Tuesday, June 29, 2010

signature look.

Why hello there L.L. Bean Signature...

Where did you come from?


To say that I need this purse would not be an exaggeration.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

hot legs, you can scream and shout.

I used to wear jeans all. year. long. Okay, it's 90 degrees and 150% humidity today and I'm sitting here in jeans. Adorable, skinny, cuffed, light-washed Levis. But this year, I find myself totally drawn to cute shorts and short skirts. Perhaps it's because my legs are still holding onto some post-Puerto Rico color. Perhaps it's because I've been rocking the elliptical so hard this year. Lies. Regardless, my summer wardrobe could use a boost with these cutie-patootie (Rosie O'Donnell, circa 1997 anyone?) options.

Posie a Question Skirt - ModCloth - $47.99


Surf Tweed Charter Skirt - J. Crew - $79.99 (on sale)


Okay, maybe I chose these because they are what my sister affectionately refers to as "Stacey Green". But still, so cute. (Maybe a more logical purchase in the "Drift Grey" they also come in.)

Chino Tennis Short - Martin + Osa - $39.50


And, of course, Ye Olde Stand-by. (I purchased these earlier this season and L.O.V.E. them. Buy them a size up for that true "boyfriend" fit.)

Boyfit Denim Bermuda Shorts - AE - $39.50


Monday, June 14, 2010

leader of the pack.

We are in full-on packing mode at our apartment. (Okay, Kristen is way ahead of me. But I have an extra week...right??) I absolutely hate the act of moving. There is so much stuff to be done that it's hard to know where to begin. So I've put together this handy guide with a few pointers from someone with a little experience in the field. (I'm talking about me, folks.)

  1. go slowly. start a few weeks before moving day by packing items that you don't use regularly (for me, kitchen goods). then work your way towards those items you use on a daily basis (for me, clothes).

  2. clear a space. make a spot in the corner or along an empty wall where you can begin stacking up packed boxes and furniture pieces that are ready to go. this will give you a visual separation of what is done and what is left to do.

  3. wash everything. run a few extra loads in the dishwasher and the laundry. you'll be much happier unpacking those wine glasses and spare linens if they're not covered in water marks and cat hair.

  4. size matters. use a variety of box sizes. lighter things like pillows and blankets are easily carried up and down stairs in one trip packed in larger boxes. but smaller and heavier items like books and kitchen supplies should be packed in smaller, more manageable boxes. it's a bit like Goldilocks... find the box that is just right.

  5. categorize. i know most people pack "by room", but when you're still renting apartments you really only have a few categories:

    1. kitchen - everything from pots and pans to cookie cutters to flower vases. most breakables fall into this category. except for some miscellaneous "tchotchkes", probably. and it may sound like a waste, but go get some of those foamy dish sleeves. a co-worker gave me some that she had leftover and man those things are great. time savers and space savers.

    2. bathroom - if you're like me, this category will probably fit into one box. mostly toiletries and shower organizers.

    3. linens - keep 'em all together. get some large boxes and pack everything from dish towels to bedspreads.

    4. clothes and accessories - if you're anything like me, this will take the longest. don't get overwhelmed and pack with the like: scarves, jewelry, sweaters, tanks and tees, pants and shorts. and trust me, invest in a wardrobe moving box - the kind with the metal hanging bar. they range in price from $7 - $12 each and are definitely worth the investment. also, make the most of your duffels and suitcases. if they can move your clothes to you vacation destination, they can sure move them to your new home. they're also great for toting all of your other totes.

    5. everything else - i'll say it again, pack with the like. i know everyone says "don't pack all your books in one box. it'll be too heavy." that is why I encourage using multiple box sizes. file boxes are perfect for packing books. keep other similar items together also: photos and frames, dvds, records, electronics, papers and files, craft supplies (you have those too, right?), those miscellaneous "tchotchkes" I mentioned previously, etc.

  6. keep one box open. if there's a spare box lying around, tag it "miscellaneous" and leave it open until the last moment. this will come in handy for cleaning supplies, extension cords and any other items that may have been overlooked.

There you have it. Six no-brainer steps that will simplifying the moving process.

I may not be a professional, but after moving 7 times in 8 years you could say I've gotten the hang of it.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

like a moth to a flame.

I've been all about lighting lately. The design bug has definitely bitten hard now that I've signed a new lease. There is much painting to be done (Step 1), but all I can think about after that is taking down those ugly white ceiling fans (Step 2).

Sure, I am still renting. But now that I am on my own, I don't plan on moving again unless this place turns out to be a total lemon. So I take the fans down now, store them, live happily, and put them back up when the time comes.

There is one hanging in every room, minus the bathroom. And while I understand the practicality of the ceiling fan, particularly in the summer months, I much prefer something with a little more personality. A little something like the Böja ceiling lamp from IKEA, perhaps?


Or even this cute little guy from Home Depot. I see him living in the kitchen or above a work space.


And to beat the heat during the summer months, I'd much prefer something a little more aesthetically pleasing. Like this retro box fan by Deco Breeze, available in 12 different colors on Amazon.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

jiggity jig.

Check it off my to-do list: I got an apartment!

top left - that's me!

In my neighborhood of choice, and walking distance to my favorite bbq restaurant in the city. Also walking distance to the gym and on the third floor, so I'm sure to not get fat from eating a solid diet of coleslaw and pulled pork.

It should be noted that although I am very excited about my new place, I am not excited about moving. Because when I move, that means Kristen moves. To New York. Not to the bedroom down the hall. As they say on facebook... dislike.