taking to heart

I read the following advice on BrownChickenBrownCow a few days ago and it has stayed with me.

"Only own clothes in which you’d feel comfortable letting your partner pack for a surprise getaway without your input." 

I'm definitely the type to have a stash of clothes in the back of my closet that I don't wear but I can't bring myself to get rid of. I think this is the kick in the butt I needed to finally take a good hard look at the things I don't wear and edit my wardrobe. 

ted talk: the birth of a word

I've been really obsessed with TED Talks lately. This was partially brought on by my need to find multiple research topics lately, and further fueled by meeting TED's creator Richard Saul Wurman. In my browsing I came across this great talk by Deb Roy who charted his son's language development. About 80% of this video went over my head but the overall idea just floored me, particularly his 40 second clip that traced the evolution of his son's vocalization of the word water.


Enjoy!

hatch design easter egg contest

San Fransisco's Hatch Design has an egg decorating contest currently underway that takes me back to when I was young.

Here are a few of my favorites. See more here.

new adventure!

Image from Pinterest.

tough days need cute animals

A cute animal can fix everything. Most days my fish do a pretty good job but sometimes you need something with fur. Since I don't have a pup of my own, I settle for looking at pictures. My favorite two that always manage to cheer me up.

Both from pinterest. Kitten and Pups.

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