101 Salads

I hate turning on the stove in the summertime, so salads are a staple at our house during the warmer months. Besides, during July and August, the abundance of ripe, juicy, farm fresh ingredients renders cooking pretty much unnecessary. Here's an awesome collection of 101 salad recipes from food writer, Mark Bittman. Yum!

(via cup of jo)

70 Reasons to Buy Handmade

The degree to which 21st century technology has enabled us to go back to an economic system of an earlier time by promoting and encouraging the handmade movement never fails to amaze me. Before I discovered the blogging community, my handmade purchases were mostly limited to festivals and fairs in my area. While I still advocate buying locally as much as possible, I love the fact that now I can still enjoy the merits of buying directly from a craftsman even if they happen to be in a different country. I don't have to depend on commercial middlemen who cheapen and debase human effort, and I get to enjoy one of a kind, heartfelt, unique products.

(laresident)

One of my favorite design blogs, Poppytalk, is running an on-going series featuring 70 reasons to buy handmade and vintage. This is definitely worth checking out. Lovely and inspiring! Some of my favorites:

No. 10. Encourages independent thinking that breaks corporation's homogenizing tendencies. Chikabird and Ladies & Gentlemen

No. 17. When you buy vintage, you connect with a larger story of a well-made item that deserves to be used instead of thrown away. It is green, it is resourceful, it is creative, it is romantic. Vintage Butterfly 94

No. 31. Buying handmade is win-win situation : You enrich your life with beautiful handmade goods, and you enable an artist to continue following their creative dreams. Stephanie Levy.

No. 41. When you buy handmade, you buy from the producer. You aren't lining the over flowing pockets of some corporation or distanced executive. You are taking part in a process of revising our economic model to one that rewards hard work, talent, creativity, initiative and personal responsibility. Key Lime Design.

(berdandbee)

Cassette Tape Portraits

What a creative use for all those obsolete cassette tapes lying around collecting dust! This flickr stream features portraits of musicians and other pop culture icons created using old cassette tape reel. I love it!

(via Oh!)

Boden USA

It's no great challenge finding cute clothes for girls, but this amazing line from the UK is just too sweet for words!

I'm completely smitten with their autumn line, which features vibrantly colored cool weather favorites like velvet, corduroy, and cozy knits accented with quirky appliques and fun doodle drawings silkscreened onto tees.


Perfect for brisk autumn hikes and pumpkin patch ramblings!

The Time Traveler's Wife

I'm so excited about this movie! Doesn't it look just gorgeous?

Garance Dore

I wish I had enough nerve to start up a street style blog for my city, but I would never be able to just walk up to people on the street and ask to take their picture. I'm so glad other people have no such shyness to overcome! Garance Dore is one of my favorite street style blogs at the moment, so I thought I would share a few faves from the inspiring site with you today.
I am love, love, loving yellow right now, although now that I think about it, I don't believe I have a single piece of yellow clothing in my closet. I've just never felt that yellow was a good color for me, or maybe I'm just scared of it, but I'm thinking that should probably change. How bubbly and cheerful is this flouncy mustard colored blouse? And I just love that little green wicker clutch!

This is just the epitome of elegance. Simple, understated, ladylike. Granted, if my mother saw this, she would suggest the addition of a slip, but what can I say? We're from the south. I think the dress is absolutely beautiful, and I adore those black strappy tie sandals. Exquisite!

Also, in a bit of blogosphere gossip (although this news is so ancient by now it may be obsolete), I read an old article today and learned that Garance Dore and Scott Schuman (the Sartorialist) are dating!

Fashion History

Check out this charming collection of clips from the Huntley Film Archives showcasing fashions from the late 19th and early 20th century. I just love the big, ostentatious hats and elaborate hair styles.


(via marmeecraft)

Bayan Hippo

I recently discovered this sweet little shop. I'm loving these gorgeous, vibrant messenger bags that are big and roomy enough to serve as cleverly disguised diaper bags, for those of us who haven't yet succumbed to the fashion prowess of Winnie the Pooh fabric.

On the cutesy side though, I do love this adorable cow jumper. My 17 month old daughter has had a longstanding fascination with all things bovine, so I think one of these might be in order for Miss Kate.


(via soulemama)

Lisa Mayock

I love this girl's style. From her casual reference to the "Salvation Armani" as a favorite shopping destination to the fact that she keeps a lifetime supply of 99 cent Polish lipstick stashed in her freezer, Vena Cava designer Lisa Mayock is my type of gal. Only infinitely cooler.

Initially, I chose to include the photo below because I'm absolutely in love with that yellow sequined dress, but then I saw the blacklight poster lurking behind her and howled! She said that the theme for her recent apartment makeover was "things I like" which I think is pretty much the best decorating (and wardrobe) advice ever.

(via Refinery29)

Personalized Puzzles

Isn't this a fun idea? These personalized jigsaw puzzles are a snap to make. Just follow the simple tutorial here. I suppose technically this project is geared toward kids, but I can't help but think this would be fun for any age or occasion: birthday parties, bachelorette parties, baby showers! The possibilites are endless and simple fun really is sometimes the best!

(via ohdeedoh)

A Room of One's Own

Virginia Woolf would be pleased. At the top of my "things to acquire if I ever get filthy rich" list, is a private studio: a room (or building) of my own that I can fill with books, artwork my huband would deem weird, and a huge desk that is exclusively full of my stuff. Can you just imagine being able to retreat to this amazing private library/writing studio in Long Island? Walls of books, huge windows, ample space to think, dream, and create! If you can't write the great American novel here, it's probably not going to happen.

(via Re-Nest)

Cartoon Character Closets

Who knew nostalgia could be so trendy? Are you flirty and whimsical like Minnie? I adore that glittery pink bubble skirt!

Or is your style more exotic and aloof like She-Ra? It's not something I could ever pull off, but the asymetrical dress on the left is so elegant!

It just doesn't get more glamorous and sophisticated than the ever elusive, but always chic Carmen Sandiego.

(via Refinery29)

Reading.....Edna St. Vincent Millay

I woke up to a rainy summer morning today, perfect for curling up on the porch swing with a cup of Earl Gray and a volume of poetry. I revisited an old favorite today, Edna St. Vincent Millay. I became obsessed with her in college. I remember once in my bohemian days of staying out late and discussing existential matters with complete strangers, meeting a young man who quoted Edna St. Vincent Millay sonnets to me over a bottle of cabernet. It's a good thing he was only passing through my city, or I might have married him and then Kate would have never been born.

In a lot of ways Edna St. Vincent Millay is a poet of youth and defiance, but even now, not quite as young, flippant, and devil may care as I was then, I'm mesmerized by her wit, independence and keen insights into human fallibilty and both the thrill and isolation of freedom. This poem served as a sort of anthem for her generation (and really any generation of youth, no matter the decade).


"First Fig"
My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends-
It gives a lovely light!

I've long had Nancy Milford's biography of Edna St. Vincent Millay, Savage Beauty, on my reading list, but I'm thinking it may need to be bumped up to the top of the queue after rereading these lovely poems today.

Taza and Husband

A few months ago, I had the brilliant idea to do a couples' blog with my husband. Unfortunately, it was immediately rebuffed upon presentation. It's not that Mark is internet incompetent or anything. Actually, he's my inhouse computer specialist with a knowledge that far outreaches my own (okay, not like that's hard). But, my husband just isn't really into the whole blogging/digital social networking scene. He has a Facebook page (which I created for him) that he logs into about once a month (when my nagging finally gets to him), but he's old fashioned at heart and prefers to live and interact exclusively in the 3D world.

So anyway, with my own dreams of a fun, cute couples' blog unrealized, I was thrilled to discover Rockstar Diaries, a darling blog created by Naomi and Josh, also known as Taza and Husband. He is a proud Colombia grad who likes strawberry poptarts and hates slim jims. She is a recent graduate of the Julliard School who likes tea parties and Holga cameras. They live in DC and their blog is a sweet journal of their travels and adventures together.

(via The English Muse: photos via Rockstar Diaries)

DIY Cookbook Covers

If your cookbooks look anything like mine (pages stuck together with grease and bespeckled with sparkly sugar) you'll appreciate this cheap, easy project. Don't they look so homey and sweet?

(via Design*Sponge)

Watching.....Madmen

I've never been one to stay ahead of the curve on hot new tv shows, so it comes as no surprise that I'm probably one of the last people on the planet completely drawn into the glamourous, seductive, ego driven world of AMC's hit show, Madmen. Last night, I finished up the first season on DVD and hope to push through Season 2 by the time the third season premieres on August 16th.

The Emmy and Golden Globe winning show debuted in 2007 to rave reviews from critics and viewers alike who couldn't get enough of the dramatic lives of high powered 1960s Madison Avenue advertising executives. Fueled by lust, greed, and fancy cocktails, the men and women of this world are not always likeable (sexism reigns and they all smoke like fiends), but thanks to brilliant writing, you are likely to find yourself deeply engaged in their lives.

And then, of course, there is the fashion. If you watched this show with the mute button on, I still think you would come away inspired by the amazing costumes evocative of the era: sophisticated sheath dresses, tailored suits, starched white shirts, pencil skirts, tight fitting cardigans. It almost makes me want to go out and apply for an office job right now. But, not quite.

In anticipation of the third season premiere, Madmen is launching an ad campaign that would make Don Draper proud. Perhaps most notably, the show is teaming up with Banana Republic, obviously, a brilliant partnership. "Style and fashion are at the core of 'Mad Men' with its 1960's aesthetic highlighting the classic silhouettes that are still popular today," says Jack Calhoun, president of Banana Republic, "Banana Republic is known for its modern take on these classics, such as the suit, trench coat and classic white shirt, so the partnership is a natural fit for both brands."

From July 21st - August 11, you can expect to see Madmen themed window displays, a style guide featuring character profiles and tips to help you achieve your favorite character's particular style, and Madmen inspired contests. You could even win a walk-on role in an upcoming episode and a $1000 Banana Republic gift card.

(Photos via AMC/Banana Republic)

How To Get Your Picture Taken By the Sartorialist

In addition to the fact that I'm swooning over this girl's outift, I wanted to direct you to this hilarious guide about how to get photographed by the street style savant.

(Photo via Sartorialist)

Reincarnated McMansion Project

Have you heard about the Reincarnated McMansion Project? I recently stumbled across it, and with my fondness for sustainable, ecofriendly housing, was naturally very intrigued. Basically, one McMansion is selected, audited, dismantled, and rebuilt turning a single over the top, unsustainable house into two best practice, zero emissions green homes. The program is starting in Australia, but if it succeeds, hopefully we'll see a version here in the United States as well. I look forward to following the progress of the project at their website.

(via Apartment Therapy)

Personal Library Kit

Looking for the perfect gift for the bibliophile in your life? This cute little personal library kit from Knock Knock makes me nostalgic for the good ol' days before the Dewey Decimal System went digital. An ideal way to keep track of your book collection.

If digital is more your thing you might check out Library Thing, an online cataloging system.

(via black*eiffel)

Track and Field

I have the most boring laptop bag in the world. Seriously. It's black. It's nylon. The only thing going for it is functionality, in that it keeps my precious laptop from being squished, but beyond that it is completely dull and uninspiring. So you can imagine how thrilling it was for me to discover Track and Field. This amazing little ETSY shop based out of Vancouver is full of totally unique, oh so pretty laptop bags, plus lots of other fun, pretty stuff like pillows, brooches, pouches, and so on.

Each piece is designed with fabulous original fabrics and accented with a variety of fun, quirky, vintage inspired accessories like ladylike doilies and cool drawings, silk screened onto the fabric. I'm partial to the messenger bags myself, although I can't decide if I like the typewriter or the deer better! Either way, one of these delightful, charming bags is sure to make it onto my birthday wishlist.

This would also make a really great going away to college or graduation gift!

(via decor8)

Listening To.....Mindy Smith

Mindy Smith's beautiful, ethereal voice will rip your heart out. Love her.

Reading.....Maisie Dobbs

For the past few days, I've been completely immersed in the world of Maisie Dobbs, the heorine of Jacqueline Winspear's historical mystery/romance series. Maisie Dobbs is a private investigator, working in London just following the first world war. The historical details peppered throughout the novels are fascinating, and the heroine herself is hardly your typical PI. Through Maisie, Winspear brings sensivitivity and compassion to a genre that doesn't typically focus on those two human attributes. Although she has razor sharp intelligence and keen insights, Maisie Dobbs doesn't merely solve crimes. She finds solutions to complex problems that affect wide circles of people living in the shadow of one of the most turbulent, destructive eras of human history.

I've just finished the first novel, entitled Maisie Dobbs, and moved on to the second in the series, Birds of a Feather. These books are much more than just cozy mystery novels to curl up with on a rainy afternoon, although if you're anything like me, you will greatly enjoy doing just that.

Floppy Hats

Nothing epitomizes summertime like a big, floppy hat. This photo series from photographer Serge Leblon carries this summery trend into the fall, featuring models Anouck Lepere and Ilona Kuodiene dressed in rich jewel tones and gorgeous wide brimmed floppy suede hats. I love it! The perfect combination of dramatic sophistication and girlish innocence. Gorgeous!

(via Refinery 29)

Oh So Pretty!

(Photo from The Selby via Ringo Have A Banana)

Pallet Daybed

I know this has been making the blog rounds quite a bit lately, but I just can't resist sharing it here as well. This photo is part of a tour of photographer Ashely Ann's nursery for her soon-to-be-born daughter, and I'm completely smitten! The rest of the room is totally gorgeous as well, full of handmade and whimsical touches, but for me, this rustic "reading bed" is just the bees knees! My daughter, Kate, is precariously close to outgrowing her crib (meaning, she has become quite the little climbing monkey) and I've been wracking my brain trying to think of something fun and unique to do in her room, as a transition to a big girl bed, which I don't think she's quite ready for. I wanted something low to the ground (for those inevitable middle of the night tumbles), and had almost resigned myself to the simple mattress on the floor approach (yuck, I know), but this is so much better and seems relatively simple, even for me! The base is simply wooden shipping pallets with wheels attached, the comfy mattress is covered in a beautiful handmade quilt and colorful throw pillows, and for the headboard, an old door! Just perfect for napping or storytime snuggling.

(via Apartment Therapy)

Watching.....Cactus Flower

Mark and I watched this movie a few weeks ago. I had never heard of it before, but somehow stumbled across it on Netflix, and thought the premise sounded good and the cast was stellar. Walter Mattheau plays Julian Winston, a committment phobic dentist, who has managed to avoid settling down by telling his girlfriends that he's already married and has kids. He's not and he doesn't, but the ruse has worked so far, keeping him a happy, carefree bachelor. Eventually, he decides that his girlfriend Toni (Goldie Hawn in her debut Oscar nominated role) is the one and he does want to marry her afterall. She, however, doesn't want to be responsible for breaking up a marriage and insists on meeting the wife. Julian concocts an elaborate scheme, enlisting the help of his secretary, played by Ingrid Bergman, to pose as his wife and put Toni's concerns at bay. It's a charming little movie and Goldie Hawn is absolutely adorable. Lots of fun 60s music and groovy costumes.

Tiny Houses

I think one of the upsides of the recession (I know, dirty word alert) is the fact that ostentatious, gauche McMansions have sort of fallen out of favor. Even if one can actually afford a huge house, unless you have an equally large family or a fondness for Regency era house parties, it just seems wasteful and extravagent to put that kind of strain on the earth's resources, simply to brazenly display wealth and prestige. Okay, I'll hop down off of my soapbox now, but I am simply enraptured with this book: Tiny Houses. The book focuses on the trend of "microgreen living," or the creation of tiny homes that conserve natural resources and require much less energy to maintain. Although they may look like little dollhouses at first, it's really amazing how designers are able to do so much with so little space. The book features 36 homes from around the world. Just look at that cover? When your backyard looks like that, how much time are you really going to spend inside anyway?

(via Poppytalk)

Street Style Inspiration

I'm thinking that it must be virtually impossible to be in a bad mood while wearing this cheery ruffly yellow blouse. I just love the yellow/brown color combination, especially the chocolate sash belt and the quirky hat. Fun and whimsical!

I absolutely love this look! Exotic, but still understated. The red embellished mini-caftan is pure perfection.

(photos via Face Hunter)

Sacred Space

How would you feel about living in a church? Personally, I've always been drawn to sacred spaces. In fact, when I was a kid, I sincerely wanted to become a nun when I grew up. I wanted to be Maria from The Sound of Music (who, come to think of it, was actually not a very good nun). I was drawn to the beauty and ritual of abbey life, but unfortunately for me, my family was Protestant.

Fast forward a couple of decades or so, and there are many other reasons I would not have made a very good nun. But, I still love cathedrals and church history. This Georgian church in Northumberland has been converted into a stunning dwelling place. The owners have kept the original stained glass windows, and much of the existing church architecture. Aren't these photos amazing!

To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure I would be able to actually live here. The beauty and majesty of it all is surreal, but I'm not sure I would ever be completely comfortable or able to relax. I think I'd be too "mindful" of my behavior all the time. I mean, I just don't think I would ever be able to kick my shoes off and watch trashy tv in a space like this. Or yell, or laugh, or throw raucous parties. I'm also not sure how I would feel about a graveyard being right next to my home. And I definitely don't know how comfortable I would be taking a bubble bath in front of Jesus.

(via Apartment Therapy)