Dog-Eared

Recent Purchases

2010-06-18T01:57:00.007-04:00

Rather than posting things I lust after, I thought I'd list off some things I've actually purchased lately. Although the result is not quite as cute, I think it helps me to picture the direction in which my personal style is evolving.

Heels: although they were relatively expensive, I figured that they would be put to good use in Los Angeles this summer. I don't ever wear heels at school where I live (the mountains are way too treacherous!) so my anticipated city livin' excused the price tag.
Lipstick: in the pretty red color pictured. Again, just for living fabulously.
Blouse: on sale at Anthropologie.
Bra: $13 at Victoria's Secret, it might be The Hottest bra I've ever owned. The deep-v shape accentuates and the lace is just so damn pretty. I'm not sure why they show the dip-dyed color; I much prefer the others. Get one!
Books: To feed my mind. Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World(Murakami), The Unbearable Lightness of Being(Kundera), A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius(Eggers)--all recent classics, to my understanding. Got 'em used.

Back?

2010-06-16T00:17:00.005-04:00

Everything seems to have gotten away from me for a long while, including this blog. I found myself posting things that I didn't really care about. It didn't truly represent me, and I became bored. I'm working on self-improving (really, shouldn't we all?), however, and am attempting to surround myself with things that truly inspire me. I'm still trying to decide whether I can create a space here that is personal enough to represent my interests while remaining appropriate for sharing with whomever stumbles upon this site.

I'm spending this summer working in Los Angeles, the culmination of an exhausting cross-country road trip, short jaunt to San Francisco, and volunteer work on a goat farm in Big Sur. I've surely been bitten by the travel bug. I hope to spend most of my weekends in SoCal cramming my brain full of beautiful things; the Joshua Tree National Park is surely on my shortlist of things to see.

photo by moominsean.

For swimming

2010-04-02T08:45:00.001-04:00

Urban Outfitters sandals and scarf, martin1206 bracelet, forever 21 hat, j. crew tunic, american apparel swimsuits

J Crew

2010-03-26T08:20:00.001-04:00

J Crew really hit the nail on the head this spring; everything in their new collection is absolutely gorgeous.

Just a few things

2010-03-22T08:13:00.000-04:00

from Urban Outfitters. Those wedges are especially pretty.

Flowers

2010-03-17T08:58:00.000-04:00

I just want to lounge in the sun forever. Someday soon it'll happen, I can feel it. In the meantime photos like these lift my spirits.

Country Cottage

Glacier

2010-03-12T09:44:00.001-05:00

Check out this bleeding glacier in Antarctica, thought to be caused by microbes trapped underneath.

Take note

2010-03-10T09:32:00.001-05:00

I really love the look of this girl's winter coat with casual-looking sunglasses. What a great contrast. Her haircut's pretty hot, too.

Sartorialist

Underwater

2010-03-09T09:51:00.000-05:00

Loving these underwater photos by James Cooper; it's really interesting to see how color is dispersed in water.

Come spring

2010-03-04T12:28:00.003-05:00

My spring break is next week, and while I'm traveling somewhere a little too cold for these pieces I'm definitely hoping to dress more like this come spring.

holga camera, american eagle jeans and sweater, gap scarf,
void watch, urban outfitters hat, clarks sandals

Long strands of colorful beads

2010-03-03T08:23:00.003-05:00

The necklace in the center is my favorite-- I love the bright colors and long beads. I may try to create something similar on my own, in fact.

forever 21, manu, marimekko

Ashridge Estate

2010-03-02T09:02:00.000-05:00

I'm completely enchanted by these bluebell fields located in Ashridge Estate, a park in the United Kingdom.

welltaken

On the bright side..

2010-02-24T09:20:00.001-05:00

Yet another huge snowstorm is forecasted to hit my area in the next week and I seem to have misplaced my favorite winter cap. These amazing hats by Yokoo would be a highly suitable replacement, don't you think?

via Happy Cavalier

Fiat Love

2010-02-23T08:15:00.000-05:00

The tiny retro Fiat cars in Rome struck a chord in me. Something about the position of these teensy cars in the alleys seemed to confirm every preconception I ever had about Europe. My digital camera is overflowing with shots of European vehicles of all shapes but my favorite was easily the Fiat.

Bixby Bridge, Big Sur

2010-02-19T07:52:00.002-05:00

I love that the entire coast of California is now archived with aerial photographs. This coastline has special meaning to me; I finally overcame my gripping fear of driving during a road trip to Big Sur last summer. I even drove over the bridge pictured below! When it came time to buy my own car, I purchased the same model I drove that day because it was the first time I had truly felt comfortable driving a vehicle.

via NOTCOT

For when the weather does not suck

2010-02-18T08:32:00.002-05:00

Someday it'll happen. The clouds will part, the sun will shine, and the temperature will stay above freezing for more than a few hours. Perhaps then I'll have an excuse to wear some of these cute things:

Gold TOMS, Rayban Wayfarers, AE Cardigan, Target flat sandals, Banana Republic Rope Belt, Victoria's Secret Dress

Swaplet

2010-02-16T09:24:00.005-05:00

I received the most wonderful package last week from Mouse as part of Amanda's Valentine's swap. True to theme, she used a glorious amount of felt hearts and strings to cushion the goodies she sent: a pocket mirror with an R initial, a Playing for Change CD, and a feathery valentine. Perfect!
The gifts were spot-on, of course; I've been listening to CDs lately since I purchased a car, and I am constantly making use of random reflective surfaces to check myself out. I doubt my appreciation for the feathered card needs any explanation.

Taschen

2010-02-15T07:56:00.005-05:00

It's been awhile, I know. I was in Rome last week(!) and was way too busy taking photos of marble ruins to pick up a computer. While I was there I happened upon Taschen, a publisher attempting to democratize the art book market. The books' spreads are ridiculously stunning; even better, they're sold in the US!

Polaroids, snow

2010-02-09T07:35:00.005-05:00

These polaroids evoke thoughts of the windy, frigid weather that has been plaguing the east coast for the past month. The landscapes are particularly beautiful right now but I'm not sure how much longer I can stand the scarves, chapped lips, and thermals.

moominsean on flickr

Reasons I need this poster

2010-02-04T17:40:00.003-05:00

-I am studying Computer Science,
-I am minoring in Internet Studies,
-I lived in California last summer and fell in love with it,
-My living room walls need more color.

Go here to view it a little bigger--the blurb on the poster is all about the invention of the internet! Or to see all of the other gorgeous options.

via Design Crush

Tattoo lust revisited

2010-02-02T14:55:00.004-05:00

Every time I come across something paisley-patterned my heart aches for that damn tattoo. I've wanted it for such a long time now but can't seem to take the plunge. On the plus side, at least this skirt would be removable on the off chance that I grow tired of the pattern..

Elves

2010-02-01T07:44:00.004-05:00

The Icelandic Elf School, Álfaskólinn, "teaches about the hidden people and the 13 different kinds of elves that inhabit the country of Iceland". According to Wikipedia, the existence of elves is a relatively common belief in the country.

The best part? The school has certificate programs so that anyone can participate and earn a degree in as little as half a day.

photo via the Reykjavik Grapevine

A Tale of Two Cities

2010-01-28T07:47:00.004-05:00

These doubly-exposed photos from the flickr pool A Tale of Two Cities are really fascinating--one photographer shoots a whole roll of film and then sends it off to an entirely different part of the world for someone else to shoot over it! I love how vibrant the colors are.

000018, sonne

Cypress Mountain

2010-01-26T14:36:00.005-05:00

Have you guys heard about the mild weather Vancouver's been having? The winter olympics are set to begin in 15 days and yet one of the mountains used for some of the events has barely any snow! Apparently they're going to cart in snow from the top of the mountain. Of course, many of the events will be held at Whistler, where the weather is much cooler.
I'm still ridiculously excited for these olympics--I watched about 50 hours of hockey over my winter break, so I think I'm just about ready to watch the games!

Cypress Sunset by HDR Cafe

Spool No. 72

2010-01-25T08:14:00.002-05:00

Wish I had known about this store before the holidays, everything in it is perfect!
..Although I wouldn't be able to wear any of these beauties until May anyways.

Cheddar Cheese and Onion Pie

2010-01-22T08:10:00.001-05:00

The tree branches outside are currently decorated with thick icicles; therefore, I believe that it is still appropriate to indulge in hearty winter food.

HELP HAITI RISE

2010-01-21T09:37:00.000-05:00

Super-soft American Apparel cotton for a decent price PLUS helping a very worthy cause? I've already ordered mine.

via Black Eiffel

Waiting

2010-01-20T09:16:00.001-05:00

I like to make plans. I spend quite a bit of time compulsively day-dreaming, convincing myself of experiences I need to have. It's been particularly bad lately and I have the worst sort of wanderlust. If only my bank account would comply!

exploding dog via Maria

Ditzy print

2010-01-18T11:37:00.001-05:00

Quite possibly the most adorable piece of clothing American Eagle has ever stocked. I'll wear it with strappy leather sandals all summer long.
..Is anyone else itching for warm weather?

Things I like

2010-01-05T09:34:00.000-05:00

A tanktop with a zippered back, pretty earrings, a tapestry, and a canvas bag. I've been looking for a cool tapestry for awhile; the bitter cold necessitates an extra layer of insulation over my bedroom window! All from Urban Outfitters.

On Resolutions

2010-01-01T11:40:00.002-05:00

My, last year was BIG. HUGE. Gigantic, even.
I lived alone in California all summer, got my first job related to my education, realized that I could pull off a short haircut, bought my very first car, learned how to date for the first time after a long relationship, and survived many other day-to-day trials and achievements.
For once, I don't have any big goals for the new year. In 2009 I learned that I had the ability to get myself through nearly anything, and this year I'm just hoping to keep that in mind at all times. I'll be graduating this December, a semester ahead of schedule; rather than resolving to do anything in particular, I'm hoping to have this same grade of confidence in myself and my abilities a year from now.

blue by clairekramer

Timely.

2009-12-30T10:27:00.000-05:00

via Prosecco and Lemonade

Birthday Nebula

2009-12-29T10:56:00.001-05:00

This nebula was featured as the Astronomy Photo Of the Day on my birthday this past year and I think that's pretty cool.

Californ-i-a

2009-12-28T11:10:00.001-05:00

Living in California for 3 months was definitely one of the coolest things I did this year. Here are some photos from a trip I took to Big Sur this past July. I grew up on the east coast so I was especially fascinated by the landscape along the coastline.

Redwood

2009-12-22T10:54:00.003-05:00

I love this photo collage composed of 84 individual images of this 300-foot redwood tree. It's one of National Geographic's top ten photos of the year, naturally.

Henna

2009-12-21T10:35:00.000-05:00

I'm still hell-bent on getting a tattoo of some paisley design; lately, I've been looking at more complex henna tattoos on flickr for inspiration. When the time comes, I'll definitely get something much simpler but I can't help but be inspired by the shapes and designs used in henna.

photo 1, photo 2

Snow berry

2009-12-18T21:33:00.002-05:00

I'm in the Pacific Northwest for the rest of the year and the weather here has been pretty mild. It just doesn't feel like winter! For that reason alone I'm loving this gorgeous photo:

Cipher

2009-12-17T09:15:00.000-05:00

These glasses, when filled, reveal whatever drink they contain! Awesome.

Last words of Thomas Edison

2009-12-15T00:10:00.003-05:00

"Oh my, it's very beautiful over there."

Shoe Hunt '09

2009-12-14T00:56:00.006-05:00

It continues. I have very few pairs of casual sneakers that I can wear with everything. My go-to pair of Converse are on their last leg, completely marred by rips in the canvas body. So I need a new pair of everyday shoes and these adidas are a serious contender. I love how flat the soles are, and the stripes on the lining are just the icing on the cake.

Light Graffiti

2009-12-09T11:32:00.003-05:00

While trolling the internet yesterday on a wholly undeserved study break, I came across these photos, which were taken using a single long exposure. Aren't they captivating? Much more so than my Chemistry notes, at least..
I'd recommend going to the Daily Mail site to view them larger.

Feral Houses #13,#7

2009-12-04T00:41:00.006-05:00

Love these photos by James Griffioen, for sale on 20x200.

via Commas and Clauses

Hm,

2009-12-02T07:06:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure which pair of TOMS I should get. I'm all for busy patterns and jewel tones but something a little more simple might be more practical.

Look Look Look Look

2009-11-30T08:40:00.001-05:00

I love this adorable series of murals in Philadelphia by Stephen Powers:

via Morale Agency

Necklace

2009-11-27T09:47:00.001-05:00

I remember collecting gemstones back in elementary school; although they served no purpose, I loved to look at them. They were so shiny and colorful! It would have been much more practical to string one of them on a necklace so I could just carry it around all day with me. In fact, if I happened to come across the perfect stone, I'd still be open to the idea.

Maaan,

2009-11-24T08:49:00.001-05:00

I know I've said it before, but I want a puppy real bad.

Coffee Totem

2009-11-23T07:56:00.001-05:00

A little pricey but completely adorable, I would love to display a set of these mugs on my counter.

A random assortment of mood-lifting photos

2009-11-20T07:29:00.004-05:00

I am too tired to come up with a cohesive reason as to why I chose these photos other than the fact that they make me supremely happy. Again, I use hyperbole because I am exhausted. Hopefully this weekend I can catch up on sleep.

first via le love, second, third

Moonstone

2009-11-17T08:05:00.001-05:00

I may have just added a pair of moonstone earrings to my holiday wishlist. I love their cloudy quality; they seem both subtle and eye-catching at once!

options: one, two, three, four

Checklist

2009-11-16T08:12:00.001-05:00

Trench coat, short hair, and a badass pair of boots. Awesome.

Maple Syrup Cookies

2009-11-13T08:20:00.000-05:00

I am making these as soon as possible, 'cause nothing screams winter festivity more than buttery cookies covered in a maple syrup reduction.

Mark My Words

2009-11-12T07:30:00.002-05:00

These boots will be mine. I will tuck skinny jeans into them, wear them with tights, and love them forever. Plus, did you know that J. Crew offers 15% off everything as soon as you furnish a student ID? It's obvious that I was made to wear these.

Hibernate

2009-11-11T07:20:00.003-05:00

Are we even halfway to winter yet? The chilly rain that started back up yesterday seems to indicate that winter might be here for awhile. If only the winter here weren't accompanied by icy winds, perhaps I'd be more okay with the season.
I like to imagine that in some glorious parts of the world, cold weather doesn't seem to suck your soul out. Rune Guneriussen's photos evoke that exact sort of tranquil winter setting. In the mean time, I plan to hibernate.

Seriously,

2009-11-05T14:55:00.006-05:00

Someday I would love to live in a house that resembles a curiosity shop. This just became a life goal of mine after viewing this home located in upstate New York. Isn't it perfect?

Sangria

2009-11-04T07:44:00.001-05:00

For my birthday a few weeks ago I decided to make sangria. I found an amazing recipe that uses cloves, cinnamon, oranges, and pears. It tasted so wintry; I can't wait to make it again at Thanksgiving.

danske

Fall

2009-10-31T10:49:00.003-04:00

I'm a little sad to see October go; it's my favorite month. Even though it's starting to get cold around here, I hope autumn will stick around for a few more weeks.

Hedgehog print here

The Invitation

2009-10-29T07:24:00.000-04:00

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon...
I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us
to be careful
to be realistic
to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

-Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Baby steps

2009-10-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

Last night I took a ridiculously hot shower and thought about some changes I'd like to make in my life. By the time I was done, my bathroom was shrouded in fog and I came out with a short list of resolutions.
I don't do well with grand ideas or sweeping promises; instead, I decided to start small. One of my resolutions is to eat fresh produce every day. This may not sound like much, but for a college student subsisting on chicken sandwiches three days a week, the change should be astounding. Here's hoping!

photo by jonmacapodi

I am not dead.

2009-10-26T17:06:00.007-04:00

Just busy. Even when I'm busy, though, I find that I can make time to do the things I really care about. I'm starting to miss California and its abundance of interesting distractions. Half Moon Bay, for example, is a coastal town a little ways south of San Francisco. It has the most fascinating tidepools full of anemones and crabs.

Star Lights

2009-10-21T07:20:00.000-04:00

While in Seattle last week I picked up one of these paper star lanterns. I love how ornate they are; mine looks great hanging over my desk.

photos: 1, 2

Stick to my ribs

2009-10-13T08:15:00.001-04:00

Something about this cool weather makes me want to live off of huge pots of soup for weeks on end.

Spicy Tomato Soup , Hearty Peasant Soup

Mount Rainier

2009-10-12T07:50:00.002-04:00

One of the best things about flying into Seattle is the view from the plane. If you come in from the north, the plane seems to swoop right by Mount Rainier. Even the locals have their faces pressed against the windows, admiring the mountain.

My fall break is this weekend and I'm visiting my parents in Seattle. I can't wait.

photos: 1 , 2

Earth Tones

2009-10-09T08:10:00.001-04:00

I've seriously been wearing this corduroy dress nonstop. It's so soft and looks great belted. This outfit just feels perfect for sunny autumn days.

belt, boots

Terrariums

2009-10-07T08:18:00.003-04:00

I kind of want to cover every surface in my apartment with terrariums. There's even a group on flickr devoted to these wonderful things. Plus, I'd bet they're relatively roommate-friendly!

first, second

Product of Bolivia

2009-10-06T07:41:00.004-04:00

Being mindful about what I eat can be a confusing process when even healthful-seeming foods can come from farms half a world away. I love this packaging designed by James Reynolds; the tags include the number of miles the produce has traveled along with its country of origin. It really could encourage us all to be more thoughtful consumers.

Comfort Food

2009-10-02T08:09:00.003-04:00

I'm still in a little bit of a funk. Hopefully this weekend I can make this lasagna tart and catch a movie or two with friends.

Antlers

2009-09-29T07:50:00.005-04:00

My roommate says that mounted antlers are tasteless but I'm strangely attracted to them. In the name of keeping the peace I'm hoping to settle on a small pair for my bedroom. What do you think-- are they tacky, overly trendy, or AMAZING? I've already researched some options; I hope someone else out there thinks they're as wonderful as I do!

first image via Domino
antlers: 1 , 2 , 3

Autumn

2009-09-28T07:33:00.006-04:00

Yesterday we had the most gorgeous autumn weather; cool and breezy with a bright blue sky. The leaves are just starting to change as well! I hope that the weather stays consistent for a little while, as I'd like to spend some time outdoors. Hopefully I can talk some friends into visiting a corn maze this year, as I've never been to one. I'd also like to go for a nice drive to look at the leaves. What are you excited to do this fall?

First Panic

2009-09-25T07:30:00.004-04:00

My internship this past summer really put my upcoming graduation from college into perspective. In December 2010 I will be thrust out into the Real World, and I have no idea where I'd like to go.

I've moved between the east and west coasts multiple times in the last four years, and from that, I've learned that I can be comfortable living basically anywhere. The other day at my university's job fair I identified my "preferred geographic region" as the west coast. I hadn't even realized this was true!

As it turns out, I miss California quite a bit. Plus, the Bay Area is THE place to be if you're working in the tech industry--which I plan to be. There are many other cities across the U.S. I could see myself in, but I truly have no clue what I'm looking for. I have no real considerations to speak of and all of this freedom is mildly overwhelming!

The Shape of Things to Come

Rain

2009-09-21T07:41:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago the temperatures dipped and fall began. With the cooler weather came rain, mostly in a steady weeklong drizzle. I haven't minded it, though, as it gives me the excuse to wear cozy sweaters and drink lots of chai tea. It's a little difficult to start the week well when all I want to do is stay in bed and read.

Fotoedge

Positivity

2009-09-18T11:05:00.001-04:00

I was talking to a friend the other day about how I need a mantra. Here are two options, depending on my mood:

via ffffound!

Highland Cattle

2009-09-17T08:28:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure why, but I think these highland cattle are kind of adorable. Just the thing to brighten my end-of-week spirits!

Kismet

2009-09-16T09:29:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I wonder how often the people in missed connections listings actually get to meet. If nothing else, wouldn't it be a funny story to tell their friends?
A few weeks ago I left a note on a guy's car because I liked his bumper stickers. We went out a few times but nothing came of it. I still believe in kismet. Reading these illustrated missed connections gives me hope--it could happen to anyone!

"Are you scared of birds or something? Well, whatever the case, it was cute. Do you live on N7th too? We could hang out. "

"If not for your noisy Tambourine, I would not have seen you. Your green skirt looked terrible, but that leather jacket makes you look just right. I was the attractive guy sitting to your left just before you got off. "

Scenery

2009-09-14T08:41:00.002-04:00

This past weekend I finally made it out to a university football game! My school is pretty big on the sport-and this is my third year here-so it was high time to catch a game. The stadium has a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains; I really love living here.

stadium, sunlight

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-09-08T08:59:00.001-04:00

This movie is going to be adorable, I know it.

Recovery

2009-09-07T07:59:00.003-04:00

Remember when I admitted that I hadn't cooked anything all summer? I had been so disappointed in myself, but I was ready to change my ways as soon as I got back to my normal routine.
Unfortunately, I haven't exactly followed through on that goal. I've been so busy with school, work and other commitments that I have no time to think about eating anything other than the chicken sandwiches from the campus cafeteria. This week, though, I fully intend to make this pizza. It seems simple enough, and you can't go wrong with goat cheese, lemon, and squash, right?!

Life Goal #427

2009-09-04T08:42:00.001-04:00

Someday I'd like to live in a treehouse. I'll admit that I have a tiny fear of heights, but I'd be willing to look past that in order to stay in one of these dreamy treetop homes.

via Frolic

Cold Weather

2009-09-03T08:09:00.001-04:00

I would love to own a print by Jon Klassen.

Leather tennis shoes

2009-09-01T09:40:00.000-04:00

Forget moccasins. This fall I'd like to live in a pair of leather tennis shoes. Accompanied by lots of cozy flannel, of course.

Verbs

2009-08-31T01:17:00.009-04:00

This summer was difficult. I was challenged, and I grew-- intellectually, emotionally, and mentally. I experienced new things and altered the way I perceived existing parts of my life. I learned to be a better friend by recognizing my own true friends. I realized that I could hold my own against anybody. I caught a glimpse of my future and found comfort in its uncertainty. I took pride in myself. In my mind, this summer will always be identified with personal growth.
Now, though, I'm ready to slow down; I'm eager to become involved in my regular activities and establish rituals again. I'm learning to pace myself.

flu

Consider:

2009-08-28T09:41:00.000-04:00

I love everything about this, but especially the hearts. Her bangs aren't bad, either.

Jacques Hnizdovsky

2009-08-27T09:04:00.002-04:00

Loving these woodcut images by Jacques Hnizdovsky. The grey tones remind me of autumn.

Apple Cider

2009-08-24T08:21:00.001-04:00

A definite upside to cooler weather is tights. A good pair can really jazz up an outfit--something about them just seems so cheery and special! So this fall I have resolved to wear tights quite a bit.
The colors of the stockings below are all so rich; they remind me of crunchy leaves, pumpkins, and apple cider. This may or may not be be why I'm so anxious to break out my own autumnal clothing. Regardless, what are you excited to wear this coming season?

Red, gold, and black

Hot

2009-08-23T10:13:00.000-04:00

It is hot as hell here. Hope you're enjoying the last bits of summer regardless!

Shoes for everywhere

2009-08-19T08:59:00.004-04:00

Four years ago I was about to start my junior year of high school at a new school on the West Coast. I had lived in North Carolina for much of my life and I was a little intimidated.
When the first day of school rolled around, I wore a brand-new pair of leather moccasins I had purchased at Ross for $8. They were dark brown with beads and fringed leather. They served me well and I brought them with me when I moved back east to attend university.

Fast-forward to now. I still have my first pair--and wear them frequently--but they're starting to fall apart. I think it may be time for a new pair. I'm looking for something classic and sturdy; something that will stay with me for four more years of adventures. These Minnetonkas seem to fit the bill.

Kate Spade

2009-08-17T12:48:00.002-04:00

My heart started beating a little faster when I noticed this ad in a magazine. Kate Spade really hit the nail on the head with their new clothing line. The model's bangs are perfection--as are her tights. I think I'm ready for fall to get here.

NexusNeuronia

2009-08-16T08:59:00.001-04:00

I'm loving these images on Computerlove. The colors are stunningly vibrant, the graphics are gorgeous; I wish I could read the German descriptions that accompany the images!

via Oh Joy!

Stay cool

2009-08-14T13:44:00.004-04:00

It is ridiculously muggy where I live. Student apartments lack air conditioning. Combine these two statements and I have not been a happy camper lately.
Still, I love summer. The Sartorialist did a post awhile back about capturing the essence of summer through photography--just looking at his photos makes me feel refreshed. How are you staying cool?

Back Home

2009-08-12T11:05:00.003-04:00

I'm back in North Carolina! Unfortunately, my laptop is broken and I don't even have internet yet at my apartment, so posting will be sporadic.

In the meantime, this is a photo-collage of the town I live in. I took the photos last fall from a mountaintop-- isn't it gorgeous? I love how you can barely make out the town; it looks so serene..

Apartmentwarming

2009-08-10T08:22:00.004-04:00

Today will be spent moving boxes into my sweltering-hot, brand-new apartment. Citrus-thyme water sounds like the perfect refreshment for the occasion. Plus, it would look so welcoming in my empty new fridge!

recipe/photos by Karen Mordechai & Sunday Suppers

Weekend

2009-08-07T11:11:00.006-04:00

By the time I get around to the other side of this weekend, I will be moving into my apartment straight across the country! Needless to say, I'll be busy. Hopefully I'll get the chance to pick some flowers as an apartment-warming gift to myself! Anyway, I hope all of you have a fabulous weekend as well!

Chocolate Strawberry Wedding

I just want to..

2009-08-06T08:19:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it -- my internship is over tomorrow, and I fly home on Saturday!
While living out here I was able to purchase a bike, which I loved riding around town. I hadn't owned a bike in years, and it was great to rediscover such an exciting mode of transportation. Alas, now that I'm moving back to North Carolina, I had to sell my bike last week. I'm hoping to find one for cheap before I start school again. What better way to remember this summer and celebrate my rekindled love of bikes than with this adorable t-shirt?

via you are my fave.

If only

2009-08-05T09:20:00.002-04:00

I'm in the market for a carpet to place under the dinner table in my next apartment. If this rug from urban outfitters were a bit larger, I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat.

Makin' Sushi

2009-08-03T08:28:00.004-04:00

A couple weeks ago I tried my hand at making sushi. It was really fun but quite messy, most likely due to my lackluster preparation skills. In the end, the rolls ended up falling apart. I'd love to try this again, though.
Have you ever made sushi before? If so, what are your tips for novices? Alternately, what are some of your favorite ingredients in sushi? I'm a fan of dragon rolls; fried shrimp and avocado are so good together!

Now is the time for bravery

2009-08-03T08:14:00.005-04:00

Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more.

-Erica Jong

quote via naturally nina, oranges by danske

Light

2009-07-30T09:13:00.002-04:00

This piece, called Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity, by Yayoi Kusama, is purely stunning. I love the title too.

via Morale Agency

Grass, greener

2009-07-28T09:22:00.001-04:00

Is it even August yet? Anthropologie's latest selection of bags has me itching to slip on my Frye boots and go play in the (nonexistent) leaves. Too bad I won't see this kind of weather for at least two months.
Autumn is definitely my favorite season; I love stocking up on winter clothing. Trying on the heavy clothing conjures visions of cool mornings, warm drinks, and vibrant leaves. Even the notion of going back to school each year is exciting; the time of year is filled with resolutions, fresh notebooks, and a brand-new schedule to get used to. I can't wait!

Fast-Food Virgin

2009-07-27T08:02:00.004-04:00

Before I came out to California for the summer, I had a pretty specific list of things I wanted to experience for the first time: I hoped to see the Golden Gate Bridge, eat a whole artichoke, ride my bike everywhere, and try an In-N-Out burger.
I had heard wonderful things about In-N-Out; its burgers seemed to have a cult following. I was a picky eater as a child, however, and I had never tried a burger from a fast food joint before. They had never appealed to me, seeming greasy, wilty, and rubbery. Still, I persevered, ordering a hamburger and french fries. Basic enough, right?
My god, I'm a fan for life! The vegetables on the burger are fresh, the meat is good, and the sauce is to die for. Plus, the fries are made fresh and to order. It's easy to understand why people flock to this chain--this is one thing I'll surely miss about California.

photo by Hankins

Instructions

2009-07-24T08:57:00.001-04:00

David Horvitz decided to write clever instructional ideas throughout 2009. You can buy a subscription or opt to view them online. I love how completely random and sweet his suggestions are.

San Francisco

2009-07-23T09:06:00.008-04:00

A few weeks ago, during Evan's visit, he and I came across a marvelous community garden nestled into a park with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was so nice--and unexpected!--to come across such a thing in the heart of the city.
What's really cool is that this park was only a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf, the typical sightseeing area of San Francisco. This quick hike afforded us much better views with virtually no crowds. I'm learning that the best way to see (and truly grasp) an area lies in the willingness to walk it.

Having a GPS-enabled phone helps too, of course.