Hula Hoop da Loop

mini-manifesto

2011-09-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

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I don't really blog anymore, because pinterest really does everything that I used my blog for, which was put all the things I love in one place. But tonight, I feel like writing something that will go out in the great abyss and can't be taken away.

There is so much in this world to worry about. A war that is both painfully overdue for an end, but that is also stopping potential genocide, civil war, and forced Taliban rule. Massive middle east uproars, world wide economic disaster, despair, and destitution. Insane natural disasters from hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, droughts, flooding, and fires. The blight of the bees, the state of farming today which is both awful and confounding. The fact that an entire generation of Americans is simply not growing up (ie moving out of their parent's homes, not marrying, not having children, etc.) due to a horrid lack of jobs. The way animals are treated from our grain fed cows to football players hosting dog fights. The number of homeless families, to poor mental health care given to those in poverty and those returning from war. Its overwhelming. I don't know what to think or how to effectively operate in a world where it feels like everything is falling apart, yet nothing really feels different.

I still go to work and listen to my female co-workers complain about a lack of men. I hang out with friends, who talk about the latest movie that is showing. I still come home and do my dishes and walk the dog. I make love to my husband; I wash my hair; life is moving on and yet, with SO much bad, how is it moving on, so consistently?

Since a manifesto is a public declaration of principals and/or intentions I want to say the following about what I've decided based on the fact that in the big picture the world is coming to an end, but in my day to day life it really isn't:

1. I want to buy and eat pesticide-free food. That is made in America by Americans.

2. I want to eat meat, whether cow, pig, or chicken, that eats what it ate 200 years ago, whether that be grass or scrapes.

3. I want to save the bees.

4. I declare my support of the troops. I want us to leave our wars, but also be able to determine a solution so that Iraq doesn't burst into a civil war focused on eradicating a certain people, and the Taliban are not able to create their country in Afghanistan-and no I do not know how that is to be.

5. I want to raise my children to love nature by playing outside, hold real books and turn real pages, and know the art of conversation as a way of speaking not texting.

6. I want to pray more. Whether that is in the form of yoga or the Eucharist or quite meditation.

7. I want to have a hobby farm someday. In which my husband and I grow our own produce, raise our own chickens, have our own beehive, and can what we can't eat at that moment.

9. I want to be married to the same man forever.

10. I want to travel.

11. I want to practice consumerism in a way that does not innately create poverty.

12. I want to do my dishes more often, so that they don't get so smelly.

13. I want to complain less, and do more.

14. I want to make my own ice cream.

15. I want to help revive newspapers, magazines, and museums.

16. I want to knit a pouf.

17. I want a lot, and I want to contribute.

I feel better. I hope a do better too.

obsessed...literally

2011-07-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

watch this video...seriously people. It is all i want in a porch, and really in life...

ps. notice the little love seat from a few posts back? See meant to be!

omg, ridiculous, but awesome

2011-06-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

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Would I pay $180 for a designer dog bed? Probably not, but they are so cool!

From Lonny Magazine...Dressing Parisian

2011-06-21T04:17:00.000-07:00

I can get behind most of these suggestions...

Here is the run down to be Parisian chic, if you can't read the add in the magazine:

10. Jeans with gem-encrusted sandals (not sneakers).

9. Pencil skirt with ballet flats (not heels).

8. A sequined sweater with men's trousers (not with a skirt).

7. A diamond necklace with a denim skirt during the day (not a black dress in the evening) ~ personal note, diamonds are an all day kind of thing personally....don't hate me Paris I'm an American that's all...

6. Loafers with shorts, even with socks (not with long slacks and no socks).

5. An evening dress with ultra plain open toed sandals (not with the gem-encrusted evening variety).

4. A pearl necklace with a rock and roll t-shirt (not with a simple shift dress) ~ utterly agree.

3. A chiffon print dress with battered biker boots (not with brand new ballet flats).

2. A tux jacket with sneakers (not femme fatal stilettos).

1. An evening dress with a straw handbag (not a gold clutch).

Basic take away message: never be all glam, because then you are trying to hard, try to be casual with some flare. Love it Paris.

anthro lovin': summer additionA

2011-06-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

It's on sale!!!!!!!! This would be MINE if we had a backyard, but to no avail, because we don't. Slight tear. Walking away...

So cute, and no I don't have her body, but this is for fun people!

Awesome tea spoons...totally awesome...

So pretty....

(All photos from anothropologie.com)

due to undiagnosed sciatica...

2011-04-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

...I want to switch from my LLBean canvas shoulder bag, to a canvas backpack. After much internet and window perusing. I have found the one:

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I love everything about it. It has padded shoulder straps, lots of pockets, made in the USA, and it's stylish. And even though I am a bit nervous about white, I think I am ready to give it a try. Now, if only it wasn't $160...graduation present?

itching for ink...

2011-04-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

all images via

hmmm grapefruit lovin'...

2011-04-02T09:20:00.001-07:00

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Oh, hot damn! I'm ready for the summer of tart, sweet, yummy, and juicy!

lusting over cake stands...

2011-03-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

So, I'm Catholic and its Lent, and I gave up sweets, thus lusting over rhubarb pie is torture, but a cake stand? Well, at least I'm trying to stay away from the chocolate. Anyway, I have this lovely cake stand, but I feel like I need some fancier, cuter ones. Partially because of this picture:

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But, also I just think it would be a great piece of functional art to start collecting! Any of the following would be welcome additions to my collection~

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Maybe someday, when I have a bit more space! Till then I'll dream of them, and the cakes I can put on top!

its rainy and cold...

2011-03-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

And this picture makes me want to bake up some warm bread, brew a cup of tea, and snuggle up with my hubby and bully all night long...

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why, kate spade, hello...

2011-03-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

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I'm ready for sunshine, suntan lotion, sunglasses, swimsuits, oh well, I suppose I ready for SPRING!

anthropologie lovin' (oogling time)

2011-03-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

Seriously? I want, in my house, the whole damn thing. Now Adam has his limits with ruffles, and I'm thinking the shower curtain will be our one and only, but should anyone ask, this is my ideal bedroom everything!

oooo...this bar cart is da bomb

2011-03-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

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Have a finally found my barcart!?!?!?!?!?!?! Well, at this price perhaps not, but I can oogle it all I want.

the beauty of creation...

2011-02-22T17:49:00.000-08:00

via

bathroom redo has begun...

2011-02-21T17:25:00.001-08:00

I've been thinking about how to redo my ugly green bathroom for a while. Today I made the first step:

From anthropologie....

laundry room lust...

2011-02-20T08:32:00.000-08:00

There is little I lust after more than kitchens; however, laundry rooms are a very close second. I love everything about laundry rooms, the functionality, the smell (clean laundry, not so much the dirty), the sounds, I mean everything. Yet, I've been living in an apartment for the last 8 years, and I can tell you that I can make due, but I just don't want to anymore. One of the things I want when we finally buy a house is a laundry room to lust for. (All these pictures came from apartmenttherapy.com or design sponge, but I can't remember which from where. )

And so my friends, I'll continue to fold on the couch, move the drying rack to get to the other side of the bed, hide the piles of laundry when friends come over for drinks, and drive to the laundry mat when I need to wash my comforter, but in my heart I'm cheating on washer and dryer hallway situation for anyone of these other rooms.

peanut butter and carrot cake...

2011-02-13T15:06:00.001-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Bauer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What happened when the chicken crossed the road?

2011-02-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

He landed on my refrigerator as a cute little decal. I may not be able to raise chickens right now, but I can still have a reminder of what is to come! I love the decal craze, and for $5 from this etsy store, who can go wrong!

light lovin'

2011-02-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

So, when A and I moved into our apartment about 14 months ago, I was dead set on getting pretty lights. I hate the cheap, ugly lighting that people usually have, especially in apartments. First thing we did was replace the kitchen chandelier. I don't have a before picture of the lighting that came with the apartment, but here is what we chose to replace it with:

We got it from Urban Outfitters, and I love it. It was fit with European lighting, but we took it to a lighting store and they rewired it for us, and they changed the color of the wire so it blended better. I'm obsessed. It really makes our kitchen unique. The whole endeavor was about $250 (initial cost, plus shipping, plus rewiring), so we had to hold off on anything else for a bit.Please ignore my outfit for a MOD party and look at the simple, but not "me" lamp in the background. This came with the marriage. Adam took bright pink lamps from his mother's house, painted them and put neutral shades on them when he moved out on his own. There were two of them and while they are fine lamps, we wanted something different. I'd been eyeing the clear ones for two years, and finally a year after the chandelier we found the best priced ones out there, that also included shades and were a good shape.

We got these from Crate and Barrel. They were $90 a piece, but compared to some of the prices we saw we were happy with it. After a certain point, it is better to just save up and get what you want instead of settling for something cheap and ugly.

The prize piece of our lighting, was the standing lamp from anthropologie that I've been ogling for about a year. We just got it as a joint Valentine's Day gift, and I'm loving every bit of it!

Again, the lamp is from Anthropolgie (with an anthro price tag too!), but the lamp shade is from Pottery Barn and was on sale! Woot! Woot! We spent quite a bit of money on lighting these last 14 months, but it makes us happy to have pretty things. I'm glad we saved for what we wanted, instead of settling for cheap, unattractive things, that won't make it past a year.

so, as we all know, I have a thing for lobsters...

2011-02-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

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I can't help it...i just want it...

applesauce up in hizzle...

2011-01-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

It started with four apples three weeks ago...low and behold it turns out I LOVE homemade applesauce. It was gone in a day. So, the next weekend at the farmers market (yes I'm lucky enough to live by a year round fm...be jealous) we bought a crate, I mean it was more economical that way. As we began the process we realized it was time to read up on the canning book we got for Christmas, because there was NO way we could eat that much applesauce in the next week. Thus began the all day process...

By "we" read up, I mean A did and then he explained it to me...

Someone mentioned making applesauce in a crock pot, so we tried that (I mean we had enough apples to go around), as well as adding strawberries. Strawberries I'd do again, but you don't need nearly as much water, because they add a lot more water to it (we bought them frozen from the farmers market the same day). The crock pot takes longer so I wouldn't do that again.

I add cinnamon and lemon rind only, no sugar.

A few seconds in the food processor, and viola:

This is where the canning part comes in, after you make it, it has to boil:

9 quarts of homemade applesauce, two strawberry the rest original...I'm a happy duck!

flea market flare...

2011-01-10T17:11:00.001-08:00

Before:After:

So the pictures kind of suck...but you sort of get the point. We went to DC's largest flea market that comes around three times a year, and picked up this 40s medicine cabinet for $100. Adam cleaned it up and we got anthropologie knobs. The great part is other than the medicine cabinet we didn't buy anything. We just used what we already had, so basically we went shopping in our house. The Kate Spade vase is filled with a mustache bouquet, from A's mustache party. The Kate Spade candy jar is filled with A and my new favorite game Banana grams. The alabaster chess set was my grandfather's, it is beautiful but hard to tell the pieces apart so not really great for actually playing chess. The chair was in our bedroom hidden in a corner. We had to reposition some frames with the taller chair, but the whole thing only took about an hour. The rest of it is filled with books and board games. So it is still quite functional. The area still needs some color, I'm thinking a little pillow of pop will be perfect. Perhaps this one from Urban Outfitters.

Anyway, despite the pictures I'm liking the little nook. I'd like to replace the glass with chicken wire, but Adam says he couldn't get the glass out. We'll see...

cookie jar predicament

2011-01-07T12:10:00.001-08:00

I am looking for a cute, nontypical cookie jar. Unfortunately, I haven't found one that my husband also likes and that is the right price. I love this owl from Anthropologie, but A says it gives him the creeps:

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I, of course, love this cornishware, and I thought it would be so adorable to have "dolce" printed on it. But the price + the shipping was just too much for my confectionary creations.

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So, for the time being I will pine away for the owl, and look for other solutions. By the way I realize these are complete opposites, but that is just the way I am. When I go out for dinner I'm not sure if I was chicken or fish, even though they are completely different tastes, they are both delicious. Said thoughts apply to design in my world as well.

Oh, hello, and who are you again?

2011-01-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you can officially call me a slacker, considering, well, no one reads this. However, I felt guilty to myself to neglecting this, mostly because it is fun. Anyway, it isn't so much that I haven't done anything, as I haven't posted it. I thought about going back and posting everything, but that seemed tedious and unnecessary. Then, I thought about starting fresh, but that somehow left something out. Instead, I'm going back a little, and slightly out of date for the next few posts. Today: holiday goodies all bagged (canned) up:

The cans are from Michael's. The tags were from this blog (free template), the ribbon was Target. The peppermint bark and caramel corn recipes both came from the awesome blogger Orangette.

Hopefully, I'll be back soon with a post on Polyface Farms which we visited to get our Thanksgiving turkey!

I'm finally reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

2010-10-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

And it has changed my life. With my new found love for documentaries and docudramas, my eyes have been opened to how our food is made and abused, and it is changing me. Hence daydreaming about farms, and trying to buy my fruits and veggies in season. I'm not totally there, but it is a step by step process. Although fingers crossed the farm will happen some day.

However, Adam and I really lucky because we live next to the Falls Church Farmer's Market which is rated the best in America. And it is open year round with grass feed beef, fresh eggs and milk, and whatever might be in season. Here was our first adventure there:

This will be eggplant parmesan tomorrow night!

Best chocolate milk in the world, and we are having swiss chard salad with our eggplant!

Better than candy.

Fresh mozzy went on our pizza last night, and it was heavenly.

Three kinds of pears...so good.

Adam's hot, hot pepper plan that is supposed to be fruitful all year long.

This became kale chips, a need to go a little lighter on the salt, but so good.

Fresh basil and heirloom tomatoes were the other ingredients on our pizza.

Three weekends ago...

2010-10-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

I bought my last basket of peaches from the farmer's market (tear), and made this blueberry-peach crumble...it was amazo! There is something about the little personalized dishes that makes it seem so fancy, I wonder why?

Peaches I'll miss you...apples and pears, so nice to taste you again.

where have i been...

2010-09-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

....Daydreaming about farming.

These captivating pictures help. The farmers are young and beautiful, the food amazing looking, the landscape is intoxicating, and the animals adorable. It makes me yearn for a different life. In fact I've been thinking more and more about settling on a farm someday. I can love clothes and want chickens, right?

Yes, please.

Chocolate puddin

2010-08-03T05:16:00.000-07:00

My dad will not eat instant pudding. My husband was baffled by this, because he loves snack packs. I tried to explain that it is because real homemade, stovetop pudding is just so delicious you don't want anything else after you've had it. Although, I've eaten my occasional snack pack in desperation. However, it then occurred to me that maybe making my own pudding isn't as hard as I think. So, I used the internet and found this recipe...clearly this woman understands me (see "you can make it easily on a weeknight" and "the second step can be skipped if you are lazy"). Hence, the most delicious dark chocolate pudding on a Monday night!

I just wish my pictures were as pretty as the ones on smitten kitchen!

The Julia Child solution:

2010-08-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

The PROBLEM:

All of this was disorganized and hard to get to, but when renting, what can you do, you can't create more space...or can you? Vertical is always an option.

Oh Julia you've taught me well! I should also say that while Julia Child gave me the idea to hang pots from a peg board, my mother showed me how! And, my husband did all the hard work, aka building the frame, anchoring it to the wall, and making everything fit on the peg board! Thanks family!

anthropologie lovin' (slip edition)

2010-07-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

In general, I feel like the slip has lost its place in my generations lexicon of attractive clothing. But like sexy hose and tights, I think they are making a come back. Who wouldn't want to wear one of these beautiful, even sexy slips? It is both retro and convenient. And for Anthropologie not all that overpriced.

beautiful picture

2010-07-15T10:58:00.001-07:00

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I didn't like most of this post on apartment therapy, but this picture is so beautiful.

Pizza on the grill...mmmmm

2010-06-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

I married a pizza lovin' man...and a damn good grilled pizza he makes:

Why yes, that is basil from our garden! The tomatoes are heirlooms from the grocer, because our still aren't growing...but look at what A might be getting for his birthday!

So delicious you don't even know.

If you attempt to grill pizza at home (and you should!) be sure to use a anti-stick spray on the grill and generously spread olive oil over both sides. It takes about five minutes on both sides and you will not succeed if your toppings aren't already prepared. Good luck!

My man comes through (part 2)

2010-06-17T14:38:00.001-07:00

Its rhubarb in my hom
e!!!!!!

A brings me flowers all the time when he goes grocery shopping. Thanks to a lot of really sweet family and friends I have a plethora of amazing vases:

(Not the best picture, but the only one on my computer of all the vases)

and my sweet husband does what he can to fill them up. However, last night, I already had a vase full of flowers, so instead A found rhubarb and made me a bouquet...it might be the best gift since he returned home!!!!!!!

anthropologie lovin' (home edition)

2010-06-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

I've been ogling this since October, but when the house fell through, I realized this rug was not meant to be yet.

These are some lawn chairs I can get behind (but not at that price).

I literally want this soooo bad, and I have the perfect place, but convincing A to spend 300 on a lamp is not too easy.

I love it, but I have too many school loans to pay $1000 on something I could buy at an antique shop or flea market and then stencil.

Anthro, our love is one in which I want you, but I can't afford you. Sigh.

summery table settings making me smile

2010-06-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

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sea life is everywhere

2010-06-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

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if I was having a winter wedding...

2010-06-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

...I'd wear this:

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swoon...

because I like this picture:

2010-06-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

This is a combination of love for my puppy and my porch.

my obsession of with rhubarb

2010-06-14T07:28:00.001-07:00

I'm aching for rhubarb...the tang, the juice, the deliciousness, and all the many recipes that come from them. I only discovered the magical taste last summer, and now I can't get any, because apparently it only grows in the spring, but I got it late summer last year. I'm trying to grow my own, but it is slow going. If anyone in this area: NOVA, DC, or MD, have some or know where I can get it let me know. Here are some pics for ogling over:

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*Note to self: When planting what you think is rhubarb, make sure you read the seed packet very carefully, because there is something called ruby red rhubarb swiss chard, and that is a leafy, lettuce vegetable, and it is what is planted in my container garden, and thus I still have no hope of rhubarb.

Once A discovered the mishap, he did go buy true rhubarb seeds, but now I have actually read about growing rhubarb, and I have learn some important tidbits for the future: 1. it is finicky about the temperature 2. once you get it to grow, it can get our of control and you'll have rhubarb up to your ears...I could only hope...

Thus, I'm putting aside my rhubarb dreams for now, and focusing on convincing the condo association we live in to let us grow a community garden behind our building next spring...and you better believe I'll have my rhubarb seeds ready!

The duffle bag I want

2010-06-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

I want, i want, i want...and incidentally I need a new duffle bag (last one stolen...boo).

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KEDS!

2010-06-09T11:30:00.001-07:00

I'm looking for some new sneaks. I was really interested in Toms, but Keds are a walk down memory lane, and they are super cute.

I like all of these, but also this speciality design and this one. And then this as well...So many lovely choices, but I wish they weren't so expensive. I thought Keds were cheap?

my man comes through:

2010-06-09T09:41:00.001-07:00

Yellow is so my new favorite outdoor color! Bright, cheerful, and, well, yellow!

Final porch post...in use

2010-05-31T12:20:00.001-07:00

I'm loving the light, the color, the plants, the dog, and the man...I think we've had almost every meal since Friday on the porch...I'm a happy chica.

The pots and our little gardening how to...

2010-05-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

After reading this book, I was inspired to try out gardening. Then, I had A. read it, and he equally was thrilled (he already loved gardening, but liked the idea of me being involved and doing it all in pots). After returning home from a very long work trip, we went to our favorite antique store in Northern Virginia and had three great finds.

Then, we put our little garden together, with the cool wash tub, wash basin, and my personal favorite the tobacco jar. Following the directions

in the book we started planting:

Along with the new "pots" we also used several we already had and the almost dead rose and strawberries were already planted.

We did a mix of seeds and little plants to see which was better.

We put holes in the bottom for drainage.

The book said to use either styrofoam or stones to help with drainage.

Fill to the top. We used an organic vegetable potting soil.

Our puppy was a big help. The aqua feeders were leftover from the last balcony garden. They are a pain to fill, but I think they are pretty.

A is home and the porch is blooming

2010-05-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

The porch before A comes home:

The porch after 48 hours of my green loving husband's return:

Hopefully, we'll soon have tomatoes, hot peppers, strawberries, rhubarb (yes, I know the season is over but I missed the boat, and NEED some rhubarb), green beans, and eggplant!

Blood red...

2010-05-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

...oranges that is. I love blood oranges, the color, the taste, heck the vampire in my even loves the name. That being said, they are a bit expensive. I wonder if I would really save money by buying my own tree?

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Porch spruce up...

2010-05-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

After reading a post on DesignSponge about gardening and outdoor attire, I decided I needed to color-fy our porch so that it would be a warm, inviting place to spend our summer evenings. We spent long, lovely evenings on our porch at the old place, and our new one was even better, so after a month's long debate about where to spend the money and getting everything in from various stores it is finally ready, and just in time for my man to come home for a much too long work thing.

The chairs came with my man, no idea where from, but they are just little cheap, plastic jobs. I wanted cute yellow bistro chairs, but I don't want to pay for them, when these work just as well. I have been promised they will be painted bright yellow by a certain someone.

The mosaic lobster table is originally Pottery Barn, but I got if off of Craigslist for half the price. The fire pot is from Restoration Hardware, and is one heavy B! But awesome, I can't wait to light it up.

The cute little woodsman table was made by A.

The pillows were 25% off from World Market last weekend.

The rug is from Vivaterra and is made of reclaimed plastic bottles.

The wind-chimes were a gift to A. this Christmas and the sound is amazing. The lights are a compromise, A. wanted lanterns, but these seemed more weatherproof, and he was okay with that. Purchased from Pottery barn.

The bully is from Ohio, and he is the best looking part of the porch!

The only thing I need now is for A. to come home and plant pretty things in pretty pots...notice the dead rose bush and lackluster strawberry pot...I'm not a green thumb.

moose

2010-05-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

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I think I want to buy this and hang my necklaces off of it. These heads are all the rage right now, and while I don't want a huge one in my living room, the little guy would be super cute in my bedroom.

skull and cross bones

2010-05-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

For some reason the skull and cross bone look is becoming more popular. My husband has always liked the look in a masculine sort of way, not on throw pillows. But, when I saw this:

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I decided I liked it in a little bit of a cliche-wanna-be-punk fashion. But, I can't find a damn pillow that isn't cheesy.

So, then I started looking for cross-stitch patterns, and I found this one and I think its my favorite, but $85...I don't think so.

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I found this knitting pattern, but I'm not really a knitter yet:

I'm thinking maybe this would be the best one to combine arson with glam...

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Oh decisions to be made...

Discovered blogs after I got married...

2010-05-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

I was not into blogs until I became unemployed and needed to fill my days with something, so I started reading food blogs, which led to design blogs, fashion blogs, mommy blogs (don't ask, never been pregnant), and then somehow wedding blogs. I was married at this point, in fact JUST married. I was unemployed because I moved to him for his job, and finding work in D.C. in 2008 was not all that easy. Anyway, after the discovery of blogs, I started kicking myself for not finding them earlier for all the great wedding advice. I loved my wedding, sure the groomsmen forgot black socks and I forgot to make a schedule for the reception, but hey that's life right? I mean details are simply NOT my thing...I apologize to my future children when I will forget to wash your shirt for purple shirt day and am frantically sewing on your boy scout patches on the way to the banquet.

Anyway, then I started my own blog for shits and giggles, mostly so I can catalogue cool stuff I see on the internet and I can have all the blogs I read i

n one place.

However, I recently ran across these:

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How freaking cute! I would plan my wedding again (not really) to use these!

yummy...

2010-05-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

This and this is why She Eats Bears is my new fav. Try them, these recipes are summer dream food.

most recent anthropologie lovin'

2010-05-23T13:24:00.001-07:00

(Normally, I'm a romper hater, but this is just so cute and summery, I might be giving into it...yikes~)

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Groovy Banners

2010-05-22T19:48:00.001-07:00

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Yes please!

I can totally make this

2010-05-17T18:52:00.001-07:00

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This is an amazing chair, but anthropologie is charging $200 for this chair. This is a folding chair with cool fabric, and I feel quite confident I can do this, and I shall.

from balloons to banners to books, I'm seeing inspiration everywhere!

2010-05-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

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mason jar lovin'....

2010-05-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

So, i think everyone loves mason jars, right? I mean what isn't to love, and now seeing them as chandeliers makes me want them even more. Right now I have a rockin' chandelier from Urban Outfitters, but some day, I'd like to make this first one and put in on my back porch....

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Here is a tutorial on how to make it.

I think I'd put it over this table:

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Only I'd have some blue jars as well!

This one is an anthropologie display that was then show on apartment therapy. Not practical in a house, but very, very cool.

I can't justify the price, but I love them.

2010-04-01T23:00:00.001-07:00

{source}

How cute are these? I wish they weren't $50, I mean really...

I've heard when people get married they dress alike, but I was against until...

2010-03-05T14:11:00.001-08:00

via pendleton

oh no! I think I should work here...

2010-03-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

all images via Anthropologie

*sigh*

could use some retail therapy

2010-03-02T05:23:00.000-08:00

I'm not in the best of places right now, just school and work are driving me a bit insane, and I have to say goodbye soon and I hate that. Essentially, I think if I go buy this scarf (in ivory) and the lovely natty blazer from Anthropologie I'll feel better. But, if not, at least I'll look better! Oi vey world.

inspiring chairs

2010-02-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

Via ChairWhore

May I come to this party, please?

What separates the crunchies from those who just like granola?

2010-02-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

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So, my handsome husband called me a crunchie last night, which is a California term that refers to people who eat granola and don't shave and spend a lot of time in the woods and LL Bean. This happened because I decided to make my own granola (which is yummy, although I did burn it a little...opps...i'll still eat it!) Now, does that a crunchie make? I'm not sure lets review:

1. Granola: Hell Yes!

2. Shaving: Armpits like everyday, legs as often as I can force myself.

3. LL Bean: I own nothing from this store, I'm more of a JCrew and Anthropologie girl, although I do love North Face and Patagonia, which is kind of the same...tie

4. Hiking: Yes please

5. Kayaking and mountain climbing: I enjoy it, but I haven't been in years. (although I did buy Adam a kayak for Christmas.

6. Deodorant: Okay, in all honesty I stopped wearing deodorant, but it was a little stinky after long metro rides, so now I wear all natural...it is quite lovely without the nasty harmful stuff. Much better than TOMS if anyone has ever tried their brand and it is homemade!!!

7. Prius: no, but I'd love a gas saving car. However, I must say we are in crazy snow conditions right now, and I love that we can rely on our big xterra to save the day...gotta love that four wheel drive...so maybe no to gas savers.

8. Hair: I wash it everyday, but I'm thinking about not just because it is supposed to be better for my hair in the long run. There is this stuff you can spray in it so it doesn't look gross...I'm not there yet.

9. All natural makeup or none at all: Okay, so I don't really wear makeup, but when I do it is whatever I have or my sister has sold me (MaryKay). My current obsession is this Bobbi Brown red lipstick...luscious my friends!

10. Trader Joes: Yes, one of my favorites, but I love Wegmans more.

11. I feel like in all honesty I should also say I only use organic cotton tampons that have not had any pesticides used on the cotton. I once heard a friend of mine read a paper about it. I simply can't do anything else.

12. Farmer's Market: As often as possible!

Really that only makes about 6 out of 12 things, so a crunchie I am not, but that doesn't mean I'm not enjoying a bowl of my yummy granola and thinking about going climbing later this month...oh and I love yoga too...I better stop before I go over the edge.

oh holy cow, how i love this jewelry

2010-02-05T08:55:00.000-08:00

Mociun has the most beautiful jewelry. I mean I love each and every piece. I can't choose, I will need someone to choose for me...hint, hint, nudge, nudge!

The BED!

2010-01-31T11:00:00.000-08:00

We finally have our bed frame, and we came up with a cheap little solution for behind the bed as well~

I'm pretty happy with the look actually...now I just need the dust ruffle and I'm all done!

speaking of sweet...

2010-01-29T08:36:00.000-08:00

Also, I'm kind of in love with this...

I mean what's not to love?

*Thanks baby! I'm wearing it right now! Happy Valentines Day to you too!

oh how I love sweets...

2010-01-29T08:23:00.001-08:00

So, sweets are my life. I'd give up all other foods for them. I tell people I prefer to bake over cooking because it is easier, but really I just prefer to eat the baked goods more! I've got some ridiculous headcold right now, and I'm thinking I'll just stay in tonight, try this granola recipe, and watch 24.

Also, on this topic, which is my favorite, I think I need this cookbook...yes, yes I do. I made the carmel corn recipe in here during the holidays, and it was a HUGE success! Also, I made it without the candy therm. and it was all good, but probably would have been easier with the help of the thermometer. Oh well, I didn't feel like buying one, but maybe I will need to soon.

current little obsession...

2010-01-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

A and I do not need anything else on our walls. Period. Literally, we have boxes of things we don't even have room for, but I need this. The beauty, the colors, the tribal, the everything. I realize, I'm not Finish, nor do I believe in the Spirits of the North, but tribal folk lore, is a part of my history, as I am part Cherokee, and something about it speaks to my inner self. Now, here of course is my predicament, where to put it and how to afford it. Oh life, the conundrums you give us.

{source and artist: Sanna Annukka)

Busy month, but I must start knitting and crafting again

2010-01-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

So, I have two projects I need to start on top of all the resolutions I have planned for the year. I must learn to knit and start folding my paper cranes, because I found the perfect place in my apartment for the mobile to hang. Also my sweet and sexy husband is traveling for a while and I'll need a distraction. Now, I've talked about the knitting before and it simply has never panned out. I keep putting it off and putting off. Well my dear, wonderful friend Meg, made me a lovely scarf and hat for my birthday and then gave me knitting needles and some lovely yarn. Thus, I must learn to knit now. Also, I have started following this post, and I have an unbelieveable addiction to it, and I want to knit everything on it! Most especially this...

Isn't it adorable? I would want it in a punchy color, but I think I'm in love. I look at it almost everyday, and I know exactly where it shall go in my humble abode. The pattern looks pretty tricky so I'll have to get some experience. Eventually, I also want to do this and this. Wow knitting could really open up my wardrobe! Oh and this and this and this.....Oh my, I'm getting very ahead of myself!

2010: The year of resolutions

2010-01-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

So, my dear readers, ie my husband and mama, I rarely if ever have a new years resolution. My lovely sister usually has enough for everyone, and they are crazy, like no chocolate or no cokes for the whole year.

However, last year felt a little too chaotic, and it was also full of A LOT of change. So, I'm looking for a slightly calmer year. One thing I do know is I need to be baking more. I made this yummy lemon dessert for New Years, and while it wasn't pretty it is super tasty. Then, while I was unpacking, almost the last box, I found all the equipment for creme brulee. You see my grandparents gave this to me about EIGHT years ago, and I've never made it. I'm a disgrace, I know. SO, 2010 is going to be the YEAR OF CREME BRULEE!!! And I'm sure my grandfather is smiling down from heaven since he used to tease me relentlessly about eating it. I have this cook book, and I'm going to cook them ALL. Unless of course they don't sound good. I realize this sounds a little like the Julie and Julia blog/movie, and while it was somewhat inspiring, really it was the fact that I have a torch and I've never used it.

Next, my two sisters and mom, have challenged me to get organized. We all bought this book, and there is a big prize at the end of the year for which ever of us is the Organizing Queen of the World, or at least our own world. Every week there is something new to organize and get ready. Somethings won't effect me, like when it says clean out a child's closet, or prepare for a move (done and done, here is hoping I'm NOT moving in 2010), but other things are simpler.

The third resolution is to have all Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. I have already started. I bought my niece a very cute purple tinsel tree to have as her very own during the holidays.

Finally, my very last resolution, I got from my sister, I am not going to forget a birthday this year. I'm making a calendar book right now, and I'm buying this and this card in bulk so that I can have them on call when I need one. Also, I organized all my cards last night, and I have a whole bunch all stocked up! Hopefully, I succeed. January is a busy month!

That is all for now...wish me luck!

origami cranes

2009-12-23T05:59:00.000-08:00

I love origami cranes. I'm not super into the Japanese culture, although I do love much of their culture and traditions. And if you're looking for a book about the kamikaze bombers from WWII, this really helps explain their point of view, without diminishing the American lives they destroyed.

Recently, maybe in the last year, I've seen them used a lot as decoration. First, in an Anthropolgie store window, and then several times on Apartmenttherapy.com.

For my nephew's baptism I made him a mobile with fabric cranes that this lovely etsy shop sells. The pictures aren't amazing, but A helped me make the mobile and in person it is lovely. I'll try to post pictures of it a little later.

I was doing some research on them, and here is a nice article about the history of origami, which I found both fascinating and instructive. Then, as I was researching the cranes, which are my favorite, I found an saying that if you make 1000 cranes your wish will be granted...interesting challenge. In the end these two pictures have been a huge inspiration to me:

{source}

Now what should I wish for?

More lighting...

2009-12-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

After much deliberation, I've decided this is the chandelier I want in my kitchen. Adam also agrees it is pretty fantastic, now to come up with the money...

Lighting makes a home

2009-11-20T11:19:00.001-08:00

So...I think one thing that has always bothered me about renting is not liking the fixtures and such that "come with the place." I've decided we are going to change our the lighting in our new apartment, to really make it ours, because really a home is about the people in it, and I want a home not just a resting place. I'm inspired by this lighting source.

{images source}

I mean what is not to like!?

Bye bye house

2009-11-15T07:05:00.000-08:00

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So, we're not buying the house. Trust me when I say the face above describes me during the process of trying to buy it, NOT how I feel now. We were trying to save a sinking ship and in the process drowning ourselves. Thus, we backed out and now just need to find a place to live by the end of November. The sense of relief we both feel is enormous. And, while I am super disappointed, it is better this way. Someday we'll buy a house, and when we do we will be a buying force to be reckoned with because we are incredibly knowledgeable about the process now.

Anyway, just focusing on finding an apartment before our lease is up! Wish us luck!

globe lamp

2009-11-11T18:27:00.000-08:00

The blog world really seems to be into globes. I had no idea they were such a hit. When I was little I always wanted the globe that lit up, and now as I'm trying desperately to buy this house, and if I get it, I'm going to get one, because quite frankly why not? Here are few cool pictures from flikr:

{Source}

my hair

2009-11-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

So, anyone who has known me longer than, say, three months knows I'm always changing my hair. If its long I want it short, if its short I'm growing it out, yada yada yada!

If I tried to go back and describe all my hair changes it would take too long and bore you, so suffice it is to say I'm in a growing out stage.

Right now the goal is the messy bun:

Personally speaking, I don't need directions, I've been doing this for a long time, but the dirty hair thing seems weird to me, but at the same time I want to try it...new goal dirty hair. (My husband is going to be as excited about this as he was the no deodorant thing I started doing in August!)

oh diamonds, so pretty

2009-10-23T14:56:00.001-07:00

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I mean can you blame a girl for wishing...

I have a little thing for pumpkins.

2009-10-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

So, as a decorative element I love "the pumpkin". I love their shape and colors and ultimate coolness, which is one reason I really love the fall season because I love the pumpkin. I wish pumpkins had been the center piece of my wedding. Actually I wish these had been...

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How outstanding would that have been? Oh how I wish I'd stuck to my first theme of fall, and not gotten so distracted, by what I don't know, maybe the cost, maybe the frustration, but I should have just gone Fall and stuck with it. Don't get me wrong my wedding was lovely, but when I think back on it, I think of all these other cool ideas. Perhaps my husband and I should get married again. Scrap that lets just have a party, my wedding day was too emotional (all good) to do again!

Anyway, so you get it, I love pumpkins. However, we live in an apartment right now, and I'm not willing to do jack-o-lanterns because of the fruit flies, so this is my alternative:

Isn't he cute? He was my grandmother's, and I love him. However, I did buy these beauties, and we're going to paint them soon. (I hope).

I'm also rather digging this idea, but I wonder how much glitter it would take for one of these 20 lb pumpkins?

I did buy a bunch of funky gourds, maybe I'll glitter one of them instead.

There are also these super cool pumpkins I've found and I've been wanting as an all year decoration, but the husband thinks they are cool, but only for the fall. I wonder what the rest of the world thinks about these pumpkins as casual house decorations?

{source}

Okay, these are adorable

2009-10-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

I realize I don't have children, and they aren't even a concept for us right now, but these prints would be precious! Even as they grow up the paintings would be lovely.

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I also saw these beautiful oil paintings and felt they really had a lovely and childlike feel:

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A good friend of mine with kids always has the best art in her children's room. I hope my kids are lucky enough to have something inspirational as well.

bubbles, bubbles, my bubbles

2009-10-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

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So, while I get this isn't completely logical, I mean no curtain...that will be wet, not to mention you can't shower. Don't get me wrong, this girl loves her baths, but still for an everyday bathing experience it isn't practical. HOWEVER, I simply love this. Perhaps it would be something wonderful if you had this as the tub and a separate shower, which I totally want some day when, you know, I can afford things like two bathing mechanisms in one large bathroom!

Either way it makes me think luxurious thoughts which is a nice way to wind down at the end of the day. Perhaps a bubble bath is just what I need on this rainy Friday night!

Shhh! Don't tell him...

2009-10-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

So, a while ago I was told by the husband that he didn't like those old 1950s glass door knobs. At the time I just assumed it was a character flaw that I could fix later. But, now I'm started to get concerned. Was he serious? Was it a joke? Can he change?

I mean look at how great these are:

{Source}

After reading this article, I'm even more sure that I want to start scavenging flea markets and antique stores to find them, because this chica isn't paying $500 for a door knob, I mean PALEASEEE!
Once we move into the new abode, I think one day they'll just start showing up...the question is will he notice? And if he does what will be his response? Sometimes we play these passive aggressive games. Like the quilt on the bed, I like it folded a certain way and he likes it a different way, so depending on who makes the bed that is how it gets folded. Would he start silently switching the door knobs, just as I plan to "silently"/not tell him about it?

Only the future tells ladies and gentlemen...

THE FIRST BOX!

2009-10-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

I realize in about 1 month this won't be news anymore;

however, for now I'm quite excited to announce that hubby has packed the first of oh-

so-many boxes. Given we don't move until Nov. 30th, but his little brother wanted this

bookshelf so we loaded the books, and the shelf is getting a new owner this weekend.

Woot~ Woot!

This is the shelving I'm hoping for in the new house:

Or:

Which ever ends up fitting better!

Anyone have any fabulous shelving suggestions?

ideas and inspiration- part 2

2009-10-05T18:56:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist posting this fabulous idea...

The first picture is a hall closet, that we are removing the door to and then using the idea from the second picture, with the egg-olive wallpaper as the backsplash. I am quite excited for the possibilities.

If you are thinking, why are you concerned with a closet when you haven't even closed or started knocking out walls...because that is how I'm keeping sane!

5 wonderfully, blissful years

2009-10-05T18:29:00.001-07:00

My love and I have been together 5 years, non-stop today. And to celebrate...

Dairy Queen dipped cones (and kisses)..

And Bauer got a kiddy cone too! I love you babe! Here is to 50 more!

Desperately want for the new house, but can't afford yet...

2009-10-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

1. This awesome dog bowl.

2. These super funky terrariums.

3. These curtains for the living room.

4. This lamp for my office.

5. And these super duper groovy hanging pots (normally I hate hanging pots).

Some day (She says dreamily)

ideas and inspiration- part 1

2009-10-03T18:41:00.001-07:00

This image from an apartmenttherapy.com post a few months ago, and it is our current inspiration for the guest bathroom. The master bathroom is connected to the master bedroom and that color scheme is black and white with red accents.

I know you're supposed to have everything blend together, but I like to many different colors. However, our first floor will all be very matchy-matchy. Think slate grey with colorful POPS!@#!@$@#$

Yes, that was intentional.

Anyway, until construction begins and life as I know is gone, you be getting little snippets of our taste. Also, our one year anniversary is quickly approaching (where the heck has the year gone? honestly...best year of my life.) The paper anniversary. I bought A's gift ages ago. AND i can't wait to give it to him!

oh no where did september go?

2009-10-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

So, I've been gone for awhile, given that no one but my endearing husband reads this I'm not too worried about my fans; however, if you are interested in the WHY this is your answer:
We are in the arduous process of buying a house. Did I mention that it is tedious and frustrating? Have I said anything about how complicated a 203k loan process can be? Have a waxed poetic about the difficulty of working with HUD home inspectors? No, well let me tell you its like being the circus conductor person-thing. You know what I mean...awww, the ringleader. Seriously, if it wasn't for my handsome and extremely capable husband I'd (still) be in the gutter crying. Fortunately, when he found me there, he told me to put on my big girl panties and deal with it.

Thus, despite starting grad school, working part time, and doing 16 hours a week of internship, I am also in the process of buying a foreclosed house that needs LOTS of loving...hmmm, have I said that yet? That it is in dire straights? Here is my best example: I won't set my bag down in the house, but I will at the metro stations! Also, I always use hand sanitizer after I leave.

If you're wondering why we bought this house, its because we both had imaginary friends when we were little. Curious about the relevance? We can see the potential, and this little darling has SO, SO much. Three bedroom, two full baths, 1 half bath, basement (with knotty pine wood paneling, oh yeah, there is character), back yard with off street parking, in DC, close to a Metro, a sky light, wood floors, and that is just the bones.

But, as soon as my bebe saw this place he knew it would be good for us, and the ideas for fixing it up are just brimming over the top. Seriously, I can't wait for the papers to be signed and the construction to start. I'm sure from my description you can tell we are basically gutting it. Only one wall is coming down but the kitchen and bathrooms are gone, literally it is all coming out, there is some fine red shag carpeting to be pulled, doors and windows: replaced, walls industrial cleaner and then primer and then paint, tacky back Florida room that slants down toward the bottom: GONE (and when the second phase of construction happens a sun room will be added, but in the beginning it will just be a uncovered back porch), carport and scary shack in the back: GONE, garden needs to be planted, fun stuff happening with that wood paneling, and a brand new kitchen from floor to ceiling everything is being removed giving us so many, many options. I just can't wait.

This is just the beginning, and although I'm overwhelmed, I'm writing this all down, because I know the end result will be beautiful.

So, if I'm not around much I apologize, but it doesn't mean I'm not busy being creative or cooking. I've been doing both, but the idea of blogging is lost on me sometimes.

more obsession with the chair

2009-08-21T10:34:00.001-07:00

So, sense most people have told me they don't really care for my awesome rocker a few posts back, I just want it to be known that other people really do like it and look at how versatile it is:

(photos from apartmenttherapy.com)

See the rocker is both sweet and sexy!

ps I want a fireman's pole in my home. Please and thank you.

Hmmm...fake flower conundrum

2009-08-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

So, if you asked me "Chelsea, do you like fake flowers?" My answer would be "hell, no. They are tacky and cheap looking." However, I found these wooden flowers, and I bought them on a whim, and now I kinda like them. Especially in this "not really useable" pitcher that we bought at this cool art store in Akron, OH. Your thoughts? Are fake flowers always a NO! or is that only silk flowers?

If only I had $400...sigh

2009-08-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday at the Georgetown Flea Market I saw two of these Bertoia Diamond Lounge Chair, which were made in the 50s. I've seen them before on Chair Whore and I really like them (although they do nothing for hubby who, despite the year, thinks they are too modern). When I saw them yesterday, in excellent condition, I tried to not get too excited, because I didn't want to alert the other onlookers to such a great find. So, I asked the seller the price: 200 a piece. That is a freaking steal. I mean way to much for my current pocketbook, but sweet Baby Jesus that is a deal, usually they are like 900 a piece. Anyway, a girl can dream. Its nice to know someone will have these lovely chairs at a (relatively) lovely price.

Awesomely productive weekend...

2009-08-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

: Framed the prints from Peru that Adam and I bought.

: Homemade place mates...pretty cool if I do say so myself (finished product below).

: Adam made yummy bread from the book I bought a few weeks ago. Its no kneading necessary!

: The cool place mates with sandwiches made from Adam's perfect bread.

: Adam's find at the Georgetown Flea Market.

: My find at the Georgetown Market.

So, I have a huge problem with not finishing projects, and my husband is great at lighting a fire under me by giving me an incentive. If I framed the paintings from Peru and made the place mats that I bought fabric for three months ago, then I can get the awesome rocking chair from a few blogs back when we move. Thus the pictures are framed and we've eaten two meals off the mats. I'm super happy with the end results. Although, what I'm most excited for are the cool things we found at the market...I'll eventually get this poster I bought framed and show ya'll that as well. Until then you'll find me juicing with my cool antique juicer.

Rhubarb where have you been my whole life?

2009-08-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

So, I have never had rhubarb, but it has always been a curious thing for me. All summer I've been reading blogs about women who ADORE it, so finally I went to the farmers market and fell in love with it simply because of the color...very cool. But then, oh then, I made this strawberry-rhubarb crumble, and now I'm infatuated. Simple delicious. It is so delightful that my tongue and taste buds are going crazy. Tangy and sweet...truly a lovely thing is happening in my mouth while I eat what is now my favorite summer dessert. Well that is until I make more cobbler!

chair debate

2009-08-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Is this chair one of the coolest things you've ever seen? Or, is it a crazy, weird should be stuck in a corner chair?

You choose and help this household come to an agreement!

Peaches 'n cream...southern style

2009-07-31T20:04:00.001-07:00

SO, I've been baking up a summer frenzy since I returned from Peru; however, my peach pie is the first you're seeing of the creations. At a certain point in my life I realized if I don't indulge in the tastes of a southern summer then the preceeding seasons just don't go as well. Thus, Thursday I went to a farmer's market in Chinatown and bought some delicious looking peaches, and made my grandma's peach pie. Only, it is tiny because I was short on cash and couldn't afford 10 peaches...ooops, still yummy though!

In fact I'm eating it hot from the oven right now, with some vanilla ice cream melting on top. Oh God it is that good.

While at the market purchasing peaches, I couldn't resist these tomatoes, I mean who could? The perfect summer salad...really, I only added lettuce to make it less of an indulgence and more of a meal.

What foods say "summer" for you?

My "new" desk chair

2009-07-29T19:13:00.001-07:00

My husband and I made the decision early in our marriage to slowly decorate. We wanted to buy things we really liked and that really fit our personality, as opposed to just buying quick, cheap stuff. So, that is why for the last 8 months I haven't had a desk chair. I wanted something specific, but I wasn't quite sure what that was. Today I found it. Apartmenttherapy.com is my best friend, and I love their dc scavenger section. When I saw this I knew, now my husband is skeptical of craigslist, which is where this chair ultimately was located, but I love it. Why? Because it is a combination of recycling and bartering, nothing better in my opinion. I wish we'd go back to a bartering system and a trading system. To me it just makes sense...but I digress.

Ultimately, I couldn't be happier with my 1960's swivel chair...NO PLASTIC! HIP HIP HOORAY!

2009-07-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

This is a busy summer. My love and I are gone for five straight weekends, with no breathers, and two full weeks as well. Trust me I love it, but I feel like I haven't been at all crafty. As does my husband who is still waiting for these cool place mats I'm planning on making.

However, since I haven't really been cooking, crafting, or scraping I read instead, because I still have metro rides and plane rides. Interesting what I have been reading is all about food, and is it every tasty!

The first book reads like a chemistry novel, and I am so stoked to start baking that I had a hard time not running out for flour last night as I read the seductive science to my husband suffering from a sinus infection.

You know you've found the right person for you when you can cuddle on the couch and read out loud to the other...about baking bread or anything else!

The other book I've been wanting to read for months. It is the reason I started reading blogs and thus created my own. Molly, the author, was in town for a book signing which was mentioned in the Express, my local free news source. I was so intrigued by the write-up I looked her up and then was casted upon the world of blogging after so many years of making fun of it. However, I have put myself on a book budget because I can seriously spend SO much money on literature and such that I have to contain myself. However, when I was out to dinner with a lovely blond friend of mine we walked by Krammer Books in Dupont which I've been dying to go in since I moved to this city, so really it was fate. How can a girl resist buying a book she has wanted for ages in a book store she has always wanted to peruse? She can't, and neither can I.

It is as good as everyone has said. Everyone who has reviewed this is correct. This reads both as a poignant novel and divine cookbook. I'm happy.

Am I the only one who thinks this new memoir/cookbook hybrid is ingenious? Is this new or am I behind the cooking times?

failures and successes

2009-06-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I ruined a lovely flourless chocolate cake the other night. This recipe looked so scrumptous and simple that I wanted it...BAD. We were having a little dinner party with some friends, and I knew I wouldn't have time to make a dessert the night of, and the recipe said it would be better the second night. So, I made it and as you can tell it started wonderfully!

(I do apologize that the picture is wrong sided)

But, something went terribly wrong. The apartment started filling with smoke and the smell was all wrong. I went over and over what I did wrong, why was butter EVERYWHERE?

Finally, thanks to my logical husband, we've decided it was because I used a cake pan that's bottom pops out. I've never made a flourless cake so it didn't occur to me that butter would ooze its way out. I was, needless to say, very disappointed. I mean the chocolate and butter alone were quite expensive, I hate to waste food, and it should have been really, really yummy. If nothing else, what would my dessert be? Well, I refused to bake anything, thus...

Strawberries and Creme with mint garnish

The strawberries were so good (I'm reading Snow Falling on Cedars, and they talk about strawberry picking so much I was craving them anyway). The creme is very simple:

1 pint whipping creme

2/3 cup sugar

couple drops of vanilla

pinch o salt

mint to garnish

Happily, the mint was from my handsome husband's porch garden, and I dipped a few strawberries in chocolate for extra fun.

Also, our lovely new friends brought us a beautiful magnolia flower which looks lovely in a crystal bowl we were given that I've never used. I often think the simpliest center pieces are the best. Interestingly, if I'd planned the wedding I wanted this would have been my center piece. Can you imagine the devine fragrance of the room!! So, good.

On a final note and picture for the day, my puppy is turning into a big dog. He graduated from trainging classes and has almost all is adult teeth, they grow up so fast. hehe

yummy summer

2009-06-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

Here are a few images from apartmenttherapy.com to get us in the mood for a RELAXING summer. So, far mine has been fabulous. How about yours?

P.S. I promise my project with the fabric is coming!

prints!

2009-06-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

So, I was walking to the metro and noticed I looked a little unusual to say the least. First I was wearing a light blue printed dress, a green and orange printed bag, and crazy looking lunch box, and a pink paisley metro card holder. While not on purpose, I was demonstrating that I don't have one style, I like lots of different patters, colors, and such. Below are a smorgasbord of the prints around my house...the very first one is something you will be seeing in the next post!

Inspired!

2009-06-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

So, with my busy weekends behind me (ha!) I'm ready for something fun on Saturday. I'm trying to decide between taking a crash course in knitting (which will be necessary for me to make the puppy his Christmas sweater!) Or going to this amazing find! Decisions, decisions....

not into porn, but...

2009-05-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

So, as a general rule of thumb, porn is gross to me, but only because I thought of it as nudie bodies...now THIS I am very into (eating of course!) It is also now a link in the blogs i read.

Here are some of the most seductive...