Pretty Waisted

At Goodwill I grabbed these Banana Republic button fly mom jeans... I had fun with the high waisted fit though they don't particularly photograph that way. I borrowed Brian's belt, tying the extra twelve (!) inches in a knot.

Juxtapose

I was inspired by this Wren outfit when I realized I have military green shorts and a sequined shirt in my closet but might not have worn the two together without a visual.

So-Called Trends

Courtesy of Hulu I've been revisiting My So-Called Life.

Layers, florals, bright tights, high waisted jeans, Doc Martens, military band jackets, and of course, lots of plaid... if you thought this short-lived series was dated, it is: 2010

I'm getting all angsty with Angela Chase, loving Rickie Vasquez, and definitely crushing on Jordan Catalano.

Best of all, I've dusted off my Buffalo Tom album, Big Red Letter Day. Listen to Late at Night.

An Apple a Day

I never owned a blazer... until now. I thought this was a deal at sticker price $24 but at the register it rang for only $3!

The striped lining makes a cute cuff.

With it I wore a tee shirt I purchased from the sweet etsy shop Dressing on the Side. (I might have to order the boyfriend "Morning Buzz" tee, too)

The donut is my favorite.

My friend Mark is a brilliant writer and tender poet. He lives in England and mailed me the pin I wore on my lapel.

Perk Up

One of my favorite things about I Love Lucy is the complete breakfast Lucy cooks for Ricky every morning- eggs, toast, and coffee. The percolator she keeps on her stove caught my eye, it just seems so homey and old fashioned. When Brian and I registered for our wedding we asked for a twelve cup Cuisinart drip coffee maker. We haven't used it five times in five years; we favor our French presses, the Italian stove top espresso pot, and now, a percolator. It makes a great pot of hot!hot!hot! coffee while giving me a domestic rush. We love it almost as much as we love Lucy.

The Cuisinart is looking for a new home if you're interested.

Pip Pip Cheerio

Chocolate Cheerios are delicious. Have you tried them?
(Not part of a balanced breakfast.)

Wouldn't It Be Nice

I read something in Real Simple recently (April), an issue about time: saving it, spending it, wasting it, weighing it, etc. An article about things in life worth your time suggested that "listening to an entire album in one sitting" is a rare simple pleasure, with iPods and its ilk resulting in lots of single-song downloads. An example given of a perfect start-to-finish album was The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, "designed as an entire listening experience... It's a romantic record from a young man's perspective... in one sitting it gets under your skin and your own emotions mix with the tracks..."

Some quick Wiki-research told me that Brian Wilson was so impressed with Rubber Soul because of the "unity" and because "it all belonged together," it was "a collection of songs... that somehow went together like no album ever made before" and Paul McCartney felt the same way in turn about Pet Sounds, what he considered a "total, classic record."

An album as a complete thought is obvious and probably hasn't escaped any of us, but I just love this friendly reminder to stop... and hear the music.

Dad, can I borrow your copy of Pet Sounds?

Won't Grow Up

I wore these silly pants yesterday because I thought I could sneak a fine wale corduroy into spring.

First I tried pairing them with an elfy looking ankle boot but I looked too much like Peter Pan's understudy so I opted for a simple strappy sandal instead (that's a lot of s's).

Potato Heads

Brian and I were so sad to see our favorite video store is going out of business! Couch Potato's is (was) a great local shop with a wide selection and diverse, friendly staff. With On Demand and Netflix, not to mention libraries (guilty!), times are tough for video renters. But we agree that the experience of selecting a video in a store is not the same as clicking one into queue. We like browsing and reading cases and asking, What about this? Did you ever see it?

I like the video store smell (warm plastic and popcorn?) and considering Staff Picks. Scoping out the New to DVD wall. Buying Nerds on a Rope at the counter even though I gave up childish candy.

We will really miss this place: on snowy winter Saturdays, late summer nights, on sick days, holidays, and any time we feel like being couch potatoes.

Superdress

This shirtdress wore really well yesterday. I tagged along to Walmart on the weekend and saw it in the juniors section right next to Miley Cyrus' clothes. For twelve dollars it made my day... and night- no wrinkles after twelve busy hours.

30

I gave my grade school girlfriend this vase on Saturday when she put together an impromptu party. It is so much fun to pick out things for other people :)


Comic strip paper just seemed to suit her. I found a roll for ten cents at the local 5&10. I wonder what I gave her when she turned thirteen?

Happy Birthday, Nat!

Top Banana

A banana with coffee is one of my favorite morning snacks. It's the flavor combination and the simplicty that I love. But today, my banana is in muffin form.

The Scrunchie

Is it back?

Will I wear it?

Daydreamin'

This song has been running in my mind lately. Maybe it's the season, the sun, or just that every day is a good day for a daydream, but I would love to "fall on my face on somebody's new mowed lawn." What about you?

PS- What is up with the dancing duo in this video??

Deja Vu

I couldn't resist these slouchy, supersoft tees at Target ($14.99). I snatched up three of four before they even hit the rack. It's going to be a stripey spring.

So Jaded

This little jade plant has been bringing me joy since I picked it up at the supermarket. I just love the tidy growth pattern, the fleshy leaves, their symmetry, and the red blush they get in ample sunlight (kind of like me).

Wake Up, Maggie

Today I am enjoying my Maggie scarf.

The organic cotton jersey feels like a favorite tee shirt; I like the raw edges and the deep cranberry color. Maybe my favorite part: $4.99 at Whole Foods.

500 Degrees Review

Brian says: 500 degrees is "A Burger Joint" brought to you by the owners of Rouge. Don't let the size fool you; one of these tasty little guys will fill you up. The word slider has been thrown around to describe them, but the term just barely applies. The patty and bun are considerably thicker than a typical slider. Cooked to order, the beef is high quality and extremely juicy. The bun seems a bit daunting at first but becomes more manageable as the brioche soakes up a little juice. I am not typically a French fry fan. I like them, but could still enjoy a life deprived of them. As good as the burgers are at 500 degrees, the fries are why I have been back twice, even foregoing the burger on one occasion. They are like shoestring fries only flatter with crispy edges. The truffle fries are fantastic and unique. I really like the spicy fries and would prefer them to anyone else's spicy fries, but I just can't choose them over the truffle.

Bridget says: Be ready to order when you reach the register, transactions are made in under one minute. Seating is communal around two large tables; we stalked out stools at the counter. Ask for your burger medium-rare as recommended by 500 degrees. Dipping sauces and pickles come on the side. The brioche bun is adorable. I went for the gusto and included a shake in my combo- do the same if you don't intend to eat again until tomorrow (I skipped dinner, so stuffed). The truffle fries are delightful. Check it out: 1504 Sansom Street, Philadelphia.
Brian scored me a free tee shirt at the tasting.

The B's Have It

In our first married spring Brian surprised me with a Redbud tree. This week it is in full bloom and the bees could not be happier.

Hulululia!

Lately I've been watching a lot of Hulu. Brilliant. I like watching a show whenever I want and I love the sparse thirty second advertisements. I've especially enjoyed seeing Parenthood and any missed episodes of The Office and Modern Family. There's a lot of old school stuff as well (pass the Party of Five :-).

Na na na

I've figured out that I can shop in any department and find something to fit. I picked up this $10.00 men's tee shirt at Target in a size small.

I think I like it because I fondly remember Clarissa Darling explaining it all in a similar pink shirt with a print of two big boots.

Bulls-Eye

Bloggers and stripes seem to go together like bread and jam (did anyone else read and love the Frances children's books?). I have been looking for the perfect striped tee and found it at Target; I bought all three! They are long, lean, soft, thin without being sheer, 3/4 sleeves (my favorite) and just $12.99.

Time to Keep

I've been so spoiled lately I can't ask for another splurge with a straight face (but I can still ask). I love the Timex military watch sold only at JCrew this spring. The big face, the nylon strap... I'd like to see this oversized piece on my skinny wrist. I'd get the dark pumpkin strap too, obviously (2 for $30).

Spot On Tea

Last weekend I saw this creamer and sugar bowl at Premium Steap in Philadelphia. I couldn't stop thinking about them! I went back, they were still there. Scoop and pour, I love the repetitive typewriter text, I love the .'s, and I love the crazy spout- no drips or dribbles.

The other side is just as sweet.

Hanging by a Thread

Some ancient Martha by Mail scrapbook paper made my garland in soft, springy tones: blue, grey, green, and brown. It's only colored on one side but as it slowly turns the white is nice and crisp, too.

Peepin' It Real

Inspired to make a wreath of marshmallow Peeps, I spent Saturday night strategically spearing dozens of them to a foam form with toothpicks. My mom surrendered an uneaten box of green Saint Patrick's day chicks for the sake of art to expand my palette of Easter pink and yellow (and the last two boxes of purple scored on a midnight run to Wegmans). If I knew then what I know now I would have left the candy out to go stale before assembling. What do you think? Sweet? Or sickening?

Check out David Ottagalli for more Peeps art; I just learned this is big business!

Lettuce Launch

Romaine planted in tiny terra cotta pots, we made these for Easter place settings and take home party favors.