Thanks for stopping by
These are the things I love,
the things that inspire me,
and the things that I’ll remember 50 years from now.
Family Photo by Quang Sun.
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I share this life with Justin, my best friend and husband, and our sweet and smiley baby boy, Sage Michael. Our family is also composed of chocolate labs Huck and Chili and chickens Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
First there is the house…
We live in Redmond, Washington – about 20 minutes east of Seattle. Our craftsman cottage was built in 1947 and sits in the middle of a country acre. It’s a lot of work, but we have never had more fun making a house a home. Since we bought it, Justin and I have worked together to bring the property back to its former glory and rejuvenate the country setting with a lived in, yet refined French Farmhouse style. Give me three shades of white paint and some 220 grit sandpaper and I’ll shabby chic the car if you’ll let me. We jokingly refer to it as the “Shanda Foisy Signature Farmhouse Finish.”
Cherry Sausage Tart with Lemon, Thyme and Goat Cheese.
Then there is the food…
I started cooking with my mom as soon as I could stand. Years of making homemade breads, curries and learning to brine a chicken prepared me to work as an apprentice pastry che during high school. While everyone else was in after school sports practice – I was furiously trying to perfect the ‘airiness” of my Madeline Cookies. I seriously considered culinary school, but in the end decided that the hours and lifestyle of being a chef were not for me. I went to design school instead and now own a graphic design studio in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square , Pixel Soup.
While design helps pay the bills, cooking is still my passion. When I’m not working in my studio or on the house, you will find me in the kitchen; cooking, styling and photographing (I’m still learning!), and most importantly, eating with my family.
The { ever growing } Bucket List
- Take a food styling class in Brooklyn from Béa Peltre
Kiss a boy on a bridge in Paris- Go to Tanzania and South Africa
Learn to ride a motorcycleGrow an organic vegetable garden- Write a cookbook
- Eat Panang curry in Southern Thailand
- Have a farm sink in my kitchen
- Watch my son ski with my husband
Eat Pizza in NapleBe on “This American Life”
and the Arts and Crafts…
I try to squeeze in as much creative time as I can, but the days seem to go by much faster now that we have a child. Although I’m not opposed to putting the baby in the front pack while I paint a picture or wander through a flea market looking for things to re-purpose. I do my best to make home-made gifts for Justin and our family. At the end of the year we like to give “Our Box of Favorite Things.” It is usually made up of mostly cheese and alcohol, but our family doesn’t seem to mind
I can barely sew on a button, but the final few weeks of my pregnancy possessed me to buy a sewing machine. I made three sad-looking receiving blankets before I went into labor. Needless to say haven’t touched the thing since. Every now and again I look through my Green Craft Magazine and bookmark the things I want to make…someday.
And if I do – I’ll share it with all of you.
Your blog and photos are beautiful!!!
I love your photos! I am a professional chef and although I can create the food I regret not being better at the styling/ photography part. Thank for the inspiration!
Thanks Cara! That’s a huge compliment coming form a chef. I am self taught – it’s possible if you want to learn!
Lovely photography. Love the bucket list too – I interviewed Beatrice Peltre recently – very inspirational! Let me know how the food styling course goes :)
Thanks! That’s great you got to interview Bea. What was it for?
happy to find your blog – and there is nothing better than making a house a home
Congratulations on your Freshly Pressed feature! So happy to find you and your beautiful blog. I live and work on the east side as well. Can’t wait to browse your delish dishes! Karista
Thanks Karista! I will check out your site.
Hi Shanda! I’m so glad I found your blog too! It is such a gem! Is it ok if I feature your recipes on my blog?
Hi Charisssa, sure, feel free to repost on your blog and link back. Have a great week!
Because your blog makes me happy…
http://theusualbliss.com/2012/06/06/wednesday-sunshine-37/
We would love to do a post featuring you as our guest blogger for the month on July! You can contact us @ http://www.tresorsdeluxe.com!
Aww your blog is so lovely, and your photos are gorgeous! So glad I found it! Plus your bucket list made me smile a bucket load, hehe :)
Thanks Amy!
Hi there, I absolutely love your blog. As a former Seattle native, I am excited to hear about your Northwest life!
Thanks! I love your blog name. My son is named Sage!
Just stumbled upon your blog, it is beautiful! Look forward to browsing and future posts!
Christina
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I found your blog via Tresors De Luxe – and you’ve gained a follower :)
I am so happy I found your blog & can’t wait to follow you! Such beautiful photos – what a inspiration!
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I love this! Thanks for sharing, your family and home are beautiful!