gracefully amusing

The New GRACEFULLY AMUSING Project!

2010-06-16T20:01:00.000-06:00

Yes, exclamation points in titles! Because it feels good to be back.

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been flailing a bit on the old blog, here. But instead of trying to act like a designer or a guru of anything at all, I'm just going to put my own person out there and chronicle my
mad attempts at accomplishing grace (while laughing as often as possible!).

I'm in my young twenties, and while balancing full-time work and school, I'm creating my home for the first time. This isn't my first apartment by any means, but it is the first apartment where I feel this...settled. It's been such a fun process of narrowing down what I like, what I don't like, what I want in my space and my life, and how to make it all happen on a budget.

New Project: To improve my life and space, one thing at a time, one day at a time.

I was struck with this idea while reading my new cookbook, Fresh Flavor Fast. I already try to accomplish one goal for the apartment every week, but why not try a (small) goal everyday? It felt like a Julie & Julia moment: yes, unfortunately, that cliche but true! But I'm not completely crazy, so I will be doing my "me" things five days a week, Monday through Friday.

When to start? Hmm...:)

The Return...

2010-06-16T19:24:00.000-06:00

I've been absent for a while.

Truth is, I lost sight of what I wanted this blog to be about. Or perhaps more accurately, I didn't start with a clear vision and was determined to figure it out as I went, and then it became something that I'm not. Too design heavy, too narrow, too contrived.

I'm not a contrived kind of gal. :)

The name of my blog is what brought me back and gave me a focus once again. Grace and humor are my goals in life, and they're a work in progress. So I think this blog is here to chronicle this fun little journey! And so it shall.

101 in 1001--UPDATE

2010-03-23T06:00:00.002-06:00

72) Make time for reading fiction: one novel a month. (2/33)

Back in January, when I made my list of 101 things I wanted to accomplish in 1001 days, I was just coming off a blissful winter break and heading back into a 10-credit semester and a 40+-hour job with a new resolution: get back to reading. As an anthropology major, I do spend a lot of my free time reading, but the majority of what I read is either reference material or non-fiction. To lose myself in fiction was once a non-existent luxury but I've resolved to bring back into my life.

And I couldn't be happier about it! Now I read a chapter every night before I go to bed. It's the best. :)

Last month's novel was The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris.

I saw this bright, beautiful blue book in the store and bought it because of the dust jacket's teaser:

"The Unnamed is a dazzling novel about a marriage and a family and the unseen forces of nature and desire that seem to threaten them both. It is the heartbreaking story of a life taken for granted and what happens when that life is abruptly and irrevocably taken away."

Joshua Ferris really did a great job with this book. The story is so well-written and embodies everything I would want to accomplish, were I to ever publish any of my work. (Not going to happen...probably.) The dust jacket didn't lie: it's heartbreaking, but bearable, and there are plenty of moments that call for smiles.

Talk about grace. I've never encountered a story that is this humorous and tragic at the same time. There's a complete seamless-ness about it. Think of your favorite "wallowing in it" movie (mine is currently Love Happens). There are always distinct moments of laughs, and then there are heart-breaking moments, and then heart-warming moments. This book manages to make all of that happen at the same time without any breaks. Color me jealous, Ferris. Mad skills.

That being said...I would recommend this book but with a bit of a disclaimer, because it is tragic, and it is hard. To be honest, my little fiction luxury is supposed to be my way to escape for 30 minutes, and this book didn't really give me that. But it's still a fantastic book and as long as you aren't in a super blue state (like I was, unfortunately!) and reading about a broken family won't dramatically upset you, this will be a good read.

Promise. :) You can check it out here.

Next on the roster:

JUST FINISHED

2010-03-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Love.

CHECK IT

2010-03-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

I keep forgetting about Pier 1 Imports. Which is a real shame, and I might just have to make a trip in the near future to scoop up some of these guys.

Clear glass hurricanes, $4.48 and $3.48

Antiqued gold round mirror, $199.95

Cobalt Essential Colours Dinnerware, $2.98-$4.98/piece

Hammered metal napkin ring, $1.88

Although, to be fair, I've had some good reasons to avoid going into my local store. Reasons like...

For shame, Pier 1. (shakes head) For shame.

I'm a little surprised at myself for wanting the mirror as much as I do...usually I avoid using mirrors, things that are gold, or things that are round in my decor, but this guy might be going onto the wish list.

MONDAY'S BARGAIN

2010-03-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

(I really don't like the word "bargain"...am brainstorming a different title to use in the future!)

I have procured an area rug for my living room, for roughly 1/8 the price that I was willing to pay.

It is pet approved.

(I don't have a link for this one, as it was a total score from a clearance end-cap of an aisle. However, Target seems to be hastily getting rid of the old to make room for the new, so check out your local store--you might be surprised at what you find!)

NOT A HAPPY CAMPER

2010-02-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is not a blog post about design.

Ungh.

Nor is it about lifestyle...unless you're as graceful as I am.

Ow.

To a better, sprain- and kleenex-free tomorrow. :)

101 in 1001 -- UPDATE!

2010-02-24T06:00:00.002-06:00

72) Make time for reading fiction: one novel a month. (1/33)

Last month's novel was Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer.

This book is worth the fuss. If you are a fan of Foer or his contemporary Dave Eggers, or even if you enjoy movies like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or Everything Is Illuminated, it's safe to say that you'll like this novel. I'm a big fan of reasonable experimentation within what I call antiquated fields; Foer (and Eggers, as well) messes with how the reader sees his words. He inserts images in less than usual ways, plays with page layouts, and even changes up typefaces when the occasion calls for it. I know that when I've written, my words are shaped by more than just what is running through my head--there are also images, both specific and abstract, there are colors, there are sounds. I've always felt limited by using text alone as a creative outlet, because there is so much more going on. Foer's method rang very true for me, and though I can't speak for every reader, I know that I felt much more connected to the story than if I had just been given text by the author.

Next on the roster:

JAMIE'S HOMEMADE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

2010-02-22T23:39:00.001-06:00

(This post is mostly for those of you who, like me, shop and cook for one or two people.)

Stop buying canned soup. Just, stop. The vegetables are old, the meat is questionable, and who knows that those cans are lined with. You can make your own basic broth-based soups for a fraction of the cost, and better yet, you can control what's going into them. Vegetables are fresh. Herbs are fresh. Meat is exactly the type and the leanness that you want it to be. Sodium won't be off the charts! (Seriously, check the sodium count the next time you pick up a can, even of the "light" soups. I dare you not to gasp.)

Here's a souper (ha) easy recipe that I use for my chicken noodle soup, a staple during the cold months. It's very healthy, it's easy to customize, and it freezes really well. Even if you're not terribly confident in the kitchen, I promise, this is foolproof--and it will taste so good that you'll never want to go back to the canned stuff.

Jamie's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients: (Must-haves are bold; the others are ingredients that I like but you can change as you desire)

6 cups chicken broth, reduced sodium and/or reduced fat (packaging will clearly say)
1.5 cups small or medium pasta, whole grain (I personally prefer rotini)
3 medium carrots, chopped or diced
2 stalks celery, chopped or diced
1.5 cups chicken, chopped (I use chicken breasts or ground chicken; if you're using ground, make sure to check the fat content! Try to get ground breast if you can.)
1 tablespoon butter
0.5 cups peas (frozen or fresh)
0.5 cups onion, sliced or chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped or diced
Herbs, any (rosemary, thyme or sage will pair well with the chicken, and parsley is always a good bet)

To make:

Prepare the pasta according to the box's directions and set aside. Keep in mind that the pasta will be added to hot liquid later and will continue to cook then, so err on the side of al dente (slightly underdone). While the pasta is cooking, you can prep your vegetables.

Meanwhile, prepare the chicken and set aside. If you're using ground chicken, you'll want to cook it through on the stove; if you're using breasts or some other type of chicken meat, you can either bake it or cook it on the stove.

(You don't need this much chicken; I just happened to be cooking a batch to freeze when taking these pictures!)

After cooking the chicken through and letting it cool a little, I roughly chop it and throw it in the food processor for a few quick pulses so it will be shredded. You can certainly just chop your chicken into bite-size pieces if you prefer.

Done with the chicken pictures now. Melt the butter in a medium or large saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add the onions and garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes or until onions are soft, stirring frequently. Enjoy the aroma, because nothing is better than butter and garlic combined. :)

Add the carrots and celery, turn the heat up to medium and saute for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables are soft. (The level of softness is up to you. If you hate mushy carrots, like me, just keep an eye on them.)

Stir in chicken broth, chicken, pasta, and peas and bring the soup up to a boil.

Season with salt and pepper as desired and serve. (I like a little parmesan cheese on mine.)

Prep time: about 15 minutes (unless you have access to a food processor)
Cook time: about 25 minutes
Serves 6
Nutritional Information: 290 calories, 5 grams fat, 40 grams carbohydrates, 19 grams protein; sodium will depend on the broth you use and if you add any salt to your soup while cooking. This is the broth I use, love and recommend:

The true beauty of this recipe is that you can really change whatever you want. Vegetarian? Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Cooking for kids? Let them choose the shape of the pasta to keep things interesting. Not a fan of carrots or celery? Skip them and opt for vegetable broth; you'll get the flavor without the chunky vegetables. Have herbs in the fridge that need to get used? Every variety that I can think of, with the exception of dill, will work well in this soup. Go nuts, experiment, and create your own signature chicken noodle soup.

Enjoy!

(Tried something different? Let me know! I'd love to try out your recipe!)

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK: ESME BOOTS, MACY'S

2010-02-22T06:00:00.018-06:00

Check these guys out:

At Macy's: Style&co. Esme boots, originally $79, now $40.99. (Be sure to check your local Macy's for any in-store sales going on; I picked up my pair for $30.)

I'll say that for the price, these are a great pair of boots. I've been wearing them with skinny jeans or leggings and I love them! Very true to size, though I'd say that if you have a wider foot, they might be a bit narrow.

SOON

2010-02-18T22:44:00.000-06:00

I want this to happen in some way, shape or form in my home. That is all.

Have a great weekend! :)

VACATION TIME

2010-02-18T06:00:00.044-06:00

I know that this time of year, most everyone is itching to head somewhere warm. Me? I just want to head north, and here's why:

Lake Superior is so gorgeous this time of year. Everything is still, calm, peaceful...the ultimate destination for a recharge, if you ask me. I love seeing the jutting ice along the shore, where the open water continues to push the ice from shallower waters toward land and the pressure causes it to crush. Sometimes you can even hear the ice when it cracks from inside! Words cannot describe how spectacular a sunset or sunrise is over ice and calm waters.

Duluth? March? I'm thinking yes.

THIS IS WHAT IT'S COME TO.

2010-02-17T06:00:00.004-06:00

To get my sorry self out of bed and awake (yes, often in that order), I have to:

Write emphatic notes about yoga and cowboys
Tape these notes in such a way that I can't turn off or down the alarms
Remind myself to smile about cowboys

Isn't he fun?

HOLY THIN MINTS

2010-02-16T06:00:00.004-06:00

Lys over at we keep saying was kind enough to send me a box of Back to Nature's Fudge Mint Cookies to sample. They are absolutely to die for.

(Jamie's dining room in action--please excuse the paint swatch!)

This brand, Back to Nature, has a truly healthful line of goods. Their packaging is 100% recycled, and their food contains no artificial preservatives, no hydrogenated oils and no high fructose corn syrup, the latest big-bads to cut out of your diet.

I love-love-love these cookies. So much so that I immediately had to portion them out into small bags and freeze them so that I wouldn't eat too many! Absolutely delicious, and at 150 calories for four, this is a snack that won't make you cringe every time you take a bite. These beat out the Girl Scouts variety, and I can't wait to try BtN's other cookies.

Thank you, Lys!

(Also: This is why it takes me 7 years to pull off a decent photograph:

Damn curious cat.)

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK: THOMAS O'BRIEN QUILT

2010-02-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

Trying something new here at Gracefully Amusing. :)

I've had so many great finds lately, and I've been photographing all of them with plans to share them here. This week, take a look at this beauty:

I've been eyeing this Thomas O'Brien quilt for at least a year, waiting for the price to drop...and it finally has! It's a gorgeous pale blue with pewter stitching; the fabric is surprisingly soft, and the quilt is pretty heavy, which is one of my primary requirements for bedding of any kind.

Thomas O'Brien Pewter Blossom Coverlet (full/queen): Originally $89.99, now $22.48!

You better believe I snatched this guy up. Wouldn't you, at that price? He's going to look great in my bedroom to be, which will be featuring white bedding, dark wood and inky blue walls (updates to come).

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL NOTES

2010-02-11T23:17:00.000-06:00

Cujo Cat supervises Mom's scanning activities

House Beautiful is hit or miss with me. This cover is no exception. All about blue? Okay. But make a statement, okay? This room says nothing to me. (The side table is pretty great, though, I'll concede that point.)

That being said, there were some really great pieces under the not-so-good cover.

My favorite, hands down:

Sasha Adler is officially on the watch list. I absolutely adore the yellow velvet on the headboard and the dark lampshades, the gray walls and the bed linens...love love love.

That ottoman is fantastic!

There's not much that I don't like about this room. The ikat pillow and the soft pink blanket look great on the couch...not my first choice in fabric, but the stripes are nice and I love the tiny nailhead trim! The rug adds some great depth, and the lamp on the console table gives a nice pop.

This room is simple, but I'm such a sucker for a comfortable looking bed. Love the layering and play with textures and patterns. That pillow isn't half bad either (and there's that lamp again.)

That blue is fun. That blue says something. (Also, the bookshelves are arranged so very nicely!)

I want this to happen in my future house! Those pillows with the greek key trim, the colors, the velvet...oh my god.

And finally,

There's plenty about this room that is great (the rug, the pillow on the chair, the map wall, the Blue Moon tasty beverage), but, as the post-it says, lamp!

101 in 1001 -- UPDATE!

2010-02-03T06:00:00.002-06:00

~~13) Set up monthly automatic donations for a charity.~~ Accomplished, January 2010

I've established monthly automatic donations for DonorsChoose, an online charity which allows teachers to post monetary requests for specific projects and donors to choose to which project they would like to contribute.

About a year ago, my financial situation changed and I was finally in a place where I could afford to start giving to a cause. Education is very important to me; I feel especially strong about keeping music and writing in public schools. After doing some research, DonorsChoose quickly became a favorite charity of mine because I could choose exactly where my money was going, versus donating to a fund and not having a say in how it would be spent. And as icing on the cake, I get a thank you letter and sometimes even pictures from the teacher and class that I helped once their project is complete. It's so cool to get that extra bit of recognition! (I'm not vain, promise...but come on, isn't it nice to get a small pat on the back when you do something good?)

If you are so inclined, you can visit my giving page and view projects that I'm interested in, or you can start at DonorsChoose and handpick the school subjects that you care most about. DonorsChoose makes it super easy to donate any amount you'd like to give, and you can be as personal or impersonal about your donation as you'd like.

Do you have a favorite charity or cause?

(My 101 in 1001 List)

MORE!

2010-02-01T06:00:00.003-06:00

Remember this?

Etsy seller YeeHaw has listed a few others, and I kind of want them all. Since I'm a sparse-wall-art kind of gal, however, I'll have to settle for one. Or two.

This one is, hands down, my favorite, despite the typo.

This one is a close second, though.

The others are all extremely awesome, too:

You can view and purchase YeeHaw's prints here for $25 and $35, depending on the print's size.

BLUE pt. 2

2010-01-28T23:06:00.000-06:00

I try not to buy things when I'm feeling blah. However, I think that this guy will be mine in a few days:

Kimchi Menswear Tote

At some point, I'd like to buy this guy as well:

The Brothers Bray & Co.

If I've learned anything with past bags, it's that having only a black bag or only a brown bag doesn't cut it. I need one of each. (Plus I really like that both bags' structures help balance the formality or lack of formality of their colors.)

I'M BLUE.

2010-01-27T23:53:00.000-06:00

I have a feeling that this would help:

Or this:

(sigh) Come here, Cujo. Mom needs a cuddle.

Put away the claws.

CHECK THIS GUY OUT

2010-01-27T06:00:00.001-06:00

And his white, slightly shorter cousin (who has obviously been photo-shopped but we'll look past it):

I really love candy green...but the white would look so good in my soon-to-be gray living room! Now, if only they had a navy version, I'd be set.

Stools sold on Overstock for $84.99 and $83.99, respectively.

CURL UP AND REVEL, MY PRETTIES

2010-01-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

If this was my bed, I'd never leave it.

style-files

And if this was my bed (and room), I'd bound out of bed in the morning, full of energy...

Living, Etc. 10/2007

...and I'm not sure which is better. :)

101 in 1001 -- UPDATE!

2010-01-25T02:03:00.002-06:00

72) Make time for reading fiction: one novel a month. (0/33)

In progress!

This might sound silly, but the reason I put this on my list is simply because I miss reading stories. As an anthropology major, I spend a lot of my free time reading, and the majority of what I read is either reference material or non-fiction. Don't get me wrong, I'm choosing to read those things because I want to...but they're not exactly easy or light. Then during my winter break, I bought and read a novel, and it was so nice. :) I want to bring fiction back into my life, so I'm giving myself permission to read for fun from now on.

This month's book:

I've heard good things. :)

PINK

2010-01-23T01:54:00.003-06:00

Originally, this post was just going to be about the awesomeness of this:

Flickr: tad carpenter

A plus, tad carpenter. A plus.

Then it became about Valentine's Day. Even though I really do hate the holiday.

Bear with vest: flickr user Mubina H

Heart cookies: flickr user Whipped Bakeshop

Valentine ribbon: Etsy seller RosyBlossom

Valentine's Day NOMs: Flickr user merwing little dear

Vintage style Valentine people: Etsy seller Magpie Ethel

Catnip toy: Etsy seller OhBoyCatToy

Mario loves Peach: flickr user david a lea

And then it just became about pink.

Candy corn: flickr user melissann

Pink luggage: flickr user simple tess

Pink peony: flickr user boltandfrolic

Pink glasses: flickr user such pretty things

I'm not usually interested in pink of any kind, but all of the pale pink that's floating around the internet right now is grabbing my attention. There might be a flower arrangement for the dining room in my immediate future.

TO LIVE BY

2010-01-23T00:52:00.000-06:00

ALRIGHT, I'M DOING IT.

2010-01-21T06:00:00.224-06:00

Good morning! This huge glorious picture cheers me up big time.

Beautiful photo belongs to boltandfrolic

I first saw a "101 in 1001" list over at Ice Cream & Peonies and really liked the concept; 101 goals for just under three years is somehow more manageable than the traditional five-ear plan in my mind! After admiring Kay's list, I started to look for other lists and found such a variety in goals: buy a house, save X amount of money, improve patience, learn how to sew, get a massage. It was amazing to me how different and yet similar so many of our desires are and, really,what we'd like to see ourselves become.

Inevitably, all of this looking at other people's goals led to me thinking about my own. I like making goals, and I love making lists, so here it is: my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days.

1) Get a dog.
2) Gather all known addresses and birthdays for friends and family and consolidate them into an address book.
3) Hang a colorful print above my desk at work.
4) Travel to New York.
5) Invest in a great all-purpose bag, and use it.
6) Pull an Into the Wild and disappear for a weekend.
7) Switch all of my hangers to matching wood hangers.
8) Build a monthly budget tracker template.
9) Maintain a monthly budget tracker for two months (for now). (0/2)
10) Wear heels all day for seven consecutive days.
11) Learn to properly pan sear.
12) Buy all-white bedding.
13) ~~Set up monthly automatic donations for a charity.~~ Accomplished! January 2010
14) Research and go on a hike somewhere within Minneapolis.
15) Complete my AA degree in anthropology.
16) Complete my BA degree in anthropology.
17) Take guitar lessons, either private or through school, for either four months or until I can make a go of it on my own.
18) Find a scent that I love and wear it on a regular basis.
19) Visit Lawrence, KS, one last time.
20) Try something new for saving: every time I eat out, I must deposit $10 into savings. Progress: $40
21) Stop using paper towels.
22) Call one old friend each weekend for a month.
23) Buy a bar of fancy soap.
24) Get an A in a math class.
25) Upgrade car insurance policy.
26) Get a rug (that I love!) for the front door.
27) Make my own laundry detergent and use it (on a trial basis).
28) Make my own all-purpose household cleaner.
29) Upgrade my digital camera [insert make/model here].
30) Take a photography class.
31) Go one month without paying full retail price on anything.
32) Set up a home inventory.
33) Buy a little black dress.
34) Get TiVo.
35) DIY: Reupholster...something.
36) Attend a Craig Ferguson LLS taping.
37) Buy a first edition of Fanny Fern's Fern Leaves from Fanny's Portfolio.
38) Build my own piece of furniture from scratch. (TV stand?)
39) Get Hermes the Fish a bigger bowl that looks good, too.
40) Set up my own research library, complete with a search-able electronic database.
41) Write one letter a month to my grandma for twelve months. (0/12)
42) Bake, freeze and mail a miniature pie to my grandpa (Cowboy Grandpa!) for twelve months. (0/12)
43) Create an inspiration board (that isn't an eyesore).
44) Give a homeless person $20, or leave someone a $20 tip.
45) Invest in a great pencil skirt.
46) Run one 5K per month for one year. (0/12)
47) Invest in some winter boots.
48) Go camping once on my own.
49) Set up a separate "someday" savings account and contribute a small amount to it monthly. This is to be held separate from my usual savings account and used for something truly indulgent, somewhere down the line. Progress: $0
50) Buy some oversized glasses.
51) Purchase a custom blog layout.
52) Boost my credit score by a minimum of 80 points. (0/80)
53) Get a facial.
54) Get into the habit of tithing (again).
55) Master the art of grilling.
56) Start taking a Sam-E supplement daily.
57) Do a week-long volunteer gig at the Smithsonian through Earthwatch.
58) Buy a piano...and have it professionally moved and tuned.
59) Go to a shooting range. Shoot things.
60) Grow my own lemon tree.
61) Plant and grow herbs in kitchen (rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, dill, sage).
62) Learn how to snowboard.
63) Install water-saving shower head.
64) Overhaul my undergarments drawer--replace anything and everything that is less than awesome and/or sexy.
65) Purchase a sewing machine.
66) Buy a stupidly sexy bra--just because.
67) Open a credit card and pay the balance in full every month.
68) Work my way through a notorious cookbook, trying every recipe (unless I know I won't like it).
69) Go to a museum or art gallery by myself.
70) Go out for a drink with a friend once a month for six months. (0/6)
71) Have a friend or friends over for dinner once a month for six months. (0/6)
72) Make time for reading fiction: one novel a month. (0/33)
73) Create a better header for the blog.
74) Initiate plans for a social outing with friends (a play, a concert, etc.)
75) Update resume.
76) Play a game of Texas Hold 'Em.
77) Dance. Just once, but do it.
78) Set up a savings cushion of at least $3000. ($40/$3000)
79) Get a scholarship.
80) Wear a dress to the farmer's market.
81) Take a cooking class.
82) Find and purchase the perfect trench coat.
83) Improve my posture.
84) Sand and paint my console cabinet.
85) Build a wine rack inside my console cabinet.
86) Purchase a new down comforter.
87) Visit family graves in South Dakota.
88) Buy and wear a bikini.
89) Go to a drive-in movie, for old times' sake.
90) Establish and follow a before-bed routine religiously for thirty days. (0/30)
91) Go an entire week without swearing.
92) Hang ribbons over my shower.
93) Get into graduate school.
94) Decide which branch of anthropology I want to pursue in graduate school.
95) Buy a new set of flatware.
96) Wear at least one piece of jewelry every day for a week.
97) Try my hand at selling on Etsy.
98) Meet Linnie.
99) 2010: Girls trip to Bayfield, WI
100) 2011: Girls trip to [location to be determined]
101) 2012: Girls trip to Ireland

Writing this list was such a great exercise in self-evaluation, which I wasn't quite expecting but now highly recommend. Now that I've written down these 101 items, I'm able to look at them and understand what my "big goals" are: Become financially responsible, establish healthy habits, travel, and set myself up materially for this next phase of young adulthood.

Those of you with a list: How are you doing?

Those of you without a list: What are you waiting for? :) Come on, go for it: what do you want for yourself in the next 33 months?

All this list writing makes me very excited to get started!

PARDON THE HOUR

2010-01-21T02:59:00.000-06:00

It's 2:42am, and I'm awake, so here we are. :)

Want to hear about my day? Because this was it:
-woke up at 6:00
-worked 8:00-5:00
-attended math lecture 6:00-9:00
-finished cleaning and painting the old apartment and packed the last of my stuff in the car 9:30-12:30
-drove home and found someone parked in my garage stall 12:45; left a (somewhat scathing) note on the windshield
-hauled all of my stuff upstairs from outside 12:50
-ate dinner 1:30 (I forgot to pack it for class)

Don't know about you, but I'm the type that has to lounge calmly for an hour or so before I can fall asleep...so I'm up. But check out this fun periodic table I saw on campus today:

I enjoy it. :) Old school in the best of ways. They should paint the frame a really bold purple, or something.

Signing off. My 101 in 1001 list will be posted tomorrow! (Today?)

FOR THE LOVE OF WHALES (AND RHINOS)

2010-01-20T06:00:00.004-06:00

Cujo the Cat needs a nice looking set of food and water bowls.

This is the current situation:

I think the household's outlook would improve considerably if these were to replace the tupperware:

The whale bowl would be for water, naturally. I guess that makes Mr. Rhino food? So be it.

(Bowls sold by Etsy seller ninamoto for $17 each.)

IN WHICH JAMIE STOPS BEING CHEAP [KIND OF]

2010-01-19T07:00:00.010-06:00

There's something you have to understand about me: I'm super cheap about magazines. I love them, but it's like pulling teeth to get myself to subscribe (which makes no sense, I know, since it costs so much more to buy them on from the stand!). I kid you not, my sole resolution last year was to subscribe to three magazines, which ended up being House Beautiful, Real Simple, and Runner's World.

I finally bit the bullet and subscribed to Elle Decor, Country Living and Veranda. Five dollars each, yo.

Aaand back to being broke. :) At least I'll have six magazines in my mailbox to cheer me up!

MY OWN EVERYDAY INSPIRATION

2010-01-18T07:00:00.050-06:00

Re: fabulous k's everyday inspirations post last week, in which she wrote, "Have you ever taken a look at your surroundings and felt inspired? It happens to me on a daily basis."

I remember feeling contrary when I initially read those words; I tend to be more inspired by what my mind cooks up than what I see in front of me. Or if I am inspired by something in front of me, it's something that has been designed to inspire (read: magazines, storefronts, displays, etc.).

But at the library this weekend, I had my very own moment of everyday inspiration. Who'd have thought? :)

Yellow seems to grab me lately. This little stool was in the second row of bookshelves, all by its lonesome. My school's library is very brown, very exposed brick, very blah. It's weird to say, but this little yellow stool cheered me up, and I think I might even have to do some eBay/thrift hunting for a similar one. I think it's adorable.

(I did spend about four seconds wondering if I could somehow smuggle it out of the library. Shh, don't tell.)

NEEDS TO HAPPEN

2010-01-15T23:47:00.000-06:00

I think that last one is my favorite. It might have to find a home in my kitchen.

(Sold by Etsy seller YeeHaw for $35 each; 27.5"x16-18.25", depending on the print)

AND HERE WE GO

2010-01-13T17:50:00.002-06:00

The new semester has officially begun. I feel as stressed as I did last semester but can already tell that this spring will be better than last fall. Yes, yes I can. (says firmly to self)

I'm revisiting my New Years resolutions and adding one big one to the list: I am going to take better care of myself this year. No more taking on more than I can handle (school). No more disregard for my fitness. No more ignoring major warning signs and ending up in emergency surgery. Nothing puts a damper on a semester's success like having to take a week off of work and school because of incapacitating drugs! :P

This semester (and year), I am making time for myself. I can find 2 hours a week to work out. I can find 1 hour a week to do something just for me (read a non-school book, draw a bath, paint a wall). This time around, I'd like to find and maintain a sense of balance.

(I'm not a fan of Gossip Girl, but I do think that Blake Lively is a looker. Photo courtesy of blakelively.net)

SHE'S NOT MUCH, BUT SHE'S MINE

2010-01-12T21:53:00.002-06:00

I have internet again! Hooray! (And I'm pretty sure my cable guy hooked me up with extra channels. Here's hoping they don't show up on the bill, yeah?)

Well, friends, the move has happened. Some light documentation:

Morning of move: Some boxes remain unpacked, and I try to convince my type-A side to calm the f* down. This involves chocolate and caffeine.

Cujo the cat observes as I pack some last-minute items.

I pick up my keys at the new place and snap some quick "before" pictures.

Note: These pictures do not do the space justice. I love it. Those windows are absolutely glorious.

(view of front door and kitchen from living room)

(living room)

(crap picture, but look at my 10-ft. ceilings!)

(my quaint stove! oh, my. :P)

Back at home, Cujo flips out as the family volunteers arrive and "hides" on top of the kitchen cupboards.

We have three SUVs between the four of us (no judging, now; Minnesota winters equal 4x4 drive), and we are inexplicably bound and determined to make the move in one trip. This is the result.

Dad is trying so hard! We make it work, though. (I just don't make eye contact with anyone while behind the wheel.)

The place is coming together. Boxes are slowly being unpacked and furniture is getting situated, and I can't wait to see and share the results soon!

KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE

2010-01-06T19:42:00.004-06:00

I need this taped to my bathroom mirror for days like today.

"Keep on the Sunny Side" oversized postcard , sold here.

OFFICE BRAINSTORM

2010-01-05T23:43:00.003-06:00

I've been thinking about home offices a lot lately. To be more specific, I've been thinking about home offices that are housed in rooms other than offices, because that's going to be my situation in a few days. I'd like to build a pretty substantial work space, but it has to fit in the living room, both size-wise and style-wise. I keep hearing/reading that a desk in a living room is somehow taboo, but I completely disagree. My living room is where I spend the majority of my time. Whether I'm being productive or being a slob, I'm in that room. My bedroom, on the other hand, is off limits for productive activity, making the idea of putting my office in there an impossibility. (Plus I just don't get it. Bedrooms are for sleeping, and lounging, and being otherwise relaxed.)

My new living room is an 18x13ft rectangle, like such (no balcony, unfortunately):

My thought is to put the sofa in the rough middle of the room, facing and centered against the shorter wall. Behind it and closer to the kitchen will be my dining room table, leaving me with 11-12ft of wall (not to mention the wall opposite, with the window). I'd like to set up some sort of long, skinny desk system there. Lots and lots of work space, but only about 18-23 inches deep.

I keep seeing different versions in my mind, and for some reason, most have a double-desk set up, kind of like this:

DecorPad user Teresa's office

I of course have no need for my desk to have multiple seating options. I just think it could look kind of cool.

I'd also like to have some sort of set-up on the wall for creative...meanderings, shall we say? Inspiration board, etc. If I can't have something like that up, then I definitely want to hang either a couple of larger prints or a gallery-style arrangement of personal photos.

The desk is likely to be black or very dark brown, and in the living room, the walls will be a dark gray and the couch will be an oatmeal color. I'm going to add pops of yellow and dark blue wherever I can. This is very close to where I hope to take the room:

PCH

It's going to be interesting, though. I'm concerned about mixing what are essentially three very distinct zones: living, office and dining. Not sure how I'm going to break them up but still somehow get them to flow/work together...

Signing the lease tomorrow!

TODAY I'M WEARING

2010-01-05T10:13:00.002-06:00

Jacket: Gap, $50 (on sale! reg. $118! go get it!)

Scarf: Target, $17 (but saw it in store for $11)

Cardigan: Target, $25 (on sale! reg. $90! go get it!)

Tee: Gap, $17 (on sale! reg. $30! saw it in store for $11! go get it!)

Watch: Tag Heuer

Jeans: J. Crew, $98

Boots: Target (no longer available)

It's cold, y'all.

AMIDST MY DAY OF CRAP...

2010-01-03T22:36:00.001-06:00

...amidst greasy hair because the shower inexplicably lost all water pressure, amidst scrubbing the kitchen clean after my electric mixer splattered room-temperature butter everywhere (and I mean everywhere), amidst spilling half a gallon of primer on my bathroom floor and my Tag Heuer (because I'm an idiot who forgets to take things off when painting)...

Country Living

...my roommate said that she felt like she was looking at a magazine when she saw me painting, and I could have hugged her. I wasn't feeling particularly glamorous with a foot covered in dried paint and my hair tied back, but she said I looked picturesque, framed by the doorway of the bathroom and standing on one of my lovely old Ashley chairs to reach the ceiling.

Should have asked for a picture. :) No one's ever mentioned me and magazine in the same sentence before.

(The Tag Heuer survived the primer incident. All I can say is thank God it's water-approved!)

BIG DOILIES SCARE ME

2010-01-02T23:48:00.002-06:00

Living, Etc.

But there's still something I like about this room. There's a sort of balance, what with the tailored bedding and overall white-ness paired up with the femininity (wall art, throw pillow, not to mention the shoes and purse)...it all works very well, I think.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T02:03:00.002-06:00

I know we're officially past the holidays, but my tree is still up. Therefore:

Real Simple

Learned a few things today.

1) "Sleeping until the sun wakes me up" doesn't necessarily mean waking up before noon. (I felt like one of those NyQuil commercials when I finally came to.)

2) Gnat-like insects like to live in boxes in pantries. Namely, in boxes of pancake mix, so as to ruin my awesome plan for chocolate-chip pancakes. But...

3) Target is open on New Years! Pancake plan saved!

Gourmet

4) There is, in fact, such a thing as too much Criminal Minds. This is nothing that a glass of wine and a lavendar bath can't fix, however.

5) The ribbon thing is definitely happening. Now I just need to figure out what color the walls should be. I'm thinking something between charcoal and black.

6) I'm going to be flat broke for a few months.

7) ...but I can't WAIT to move. :)

Here's to a successful, joyful, meaningful new year!

Bathroom Madness

2009-12-30T23:53:00.003-06:00

Blair's post from a couple of days ago has been stuck in my head. This image is positively haunting me:

I'm thinking of copying this ribbon idea in my new bathroom, over the shower. Wouldn't it be so luxe to take a warm bath with tea lights and a ceiling of ribbons? But the functional part of me wonders if the moisture will get to the fabric. And my so-not-luxe personality knows that although the ten baths I take a year would look so amazing if were I to do this crazy thing, I'd have to look at those damn ribbons every single day. Multiple times a day. That's a lot of looking at ribbons that serve no real purpose.

There is a side of me that demands that functionality be present in design. This side of me is very noisy. It stops me in my tracks whenever I find myself leaning towards something just because it looks awesome--and I usually don't mind this noisy side of myself because it tends to be right. In a 725-sq.-ft. living space, functionality is vital.

But there's another side of me, one much quieter and much more persistent. When it decides that it wants something based purely on looks, it doesn't let up. It pokes and prods until my functional side groans and gives in. This is where my head is right now.

What if I were to mount this hardware from the ceiling and hang an extra-long shower curtain from it?

The ribbon madness would be almost completely covered and out of sight, the showering experience will feel more private, and the floor-to-ceiling curtain might even make the ceiling look taller.

In my small bathroom, I get the feeling that this idea could either work or totally bomb. But I think this might happen. Yes, I think it just might.

Damn it.

Today I'm Wearing

2009-12-30T14:09:00.003-06:00

Coat: Target (no longer online, but is in stores clearanced at $30)

Jeans: AF, $50 (sale! usually $98! go get 'em!)

Flats: Aldo, $30 (sale! usually $55! go get 'em!)

Watch: Tag Heuer

Sweater: Old Navy, $13 (sale! usually $25! go get it!)

Bracelet: Amazon, $16

Total, excluding watch: $139

It's a snowy, gray work day. Snowy days call for warmth; gray days call for comfort; work days call for non-pajamas. The sweater I'm wearing is a cashmere v-neck version of the one pictured that I bought from Banana Republic a few years ago, and my bracelet is dated as well but is similar to the one above. (Bracelet and watch are worn on the same arm, because I believe that cutting off limbs should be kept to a minimum, even if you are as lanky as I am.)

This is pretty indicative of the kind of person I am, guys. Cashmere sweater, Tag watch...destroyed jeans inevitably follow. :P

New Year's Resolution...

2009-12-30T13:37:00.000-06:00

...in short, is this:

OrangeBeautiful

Sounds reasonable, yes? :P

To be fair, my 2009 shit is much more in order than my 2008 shit ever was. Still, there's always room for improvement, and this year I'd like to take a few more steps to becoming a real live adult. You know, the kind that has sound finances and stationary for every occasion and an incredibly hospitable home.

Okay, so it might not happen quite like that, but really, that's okay. As the name of this blog suggests, I have an ever-present desire for grace, simplicity, poise, elegance, ease...you name it. And while that is not a bad thing by any means, I'm afraid I'm a bit of a goof at heart. There will never be complete grace in my life. There will always be a bit of chaos, and a touch of humor, and a ribbit-ing frog soap dispenser at my kitchen sink. And frankly, I wouldn't want it any other way.

So 2010 will be about making small progress steps toward becoming that "together" adult while allowing a bit of innate immaturity and spunk to shine on through. It will also be about a few other specific things:

Moving to a new apartment in January

Completing my AA with Emphasis degree in Anthropology

Establishing a system for financial tracking/planning (yes, this is a big process for me!)

and

Starting and maintaining a blog

...change name of blog? (though this one really is appropriate)

Blog's started! Here we go!