Monthly Archives: August 2010

Etsy Art Day: Fun Prints

I’m trying to keep a mental note of cute art and post it once a week. Here are some fun ones:

These are from Ferntree Studio on Etsy. It’s sort of listed under children’s art, but I’d hang it somewhere in my house.

Bright Colored Owls

Jellyfish

I nearly died when I saw these. It’s no secret that Annie Hall is my favorite movie and probably will be for the rest of my life. I initially saw this over at A Cup of Jo.

The Hall Collection: LaDiDa

Who knew those sounds could be so charming?

The Hall Collection: 2 Hours - Mike Oncley on Etsy


Recipe: Zucchini & Squash on French Bread

Here’s the deal. I’m sick of eating zucchini and yellow squash. It seems like it’s always in season at the farmer’s market. It’s also cheap. So lately, I’ve had to get creative with this mixture. Today this one popped in my head:

it may not look pretty, but it was delicious.

Zucchini & Squash on French Bread
Yields 4
Prep time 10 min.
Total time 20 min.

Ingredients:
- 1 small French loaf (or large cut in half) cut in half and sliced lengthwise
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 2 small yellow squash, sliced
- 2 Tbsp of pesto (I made my own, it works best if it’s a thick pesto)
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella

Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Sauté the sliced zucchini and yellow squash until tender
- Remove from heat and stir in pesto
- Place sautéed mixture on flat surface of French bread
- Top with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella
- Place bread on baking sheet and bake for ten minutes.

mmm…

I’d also like to welcome the newest member of my family, I think her name is going to be Riley. I’m really not in love with the name, so if you have a suggestion, I’d love to hear it.

I already have a cat, Watson, and he’s the love of my life. Unfortunately, he’s destructive and aggressive. After putting up with it for a year, I finally decided to take my vet’s advice and get him a companion. It’s been two days and I’ve been bite and scratch free. The cats are getting along nicely, as well.

Hey, did you notice the pictures I took with my new camera? I’m satisfied with it.

etsy: cute lunch boxes

I was recently given a free lunch box and it changed my life. I was always struggling to find a place for my lunch. The new lunch box resulted in: no more carrying food in my purse (fyi bad idea) and no more oversized reusable grocery bags (that was option two). I didn’t even feel nerdy carrying around a bright yellow insulated box with the Tallahassee Community College logo on it (place of employment). Ok, so maybe it’s a little nerdy, especially since I wear it like a purse. But I’d like to share my joy of the lunch box with you readers. Here are some adorable lunch boxes that will make you feel chic and eco-friendly.

via BonTons

This one is screams “back to school.”

via maddiekayhandbags

Normally I’m not a fan of orange but I like how summery this is.

via KatieKouture

This has got to be my favorite.

via farfallagialla

Right now you’re saying “oh, how cute.” Right?

via Britgaldesigns

This one is simple and lovely.

via BebelooshMini

Forgive me if I’m going overboard on the pictures, but I really couldn’t help myself. Since I already have a lunchbox, I think the reusable sandwich/snack bags are right up my alley.

MojaCreations had too many to great patterns. Here are my two top picks.

I’m a sucker for anything with elephants.

Also this one from Torrilynn123

How cute from GirlSundayDesigns

Oh hey, look at that, it’s lunchtime. Have a good lunch!

screens: birthday skull

My friend made a screen.

Skulls aren’t really my thing but the birthday hat is sort of cheery. I’ve never done a screen, they seem difficult. I mean, what do you do with this?

He can do them in any color. If you’d like one you can send him an email at charcoalradio (at) gmail.com [boo spam]. He’s starting a blog soon with the same domain. I’ll keep you posted.

desiring: hudson linen pillows

Ok. So I’d rather not be known as one of those people who are obsessed with cephalopods. But let’s face it – I am. And it’s time to stop denying it, because I’m dying to get my hands on these pillows from Hudson.


How simple and adorable. It’s also in white.

The Seahorses are also super cute.

There’s also a starfish.

I really could go on and on. All of their pillows are beautiful, as is the rest of their furniture. Here’s one more with some color.

They’re having a sale right now. But that’s probably not going to help much. These beauties are priced at $185. ouch.

Inspiring Looks: Julianne Moore

For date night last night the beau and I went to see The Kids Are All Right with Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, and Annette Bening. It’s an adorable film. I was most in love with Julianne Moore’s character’s style which consisted of baggy shirts with nicely fitting jeans. Sadly, the photos on the internet don’t do the look justice.

She is one of the few women who can pull off a tucked-in over sized t-shirt.

She makes it look like lounging around in jeans is actually comfortable. Time to throw away those sweats.

Such a hideous shirt turned lovely.

If it’s not apparent yet, Julianne Moore is my biggest on-screen crush.

Did you see Chloe? The trailer really ignores how sultry the film is.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhYiQNmI1VI]

Here’s one for the road from The Kids Are All Right. What a gorgeous cast.

5 minute chocolate cake: this is going to ruin my life

Whenever I’m craving something sweet and chocolate, it’s usually too much effort to actually obtain and the desire passes.

Not anymore. Thanks to Marisa over at New Dress a Day.

Despite having an awesome DIY and recycled fashion site, this girl can whip up a delicious microwavable chocolate cake in 5 minutes. Click on the link above for the recipe.

the weekender

Happy Friday all.  Here area few things to start your weekend off pleasant.

Amy Kligman’s new acrylics are beautiful. I love the patterns and that weird feeling that I can relate (I hate to say things like “I can relate to art.”) Her new series is Thoughts Before Sleeping. Thanks to DesignforMankind for the heads up.

This peplum skirt from PSIMadeThis is absolutely darling. She made it out of a curtain. I hear about these repurposed curtain projects (very sound of music-esque) but I haven’t been able to find a cute and lightweight curtain fabric.

This guy at Manhattan Nest redid an ikea frame and made this

It’s gorgeous. And cheaper than similar beds of that style. Check out his tutorial.

[edit just found this two hours after original post] I have to remember that things like outer space exist. It’s so easy to forget about it. Check out this lovely photo gallery of The Summer’s Sexiest Images of Saturn.

Looking for colorful inspiration? You should check out ColourLovers. It’s sort of aimed toward the computer crowd (with RGB mixes and Hex codes) but it is still a good source to break through that creative block. To start, pick a color and search their pallets.  They’ll provide cute color mixes to work with. I have an awful eye for complementary colors. I find this site very helpful.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. The in-laws are coming. I can’t wait. <3

desiring: lampe berger

Lately, I have been obsessed with Lampe Berger items. Pleasant household scents are important, especially when you cook curry, have a cat, and don’t have a washing machine. I’m guilty of all three.  And I hear Lampe Berger isn’t as thick or syrupy scented as the air fresheners you can buy at a store. Candles are a nicer and cheaper option, but I only really light them in the winter. Also, my cat has been known to catch his tail on fire, poor thing (he’s fine).

Lampe Berger Picks
Speaking of kitties…

Amici de la Luna

Generous in red

Bingo in grey

Milk in white

What I’m most interested in is the scents. Anything in their Oriental Dreams collection seems dreamy and cozy. I’ve been eying the Winterwood scent the most. Also, these things have history. Lampe Berger patents began in 1897.

terrarium forests

Sorry for the lack of posts. I initially thought I’d have a camera by now, but that will have to wait until next payday. Also, I thought the blog would have been redesigned. But that also takes funds and free time.

I’ve been eying etsy for a while looking for inspiration. I love terrariums. Here are a few of my picks.

via WarmCountryMeadows

via liliFunambule


via weegreenspot


via shopterrain.com

As tempting as it is to just purchase one of these beauties. I plan on making my own. I am recently the inheritor of 40 wooden-framed windows. Really, this is a crafting gold mine. Expect lots of cute things in the future (as soon as I get that camera).