Brick and Ivy

Go Canada!

2013-03-13T12:03:00.002-07:00

Something I appreciate: putting the focus on teaching NOT TO rape instead of NOT BEING raped.

"Dont be That Guy" ad campaing in BC, Canada (more info).

The basics:

Putting up posters in bars/public areas telling guys not to be "That Guy" and not to sexually assault people.

Why it is cool:

It has reduced the rate of sexual assaults (which had been climbing, even though the general crime rates of the area had been dropping. Basically- it works!

Why I like it:

Because it takes the focus away from blaming victims, and instead channels that energy into dissuading the perpetrators.

Sweet justice - now if only America could do this.

Alma Matter Woes

2013-03-12T12:29:00.001-07:00

I went to Smith College. I loved my time there. I met many fantastic sisters (and a few brothers) that I will hold onto for the rest of my life.

But since I have graduated I have been tremendously disappointed in the administration of my alma mater.

Mostly some of their decisions on their awkward way of steering the college in a way that they think will cut down on our stereotype, and keeping funds rolling in from the older classes.

What the administration doesn't realize is that they are isolating themselves from the future donors, by claiming to be one thing, and then showing they are not.

In August 2012 my friends (too many to list) pointed me in the direction of Calliope Wong's tumblr.

Her tumblr was not a bunch of gifs of cats and funny internet-y things. It was about her decision to try and apply to Smith College.

For the record, Smith College is the largest women's college in the USA, a member of the Seven Sisters, a former sister school to Yale, and a pretty bad ass place to define yourself - which is what I think college is really about. College is about more than the fancy diploma at the end of 4 years - it is about being in an environment that pushes your boundaries, allows you to define yourself as an adult, and decide who you want to be, all while expanding your intellect (or as I prefer to call it, making your brain hurt).

While Smith College is a women's college, it has a loose policy of "accepting women, and graduating people". Which is a really funny way of saying once your accepted you can be who you really are, and yes we will give diplomas to those of you that are FTM (female to male) which is why I said in the beginning that I graduated with a few brothers. The environment at Smith gets a little testy (no pun intended) at times, but for the most time it is an accepting campus that deals well with LBGTQ issues. Some people may argue with me on this, but when we look at the higher education system as a whole- we have a few quirks- but were not like Bob Jones University or something.

So getting back to Calliope's tumblr, she says Smith is her dream school. One dilemma- Calliope was born male. Smith doesn't have an official policy on accepting people who are born male, and now are female.

In her first post (viewed here) she does a fantastic job of outlining why she shouldn't be barred from applying. I agree with her on all points but it is what she says towards the end that really sticks out to me:

The institutional gatekeeper policies keeping transwomen out of Smith are unreasonable and not modeled on the real life struggles of transwomen.

If Smith’s ultimate concern is to provide for the education and empowerment of all women students, then it is clearly cutting out and rejecting a valuable demographic with its outmoded and irrational acceptance policies.

If Smith College’s policies are built on fears of illegitimacy and backlash: men pretending to be women and seeking to gain access to women’s colleges for nefarious or dishonest purposes, there is no empirical evidence that such a case would be in the majority.

I am not a rapist; I am not a criminal, and it is not fair to assume that I am such a person.

Thing is, I’m a girl who wants to just wants her fair shot at Smith.

Fast forward months of back and forth with Smith's administration:
Calliope is told she can apply as long as she says she is female on the application! WIN!

Fast forward to March:

Calliope tells us Smith rejects her first application, finding fault with her transcript, which read “male.” She corrected the clerical error with her high school staff and sent back her application to Smith.

Then, last week or so, Calliope's second try is rejected- Smith states that it is do to her FAFSA saying she is male (something you can't just say you're female on). Of course this breaks Calliope's heart and hope. You can read her post here.

But you know what my emotional response is? I am angry/disappointed/embarrassed that my alma mater would do such a thing.

Seriously, Smith College grow some god damned balls. Get off your mystical unicorn and actually do something to make a change.

Smith is a place where you just know you're home. Why should Calliope, and many past and future Smithie-wannabes, be denied the experience?

It is one thing to reject based on merits. It is a whole other ball game to not even review the application of an applicant you have known about, talked to, and encouraged.
I am ashamed of my alma mater. For an institution that prides itself of diversity and acceptance, I've come to realize they don't mean one bit of it. All they care about is statistics. How many countries, states and ethnic backgrounds. A range of different socio-economic levels. They care about looking good, not about doing good.

Shame on you Smith College.

Charlotte Stanley
Class of 2010

PS Yes, the title is a pun.

Things I want to wear right now

2013-03-11T11:17:00.001-07:00

Perfect Boyfriend Chambray, Madewell, $78

Dolce & Gabbana, $1595. Via

Jennifer Fisher cuff, $750. Via

Sungarden neakers, Keds x Madewell, $62

Painted Lace Bloom dress, Madewell, $155

Short dress, SUNO, $608. Via

Going window shopping on my lunch break is dangerous.

Run Disney's Princess Half Marathon!

2013-03-05T12:38:00.002-08:00

On February 24th I ran my first half marathon/race!

I did it! And now I love running - as long as I have a designated goal and end.

These photos are crappy because they are the thumbnails off of the photo site.

My end time was 3hrs and 38 mins. I'm hoping for a faster time next year!

Disney World

2013-02-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

In less than ONE week I will be in Florida with my best childhood friend!

Super excited for all sorts of grown-up Disney adventures.

Things I'm excited for:

Adults only pool time!

Teacup ride!

Visiting other resorts for dinner!

Flying first classs there and back.

Running (jogging? crawling?) my first half marathon.

The Princess medal at the finish line.

Visiting a whole bunch of countries at Epcot.

Finding hidden little spots throughout the park

Celebrating my birthday with Mickey and Friends!

Not being over impatient in all the ride lines.

Lots of photo ops.

Minnie Mouse ears.

I love the internet...

2013-02-12T12:14:00.002-08:00

Because it gives me gems such as this:

http://www.camp666.com/washington.htm

Excerpts:

Salmon. Don't even bring up Atlantic Salmon. It's insulting. Pacific Salmon are noble, gentle creatures and native Washingtonians can pick out a Coho from a Sockeye or Chinook on sight. That's a fact. We eat fresh Salmon for breakfast lunch and dinner while you're eating frozen seafood at Sizzler in a strip mall.

Oh, you have a Long John Silver's next to Applebee's?

Get hip to Ivar's, bitches.

Cascadia. Some day the Pacific Northwest will be its own NATION and we'll get to enjoy our wonderful region as it was meant to be; without a bunch of assholes moving here and bitching about the weather. Cascadia will be a land of rocky shores, emerald forests, golden prairies and glorious alpine peaks bountiful with apples, beer, elk and Amazon employees. It will be perfection, and we'll even let the weirdos from Portland join in.

and this:

http://bitterbarista.com/

Oh and you can also thank Washington State for being so awesome.

Colorado- you have a lot to prove.

Shopping without Spending (very much!)

2013-01-25T12:42:00.005-08:00

Getting a job with JCrew/Madewell was one of the best and worst decisions I ever made.

Yesterday JCrew had their associate sale- to push out the old to make room for Spring's new.

I got over $200 worth of clothes (1 mint toothpick cord, 1 pink toothpick cord, purple wool cafe capris, 1 necklace, 2 very pretty bangles, and a tshirt for the bf). Total cost for me? $50 total.

But there goes my paycheck from them this week (good thing I have another job!).

I just checked by BirchBox account and I have 220 points which equals about $20 to spend.

I'm trying to decide between a few items:

Chambre de Sucre Macaron Trinket Box - $14

BAGGU Zipper Bags - $12

Herringbone Napkins - $5

Ssupergoop! SPF 30 Sunstick - $15

TOCCA Candelina in Havana - $20

I'm definitely leaning towards the macaron trinket box.

But a sample of this:

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo - $32

Was in my BirchBox this month and I loved it! The smell was divine!

It's expensive, but would make a great occasional shampoo.

Love,

Charlotte

2013! And Updates!

2013-01-18T13:21:00.001-08:00

So I failed miserably at blogging these past few months.

But I have a ton of updates!

I got a job as a recruiter for a marketing company.

The company was a joke, and I'm pretty sure a pyramid scheme (via Smart Circle International).

I missed immigration work.

I started to interview for immigration paralegal positions.

One really big imressive firm kept dragging their feet about actually hiring me (even though they said tey wanted me) but we are a "huge company and just don't move that fast".

I waited 3 months... from my interview at the beginning of September... and they posted the job in May.

I interviewed with another firm, I got the offer, and took the position.

Gave my notice to the sketchy marketing firm.

And now I'm sitting at my paid, hour long lunch blogging.

Moved into my dream apartment with a HUGE walk-in closet.

I've got a FANTASTIC new roommate I met at Madewell.

Oh yeah, I work part time at Madewell too, and it is AWESOME.

My best friend is engaged and I'm super excited for her and the wedding (wherever it may be!)

My hair is bobbed, and I'm thinking about adding bangs.

I saw my familyand friends in Seattle in late November.

I hung out with my aunt and cousins for Christmas.

I've lost 3 dress sizes since moving to Colorado - down to a size 0 at Jcrew!

I walk every day.

I have new friends I go out to happy hour with.

I am really really happy with my life right now, and so excited for 2013.

Living a bright life,

Charlotte

Have: Wardrobe Staples

2012-11-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

There are a few pieces every lady should have in their wardrobe:

Jeans, well fitting skinny jeans and a bootcut.

I love my Joe's Jeans bootcut, and Ben Sherman skinnies.

Black dress pants. I'm loving the J.Crew Minnie Pant- and the tan are perfect chinos.

Pencil skirts, black is a easy choice, but a colorful print or solid can pack a lot of punch into a wardrobe.

Oxford button-downs. Love the soft cotton ones from RL Rugby. Too bad they are going out of business!

Wrap dress. The dress that made Diane Von Furstenberg. They go with anything, are super comfortable and transition easily from the office to cocktails.

LBD
Whatever the shape that fits you best, you can never have enough little black dresses

Cashmere sweaters. In as many colors as you desire, v-neck or crew. I love J.Crew's Cambridge Cable sweaters- they come in both crew and v-neck.

Black cardigan
I actually have a cardigan addiction- I have 3 black cardigans, and a rainbow of other colors. So why do I pick black? It goes with everything (expect navy).

Navy blazer. A classic school-boy blazer goes well with both casual and dressy occasions. They look great thrown over a dress.

Leather belts. Make sure they are well made in a nice leather. You should have one in black and one in brown.

Trench coat. Think Burberry styling. I have one from London Fog with a cashmere liner that I love.

Peacoat. No matter where you live, this is perfect for winter.

Riding boots. The Classic Equestrian style (think Ralph Lauren and Burberry) never goes out of style. It is classic and timeless and always perfect for fall.

CFMN boots. Black boots that say Come F*ck Me Now. Sexy and practical.

Black ballet flats. Always and forever. I wear through them so quick that I might as well buy these Old Navy ones in bulk.

A Day in the Garden

2012-10-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

A few blocks southeast from our new apartment is Cheesman Park in the heart of Capitol Hill.

Cheesman is gorgeous with a nice running park and lots of green space. It even has a picture perfect neoclassical pavilion surrounded by a rose garden.

This part Saturday I treated myself to a nice day in the park while G was entertaining his brother who flew into town.

I met this guy (see above squirrel) who was none to happy about me hanging out near his tree. After running around the park I stopped by Cheesman's neighbor, the Denver Botanical Gardens.

The gardens are so much nicer than I thought they would be! It only costs $12.50 for a whole day in the different gardens.

Some of my favorite garden shots:

Very Provencial! Feeling like Southern France

Polka dotted orchids!

This is in the tropical conservatory. Reminds me of Swiss Family Robinson!

I've always loved clematises!

At the end of the day I decided I wanted to come back as the season's change so I stopped by the visitor's office and asked about membership options. It turned out that they had a special that day, so if you had already paid for admission they took that place an additional amount of time off the membership costs. I ended up getting a membership for 2 for only $45 ($20 off the list price)!

If I go by myself just 3 more times I pay it off! If I drag G, it pays for itself in even less trips!
I also got a free pass to go to the Garden's CORN MAZE near Littleton. I dragged G and my cousin out for the adventure:

We managed to finish the maze in under an hour! Such winners! We celebrated with burgers afterwards.

Things I learned:

1) I'm really excited to watch the leaves turn colors at the park
2) I'm never bringing kids to a full size corn maze. Disaster waiting to happen.
3) My younger cousin is pretty awesome
4) Squirrels are very possessive of their trees
5) I want a tropical conservatory in my home, complete with tree house, stat

Take me back to Mystic

2012-10-01T20:12:00.001-07:00

Right before we left New England for the Rocky Mountains, we did a very quintessential New England thing...

We took a road trip to the Connecticut coast and loaded up on lobster (lobstah) rolls.

After our 100 mile journey we found ourselves at Abbotts in the Rough in Noank, Connecticut which is just due west of Mystic (y'know famous for that movie with Julia Roberts and pizza).

The evening was perfect.

I've been

2012-09-12T14:07:00.001-07:00

very busy, and thus a bad blogger.

In the past month I've:

Quit my job

Moved to corporate housing in Denver, CO

Attended a beautiful wedding in Houston, Texas

Flown back to Massachusetts to pack up my old apartment

Moved to a real apartment on Capitol Hill in Denver

Job searched and interviewed

And explored the city by foot

Here are my snapshots:

Date night in Denver!

New favorite bistro

job hunting

Groom's cake!

First dance

Missing Texas

Packing

The Cape!

2012-08-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Our last weekend in Massachusetts was appropriately spent at one of the first landing spots of the Pilgrims: Cape Cod!

The weather wasn't the best - lots of coastal rain- but it was still plenty warm! We managed to go swimming and floating in the ocean... it wasn't nearly as cold as the Pacific off of Washington and Oregon :)

I loved all the little shops- especially the high-end interior design ones. I wish I had a little beach cottage I could decorate! We did manage to avoid going into a single tourist-trap t-shirt shop, unlike all the bars we managed to visit. I did sneak into Marc Jacobs and snagged a cute necklace!

Wave Video Bar- I had a blast dancing and watching the videos... Grant didn't so much. I wouldn't recommend this place unless you're okay getting up close and sweaty with a bunch of men.
Harbor Lounge- Best ocean view of all the bars. Both nights we were here it was pretty dead- which just meant more room on the couches for us.
Aqua Bar- has a great view of the harbor, cheap drinks, and is open air for those nice balmy, breezy nights.
Shipwreck Lounge at Brass Key- great outdoor seating area, and a resident cat, need I say more?
Old Colony Tap House- this bar looks like the dingy, forgotten basement of your ex-sailor grandfather. The floor is tilted, the tables is dirty, it is all charm. This was also our favorite place.

The last day in town the skies cleared, the sun came out, and the weather we should have had arrived! We took the Trolley car tour around town before taking off of the Ferry towards Boston.

FYI: I highly recommend taking the ferry from Boston instead of driving (to avoid all the traffic) and staying at Romeo's Holiday, where Stan & Lenny make great hosts!

Road Trip!

2012-08-27T15:45:00.004-07:00

We made it from Massachusetts to Colorado in under 3 days! Sorry this is so late, I've been exploring our new neighborhood (even though it's temporary) and hunting for jobs.

Mass -> Niagara Falls

One last time on the Mass Pike!

Niagara Falls! The Maid of the Mist ride was so worth it!

Niagara Falls -> Chicago

Reggie enjoying the hotel bed in NY

Somewhere in Indiana!

The BEAN aka Stormgate or something.

We went really early on a weekday so no one was there...

Chicago -> Denver

I'm a HUGE fan of Bright Eyes/Conor Oberst, so we had to stop at Saddle Creek in Omaha!

Our new neighborhood! We are living by the ballpark for the next couple of weeks.

Big News!

2012-08-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

I've been out of the blogging world the last two weeks because of some exciting developments!

A) I quit my job.

I've been with the firm for 5 years, 2.5 as a paralegal, and I was burned out. It was time for a change and new environment. That said, I'm definitely going to miss all my awesome coworkers, who have become like family!

B) G got a great job.

Which made point A much easier to swallow.

C) We moved to Colorado.

For above mentioned job. I'm really excited to be in the Denver Metro area! It's already a lot like my hometown of Seattle. I've missed the mountains, temperate climate, and modern buildings.

Yelp

2012-08-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Do you use Yelp? I have the iphone app and am newly obsessed with it.

Lately I've been using it to make all my dining, shopping, and sightseeing decisions. So far I haven't been disappointed, and I realllly love the 'check-in' feature that allows me to track where I've been and unlock deals.

G and I recently went to Cape Cod, and we used Yelp to create a barhopping adventure, and pick some nice places to eat at (and the favorite dishes).

G and I also started up a battle of checking into the most places, and checking in first when we are together :)

If you want to be my Yelp friend, you can add me here!

A June Wedding

2012-08-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

No, not mine. One of my dearest college friends was married in June, and the professional photographs just came back!

Tyler House!

All photos taken by Whitney Lee Photography, which as you can see are amazing!

The High/Low Project

2012-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you're an HGTV junkie like me, you'll recognize this title as Sabrina Soto's show on the channel. On her version of the show, she creates her clients dream room (living room, office, bedroom, etc) with an unlimited budget (high), shows it to them, they fall it love with it, and then it all goes back to the store. Sabrina then needs to recreate the same look and feel with a budget decided by the clients (low). Sometimes her dream rooms cost $40K, and the clients only have a budget of $5K. Pretty big gap, yet I've never seen Sabrina fail at the task.

My version of the High/Low project will center around getting high priced designer looks, for low(er) prices. My first challenge: fall fashions!

Quilted Jacket

High:

I'm in love with this Barbor Calvary quilted jacket. But with a price tag of $300, it is out of my budget.

Low:

This (men's) vest by Tommy Hilfiger looks pretty close, and is only $198

Polka Dots!

High:

J.Crew neck-tie dress, $198

Low:

ASOS skater dress, $37

ASOS 3/4 sleeve dress, $112

Dark Reds and Hunter-chic

High:

This deep red ensemble by Michael Kors has a hunter-chic vibe, and an available-upon-request price tag.

Low:

LL Bean Maine Guide Parka, $219

J.Crew toothpick cords, $98

RL Rugby skinny cords, $90

ASOS red tie-waist dress, $141

Olive Tones

High:

Monochromatic olive color by L'Wren Scott

Low:

Chaps cardigan, $35

J.Crew Tippi Cardigan, $85


Valentino cardigan, $182

Santorelli wool pants, $170

Lafayette 148 stretch pants, $150

J Brand jeans, $176

Lafayette 148 dress, $266

Chunky Cable Knits

High:

Chunky cables are always in for Fall, this one is by Rodarte.

Low:

Athleta cowl neck sweater, $60

Reiss cable sweater, $165

Modern Military

High:

Wishing this modern military look by Altuzarra could be issued to me

Low:

LL Bean Classic wool peacoat, $200

Vince Camuto boots, $170

Chinese Laundry boots, $100

And my favorite look for fall is the:

Classic Sheath Dress

Perfect for work or play, it's making a comeback thanks to the (more fabulous with Kate) young royals. Covering up the knees can be sexy, people!
High:

Michael Kors' red lace

Lyn Devon's bright take on the modest dress

And my favorite, Tory Burch's shift dress

Low:

ASOS lace sheath, $75

Calvin Klein colorblock dress, $79

Jessica Simpson boatneck, $80

Vince Camuto peplum sheath, $85

Many of the above items are closet-worthy staples, so always go digging in your own personal store (closet) before heading out to the racks.

Eat: Blackberry Buttermilk Cake

2012-07-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

Everybody needs a go to dessert recipe; one that is easy to whip up, delicious, and will get you all sorts of praises and recipe requests.

This is my go to dessert, modified from this Bon Appetit recipe:

Ingredients:

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan and parchment

2 1/3 cups cake flour plus more for pan

10 ounces fresh blackberries and/or raspberries (plus more for decor)

1/4 cup plus 1 1/3 cups sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3 large eggs, room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons orange juice (pulp is okay), plus more for icing option

1 cup well-shaken buttermilk

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Equipment:

Springform pan (if available), parchment paper, oven (duh), ziploc baggie (icing option)

Steps:

Make sure the oven rack is in middle of oven and preheat to 350°. Butter pan (or use a PAM vegetable spray); line bottom with a round of parchment paper. Butter parchment. Dust with flour; tap out excess. Arrange berries in a single layer in bottom of pan; sprinkle evenly with 1/4 cup sugar.

Sift 2 1/3 cups flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda into a medium bowl; set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat 3/4 cup butter and remaining 1 1/3 cups sugar in a large bowl at medium-high speed, occasionally scraping down sides of bowl, until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla and zest. Reduce speed to low; beat in flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with buttermilk in 2 additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture and beating just until incorporated. Pour batter over berries in pan; smooth top.

Bake until cake is golden brown and cake bounces back when pressed gently with fingertip, about 1 hour 25 minutes for a 9" pan and about 1 hour for a 10" pan. Let cool in pan set on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then run a thin, sharp knife around the edge of the pan to loosen. Remove pan sides. Invert cake onto rack and remove pan bottom; peel off parchment. Dust top generously with powdered sugar and extra berries and let cool completely.

traditional option (powdered sugar topping)

Icing option:

Instead of dusting the cake with powder sugar you can give it a quick icing instead:

Mix 1 tablespoons of orange juice with 1/4 cup of powder sugar in a ziploc bag. Use your hands to mix the juice and sugar to form and icing. Add more sugar or orange juice as needed to get the consistency you desire. Chill icing. Right before serving cake arrange extra berries on topand snip corner of icing bag. Drizzle icing on cake in a cross hatch pattern.

Super cheat option if your super lazy (or in a hurry!):

Swap out the dry ingredients for this boxed cake mix (make sure it is the butter recipe!). Bake for 50 minutes.

icing option!

Hope you try this out!

Lake Day 2012

2012-07-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Every summer at my work we close down the office and carpool up to Franklin Pierce Lake in New Hampshire.

I brought my Blackberry Buttermilk Cake, and it was a big hit! We also got up to the lake around 11:30, and we're out of champagne (4 bottles!) by 1pm.

Classy, coworkers, classy.

Orange Dreamiscle

2012-07-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

Orange and white is one of my favorite color combos. Depending on the base color the orange can add zest to basics in white, or be toned down with white accessories.

Here are a few of my picks:

Orange Dreamiscle by brickandivy featuring a white lace dress

River Island white lace dress
$54 - riverisland.com

A P C chunky cable knit sweater
$120 - net-a-porter.com

L K Bennett merino wool cardigan
$130 - johnlewis.com

Cacharel white skirt
stylebop.com

McQ by Alexander McQueen slip on shoes
net-a-porter.com

Kate Spade leather bag
endless.com

Kendra scott earrings
nordstrom.com

Lori s Shoes leather bangle
lorisshoes.com

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel polka dot scarve
$66 - net-a-porter.com

Abstract flowers, Painting of flowers, Red poppy drawing, Watercolor...
etsy.com

Week in Review

2012-07-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

Living the bachelor lifestyle while G is away.

Monday: Taste of home

Tuesday: Banana Republic dress, Sarto heels, JCrew bangle, Betsey Johnson watch

Wednesday: Kate Spade Dorothy dress, Revlon Coral lipstick, Sarto flats, Coach wristlet

Wednesday night: my little mountain climber

Thursday: Urban Outfitter dress, Target belt, bamboo cardigan, Kendra Scott earrings, Sarto heels

Friday: Target dress and bangles, BCBG wedges, Juicy Couture cardigan

Saturday: my faux Monet- Field of Poppies

I haven't bought clothes at Target in a long, long time. So on Thursday I went to pick up a few items and stumbled across the long striped maxi dress on sale. It's the best luck I've had with a maxi dress, and it was only $19! I also found a set of bangles for only $9. When I went up to the register I was surprised when the final price of the maxi came to under $9- apparently it was even more on sale than the tag said!

I spent a good portion of Saturday cleaning and painting. My inspiration was Monet's Field of Poppies that I got to get up and personal with at the Smith College Art Museum. They've had the original oil painting since 1940, but I think it's often credited to the Boston MFA.

My version is watercolor (and a work in process) and will hang above our bed.

A Quiet Morning

2012-07-15T11:14:00.001-07:00

This time last week I drove G to the airport in the early morning. He's been down in Texas interviewing (!) and he was gone for our anniversary (hrmph).

But the drive back from Connecticut with the wind in my hair and fog in the hills was really beautiful.

I spent the rest of my day reading on Smith's campus and exploring the art museum (which I haven't been into since I was a First year!).

Seelye Beach

Woodland Still Life by A. Mignon

Anniversary flowers

Outside my favorite little bakery

Fingers crossed I don't have to live like this for too long. It's a tough life.

Outfit of the Day

2012-07-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Shirt from Marshalls, JCrew shorts, Betsey Johnson watch, and earrings from Webster Miami for Target

JCrew linen sweater and skirt, belt form Target

Old Navy kids dress, Target belt, Loft sandals, Kate Spade bag

F21 dress, Urban Outfitters flats

Tommy Hilfiger shirt, JCrew shorts and bangle, Target belt, Coach wristlet

Is my new obsession. Basically you upload an Instagram photo tagged with #ootd

Then people (fashion addicts like me) can search for styling outfits people are wearing all over the world. It's pretty cool, people!

The Fourth

2012-07-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

G and I headed down to DC for his friend's Red, White & Booze party to celebrate her and the country's birthday:

Lake Wyola before heading South

Passing views of NYC from the train

The Quarry, aka hidden swimming hole outside of DC

National Cathedral

Funky church in Columbia Heights

Brunch at Eatonville (so good!)

Graffiti at Chief Ike's, reminds me of TYR days

4th of July outfit (stripes + pearls)

Lazy panda at the National Zoo

Being silly at the National Gallery

Awesome waterfall sculpture at the National Gallery

Parting views of DC

Passing NYC again...

Enjoyed DC, but I'm really glad to be back where it is slightly cooler (at only 80-90 F)!I'd like to go back and spend some quality time at the museums. We only had time for gelato and a quick walk through one wing of one building of the National Gallery and the sculpture garden. The National Zoo is super nice, but it was so hot all the animals were hiding out.

Next time!