Doux

Yearbook

2012-01-25T20:30:00.002-05:00

Hillary Clinton

George W. Bush

These yearbook photos of famous people are my current favourites. Some of them look so much like the celebrity we know (see GWB above) and some of them take a little bit more thought (this means you, Pamela).

Debbie Harry

Dolly Parton*

* Who is my favourite person ever and you should go see Joyful Noise because it's amazing and YOU WILL LOVE IT.

Winter

2012-01-25T13:41:00.002-05:00

It's finally gotten cold in Durham. The nanny-ed baby, Ida, and I have been going to the NC Museum of Life and Science about twice a week to sit on the hot butterfly house to look at tropical blossoms. Outside, trees are starting to bloom.

Oh Christmas Tree

2012-01-04T22:27:00.002-05:00

We are taking down our tree this weekend (wait until after epiphany - prolong the joy). We had to have a wee tree this year so it could fit on my best friend from high school's stereo (she just moved out today but we're keeping the stereo for a wee while). At first I was upset about the teeny tree but with all our ornaments on it and all the coloured lights it seemed old fashioned and sweet and wonderful. I am sad to have to say goodbye to our second Christmas tree.

This Weekend

2011-12-19T14:32:00.002-05:00

I made marshmallows for my nieces and nephews and a 100 biscotti, chocolate covered candy canes, hot chocolate, marmalade, and toffee and wrapped a million presents and knitted a tie. Merry Christmas! Be back after the holiday.

Awesome People Hanging Out Together

2011-12-16T10:08:00.002-05:00

This is my new favourite thing.

Dork

2011-12-14T20:23:00.002-05:00

Or hipster? Definitely Dork

Mice

2011-12-13T13:39:00.003-05:00

OH oh oh!! Add these to the handmade presents. Jodie Carleton has posted awesome wee felt plushy patterns on her blog. They are so cute!

Mittens and Marmalade

2011-12-12T09:54:00.003-05:00

This weekend I spent much less time in bed then I had hoped and instead made marmalade. I've never canned anything before by my America's Test Kitchen slow cooker recipe cookbook had a recipe and I needed easy Christmas presents for David's family. I borrowed canning stuff and it was surprisingly easy and I felt super impressive. Oh yes, I made sixteen jars of marmalade and canned it. No big deal. Whatever. Mine don't look as beautiful as the ones above though.

I am now knitting a tie for my brother. It's fine. He never reads my blog. And cashmere mittens for my friend Judy who gave me these.

via

Friday

2011-12-09T16:02:00.002-05:00

Thank God it's Friday. I am going to spend all weekend here.

Photo mine. Bedroom with soft cushy bed with vintage headboard and heaps of half read books also mine

Gift Guide: Handmade Christmas

2011-12-07T23:03:00.003-05:00

I can't fully disclose what I'm making for Christmas just in case any of my family members ventures to the magical bloggy home but here are some of my favourite giftable crafts.

My littlest sister would love this Fox Stole from Tiny Owl Knits.

Pretty wee dishes for pretty girls?

Wire wrapped rings with magical pretty beads

MITTENS!! Everyone wants homemade mittens!

Most of my siblings and I were born in Chicago and maybe a mirror city tray would be nice.

Shake It Out

2011-12-07T13:10:00.003-05:00

She's younger than me which makes me feel very unaccomplished this Wednesday afternoon.

Florence and the Machine - Shake It Out (Acoustic) from Pick Up The Headphones on Vimeo.

Paper Statues

2011-12-06T09:32:00.003-05:00

Have you seen these? They are little paper sculptures left at libraries and museums in Edinburgh. Gorgeous!

Read more about it here and also at NPR.

Gift Guide: Stockings Stuffed

2011-12-05T17:54:00.000-05:00

1. Horseshoe Hook, $18 2. Sapphire and Floral Post Earrings, $88 3. State Necklace, $42 4. Record CD labels, $9 5. Birds on Wire Paperclips, $14 6. Tim Burton Playing Cards, $5 7. Horsehead Bottle Opener, $15.95 8. Tape Measure, $10 9. Field Notebooks, $7 10. Fauxbois iPod Case, $25 11. Birdie Napkin Rings, $12 12. Pins, $12 13. Fridge Grocery List, $9

Home

2011-12-05T16:09:00.001-05:00

I always love being home with my sister and mum. Coming back to Durham always feels a bit eh-ish. You know?

via Design Sponge

Gold

2011-12-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

When David and I registered we couldn't find a china set we liked so we registered for white china and didn't get any of it which is a good thing because I just discovered this and and I want it. Monday magic.

Jiggity Jig

2011-12-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

I'm off to my parent's farm for the weekend to hear my mother perform in Handel's Messiah at the Mercersburg Academy and to go shopping with sister number 4 and the foreign exchange student. Happy weekend!

Running Late

2011-12-02T12:00:00.002-05:00

We haven't done our Christmas cards yet. And by that I mean that we haven't picked them out or checked our addresses or any of the things that I usually have VERY squared away by Thanksgiving. Growing up I was the boss of my parents Christmas cards. I compiled their spreadsheet and signed everyone's names and sent off the cards. When I was engaged I came home for a week and made 200 glitter stamped Christmas cards. Now it's December and I don't have cards picked out yet. Here are some of my favourites from Etsy

Be Merry, $12.50 for 6

Chunkey Christmas Lights, $18 for 10

Merry Christmas Kraft Cards, $12 for 10

Nella Designs' Baby It's Cold Outside, $15 for 10

Gift Guide: Sisters and Friends

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have three sisters and some super rad friends. They are stylish, glamorous girls with fantabulous taste. Here are a few things I'd love to get them.

The baby sister is now 15 and stylish as hell (despite her desire for 'an ironic panther tattoo'). I feel like she super dee duper needs this Fox Jumper but don't get your hopes up, Bean, it's £125.

I love all of the paintings in this shop and there are prints as low as $15. This one especially seems perfect for the older of my twin sister.

Doesn't everyone want a gold initial bag? Seriously. Only £12.00
The second twin is madly in love with all things robot related. She also drinks a fair amount of tea and, if Mod Cloth would just restock the Robot Tea infuser, she would be the happiest bunny around for only $14.99

I think perhaps my Durham friend who's boyfriend has been on a mission to convince her that comic books are cool could be persuaded by this graphic novel by Lucy Knisley.

I'm one of the sisters, right? I would like these lurvely earrings please. $15.99

Gift Guide: Dudes

2011-12-01T13:35:00.000-05:00

I find boys/men exceptionally difficult to shop for. My best friend Mary? Find something shiny! My sisters? They have hobbies with accouterment and also: Forever 21! My mom? Anything related to a horse! My dad, my brother and my husband have no hobbies (drinking? reading? are those hobbies?) and have very expensive tastes in clothing and booze. It doesn't help that my brother is much much cooler than I am and my father is way into yoga at the moment (and I'm boycotting LuluLemon and don't exercise) and my husband really just wants a puppy (and guess who's NOT getting a puppy?) so here are some hobbled together ideas:

All three of the groovy dudes on my shopping list are well dressed and generally down for luggage. Maybe everyone would like $13.95 Gentleman's Travel Shoe Bag and my dad and brother could come visit me?
After my wedding we finally had professional photos of me and my sisters (after 25 years of my parents talking about it) so I framed a picture for my dad of the four of us last year.

I no longer attempt to find music my brother hasn't heard of. Magic Kids is mega groovy though. If you want to be the best sister ever - give my brother's band's CD

I'm all over knitting scarfs this year. Cast on an even number, knit 2, purl 2. Repeat ad nauseum while watching endless hours of telly. Eventually you can say "Here Dad, I handcrafted this for you!" Now aren't you a good daughter!

My dad isn't really a knit tie type (and neither is David, I have been informed) but my brother is mega stylish and this pattern from Lion Brand knits up in like two hours and requires very little wool so you can get some super lovely cashmere.

David grew up in Maryland and would like to fly the Maryland Flag outside our NC house. He knows the Maryland State Anthem and was required to take 13 years of Maryland history at his super weird school. So a vintage map of Maryland seems like just thing.

Lie of Omission

2011-11-30T21:57:00.003-05:00

Does anyone else make cocoa with a combination of milk and half & half and not tell the innocent consumers of their cocoa? Anyone?

Photo: David trucking through a snow storm in boat shoes during the most miserable of winters to get beer and pizza. Because when it is cold I need beer and pizza. And half and half with chocolate stirred in for colour.

Back

2011-11-30T14:23:00.002-05:00

I'm a pretty dreadful blogger (you too, Mary) but I'm back with Christmas crafts, recipes, and gift guides. I might even keep up with the blogging.

Also: Roger says hello.

Nannying

2011-09-27T14:56:00.003-04:00

Taking care of Ida everyday makes me have babies on the brain. I don't particularly want any of my own any time soon but I want to knit these for all the babies I know. So beautiful.

And also what could be more perfectly nanny then knitting wee cardis all day?

Pins

2011-09-26T14:48:00.003-04:00

Pintrest is officially my most favourite thing ever. It's made me a negligent blogger. It's funny how looking at all your favourite things in one place makes your preferences so clear. Maybe you knew that I wanted to live a sloany country life but it wasn't quite so clear to me until I realized the number of wellies I had. Follow me?

Lynchburg

2011-08-31T21:29:00.003-04:00

So Lynchburg, VA has some seriously gorgeous signage. Just in case you were wondering.

More Sweaters

2011-08-29T10:37:00.002-04:00

I lost Susie this weekend. Losing a dog sucks so fucking much. Today the nanny-ee and I are hiding in bed all day and she is sleeping (because she got shots this morning, boo) and I'm watching Sarah's House about the farm house and I wish I was wearing some better armor against the universe. Something like this pull over (or a Brookstone Blanket with Sleeves, my friend Judy left one at our house in the spring and it's delightful).

Let's Be Literal

2011-08-29T01:36:00.002-04:00

This weekend's weather made me want start dressing for fall. I keep thinking of yellow rain slickers and Katie Morag. Literally. Here we go. Tartan skirt, aran sweater and wellies. Maybe a non-HM POST satchel?

Presents for Babies

2011-08-25T14:09:00.005-04:00

I feel like everyone I know is having a baby or just had a baby. My roommate from college (not Mary) is expecting her second and our friends Al and Mary (not coblogger Mary) just had their first and our nephew is now three months old. All of these wee people need presents because it's nice to welcome wee people to the world. It is very difficult to find something nice that isn't a Woombie, or a Boppy, or a Bumbo, and isn't plastic that shrieks and could splinter and get lodged on someone's septum (not to knock the Woombie, I'm a nanny and that thing is the bestest, it's just very boring and ugly). Also difficult if you are a nanny and poor. Here are some of my collected favourites

Super Awesome Monkey, $68.00 - The Nanny-ee baby has this monkey and she is totally non-plussed by it's awesomeness. Maybe when she is not six months old she will be cooler and understand that it's super stylish and cuddleable. I love it.

I've been planning to make one of these mobiles for forever. Unfortunately for the babies of this world, no one is getting one until I have one to look at while I got to sleep.

City In A Bag, $14.00 - This is very much a present for mummies and daddies to be impressed by. I don't know that babies care whether or not they have London blocks or super boring blocks. In defense of the London blocks they would look pretty rad on a grown ups bookshelf so they can grow with baby?

Bookplates, $6.00 - When I was little I had really ugly Mickey Mouse bookplates and some of my books still have the dancing Mickey and my super cute eight year old handwriting proclaiming that THIS BOOK IS HANNAH'S. I think they are mega charming. I've been plotting to print out the Martha Stewart ones and start sticking them in books I give as gifts.

I feel as though all little people need Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny but everyone knows that babies need those so I'm always concerned that someone else has already gotten there first. Ditto Pat the Bunny. My favourite books to read are Moo Ba LALALA by Sandra Boynton (and I remember laughing like a maniac at it when I was wee) and In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak (maybe for slightly older people but so wonderful although the interwebs has just informed me that the naked wee boy is controversial and some people might take issue with a naked baby in the bread dough) and then the absolutely lovely Gorilla by Anthony Browne about a little girl called Hannah who's favourite animal is gorillas (who does THAT remind you of? AND published by the company I interned for during college. Baby can think of me every time it reads).

Do you have any go to baby gifts?

DIY baby

2011-08-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am currently obsessed with these type box jewelry racks and I decided to make a mini slightly less cool one out of a box lid (from one of these).

I painted it with a groovy paint sample and then lined the back with wrapping paper (from my most favourite place in Durham) using the good old magic of ModPodge and then hammered nails into the box. This was kind of a maga pain as the box lid it super thing. I used another board (for a floating shelf I have yet to assemble) as a backer so I wouldn't put holes in my floor.

adjusting the nails as far through as I wanted them to hang jewelry, I cut the nails off in the back with wire cutters and then glued the nails in place with Krazy Glue.

Then varnished the whole thing loads. Hurrah! I attached the ribbon on the back with thumb tacks.

Yay bathroom jewelry storage.

Before and After: Lamps

2011-08-20T14:26:00.005-04:00

I found these ridiculous rad lamps at a lawn sale while in the Adirondacks two weeks ago. Actually, my parents saw them first. My mother jokingly said, "I should get those for Mary," and I was all, "STOP THE CAR." I bargained with the nice lady selling them and managed to snag them for 35 dolla each. My parents think I should maybe possibly be committed but GREY GREEN CRYSTAL and I love SHINY things.

Grey Green Crystal. I cannot stress this enough.

They were very grimy and dusty and covered with years of dirt but with several sponges and lots of patience I got most of it off. I painted them white because I thought they would be too insane any other way.

Between buying the lamps, paint, and rewiring supplies, I did the whole thing for under 100 bucks. They are so awesome I almost cannot deal.

Cookies

2011-08-19T18:01:00.002-04:00

There. Are. Out. Of. Hand.

YUM.

Crisp Salted Oatmeal White Chocolate Cookies via SmittenKitchen

Shop

2011-08-19T17:51:00.002-04:00

There are some people who are awesome shopping buddies. One of those people is my best friend from highschool, Ann. She moved in last week and is my favourite ever couch dweller. We went out on Wednesday and we found this. Because Ann is a lucky shopping buddy.

Twined Stones Necklace, $38

Etsy Lovelies

2011-08-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

Lovely

Lovely Shoes (if you have teeny feet)

Basket

Clutch

In Sickness

2011-08-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

I have fibromyalsia. My particular brand of FMS makes me a little bit like the six-month old I quit my Duke University job to nanny for (because, quite honestly, I needed the naps). I like to have a two hour nap in the morning. Sometimes I like to also have a two hour nap in the afternoon, depending on the amount of sleep I got the night before. I also get real crabby if I'm hungry and, like a fifteen year old, getting me our of bed it a bitch. I cry about stuff that it's really not okay to cry about, like not having basil in the house.

Friday was our the second anniversary and when we met I was not sick and did not need naps and my fingers did not hurt and I did not cry because I hate ants and there are ants in the shower. No I did not. And despite the fact that the groovy girl drinking magnums of wine on his porch has turned into his weepy, sleepy, sore wife in two years, David hasn't batted an eye and makes breakfasts and lunches and cleans and really really likes me. Because he's the best.

Happy Anniversary, Self and David!

Reading on the couch with David at Christmas time, under my sisters Phi Mu blanket.

Three Days

2011-08-02T21:33:00.004-04:00

My birthday, the most exciting day of the year, is on Friday. And I didn't make a list. At the sea side my dad asked what I wanted and I said "oh you know, cool stuff". For some reason this year I wasn't full of happy list items (although a cursory look over the last few months) filled with things I want. But I know that since I won't be home for my birthday (last year I was home the next day for cake and presents with my Mum but this year it's just me and David in Durham) sister Dos, Tres, Cuatro and the brother have probably not gotten me anything yet. No worries sibs, here you go!

1) Slow Cooker Revolution because I am old and work a lot and America's Test Kitchen is the bestest of the best

2) How pretty is this sweater?

3) A rad tote bag

4) Some awesome music and some more awesome music

Follow Up

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

In case you were wondering, these are every bit as fantastic as I thought they would be. I sent KISS KISS cover to friends for their anniversary and I just sent off A Book of Scripts and A Severed Head and I've had Robert Burns propped on my desk because it's the loveliest colour. Some of my own books (pilfered from my mother, and no-mummie-you-may-not-have-King-Lear-back-don't-both-asking) have the gorgeous covers. I wish they had The Psychology of Sex because that's a gorgeous colour and slightly embarrassing to get in the mail. I found a copy a couple of years ago at a church booksale with Mary and I've tried my best to read it but really. One can only read about so much hysteria...

Paper

2011-08-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh I have a hankering for paper goods. I've been playing around with making my own personalized stationary and some for Daveroo too. I'm also crushing on those super traditional bordered stationary especially these with the groovy twist (via Crane's obvi). Oh paper goods how you soothe my Monday blues.

This Weekend...

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

...we watched the coolest movie and went to the farmers market and I went walkabout in the mall and bought the prettiest blue dress and a present for my littlest sister and headbands and got a teeny bouquet of wee flowers.

AAAAAND I also may have watched old episodes of Criminal Minds and knitted a scarf. Maybe if I keep knitting diligently throughout all of August I'll have a full scarf by November? Hmmm.

Sunburnt

2011-07-24T15:10:00.002-04:00

Back from the sea where I spent a week with husband and parents and sisters and brother and cousins and aunt and uncle in house by the sea. Walked to the beach every day and got burnt into a lovely crisp. Ate ice cream. Lovely.

Saturday

2011-07-04T13:54:00.003-04:00

We didn't do much this weekend. I folded laundry and drank tea in the morning and knitted and drank tea in the evening. We walked the dog and faffed around. It was a lovely day.

2011-07-01T12:48:00.002-04:00

I ought to start biking to work. But it's one million degrees. I've got two minibreaks planned and, before you know it, it will be September and then October and then it will be cool enough to ride the La Jolla Cruiser to work.

Photo by me with fancy work camera, when I was suppose to be taking photos of the facilities which I am suppose to be emotionally invested in

Tassle Earrings

2011-06-21T12:21:00.004-04:00

In today's crap-qual-cell-phone-picture I am wearing these fantabulous earrings that my gorgeous and talented sister made for me. She used this tutorial from P.S. I Made This. She made mine slightly smaller and lighter than the original posting and I think they are totally rad.

Nora's Stars

2011-06-20T17:39:00.003-04:00

I think today is a good day to read Nora's Stars to myself. Because I would like a plum tree and a turtle and all the stars in my duvet. Maybe a stuffed rabbit too.

Now Playing

2011-06-19T15:58:00.004-04:00

Last week we were both under the weather and its rained a lot and I was at work about twice as much as normal and we had my gorgeous friend Nina and her boyfriend to stay. Since Thursday we've been chilling out and working that Netflix membership. Hiding out and and watching movies. Yes please.

I lalalaloved Adam with Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne. It's a romcom about a young man with Asperger's Syndrome and his upstairs neighbor and it's lovely.

We've also been on kind of a health food kick (Dear Annemarie Colbin: you have ruined my life) so we watched King Corn which was good but just kind of reinforced my confusion about what I should eat. And I don't think I learned anything (given that we've already seen Supersize Me and Food Inc and read the appropriate literature).

This weekend we went to see Super 8 which we really liked. That sort of magical Steven Spielberg brand of Americana is fantabulous.

Happy Friday

2011-06-17T14:53:00.003-04:00

Roger and Cat say hello. They say new jobs and visitors are a wee bit crazy.

Things Recently Acquired

2011-06-15T15:26:00.005-04:00

1. 3 new pairs of suede heels (thank you Bloomingdales clearance rack and J. Crew sample sale)
2. A completed shawl, knitted (for the last four months) and blocked last night
3. A new ikat bag
4. A graduate school acceptance
5. A new zip code
6. AN APARTMENT

Designer, Graphic

2011-06-07T12:56:00.002-04:00

So. I hated my job. Like really hated. So I asked for a better job. A job I had no business having. A job that I assumed someone would realize I was unqualified for. But they didn't. They gave me a job handling website management and graphic design and publicity and marketing all by myself for an entire department with over 3 thousand student participants. Which feels like a big deal. So I'm looking for laptop cases for my very funky new work laptop with very scary software I don't know how to use. And I feel like I have to start washing my face before I come to work. Graphic Designers probably do stuff like that. We'll see.

Out of Season

2011-05-31T12:27:00.002-04:00

So not very seasonable but I would really like this to wear every other day. I nearly bought on in MNGO in spain when I was 20 but didn't have regrettedly massively and regularly since.

A Day Late

2011-05-31T11:06:00.003-04:00

If I had only read my Martha Stewart Magazine before I wrapped The Frog Princess and The Bad Beginning I would have pasted one of these sweet things into the front before shipping these off to la niece. Also, in the event that I ever, in 15 years, have a baby maybe someone could throw me a book shower because gush.....

To See

2011-05-26T14:00:00.005-04:00

This New Yorker Slideshow and a rather sweet review on Fresh Air make me think that The Tree of Life is something to see.

Bridesmaid

2011-05-26T10:55:00.002-04:00

In case you were wondering what it looks like if someone tells David and me to look like Brideshead Revisited while we're plastered. And glam bridesmaid shot.

More photos from Tilly's wedding here.

Eight Year Old Girls

2011-05-26T10:00:00.002-04:00

This time last year I had no nieces, no nephews. Now I have five nephews and three nieces. The war on birthdays is never over. Last year when I was just the uncle's girlfriend I got the two girls who turned 7 craft kits. This year I am employed and have no time and little money and one of the nieces birthdays is upon me and she's turning 8. Which seems a hard year. Too old for very little girl things but definitely not old enough for big girl things. There is also the desire to be the fun aunt and give something fantastic and the very real desire to not buy anything plastic that will lodge in anyone's septum, or anything that will promote crack addiction, anorexia or slaggishness when she's fifteen. So none of those dolls with whore make-up and big heads. So what to get. I want to get books. So far I've given four nephews and another niece books this year. Are eight year olds too big for Judy Moody and Junie B. Jones? Are they old enough for Constance Hopkins?

So far I'm thinking Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (because, ya know, she's eight) or book plates (for all the books her groovy Aunt Hannah will be getting her for the next fifteen years) or Tear Up This Book. Any brilliant ideas?

Apartment Shopping Pt. 1

2011-05-20T16:31:00.005-04:00

I am apartment shopping this weekend. For the first time ever.

My inbox is filled with e-mails from people called Stu telling me that they have a whole list of great places to show me that they are absolutely certain I will love. I am a little frightened. Mostly because I do not understand basic apartment jargon that my friends throw around. Little things to consider, which are not so little after all, such as "utilities," and "laundry," embarrassingly do not occur to me.

Living at home, as rad as it is, has its setbacks. Not the least of which include sounding like a clueless loser to people called Stu.

Maxi Skirt: Part II - le hippy

2011-05-19T15:32:00.002-04:00

It's really hard to take a picture of a skirt you are wearing. It is very easy so sew a super awesome floor length hippy skirt and wear it to work even though it borders on inapropriate.

Also: that rug is the single coolest thing we own. My mother got it in Yugoslavia when she was 14.

Maxi Skirt

2011-05-19T14:34:00.005-04:00

Sandro

Over the weekend my sister and I were sorting through piles of my grandmother's dresses and skirts from decades past. We found a lovely maxi skirt very similar to the Sandro skirt above. My sister, a freelance wardrobe supervisor for movies who also happens to be quite chic and fashionable, assures me that this look is trending at the moment and that, because of my height, I could totally pull this off.

Adam

I am slightly skeptical because, although I am tall, I am quite curvy and thus slightly worried about looking shapeless and sad. Maybe with a black tank top? And wedge sandals?

Emilio Pucci

According to Net-a-Porter, maxi skirts are everywhere for Spring. I should really step out of the cubicle and start reading InStyle again.

Farmers Markets, Bare Feet

2011-05-18T12:16:00.003-04:00

Last night I sewed myself an enormous maxi skirt. For wearing to the farmers market and to my mother's birthday party. I am tired of shoes and tired of flatironed hair and tired of being in airconditioning. I think that maybe I need to go barefoot and wear my long long cream coloured maxi skirt and carry this bag around full of magazines and sunscreen and maybe a towel for lying on east campus getting some sun with the dog. Yes please.

The Weekend in Pictures

2011-05-16T08:35:00.000-04:00

A little grey dog sitting on a little grey couch looking out a window into a very rainy grey day

New hutch with things in it in newly painted dining room. Thank you craigslist and fiddy dolla.

First blue on hyacinth

New sideboard (also craigslist et also fiddy) and peonies from the farmers market for fi' dolla.

Shabby Apple

2011-05-15T12:09:00.003-04:00

Dear Shabby Apple:

If you are out there please send me one of the above dresses. Because they are gorgeous and I want to wear them to work every day.

Thanks ever so.

Hannah

Hungry

2011-05-13T19:59:00.002-04:00

I am hungry. And I think someone should make me one of these for a delightful mid-morning snack.

Glasses

2011-05-13T16:37:00.003-04:00

Welcome back 1985. I really really missed you.

Glasses.

And yes that is my Vagina Monologues t-shirt from senior year and yes my face is unbelievably pretty so I updated with this luminocity.

Summer Reading

2011-05-13T15:25:00.006-04:00

A couple of weeks ago David and I went to the library sale and came home with three backs full of books. I'm attempting to make a serious dent in the gazillions of books hanging around the house unread. I found gorgeous copies of Women On War, Edited by Daniela Gioseffi and Male and Female, By Margaret Mead that will fill my quota of non-fiction. After hearing this, I think it's time to revisit My Antonia By Willa Cather. I was mad about it when I was twelve so in theory it will be twelve years better. The Golden Notebook, By Doris Lessing has been kicking around our flat for a while and I loved her short stories. Miami, By Joan Didion has been on my bedside table since we moved a year ago and I've reread the first chapter like eight times. This summer it will happen. Fast Food Nation, By Eric Schlosser and Primary Colours have also been on my To-Read list for way to long. This summer baby this summer.

One Hit Wonder

2011-05-12T11:38:00.000-04:00

I adore Kate Szabone (of engagement-ring-I-could-hike-the-AT-in-and-would-wear-even-if-wasn't-an-engagement-ring fame) so much. I want all her beautiful things today.

Bracelet ($135); Mushroom Coral Pendent ($295) Saphire Ring ($885)

66 Days Until the Beach

2011-05-11T20:39:00.000-04:00

And also 66 days until our first anniversary. In real life I know for a week at the beach I will pack Holy Cross sweatshirts and t-shirts from work and jeans that don't fit well and probably possibly a Red Sox hat. I would like to think that I would bring just the above and float around behind sunglasses in flowy skirts and tanktops and bangles, reading stacks of old New Yorker. Maybe this summer.

Sweatshirt Cardi ($30); Swim Suit ($150); Denim Shorts by those Mooses ($165); Bangles ($95); Floppy Hat (£14.00); Cray Cray Sandals ($15.80); Aviators ($159); Toms (€ 55.00); Cotton Shorts (£7.99); Maxi Skirt

Vintage

2011-05-09T13:50:00.004-04:00

A friend's mother put this picture up on facebook yesterday of her own mother, Rowena, for mother's day. I just love it. I want little curls and bobby socks. So lovely. Rowena died last month and was a super groovey old lady when I knew her. It's nice to see this picture of her looking young and gorgeous.

Happy Today, Mummie!

2011-05-08T09:50:00.001-04:00

If You Are My Mummie...

2011-05-05T10:48:00.006-04:00

you won't be getting any of these pretty things (sorry, Mumster. If I was getting them for you I could post them). If you haven't gotten your Mother something for mother's day yet, hop to. And Amazon can get it there easy by Saturday.

A Fantabulous Custom Painting of Her Pet , $35

100 Penguin Cover Postcards (to make up for all the books you've stolen from her) $16.50

A Glass Water Bottle (for bedsides and desks) $19.03

Paint

2011-05-03T09:16:00.003-04:00

Photo via

This is the colour I'm painting our bedroom. Heavy Goose by Martha Stewart. In our room it's much more lavender than in this picture. Part of me wants to paint all our furniture white but my love of white is very much counteracted by my hatred of dusting.

So: thoughts on a duvet cover? What do we think?

For walls

2011-05-02T16:40:00.003-04:00

We are staying in our apartment another year. To me this means paint. To me this means buy things and stick them on the wall. To me this means line drawings of the city in which I was born on my living room walls. Yes please please.

Inspiration: Botanical Prints

2011-04-07T14:48:00.001-04:00

Inspiration: Botanical Prints by mcirbus featuring drop earrings

Color, According to Sex

2011-04-07T10:54:00.002-04:00

My boyfriend sent this to me via Reddit. Yes on all accounts.

Today

2011-03-04T11:31:00.002-05:00

Sitting here at work actually thinking that I would like to be an eskimo and live in an igloo, then got worried I would lose Susie because she is white and wouldn't be able to find her in the snow and a polar bear might eat her. Then realized it's 65 degrees and I'm in North Carolina and apparently an adult. Whatever.

I Did It

2011-02-18T15:10:00.003-05:00

After pining for three long years (since my year abroad in the UK) I finally bought it. Because I turned 25. Because I work hard. Because I want a bag that will look just as chic when my daughters steal it from my closet. Because I effing deserve it.

Image via Net-A-Porter.

2011-02-17T11:45:00.002-05:00

I generally feel very judged when I walk into Madewell because I'm far from cool and I happen to like sandwiches very much, thank you, but my gosh I adore the colors of this top.

Is it time for shorts yet?

New Pottery

2011-02-16T14:48:00.004-05:00

Some new pieces I finished last term. More are in the process of making it on here.

Probably my favorite piece, color-wise

Creamers; I made the one one the right first, was very proud of it, and promptly got carried away and made a second, the one on the left.

Probably my best bowl to date. The color didn't take properly but I still love the effect of gentle brown hues.

My bowl on the left was meant to be a richer brown with a white stripe in the middle but I am thrilled with the slightly different outcome and safari colors.

February Morning

2011-02-13T23:25:00.007-05:00

The post-finding of my camera charger has been awesome you guys.

Adult

2011-02-13T23:23:00.004-05:00

Saturday was my 25th birthday. My boyfriend took me to the Liberty Science Center and bought us tickets to two IMAX movies in the same day. It was pretty rad.

So I'm a mature adult now. The last few weeks I've been getting my sh*t together and doing things that mature adults do. For example, adults wear perfume, so I tried out three little trial size bottles from CB I Hate Perfume. Adults also don't eat egg-and-cheese sandwiches and udon noodle soup EVERY SINGLE DAY for breakfast and lunch, respectively, so I visited a nutritionist and now I do adult things like not eat dairy and take nutritional supplements.

However, I did spend my birthday night watching Degrassi, so I suppose I am a work-in-progress. Whatever, at least I bought mouthwash. Like a mother-effing adult.

Scenes from a Snowy January*

2011-02-10T10:54:00.004-05:00

Holly, gorgeous all winter long

Rusty, ecstatic

*Camera battery charger, found

I'm really digging

2011-02-01T09:53:00.000-05:00

This post today.

Oh Happy Day

2011-01-28T16:07:00.006-05:00

Hello surprise watch! I love you! You make my wrist happy! You are sparkly and look good with my wedding ring! Yum!

Cosy House

2011-01-25T21:28:00.002-05:00

I saved this in my favourites as "cosyhouse" and it is. I am way overtired and have a really busy Wednesday tomorrow and a busy week ahead and really just want to lie under my duvet and tell everyone to sod off. I feel like in this glorious little house in Walton NY no one has to go to a terrible jobs and there is no babysitting and no doctors appointments. I know that's a lie but I'd like to imagine a place for hiding.

Don't you want this to be your bed? I want it to be my bed.

I Wanna Send You A Card of My FACE!

2011-01-25T07:40:00.000-05:00

I'm on a Rifle kick. Deal. I'm pretty sure my number one favourite thing in the universe at the moment is Rifle Paper Co. I'm dreaming of personalized calling cards and note cards. With my face on them. Which I will send to everyone. I am also dreaming of being called "Jackie" and knowing someone called "Mimi". Mary, will you change your name to Mimi? Just thought I'd ask.

Right Now

2011-01-24T19:36:00.002-05:00

I wish I could send a Rifle Paper Co valentines day card to every single person I know.

MW Planners

2011-01-21T16:08:00.002-05:00

I've documented my unhealthy love of ikat and these are no exception. Because I can't afford this but I believe I can swing one of these. From the lovely store filled with beautiful things, Cursive, located in Grand Central.

This photo is from the Cursive website.

Old Rooms, Worn Furniture

2011-01-21T14:42:00.004-05:00

Ever since I got back from Scotland I've been obsessed with Ardtornish and all it's old wallpaper and big chairs and drippy taps and big windows. I live in half of a tiny 1930s bungalow in the American South but the Scottish North really rocks my world.

Ever since I got back from Scotland I've been obsessed with Ardtornish and all it's old wallpaper and big chairs and drippy taps. I live in half of a tiny 1930s bungalow in the American South but the Scottish North really rocks my world.

Walls

2011-01-20T20:44:00.003-05:00

I want another bedroom. 2 dogs and 1 cat and 1 David and 1 Me is a lot in this apartment. Another bedroom, a place for a desk and a sewing machine and maybe a place to leave the glue and the ribbon and weird bits and bobs out rather than putting them away. But if we're looking for a new place I probably shouldn't paint.... and I really want to paint. And hang pictures. And curtains. Hmm.

all photos via designsponge

This Brightens My Day

2011-01-19T11:31:00.003-05:00

I am not only wearing leggings in the office today (yes, I am one of those biddies) but also legwarmers. I know, I am so glamorous. And the temperature at my desk is finally comfortable (why do I normally need to wear multiple cardigans and huddle next to my space heater? UNREASONABLE) but everyone else feels its too hot and building management JUST turned on the vents and I can already feel it getting colder and HEAD, MEET DESK.

I wish it were spring. I would wear this crazy dress with a cardigan (typical), belt, and saddle-colored boots. LOVE.

My Annual Hair Meltdown

2011-01-18T15:35:00.002-05:00

So I know I'm about five years late to this boat but should I get bangs? The temptation to shave my head is overwhelming.

January Fair Isle

2011-01-18T11:23:00.003-05:00

I managed to finish these baller leg warmers while in the car as my sister drove us to Boston on Saturday. These are a testament to the fact that I actually can finish a project, thankyouverymuch. I've only been working on these, however, since shortly before Christmas so I suppose this is not the most compelling evidence.

My sister laughed hard at me as I was making legwarmers but I wanted to try fair isle and overall, I think they're super pretty. Dorky, yes, but pretty. The pattern is from Manos del Uruguay's Adirondack Accessories book, which I just adore. Please excuse my lousy blackberry camera.

Paper, for walls

2011-01-17T19:39:00.005-05:00

Temporary Wallpaper is rocking my world so hard as a concept. I want to do our teeny tiny wee rental dining room in one of these Easy-Change papers from Sherwin Williams. David keeps stepping in to make me calm myself and not make our entire apartment a shrine to the grey so maybe yellow? hmmmm.

January, In Grey

2011-01-17T17:41:00.004-05:00

My iPhoto leads me to believe it has been a rather grey January. Lovely. But grey. It's also been six months since we got married. So we're having drinks and yummy bits and chilling out. Good January. Good six months.

A cottage sitting room in Scotland; wallpaper in said sitting room I want; Lochaline village; my wee sister's chinchilla, Jack.

New Years are for Singing

2011-01-14T11:09:00.002-05:00

I've been singing this and dancing around the dining room since coming back from Scotland. Driving back to Durham this afternoon with two dogs, a cat and a husband. Looking forward to home.

Update

2011-01-14T10:12:00.002-05:00

Hi, I resolve to blog more this year!

Family emergency on New Year's Eve placed my sending of New Year's cards, making resolutions, and taking pictures on the back burner. I hope, however, that the holidays were just lovely for you.

Rather than backtrack about the holidays, I shall start fresh.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year

2010-12-31T10:56:00.002-05:00

Picture 0f stockings of all siblings and now David at my parents house,

nicked off of Facebook as I don't have my camera or computer

We are at my Mum and Dad's for Christmas, New Years and the lead up to our week in the Highlands. We bought thermal long underwear and wool socks and pullovers and we drank spiced wine and we cuddled puppies and kittens (BOTH!!) and ate turkey and stuffing and mince pie and all four of my parent's daughters cuddled up in a bed and watched Law and Order SVU for hours. Tonight we're off to go to my cousins and uncle and aunt to greet 2011 and eat goose and then on Wednesday, Mum, David, Sister Tres and I are flying to Edinburg for my gorgeous cousin's gorgeous wedding with a gorgeous cake-topper made of pegs by me. Photos will abound. I'll be missing for a bit. I hope your Christmas was the most wonderful and that you get good and zozzled tonight and that 2011 starts with a hangover and gets better everyday. xoxox

Seriously...

2010-12-15T15:45:00.000-05:00

...I think I was a magpie in a former life.

loveliness via modcloth

Favorite Things: Agate

2010-12-10T15:31:00.001-05:00

I'm digging agate jewelry in an obscene way right now. I got out my super awesome rocks and minerals collection from my childhood the other day and carefully took out each specimen, stared at it, and put it back in its rightful cardboard spot lined with wool (I arranged this box when I was in elementary school, thank you very much. My first-grade birthday party was a rocks-and-minerals theme; my mother made a cave in our basement from dropcloths and she hid "gems" everywhere and we had a hunt with flashlights to find them and then we made our own necklaces. I was a really cool kid okay).

Anyway, I bought a cool agate ring yesterday. I think that's what I was trying to say with this post.

Bumble

2010-12-09T20:31:00.006-05:00

Bees are my favourite bug (puffins are my favourite birds and gorillas are my favourite animal, just in case you were wondering). I've seen several gorgeous bee things around the interwebs and feel like I need to share them with you. Just in case you were trying to find some bumblers to remind you of the summery warmth during the snowy loveliness.

Blue Bee Box from FCL Style, $10.00

Tiny Golden Bee Necklace, $36

Bumble Bee Print, New York Public Library Digital Gallery, $25.00

Sick

2010-12-08T21:27:00.002-05:00

Unmade Bed

Being sick is always no fun. It's especially no fun when one wants to be Christmas shopping and making ornaments and going to parties and having people over for dinner. Instead I've spent the last week and a half on the couch feeling terrible. Today I was sent home from work with bleary eyes and red face. Now I'm watching Miracle on 34th Street and hiding under my blanket on the couch. Bah humbug.

Consistency

2010-12-04T23:59:00.003-05:00

So every time this ad comes on I get really teary and stupid and smack David and whine about how magical my soul feels and the spirit of the holiday. I am a big effing nerd. Guster always make my soul feel magical, because I'm a loser. Once I camped out with my best friend and two sisters on their sixteenth birthday for like ten hours to be the first in line to see Guster and be in the first row. We played scrabble and ate pizza and wore hats. It was awesome. David was randomly at that concert two hours from where either of us lived when I was a highschool senior and he was a college freshman. But still. We were in the same room. And it was a great concert. Long way of saying, I may be a moron who cries at Target commercials that aren't even sad but at least I'm consistent. Guster makes me magical. Whatever. Goodnight.

More of These Christmas Joy Outfits

2010-12-03T19:40:00.002-05:00

I want this to wear to parties. Christmas parties. I don't know what to wear to these parties. This would help.

But This...

2010-12-02T10:57:00.003-05:00

...I am so drawn to. It's the sparkles, I can't help it.

Buy

2010-12-02T10:49:00.002-05:00

Perhaps I'm just thinking of Christmas and my started-but-unfinished decorations and dreaming of baking delicious things but I think I find this super-cute? With dark tights, boots, and a long cardigan? Or have the candy canes gone to my head?

Lovely things via Modcloth