Plan the Day

What I'm Reading: Around the World in 80 Dinners

2012-02-10T12:04:00.013-05:00

Around the World in 80 Dinners: The Ultimate Culinary Adventure by Cheryl and Bill Jamison is a great read for those of us with wanderlust and eyes equal in size to or bigger than our stomachs.

A married couple, who came into their foodie fame by writing cookbooks, decide to use their frequent flyer miles to organize a three-month tour of global cuisine, starting in Bali and including destinations like Australia and South Africa. With lists of hotels and restaurants for each stopover, as well as a specialty recipe from each locale, an around the world trip with a focus on eating (but that goes without saying) is now officially on my bucket list.

Who's with me?

Notice how the book gets closer and closer to my face... A good caption for this series may be, "Hmmm... fooooood."

Statement: Fruit for Thought

2012-02-08T12:36:00.002-05:00

It's lunchtime and I'm thinking about food. Of course. I'm always thinking about food. So, I'm taking a cue from the Stella McCartney Spring/Summer 2011 runway, and putting some food for thought into my clothes. (Was that too contrived? Probably.)

Image.

And let me introduce you to my least favorite "fashion phrase" of all time: from runway to real way. Ugh, stop saying this. But, alas, it applies here. Tommy Ton snapped two chic ladies during one of the European fashion weeks not too long ago. I love the banana skirt (Prada) paired with the tough black accessories.

Image.

And if you want to get in on this fruit bowl yourself, here's a fun shirt by RVCA at Urban Outfitters for $79.

Am I cuckoo for cocoa puffs for loving this lemony shirt? Is it too late for this trend? Is it so last summer??

Images.

I think having red hair is making me a crazy person... for instance, today I'm wearing a mullet sweater (shorter in the front than the back) with sequins and stripes on it over a full A-line mini skirt paired with tights (duh, it's cold outside) and grey cowboy booties. And I have a first date tonight!

Let me eat (and dress) in peace, won't you?

P.S. Want to see what I'm wearing on the reg (ie: the aforementioned mullet sweater) and track the ratio of weird outfits to redhair? Check out my tumblr.

Obsession: sweetly tough

2012-02-06T13:47:00.006-05:00

I love contrasts: blue and orange; glitter and skulls; sweetly flushed cheeks and kohl-rimmed eyes; toile and grommets; hearts and studs. So, after a busy weekend full of birthday parties, David Guetta concerts, and Super Bowl festivities, a simple but visually interesting outfit is necessary on a Monday morning when you may have hit the snooze button one or two more times than you should have...

J.Crew heart-printed button-down, Joe's Jeans black pants, Zara studded booties.

What contrasts do you love and what's your go-to crap!-I-overslept morning formula?

Statement: Shark Attack

2012-02-03T11:52:00.002-05:00

Isn't it crazy that Shark Week is one of the most anticipated weeks of the year? Considering how most people are afraid of sharks, I mean? Some of them certainly look like scary creatures, but it's 30 times more likely for you to be killed by lightning than a shark. Isn't that crazy?

A few years ago, my siblings and I wanted to do a shark dive while we were in South Africa, but inclement weather put a stopper in our plans. But the next best thing is to deck yourself out with shark-laden accessories, right?

Sara Beltran, the lovely woman pictured above and the designer behind the gorgeous jewels of Deszo, is truly inspired by the sea: her jewelry line features shark teeth and her collaborative line Samudra brings the wonder of the ocean and its creatures to cotton canvas pouches. And while a pouch with sharks or palm trees normally would be deemed a summer item only, I love how she's paired hers with a wool peacoat for a rounded winter look. Perfect for all seasons!

Images from Samudra and Refinery29.

Closet Case: sweater weather

2012-01-31T12:56:00.000-05:00

One day it's 14 degrees out and the next it's 53... but I shouldn't complain because the warm days make me so happy. :)

But dressing for this vacillating temperatures isn't easy. I mean, take today for example: it's 52 and sunny out. I packed my blazer in my purse this morning so I wouldn't overheat while walking between subways! I could've had it so much easier, though, since this weather is where sweaters come in handy. Light cotton blends, heavy chunky knits, thick or thin cashmere... there's a sweater for all types of weather.

Just check out these options from Anthropologie:

How wintry and cozy do the first two look and how perfect are the final two for those weird weather days?

Images from Anthropologie.

Fashionably Affordable: Jason Wu for Target

2012-01-25T11:54:00.002-05:00

The recent Target collaborations have lacked quality items that were hardly worth even the fraction of the designer price... but I'm hoping the Jason Wu collection doesn't disappoint, because the First Look from The Cut is super cute.

I love the ladylike looks. They remind me of Ms. Pillsbury from Glee! I bet we'll see her sporting some of these items in future episodes!

Images via NY Mag.

Jewelry Box: DIY Tom Binns colored crystals

2012-01-23T12:21:00.000-05:00

This DIY, inspired by the neon Tom Binns crystal necklaces, has been floating around the interwebs for quite a while now, and I had all the tools to make it a go, but I never did it. Until the other night. This is not hard or time-consuming, but I just needed the motivation. I'm so glad I did it, though, because I'm loving the result!

I bought two of those tacky crystal necklaces from the dollar store a while back (maybe over the summer when this DIY was first making the blog rounds?) and then I attached the bottom to the top one by cutting the chain and attaching the hooks so that the drape looked nice and even.

Then I had to decide on which nail polish colors to use! (No way I was using Sharpies. That would have been too time-consuming. haha) I teetered between using a reds and oranges, but I ultimately decided on a pale green, dark green, and baby blue. (I'll update with color names this evening, sorry!) And then I just let my OCD-pattern-making brain go to town! Everything had to be symmetrical for me, of course, but I bet it would look great with the colors a bit lopsided, too!

I like how the pale blue blends in with the chambray shirt. The necklace also got a lot of play over a black t-shirt dress while dancing my tail feather off at Los Feliz on Saturday night. The contrast with the black was a nice touch.

Need more precise directions on how to paint each crystal? Be careful not to load up the nail polish brush with too much lacquer otherwise it will overwhelm the crystal and glob it up. I put a little dot on each crystal in the more opaque colors and let gravity pull it down the sides; but with the pale green, I did a couple of coats with a sparse brush.

Check out how these other bloggers worked their neon magic! Strange Fruit, The Hyperbalist, Little Pink Monster, Sugar Rock Catwalk, and Corvus Noir. (Also, I love the neon safety pins on this one: Crochet Clouds.)

Living in: Ashlyn's Storage

2012-01-20T12:45:00.002-05:00

In typical New York fashion, my bedroom is teeny-tiny. In fact, it's about 98 square feet! And 7 of those square feet are an awkward corner area that was left over when a closet was created for my roommate's room.

Just to compare to my old bedroom on the Upper East Side: it was 160 square feet. Wawaweewa. (I'm trying to make that phrase happen.) So, I have a lot of stuff. How do we accumulate so much stuff in our lives? It's crazy. (Well, I'm someone who finds it very difficult to throw away or donate items, so I guess that's how.)

Anyway. With a space so small and so much stuff to fill it, you have to get creative with your storage options. Butler's rack to hang on the back of the door? Yes, please. Purse-hanging contraption? Best invention. And what's behind the curtain? Why, a zipped wardrobe and a nightstand!

And do you know what's sad? I've gone through my clothes three times since I've moved into this place and purged! It's nice to have only the things I like and wear... but I miss that floral-print blouse that I only wore once. And only because I was hungover and late. It was such a dynamic addition to my wardrobe! Well, I hope someone else is enjoying it...

P.S. That is an aromatherapy hippo on my bed! He smells of lavender and if you pop him in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, he heats up and smells even stronger. Very relaxing.

Blog to read: French Revolution

2012-01-18T11:59:00.000-05:00

French cooking. One day you're the Barefoot Contessa; the next, you're burning down the kitchen trying to brown some butter... it's a rocky relationship full of ups and downs, highs and lows. Now, however, there's a blog for you! French Revolution gives us readers insights into French cuisine and breaks down seemingly difficult recipes into easy steps and ingredients. After all, someone who makes a cassoulet-style dish seem like a walk in the park has got to be doing something right!

Her most recent recipe for the Ultimate Raclette Grilled Cheese Sandwich looks divine, no?

Now I'll just have to find a way to adapt the recipe to suit my health needs... hmm...

Image via French Revolution.

Obsession: music on repeat

2012-01-13T11:48:00.000-05:00

I'm the type of person who falls in love with a band or a song and listens to him/her/them/it nonstop. On repeat. It drives my friends and family crazy, but it makes me happy, so phooey to them.

Example, you say? Florence + The Machine's latest album Ceremonials, specifically "Shake It Out." I actually love every single song, though, but that one makes me exponentially more happy. The whole album is great to listen to when getting up in the morning; when slaving away in front of the computer at work (don't forget the earbuds!); when doing some writing or reading at home; and even when getting ready to go out to the bars or to a party. I've done all these activities while listening to this album and it's been perfect every time. Ol' Flo has yet to let me down!

Image via PopCrush.

What else am I listening to? Good question. I made a mix for a co-worker based on Rolling Stone's 50 best singles of 2011. I call it "The Best of Rolling Stone's Best of 2011" just to be confusing. ;) Here's disc 1, if you'd like to make it yourself:

Ni**as in Paris by Jay-Z and Kanye West
These Days by Foo Fighters
Lotus Flower by Radiohead
Six Foot, Seven Foot by Lil Wayne feat. Cory Gunz
Don't Carry It All by The Decemberists
Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People
Dedication to my Ex (Miss That) by Lloyd feat. Andre 3000 and Lil Wayne
Circuital by My Morning Jacket
Get It Daddy by Sleeper Agent
You by TV On The Radio
Lorelai by Fleet Foxes
I Might by Wilco
Little Black Submarines by The Black Keys
Welcome to the Jungle by Jay-Z and Kanye West
Weekend by Smith Westerns
Youth Knows No Pain by Lykke Li
Million Dollar Bill by Dawes
Ric Flair by Killer Mike
Bizness by Tune-Yards

Unfortunately, only 19 songs fit on a disc? Otherwise, I would have made a CD with 42 songs! But part 2 is coming to him at the beginning of the next month (he won an auction where I make a mix CD every month for 6 months). Maybe I'll share before then... but, shh! Don't tell him!

Jewelry Box How To: chain, chain, chains

2012-01-11T12:36:00.001-05:00

I love to layer on bracelets, rings, earrings, and, most especially, necklaces (as evidenced here). Sometimes the chains get all tangled up, though! So, what to do? You can certainly drop the knotted bits of gold and silver off at the local jeweler. If you have a rapport with the store, they'll probably untangle it for free, but why not break out your tweezers and do it yourself?

That's right, you can untangle the nastiest of knots with tweezers in each hand. Be sure you have good light to illuminate the path of tangle and have lots of patience!

I had been ignoring this particular knot for some time... try, some years. But the other night, I decided to buckle down and get my necklace back!

This knot built up over time in part thanks to the very fine, thin chain of the necklace and in part thanks to the petite Cartier trinity charm (used to be on a knotted leather bracelet, but the leather kicked it ages ago). The chain wrapped all over each ring. It was a mess. A mess, I tell you! Wait, you can see for yourself!

My tweezers at the ready.

Ahhh, isn't this much better? I can seriously breathe easier, now. It took me 45 minutes, but well worth it.

I love to switch up my charms, as well, so check out the amazing chains by Phoebe Coleman: the clasp is a thin bar that easily fits through practically all your pendants! I'm so impressed with this innovation.

In the Kitchen: homemade tomato soup

2012-01-09T13:16:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed your holidays.

With the new year comes resolutions to exercise more, be more positive, eat healthier, etc. I started on my "be healthier" kick back in October and my doctor is seriously pleased with my results. She told me I have the hardest part ahead of me, though, as our goal is so close in sight. And... I'm starting to get sick of my plain-jane diet.

I have to admit that I've been frustrated by the lack of food blogs devoted to making yummy foods into healthy options. I have previously posted a recipe or two on here, so I'm getting back into my In The Kitchen posts. My idea is to adapt tempting recipes to suit my health needs (for example, use broth instead of olive oil and raw stevia instead of sugar) and, hopefully, the new result will also be delicious.

Let's kick-start the new year into high gear, shall we?!

Homemade Tomato Soup with Turkey Meatballs and Parmesan Crisps
Serves 4-6. Adapted from French Revolution's tortellini soup recipe and Mario Batali's recipe for marinara sauce.

Ingredients:

1 32-ounce box of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 white or yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1/2 medium carrot, finely shredded
2 28-ounce cans of tomatoes, crushed (good quality San Marzano tomatoes from Italy is preferable, I hand crushed mine!)
2 tablespoons freshly grated low-fat Parmesan cheese for the soup and 1 tablespoon for each crisp
Salt and pepper to taste.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped fresh basil (optional)
Frozen turkey meatballs (recommended: Trader Joe's delicious option in the frozen aisle, 12 in a package) (also, optional)

Instructions:
We start by making a marinara sauce. Pour enough of the vegetable or chicken broth into a sauce pan with the onions and garlic to cover the bottom. Cook over medium heat until tender (about 10 minutes). You will need to add some more broth in the pan as it cooks down. Add the thyme, carrot, and a touch more of broth; cook for 5 minutes. Now, add the tomatoes. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat so the sauce is just bubbling. Stir occasionally for about 30 minutes. Season with a pinch of kosher salt. (P.S. Making the crisps? Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.)

Now that's a good-looking sauce! You can refrigerate this versatile sauce for up to a week or freeze if for 6 months! Pour it on some grilled chicken or use it as a dipping sauce for shrimp. I guess you can put it over spaghetti, too, but that's not on the diet! Anyway, we're not done with this soup, yet.

It's time to pour the sauce into a large pot with the remaining broth. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Add in the turkey meatballs (about 12 will suffice) and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Let bubble for about 15 minutes then season the soup with any of the aforementioned optional items, as well as pepper to taste. And there we have it. A hearty and homemade tomato soup that is perfect for these cold shots we've been getting!

Yum. But what about the crisps? Oh, yes. While we were letting the sauce simmer, we were preheating the oven, right? Good. On a pan, lay out some parchment paper. Spoon out a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese onto the paper in a flat little mound. Spoon out as many tablespoons as you can fit onto the cookie sheet, keeping each spoonful about an inch or two apart. Bake for about 5 minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown. Let cool. These would make a great snack, too!

Country Celebrations

2011-12-17T00:05:00.000-05:00

Nothing like spending the holidays in a remote country setting. Just you, maybe some friends or family, no neighbors for miles. I love spending the summer on a lake in the Adirondacks and I know it would be just as gorgeous this time of year.

It's such a casual setting, but since it's the holidays, you want to at least throw on a little something-something to show your guests you tried. ;) A silk top paired with your worn-in cargo pants and a pair of heeled hiking boots ought to do the trick.

And this last outfit is perfect for tramping in the woods to collect firewood and check out the constellations. You will be dumbstruck by the number of stars you can see without the city's light pollution.

I leave for Colorado on Wednesday, so I will try to touch base with you next week and while I'm there. If I don't, because you know how I can be, have a Happy Christmas and Merry Hanukkah, my friends. I hope all your wishes come true and you spend wonderful holidays with your loved ones. May you have dreams of sugar plums, et cetera!

These sets were created with polyvore. Check out the details here!

Urban Holiday

2011-12-13T12:41:00.017-05:00

While I may be leaving the Big Apple for the Christmas festivities, I know a lot of people come flocking to NYC to see the city lights and decorations. Dressing the part is easy as long as you account for the chill and wind factor - so layer, layer, layer!

Snuggle up in layers of turtle necks, a sweater, a sleeveless dress, and a poncho. Be sure to wear heat-tech tights, too!

The clash of the mustard plaid trousers somehow works with the texture of the sequined top. I wish I had this outfit to wear for Christmas or New Year's Eve!

These sets were created with polyvore. Check out the details here!

South of the Border Christmas

2011-12-09T12:47:00.011-05:00

If you're celebrating the holidays in a warm locale, you might lose some of the winter spirit that comes with cold weather, frostbitten noses, and hot chocolate. Try maintaining your Christmas cheer by hitting the beach bar and the local lobster shack in head-to-toe seasonal colors.

Monochrome never looked this good! And, PS, bows aren't just relegated to the gifts under your Christmas (palm) tree.

So, don't let anyone call you a Grinch!

Check back next week for a country Christmas and an urban holiday. Have a great weekend!

These sets were created with polyvore. Check out the details here!

Cold Weather Casz

2011-12-08T19:04:00.008-05:00

As I mentioned before, I'll be heading to Colorado for the holidays and spending a casual few days with my family. Compared to the tropical weather we've been experiencing in New York (it's only just started to truly feel like winter!), it's going to be down right frigid out West.

We aren't going to have too many opportunities to dress up this trip, but I love to add some sequins and glitz to an otherwise comfy and warm outfit. And if you know me at all by now, you know how I love to sparkle.

So, for a quick and casual trip to a ski mountain, be sure to have lots of cozy basics, warm layers, and sequins to outshine the holiday lights and decor. The snow literally glitters out there, so beware of your competition!

Don't you think that the following outfits would be perfect for dinner out and then a hot toddy by the fire? I feel warmer all ready!

Lately, I've been pulling my socks up to peek out over the tops of my ankle boots. I'm loving the look! With a plaid shirt the other day, I channeled Paul Bunyan while, when paired with a flowy midi skirt and tights, I felt very downtown cool.

P.S. You know how I hate to over-pack, but I bet that I'll only need to pack my black ankle booties. They are the most versatile boots! And, okay fine, some snow boots.

These sets were created with polyvore. Check out the details here!

Rest and Relaxation

2011-12-07T11:25:00.000-05:00

There is nothing I love more than destination packing/shopping guides. They sing to my OCD personality and make me crave my vacation all the sooner. I know that I've left you all high and dry yet again, but I've been struggling with post ideas since the holiday spirit has yet to infect me.

However, how cute is the EDM (electronic discharge machine, for those of you not in the know) from Kate Spade? The click-through to see their packing essentials is broken at the moment, but I can't wait to see what fun and cute things they have listed for all of these fabulous destinations. I'll be taking a peek at their Aspen suggestions since I'll be spending Christmas at a nearby mountain in Colorado.

Via.

I can't wait to spend Christmas with my brother, his girlfriend, all my sisters, my parents, and my aunt and her family. For me, the holiday spirit is all about family and snow.

Where are you all headed for some rest and relaxation? Let me know and I'll post a tailored packing guide to suit your needs!

No gift guides and wishlists from me, though, because I'm being a real Grinch about Christmas this year (maybe the weather is affecting my grinchiness?). I've been listening to Christmas music nonstop, but I'm still not feeling the holiday spirit. So, if you're stumped about what to get friends and family, check out Tomboy Style's guides and enjoy the witty plays on song titles. (A Christmas Coral? I wish I had thought of that!)

Until next time!

Fashionably Affordable: kate spade bedding

2011-11-15T12:32:00.002-05:00

My go-to spot for comfy, cozy sheets has always been Bed, Bath, & Beyond. I always try to buy "nicer" sheets, but I love how soft and lovely BB&B sheets are. And their Kate Spade collection is no exception!

Whether you mix in some pieces with your current bedding and totally revamp your whole bedroom look, these collections are affordable, chic, and soft!

Via.

And don't forget about the kate spade collection of adorable and fun china patterns!

Blog to read: Roost

2011-11-11T11:11:00.001-05:00

Lately, I've really shifted away from fashion and style blogs. Taking their place in my internet-procrastination vortex? Food blogs. I'm on a pretty strict diet right now (for health reasons), so these blogs are my outlet.

I especially love today's spotlight, Roost, because all the pictures look amazing and rustic. There's something so clean about using plain twin and brown paper to wrap up delicious goodies or wrinkled canvas and whitewashed brick for the background. And the writing is truly compelling, as well.

I mean, aren't these photos are good enough to eat?!

Via.

What are some food blogs that you love to read and salivate over? Please share!

P.S. Posted at 11:11am on 11/11/11. Make a wish!

Obsession: glitter booties

2011-11-10T12:05:00.000-05:00

Confession: I am like a magpie: anything shiny and sparkly immediately grabs my attention. I have a stack of sparkly tanks in my drawer and you can bet I was the kid with glitter in her hair in elementary school. (Whether I put it there on purpose or there was a glitter explosion in art class is neither here nor there.)

So, is it really any surprise that I'm in love with these booties?

But I'm not in love with the $500+ price tag. While I'd love to wait until they're on sale, I want immediate gratification! I figured, why not try my hand at DIY'ing these bad boys? I picked up a pair of these Old Navy faux-leather ankle boots in grey (on sale for $25!), some Martha Stewart chunky glitter in silver and pink (I wanted to mix the two together to create a silvery-pink effect), and some extra-strength spray adhesive.

I didn't expect this DIY to turn out well, but I'm pleased with how they look.

What do you think? Would you be willing to leave a trail of glitter behind you as you walk? ;) Worth it!

Living in: shelving

2011-11-03T11:45:00.002-04:00

Welcome to another sneak peek into my bedroom!

Since my room is so small (I have to awkwardly sit on my bed in order to take these shots because there is hardly much more room for my bed and dresser; but that's what you get when you live in a hip neighborhood, I guess), using every nook and cranny is a necessity, as well as going upwards. As is storing/donating/throwing away anything that I don't use. Check out this post- Messy Surrounds; Messy Life.

I like the industrial look that these metal shelves lend to the room. Key (and pretty) storage items: trays, bowls, cups, dishes, and vintage ash trays for jewelry and other do-dads; bags for laundry and for quick purse changes; and gift boxes for crafts, odds and ends, travel-size toiletries, etc.

How do you work with small spaces? Having to clean every day and put everything away in its place really speaks to my obsession with organization. Just because a space is tiny doesn't mean it can't reflect your personality and aesthetic.

Via here and here.

Jewelry Box: charmed

2011-11-01T11:23:00.001-04:00

I am fortunate enough to be able to travel a lot (mostly with my family) and I love to collect charms from all over the world. They tell a story and create special and unique jewelry that no one else can replicate exactly. While I do have a couple of charm bracelets, I'm more of a necklace girl. Usually, I wear the same two necklaces 24/7, but last night I decided to switch it up as I watched NCIS re-runs.

First, I started with the longest chain. The lyre and beer stein (that opens and closes!) were already on the chain and gifts from my mother for graduation (I was a classical studies major and beer is a big part of college culture), but I added the blue evil eye from Turkey and the murano glass disc from a recent trip to Venice. I played around with adding one or two more charms, but decided four was a good number and moved on. Next, I dug out this vintage Tiffany Bean I received for my 16th birthday. The chain is too short (I hate feeling choked and have difficulty wearing turtlenecks for this reason), so I quickly added a bit of extra chain on one end to give it the length I wanted. An easy job for a set of tweezers (or needle nose pliers)! Finally, I found this middle chain floating around in my jewelry box with no pendants. Lone wolf! I added the dream catcher charm from Columbia (the garnet in the middle is supposed to attract love, another gift from my mama) and an additional evil eye from Turkey. Et voilà!

I like how all the different lengths of chain fall in with each other.

Striped painter's tee from J.Crew with vintage purple fur vest.

I love to layer necklaces with each other, but you can't just throw chains on willy-nilly; otherwise, you'll end up with a big knot around your neck and hours ahead of detangling. Seriously fun stuff for the OCD-types, I'm sure.

First, figure out how many you want to layer up. I like odd numbers because it keeps the eye interested (a good rule to keep in mind when adding pillows to a sofa or bed), though I'd suggest you start with 2 and build up. Personally, I wouldn't go over 4 or 5 at a time, but there are no rules! Except: go crazy!

Where to Shop: Zara Online

2011-10-25T11:46:00.002-04:00

When the weather starts to drop, I dream of cozy layers, as I've previously discussed with you all. It's no wonder that this season, I'm especially drawn to buttery, warm cognac colors. And, since you can now (finally!) shop all the loveliness that is Zara online, I thought I'd feature some items I'm eyeing.

Via.

Have you checked out the site, yet, or made any purchases? Upside: you'll get to see all the pieces that would normally be sold out in the stores. Downside: more accessible! :/

At Home

2011-10-14T12:12:00.001-04:00

This poem is the perfect reminder of the wonderful constants in our lives and how they all come together under the roofs of our homes. A beautiful reminder for days such as today, when it's bleak and dreary, when you've had a headache since Tuesday, when someone stole you're parking spot, when you wanted to cry before 9am...

At Home

Yes. There. Here. On this small planet.
Our home. Ours.

The place where we live, where we sleep,
Where we dream. All our stuff. Our manias. Our secrets.
The place where we work, where we laugh,
Where we love.
Our house. The only one in the world. Yes, the only one.
Its smell, its light, its colors. Our dinners, our parties,
Our conversations, our joys, our memories. The crumbs
On the tablecloth, and you sharing secrets in
The bathroom. Our little notes, left lying around.
Our books, our drawings, our photos,
Our letters. These trifles and all these marvles
Brought back from afar. These boxes, these brushes,
These spices, these recipes, these fabrics, these smiles,
These words, these promises. This mess - so touching.
This intimacy that makes us stronger. Our house.
Like a box. Like a chest. Like a closet. That admits
Everything. That takes all. That always
Consoles us. That soothes and energizes us.

The house we want to be like.

Our house, this lovely person.
By Anna Gavalda

Via.

Isn't that a lovely poem? Have a great weekend, my friends, and enjoy your homes.

Club Monaco: Inspired Contest

2011-10-11T10:19:00.000-04:00

Do things inspire you? Do you like to take photos with your phone? Well, then have I got news for you. Club Monaco has a contest going on right now that you should partake in. You could win a camera or a shopping spree! And all you have to do is submit an original photo of something that inspires you. You all know my love for the app Instagram, so it should be no surprise to you that I'm submitting a photo every day! So, snap a pic and get those creative juices flowing! You could win!

There's two more days (today and tomorrow) to submit an original photo (or one each day!) of something that inspires you.

Here are some of the inspiring photos that inspire me... inspire, inspire, inspire.

Images via.

So check out the Club Monaco contest facebook page and submit your inspiring photo!

If you won a shopping spree, what would you buy? Me? I'd buy this poncho/cape....