The Spotted Sparrow

Art is something all homes have in common, regardless of size, style or price. One piece of art can transform an entire room. The problem is that art is not always cheap. Imagine a place where you can browse selections from a group of talented artist, and can take home any piece for about the same price as a CD or book.


Let me introduce you to Tiny Showcase. Each week, founders Jon Buonaccorsi and Shea'la Finch, showcase a new piece of tiny artwork and make limited-run print productions of it. How cool is that?

How cool is this DIY Mailing Tube Wine Rack from Design*Sponge? Kate made this using a mailing tube, felt, and duct tape. I can totally picture one in my future new home!

We are moving to Newcastle upon Tyne this Autumn. Goodbye Deutschland, hello England!


The Hubs and I are super excited to start another new chapter in our lives. He'll be doing research at Newcastle University, and I will have loads more opportunities to continue growing the Spotted Sparrow. They have not just one, but several weekly markets! In a happy coincidence, my cousin starts her graduate studies in Edinburgh next month, which is only two hours away. Yay!

I can't wait to share our new adventures with you. I'm already dreaming of scavenging Oxfam shops for fixer-uppers and DIY projects.

Sunday
Teriyaki Chicken with Soba Noodles and Snow Peas
Try making your own Teriyaki Sauce. It's easy to make and tastes much better than the pre-made bottles you buy at the supermarket.

Monday
Maple-Garlic Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Rice

Tuesday
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette
Butternut squash is not always eady to find in Germany, so I grabbed a few when I saw it at the market. This is more of an Autumn recipe, but that wasn't going to stop me. I recommend adding less salt and olive oil to the vinaigrette.


Wednesday
Fra Diavlo Sauce with Pasta and Salad
This is one of my go-to recipes when I need a quick, easy meal. I use frozen shrimp and skip the scallops. The pasta sauce is garlicy with just the right amount of spice.

Thursday
Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Mushroom Barley Bake
I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the chicken recipe. After removing the cooked chicken from the pan, I added white wine to deglaze with a pat of butter. I used homemade chicken stock for the Barley and just cooked it on the stove in a covered pan. Yum!

Friday
leftovers

Saturday
pizza

I'm a huge fan of Echo & the Bunnymen. Lips Like Sugar has become an 80s classic that never fails to get me dancing around my apartment, singing into my hairbrush. I adore their combination of post-punk and psychedelic influences. You know what that means - a new addition to my New Wave Victorian collection.


Tell your sweetheart how much you love their kisses. Whether it's for your anniversary, Valentine's Day, or just to say "I love you," you will melt their heart with this sweet card.