what’s in your beach bag?

I am still recovering from Memorial Day weekend. I went to Michigan and spent some glorious time by the lake and pool. My beach bag is from Target, and it’s sort of a rubbery material that’s very easy to clean. But the best part of a beach bag (besides going to the beach) is what’sContinue reading “what’s in your beach bag?”

my small cool space 2014

As I did last year and in 2011, I entered Apartment Therapy’s Small Cool Spaces Contest. I think I’ve stepped up my game this year, and I’m so glad it’s ready to show off. If you have a minute, step over to the contest page and vote for me! (You know, if you feel likeContinue reading “my small cool space 2014”

to do lists of the semi-adult podcast: episode 1

I have exciting news–me and my great friend Jewels of Oven Lovin’ have started a podcast! You know that feeling of not knowing what you’re doing, or like you’re a great pretender at being an adult? Us, too. Which is what we’ll talk about, among other things, every other Wednesday starting today on the To DoContinue reading “to do lists of the semi-adult podcast: episode 1”

interview with courtney hamilton, author of almost royalty

Almost Royalty is a really fun read about some really terrible people (and a few good ones). Courtney, the main character, is a witty narrator who prefers Velveeta to caviar and struggles with finding her place in a very complicated social landscape in L.A. Author Courtney Hamilton is so nice and funny and was ableContinue reading “interview with courtney hamilton, author of almost royalty”

easy project friday: spray-painted mirror

I have this mirror that I really like. It’s from Ikea–you’ve probably seen it before. I love that the frame is sort of ornate, but it’s small and different enough that it seems modern and fun. I like the black and I had it on my wall in black in my old apartment. In this new place,Continue reading “easy project friday: spray-painted mirror”

decorating inspiration: valour and vanity

Last week I finished Valour and Vanity by Mary Robinette Kowal. I completely enjoyed it, and you all should, too. In the book, Jane and Vincent face all kinds of trials after they lose all of their money and are stranded in Murano. After staying in a downright dreary small room for their apartment, they useContinue reading “decorating inspiration: valour and vanity”

the zoo and what i wore

Over the weekend I had a wonderful time at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The weather was perfect and all the animals were out and doing something adorable and interesting. My casual summer adventure outfit is a cotton dress from H&M; shoes, bag, and sunglasses from Target; and chambray from … shoot I can’t remember. AfterContinue reading “the zoo and what i wore”

the start of a sewing space

Remember that rack I bought for my jewelry? I also got one for my thread. I saw this idea on Sublime Stitching and thought it was really great. So one day as part of my tiny projects, I got some embroidery floss and sewing thread on my rack. But it still needed some work. IContinue reading “the start of a sewing space”

valour and vanity by mary robinette kowal

Valour and Vanity (Kindle here) is the fourth of Mary Robinette Kowal’s Regency England histories that follow the couple Vincent and Jane, and their families. I have not yet read the three books before this, but that did not keep me from enjoying Valour and Vanity tremendously, and it should not stop you from picking upContinue reading “valour and vanity by mary robinette kowal”