Monthly Archives: January 2011

January Book and Sugar Withdraw

This is just a quick update.

Number 1:

I finished my January book. I plan to read a book a month. It was Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom.

I wanted to get this book after I heard the author on NPR. It’s a pretty classic style novel about an upper-middle class family’s problems. It’s filled with touching character development that leaves you loving and hating each character. I can’t really pretend to be a great critic on books, but Oprah and the President liked it. I would recommend this novel to someone looking for a good story, but nothing cerebral or challenging.

I’m already 100 pages into my February book. Is that cheating? But it’s so good. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. If you’d like to read along, it’s David Grann’s The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon. This is: 1. Nonfiction; 2. Written by a journalist; 3. An exotic story of treasure hunts and dangerous adventures. I can’t put it down.

Number 2:

I’ve officially been off of sugar for 3 days now. This weekend was terrible. I pretty much had a nonstop headache, and I can only attribute it to sugar withdraw. I felt really nauseous on Sunday, but I think that might have been a result of a 48 hour headache. I also slept most of Saturday, but was pretty active on Sunday. In order to curb any cravings, I munched on a 1 lb. bag of cherries. It’s possible to consume a pound of cherries in a weekend. I also noticed I lost some weight, without really trying. I promised myself during the hardest parts of withdraw I could eat whatever I wanted as long as it didn’t have sugar.

Then I woke up this morning and I feel kind of great. I think the worst withdraw symptoms might be over. But it might just be this 24 oz. black coffee I’m drinking. I think it’s time to employ the teeth whitening strips.

d.i.y. cardboard shelf [tutorial]

Happy 100th post to my blog! Thank everyone so much for reading. I can’t believe the amount of views my blog has had this month. It’s more than I could have ever expected. Thank everyone so much for their dedication and enthusiasm for my blog. You guys are great!

In honor of this fun day, I have a d.i.y. post to share.

D.I.Y. Cardboard Shelf

I made this cardboard shelf this afternoon. It took less than two hours and cost next to nothing. Seriously. It’s  great.

Click on the photos to see a larger image.

Learn how to take a simple cardboard box that was almost trash and turn it into a functional shelf for your trinkets. This cardboard shelf measures 5″ deep and 25″ long.

Supplies:

1. Hot glue gun
2. Tape Measurer
3. Big cardboard box
4. Xacto knife or another cutting tool, box cutter, etc.
5. [Optional] Cutting mat, very helpful, but I used some carpeted cat scratcher thing [I'm cheap, er, resourceful]
6.   Paint, if you’d like to paint your shelf

Step 1: Tracing

1. Begin with a box  and cut it and lay it flat.


2. Measure out the desired length you want your shelf to be. This one is 5″ x 25″.
3. Create a rectangular pattern using these measurements. Be sure to keep the pattern lines as straight as possible.

2. Cut your pattern

Cut out your first rectangle of cardboard using your box cutter or Xacto knife.


Now you’re going to trace out two more cardboard rectangles. You can use the first one as a pattern.


Cut out all three.

During this time, you can also cut out the base of your shelf, which should measure 3 inches wide by 25 inches long. [not pictured.]

3. Trace & Cut Shelf Braces

You will also need to cut a few more pieces from the cardboard. These will be the braces or stabilizers that connect your shelf top to the base.


Measure out a triangle brace that is 3 inches wide and 3 inches deep. Make the width and depth meet at a right angle. Connect them with a straight line across the middle. Cut one out and use it as a stencil for your next ones.


You will need to make 8 total.

4. Glue the Braces Together
Now you’re going to want to glue two of the braces together, giving it a double-thickness. This will result in four reinforced braces. I used hot glue to do this.

5. Glue the Shelf Pieces Together
Next, using the hot glue gun, glue the three cut-out cardboard pieces that are the length of your shelf. The three layers of cardboard will give it some strength.

6. Trim the edges

If you are like me and terrible at cutting, you might need to trim your edges, so that they are smooth. Now is the time to do so. It’s really important to the stability of this structure that every edge be straight and even.

7. Assemble the 3-Layer Shelf to the Back Base

Next, assemble the three layer shelf to the back base.
Have the hot glue gun ready and loaded. Mine sort of dried half-way through applying the glue.
Using the hot glue, connect the shelf to the top of the base at a 90 degree or right angle.
Hold and press down until it’s completely cooled.


Side notes:See that light shining through at the center of the angle? That’s because it wasn’t cut straight. I had to sort of seal it with hot glue. This tells me it probably won’t be as structurally sound as I want it to be.

8. Assemble the Braces to the Back and Top of Shelf

Next, add the braces for reinforced security.

Start on the two edges. Glue the corner of the braces into the corner of the shelf. Press them in deep to add security.


Once you secure the outside two, then add the inside two, placing them in equal distance apart in the middle.

9. Smooth Edges and Paint

Smooth out the edges with a pair of scissors or your knife.

Paint your shelf if desired.

10. Mount & Decorate

Finally, mount your shelf on a wall and display your hard work! I mounted with nails, but half way through I thought double sided tape would work.

I would have preferred to put another coat of paint on this, but I ran out.
I wouldn’t put a book on this, but it’s perfect for display of tiny things or candles.

There you have it! I hope you enjoy this tutorial.

Here’s a link to a downloadable/printable .pdf file of this tutorial via my instructables account.

Stay tuned tomorrow to see what I do with the leftover cardboard. Yes, there’s leftovers.

throw out fifty things: day 1

My life is too cluttered. So, I’ve been inspired by Jess‘ post for throwing out 50 things. Over the next few days I’ll go through every room in my house and find 50 things to part with. They’re just things right? Also, I vow to throw them out responsibly, which means, recycling electronics, giving to second-hand stores, etc.

I started in my kitchen, which is huge, but still has no space.

1. Broken Container: Don’t need: used to hold Splenda packets, but I’ve given it up.
2. Book of Cookie Recipes: Don’t use: has terrible recipes, I sort of feel bad for donating it.
3. Napkin Holder: Don’t use: I don’t use napkins.
4. Aluminum Water Bottle: Don’t use.
5. Expired Vitamins: Don’t use/need.
6. Salt & Pepper Shakers: Don’t use. One’s missing a stopper at the bottom.
7. Penis-shaped cake pan: Don’t use. An embarrassing gag-gift from college. I’m convinced I’ll never use this again. Also, I’m not sure if I should donate this or chuck it. Thoughts?
8. Cat dish: Don’t use. Missing a bowl. Very obnoxious dish.
9. Blueberry flavored coffee: Don’t use. Absolutely disgusting.

Tune in tomorrow for the living room!

dear sugar,

I’m breaking up with you.

 

I’m sick of feeling tired, sluggish, and gross immediately after consuming you.

 

I’m exhausted from battling my addiction with you.

 

And I’m annoyed that I’m always grumpy when you’re not around.

So I’m giving you up, at least for two weeks, in hopes that I might have a better relationship with you, once we get back together.

Also, this might be the worst two weeks of my life.

[images via weheartit]

the weekender 1/28/11

[via weheartit]

I can’t seem to shake the laziness that overcame me on winter break. I promise myself I will actually get something done this weekend. What about you? In the meantime, here are some links for your weekend.

- Remember my New Year’s resolution to cut down on packaging? These people are quite the inspiration. [Found via Paige + Modern]

d.i.y.

Nursery Wall Decor

So I promised myself I would grow up and stop decorating my house like a child’s nursery. Seriously, the only artwork I have are cute pictures and figurines of cows, pigs, elephants, and the occasional duck. But how can I resist that giraffe? Honestly, is my nursery decor addiction that bad? Do it yourself over at My Blessed Life.

-The brilliant Kate over at See Kate Sew turns a book into a clutch. I said brilliant, right?

-Stephanie over at Under the Table and Dreaming rounds up the best d.i.y. terrarium posts.

-Tea bag Valentine’s. What a perfect idea for the tea enthusiasts in your life. via Tatertots & Jello

hair:

I cannot wait to try Carrie’s beehive tutorial.
via wish wish wish

Food:

-Make your own nutella. Yes, you heard right. via Smitten Kitchen.

Are you inspired by any of these projects? Have a good weekend!

celebrate pillows!

I strongly believe there are two types of people in this world: those whose lives would be adversely affected if pillows didn’t exist and those whose lives wouldn’t. If pillows disappeared today, you can bet I’d be in a perpetual state of crankiness. I’m a pro lounger. I like to lay on things, especially pillows, or drape them over me in a “I’m going to hide from my problems” type of way. I like to nap on my couch with a pillow on every side.

My boyfriend is the other type of person. Beware of these people – the pillow haters (and by extension life haters, puppy haters, and cupcake haters). He thinks they’re extraneous fluff in life.

Today is the day to celebrate the pretty pillows in your life, or at least the ones you wish were in your life. Appreciate the things that make your day comfy, relaxing, and soft.

Go team pillows!

My bestie pointed this one out.

Turquoise Dandelion Pillow by MaDahms

It seems like owl pillows are everywhere.

Owl Pillow by Pink Bunny Patterns

I’m a sucker for anything under the sea.

Burlap French Whale Pillow by Sam

Coffee is my favorite thing, so it makes sense to have it in pillow form.

Brazilian Coffee Bag Pillow by Habitation Inc

This pillow is breathtaking. I love the fabric and the colors are great. Plus, love geography.

Map of the Earth by Vintage Jamie

More under the sea gems. This one is made with hand felted Australian Merino wool.

Screen Printed Squid by Olof’s Daughters

Have a tea party on pillows?

Leivos by poimiakukkia

How do you like your pillows, er, eggs?

Sunny Side Up Pillow by diffraction fiber

I feel very silly today.

Which type of person are you? A pillow lover or hater?

dino love jewlery

It’s no surprise that I love dinosaurs. I have a tattoo of an apatosaurus on my calf. But really, I’d like to take it up a notch and deck my body out in dinosaur bling.

like these over at verameat:

dino love bone – the description says “worn by Miranda July.” I knew I loved her/this necklace/both.

For the water-loving vegetarian:

Elasamasaurus Lochness

And for the hungry carnivore:

dino love

Oh, but woe is me, what a hefty price tag. Hello, etsy [warning, i may have gone a little overboard.]

natural history dinosaur earrings

t-rex skull pendant necklace

triceratops hair pins

darling dinosaur necklace

triceratops brooch [what a great brooch!]

vintage t-rex necklace

gold apatosaurus

As you can see, I’m quite the enthusiast. What do you think? Are the etsy finds a similar cheaper alternative? What ones would you wear?

Also, verameat has quite the selection of monster, vampire, and animal jewelry, and it’s all magnificently done.

the weekender 1/21/11 & product review

[via weheartit]

Happy Friday! Have you ever tried a Moroccan Oil treatment in your hair? I swear by it. Currently, I’m using an Argan Oil Treatment, which is a little cheaper than Moroccan Oil, and from what I can tell, probably not that much different, just not name brand. I use it every few days, which may seem like an oil-treatment overkill. I’m really reluctant to ever recommend oil in the hair, however, the great thing about this oil is it’s lightweight. You wouldn’t even know it’s oil. It leaves hair smooth, lustrous, and protects against heat and environmental damage. I also have a shampoo and conditioner, which I’ve yet to use. I have tried a Moroccan oil hair mask, but it seems that the oil is more effective, so save some money.

I can only vouch for my hair type, which is a dry, hot mess of tangles. But the product description claims “for all hair types.” Now, I’m really interested in trying it on my skin.

Here are some links for your weekend:

Do it yourself:

- An elegant d.i.y. fabric bow belt.
- d.i.y. gold leaf your fingernails – a glitzy, fun look.
- I’m loving this embellished capelet, perfect for the upcoming spring nights.

Food:

-A healthy pumpkin pie ice cream recipe without sugar. I just wish I liked pumpkin. It looks so creamy and delish. Also, no ice cream maker required.
- And a fairly healthy fudgy roasted banana cake with walnuts and chocolate chips. Roasted banana? yes, please.

Home decor:

- My friend Cait over at Hernando House does a gorgeous kitchen revamp. And she shows you how she painted those trees.
- I got a Silhouette Digital Paper Cutter for Christmas, and finally decided what I’m going to make first – these beautiful bird pillows.

For Fun:
- ipad arcade: 2011 meets the 80′s.

scent of a woman: my perfume collection

I’ve been collecting perfume since I was 17. It’s sort of expensive, so I usually only buy one bottle a year. Also, I don’t wear it that often, maybe once a week. But today I put on a splash of Chanel No. 5 and was instantly inspired to write this post.

No. 5 by Chanel

It’s a tradition that my dad gives me a bottle of perfume each Christmas, and it started with No. 5. I asked for it a while back, without really giving it a smell, and went on reputation alone. This is a bad idea. I was young, maybe 17 when I first wore it, and hated it. My nose was stuck in that time where sticky, fruity, sweet smells permeated the halls of high school. Does anyone else remember body spray? yuck. This scent was far too advanced for me. I strongly believed it was an old smell – as in old person.

But I’ve grown up and my olfactory receptors have too. Now I realize I mistook classic for old. No. 5 is a time-honored scent easily recognized by any perfume enthusiast. It is the “world’s most legendary fragrance.” It’s deep, womanly, strong, not too complicated, and very Coco. Marilyn Monroe said “What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel Nº 5, of course.” And with beauties like Nicole Kidman and Audrey Tatou promoting this scent, what’s not to love?

Blue by Ralph Lauren

This was my first perfume, and it’s obvious it’s for the youngsters. There’s a lot going on with this one. This scent is really strong and overly sweet. Still, I wear it sometimes when I feel like being frivolous. With strong florals and a splash of the ocean, it’s perfect for summer days.

Romance by Ralph Lauren

There’s one thing to be said about Ralph Lauren – it’s not subtle. Again, this one is a little too strong and complicated. It’s very femme, with strong powders and florals – most notably rose, which I could live without. And then again, it has a woodsy, musky, patchouli scent, which I love. Romance is a hard scent for me to wear. I just don’t know what to do with it. It’s too exotic. I’m not adventurous enough or foreign enough or sexy enough to keep up with it. I sort of feel fake.  It is certainly a dimly-light, hot summer night scent.

Beyond Paradise by Estee Lauder

This is my favorite scent. My other scents don’t even compare. I’m not even sure if this scent is right for me. It’s another wet one, filled with juicy, tropical smells. Don’t let that scare you away, it’s must more tasteful than it sounds. The strongest notes are filled with exotic flowers like blue hyacinth and orange flower. Then it’s covered with a base of wood and bark smells.  The best way to describe this scent is “radiant,” and that’s how I feel when I wear it.

Pleasures by Estee Lauder

When I saw Gweneth promoting this one, I knew I had to give it a try. She’s so tasteful. I mean, seriously, has she ever committed a faux pas? I think Estee Lauder makes the best scents. I swoon over most of them. and Pleasures is no different. Again, this is another wet, rainy scent with simple florals like jasmine and lily. The base notes are sandalwood and patchouli, which compliment the florals nicely.

Guilty by Gucci

I stumbled across this one while shopping for my sister. It was on her Christmas list, and fits her perfectly. It’s a little wild and sexy, dark and peppery, bold and intoxicating. I don’t feel any of these match my personality, but when my dad purchased a bottle for her, I asked [begged] him to buy me a bottle too. There is something incredibly exhilarating about this scent – no doubt, it’s the pink pepper and amber mixture – and I love wearing it. But let’s get one thing straight, the blingy bottle has got to go. It’s almost embarrassing to
have sitting in my collection.

Brit by Burberry – R.I.P.
This was a great daytime, wear to work smell. I loved the nutty and vanilla scents. They were musky and light. Unfortunately, one evening, my cats decided they wanted to smell nice and knocked over the bottle. It shattered on the floor. Then, one day while wasting time perusing through a dollar store, I found a Burberry Brit knock-off (yes, I admit) and bought it. It smelled identical. I’m not above it. And it’s not like I didn’t own the real thing at one point. Like you wouldn’t have done the same.

Shi by Alfred Sung

It’s nice to have some cheaper scents in your collection. You can really find this one at a great price. But frankly, once I’m out of it, I probably won’t buy it again. This is one of my older scents and great for daytime and office wear. It’s another watery one with water lily and orange blossom. The best part about this perfume is how light it is. It’s like breathing in sweet, fresh air.

Curious [Brittney Spears] by Elizabeth Arden
Say what you will about the performer, but leave the perfume alone. This is another great cheap one. It’s very feminine and completely southern. Strong scents include magnolia, water lotus, and vanilla musk. This is a slow daytime and nighttime scent.

I think that’s all of them. Tomorrow I’ll be back with my top male scents and some of the other perfumes I’ve had my eye on.

What are your favorite scents and how do you choose which ones to wear?