mmm, mmm good

One of the reasons that I love getting magazines is for the recipes they feature. I don't try them out nearly as much as I want to, but last night was a different story. You see, one of my New Years resolutions was to try to eat better.. to cook more and eat fast food and out at restaurants less. I made this delicious basic chicken soup from Martha Stewart last night and YUM! So much better homemade and, while the ingredient list is rather simple, it is still so good. Try it out - you can find the recipe here.

 

image: Martha Stewart

relaxation

Hello everyone! I hope you had a perfect weekend. I went with two college friends to visit another in New York, which was a blast. However, the effects of this really awesome weekend STILL haven't worn off. Pathetic? Probably. Either way, I would love to take a long soak in this tub.

image: Home Sweet Home

perfect getaway

Wishing you an adventurous weekend!.. or a weekend of solitude, whichever you prefer. I guess I should say "Wishing you a weekend of exactly what you want!"

 

image: tumblr

Crate & Barrel colorful kitchen

I'm loving these colorful items from Crate & Barrel. A pop of color would be a nice element of cheer in all this rainy (??) winter weather.

I do love them all, but the nested mixing bowls are my absolute fav. Hmm ... something to think about! Don't forget to order some goodies from Smock paper today. 100% of their online everyday sales are going to Doctors Without Borders Haiti relief fund. Happy Thursday!

images: Crate & Barrel

smock paper benefit

Hello all! I'm interrupting my originally scheduled post to bring you some rockin' news. Smock paper, who you might remember from my first post this week, is donating 100% of their everyday online sales today and tomorrow to Doctors Without Borders Haiti Relief. How awesome is that? Get on, get yourself some beautiful gift wrap and letterpress stationery and help contribute to a much-needed relief effort.

images: Smock

Austin, Texas awesomeness

So. During some of my time as an absentee-blogger I was actually in Austin, Texas visiting family. And you thought I was just sleeping in! We went to South Congress for some lunch and to walk around one day and I fell in LOVE with a couple shops. One, Mi Casa, is an authentic Texas-feel shop with beautiful hand-painted, colorful decor. The other, Uncommon Objects, is a serious treasure-trove of antique-like goods. I bought a couple things which I will share later, but wanted to show you my version of shopping heaven.

The two photos above are from Mi Casa, the rest are Uncommon Objects.

If you are in the Austin area, you must, must, must go check out these shops. If anyone knows of any similar shops in the Cincinnati area, share the wealth!

letter writing resolution

Hello everyone! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. I'm thinking its about time I share some 2010 resolutions with you. In reality, I was waiting to move and get settled in to make any more drastic changes to my life. I don't think the inventor of the New Year's Resolution (who is that, anyway?) would be very proud, so do me a favor and just don't tell them! One goal of mine is to write a letter a week. I'm doing this to support the written word and stationery industry, and to remind my loved ones that I care and think about them. Who doesn't love receiving an unexpected card in the mail? Don't these images make you want to do the same?

I plan to use some stationery that I have and to design some personalized stationery for myself, but I am also loving these. I'll share some new designs once I have them complete!

I plan to spend my Sunday afternoon on the couch with a movie, Sunday coupons and scissors in hand. But first, I'm headed upstairs to pick out the perfect notecard!

Images: 1-tumblr, 2-tumblr, 3-smock paper, 4-linda & harriet, 5-made by girl, 6-made by girl

positive thinking

If you know nothing else about me, know that I am a shining example of a type-A personality. Okay, you should know other things too... I like long walks on the beach, I love dogs and relaxing baths. Separately, of course. I do not want any dogs in the bath with me. Anyway, when I moved into my previous apartment I had everything unpacked and decorated the day after I moved in. Yes, decorated. I went shopping and scheming prior to move in so that I would have all throw pillows, wall hanging and little knick-knacks ready to go. This time has been a different story. I am much more busy, there is someone else's ever-important opinion to consider and really decorating in a careful, loving way takes time. Just because I know that now doesn't mean I'm not anxious. I've been slowly but surely chipping away at my unpacking and organizing and feel desperate to decorate. I should keep positive thoughts like this in mind when unpacking, looking to the future!

image: tumblr

moving motivation

Hello everyone! I hope you have all been doing well and have been braving the cold with hot chocolate and homemade soup. I am pleased to say that I moved! My stuff did too ... and, boy, is there a lot of it! By "moved" I most certainly don't mean that everything is unpacked and tidy, I simply mean that my 500 boxes and I are under one roof. Okay, fine, there are not actually 500, but the weight of so many earthly possessions sure can feel like 10x what it actually is. Maybe these lovely rooms will help motivate me to keep organizing and decorating. I hope you have a lovely day!

images: Home Sweet Home, Canadian House & Home

paint color inspiration

I have been thinking a little bit lately (okay, okay, a LOTTA bit) about paint colors and decorating. Having almost all of my stuff in boxes, after feeling like I didn't exactly have a great working space anyway, I am super anxious to be unpacked and settled. I do have to move first, but I think these images are such pretty, pretty inspiration.

images: Home Sweet Home

patchwork prettiness

Isn't there something so lovely and cozy about this space? I would love to just curl up here with a hot cup of coffee and a great book. But not until the packing is done! No, you pretty patchwork couch, you cannot entice me!

image: Apartment Therapy

I loved, I lost, I made spaghetti

Hello dear readers! Have you missed me? It seems that I decided to take a holiday break without even sharing that with you! Luckily, it looks like many other bloggers also took breaks. Boy, did it feel good! I rarely checked my email and generally unplugged. I spent Christmas with my family and we then went to Texas for a bit. I caught an unpleasant cold along the way (and have my germ-sharing suspects), but still haven't been able to shake it. I plan to share a lot of the lovely gifts that I received (or gave), but this might not happen until well into January. With most of my belongings in boxes for my move, some will have to wait until they are opened and are comfortable in their new environment :) One gift that I received was "I loved, I lost, I made spaghetti." I LOVED, loved, loved this book. I read it completely on my trip to Texas. The author recounts her love life and shares the recipes that she made along the way. I can't wait to get in the kitchen! Happy 2010, everyone!