Have you ever wanted to create a hand-dyed textile using botanicals materials, that looks like something that you would find in a boutique store? Me too!  I have been wanting to experiment with bundle dyeing ever since I saw the beautiful and natural results. I was curious about it, as a compliment to my work with natural indigo dye and Shibori.

***Update, after much experimenting with the natural process of bundle-dyeing, I am proud to announce a collaborative workshop in March that combines Bundle Dyeing and Aromatherapy in a retreat for creatives! There are still a few spaces left to join!***

First, I did some research about which plants to use and how to dye natural fibers like wool, silk and cotton. I even discovered a cruelty-free silk in the process called peace silk. There is a wealth of information out there to digest about natural dye processes and I will share some of the books that I am reading at the bottom of this post!  

Today, I am thrilled to share with you a bonus post along with my husband's new website, Vegan Futura. As a family, we cook often and the subject of family recipes and our food legacy has come up recently. We have been thinking about the recipes that are specific to our family and those favorites that we enjoy cooking time and time again. Since A Day in the Life focuses on art, interiors, and California lifestyle, Ashish will simply drop-in with a healthy California vegan foodie post from time to time. I always jokingly say that I am a vegetarian foodie and despite being vegetarian, I still appreciate and enjoy delicious food!

Without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Ashish of Vegan Futura. Check out his first recipe below. 

This is one of my favorite recipes when I find fresh organic basil at the farmers market. This is fresh, flavorful, light and easy Italian classic, not to mention quick without much preparation. You can serve this as a side or as a main meal.

INGREDIENTS

• Farfalle pasta
• 2 cups fresh basil, packed, stems removed, washed and dried
• 6 to 8 grape or cherry tomatoes cut in half
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp. pine nuts, toasted
• 1⁄2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. lemon juice, preferably fresh squeezed
• Black pepper and salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:
PESTO

1. In a food processor, pulse the garlic, 2 Tbsp. pine nuts (set aside the rest to be used as a garnish), lemon juice, and basil leaves
2. While the food processor is running, if possible, carefully and slowly drizzle in the olive oil. The goal here is to create a smooth emulsion. Occasionally, you might have to stop and scrape the sides of the bowl to mix
3. Season with salt and pepper
4. If you are not going to use all of the pesto, then you can freeze it for up to 3 months in an air tight container

PASTA

1. Boil pasta with some salt, according to the cooking instructions
2. Save 2 to 3 Tbsp. of water at the time of draining

SERVING

1. Toss pesto in to the pasta along with the saved water, halved tomatoes and 1 tbsp. pine nuts
2. Garnish with basil before serving

NOTES

• Leftover pesto can be frozen. I like to use it as a spread on my toast
• If you do not have access to pine nuts, you can always use walnuts or pistachios

Please visit my site for additional vegetarian friendly and vegan recipes!

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Last weekend, we took a (much needed) trip up to Seattle to reconnect with old friends and celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary. We had been looking forward to seeing our friends, our vacation at the end of summer and another chance to explore Seattle, the nexus of the Pacific Northwest. The last time we visited the city, we stayed in the downtown area, so this time we opted to stay adjacent to the city's center. This was a perfect location for us because our friends stayed less than 1 mile away, the neighborhood was walkable, and featured lots of great restaurants. 

Lucky for us, we discovered a designer townhouse near Seattle University right where Squire Park meets the hip and walkable Capitol Hill neighborhood. 

Read on, to see the neighborhood highlights and why I recommend staying in this location and this townhouse, if it's available when you visit!