desire to..." sound ignorant and they are usually boring, grumpy people.

26. Limit the bad drama. Get rid of the 'friends' that always create issues in your life. If you count more venting sessions than good conversations, cut them loose.

27. Enhance the good drama. You know when the two people on tv who you have wanted to get together for three seasons finally kiss? Embrace those moments in your own life. Don't downplay them because it feels silly to be too romantic, or too happy. Every girl, at some point in her life, needs to run into some one's arms, kiss them passionately with her leg bent in the air. It may look cheesy to everyone around you, but don't live life without embracing those moments for all that they are worth (and they are worth a lot).

28. Smile in pictures. You may think it is corny to take pictures all the time, or you don't like your smile, but ten years from now, you will wonder why there are no good pictures of you, and why everyone looks happy but you.

29. If you don't like it, change it. If something is feeling stale, or boring, or not the way you want it to be, in whatever matter of life, change it. Don't just do things just because you are in a rut. Stability and comfort are good, but only when juxtaposed with a little excitement every now and then.

And one to grow on... Relax. You only get to do this life once. Make it good, don't make it stressful.

Now it is your turn. Let me know what advice I need to follow for the next ten years. I need details people!

Invite the Luck of the Irish

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 04:12:00 +0000

St. Patrick's Day is rapidly approaching, so, whether you are Irish or not, make sure that you have your green ready!

These sweet shamrocks can be added to t-shirts, tote bags, backpacks, jeans, or really anything you can imagine in 8 seconds (and unless you are a bull rider, 8 seconds is easy-peasy).

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108763789/green-shamrock-applique-with-white-polka

https://www.etsy.com/listing/109290228/bold-kelly-green-shamrock-applique

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108188674/green-plaid-shamrock-applique

All appliqués come individually packaged, with full instructions for ironing them onto your projects. I use ultra-hold bonding, so there is no sewing required. Just iron and wear!

Keeping Up

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 20:20:00 +0000

I just love a good February. It is my birth month, and being a shorty of a month, it has always seemed just a little bit special.

I like February because progress always seems to happen in February. The petina is starting to show on those New Year's resolutions, and the stuff that will get accomplished is actually starting to, while the stuff that never was going to be accomplished has long been forgotten and that weight of regret has been lifted off my shoulders.

God willing, I will turn a year older at the end of this month, and that always makes me take stock of priorities and the way that I use the precious seconds I have been given in life. Rearranging always ensues* and I end up with a renewed sense of purpose.

Now down to the Keeping Up details. Since the last post...

*I have made a custom Whitehall gift for dear friends who have recently had a baby. (Pictures to come later..the custom piece, not the baby).

*I succeeded at making chocolate soup in a graham cracker crust. I am choosing to focus on the positive here, because despite my best efforts (and previous success using the exact same recipe), I most certainly did not end up with chocolate icebox pie.

*Court turned one and a half years old. Talk about precious seconds. They are going by so fast.

*I logged the 50th walk on my Sports Tracker app on the old celly-tele. Do you use an app or device to track your workouts? I have found that it works wonders for motivation goal achieving.

*I have given up Pinterest for Lent. Normally I don't think what I give up is anyone's business, but in the spirit of accountability, this one may need monitoring. I can look up project instructions and recipes that I have pinned, but no pinning (and the hours spent browsing that come with it). Life needs to be more about what is in front of me (and the computer screen doesn't count).

*We visited the town of Wharton, Texas and had some delicious BBQ at Hinze's. Wharton is a town that I had never been to, but loved all the same after reading the book Farewell: Memoirs of a Texas Childhood, by Horton Foote. If you have an afinity for small-town Texas, I highly recommend the book. The town was sleepy on a Saturday, but if you are a court-house chaser (it's a Texas thing), Wharton has a pretty one.

*We also made our very first trip to IKEA. I thought it was fantastic. Their set-ups of 356 square foot apartments made me want to move to Europe for a season. Eating at the local cafes, visiting museums, strolling along rivers, hiding from the rain in cozy old bookshops...right? Well, back in Houston, we picked up four Billy Bookcases because this project is happening!!!

What have y'all been up to lately?

________________________________________________________________

*Getting out of passive tense still isn't a priority. Sorry college professors. I think in passive tense.

Miles of Argyles

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:58:00 +0000

Check out the shop for the latest additions here.

The black and white argyles have striking bold patterns that can really distinguish a space. Each argyle tile is hand cut and the cross lines are sewn onto the original pieces (one in gray, and one in shocking pink to liven it up).

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123358279/black-and-white-argyle-8x10-print

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123359078/black-and-white-argyle-8x10-print

If you are a Longhorn fan, or just looking for a little laid back preppy style, you can't go wrong with the burnt orange.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123359318/burnt-orange-argyle-8x10-print

Let me know what you think of the new patterns in the comments!

5000 Pins

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:03:00 +0000

Oh Pinterest, what have you done to me? 5,000 pins already?!?

Well, in my defense, I can say that out of the 5,000 pins...

Source

I cooked/baked at least 36 of the pinned recipes on Breads, Breakfast, Desserts, and Meals. (For mini reviews of some of these, you can see these posts: Pinterest Recipes Accomplished Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV.

I made my own chevron infinity scarves.

I am going to build and upholster a headboard this Spring Break.

I have a large stack of paper towel rolls saved up for a future wall art project.

I decided that my kitchen needs white shaker style cabinets.

I will be creating a built in wall of bookshelves over Sping Break using Ikea Billy Bookcases (I know, Spring Break is going to be busy.).

I was inspired to update our fireplace mantle with MDF and molding to make it stand out like the beauty it was meant to be.

Source

I learned that my love of antique rings knows no bounds.

I created a gallery style collage of family photos for the living room.

I created the invitations for Court's first birthday from pinned ideas and got inspiration for the polka dot cake design.

I discovered that baking soda and vinegar will clean just about anything.

I strung together a paper wreath to hang over the mirror in our living room.

Source

I began a visual catalog of all the books I have read and loved.

I became even more obsessed with drinking tea on cloudy days (or any day, really).

I gave myself permission to unabashedly love tartan, tweed, and elbow patches the way I always secretly have.

I now shred cooked chicken in the Kitchen Aid mixer, using the paddle attachment for 30 seconds.

I wear gray nail polish, and I love it.

I am growing an avocado tree in our dining room window. It is currently taller than the toddler.

I created buttons and organized this here blog using tutorials found on Pinterest.

Source

I found the inspiration for the design I painted on wooden slats that now adorn our dining room.
I found two different pieces of artwork that now hang in our home.

I discovered lists of foods that help me vary the toddler menu around here.

I got the idea for a huge piece of DIY musical artwork that now hangs mightily in our bedroom.

I searched for monogram ideas for the initials that hang above our bed.

...the list is endless.

Some may scoff that 5,000 pins is an utter waste of time, while others will find that number trifling compared to their own emense curations. As for me, I have spent a good many hours being inspired, taking comfort, getting informed, and dwelling in my happy place. I apologize for nothing.

Follow me on Pinterest here.

And let me know what pins you have taken a crack at in the comments.

Try This Bread

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 22:11:00 +0000

When I have a lot to accomplish (whether with work or around the house), I tend to find the most happiness in the kitchen, putting off my to-do list, and baking something yummy. Enter...English Muffin Bread.

I know that I have mentioned it on this blog before, but seriously people...make this bread.

You can find the recipe here at One Good Thing. It is divine, and you need it in your life.

There are only five ingredients: water, yeast, sugar, salt, flour. You mix 'em, let 'em sit, and bake 'em.

This is the bread rising in the pan after mixing. No kneading. Look at all those nooks and crannies getting ready for butter.

I would share the half recipe I use with you but this happened...

This was Stage 1 of a three part process to disorganize the recipe box.

...so you will have to rely on those 5th grade math skills and halve the recipe yourself if only making two loaves.

If you must make it healthier, you can. I made it a couple of times by using half wheat and half white flour. I have also added ground flax seed.

Just like Jillee says though...toast it and put on butter and honey, and you discover a new plane of living in which colors are brighter and songs are sweeter (okay, no guarantees about the colors and songs, but you will be happier, and who knows, it could happen).

Just make the bread.

Then tell me how happy you are in the comments.

Keeping Up & Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 21:47:00 +0000

First of all, I would like to welcome all the new visitors to the Whitehall Shop blog. A great many of you have stopped by to see the "Things to do in Houston" post, and I do hope that you will pull up a cozy chair and stay awhile. You can learn a little bit about me and the site here, and you can visit the Whitehall Shop on Etsy here.

Keeping Up

ˈkēpiNG /əp/

1. (verb) To remain in touch with the latest news and goings on.
2. (verb) Attempt at public accountability for maintaining higher standard of productivity in daily life. See: The Jones'
3. (noun) Vague reference to original update post in which the old British show 'Keeping Up Appearances' was marginally referenced, thereby inspiring the title for all future update posts.

My new favorite picture.

Now for the list:

*I painted my dresser from childhood a bluey-white color that everyone just calls white. I am now searching for glass knobs to put on the drawers (per a wonderful suggestion from a friend).
*We watched the Super Bowl, because that is what you do.
*We have made ourselves regulars at the local park/playground, where Court loves to slide, run around in the glory of her new found independence, give flirty glances at the stone turtle, and evil eyes to the swing set. Don't worry swings, we'll get there one day.
*I have been making copious amounts of bread. I have added ground flax seed and whole wheat flour in an attempt to pretend that pounding the carbs this hard isn't all bad. And with butter and honey on warm from the oven bread...really, it's all good...so, so good.
*I have found myself in a sketching/cut/repeat pattern that doesn't have a near end in sight. The good news is that I love my job and I love the creative process. The better news is that Whitehall Shop will soon have more new goodies.

Short list, I guess, but what more could you want. Play time + work time + fresh bread = good times.

Keeping Up

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 20:13:00 +0000

Just what have we been up to lately? Well...

*We took in a much needed dose of family and friends in Colorado over the holidays. Our cup was full.
*Jonny smoked an excellent pork shoulder on his new favorite piece of cooking equipment.
*We painted our master bedroom with a color picked out at the last minute (never a good idea). So the goal will now be to tone down the pinkiness of the beige in the master bedroom. Chocolate Mousse is pink, y'all. You will think that it is the perfect brown, with no red, yellow, green, or other unholy color. You will be wrong. Save yourselves. Pink.
*I painted a slatted wood sign to go in the bedroom (pics to follow).
*I have been diligently reading for the Classical Book Club over at Life in Grace. Though, Plato honestly kept getting me sidetracked with fantastic thoughts and ideas that just must be explored over at the other blog baby. A good problem to have.
*Court has been walking up a storm. Her favorite way to work it is behind her toy shopping cart with momma's purse flung over her shoulder. I think that is my favorite way too.
*Jonny rebuilt a section of our fence with our neighbor, adding a gate, and increasing the size of the backyard. It was a very "This Old House" kind of moment for us.
*I have finally downloaded Babel, by Mumford and Sons. My life is now richer.
*Whitehall Shop is going to get a few new listings in a week or two. Think "The Great Outdoors."

Now it's your turn. What is new with you?

New Line: Astrology Prints

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:52:00 +0000

What is your sign?

I'm a Pisces.

I love looking up astrological info. Not so much the cheesy, vague daily horoscopes (change is coming for you...well, duh.), but the longer analysis of what your sign means about you. I just think that they are fun to read about, and I happen to think that the description of Pisces fits me pretty darn well (obsession with feet and all).

In that spirit (the fun part, not the feet part), Whitehall Shop has a new line of Astrological symbols in all standard print sizes. They are a great addition to a gift for newborns, and the bright colors and simple designs can be displayed anywhere that needs a little pep. Here they are in order:

Aries (March 21st - April 19th)

Taurus (April 20th - May 20th)

Gemini (May 21st -June 20th)

Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd)

Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd)

Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd)

Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd)

Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st)

Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st)

Capricorn (December 22nd - January 19th)

Aquarius (January 20th - February 18th)

Pisces (February 19th - March 20th)

Do you like to look up your astrological sign? Do you think the profile fits you?

A Coral Herringbone on a Gray Day

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:06:00 +0000

It has been a rainy day around this casa. The skies are a cool, wintry white, gray, and the tea in my cup is strong and hot (my husband will point out that this is because I leave it steeping for hours, and then microwave it repeatedly...shhh...don't tell the Brits, they are not fans of this technique).

Because this is Southeast Texas, the humidity is hugging the whole neighborhood in a light fog, and I am postponing putting today's shipment in the mail, for fear that the crisp white paper will turn into a wavy, wet mess, unbefitting a Whitehall delivery.

While I do love a dark and rainy day, there is no need to strip our eyes of color. In that spirit, I have added some new Herringbone Prints to the Shop in vibrant colors. So if you need a color fix to cure the post-holiday back-to-routine doldrums...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120022417/aqua-blue-herringbone-11x14-print

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120022251/coral-herringbone-11x14-print?ref=v1_other_2

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120022581/sunny-yellow-herringbone-11x14-print

Keeping Up X

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:37:00 +0000

Hello friends. I am woefully delinquent in updating things around these parts. We took our sweet time in recovering from upper respiratory infections, begun to dabble in a life without morning naps, and have since lost track of what a schedule looks like.

I will not bore you with the details of the last few weeks, as sickness does not breed interesting stories. I will say that our little trio did have a lovely Thanksgiving meal, complete with a hickory-smoked turkey (courtesey of Jonny's birthday present). There is so much that we are thankful for, and it seems trite to broadcast it out to the internet. While it seems par for the blogging course to flaunt our personal gratitude, I think I am just going to leave it beautifully small and personal.

The Christmas tree is up, and I love to turn on the lights each ~~afternoon~~ night as the sun goes down. We are woefully underprepared for the season in a spiritual sense; though I am not sure that we will ever really be prepared. We are keeping it simple on the decorating/cooking/shopping/partying side of the season. I just really don't have the taste for much of that anymore. Don't get me wrong. I love to cook for loved ones, and gather together, but the pressure to fit it all in and overdo it all has really soured me on the misguided outwardness of a season that is most beautiful when it is intimate and reserved.

Well now I am just sounding like a scrouge, so I will wrap this one up for now. I hope that you are all enjoying this holiday season and making time for the important things.

Whitehall Shop has a few new goodies in the Flags and Maps section, and a whole new section for your perusing enjoyment! More to come on them later.

Keeping Up

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:56:00 +0000

I didn't mean to leave you hanging, but Bronchitis has hit this family hard. So while we take a few more moments to finish recuperating, I offer you this:

English Cotswolds

It is my current happy place when I close my eyes and pretend that I am not a lung-infected blob, but instead dressed in my tweed skirt with a cardigan that has little felted heart-shaped elbow patches, and leather riding boots, my Kate Middleton-perfect hair swinging behind me, as I am off to have tea and scones with a trio of old bittys (they tell the best stories, don't you know).

Also, there has been lots of sewing going on in the shop, despite our poor shape of late, and I can't wait to get scanning and show you the latest designs!

Pumpkin Update

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 19:09:00 +0000

Since everyone is giving their favorite pumpkin recipes right now, I am reminded that I never gave you the follow up on our pumpkin patch this year...

Brace yourself. It is not good news. Sadly, the pumpkin patch was laid to rest back in September. We buried it in the backyard. Okay, sorry for that last bit. It is very late at night as I type and my humor tends toward the uber-silly when we get past my bedtime.

But so sad about the pumpkins, right? We were beyond bummed. What started out with so much promise...

Don't worry, we thinned them, as recommended.

Was growing and giving us so much hope...

And then the bugs, or the amount of water, or the heat, or all of it. We really just don't know.

So while we hoped for a crop of these beauties...

We will instead be cooking, and baking, and pumpkin-smoothie making with this guy...

I know you are bummed, but take heart. When you are tasting this....

http://pinterest.com/pin/129971139217661055/

It doesn't much matter where the pumpkin came from.

Cheers!

Keeping Up IX

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:37:00 +0000

Hello friends. It has been too long since we last chatted. How was your Halloween? We had a very enjoyable holiday with our little ballerina. Aside from that, we have been up to lots lately, so without further ado...

Trick-or-Treat!

We visited No Label Brewing Co., in Katy, TX, again for their Saturday tasting, with live music, lawn chairs, and good brews. The weather was beautiful this time around. It was finally the right temperature to wear jeans and jackets and considering that it was the end of October, it finally felt right.
We took a stroll through the Harvest Festival at Faith UMC in Richmond, TX, where Court managed to fit in her second petting zoo experience of the month, and we snapped pictures until we were silly in the pumpkin patch, all before going on a hay ride. Just perfect.
I have begun some spray painting projects that I will have to show you once we are a little further along. Currently they are sitting in the garage for Jonny to carefully drive over (but not on) while they wait for another coat of paint. Oh, the glamour of DIY projects!
We had a wonderful visit with Court's grandparents who came in for a long weekend. Good food ensued.
We hit up 4 houses for trick-or-treating for Court's first time out. She was beyond adorable, and I do think she received extra candy because of it (4 houses + cute ballerina = 12 pieces of candy). She loved walking the sidewalks and is so close to walking without hanging on to Mom or Dad for help.
I have been taking an online course through Hillsdale College about Western Heritage. Highly recommended. I love their online courses. Copious notes have been written.
We finally hung some artwork on the very bare wall in the guest room, and added some books to the bookshelf that was sitting bare, longing to fulfil his purpose in life. Pictures will follow.
We finally hung (sensing a theme?) the wooden letters that Court received for her birthday in her room. More on her room later. Oh, there is just so much to tell you, and so little time!
And just to irk my college professors, lots of passive language has been used in this post.

What have you been up to lately? Any projects started? Tell me about your Halloween!!!

Happy Trails!

In the Shop: New Appliqués

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:50:00 +0000

Now I don't want you thinking that all I talk about is food and my grandparents (though that may not actually be that far off), so we are getting to some goodies today!

Head over to the shop to check out the new selection of appliqués in the appropriately titled "Appliqués" section. There are not only new fabric choices for some favorite designs, but also some new designs available as well.

Here are some of my faves:

Blue Argyle Cowboy Boot

Multi-colored Paisley Lovebird

Muli-colored Paisley Heart Trio

Blue Dot Rocketship with Golden Plaid Fins

Pink Argyle Heart Trio, Large

Lavender and Pink Flowered Five Petal Flower with Golden Flowered Center

Green Plaid Dinosaur

Pockets Full of Pecans

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:57:00 +0000

One of my favorite things about fall in Texas is the pecans. And for the record, Paula Deen, with all due respect, you are wrong. It is pronounced "Puh-cahn," not "Pee-can." My evidence for this is the fact that Pecans were first discovered in Texas by the Spanish, who then disseminated them around their lands. It is the State Tree of Texas and we say, "Puh-cahn."

Pecan Man

But back to the beauty of autumn...our neighborhood was built amongst an existing pecan grove, and the trees in this area are tall and beautiful. They are also shedding their pecans like crazy right now. Court and I are more than happy to help ourselves to the freshly fallen capsules while on our walks. Don't worry, we are not taking them out of people's yards, as that would be rude. But I think that if they fall onto the sidewalk, they are fair game.

I remember going for walks through the Rosedale neighborhood with my grandparents in Austin and filling my pockets full of pecans that had fallen. I would then seat myself in front of the TV in the den and spend all afternoon cracking open the nuts while Grandpa watched Matlock and Colombo.

I am not an expert pecan cracker, so I rarely get whole pieces out, and it looks a bit squirrely to watch me digging in the shells for every last morsel, but they are so buttery and delicious, and so worth it. Just like every other home-grown food, pecans are just better than store-bought when you get them from right underneath the tree.

What are your fall favorites right now? Are they connected to childhood memories?

The Great Carrot Harvest of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Katherine Goldberg) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:51:00 +0000

This past spring, we were feeling downright green in the thumbs. We planted pumpkin seeds that we had saved from last year (more on that later), and carrots. We don't have a great track record, so we figured two veggies was enough. Baby steps, people.

I have very fond memories of harvesting carrots one year with my Grandpa. He was a master gardener. He grew spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, rhubarb, swiss chard, green beans, peas, strawberries, and I know that I am forgetting so much more.

Can we talk about how organized that wood pile is in the background? I love that man!!!

One year, after he dug up the carrots, I helped him wash them off (as you can tell from the picture, my pile was quite small, and my 'help' was probably more theoretical than actual). We plunged our hands into the icy water (Colorado hose water is cold stuff, y'all), and I remember my 'stylish' fuzzy purple and teal sweater getting wet with each dip. Afterwards, we went inside and grandma made us some hot chocolate for our efforts. Actually, I had hot chocolate; Grandpa probably had a cup of coffee. Hot chocolate wasn't really his thing, and washing the carrots was less of a feat in his daily schedule. For me though, I was master carrot washer for the day, with a chocolate mustache as my crowning laurel.

Well, back to our carrots, I checked the top of one through the soil to see if it was large enough to pull up, and it looked HUGE!!! I was so excited. We did it!!! We grew a vegetable and didn't kill it half way through the season!!! I waited impatiently for Jon to get home so we could rip those carrots out and get a good dose of Vitamin A for dinner that night.

And then...

Our first carrot turned out to be, as we say in Texas, "Big hat, no cattle." He was about an inch around at the top, and then...well, you see. He made for a pre-dinner snack of about two bites. I will say that he was deliciously carrot-y in ways that grocery store carrots just aren't. So we have continued to let the remaining carrots do their growing thing, and hopefully they will bulk up enough for at least a little side dish.

I still have a long way to go before I can compete with Grandpa's carrots. But we have taken our first steps, and that has to count for something. I think I will go make some hot chocolate...and water our carrots.