clue party!

My birthday and Clue themed party was a smashing success. I think there was a 100% participation when it came to costumes and the "homemade" photo booth.

Photo of my friend Liz and I as Miss Peacock and Miss Peacock.

the big 2-5

I'm not one for making or keeping New Year resolutions but I like having overall goals for myself. As my birthday looms I've been focusing more on what I'd like to achieve in my 25th year. I took a page out the books of some of my favorite bloggers and created a "25 before 26" list that will keep my goals visible.

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Idea from A Beautiful Mess.

chris ware's quimby the mouse

A few nights ago I had the pleasure of attending a talk by Chip Kidd and Chris Ware (I apologize for the awful cell phone photo). I was previously unaware of a majority of Chris Ware's work and didn't have any detailed knowledge of the little I was familiar with. I've been lucky enough to see, and hear, Chip Kidd speak previously and always find him enjoyable but Chris Ware really stole the show especially when he casually mentioned "his friend, Ira Glass." I am a huge This American Life fan and will even admit to having a large crush on Mr. Glass. It seems Chris Ware created an animated cartoon for the Live Event of This American Life a few years back.

Here's the video.
Quimby The Mouse from This American Life on Vimeo.

happy valentine's day!

Kate Spade has an amazing selection of e-valentines to send someone you love (or those you just like a great deal).

A few more of my faves...

adventures in cooking: macaroni and cheese

This is my comfort-food-that-can't-go-wrong meal that I make in large quantities. Substitutions and additions can be made to easily change this recipe up but I tend to prefer the good 'ol standard that I loved growing up. Our family's secret ingredient is using Vermont's Cabot cheese and in my case, giant noodles (I prefer cavatappi or large elbow macaroni). This week I made an entire pan of mac & cheese and ate it for 7 days straight...I feel like I need to clarify that it wasn't for every meal. After several years I have perfected my macaroni and cheese technique to the point where I don't have any problems with the final product. The key is the dissolving of the salt, it used to get me every time. Not any more!

Success!!

(finally)

seamstress bracelet

Such a lovely idea for the seamstress in your life.

Seen on Fancy French Cologne.

music monday: iron & wine

Enjoy my favorite song (and the single) From his brand new album, Kiss Each Other Clean.
album art from google.

adventures in cooking: banana bread

I recently tried my hand at banana bread. It was delicious for about 2 pieces (pretty much just those pictured) until I got to the middle which was uncooked. Oddly enough it was the very top of the bread that remained doughy. My vintage oven tends to be unnaturally warm so I have a tendency to overcook items. Things coming out raw is a new problem for me.

I got the recipe from my go-to cookbook, How to Make Everything. Breads may not be my forte either.

music monday: mumford & sons

I'm lucky that I have a boyfriend that knows my musical tastes better then I know them myself. I owe 90% of my musical library to him and his "have you heard of ___, you'd like them" emails.

He recently turned me onto Mumford & Sons and I've been listening to them pretty incessantly ever since. Their entire album is worth a listen but here is my favorite song.

10 things i'm loving: etsy edition

top to bottom,
1. Recycled Leather and Canvas Carryall, $215  2. Sewn Card, $7.50
3. Black Riding Boots, $39  4. Vintage Rustic Alarm Clock, $32   
5. Vintage World Globe, $75  6. Reclaimed Wood Desk Caddy, $65 
7. Navy Twill Swing Coat, $118  8. Gardening Book, $12 
9. Adventurer's Club print by Matte Stephens, $60  10. Wood Storage Cabinet

vintage rings

If my hands needed another ring, these would be in the running.

From Jean Jean Vintage's etsy shop.

jimmy stewart and grace kelly ride a bike

From this great tumblr.

adventures in cooking: vietnamese rice noodle soup with beef

My first foray into my new cooking experiment was relatively successful. I adore Asian food of other sort, but cannot prepare it to save my life. Why would I start with something so ambitious? I'm asking myself the same question.

My biggest challenge is learning to cook just one or two servings (leftovers = lunch the next day). I have a tendency to overdo it which results in eating the same meal for a week straight.

It is currently impossible to find bean sprouts in Indiana so I substituted in mushrooms just like the author. It was overall pretty delicious but time-consuming. Furthermore, my leftovers didn't hold up very well which I can usually count on with soups. I think I will think twice before I make this one again but I'd be open to other variations.

Original recipe can be found here.

if I lived in san fransisco this hutch would be mine

From Jordan Ferney's Moving to France Sale.

more about ashley meaders

I am very fond of Ashley Meaders. Her success has made me realize the endless opportunities out there for the crafty. She has made a career of being creative. Design*Sponge has an excellent interview with her in their What in Your Toolbox series.

Image from Ashley Meaders.