poof you're a frog

DC for the Summer

2008-04-09T21:02:00.004-05:00

So I thought I would share...I was offered a summer internship in DC with an organization I really really wanted to work for. I will be there for 2 months from June to August, but know absolutely nothing about the area. What are the up and coming neighborhoods to live in? Where are the fun areas to shop? What restaurants are good?
Where should I avoid when wandering around trying to find all of things mentioned above?
(photo from a graphic designer friend of mine who recently visited the area)

Promise Wedge

2008-04-09T20:56:00.001-05:00

I'm getting ready for spring and bought a cute (super cheap!) pair of wedges from Forever21. Only $21.80.

Heartdrew Invisible Cities

2008-04-06T15:29:00.005-05:00

These are really great shots under the chapter heading "Invisible Cities" from Heartdrew. Each one shows an incredibly different perspective of city life. Found this through fortysixth at grace.

Maria's Bungalow on AT

2008-04-04T10:17:00.003-05:00

Catching up on my HouseTours on Apartmentherapy this morning, I came across Maria's Oh So You Bungalow. It is waaaaay too colorful for my taste (you should really check it out), but 2 more subdued photos really caught my eye. I would never have had the thought "Hm, I think I'll paint birds on the side of my house today..." but how cute are they?This looks like a vacation spot to me. I really like this area in the dark.

Gig Posters

2008-04-04T09:50:00.004-05:00

Found this through Treasuring and am quite excited! I've been searching for something like this for awhile now. You can even search by band! I've been listening to a lot of Andrew Bird lately, and his posters are really very pretty.Gigposters.com

Erica Weiner at Urban Outfitters

2008-04-02T17:01:00.003-05:00

Back in June '07 I posted about Erica Weiner's pretty necklaces. I was admiring some earrings at Urban last week and lo and behold they were Erica Weiner! Guess she made it big to be selling to Urban Outfitters. These are so pretty. I plan on making them my "I nailed down a summer internship" treat when that happens...

Leather Jacket at Ragstock

2008-03-25T15:58:00.003-05:00

I've been perusing the internet for a leather jacket for some time now but came to the conclusion that you really need to try one on in person to see if it fits. So I wandered around Wicker Park today and tried on about 15 jackets, ending on this one for only $20 at Ragstock. It was a tough decision without anyone there to give me a 2nd opinion. A little more masculine than I had intended.

Blog's 1st Birthday

2008-03-24T15:09:00.005-05:00

I just realized that it's been one year exactly since my first post. I started this blog as a creative outlet and as a way to store the ideas I had about decorating, fashion, and cooking. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and commenting. Your thoughts mean a lot to me!

Spring Cleaning

2008-03-24T14:16:00.006-05:00

I'm on spring break until next week, and instead of going to the Bahamas, or Mexico or something like that I've decided to rearrange our living room! I made a little entertainment center out of the Ikea Billy shelves we have. I had to cut a hole in the back of one of them to fit the TV though. I guess that's one of the perks of not owning "real furniture" (we got those Billy shelves for free because they were here when we moved in). I took a large kitchen knife and literally sawed the back out of the cardboard shelf so that the TV would fit.

End Tables

2008-03-17T07:20:00.002-05:00

I'm planning on doing a little spring cleaning/revamping of the apartment. This will give me a chance to find some things I'll need when I live on my own. So it's time for some end tables. But I'm wondering how much these should match your coffee table. I found these for $50 on Craigslist, pretty great huh?

Hilarious Musical

2008-03-14T20:33:00.002-05:00

Totally random, but if you had a week like mine you might need a little giggle.

Also check out improveverywhere.com

Emikli Art

2008-03-12T23:09:00.003-05:00

How pretty are these illustrations by Eugenia Tsimiklis? They are so girly, exactly what I feel like spring is going to look like. Also, I have made the decision to ditch the concept of roommates and get my own place starting in June and can not wait to put up art on the walls.from Happy Cavalier

Hello!!...and Puella

2008-03-12T21:45:00.005-05:00

PHEWWW! I was gone a long time. I really missed you all, and am hoping you missed me too. I won't bore you with stories of staying up late writing papers, or about being quiz-master at pub quizzes to make extra cash. All I will say is that I recently discovered Puella and am loving their dresses. I wore the one above to my birthday party this weekend and am already trying to think of excuses to put it on again. (Macy's recently had a sale and many of their print dresses were half price!)

Yikes!

2008-01-09T20:58:00.000-05:00

These dresses are dangerous! Found through shopmyclosetblog, Grey Ant has some fancy stuff. I would love to wear one of these for a New Year's Eve Party, wouldn't you?

Collage Love

2008-01-07T21:47:00.000-05:00

Collage might be one of my favorite art-forms. Found through Carpal Tunnel blog, French artist Clairen Carton is amazing. Check these out...
You can find much more artwork on her myspace page!

Chicago Views

2008-01-06T21:46:00.001-05:00

Since there was a record high of 62 degrees in Chicago tonight, my sister had a bbq at her new condo in the city. What amazing views there were from the 25th floor!Also, this is my new camera, which has the most ideal setting for night photos, which I'm pretty excited about. Thank you to my Astoria-gentleman friend :)

Vintage Desk

2008-01-04T14:18:00.000-05:00

Ooph my Craigslist addiction has started again. I thought I had kicked my habit of perusing this site for hours in search of vintage furniture I can't afford, and might not even need, but no, I'm back at it. How beautiful is this desk? For $200...those handles...those legs...I love it!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T16:46:00.000-05:00

I've resolved to do more cultural things in 2008. I'm going to start with the Art Institute in Chicago, which is currently exhibiting Girls on the Verge: Adolescence, a collection of photography portraying girls in those awkward years.--"Adolescent girls find themselves on the cusp between girl and woman, child and adult. It is a time of physical and emotional changes, of yearning for freedom while secretly cherishing constraints, of finding the pleasures as well as the terrors of one’s own appeal to the world."--
Reading the description of this exhibit got me thinking...The early-mid 20's are a lot like adolescence aren't they? Picture from flickr.
Resolution #2: Make it through my 2nd adolescence with more grace and less drama than my 1st.

Astoria's Finast

2007-12-31T00:09:00.000-05:00

I just got back from a really amazing trip to New York, where I stayed with friends in Astoria, Queens. Almost 6 months out of the city and I already feel like a tourist upon return. I walked around with my camera snapping photos of things I would never have thought to look at back when I lived out there.

Stuff on My Cat: Nerms

2007-12-29T21:04:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a long time and feel sort of silly posting this after my absence. But I sent in a picture of Nerms over the summer to StuffonMyCat.com and she was finally posted on the 17th. Not design-related, but a fun site to check out if you're a crazy cat lady like myself.

Tuesday Strifry

2007-12-18T19:13:00.000-05:00

This has got to be the easiest and most satisfying meal I can make. All it takes is garlic, onion, 3 different colored peppers and chicken. Mix it up with some teriyaki, soy sauce, and sesame seed oil and it's a meal (for 3 days or 4 people, depending on if you're eating solo or not). I usually start off with the onion and garlic solo, then add the chicken until it's halfway cooked, and then throw in the peppers until they're soft and voila!

Target Scarf and JCrew Sweater

2007-12-16T23:16:00.000-05:00

I don't know when I turned this into a fashion blog, but lately I am more excited about clothing, and dressing warm for winter than decorating and design. Target has some cute scarves for super cheap ($4-$9) and I bought myself one. Paired with this new sweater from my parents for Hannukah (on sale at Jcrew) I think I've got a semi-PunkyB look, no? I hate to be a copycat but I had to try it out...On a sidenote, these cheap scarf/headbands from Target would make a smart gift for co-workers or that female relative you can't figure out what to get for!

Shawls

2007-12-12T13:58:00.001-05:00

I am starting to think I need one of these, or at least need to figure out how to wear it in such a way that it isn't "grandma". Shiny Squirrel posted on these bright and patterned shawls from Styleserver.And new-to-me French Blogger Punky B is always wearing shawls in her photos, and I have fallen in love with her style (and maybe kinda wanna be her a little...)

Untitled Clothing, Coffeeshop and Ballys (all in a day's work)

2007-12-10T18:19:00.000-05:00

I had the greatest free day today. I bargained the local gym manager to give me a $19 month-long membership, found the coolest store, and discovered a new clothing brand I'd never heard of before. Phew!!

Untitled is a really awesome store on Clark St. and Diversey in Chicago's Lincoln Park. They have some of the coolest brands, and some great sale items right now. While there I tried on a few jackets and coats. They were from Coffeeshop which I later found on Overstock.com. How cute are these coats? They are about 20% cheaper on Overstock than they were at Untitled.
Top: Coffee Shop Tweed coat $88.99
Bottom: Coffee Shop Plaid Tweed coat $84.99

"Vintage" Lingerie

2007-12-07T14:16:00.001-05:00

I've always thought it was funny how many thrift stores sell lingerie items, slips, and vintage bras. They are of course very pretty things, slinky, made of silk or the lightest cotton. But who wants to buy used underthings? Reading Nylon today I saw Sophie Simmons collection on dessousnyc.com. Vintage inspired lingerie, but brand new! I think these would make a great gift, not overly suggestive or cheap-looking.

Finals Done!

2007-12-06T20:54:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I took my last final of the quarter. I'm now on a holiday for the entire month and couldn't be happier. I can't wait to do some blog-catching up and channeling my old self with a functioning right-brain! Here is a photo of where I've been spending most of my time, on campus. Pretty huh? See you all tomorrow.

Return to Bridesmaid Dressing

2007-12-01T11:40:00.000-05:00

Round 2 of bridesmaid dress shopping was MUCH better than the first time. My sister is now thinking of offering everyone these 3 options below, all in the taupe/gray color. Won't that color look good with orange flowers? I'm feeling guilty because I've been kind of dictating the color palette, so I'm looking for some outside approval!I'm going to pick the dress on the far right :)

Shiny Black Boots

2007-11-26T19:16:00.000-05:00

I bought these the other week for $40 at a thrift store called Yellow Jacket in Lincoln Park, Chicago. So they're not exactly my size (1.5 too big), what are ya gonna do...can't really beat that price!

Quick Hello

2007-11-26T19:02:00.000-05:00

Hello blogworld. It's been awhile. I just wanted to say hello and apologize for being mia these past few weeks. Laissezfaire was kind of enough to add me to her "blogs to watch" section, and I really wish I had some new stuff to post about. In case you're wondering, my life has been fairly routine. So routine in fact, here is my latest meal, just about as boring as they come.I'd like to be back in to the blogging shortly. After my finals are over I will return!! I really do miss you all!
-Laura

Better Wall

2007-11-12T21:32:00.000-05:00

This is cool. Limited edition museum posters available at Better Wall. They are pricey, but how fun would it be to hang one of these say, in your dining room, or above the bed?

Tartan

2007-11-06T20:44:00.001-05:00

I haven't picked up a new Domino yet, but blogger Frolic! posted about a spread they have on Tartan. I think Tartan is just a name for this kind of fabric/design also known as plaid (but I could be wrong). Either way I'm loving this trend for fall and trying hard to find the right ways to incorporate it into my wardrobe. Never thought to incorporate it in the home as well.
Top image from Domino, bottom images from Frolic!

Econ Schmeecon

2007-11-06T20:33:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling sad lately because my entire life has been taken over my economics, statistics and game theory. Interesting as it may be, I'm losing touch with my artsy side. I just flickr-googled the word "econ", how lame. Someone had taken a picture of their econ homework. They were probably in a similar state of mind to where I'm at right now.

Would you believe it if I told you I understand what's written on this page? This could make a cute pillow case I think...
Back after mid-terms. In the meantime I'm enjoying All Things Ordinary, Abstract the Day, and Found now Home.

All of These Things...

2007-11-04T21:46:00.000-05:00

are on sale at Anthropologie for under $100 and the blue heals and grey flats are actually under $50. Nice! The size selection is limited, but I would recommend perusing if you're in the market for some cute out-of-season shoes for cheap!

Maxzilla

2007-11-02T00:34:00.000-05:00

My Mom and I collaborated on a Halloween costume. I designed the outline and started laying down the Sears Tower. She really pulled through and added all of the little touches. Oh, and made the actual costume that Maxine wore. Too cute. "Maxzilla!"

Equilibrium

2007-11-01T21:21:00.001-05:00

It took a looong time for the cat fights to settle down. Here was Nerms before:And now everyone has found a heating vent to call their own. Life is good. And my visitor leaves tomorrow. Goodbye Cassidy. It's too bad you and Nerms didn't become better friends...

Trendy or Silly?

2007-10-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

I keep seeing these plaid jackets and thinking how cute they are in a refined punk/grunge kind of way. Is this just a trend, or is this a coat I will be able to wear for a few years?From U.O.

Vintage Globes

2007-10-29T22:54:00.000-05:00

I feel like I've posted on globes a lot in my 7 months of blogging (wow, that seems like a long time actually!). Here are some cute and really inexpensive ones from White Elephant Vintage whom I heard about from Shelterrific. They range from only $10 to $45. What pretty blues.

Yellow Mustard Comfy

2007-10-28T21:37:00.000-05:00

This chair was listed under "Yellow mustard comfy" on Craigslist. I was doing a search for mid-century bedside tables, and came across this little guy. I saw it and it made me go "awww..." for some reason. The title made it sound like a cute little chair waiting to be adopted. Too bad it's so ugly. If you're in Chi-town and ready to adopt though, it's only $65!

Ok, back to studying...

Weekend Fun: Barely

2007-10-28T10:36:00.001-05:00

I am peaking my head out for a moment after holing myself up in my apartment for a few days to study for my mid-terms. UGH. That, and I have a visitor who Nerms is not too fond of, so I've been interrupted quite frequently by hissing fights and surprise attacks. Can't we all just get along?

Ditte Isager Photographer

2007-10-25T22:35:00.001-05:00

Found this via This is Glamorous. I feel like these are dark and light versions of each other, and I can't figure out which one I like more. I love the placement of the three mirrors in the top image. From photographer Ditte Isager.

Jess Gonacha Pinecone Print

2007-10-24T20:51:00.000-05:00

I just bought this print from Jess Gonacha (aka Treasuring). I've been eying her artwork for awhile now, and this one just seemed special to me :).Some of her new favorites of mine...

Money Can't Buy You Love

2007-10-24T20:35:00.000-05:00

But it can buy you warmth, and I would love to have enough money to buy this! I can't wait to not be a student anymore, can you tell?From soia&kyo via Shiny Squirrel.

Domino Living Rooms

2007-10-23T09:03:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that some people actually have living rooms that look like this from Domino. These look like show rooms for furniture stores or something. One day I will have a living room this colorful!

Luminaire Chicago

2007-10-21T20:07:00.000-05:00

I had a major detour today trying to get to the South Side of Chicago that involved riding my bike for half an hour, and stopping at every L stop along the way to see if it was open. Ugh. But I did end up getting on the train right by this place Luminaire which I'm going to have to go into at some point. Their window displays are awesome too, with Philip Starcke and Eames chairs all stacked up together.

Weekend Fun: BYOP

2007-10-20T11:34:00.000-05:00

My roommates and I had a Bring Your Own Pumpkin party this weekend. We had spiced apple cider, candy, cupcakes, Goose Island Harvest ale, baked pumpkin seeds, and apples and caramel dipping sauce. I set up the center piece for the table, which was pretty fun.
Before:After:Pumpkins:

Patience Is a Virtue

2007-10-19T16:31:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of the fall season I fell in love with this navy silk top from Banana Republic. But it was too expensive considering my new student's budget. I told myself, "just wait, it will go on sale in no time." And I waited...patiently. Until today when I walked in and it was marked down to $29.99. Yeah!!I'm going to wear navy and black tonight :o yes to a pumpkin carving party.

CB2 Sale Stuff

2007-10-17T21:48:00.001-05:00

This Marimekko print is on sale for under $35. I'm thinking it would make a great headboard! It's pretty large too. What do you think? Other items on sale include this brick bath rug for $15, and this fauxboix tote for under $30. I would totally carry that thing around. All from CB2 sale.

Eames Rocker Contest on DesignSponge

2007-10-17T18:56:00.000-05:00

Grace at DesignSponge is holding a giveaway with Sparkability. I'm not sure if you have to be a mother or be decorating a nursery, but I'm gonna try for it anyways. I think a rocker could work well in a living room even, and would make a nice edition to my living room in fact. To replace this crazy guy with any color of the Eames rocker...Should I send these pictures in? Am I worthy of a cute chair? I've never showed you guys my living room before. Here it is. Not my favorite room ever but I don't have the time or money to do anything to it at the moment, which makes me sad. Pretty much all of the furniture was free if that makes it look any better :)

New from SnapshotRadio

2007-10-16T22:09:00.001-05:00

I just did a quick spin through my bookmarked flickr pages and re-visited Snapshotradio. I seriously want this girl to start a blog. Check out this before and after, what a great way to save space.And her inspiration board. Part of the board is an essay about birds nesting she wrote when she was 8, too funny.This bag is handmade.

Pssst...

2007-10-14T21:34:00.000-05:00

...these are on sale for $168, almost unheard of for Anthropologie boots! (But I think you have to be a size 6).

Colorful Fall

2007-10-14T21:21:00.000-05:00

While I was out walking really early this morning I found these bright flowers peaking through in gardens. Makes me feel kind of like my mom, taking pictures of flowers, but they are pretty right?

Happy Saturday

2007-10-13T10:40:00.000-05:00

Oy this was a long week. I am so happy it's finally the weekend. I meant to post a happy weekend to everyone, but for now I'll leave it at happy Saturday! This one's definitely relaxing...

Sweating a Sweater

2007-10-11T23:31:00.000-05:00

This sweater is so cute. I would love to know how to find it so that I could buy it! How do you find clothes on designers websites? I have no idea where to find Cheap Monday clothes. (from Designformankind)

Cruising

2007-10-10T23:11:00.000-05:00

My ridiculously ugly bike has had a tire malfunction, so I'm in the market for a new bike. A helpful friend sent over a link on Craigslist to this little guy. Cute isn't she with her little basket?? I might pick it up on Sunday. It is an early Hannukah present from my friend, isn't that nice?

Bree Bailey on Flickr

2007-10-09T23:18:00.000-05:00

Sprayglue --> Wrong Distance --> Bree Bailey on Flickr.

That's how I arrived at these people, places, things and animals, all photographed in a simple, elegant, and again subdued and retro sort of way :)

Lori Pickert's Home via Cookie

2007-10-09T23:07:00.000-05:00

Cookie Magazine writer/editor Joanna (A Cup of Jo) posted on this shoot done in a barn retreat in Illinois. Now Illinois ain't got much going on, except for Chicago of course, as far as I know, but this barn is beautiful. I am really getting into subdued colors and design that is translatable to any time period. I love the lack of modern appliances, and uncluttered look of the house.

Shopsin's General Store via Design Pumpa

2007-10-08T22:41:00.001-05:00

A blog that has recently linked to me, Design Pumpa, has some interesting finds. It is written in Dutch perhaps? But I love looking at the photos. I found Shopsin's General Store through Design Pumpa. And they have these quirky items, and more. The website has an interesting design and layout as well.

I really love bad jokes with ridiculously obvious puns. These make me laugh.

Blue

2007-10-08T20:08:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite people ever came to visit me this weekend and I'm feeling a little blue now that he's gone back to New York. Fitting for seeing this dress over on Shiny Squirrel from the Lanvin Spring show. Phew! What a dress.

Red for Fall

2007-10-04T20:35:00.001-05:00

I am thinking red is the new color for fall, right? I can't get enough of it. I'm going to buy a red sweater, a red scarf, ad possibly one of these red bags. If I could find it, I'd buy the BB Dakota red flannel peacoat.
La redoute bag
BB Dakota coat
Red Groupie Bag
Urban Outfitters coat
Topshop shoes
Jcrew scarf

La Redoute Shoes for Cheap

2007-10-04T19:37:00.001-05:00

For the first time ever I checked out something I found in the Lucky Breaks section of Lucky Magazine. Sadly, the really awesome tote I wanted (for $67.49) was not listed on the site. I did find some really cute cheap shoes though! From La Redoute, a French clothing store with some great stuff. If I did my currency conversion right, these shoes are all on sale for around $30!

Khaki is the New Black!

2007-10-03T21:51:00.000-05:00

Um so I just had the best day ever. First I got a check plus (the best score you can get) on my first statistics homework! THEN I met Nick Verreos from Season 2 of Project Runway. He was so cute in person, super friendly, and totally approachable. He even put out his cigarette to talk to me. After a few martinis I confessed to him that I loved him, and that I was happy we were matching. He said, "Khaki is the new black." :)For the sake of anonymity I blocked myself out, hope that's not too weird, but man was I smiling to see Nick! Also, he has his own blog which is pretty interesting. Check it out here.

Walking Home

2007-10-02T22:38:00.000-05:00

Did I mention it's fall and I'm happy about it? :)

Booties

2007-10-02T22:24:00.001-05:00

I saw someone wearing these boots, on the train this morning, with a cute black t-shirt dress and red ray-bans. The look was a little overly-stylized hipster, if you ask me, but I did think it was about time I bust out my boots. And to think about buying some "shorties" as they're called on the Urban Outfitters website.I also am thinking some shorties would look cute with these new high waisted pants, simliar to this picture from SprayGlue (but shorter obviously).

Spicy Sweet Potatoes and Garlic Chicken

2007-10-01T22:31:00.000-05:00

Sweet potatoes boiled, mashed, mixed with butter, jalapeños, and bananas is quite delicious!

I realize I've been talking about food a lot. It's mainly because here has been my schedule for the past week, and presumably for the next few months:
1. Wake up at 7.
2. Go to class an hour away
3. Stay on campus until 5pm
4. Get home by 6:30
5. Cook
6. Homework
7. Bed by 10:30I don't have as much time as I'd like to look for new clothes, or the art I'm trying to find for above my bed. I'm really looking forward to an office job at this point where I can have some computer time, how silly is that?!

What time is your bedtime?

Shiny Squirrel Launch

2007-10-01T20:04:00.000-05:00

How exciting, the Shiny Squirrel online shop finally opened. It's fun to see different bloggers all collaborate on something like this. Here are some of my favorite affordable items.

Michelle Armas' Elka 2
Juliana Swaney's ShipsCaroline Moore Peel

Weekend Fun: Dinner, Dessert, and a Miniature War

2007-09-30T20:12:00.000-05:00

My parents had a Mexican-themed party tonight. Steak tacos, rice, beans, and then blueberry sauce on vanilla ice cream for dessert. Yum! A friend's little boy likes to play with my sister and my old toys. Tonight's game was "war". He had it set up pretty well I thought, which was kind of sad seeing as he's 6 and can imagine war so well, but also a little humorous.

Only Slightly Tacky...

2007-09-27T21:44:00.000-05:00

...but how funny would this piece be above the bed, since I'm on the topic of art as a headboard. I just love the colors!From the David Lusk Gallery, by Alan Duckworth.

Autumn Wedding

2007-09-27T19:35:00.000-05:00

Not sure why I'm thinking about this exactly, I don't even think of myself as they type who plans her wedding years in advance.....but then again, maybe I am just that type. I think I want a wedding in autumn, or possibly in the rain if that could be planned. Something cozy feeling.

From flickr, 1, 2,3 and 4

Art as Headboard

2007-09-27T19:21:00.000-05:00

I have been so super busy lately with school that I have had no time to finish up decorating my room. The one main thing missing is a headboard, or something resembling one. I'm still on to this art as headboard idea. Here are some new pictures I found on Domino that are giving me some new ideas. They are before and afters, which I am a big fan of.

Where can I find a huge piece of artwork that could work as a headboard? Pretty much everything on Etsy is 10" long or wide. Other than Ikea I'm kind of out of ideas.

Stockholm and Artquirk

2007-09-24T21:54:00.000-05:00

Just something funny I noticed. This photo from Lena Corwin's trip to Stockholm looks so much like Etsy artist Artiquirk's prints. Makes me want to go to some place in Europe and wind around all sorts of narrow streets. I could use a big vacation...

Holiday Leftovers

2007-09-23T11:05:00.000-05:00

It's not the norm to have leftovers to take home from a Yom Kippur break the fast family dinner, but my Aunt makes the BEST kugle (koogle?). It's a Jewish noodle, egg, cheese, cinnamon, buttery, casserole with crunchy flakes and noodles on top. The best for brunch the next day.Also, I've been practicing my "food photography" and really trying to see what other people do with their dishes in magazines, blogs etc. It's an interesting aspect of photography that no one really talks about.

Black and Blue

2007-09-23T10:57:00.000-05:00

I've been searching for a huge bag to bring to campus that fits my sneakers for the gym, my packed lunch, my coffee mug from the morning, my notebooks...I'm like a nomad. This one could fit Nerms too if I needed to bring her somewhere :) Black and blue is my new favorite color combination, especially going into fall. I got it for $50 from a store called Francesca's on Halsted (if you're in Chicago). It's that store's specific brand.

Tiled Headboard

2007-09-18T20:43:00.000-05:00

If these were less expensive I'd think about tiling a headboard for my bed. I figure I'd need like 50 or so of them and at $18 that's just not practical. But wouldn't that look so cool and unique?

Found on Apartmenttherapy but from Urban Outiftters.

Desktop Wallpaper from Frankie

2007-09-17T17:58:00.000-05:00

I am such a loser, I skipped out on my gradschool orientation to go to the gym, and then sit around catching up on blogs. I've got 2 years to get to know these people though right??

Reading Black Eiffel today I saw Frankie Magazine, which is a whole lot like Nylon but exists in the Australia. They have a whole section for pretty computer wallpapers which I always think are fun. I find myself switching in and out of wallpaper for my screen quite a bit with my mood.
Ps: thanks for all the good luck on the test!! I needed it badly. I will know by next week how I did.

Stuffed Peppers

2007-09-16T23:29:00.000-05:00

The first thing I ever really cooked were these stuffed peppers and I think I've got it down now. Ground beef, onions, cooked and then combined with white rice and enchilada sauce. Then you boil the peppers with their tops cut off, stuff, cheese em' and bake for 5 minutes. Voila!

Please wish me luck on my calculus/algebra placement exam which will last me from 9am-12pm tomorrow :( My brain is so tired and sick of numbers! Have a good Monday everyone.

Burberry Rain Coat

2007-09-15T21:23:00.000-05:00

I had the best afternoon shopping with my parents. We went to the farmer's market, and then my Mom and I went to the mall. She was so sweet and bought me some cute new shoes, and blue corduroy pants. But the highlight of my shopping trip was this Burberry rain coat which I made the mistake of trying on. I am now starting a fund to raise $695 for a jacket that protects me from the rain...from Burberry.

Happy Friday

2007-09-14T18:48:00.001-05:00

Today REALLY felt like fall. I know I keep saying that. Nerms was feeling the chill when I took my air conditioner out of the window and put the screen in. She's never felt the wind before, being from nyc and all. The sunset looked really pretty off of my back porch too. Have a good weekend!

Rabeanco Ellie Bag

2007-09-13T14:12:00.001-05:00

Ahhhh I just fell in love with this bag from Rabeanco, a bag design company from Hong Kong that I can't seem to really find anywhere! It is sold out on Custarddesigns website, the only place I could actually find legitimate Rabeanco bags. The straps have sequins!

BB Dakota

2007-09-12T19:09:00.000-05:00

I am really getting into this colder weather. It makes for some wonderful hair days, frizz free. I really like BB Dakota's fall stuff. It's part punk, part lumber jack, and part 60s mod. Nice combo I'd say.

Domino Gets me Ready for Fall

2007-09-11T20:03:00.000-05:00

It seems that when the temperature drops, so does my ability to hold myself back from purchasing all sorts of sweaters and boots. As I've been doing calculus for 3 weeks now, I'm tempted to come up with a formula that represents this function of temperature rates as relating to my bank account...

I have picked some semi-affordable things from Domino's October issue that I'm considering.

Can I get a 2nd opinion on these boots from Revolve clothing? They are cool because they have a hidden wedge, but I'm not sure that wedge is really attractive. I am only 5' so this feature would be beneficial!This red "groupie" bag from shopintuition is pretty cute, and large! Only $70.Ok, this one's not really "affordable" but I am in love with it. I NEED to find a green coat that fits like this. From new designer yigal azrouel.

Simpson Chair at EQ3

2007-09-11T18:01:00.000-05:00

I had to check out EQ3 which Holly from Decor8 posted on today. I was slightly disappointed with the prices having geared up for them to be within my range. But I did get a new idea while browsing their site. I have this corner in my room that I'd like to use for "dressing" (aka throwing clothes onto when I'm too lazy to store them). How cute is this little guy?

Curry Chicken

2007-09-10T23:05:00.000-05:00

So the one good thing about being new to a town and single is my cooking has certainly improved. I made a Thai curry chicken, sort of like panang curry tonight, and it was really good. It was so easy to make, with a can of crushed tomatoes, a can of coconut milk, curry paste, and curry powder. And voila! (or poof! I should say) I added a little saffron to white rice for color too.Can you tell I'm enjoying having my camera back? :)

Bridesmaid Dressing

2007-09-09T16:50:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to help my sister with colors and bridesmaid dresses for her wedding. I have a question for those of you who are color-inclined :) She wants orange flowers, and her dress is...well, I'm not allowed to say anything about it. But it's classic, and pretty. We were thinking along the lines of navy bridesmaid dresses. I came up with this drawing. Does navy work for a June wedding if the flowers are bright and contrasting?

Weekend Fun: Chicago's Rooftops Rival NY's...sort of

2007-09-09T16:46:00.000-05:00

This weekend I went to a fun party at a friend of a friend's new condo. Besides there being about 35 sorority sisters, and maybe 10 (frat) guys, the rooftop view was amazing. The Chicago skyline is so different than New York's, and so glittery!

Site Design

2007-09-07T17:36:00.000-05:00

While I was in New York, I finally got a chance to visit Site Design. I actually get a lot of people on my blog through an old post I did about shops in Astoria Queens, so I am happy to do a little review of this store.

It was a lot smaller than I expected but crammed with some really great stuff. They even had some of my favorite Dkim prints on the wall. I would have loved to be able to bring back this orange chair to Chicago for my desk. The woman working there was extremely helpful and put me in touch with the owner about possibly finding this chair in Chicago. It didn't quite work out, turns out the chair is just a really cool vintage school chair, and she recommended Ebay. So, overall there are a few pieces of well-priced (under $100 range) vintage furniture, beautiful cards and prints, some fun coasters and other kitchen items, a good variety of pillows covered in scarf material, and beautiful display windows.

Fixer Uppers

2007-09-07T17:26:00.000-05:00

Awhile ago I got some great stuff to spruce up my room from all over the place: Ikea, Anthropologie and my parent's house. I'm feeling pretty good about the state of things and am happy to finally have my camera back from New York so I can share.

Office/Closet with new Ikea Snille Chair. I hung up some vintage Puerto Rico postcards, and a Chicago map for some color.My antique dresser with some drawer pulls from Anthropologie. Makes for a good dressing station, though it's kind of cramped at the foot of my bed.This fake velvet lampshade added some plushness (is that a word?) to the room. I also got a fluffy white rug that makes things softer.Oh, and I finally brought back the vintage stepstool from my parent's house. It is too cute. It looks good with our turquoisey pitcher.

Lucky Magazine's Handbag Guide

2007-09-06T18:56:00.000-05:00

How perfect! I'm in the market for a new, large, leather bag, and Lucky has a new fall bag guide online. The front flap bags remind me of grown-up schoolbags which is precisely what I'm in the market for.

Dresser Addiction

2007-09-04T21:35:00.000-05:00

This feels strange to say but I am a dresser addict. I ended up buying new drawer pulls for my antique dresser which made it look more modern. (pictures when my camera is returned from New York) But I can't stop perusing Craigslist for vintage dressers! The one above is $50 and comes with legs. If you're in Chicago, it's located in Carol Stream. Maybe I should start some sort of online site specifically for posting my favorite finds after searching for things I don't really need...The one below is only $75.

Charlotte Ronson Sale

2007-09-04T20:27:00.000-05:00

I wish I had seen this designer somewhere before the weather was about to get cold. But it's nice that these are now on sale at Pink Mascara.Oh, and how cute are these teal shoes?? Also Charlotte Ronson, but not on sale from Revolve Clothing.

Customizable Shoes

2007-09-03T09:43:00.000-05:00

I just realized that Steve Madden has customizable shoes! Everything from their ballet flats, to espadrille pumps can be made to your liking. I made these navy flats with a red stripe in the back. I went with the no bow because I'm kind of over my ballet flats actually looking like little girl ballet shoes. These are much more mature, and only $100.

New blog and Cute Cards

2007-09-01T11:56:00.000-05:00

Found Now Home is a newly started blog from a card and party hat (yes party hats!) maker named Leigh. She just finished a batch of cards for Anthropologie which is so cool, and I imagine would make her pretty big in the card world! I just investigated her online shop Notes Ink Dot Com and found some really nice things.

Creative Outlet

2007-08-30T15:40:00.000-05:00

Just got home from my 4th day of mathcamp and feeling drained. In need of some creativity (algebra does not allow for much) I am back on the blog, though I swore it off. Quick post about an artist, Hope Gangloff. I can't remember whose blog I found this on, but I love these drawings. I think they're drawn from photos of her friends, but that's just a theory. Either way I love them.

Math Isn't Me

2007-08-28T23:49:00.000-05:00

I should be practicing my algebra right now, I have a placement exam on Friday. boo. Instead I'm surfing the web for a large clutch which I read somewhere is the most popular fall item. I love Franco Sarto bags. While he's a little hit or miss, 2 of my favorite bags are designed by Sarto. This clutch would make a nice addition to my small collection.

And with that I'm going to take a few days to really study, so I will be back after the weekend hopefully!

Anybody remember how to solve quadratic equations? I sure don't.

Blue

2007-08-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

I've been missing New York at the weirdest moments, like at night while studying algebra :) I looked up "homesickness cures" on a whim and some guy's #5 cure was to blog about it, how funny is that? So I'm taking my shot at it. I wish all of the people I care about most lived in the same state. Or even a few hours drive away would be nice. A lot of people (like Jess, and Michelle) have been moving lately, I'd be interested to know what you're doing to make the new place feel like "home".

Globe Spotting

2007-08-27T22:50:00.000-05:00

I had the idea awhile ago to buy a good friend of mine (whom I usually refer to as gentleman from Astoria) a vintage globe. He is a classy guy who has learned much "in his travels" and could use a cool globe for his decor. Sharilyn's stuido housetore on Apartment Therapy LA was inspiring, she's got a huge collection of just what I was looking for. She's even thinking of selling some...maybe I should get in touch with this lady. Isn't that one black one so pretty with all of the blue?

First Day of School

2007-08-26T23:07:00.000-05:00

Today is my first day of (grad) school. Hurray! Have a great Monday everyone.

picture from here. I thought it was pretty cute.

Your Things Can Be Pretty

2007-08-26T22:53:00.001-05:00

I really liked finding this considering I'm on such a tight budget when it comes to decorating. From At Home At Home, and on Style at Home, these 7 tips for making your space cooler are pretty handy.
"the power of placement"
"the right art in the right place"More on Style at Home...

Out and About

2007-08-24T11:14:00.000-05:00

After enduring a sweaty night without AC because of the tornado that swept through Chicago and left 250,000 people without power, I am tired!! But I'm going to use one of my last free days before school starts to get prepared and buy school supplies. Have a great weekend everyone.

The image above is from DesignMyWorld.

Animal Morph Cards from Ferdinand

2007-08-23T11:52:00.001-05:00

I'm a big fan of animals morphing into things, strange as that may be. These cards are so cute. The deer-fish card is so unusual, but still pretty with those colors. And the giraffe card makes me think that when 2 people (or safari animals) are meant to be, then they're meant to be.From Ferdinand.

Back to School Shoes?

2007-08-22T00:17:00.000-05:00

Am I crazy for seeing these and thinking I'd be the coolest kid in school if I showed up on Monday wearing them? Ha! I can hear certain people I know saying "What were you thinking!" and comparing them to the fanny pack I used to sport in college.

$20 on sale at Anthro.

Ok, but seriously, what do you wear on your first day of grad school?