Life on Canvas

Playing Dress Up, Step #5: Putting Together Outfits

2012-03-05T05:13:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you, it took me awhile to figure out what I was going to say for this one! I'm pretty hesitant to tell you how to put an outfit together. Part of me wants to just say: be creative! wear what you like! But that's probably not super helpful. So, here are just a few ideas on putting together outfits you like. I promise I won't tell you that a black blazer goes with everything (unless you want it to!)

#1 Wear a uniform.

The idea here is to find the idea of an outfit you like and then just stick with it. Do you love jeans and t-shirts? You could have a white v-neck, patterned long sleeve shirts, black crew neck t-shirts and wear them with different kinds of jeans. Or if you love wearing printed skirts and cardigans, get some in different colours and just mix them up. Easy, right? Here are a few people who do the uniform thing really well:

Charlotte Gainsbourg i.e. French woman extraordinaire (hi, look at her hair).

She basically wears straight leg jeans, cowboy boots, and a t-shirt/blazer all the time. And she always looks great.

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Anna Wintour i.e. Editor of Vogue/ The Devil Who Wears Prada

I'm definitely not telling you to be like her, but if you look at pictures of her, you'll see she knows what she likes. Always the same haircut and she often wears printed dresses and open-toe heels.

Anna Wintour

Moment of honesty: I don't really do this idea at all. But I love the idea of finding what you are comfortable and look good in and sticking with it. I'll try this and get back to you!

#2 Copy an outfit

This is a fun way to use what you have. Take an outfit from Pinterest, a catalogue or a magazine and try to recreate it with items you already have in your closet. Example: I saved lots of pictures of girls in shorter skirts and big sweaters, so I went to my closet and came up with this (I'm the one on the right, ha ha):

Dasha Zhukova

Yours truly

#3 Wear one piece multiple ways

Fashion bloggers in general are so great at this. Take one item from your closet and try to come up with at least 5 different ways to wear it. No more wearing the same sweater with the same jeans every day. Try wearing the sweater with a skirt, buttoned over a dress, under a jacket, or with a long shirt and leggings.

What Would A Nerd Wear is a great example of this (surprise!). The picture below shows how something odd (a bright orange skirt) can be really versatile.

What Would a Nerd Wear

#4 Simple/ Complicated

Another thing I like to do when putting together an outfit is to either go really simple or really complicated (I usually land on complicated).

Simple: black pants, striped shirt, one necklace. Walk out the door.

La Mariniere

Complicated: Multiple patterns and colours, layers, a scarf, sunglasses, stacks of bracelets on both arms.

Toast UK

I would love to hear your ideas on putting together outfits!

It's been lots of fun writing this series; I hope you've enjoyed it as well. Thanks for all your awesome comments!

Playing Dress Up, Step #4: Confessions of a Shopaholic

2012-02-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure when it happened, but I love shopping. I definitely wasn't that into clothes in high school and had no money in college. But somehow, it happened anyway. I'm not exactly Rebecca Bloomwood, and I probably own less clothes than a lot of people, but I do sometimes have to remind myself that I don't need another blue sweater! Hopefully you can benefit from my shopping knowledge. :)

1. Shop with a list.
Especially if you are making over your whole closet!

2. Buy a latte. Drink it while you shop. It's just a good idea.

3. Buy nice underwear. I know, even I can't believe I'm talking about this on my blog. But trust me: get a nice bra and some underwear in the right sizes. It will make all your clothes look better and will hopefully make you feel awesome. I'm all about saving money, but don't skimp here. You wear these every day: it's worth it!

4. Shop for jeans/swimsuits on a separate trip.

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This should be a separate trip from all your other shopping, or you will probably end in tears (I'm not the only one who hates jean shopping, right??). A few reminders:
*very few people look good in skinny jeans. If you do, please wear them because I can't! My friend Megan looks amazing in skinny jeans, and every time I see her, I try again to find a pair that fits me. But I have yet to find any that even fit past my calves. And I'm pretty sure if I did find some, they would not look awesome. I have a theory that in a few years we will all look back and equate these with the Dreaded Tapered Jeans.
*most people do look good in bootcut jeans. You know, the boring ones, with no weird patterns on the pockets and no fraying, in dark blue that always look good on you even when bell-bottoms or stonewashed jeans are back in again? Those are the ones you should buy.
*Don't try on a bikini in the winter. Just don't.
*Don't eat a big meal before you go jean/swimsuit shopping. You will regret it.
*Do take yourself out for a meal after you go jean/swimsuit shopping. You deserve it.
*Find what you love and buy two!

5. Learn to love the clearance rack.

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If you can take the (small amount of) extra time to shop in the sale section, you will really be able to get nicer clothes than you otherwise might be able to afford. I like shopping in a bit more pricey places (for me, this is Banana Republic and Gap and Anthropolgie rather than Target and Old Navy) for things like sweaters and skirts for work. You could buy a $25 sweater at Old Navy. But you could also get one on sale at Banana Republic for the same price, and it will last you longer.

6. Find your favourite stores and stick to them. A few of my favourites:

Gap

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Sweaters, skirts, tank tops, scarves. Gap is just so great at basics. A crazy amount of my wardrobe is from here. I also love their sale section because it is small and pretty well organized.

Target

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If you don't shop here for clothes, I actually think you're a little crazy. Not only do they have the best plain v-neck t-shirts ever (for $6), but if you keep your eyes open for their designer collaborations, you can get things designed by people like Jean Paul Gaultier, Jason Wu, and Paul & Jo. For crazy cheap. They are also great for other basics- jeans, pajamas, cardigans, shoes, etc. I can't help myself whenever Converse comes out with something new: uber cute dresses and sweaters.

Old Navy

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I feel like Old Navy really goes through good and bad stages. Sometimes there is nothing that would fit me. Other times, it's like they made the clothes just for me. I have found sweaters, purses, and rings here that I wear all the time. Amazingly enough, I have a pair of black pants that I bought here at least 15 years ago for about $20 that are one of the best pairs of pants I've ever owned and I still wear them consistently. I also have things I bought here that practically fell apart the next day. Shop here a lot when they are in a good stage. If they're in a bad stage, just wait a few months.

Boden

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This is a British company that makes awesome clothes for the 'yummy mummy' set. Or if you're me, for the single working woman set. They have great, practical (and really pretty) dresses, skirts, and jeans. It's more expensive than the stores above, but they have amazing sales multiple times every year. And their clothes are classic and will last you a long time. I don't know how they do it, but when I order things from Boden, they consistently look better on me than I thought they would. These clothes actually fit real women, which is encouraging!

LL Bean/ Land's End

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Please skip the tapered jeans and monogrammed polos (well, I guess the polos are fine if that's your thing). But if you do that, these are great companies! They both make quality things that will last you basically forever. I have gotten slippers and vests from Land's End, the Boat Bag and Duck Boots from LL Bean, among other things. They are the best. It is definitely better with these things to spend the money up front ($60 for the bean boots rather than $15 at Target) and not have to replace the item every year.

H&M, Zara, etc.

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These stores can be so busy that I have been known to almost have a coniption and have to leave immediately. But if you can manage to shop at a time when they are not as busy- like 10am on a Tuesday- then you can really find some awesome stuff! H&M is perfect for fun, funky, trendy things. $3 for a pair of purple earrings, $5 for a halter top, $10 for the hammer pants that will (hopefully) be out of style next year. Hard to beat. Zara is a bit more expensive, but well made. I have a paisley work shirt and a trench coat from here that I love. Plus Kate Middleton shops there, so you should too. With all of these types of stores (Forever21, H&M, etc), my M.O. is to swoop in, look around for 15 minutes, buy 1 or 2 things for $5 and then leave before I get overwhelmed. They're fun places for adding a bit of extra style to your basics.

7. Don't torture yourself.

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While you are shopping remember: If you don't love it, move on. I learned this simple but amazing tip from my friend Kristen in college. You know how you are in the dressing room, trying on a pile of clothes and you put on a pair of pants and cringe? And then you stand there for 5 minutes, looking at yourself from each angle, saying, boy! these pants make my thighs look huge! they are sooo small! who are these made for? Well, whoever it is, it is not you: just take them off (quickly, people!) and move on. Don't stand there berating yourself. Just get the next size up! Or a different colour! Or a different style. Find something that does look awesome on you. Believe me, you're cute. There are plenty of things that look awesome on you.

Related to this, don't shop in places that make you feel awful. There are certain stores that just don't make you feel great. Either the sales people are too pushy, the store is catering to a different demographic, or the clothes just aren't right on you. There are two stores I love, but for the life of me I can't shop there. I really like the style of the shirts and tank tops at American Eagle. But every time I go in, I remember: oh yeah! They are catering to tiny teenagers and I am a normal size twenty-something. I also love J.Crew. A lot. But for whatever reason, even though I am small, their shirts only ever emphasize my stomach. So now, I just get the catalog and look for ideas on ways to put together outfits- which (sorry J. Crew) I buy at a different store.

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Now, have fun going home and putting away all your new purchases in your clean closet!

Come back later to find out how to put all your new items together....

in the studio

2012-02-22T05:16:00.000-08:00

After quite a few weeks of not feeling super inspired in the art-department (my studio was too cold, too messy, excuse, excuse)- I used my day off on Monday to clean it out, organize my supplies...and it worked!

I'm inspired.

Here's a peak at what I'm working on.

A new art journal...

I've been wanting to make some bigger pieces like this.

I'm starting with this wall...

My next (kind of crazy) idea is to make one sketchbook for each inspiration board I have on Pinterest. Is it possible? We'll find out...

Playing Dress Up, Step #3: Make a list to fill in the gaps

2012-02-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

After cleaning out your closet, you want to figure out what is missing before you go shopping. Make a list!

Here are some ideas:

Basics

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This can be different for each person. If you are a lawyer, you should probably have a 3 piece suit, and if you are a stay at home mom, you probably don't need one. I tend to agree with my sister, who hates those 'lists of 100 items every woman should own.' (That said, here is a link to a good one: 5 Clothing Pieces Every French Woman Should Have.) Each person is different and will have different things that are must-haves. Here's my list:
*white tank top: on it's own in the summer, under sweaters or long sleeve shirts in the winter.
*cardigan: perfect for throwing on when the office is cold.
*jeans: I work in a casual office and can wear jeans all week long. Why would I not?
*leggings: under a dress with boots for work, with a long t-shirt or sweater at home.
*sleeveless dresses: again, on their own in the summer, layered with long sleeve shirt, sweater, leggings/tights, boots and a scarf in the winter.

What are your basics?

Accessories

Again, this is different for each of us. Here's my list:
*Scarves: I am a scarf fanatic. I have quite a few different scarves, although I tend to get stuck on one for awhile and wear it with everything. I am such a cold person, so these are practically essential in the winter, but I also like wearing a long, thin scarf with a tank top in the summer. Tied around your wrist, tied to your purse, worn with your jacket. Scarves are awesome.

*I wore a lot of earrings in college, but these days I pretty much wear one or two rings on my hands, and switch between two necklaces. I've been keeping it simple.

*I'm also not really a purse or a shoe person (I know that is rare!). I like to find the ones I like (black flats, flat brown boots, and plain brown leather satchels) and stick to those.

Extra, Fun Items

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These are things that give you a little style. It can be anything from a brightly coloured sweater to patterned ballet flats, to stacks of bracelets, to funky sunglasses. This does not have to be complicated, it just has to be something you like. Put these on with your basics: simple.

While you are at it, jot down any items that repeatedly show up on your inspiration board but aren't in your closet. If you cut out 10 pictures of floral skirts and realize you don't own a single one, that might be a good thing to go shopping for. Or if you love striped shirts or anything in blue and don't own either of those things, make a note of it.

Now you are ready to go shopping!

Playing Dress Up, Step #2: Clean Your Closet, Young Lady!

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

The next step in having a pulled together wardrobe is to clean your closet! I love cleaning and organizing (I know, I know), and I hope a little of that love will rub off on you today.

Does your closet look like this?


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Or (maybe worse?), like this?


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Let's fix that.

You will need:

*Your style notebook/inspiration board; a pen.
*Three trash bags or boxes & a sharpie. Mark these: Trash, Give Away, Repair.
*Some inspiring music & a cup of coffee.
*Your resolve.

In my mind, there are two camps when it comes to getting rid of clothes:

1. My mom's camp. She owns a small amount of clothes and could toss out a sweater she's had for 10 years without batting an eye.
2. My camp. I have more clothes and have trouble throwing away a ratty old t-shirt because, well, it's been in my closet for so long, and it's made friends with the other t-shirts.

Whichever camp you are in, it will be helpful to have a bit of inspiration for cleaning out your closet. Keep your inspiration board/ Pinterest close by and remember that you would like to have a closet full of clothes that reflect you and your style. And I'm just betting there are no old stained t-shirts on your inspiration board.

Before we get started, remember: this is not the time to clean out your husband's/kid's/roommates clothes, nor to finish that project hiding in the back of your closet or to sort through all your old pictures from highschool. So if your clothes share closet space with any of the above, ignore them and come back to organize those another day. Stick to your own clothes for now!

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1. Pull all the clothes out of your closet and stack them on your bed.
2. Grab a spray bottle and a rag and quickly clean your shelves & sweep your closet floor. Later, you'll be glad you did!
3. Start sorting by category (t-shirts, sweaters, black pants, tennis shoes, socks, etc.)
4. Now this is the part where you need some resolve: try your clothes on. I suppose if you have a pair of jeans or a shirt that you wear every day and you know looks great on you, you can skip that. Otherwise: try it all on. Stand in front of a mirror and try to step back and see the item and how it looks on you. This is not the time to berate yourself (more on that topic when we go shopping), but just be honest!

*Is the sweater pilling? The t-shirt stained? Do the shoes smell? Does the dress just not look right?

*Pay attention to colour: do you look amazing in a black tank top but totally washed out in that beige sweater? Toss the sweater, keep the tank top.

*This might seem obvious, but try not to keep things you don't like. It's easy to just keep something because you feel like you should: it was expensive, it was a gift, you should wear it. But if you don't ever wear it and/or you don't like it, then it is just taking up space.

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5. Next, sort your clothes into categories:

*Rubbish: these are the obviously-this-should-be-in-the-garbage-items. If it is stained, ripped and irreparable, makes you feel awful when you wear it: throw it in the box/bag marked Trash.

Tip: I would like to lobby that any item that makes you feel sad should not be in your closet. What do you mean? How could my clothes make me feel sad? Do you have an old boyfriend's sweatshirt, but every time you see it it makes you want to cry/seethe with anger? Maybe a deceased relative's old clothes and you have to sift through them every morning when you get dressed? Old college t-shirts that make you miss the good ol' days when you didn't have to dress to go to an office? There's memorabilia and there is torturing yourself. Either box it up, move it to a different closet, find another way to use it (ex: make a t-shirt quilt with all those college shirts) or if you are feeling full of gumption, throw it away. Example: I love sleeping in my grandma's old UCLA sweatshirt and it is maybe one of the first things I would grab in a fire. But I felt much better about myself when I finally got rid of the t-shirts that reminded me of my ex-boyfriend.

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*Give away: this is for the nice items in your closet that you no longer want: if it's the wrong colour, shape, or size, put it in this box. Either give these clothes to your best friend or sister or take them to Goodwill.

Tip: Because I have trouble actually getting rid of clothes, I keep this bag/box for a short amount of time. By the time I look through them again, my emotional attachment has lessened. After about a month, I go back through the box and pull out the clothes. It is usually immediately obvious to me: I either think: I was going to throw this away? or What was I thinking buying this in the first place? So if you can't throw away half your clothes in one afternoon, give yourself a little grace.

*Repair. First: ask yourself if you will honestly repair it. If you will, do it within the week. If you won't, just save yourself the guilt and toss it now!

*Keep. We will come back to this pile later!

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6. As you go, jot down things you need to buy/replace. Need a new pair of work shoes that aren't falling apart? Did you finally throw away that ratty sweater but now you're freezing? Do you have only 2 pairs of socks without holes left? Realize that the blouse you love won't look right without a camisole? Write it down!

7. While you are at it, jot down any items that repeatedly show up on your inspiration board but aren't in your closet. If you cut out 10 pictures of floral skirts and realize you don't own a single one, that might be a good thing to go shopping for. Or if you love striped shirts or anything in blue and don't own either of those things, make a note of it.

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7. Now, go back to the pile of clothes on your bed that you have decided to keep. Go through them and nicely fold each t-shirt, sweater and hang each dress and coat up. Put these items back into your (already cleaned!) closet. You can arrange by item- t-shirts together, pajamas together, etc. or by type- casual vs. work. I like organizing the things on shelves/in my dresser by item and the hanging things by colour (I told you I like organizing!)

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At this point, you either will not have much left in your closet (in which case it is time to go shopping) or you can just enjoy having all the clothes you love neatly organized. Either way, hopefully what you have left are things you like that fit you and your style!

Come back soon for tips on creating a shopping list.

I can't eat WHat?!: What to do when you are diagnosed with allergies, celiac disease, etc.

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

You just got home from the doctor, who told you that you can no longer eat wheat, gluten, sugar, dairy, etc. You're mind is reeling and you aren't sure what to eat for dinner tonight... or ever! What should you do?

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I have been intolerant to a bunch of foods since I was 10 years old: wheat, sugar, chocolate, tomatoes, among other things. Last year I found out I am also gluten intolerant. While I don't have a serious disease like celiac, I do understand what it's like to feel awful and to feel way better when you cut out certain foods. It can also be overwhelming. Here are just a few ideas for getting started:

*It's fine to be sad.
I remember making a list in my head on the way home from the allergy specialist as a kid ('I can't have spaghetti! I can't have Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!'). It is a loss, so allow yourself to be sad for awhile.

*Be grateful.
You now know what is wrong and will have the tools to be healthy. Be thankful for all the food you can still eat! Make a list of the things you can have.

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*Keep it simple.
You just found you you're allergic to 10 things, or to gluten, and oh! gluten is in everything and you're feeling overwhelmed. And unsure of what to eat for dinner tonight. Especially at first, keep it simple.
Try to eat unprocessed foods. This will help you avoid having to read 20 ingredients labels before you have lunch. Can you still have vegetables? Make a big salad or a stir fry with chicken. Eat rice and beans. Have plain yoghurt with berries for breakfast. Don't worry that this is all you will eat forever. This is just to tide you over until you have time to do more research.

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*Do your research.
I suggest not starting online, although in reality, you probably will (you're online now. Hmm.).

Friends. Think back: do you know anyone who has similar food issues? It doesn't really matter how well you know them- ask for their advice! They will remember what it was like when they first found out and be glad to help.

Talk to your doctor/nutritionist. Obvious? Hopefully.

Read some books. There are so many good books out there now: go to the diet/health section in your local bookstore and get reading!

*Eliminate the obvious first.
Bread, pasta, donuts, your morning glass of milk. You will have to be more detailed later, but my advice is don't freak out about it all at once!

*Collect new recipes.

elm street life

Pinterest has lots of options! Just search for "gluten-free/sugar-free/dairy-free/vegan" etc. Be sure to double check that the recipe is really allergy-friendly.

Cookbooks. There are some seriously great cookbooks out there. With a little ingenuity you will soon be back to eating things that taste normal.

Friends. Again, ask your friends with food-issues for their favorite recipes.

*Tell your friends.

babycakes nyc: gluten-, sugar-free & vegan

This can be hard and a bit awkward, even for me now. But if someone invites you over to dinner or out to lunch, you have to tell them about your new diagnosis. For a long time, I felt awkward telling people or turning down an offered cookie and always regretted it when I was sick later.
Just tell them right off the bat and then offer alternatives (I can eat rice and chicken! How about we go to Chipotle? or I'll cook!). Trust me, it will be less awkward to say "I'm allergic to sugar" when they invite you then it is to say it when your host is offering you a piece of cake that she slaved over all morning.

These are just a few things I've learned over the years. Leave any questions you have in the comments!

Playing Dress Up, Step #1: Define Your Style

2012-02-06T05:49:00.000-08:00

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Are you feeling a little bit lost when it comes to getting dressed in the morning? Do you have 2 shirts and you don't like either of them? Or are you overwhelmed by the amount of clothes and styles in your closet? The first step for getting an awesome wardrobe is to figure out what you like. I'm going to share a few ways to make a style inspiration board, as well as tips for what to put on the board.

No, the first thing you should do is not go shopping. Some of you might be sad about that, others might be happy because you are dreading going into a dressing room. Not to worry! The first thing you get to do is cut out some pictures. :)

Here are a few ideas on how to compile a style inspiration board:

1. Pinterest

I already told you how much I love Pinterest. It is great for collecting ideas, sharing recipes, and it is also great for figuring out your style!

a. If you aren't already on Pinterest, get on! (Let me know if you need an invitation)
b. Create a board for collecting style ideas.
c. Pin pictures of style ideas that you like. You have 2 options here. You can either pin something from online (from a favourite blog, magazine website, or from google images) or you can repin something that is already on pinterest (use the search bar to find pictures. You can search for pretty much anything: polka dot shirts, simple outfits, Julia Roberts. And you will find pictures).
d. In the comments, note what you like about a picture (simple shirt, brightly coloured pants, a cool colour combination, etc.).

You can see my style pinboard here.

2. Magazines & Catalogs

a. Gather a stack of magazines (Lucky, Instyle & Vogue are my favorites) or order some (free!) catalogs (J. Crew, Boden, Land's End, Garnet Hill) and get out your scissors.
b. Go through the magazine or catalog and cut out the pictures you are drawn to. Try not to stop and think "wow, that model is a size 0" too often. Just find outfits you like the look of and cut away!
c. Either pin the pictures on a bulletin board or glue them in a notebook. I like the notebook route because of step d.
d. Jot down what you like (or don't like) about the picture. Do you love the floral shirt but hate the skinny jeans (me too.)? Write it down!

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How do you know what you like?

If you're feeling a little lost as to what you like, what your style is or just where to start, here are a few tips:

*Think of a movie or actress that you like (Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail? Helen Mirren? The Mary Tyler Moore Show? Kate Middleton?) Look for pictures from that movie/ of that actress.
*Find a fashion blog that you love. A few of my favourites:

What Would a Nerd Wear

The Sartorialist

Kendi Everyday

Sidewalk Ready

*Think of an outfit you remember wearing and loving. What did you love about it? Was it comfortable? More casual or more dressy? Was it a bright colour or all black? Write it down!
*Think of a friend whose style you like. Ask yourself the above questions about your friend's clothes! Then ask your friend to go shopping with you. :)

*Don't judge your own style. If you keep seeing pictures of girls in jeans and tshirts but you're thinking that's probably not stylish enough, then let yourself like casual clothes! If your wardrobe is full of baggy sweaters and tennis shoes but you've saved 12 pictures of high heels, you might really like dressier clothes and want to lose the flats for awhile. Allow yourself to be you, because no one else can be.

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As you step back and look at your board, you should slowly start seeing some themes. Jot down whatever it is that you notice. Here are the things that I noticed on my board:

*striped shirts
*plaid
*messy hair
*simple outfit combinations
*big scarves
*comfortable clothes
*simple dresses
*trench coats

Some other things you might notice:

*long hair
*short hair
*casual shorts and t-shirts
*super high heels
*lots of colour
*lots of black and white
*classic
*preppy
*ecclectic

This stuff will really help you when you are actually standing in your closet or in a store making decisions about what you like and what you should wear. Next up, we will be cleaning our closets (don't worry, it's more fun then it sounds)!

Feel free to post your Pinterest style boards in the comments so we can see them!

How to Survive Winter in a Cold Climate

2012-02-01T05:29:00.000-08:00

Large flakes of snow fall outside while you sip hot chocolate on a quiet evening at home. Twinkle lights reflect off the store windows as you crunch through the snow.

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Doesn't sound too bad, does it?

While this is sometimes accurate, the reality of living in a cold climate is a little less glamorous:

You have trouble even getting out of bed in the morning because it is just so cold.
You spend 20 minutes scraping your car off to go to work only to find that your car door is frozen shut. Again. (This actually happened to me: I was trying to open my car door and the handle fell off. I currently climb through the passenger side to get into my car. True story.)
The snow turns to black slush, people drive like maniacs, everything is so dreary, your skin is dry and you have a terrible attitude.

Believe me, I've been there. I grew up in Seattle, where daffodils bloom in January and if it snows (about 1/2" every 2 years), the whole city shuts down. People don't go to work, school is cancelled, you use all the snow in your yard to make one snowman.

I've now lived in the midwest for over 10 years (including snowing Minnesota and windy Chicago) and no matter how much I like a white Christmas, there comes a point in the middle of winter when I just. Want. To. Move. I always say it is a good thing that my lease is up in August rather than January. If I had to renew it in the middle of winter, I would just move for sure.

You might be one of those people who loves winter. If you do, please give us some tips! If not, here are a few tricks I've amassed to help you through winter- without moving to a different country.

*Burt's Bees Chapstick
Yes. This is the first tip. I have a chapstick and a hand lotion (my favorites are Crabtree & Evelyn and Aveda) everywhere I might be: my car, my purse, bedroom, makeup bag, my desk at work. This will make your winter life much more pleasant.

*Work on a project

This is a great time to stay inside and do something creative or just finish that project that's been hanging over your head. Organize your kitchen, take up knitting, make a photo album, rearrange your books, write in your journal. Do something you know won't be as fun in the summer.

*Flannel & Wool.

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They are your new best friends. Wool socks, blankets and sweaters. Flannel pajamas, sheets and hot water bottle covers. Do what you can to stay warm and cozy. On a related note:

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*Have a good winter coat. I spent my first year in Chicago walking around in a semi-thin pea coat. It wasn't until someone told me that I realized: this is not a winter coat. In Chicago, everyone wears long down coats. There is a reason: they actually keep you warm. Invest in a real coat, preferably one that goes past your hips. You will not be sorry.

*Take a vacation. I realize this is this is not realistic for many of you. Last year was the first time I did this: I went to Texas in March. And realized why people go on vacation then. If you can, leave for a week and remember that it is warm somewhere. And it will be warm here again.

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*Take a walk. After college, I nannied for a family from Russia. The mom wanted us to go outside and play in the snow. Every. Day. At the time I was just mad: Do you realize how cold it is? But now, I wouldn't say I get it, but I realize getting outside can be helpful. Even if it is just for 5 minutes, bundle up, find a sunny side of the street, and get a little bit of Vitamin D. And make yourself some hot chocolate when you get back inside.

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*Winter it up. I have two takes on getting through winter: I either pretend it's not winter or I embrace winter with a vengeance. I tend to alternate between the two.
Stay home a few extra nights a week, rent some cozy movies (The Holiday, While You Were Sleeping, Little Women), read some British literature, drink hot beverages, eat some warm soup, wear colourful scarves and mittens. Try to enjoy the fact that you live in a place with four seasons.

*Pretend it's not winter. If the above is not working and you are just cold and you can't fly to Florida for the weekend, then your new friend is Armchair Travel.
Get under a blanket in your living room and watch a warm-ish movie (Enchanted April, Roman Holiday, a summer blockbuster) or read a warm-ish book (A Year in Provence, Mark Twain, Gone with the Wind). Be temporarily transported to a warm climate.

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*Plant a few house plants.
I just did this last week and it is making a huge difference. If your house is feeling a bit stuffy, you need a little something alive. Buy some flowers or a plant and put them where you will see them often. You can do the same for your desk at work. While you're at it, re-read The Secret Garden.

*Twinkle lights. Put up some white twinkle lights in your house. Because there are a few things that are not as awesome in 80 degree weather.

What are your tricks for getting through winter?

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Playing Dress Up

2012-01-30T05:09:00.000-08:00

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Do you ever feel like Anne Hathaway at the beginning of The Devil Wears Prada? Running out of the house at the last minute, swiping on chapstick and a baggy sweater and calling it a day?
Believe me, I have nothing against chapstick. (And I actually look like Anne in this picture more often then I would care to admit.)
I am a pretty simple girl. I hate high heels, have never worn a blazer, and don't own expensive brand name clothes. But I do like style and I like feeling like my clothes reflect me.


source While we can't all have Stanley Tucci around to give us free Prada bags and Miu Miu boots (sadly), I think it is entirely possible for every woman (no matter what your age, size, or shape is) to have affordable clothes that you like and that are easy to wear. Wouldn't it be nice if getting dressed in the morning was a little less stressful and a little more like playing dress up when you were a kid? I'm starting a short series each Monday on making over your closet to give you some tips on how to do just that. I'm not guaranteeing you will look like Anne Hathaway by the end of this series, but hopefully you will feel a little bit more pulled together on your next Starbucks run.

Inspiration Friday: Because I Said So

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

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I have an interesting relationship with this movie. I love Diane Keaton. I love Mandy Moore's clothes and apartment. I don't love the plot. But I own it and will re-watch it many times for decorating tips.

Milly's (Mandy Moore) apartment is just the best. Ready for the tour?

The kitchen:

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(organized) open shelving
boxes, glasses, cookbooks
super great coloured Fiestaware
plus: thank you, Mandy Moore for actually wearing something I might wear when I'm alone in my house!

The living room:

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love the colours
brick walls
great bookshelves
looove the tv cabinet- and the offset tv with a vase next to it.

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lots of pillow & blankets
great lamps
a big, round coffee table
that couch!

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again, colours: red, orange, sage green, a bit of creamy yellow

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That picture is just cute.

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check out that furniture arrangement. Isn't it great?

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orange kitchen walls
fresh flowers
the chalkboard fridge!

What do you think: do you love this apartment as much as I do?

"Wear the old coat, buy the new book"*

2011-12-30T17:38:00.000-08:00


The Book Notebook

I've been working on my book list for 2012. Also known as a big stack of books on my bedside table that I am thinking of reading soon. This got me to thinking about the best books I've read this year.

Whenever I finish reading a book, I write it down in "the book book." My sister and I both started these notebooks about 15 years ago. I love having a record of every book I've read since I was 14. Really, I don't know what people do when they don't write down the books they read. You should probably start doing this. :)

a page from the book book

So here's a little review of some of my favorites from 2011. The list of every book I read is way too long (over 80 books. I really like to read.), so I tried to be selective. You're welcome.

I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks

This book is super fun. She's got lots of great ideas for figuring out your style and dressing using basics. I can't help myself: I love books about clothes and this one's great!

The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith

I will read everything this man writes. Humour. Great characters. Scotland. Lots of cups of tea. Stories that will make you laugh out loud. I have been following the story of Bertie - a little 6 year old boy with an overprotective mother- for years. Bertie gets signed up to be in the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, even though he's only 6. Bertie's trials at school (his mother makes him wear Crushed Strawberry overalls and hang out with kids named Olive and Tofu). The series is about the tenants of one building in Edinburgh. You will love them all.

Sarah Morgan: The Civil War Diary of a Southern Woman

I picked up this book while I was visiting Kate in Texas and 800+ pages and all, could not put it down. The book opens with Sarah telling the story of the deaths of her father and brother and goes on to tell of her life in Baton Rouge during the war. She is described as a "real-life Scarlett O'Hara" and it's so true.

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

After finishing the last Jane Austen novel (I know there's always re-reading- but still. It was a sad day), I've been on the lookout for other British novelists. Elizabeth Gaskell is fitting the bill perfectly. There are BBC miniseries for almost all of her books (Cranford, Wives and Daughters, North and South. Go watch them.) and the books are just as good. Wives and Daughters is my favorite so far. The characterization is amazing. It's like reading about people you know! I was a little worried because the book is unfinished, but the story wraps up decently- and you can watch the excellent movie ending if you aren't satisfied!

The Invisible War by Chip Ingram

I have loved Chip Ingram since he spoke at my college graduation ceremony. This is one of the best books I've found on spiritual warfare. Basic, biblical...and balanced (yay alliteration!). This is an issue every Christian deals with and Ingram is great at making the issue not blown out of proportion. We're all in a battle and this is a great tool for being armed!

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Is there any Christian woman who didn't read this book this year? There's a reason: it's excellent. I'm not going to lie, it took me awhile to get into her poetic style. But I'm glad I did. Ann Voskamp provides great ideas and tools for being thankful for what you have and living in the present. Things I often need to be reminded to do. :) My small group studied this book this year; it was a great book for discussion. I'm currently on about #300 on my list of things I'm thankful for. And counting.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and other concerns) by Mindy Kaling

My sister just blogged about this book. And I heard about it from her. And borrowed it from her. So, thanks Christy! Really, this book is so funny. Mindy Kaling is a writer (and actress) on The Office. Here's a clip (from the chapter "Best Friend Rights and Responsibilities"), after points like:

I Can Borrow All Your Clothes
I Must Be 100 Percent Honest About How You Look, But Gentle
I Can Ditch You, Within Reason...

"I Will Take Care Of Your Kid If You Die
I can't even write about this, it's too sad. But yes, I will do that. And you will have one awesome little kid who hears endless stories about how amazing and beautiful and perfect you were. Incidentally, you're kid will grow up loving Indian food."

Kelly from The Office: who knew she was so funny?

What books have you read this year?

Find more awesome 2011 book lists at The Nester.

*Austin Phelps quote

pinterested.

2011-12-25T16:21:00.000-08:00

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Are you on Pinterest?
So I've been a bit scant on the blogging front because I've been busy on pinterest. :)

I've been super inspired = It's like one big inspiration board. And a great way to save all the ideas I get from blogs.

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You can see my boards and follow me here. I would love to see your boards as well! Post them in the comments or follow me.

It is art that makes life.*

2011-10-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

When I was about 10 years old, I read a book about Mary Engelbreit called The Art and The Artist. In it, she tells the story of being 7 years old and wanting a place to make art so much that she set up a studio in her closet. I remember being disappointed that my closet wasn't big enough to put a table in it and decided that day that I wanted to have a studio...someday.

So, it's not every day I can say that I Fulfilled a Childhood Dream, but: I really have.

Welcome to the studio!

Here is the view from the living room looking into the studio. I have shelves for art, office, and sewing supplies, and of course my art books.

Turn to the left...my inspiration board, desk/art table, art supplies, and my reference books and commentaries (the desk is a glass corner desk that I bought from a friend...it is so.great.).
Turn to the right: my letter/computer/office desk, art books, etc.
A small view of the art table...

my current inspiration board...
I've had so much fun pulling out things from my childhood travels and using them in the studio...
Slow and steady wins the race....
Shelves for my commentaries and reference books. Studying the Bible in my studio in the fall...um. Yes. Please.
Art supply holders: cigar boxes, shoe boxes, pencil cases...
All my collage papers are in a basket which I can just pull out when I'm ready to use them.
A basket on top of the bookcase for holding large collages...
Postcards from around the world = uber-inspiration...
Art supplies. I can't tell you how nice it is to sit at my table and have everything at my fingertips. Easy to reach and easy to put away.
The utility cart was $25 at Ikea and I am basically in love with it.
So excited to have room for all my sewing and craft supplies and books.

Music=definitely important.
a gift from my dad after a trip to Africa...
stamps ready to go on a collage...
Inspired...

I bought this picture in Ecuador years ago and just pulled it out of storage...it is painted straight onto a piece of glass, with another piece of glass on top. Love it.
Some favorite art books and my cowboy hat, courtesy of Texas. Thanks, Sabrina Ward Harrison.
Fall leaves, twinkle lights, a crate for smaller collages, and my sewing machine. I think it's going to be a good winter.

Renoir...
I bought this desk years ago, and have had it in Minnesota, Washington, and now Chicago.
One of my first (and favorite) collages...
Jane Austen hanging out on my letter desk...
A little bit of Paris...
A view into the courtyard from my art table...
Before: rubbermaid bins full of art supplies stuffed into my closet, pulled out, and strewn all over the kitchen floor....
After: let's just say: if I don't clean up after I start a collage- I can just close the door and no one will know.

I am so, so thankful to be able to have this studio, and can't wait to share what I make next!

*Henry James quote from a ME picture.

the living room

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

It is October and fall in Chicago, which means it was time for some fall changes to my living room...
Corner #1:
The white couch, ready for fall with plaid blankets and pillows, a la Toast UK. I made the pillow covers and change them (and the blankets) according to the season.
These pictures are Sabrina Ward Harrison for Papaya. yay!
View into the courtyard...
Wooden trunk? from a neighbor who who was getting rid of it. Tablecloth? Innsbruck, Austria. Matryoshka? Russia, gift from a childhood friend. Wireless Internet? Clear.
Corner #2:
Books books books....
Here it is: the New (used) Red Couch. So comfortable. So red. So awesome.
Books, maps, candles...
Pumpkin spice candle and a stack of books. I really like you, fall.
My grandma gave us this awesome camera. The map is framed paper from Paper Source.
Corner #3:
Corner #4:
I know this sounds ridiculous, but BBC miniseries really do look better on a big TV.
Library books and pumpkins. Hello, fall.
Basket of DVDs....why yes, that IS The Best Show Of All Time. I'm glad you asked.
I got the fall decorations at a super secret home decorating store my mom introduced me to. If you live in Chicago, I need to take you there.
I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I just love this picture. It reminds me of my childhood in Washington state and the fact that evergreens do exist, even if there aren't many in Chicago.
A little perspective: a view into the kitchen. Yes, that is a hula hoop.
Ok, guys: we've had a tour of the coachhouse....Come back tomorrow for the unveiling of my new studio!

the w.c.

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love my bathroom because when you first walk through the (tiny, tiny) door, it looks...well...tiny. Until you walk around the corner...it's actually not so small.

Our shower curtain was a bit of a splurge (from CB2) but I lovve it. Not being a morning person, I actually find it helpful to see so much yellow when I first wake up- it cheers me up! A large cup of coffee doesn't hurt either.

The light fixture was missing ...well. the fixture. Another idea from my mom: yellow and gray grosgrain ribbon taped around the light fixture. It's cute and it matches the bathroom (thanks, mom!)

Problem: grungy tiles at the end of my bathtub. Solution: cheap (but cute) plastic tray from Target, used to hold toiletries.
I love glass bricks!
Dear weird gold apartment bathroom fixtures: I don't love you, but I will learn to live with you.
Delft piggy bank from childhood travels in Holland.
I recently had some little girls (ages 2, 5, and 8) stay with me and they could not stop talking about how good this soap smells. Neither can I.
A small bookcase for storage: extremely helpful.
I hate to say this, but I think the cuckoo clock is from Urban Outfitters. Hipster nonsense, I know.
(fake) silver tray? antique store in Texas. Picture? Fifi flowers.
I stole this idea: I use a jar from Ikea to hold my makeup. When I go on weekend trips, I just toss it in my car/bag. So easy. (a word to the wise: in order to get small things out of the bottom of the jar, just tip it over until they fall out. I spent months trying to reach things by sticking my hand in the jar, until a friend said: just tip it over. Oh. Right.)
Record covers from Reckless Records.
A touch of my childhood...
Because who doesn't love Wallace & Gromit?
and this one's for free, folks...
Happy bathroom tour! Stop in tomorrow for a view of my living room!

entree des artistes

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

My room was part of my recent- furniture-rearranging-binge. I had a desk at the end of my bed, and replaced it with this wicker chair, which was in the living room. It's nice to lose the office and just have a bedroom-y bedroom.

The picture is Sabrina Ward Harrison for Papaya!, I got the wicker chair at Pier 1 years ago, and the wool blanket (Edinburgh) and pillow (Liberty of London for Target) are borrowed (ahem) from my sister.
I also borrowed this sign from the El (does it count as stealing if the sign was broken and falling down? I don't think so). I made a collage on it. Because it was such an awkward shape to frame, my mom had the idea to glue it onto a $5 mirror from Target....voila!
Here's a little perspective...the view from my bed...
I got the trunk from an old neighbor who was moving overseas and use it to store old letters. So Betsy-Tacy.
Favorites: daffodils from Northern Ireland, a photo of Cannon Beach, Oregon, and Monet's bridge.
The family I used to nanny for was replacing their bed and sold this one to me for basically nothing. Don't even ask me how much I love this bed, or you will be in for a long conversation. There is a column in House Beautiful called I Love My Bed, and I have been tempted to replicate it here on my blog. Just so I have another chance to talk about it's great qualities. Anyway.
This is a work in progress...I am going to put more colour on it to make it more stained-glass-y, but it's been like this for a few years and I do like it as it is...
Duvet? Shabby Chic for Target.
Rug? Ikea.
Quilt: made from my grandma's pattern and fabric.
=so cozy.
Embroidered pillowcases: Jane Brocket would be so proud.
I bought the Euro pillows for $10 at Target and covered them with fabric from some old sheets.
(Side note: I realize that I sound a bit like Martha Stewart right now "and then I whittled down the chair legs to be matching heights and then I made my own creek so my guests could have fresh spring water", so: disclaimer: I have loved crafts since I was little and my dorm rooms and apartments have been works in progress for years, with lots of help from my mom, sister, and ikea- so if you aren't crafty, don't despair!)
My bedside table is borrowed from my sister (although I will be very sad when she asks for it back, hint.). I looove this lamp (Target: surprise!).
I just recently pulled out the doily (from Prague) and my mom gave me the idea to use a small tray on my nightstand- for glasses, coffee cups, water, pens, etc etc.
Love the view of garage rooftops and trees out my bedroom window...
Ok, get ready: you are about to get a (detailed) tour of my closet....
When my sister/roommate moved to England, I stored all of my art supplies (and a lot of other stuff), along with my clothes- in our (one) closet. Now it just holds my clothes, linens, and laundry basket. I'm pretty excited about that.
I love that this closet has a window...
I use hanging shelves to hold workout clothes and my purses.
So. This is usually not this messy, but trust me: if you wear a lot of scarves and are anywhere near an ikea, get one of these scarf holders. I love it.
Thank you, Pinterest, for this idea...
Variety is the spice of life...
This was a dorm-room idea from a friend in college. 3M hooks used to hold necklaces...extremely handy.
Alright, friends...next up? The bathroom...

bon appetit!

2011-10-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

I used to love to cook. Then I got a full-time job (does anyone else have this problem?). When my sister and I lived together, she did most of the cooking (thanks, Christy!) so it has been an adjustment living without her and her delicious meals. (I might have eaten popcorn the first few nights...) But, there's hope: one of my favorite things to do with friends lately has been to have them over for dinner and actually cook the meal together (this first happened because I was running late and hadn't started cooking- it was so fun that now we plan to cook together. :). Plus, a slight obsession with all things Julia Child, and Trader Joe's has helped.

Ready for the kitchen tour?
I've come to appreciate my city-view of a brick wall. I made the curtains out of fabric from my grandma Hallie.

Corner #1:
The beverage corner...yes. I have a hot pink coffee pot. Because if you can't have a pink coffee pot when you live alone, when can you?? My friend Adrianne made me the coffee cross stitch...so cute, and it matches my fall utensil holder! :)
The glaring/reflective picture is a print I had made of one of my collages (it was a bit sunny the day I took these photos :).
Wine rack? found in the alley. Blue pots? from Vietnam, via Home Goods.
a view into the living room. We keep the twinkle lights up all year, and periodically put up something extra (ie mistletoe at Christmas, leaves in the fall).
I got this fall leaf garland idea from Elsie at A Beautiful Mess.
Corner #2:
Having a hook for your keys by the door will change your life. Trust me. I use the basket for bill paying and a coin purse for laundry money. I bought the breadboard in Rothenburg, Germany my last summer in Europe. The squash came from my neighbor. :) True confession: there is always (always) a stack of unopened, unfun mail by the front door. Haven't quite worked out a system for that one yet.
Thank you, Target, for selling pretty soap that makes me feel like I'm in France.
The pictures above the kitchen table (actually, in my whole apartment) change frequently. I just got the cute pumpkin from my favorite Minneapolis store, Patina. If you are anywhere near the Twin Cities, you need to go to this store. Now.

I love how open and sunny this kitchen is. Plenty of space for cooking and having lots of friends over!
The cabinets above the sink:
Basket? Poland. Vases? Home Goods again!
Corner #3:
We got this small cupboard at Target. It fits perfectly between the fridge and the bathroom door: love it. I also love that my paper towel holder looks like a paper clip. Cause I'm cool like that.

This is a DVD holder from Target, used for holding cookbooks. Pause: if you are gluten- sugar-dairy-free or vegan, or if you just like food, you NEed to buy the cookbook Babycakes. Two words: Vanilla Cupcakes. They taste like real cupcakes, people: really. Ok, rant over.
Fridge decoration: it's an art form. My sister is crazy good at decorating the front of fridges...I keep telling her she should charge for her services. I'm not sure I'm living up to the standard we had before she moved, but I'm working on it...

the Living Alone Verse, compliments of my sister...
When a problem comes along...
Corner #4:
Christy bought this genius DVD holder from Target and we have used it for kitchen storage: only recently to actually hold DVDs.
My grandpa Glenn and my great-grandma Evelyn's highschool graduation photos. Lantern? Patina again!
I may be giving away all my secrets here, but these potholders were $2 at Target...so cute, right?
Tomorrow: a tour of the bedroom...

welcome to the coachhouse.

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Ready for a tour of the coachhouse? We'll start with the hallway...
Outside my front door, there's track lighting and lots of wall space. So perfect for the stacks of collages in my apartment...

Love my borrowed-from-my-sister-in-England coat rack. The picture on the right is an oval canvas I painted pink and covered with paper from Paper Source. So easy and cheap.
Baskets from Poland (and from Ikea!) on top of my extra-stuff-shelf. We (read: my mom) hung a curtain on a tension rod to cover up said stuff.
I've always wanted to be one of those Martha Stewart-types with labeled containers of extra things like lightbulbs and paper towels. Mission accomplished!
Shoes! So, why, you might be wondering, are there wine bottles next to my boots? I got this idea from my mom: instead of buying expensive boot trees, use empty wine bottles! It may look like I'm an alcoholic every time I have my boots on and the wine bottles by the front door, but hey: it's free and it keeps my boots from slouching.
Welcome to the 2nd floor...
I change which collages are hanging out here periodically...
Come back tomorrow for a tour of the kitchen! :)

hello, goodbye.

2011-10-02T12:53:00.001-07:00

Right. So. You might be wondering where I've been... oh, right: all summer? Well, friends. Let's catch up...

The last few months have been busy! My sister moved to England in August, so of course we spent lots of last minute hanging out time together...

Getting ready for England Target trips...

and finally seeing her off at the airport...
This was followed by getting new furniture and settling into Living Alone (so far I like it!) and a wonderful visit from my friend Kate...

hanging out with my mom (seeing Holly Becker, eating sushi, watching Martha Stewart, and lots of coffee dates)....
having these wonderful girls stay at my apartment....

enjoying the last few days of summer weather...

setting up my art studio...
lunch breaks with good books....
watching Julie & Julia and lots of cooking (I just finished reading "As Always, Julia"- highly recommended)...
a fun visit with Anne...
organizing, planning, and coffee...
seeing some dear friends...

on a weekend road trip to Minnesota...
Other than that, I've been going to an awesome Saturday morning study at my mom's house (we're reading One Thousand Gifts. So good), interviewing/ hiring/training 3 new employees at work, coffee dates with some awesome girlfriends, fun visits with family in town, Skype dates with the sister...oh yeah, plus I bought a couch and table and completely rearranged my apartment. Time to slow down? I think so.

So let's start with my apartment: I recently put out my fall decorations and would love to show you around. Come back Monday for a fall tour of the coachhouse!

Dare.

2011-09-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Colours in the City, Part Five

2011-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yellow

Colours in the City, Part Four

2011-08-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Green

Colours in the city, Part Three

2011-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Grey

Colours in the City, Part Two

2011-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Red and Pink

le weekend

2011-06-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

So far this weekend, I have:

wandered around Old Town & bought cigar boxes for storing art supplies, hung out with some awesome kids, gone grocery shopping, had a long breakfast and coffee outside, spent time with my sister- reading, good tv, good food & beverages- worked out, read the paper at Starbucks.... and it's only Saturday afternoon. And tonight: a Sondre Lerche concert.

Don't you just love summer weekends?

Colours in the City, Part One

2011-06-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

Right. So I do realize it's been awhile since I've blogged. Let's just say I've had a busy summer...
I will be back with an update on what I've been up to soon!

Meanwhile, in the interest of celebrating what's left of summer, I've been taking photos around the city. Last year at this time, I was on vacation in Seattle with my family, enjoying the Colours at the Lake. I haven't quite had time for a vacation this summer, but I thought I might as well enjoy the Colours of the City (a bit different than the lake). At first I thought "This is Chicago. I'll have to just do the colour grey and take lots of pictures of cement." It's interesting how your perspective can change when you look at things in a new way...

Blue

Get Lit.

2011-06-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the Printer's Row Book Fair, ie. the best weekend of my last 3 summers in Chicago. It's held each year on five city blocks in Printer's Row, with over 200 vendors.

This year was extra fun because my mom got to come along with Christy and I - she even endured the insanely hot weather for us (note the ice cream truck parked next to the book tables).
One of the best things about walking toward the book fair is that all of a sudden it's okay to be a nerd. The Strand book bags, Reading Is Sexy t-shirts, glasses everywhere, and armloads of books...and suddenly you feel almost normal.

It's almost overwhelming how many books are there...overwhelming but awesome.

How many books does it take to fill an Acura?

This is one of my favorite displays every year: card catalog drawers full of books.

Here's what I came home with:

John Adams by David McCullough
Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James McPherson
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyoder Dostoevsky
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

See you there next year? Keep an eye open for me: I'll be the one with the glasses and B&N book bag...

Inspiration Friday: The City

2011-05-20T14:34:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like the spring to make me glad I live in Chicago. I said to my sister the other day- it's a good thing our lease isn't up in the middle of winter, because I would never renew it! Instead, it's up in August, when the city is a much more fun place to live.

I'm loving being outside again, walking and seeing the city with new eyes. Here are a few things I've seen and been inspired by...

Happy spring weekend!

mama mia!

2011-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I shared a look at my inspiration board. I thought it would be fun to show how I took some of the ideas from my board and started a new painting.

I also pulled out the movie cover for Mama Mia, because I love the colours. (I know, you hated the movie. I don't blame you. I just happen to like it. Kind of a lot.)

step 1: prime the canvas with gesso.

step 2: I pulled out all the paper, paint, crayons that are the same colours as the ones on my board (blue, pink, some red and tan)...
step 4: make a cup of Tetley. This is a very important step, especially because it matches some of the paper in the collage.
step 5: arrange papers so they cover the canvas (and look nice) then glue them down. Then open a window cause the glue smells awful!
step 6: more blue...

This tool is called a brayer- I heard about it from Kelly Rae Roberts. It basically smooshes the paint around and makes it look awesome.
step 7: adding some white: lace, writing, and paint.

step 8: add more detail with a little bit of red paint.

step 9: I don't usually put very many sparkly bits on my collages, but since my inspiration was ABBA and summer, I thought I'd add a little gold and glitter...

step 10: the (almost-)finished product! I'm still undecided about a word or quote to paint on the collage. Any suggestions?

a look at my inspiration board

2011-04-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've been rearranging my art supplies and boxes of paper, and pulling out things that are inspiring me lately. I thought you might like to take a look...

Aren't you excited for summer, flip flops, sun, and lighter colours? I am...

Come back Wednesday, so I can show you how I took some of the ideas on my inspiration board and turned it into a new painting....

dream job

2011-04-15T04:54:00.000-07:00

For the past few months, I've been looking around for a class to take on creative business. All I could find was either out of my price range or not the material I was looking for.
Cue Elsie Flannigan, from one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess. Elsie and her sister, Emma just announced their new e-course, Dream Job.
I've just finished the first section, and have already filled 5 pages in my notebook with ideas and new things I'm learning!.
The class is creative, organized and affordable... Look here for more info.

If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden*

2011-04-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

I love that I work in the Gold Coast...where I can spend my lunch break walking around one of Chicago's nicest neighborhoods. I've been biding my time in Starbucks sipping hot beverages, waiting for it....
Folks, spring is finally here (ignore the cigarette butt in the above picture: focus on the buds!). So last week, I got outside for my first walk of the season. I bundled up and took my camera.

I thought about moving here:

I can afford $3,300/month for a 1 bedroom coach house, right?

There's something about the nice weather that makes it so much easier to enjoy living in the city...

This neighborhood feels almost fairy tale-ish. It reminds me of kid's books like Dancing Shoes, Eloise at the Plaza, or The Secret Garden...

This week, it is even more spring-y (notice how I had to mega-zoom to see the flower below last week). I hope you are enjoying the season as much as I am!

*The Secret Garden by Frances Hodson Burnett

Inspiration Friday: Kate's Apartment

2011-04-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I got to spend a week with my friend Kate in Dallas. I thought you might like a peek into her awesome apartment. Ready for a tour?

Isn't this a cute way to display your books- on a windowsill.

Love the view of Dallas- and sleeping next to an open window in March. :)

Don't you love the red phone and wicker coffee table?

I love the way the bookcases are angled.

Plaid. Couches. Don't you love them?

Julia Child with a little Texas added in. We found this while browsing some shops at the Stockyards in Fort Worth.

Kate has cute little containers like this for her tea, coffee filters, and utensils.

Keys and a cheery apron on a hook by the front door.

A friend of Kate's made this paper star out of paper from Old Navy- super clever.

I love the black, white, and red.

books, paper flowers, movies.

More awesome paper-cleverness.

a row of hooks to store purses. Rather than tossing them on your closet floor, like I do!

The bathroom is all black, white, and pink. Girly, but not too girly!

super sweet shower curtain.

Is it just me, or does it look like Carrie Bradshaw could live here?

I love that the set up is focused on conversation (and books!) rather than a TV. A super comfortable place to hang out.

Here's a little perspective on where everything is. I like how the couch divides the living room from the kitchen.

I took advantage of all that vacation reading....

Thanks for the hospitality, Kate! Can't wait till I get to come visit again...

Inspiration Friday: Cowboy Hats

2011-03-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm back from an amazing vacation in sunny Texas! I had such a great week with my friend Kate - lots of talking, relaxing, eating (Mexican food in Texas = better than in the midwest!), sightseeing, and generally having an awesome time together.

So, this week of course I'm feeling very inspired by Texas...

Buying a cowboy hat has actually been on my List of Things To Do for years. Here are a few pictures to explain why:

Friday Night Lights: Tyra looks so cute in one! I bet I will too...

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Sabrina Ward Harrison: Making art and wearing a cowboy hat. Because she can.

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Zooey Deschanel: I dream of being that cute. Seriously, isn't this picture great? Yes. It is.

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And here you go: last week, Kate and I both found awesome hats at this cute store called Retro Cowboy in Fort Worth. I'm off to try to find that blue dress that Zooey's wearing, and to check 'buy a cowboy hat' off my list. Happy Friday!

Inspiration Friday: Flight 001

2011-03-11T06:05:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, I am flying to Dallas to visit my friend Kate. I couldn't be more excited for vacation, warm weather, catching up with a great friend, and visiting the land of Friday Night Lights.
But if you aren't going on vacation this week, I'm ready with a little armchair (deskchair?) travel for you. Flight 001 has already gotten me through most of the long, cold winter.
So pick up a good travel book, watch a good summer movie, or live vicariously through other people's travel photos. Don't forget: summer's just around the corner.

Madam, I'm Adam

2011-02-22T14:55:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I am slightly obsessed with all things Gondry. He directed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep, Be Kind Rewind, and tons of super sweet music videos....the guy just speaks my language.

Well, he's done it again. This video is a palindrome, ie. it's the same backwards and forwards (that's my super technical description of a palindrome). I feel the need to confess that I own The Work of Michel Gondry, where he explains how he made the video, as well as having watched it about 20 times. And I don't really understand how it works. But I still love it.

Cibo Matto- Sugar Water [PV]
Uploaded by skanel. - Explore more music videos.

Inspiration Friday: Library Books

2011-02-18T06:34:00.001-08:00

I've been on a kick lately of reading great books from the library. So I thought I'd share a few of my favorites:

*Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces. I just started reading this one, and have already gotten a few great ideas. If you don't know about Apartment Therapy, you should check it out. If you live in a small apartment, a small house, or just have a small room and you want some inspiration for decorating it- I think you'll get some clever ideas from this book.

*The Ellements of Personal Style.
I was kind of put off at first by the cheesy play on words (Elle magazine, Ellements...get it?), but this book is pretty fun. Each chapter is about a different fashion icon (Charlotte Gainsbourg, Angelica Huston, Diane Von Furstenburg...) and their style, their homes, and their mammoth closets. Fun.

I've also been enjoying a few lighthearted fiction books:

*Inkheart by Cordelia Funke

Have you seen the movie? (Hellen Mirren. That's all I have to say). It's definitely a book-lovers book. If you're looking for something to read post- Harry Potter, you should pick this up. Let me know what you think!

*The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith

If you haven't read anything by Alexander McCall Smith, please go read the first book from any one of his three main series: 44 Scotland Street, The Sunday Philosophy Club, and The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. My favorite is the 44 Scotland Street series. So. Funny. I usually end up telling my sister all the funny things that happen to the characters. It's kind of Wodehouse-y and great if you need a good laugh.

Let me know if you pick any of these books up. Have a good weekend, friends!

Inspiration Friday: The Princess Diaries Firehouse

2011-02-04T05:25:00.001-08:00

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Guys, I have a confession: I love the Princess Diaries (and really, am I alone?). I watched this movie again this week, and renewed my dream of moving to San Fransisco and living in a converted firehouse. It's gonna happen sometime.

In the movie, Mia (Ann Hathaway) and her mom live in a firehouse-made apartment/studio. It's kind of an odd set-up, so I tried to pay attention this time to what specifically I like about it. Here goes...

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Tall ceilings. You can't see it in this picture, but there are finished paintings hanging wayy up on the ceiling. And check out the ladder.
Room for huge paintings. I did my first big collage last year and loved it. But it's not super practical for me to take up our entire kitchen to paint very often.
Small tables scattered around, for holding art supplies- and coffee.
I like that it's really a studio, office, and living room all in one. But each space is divided nicely to keep them semi-separate.

Plus I wouldn't mind staying in my pajamas and painting all day. :)

Lots of things hanging everywhere - this is actually practical for a smaller house, too.

I like the kitchen colours and checkered floor
Pictures and lamps everywhere.
See the mugs hanging on the wall on the left? My roommate and I did that in our dorm room in college. Were we subconsciously influenced by this movie?
See that thing hanging on the wall on the right? That's a real phone. I miss those.

Mia's room: also lots of pictures and lamps (and a spiral staircase- hello!)
I'm not a huge fan of the mint green and peach wall colours, but I do love the hanging lights and how comfortable the room looks.

a huge chalkboard for the grocery list.
a fireman's pole to slide down on your way to school. Come on, that's cool.
I also love those big mugs they're drinking out of. Makes me miss the early 2000's.

Look at that red stove. Just look at it.
Ok, those are exactly like my kitchen curtains. Awesome.

The trap door and staircase leading up to the another part of Mia's room.

Plants, paintings, books, printed curtains...a sink just to clean your paintbrushes.

I love how the living room is right in the middle of the studio, but feels like a separate area.
Check out the huge painting on an easel. Can I have one in my living room too?

Alright, side note: there's a scene where Mia and her mom make a painting by pinning balloons filled with paint to canvas, then throwing darts at them. I have plans to do this with my friend Rebecca, and will be back with the results. Doesn't it look like fun?

Mia's room again- isn't it interesting that she has two vanity tables? One on either side of the bathroom door.

The 'office'- pictures, paint supplies, pens in mugs, a tv and a computer. What more could you need?

I love the round tables next to the more square furniture.
a huge oriental rug.
lots of pillows on the couch.
candles everywhere.

So, here's my conundrum. I love this house, and wouldn't mind living there. :) But I'm trying to come up with some ways to implement what I like about it into my own house. The conundrum is: I'm a pretty neat person, and this is a really messy house!
So far I'm planning on re-arranging my desk to have more art supplies out and I'm trying to find a large rug for the living room. And I'll start lighting more candles!
And I guess it wouldn't hurt for me to relax in general about having such a clean house. :)

What do you think? Do you like the Princess Diaries firehouse, or is it to cluttered for you?

Go to sleep and dream of snow

2011-02-02T08:13:00.001-08:00

Um. snow. All I can say is snow. Boy, am I ever glad to be inside, with my mom (and electricity!). I looked outside this morning and said, 'boy it doesn't look like it snowed that much.' Then we went outside. I think the Chicago Blizzard of 2011 is living up to the hype.
Are you ready for a tour of our extremely snowy neighborhood?

The gate to our alley (glad I emptied the garbage last night!):

Right outside my door, the snow is waist high:

The stairway down to the basement (oops. I guess I should have done my laundry before the storm):
Our sidewalk out front (plowed!):
That's our garbage woman, walking down the middle of my street with a snow shovel:
There's my car (or lack thereof):
Doesn't this picture almost look like it could be from a hundred years ago?
Standing in the middle of the main street near us:

Heading back inside...
Do you think my netflix will come today?

And back inside to shake off the snow and put the kettle on...
Is it snowing where you live? How are you staying warm?

Gg

2011-02-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

This week my lovely mom is doing a giveaway to celebrate one year of blogging. Pop over here to enter to win one of my mixed media collages (you'll love her blog too!).

Inspiration Friday: The Right Side of My Brain

2011-01-28T05:29:00.000-08:00

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I have been drawing like a madwoman. It started when I picked up A Life of Style by Rebecca Moses...which is about style, but has these great little drawings...

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I thought- fun! I should make a book like that. So I bought a sketchbook, and did a few pages with little drawings and captions. But then I just got into the drawing part of it. So I picked up this book again:

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The Creative License by Danny Gregory is one of my favorite books on creativity. And if you don't draw and want to learn- even if you think you can't! you should pick up this book.

Now I'm reading Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain. I may be 30 years behind the times, but this book is awesome! The basic premise is that drawing (a 'right brain' activity) is a skill, just like reading or math ('left brain' activities), only around adolescence, we stop learning how to draw. (ps. you can still learn!)

So, this week I've been inspired by 3 books to use the right side of my brain, and draw what I see around me...
Note: If you need a little work/study break, but don't have the time to start a sketchbook, you should check out this awesome sketching tool.
I'll warn you though, it's slightly addicting, so pour yourself (or draw yourself!) a cup of tea, set the timer while you sketch, then (if you have to), you can get back to using the left side of your brain.

2012

2011-01-26T05:28:00.001-08:00

Did you all know about this? No, it's (probably) not the year the world is ending. But it is the year we all get to see him...

and her...

in the movie adaptation of this book...

You now have one year to read/re-read the book, and to get super excited with me.

It also wouldn't hurt to re-watch this again in the meantime.

Inspiration Friday: Helena Bonham Carter's shoes

2011-01-21T05:51:00.000-08:00

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Did you watch the Golden Globes this week? I missed the red carpet part, so it wasn't till later that I saw this: Helena Bonham Carter wore two different coloured shoes. Say what you want about how crazy she is, you have to give her points for creativity. Plus, if Punky Brewster can do it, why can't Helena Bonham Carter?

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Here's what she had to say about the outfit: "If you're going to spend three hours getting ready you may as well go for it."*
I'm not going to go to work this week in mismatched shoes, and I'm not saying you have to either. But this week I'm inspired by Helena Bonham Carter because she does her own thing. And I like that.

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*http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1347778/Golden-Globes-2011-Helena-Bonham-Carter-stands-mismatched-shoes.html

earth stood hard as iron*

2011-01-19T15:10:00.001-08:00

Chicago winters can be pretty..brutal. I love holing up in my house with candles and a good book, but this has been one of those winters that just...feels like winter.
After a series of crazy events, I have to say: I would love to skip to the month of May right now. Recently my mom lent me this book "Spiritual Rhythm: Being with Jesus Every Season of Your Soul" by Mark Buchanan, so I could read the chapter on Winter. This was so helpful for me in this season of winter and I wanted to share his thoughts with you...

"If we are to bear much fruit- if that's the goal of the Christian life- then the best model for spiritual maturity is seasons. Fruit grows in seasons, and all seasons are necessary for growing it. And seasons are as much about what is not happening as what is. It has as much to do with inactivity as with activity, waiting as with working, barrenness as with abundance, dormancy as with vitality."

"Winter is bleak, and cold, and dark, and fruitless. It is a time of forced inactivity, unwelcome brooding, more night than day. Most things are dead, or appear so. It never seems to end."

Buchanan writes about how important each 'season of the soul' is. He talks about the best activities for Winter: praying, pruning, waiting. Yes, I'd rather skip straight to spring and if you're in your own 'dark night of the soul', I'm sure you rather would too. So, while we wait (and prune, and pray...) let's remember that spring is coming.

'Spring is coming,
And all we've been hoping and longing for soon will appear
Spring is coming, spring is coming,
It won't be long now, it's just about here.'**

'Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.'***

*In The Bleak Midwinter, by Christina Rossetti
**Spring is Coming, by Steven Curtis Chapman
***C.S.Lewis

Inspiration Friday: Harry Potter and the Black Family Tree

2011-01-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

Ah, Harry Potter. So many reasons to love it (the books, the movies, the butterbeer). I love this scene in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

The entire room is painted with the Black Family Tree:

I'm seriously considering making a very large collage with my family tree on it: genealogy and Harry Potter (nerdy? extremely. But also awesome).

Inspiration Friday: Toast UK

2011-01-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

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Not the breakfast food, although that is inspiring. Toast is a British company my sister found. I'm not ashamed to say that I keep their catalogue and pour over it for months (even though- ahem- I can't really afford anything in it).

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I love the simplicity and comfort of the clothes, blankets, and layout of the interiors. Especially in January, after the craziness of the holidays- I want things to be simple.

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A few things I've been inspired to do from the Toast catalogue:

handmade flannel hot water bottle covers (they call them hotties- ha.)
hang less things on the walls. It's kind of nice to have a little blank space.
pull out my Scottish wool blankets. Warm.
I also made a flannel shawl for cold mornings. Call me crazy (really, I know it's weird)- but I'm always cold when I'm reading in bed at night, and when I'm making coffee in the morning. So: a flannel shawl to put around my shoulders! You know you want one.
plaid flannel pillows for the living room.

Pop over to Toast and request a catalogue...let me know if you get any good ideas!

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Inspiration Friday: Forgive

2010-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

the red quilt

2010-12-29T15:38:00.000-08:00

These pictures are going up at the request of my Aunt Sue. :) I just finished making this quilt for our living room. I had some sheets from Laura Ashley which I loved, but they were starting to get worn, so I re-used them! I cut out big squares, bought a red sheet from Target for the backing, and used red binding to finish it off....simple and really warm! I think I'll enjoy the sheets even more as a quilt.

Inspiration Friday: Kathleen Kelly's apartment

2010-12-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love You've Got Mail? One thing I love about it is that it has great scenes from each season...
Fall? watch it for the line about school supplies....
Winter? Of course I want to see Greg Kinnear sing "the horn...the horn...it sounds so forlorn."
and it would be a shame to miss New York in the Spring...

And of course I could watch it countless times just to see Kathleen Kelly's apartment. Just a few things I love about it:

books everywhere- on bookshelves, in baskets, stacked on the table...
quilts and floral patterns
pictures hung in obscure places

anything is better with Tom Hanks! and daisies.
a comfortable couch: hard to beat.

It actually looks like someone lives there, which is refreshing.

There are lots of old-fashioned things (ie. floral prints and framed family photos)- but it doesn't look out-dated.

Her apartment is rearranged throughout the movie...even the bed linens change. Gotta love that Nora Ephron.

Lots of plants and fresh flowers
Sunny windows and sheer curtains

Interesting furniture placement: the bed comes out diagonally from the wall, the desk is in the middle of the room, and she has two couches- on opposite ends of the apartment. Kind of helpful ideas for decorating a small or oddly shaped apartment.

Notice the framed doily. Awesome.

I was watching this movie with my sister once, and I said "bah! I just want our apartment to look exactly like that!" She paused the movie and said: "Look around."
Comfortable couch, floral fabric, sheer curtains, books everywhere...the same wall colour. I think I've succeeded in my goal.

Come to think of it, it's almost Christmas, and there's that scene with Meg Ryan decorating her Christmas tree and listening to Joni Mitchell and I haven't watched You've Got Mail in...a month or two....

*Picture credits: I found these photos on a great screenshot website, then promptly lost the url. I'll come back and update when I find it again!

a Christmasy house tour...part two

2010-12-22T06:50:00.000-08:00

a tiny Christmas tree for our tiny apartment

The W.C.

snowmen...uh oh...another Martha Stewart project.
Made from styrofoam balls and crystal glitter.

Decorated candles for the bathroom.
Can you tell I am in the crafty mood this year?

Even our toothbrushes are festive.

We have had these little Christmas lights as long as I can remember.
They go somewhere different each year...one of my favorite decorations!

because if you can't use window clings at Christmas,
when can you?

The Living Room

a corn husk nativity from Prague.

Christmas movies!

My grandparents bought this Menorah in Israel.
Happy Hanukkah, Monica...

My new favorite corner of the house.

A Christmas collage.

I bought this nativity years ago in Ecuador.
It's been in storage in Seattle since then...
so fun to finally put it out.
Definitely one of my 'new' favorite decorations.

a Christmasy house tour...part one

2010-12-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

I know it's four days till Christmas, but I just can't help myself...my sister and I had so much fun decorating this year. Ready for a tour?

The Kitchen

Truffles, wine and snowmen

a Christmas tree cookie jar:
a post-graduation present from my lovely friend Kate

The Christmas chalkboard

we found the perfect spot for all the very little decorations.

mistletoe, of course

I made these ornaments years ago from a Martha Stewart magazine;
now they hang on the twinkle lights- because glitter is okay at Christmas,
so you might as well go for it.

cookie cutters and flowers and lots of candles

a Starbucks snowglobe for the coffee corner.
Although it rarely snows in Seattle. So- inaccurate, but festive.

My Bedroom

Pipe cleaner snowflakes. Also made years ago from a Martha Stewart pattern.
They end up in a different place in the house each year.

A Christmas garland made while watching a Hallmark movie.
Does it get more festive?

I cut out red and green paper and old sheet music
using a hole punch I got from my Grandma...a fun project.

A Fontanini nativity set...one of the many things I forgot I had in storage!

The picture in the silver frame is of my mom and my uncle
years ago during a Christmas in Vietnam.

Stay tuned for part two...

the shop around the corner...

2010-12-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

Come visit my newly-opened Etsy shop! So far I have a few original collages and greeting cards for sale. Coming soon...greeting card sets and prints!

Inspiration Friday: Home Depot

2010-12-17T07:22:00.000-08:00

While shopping with my mom and sister this summer, I came across these planting pots. You wouldn't think there would be much inspiration at Home Depot...but just look at those colours.

I'm starting to think inspiration can be found everywhere. So I'm collecting things that inspire me, and will be blogging about it here every Friday. Enjoy!

Stay tuned for the next Inspiration Friday: Kathleen Kelly's apartment...

Which one?

2010-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

After years (really, years) of talking about selling my collages, I am finally about to open up an etsy shop! I've decorated every room in my apartment with collages, made and given them as presents, shoved extras under my bed, and stored them in the basement...and I keep making more!

So I spent most of Tuesday pulling them out, sorting, finishing unfinished collages, and getting lots of new ideas.

Now comes the hard part: which ones am I willing to part with?

If all goes according to plan, I should have a few originals, prints, and greeting cards up in my store by the end of the week, so stay tuned for more...

words fall like rain

2010-12-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

A few nights ago while I was laying in bed, I had this idea for a collage. This happens all the time, but usually the next morning, when I try to implement it, either the idea is not as great as it seemed at 11pm, or I just can't make it look as awesome as it does in my head.
This one, though...it actually turned out exactly as I pictured it. It's called "Words fall like rain", from Deuteronomy 32:2:

Let my teaching fall on you like rain;
Let my speech settle like dew.
Let my words fall like rain on tender grass,
and like showers upon the herb.

julius meinl and rick steves.

2010-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we went to Julius Meinl, an Austrian coffee shop in Lincoln Square. There are only two of these coffee shops outside the continent- both in Chicago. Lucky us!

Dark wood, great coffee served on a tray, delicious sausage and grain mustard and pastries, - definitely European.

Hello, Julius. I'll be back!

Plus we went home and watched Rick Steves' European Christmas on PBS. This might be the closest I get to Europe this year, but minus the Chicago traffic on the way home, it felt pretty close.

birthday festivities.

2010-12-11T18:06:00.000-08:00

*Lunch with family at Epic Burger +
*a surprise mid-work-afternoon coffee from my friend Wendy +

*mom (whose birthday is also this weekend) waiting at home with wheat- and sugar-free Cheesecake Cupcakes (yum!) +

*a favorite dinner with my lovely family +

* delicious beverages +

* fun presents +

My grandma Hallie made this pillow for me when I was little (it was obviously well-loved)- my mom found the pillow and got me all the supplies to mend it. I might I have teared up. just a bit.

A favorite childhood plate from England.

* = an extremely lovely 26th (!) birthday.

the glorious unknown

2010-10-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

Last night Christy and I went to A Night with the Chapmans (Steven Curtis Chapman, his sons Will and Caleb Chapman's band, and his wife Mary Beth speaking about the death of their daughter Maria). When we bought the tickets in September, I had no idea what good timing this would be.

October 12 was the 5 year anniversary of my Grandma's death, always a hard time for me. October 13, our friend Todd passed away after being diagnosed with CJD, a rare brain disease, just one month earlier. We got back from the funeral on Wednesday, and Thursday I got a call with some tragic news about some old friends from college. So needless to say, it was amazing timing to hear from people who have experienced so much suffering and are actively believing in God's goodness.

These last few months have been challenging for me. So many changes (plenty of them good!)- from a promotion at work, to my parents moving here, taking Greek, and dealing with conflict (not my favorite thing :) . In many ways I've held up well- I'm learning a ton, growing, continuing to be grateful for how much I've been given, and even keeping my house clean. At other times, I've just felt sorry for myself- 'oh poor me, I'm so single and 25, and just working instead of changing the world at age 20 with my amazing writing skills.' I know, it's pathetic.

Since Todd's death, I've been so encouraged by the closeness of heaven. All these insane things - from broken machines at work, to death- really are just temporary. I am encouraged anew to just keep it simple: to do what God tells me, even when it's hard, and to eagerly await His appearing, even when the wait seems so long.

Caleb Chapman told the story of how the day Maria died, he was praying for some sort of picture of comfort and purpose in the middle of this pain...and God gave him this picture:
The pain of Maria's death was like being close up to a large canvas. As a family, they were so close to the grief and pain that the picture looked totally blurry. But as time passed and they got further from the day Maria died, God would show them the beauty that would come out of this experience. Unable to see the full picture until eternity, they have to wait.

"God, can't you see? Can't you see your children at your feet?
God can't you hear? Can't you hear our cries for you to come?
Silent you seem while we wait in the darkness of our past
But silent you're not, find our hearts, find us comfort, find us fast.

We will wait/ we will wait, God
We will wait/ we will wait, God
We will wait
And with this weight on our chest, we gather up the breath to sing this song
But as one we confess, we do not have the strength to carry on
So wait, though we wait, we rejoice in the suffering we all share
For these stones that are thrown upon us
are stones that fallen from us
we would bear

We will wait with our fires burning bright
We will wait when it withers in the night
We will wait when we rise and when we fall
we will wait, God
We will wait through every season of this song
We will wait on mountain tops and valleys low
We will wait for you to come restore the old
we will wait, God

Come, Abba Father, come let your light shine down
Come, Abba Father, come let your light shine down"

-Caleb

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.'
And He who sits on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'"

-Revelation 21:3-5a

An Absolutely Defining Sense of Self.

2010-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

In Washington, you can get coffee anywhere.

Of course, there's your basic coffee at home...

Awesome coffee shops downtown...

The occasional $2 latte...

Starbucks in grocery stores...

and lots of coffee shops in the airport.

Most coffee shops also carry an insane amount of sugar free syrup flavors (thank you, Washington.)...

There are also, of course, a million drive thru espresso stands...

But not only can you get coffee anywhere, you can truly get coffee with anything....

with Beer...

with Teriyaki and Sushi...

with your groceries...

with the news...

with....Wine, Gifts and Home Decor...

with a carwash...

with Athletic Awards(what? Is the espresso one of the awards?)...

with cigarettes and bagels...

with your oil change (please notice, they are not just advertising a special that includes a latte, the place is actually called "Spokane Quick Lube & Latte")...

And, just in case you can't be bothered going into the actual coffee shop attached to the grocery store, you can always just go to the walk up window (I can't help but mention that there is also a Tully's coffee shop in this same store)...

"The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee, but an absolutely defining sense of self.

Tall! Decaf! Cappuccino!"

-Nora and Delia Ephron

The Mountain Is Out

2010-08-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Every morning while on vacation, we've gone for a morning walk (ahem, late morning...it is vacation). My parents live by Coulon Park, a park we went to often when I was little. It's been sunny, so we're taking advantage of the views of Mount Rainier. No one in Washington calls it Mt. Rainier...just 'the mountain.' Because of all the rain and cloudiness, you can't see it often, so a common phrase on sunny days when I was growing up was "The Mountain Is Out."

We're also taking advantage of the workout that is walking up an actual hill:

We also walk past this 'birdhouse':

Funny story: the people who live here (my parents' neighbors) wanted to build a treehouse for their grandkids. The city of Renton told them there was a law that you can't build treehouses. So they asked "Can we build a birdhouse?" The city said that was fine, and here is the resulting "Birdhouse."

I'd rather see a minstrel show/ Than any other show I know

2010-08-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Buskers at Pike Place

"Busking is the practice of performing in public places for tips and gratuities. People engaging in this practice are called buskers. Buskers may also be known as street performers, street musicians, minstrels, or troubadors."**

*White Christmas

**Wikipedia

Colours at the Lake, Part Six

2010-08-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Brown