lo, in the morning

calling on the troops

2012-01-22T17:52:00.001-06:00

I'm on the search for a mirror similar to the one pictured above but with a significantly lower price tag. Anyone know where I may find one?

2012-01-22T17:46:00.001-06:00

Really I can't complain because winter so far has been quite tame, but there's something especially cruel about getting a snow storm and having to shovel both our cars out of the snow while Gabe is in sunny Los Angles, running on the beach. Welcome back home, babe. Here's your shovel!

MASS MOCA

2011-11-25T21:47:00.001-06:00

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, part II (part I)

october sky, october snow

2011-10-31T11:39:00.002-05:00

October 30, 2011

West Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Dark Sky Magazine

2011-10-27T09:13:00.000-05:00

painting by Sarah Pater

Gabe, husband extraordinaire, edits an online + print literary magazine, Dark Sky. The first issue with Gabe as editor is out and they really hit the ground running, hard, with this one. Check out more paintings from Sarah Pater in the issue as well as a favorite of mine, The Burts, by a favorite of mine, Jason Larson.

uke!

2011-03-23T23:43:00.000-05:00

A week ago, Gabe and I were having one of those all around awesome days around town. I didn't think the day could get any better until he suggested we walk over to the music store to look at ukuleles as a kind-of belated birthday present. I was a very happy girl when we walked out with my very own. I've had my eyes on one for awhile ever since I saw our friend Jono play his uke. I'm no where near Jono status yet but I've had fun learning how to play this little baby.

2011-02-02T15:56:00.000-06:00

My friends, Lily and Anne, write poems. You'll want to check out their new e-chapbook I Am A Natural Wonder. It's pretty cool. I like the part where they write about good looks and not shaving above the knee and wetsuit attractions and prairie-style. Great job, ladies. This book is really, very beautiful.

wildwood

2011-01-28T14:54:00.000-06:00

click on image for source

I love this excerpt from Decemberists frontman Colin Meloy's forthcoming book Wildwood. His wife, the crazy talented Carson Ellis, illustrated it. Apparently, all my favorite illustrators hail from Portlandia.

hope for winter

2011-01-20T10:07:00.001-06:00

I just received this jacket in the mail as a late birthday present and I'm not taking it off 'til June. It's so cozy and soft and I want to spend all day curled up in it.

{winter knits}

2010-12-07T10:20:00.000-06:00

click on photos for source

Beautiful winter knits from YesJess.

{Lo's Winter Gift Guide}

2010-12-03T09:42:00.005-06:00

1. The Sexy Book of Sexy Sex by Kristin Schaal aka Mel from Flight of the Conchords. I think she is hilarious and know I would be into anything she's a part of.

2. MUSIC. I love introducing my friends and family to music I love and learning and loving new music they have introduced me to. Rosie Thomas || Sufjan Stevens || The Mumlers.

3. Kitchenaid mixer. I might be one of the last persons on earth not to already own this, but I believe it's always good to have one forever and always wanting item on a wish list. If for nothing else... consistency.

4. When at home, I spend a good portion of the winter months dressed in a thermal top and tights. These would be perfect to wear under a dress or skirt or if you're like me, to wear while lounging around on a Saturday.

5. Sometimes clothes can be tricky when you're trying to buy them for someone else, so I usually stick to pajamas or lounge wear because everyone loves a cozy sweatshirt. I am loving this one.

6. I consider clothes for Gabe a present to me because husbands with some style are HOT. Steven Alan can do no wrong.

7. No explanation for this gift. It is perfection in a box.

8. I love to use tea towels in the kitchen and on the walls.

9. BOOKS. Gabe loves to give and receive books for any occasion. You can never (ever) go wrong gifting him with a book. These are my picks. Make These Toys || Great House || An Object of Beauty.

10. A print by a favorite illustrator of mine, Julianna Swaney.

11. Parfum, s'il vous plait.

{wreath making and llama farms}

2010-12-01T08:21:00.005-06:00

click on image for source

I saw this image on pinterest the other day (I might have mentioned pinterest before, I'm just a tad obsessed. I mean this is the best website to store all of those images I keep open in my tabs for way too long). I love this sweet and easy idea for the holidays or year round. I'm sure it would look cute to do this with all those holiday cards from friends and family as they start to flock in.
Speaking of wreaths, my friends Brian and Lesley keep getting phone calls from people who are interested in coming to their llama farm for a wreath-making workshop because the newspaper printed the wrong telephone number for the actual llama farm. Hilarious and completely random. I assured them I would much rather attend any wreath making workshop they would put on over one at the llama farm. Brian commented, if you live in western Massachusetts long enough, it's inevitable that you will become embroiled in a llama farm mix-up.

So true.

{the normal school}

2010-11-30T06:00:00.003-06:00

The Normal School is a bi-annual journal featuring nonfiction, fiction, poetry, criticism and culinary adventure journalism associated with California State University, Fresno. Coolest thing to come out of Fresno, hands down. Gabe is in the latest edition along with Aimee Bender and other crazy talented writers. Gabe's story is titled Bucket Day. Yep, he wrote about chicken, and that is one of the many reasons why I love him.

{artist spotlight}

2010-11-29T19:43:00.002-06:00

click on photos for source

Ashley G has been on the varsity squad in the blog world for awhile now and with good reason. She recently came out with new bird paintings and I am so smitten. They are inspired by 19 and 20th century folk art, which I love. Great work, Ashley and Drew!

This little gal is pretty sweet too :)

{happy thanksgiving}

2010-11-24T10:50:00.000-06:00

(Cherry Street, Northampton, Massachusetts)

(Three's Company)

(gabe is the one with the tambourine head)

(Cranberry goodness) (I stole this picture from my friend, Christy)

(Jono doing one of the things he does best while Brian and I oh and ah at Jack's baby book)

(I also stole this picture from Christy) (Thanks Christy!)

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! This is the first year in many years where I will be celebrating Thanksgiving with my family. Gabe and I spent the last few years with friends in Massachusetts. Here are some pictures from last year's Thanksgiving at Cherry Street.
side note::
By the end of the night we were circled up in the kitchen playing a rousing game of someone starts singing a word to a song and then the person next to them has to sing the next word and so on and so forth until one person doesn't know the song's next word and subsequently has to drink from a doggy bowl. (I might be a word or two off on the actual title of the game). I should mention this was near the end of the night for me and Gabe, but everyone else had different plans, but that's for another post, or rather, another blogger who doesn't blush easily.

Whether you're with friends or family or enjoying a quiet holiday alone, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

{christmas came (predictably) early for me}

2010-11-23T06:00:00.002-06:00

The other weekend when Gabe and I were in Atlanta, I persuaded him to stop for a quick visit to Ikea. Right before the checkout line, I was forced to toss items out of our cart or else we would have walked out of the store with every. single. holiday. item. We don't use paper napkins often but I bought enough to last the next few Christmases. I was intending to fill those tins with cookies as small gifts for friends but they're so pretty I've decided against it in order to keep them for myself. So much for the giving spirit this season.

{artist spotlight}

2010-11-22T06:00:00.002-06:00

Amy Borrell is a designer and illustrator out of Melbourne, Australia. She did the illustrations for the 2011 Frankie Journal that the internet has been loving (me included). You can buy her prints here. I can't get over those little kids and their little feet.

{lately}

2010-11-15T10:56:00.002-06:00

via kate from here

I saw this poster first thing this morning on one of my favorite blogs, For Me, For You. Things are busy here and this is a perfect reminder for me. I could do with a little less busy in my life right now but I won't complain because life will, once again, quiet and settle and I am blessed. Right now I'm thankful for future plans, hard work, supportive family, big aspirations and quiet moments.

{holy union}

2010-11-15T10:01:00.001-06:00

(disclaimer:I stole this picture from Sara's blog)

I'm so happy for our friends Ari and Sara who were married last week in a secret ceremony! They are currently living abroad in Spain. Aren't they beautiful? We miss you sweeties!

{artist spotlight}

2010-10-28T09:04:00.001-05:00

One of my dream jobs has always been to be a director/curator for a modern art museum. My introduction into the art world came a few years ago when I first moved to Massachusetts and I worked for an artist as her assistant. I went on to work one of favorite jobs at pinch gallery where I learned more about artists, potters, illustrators and how to buy and sell their work.

I found Kristina aka Kris Atomic through Pinterest (officially addicted) but I can't remember whose page (sorry). She lives in the UK and works as a freelance illustrator and photographer but by the looks of her website, this girl can do it all. See more of her beautiful work here and she blogs too.

Want to see something totally bad ass? Kristina embroidered entries from her teenage diary onto a sweater. Ballsy.

{thomsen}

2010-10-26T15:12:00.001-05:00

found here

This collection has been in my mind since the beginning of Fall. To find it exists is such a cool surprise. I love the muted colors, mix of masculine and feminine, and clean lines. Not to mention the amazing wallpaper in the background. I love the girly dresses, black tights and heels and I love the more masculine pieces like bow-ties, blazers, and loose pants. It's rare to find something that feels so authentic and for me, this is it. It's sweet, minimal, and little moody. Like me :)

{eternal sunshine}

2010-10-26T12:10:00.001-05:00

I just re-watched some of this movie a few days ago. It's always so good. Mark Ruffalo is my favorite in the film but this image with the kids and matching outfits, gah, I'm such a sucker for it.

{free stuff}

2010-10-18T09:49:00.001-05:00

I can't believe some people are generous enough to give away this stuff! Download your own copy here courtesy of the talented Sarah from Truly Smitten.

{one last thing for friday}

2010-10-15T12:16:00.002-05:00

Reading this made my morning. Read more here.

What if I told you everyone on the street was secretly much happier than they looked? And if said that happiness stemmed from the fact that they thought of you much more than you expected them to? That it embarrassed them how much they thought of you? That they know, too, that you’d probably love to hear that you are remembered when you’re not around, but that they find it hard enough to talk to you as it is, the way their words fail? What if I spoke of commanding presence and an it that people know when they see it? If I told you that everyone assumed that you aren’t famous only because you chose something richer for your life? If I explained that any hostility you sense in others is never anything but petty jealousy, and that in their—our—better moments, we’re kicking ourselves? That we’d take a bullet for you onstage at a hot summer stump speech? That it confuses our hearts the way God tells each of us that you’re the one, but that mine is the heart most confused? You might be compared to a summer’s day if you or I knew anyone who talked like that.

{friday}

2010-10-15T10:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday everyone! I've been a little mia this week. We've been busy making decisions about life, jobs, money, happiness, regret. We concluded happiness: for it, regret: against it.

{fall sick}

2010-10-11T10:39:00.001-05:00

The annual Granville Harvest Fair has come and gone and we weren't a part of it this year :( My friend Tim took pictures this year of his family's farm and they are making me very fall sick. I mean, look how beautiful! There's nothing like New England in the Fall.

Not to be left out, Nashville is making a great go at Fall this year. The weather here has been beautiful and the leaves are even changing color.

{erica shires}

2010-10-05T22:06:00.002-05:00

Click on photos for source

These beautiful photographs from Erica Shires remind me of a modern day Jane Eyre. The Jane Eyre I imagine from this cover.

{hetterson}

2010-10-04T15:48:00.000-05:00

click on image for source

so incredibly perfect for fall. see the rest of the Hetterson collection here.

{little known fact}

2010-10-01T08:30:00.001-05:00

Gabe and I love puzzles (although he's way more patient with them than I am. I normally come in to help him complete all the easy parts at the end and then claim all the glory). Especially around the holidays. The above puzzle is one we (he) completed last Christmas. I think this one is next on my list.

{esther derkx}

2010-09-30T13:59:00.001-05:00

I love the work of Esther Derkx. She screen prints images of athletes and dancers onto vintage or cast-off ceramic dishes to create new life and art. I think it's important to remember not to take life too seriously and if I had a platter with a man in a speedo picking flowers, I couldn't help but laugh a little.
(found via Brian)

{the search is on for...}

2010-09-29T18:51:00.000-05:00

...the perfect velvet dress for the holidays. So far I've found these two at Madewell and I'm leaning toward the black Alexa Chung dress. Pro: I love a dress with a Peter Pan collar. Con: I may look 12 wearing it. Any suggestions?

{manimal}

2010-09-28T17:49:00.001-05:00

pretty bags on sale at manimal.

{weekend in Massachusetts}

2010-09-28T11:14:00.001-05:00

Western Massachusetts

{Julianna Swaney}

2010-09-23T10:08:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Anne and Brian of The Arts Company here in Nashville. The gallery space is really great, and I love that they host events in the parking garage behind the gallery that they cleverly call the Avant Garage.
Brian recently curated a show featuring Julianna Swaney. I instantly fell in love with her sweet illustrations. If you live in Nashville, I highly recommend going to see the pieces in person at The Arts Company, but hurry because I think the show is coming down soon. You can also see Julianna's work here and check out her blog too.

**I had to show some serious restraint to not put every single piece of Julianna's in this post.

{The Fells}

2010-09-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

click on photos for source

Jenny Gordy is one of the coolest girls on the internet. I keep going back to these beautiful photos shot by jewelry designer Jennifer Sarkilahti for her Odette A/W 2011 collection, The Fells. I love all of her pieces, but I think I need that fox ring. Jenny designed and made the top she is wearing in the photos specifically for the shoot. Such a beautiful collaboration between talented artists.

{summer favorites part II}

2010-09-21T14:53:00.001-05:00

Last month I posted a few of my favorite looks from summer. Now as it's winding down (fingers crossed) I'm thinking about the music I loved this summer. If you're like me and Rob Gordon, you associate certain music with different times in your life. So whenever I hear Local Natives Gorilla Manor or The National's High Violet or Josh Ritter's So Runs the World Away, I'll always be reminded of summer 2010.

This song might just be my favorite. (side story: gabe and I went to college with ryan the guitarist and gabe knew him when they were cavil at rest. a great band then and even better band now.)

{harvest}

2010-09-20T09:26:00.000-05:00

I can honestly say one of the best things about having lived in Massachusetts the past three years was the fall. Before we moved there, people would tell us they were beautiful but I really had no idea until I experienced one for myself. The colors, the air, the festivals,the apple picking, everything was magical during fall. My friend Melissa and her family were part of a harvest fair each year where they sold cider, cider doughnuts, and showed a tutorial on how to make it. Mel and her brothers normally play music outside the family barn during this time, but last year while she was away, they invited us and our friends to play instead.

{g.d.}

2010-09-17T13:08:00.001-05:00

Photos I took of Gabe from his reading last week.

{home sweet home}

2010-09-16T23:42:00.001-05:00

I get that this picture is supposed to spotlight the dress but all I can think about is that house. It's absolutely darling. This is the kind of home I dream of living in and raising my family. Obviously I have modest taste, but, gee, if I get any more minimal in my aesthetic I might as well join the Shakers.
via {frolic!}

{a.p.c.}

2010-09-14T09:25:00.001-05:00

I love all these looks but especially the top right one. The whole collection reminds me of something Ali MacGraw's character would wear in Love Story if it were remade in 2010.

{happy friday!}

2010-09-10T14:09:00.001-05:00

My weekend consists of attending Gabe's reading, seeing old friends, and reading Never Let Me Go before seeing the movie next week. The trailer looks so good!

I hope everyone has a restful and fun weekend!

{a few thoughts}

2010-09-09T17:34:00.000-05:00

click on image for source

1. Thanks to Elise for inviting me to participate in her Wanted This Week series. I love putting together looks and this was a blast.
2. Are you on Twitter? I recently joined and I'm still getting the hang of it. Wanna be friends or... followers? That sounds creepy. Add me here.
3. It's Thursday but feels like Friday.
4.Tattoos can be so beautiful.

{lisa rupp}

2010-09-09T06:00:00.013-05:00

I have loved using Lisa Rupp's desktop calendars this past year. I look forward to the first of every month to see what she's come up with. Get yours here (they're free!).

{place holders}

2010-09-08T13:02:00.000-05:00

The other day I noticed I had two Ikea Ribba frames that I haven't been using but no current art work to put in them, so I started playing around with photos, postcards, letters, and other this-and-thats around the house and came up with these two collages.

I don't know if I'll keep them like this forever, but I do know they were fun (and free) to create and make the perfect place holders until I find exactly what I'm looking for.

{let them eat cake}

2010-09-08T09:44:00.001-05:00

I wish I had a reason to buy one of these. Technically I do have a reason, a valid, one might say seriously important reason, our home would be sweeter and I would be so happy, but I'm guessing Gabe might question the validity of that reason. I don't see why... If there's anyone out there who doesn't read her amazing blog, Jordan Ferney collaborated with her artist husband, Paul, to create Let Them Eat Cake. The show was last weekend in San Francisco but the paintings are still available for purchase online here.

{labor day weekend}

2010-09-06T22:12:00.000-05:00

Alex and Ryann's wedding alter::table flowers::wedding favor::new dog-in-law::our friends' sweet baby girl::the Malibu fair.

California was a blast. Gabe and I had to keep reminding ourselves of the things we didn't like about L.A. when we lived there or else we might want to move back. It feels like home. But lucky for us Nashville is starting to feel like home too and I consider us lucky to have two amazing cities, with precious family in both, for us to call home. A highlight of the weekend was seeing beautiful Ryann walk down the aisle to the opening bass line of Stand By Me. Not a dry eye in the house!

{long weekend!}

2010-09-02T08:00:00.004-05:00

click on photo for source

Happy long weekend to everyone!! Extra long for me as I'm leaving for Los Angeles today to celebrate with friends at their wedding and see some family too. Cholada, Wood Ranch, Wahoos, Zuma Sushi, and Adobe Cantina will hopefully all be consumed on this trip too. Although at that rate, I might have time to only eat on this trip. There are worse things to happen!

Speaking of food, I'm dying to try to make this cake. It looks so fun!

{boxer}

2010-09-01T12:32:00.001-05:00

A few days ago Gabe wrote a blog post about defending Jonathan Franzen that generated a bit of internet buzz. He basically wrote of a little boy disagreement he had with the bullying internet. Gabe and I love to talk about our love/hate relationship with the world wide web. Everyone has an opinion on the internet and no one's shy about sharing it (i.e. this music makes my ears bleed!) because there aren't any consequences. That being said, we're too far in and addicted to ever give it up! After all their bickering, Gabe's post ends by the internet asking him, "When do you want to hang out again?" To which Gabe responds, "“Two hours tonight,” I said, “and then again first thing in the morning.”"

{torture}

2010-08-31T11:15:00.001-05:00

A book of photography of an insanely adorable little girl taken by her talented momma? How could I not post this? The top image kills me. kills me.

via here from here

{emily henderson}

2010-08-30T19:03:00.000-05:00

click on photos for source

Anyone else watch Secrets from a Stylist last night? I loved it. Emily is adorable and her taste is spot on. She describes the above room as FDR chic + mod + world traveler. Whaa? But it completely works. So good. So good.

{summer favorites part I}

2010-08-26T08:52:00.000-05:00

a few of my favorite summer looks captured by The Sartorialist.

{papercut}

2010-08-24T11:08:00.000-05:00

click on photo for source

sweet artwork by The Time is Now

{bow-wow}

2010-08-23T12:08:00.000-05:00

Good morning! I'm a little groggy this morning after getting in late last night from a girls' shopping trip all weekend. I'm so glad one of the first things I saw in my google reader was this.

Yes, Katie, you should definitely add bow-wow collars to your shop. Adorable!

{finds}

2010-08-20T12:06:00.007-05:00

Who knew Hendersonville, Tennessee had such great vintage ware?? Elise and I checked out some local thrift stores outside of Nashville yesterday and I'm most excited about that little red number I bought. I imagine using it to warm a glass of milk on those cold nights this fall when I'm up too late and can't fall asleep.

{quilting project}

2010-08-18T10:19:00.002-05:00

click on photos for source

Earlier this month I blogged about setting a goal for myself to sew a quilt this year. I saw this quilted playmat on The Purl Bee blog (a must-read for anyone interested in sewing) and I've decided this will be my starter quilt! I adore the fabric but I'm afraid it's over my budget for this project, so once I find the perfect fabric, I'll be ready to go.

{no distractions}

2010-08-17T17:45:00.002-05:00

Working from home (or mostly from home) has been a goal of mine for awhile. Right now I'm spending my time figuring out how to make that happen. I do enjoy working with others on projects, but I get all my energy from being by myself. Since I was a little girl, I could entertain myself for hours without anyone else around. Days like today make me want it that much more. I'm getting lots of good work done today thanks to this rainy afternoon, the soundtrack to Emma (my favorite Jane Austen story), and my (somewhat) clean home. No distractions.

{a dream}

2010-08-17T12:14:00.001-05:00

click on photos for source

Lately I've had vintage on the brain more than usual. I'm itching to drive across Tennessee and find all the antique and vintage stores off the beaten path. I'd love to make a small film interviewing the owners and other sweet and crazy characters I'd meet along the way. In the meantime, though, I can be content with all the amazing finds on Etsy. Ethanollie and Lackluster Co. have been constant sources of inspiration for me.

{kristina klarin}

2010-08-16T08:00:00.007-05:00

This color combination from Kristina Klarin is gorgeous. I would love to design a room around them. Maybe a little babe's nursery (not announcing, just dreaming).

found via seesaw (love these gals and their designs)

{friday!}

2010-08-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I'll be celebrating my Gran's birthday and visiting with Gabe's mom while she's in town from Los Angeles. We ate at the Eastland Cafe last night (so good) and I'm excited to try out other new (to us) Nashville eateries throughout the weekend.

{lauren moffatt}

2010-08-13T07:00:00.004-05:00

I just saw this over on Rachel's blog and I had to post too. I have been a big fan of Lauren Moffatt's for a couple of years now and her Fall 2010 line does not disappoint. The colors and textures are stunning! She's so good with details too, knows just what to add to make a piece complete.

{recent vintage finds}

2010-08-12T12:20:00.001-05:00

My idea of a perfect day will always include going to a favorite thrift store or discovering a new one and shopping for little vintage gems. Almost every Saturday while living in Massachusetts I would start my day by visiting The Trading Post and spend an hour or so rummaging through everything. It became a running joke with the owners to guess how long I would stay each visit and how many little trinkets I would find to buy.

I recently purchased these beauties while in Massachusetts for a bridal shower. You can see other finds here.

{cabbages & roses & reubens}

2010-08-12T07:00:00.003-05:00

I like these sweet and cheery photos from the look book of British line Cabbages & Roses. That name reminds me of our friend Jason who told Gabe and I about his dream of opening up a deli + flower store called Reubens and Roses. A catchy name for sure except I think his plan is to sell only reubens and roses. Maybe it could work...

{suit}

2010-08-11T19:54:00.002-05:00

My favorite swimsuit of the summer has recently been reduced. Still not quite low enough for me to buy it, especially with it being mid-August already, but if it goes any lower I think I might have to give in and get it. I love how classic it is, there's a picture of my grandmother in her mid-twenties wearing something similar.

post-edit:: on no! there's only a size 14 left in stock...maybe I can find my size in one of the stores...now I really want it!

{hats encouraged, gloves optional}

2010-08-09T13:37:00.001-05:00

This past weekend I traveled back to my once home of Northampton, Massachusetts for dear Katharine's garden party bridal shower. Katharine and I became instant friends since we met over two years ago and I am honored to be part of her wedding. The bride-to-be was beautiful, the garden and home were lovely, and the party was a success. I lucked out with GORGEOUS 80ish degree weather all weekend. After the summer we've had here in Nashville, this was truly welcomed and much appreciated.

{72.8%}

2010-08-05T08:40:00.001-05:00

I feel like this print by Teagan White would be a good one to have after a bad break-up with someone. Instead of seeing the guy who broke your heart, you can look at him and see a big water balloon instead. Ready to get thrown on the hot pavement!

{need supply co.}

2010-08-04T12:00:00.002-05:00

Here's my fall wish list Need Supply Co. edition::

photos

{more camp part two}

2010-08-04T07:00:00.003-05:00

Gabe has three new Fun Camp shorts up at American Short Fiction. Haven't heard of Fun Camp? Read more about it here. Here's a bit of one of the shorts, Summer After the Summer of Love::

I’m even a little surprised at how good it is to see you. It’s silly how we didn’t keep in touch all year like we said we would. And a lot of the blame falls in my court, considering you sent me that sweet note in August and then those less sweet notes September through November—notes I deserved, sure, but issue being that while I was still obsessing over my reply to that first letter, trying to say what I wanted to say just right, I got that second letter, which really froze me up...

You can read the rest of the story here. I love these shorts and can not wait to see them all published into a book.

photo

{quilts}

2010-08-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's always been a goal of mine to sew a quilt. I've decided this is the year I'm going to make it happen. I think I might buy this pattern from the a favorite blogger of mine, kelly. Am I crazy for taking on this project when I'm still a beginner sewer?

I'm so tempted to buy this book based solely on the cover design. How awesome is that quilt?! Anyone ever read/used it?

photo

{schleeepy}

2010-08-02T08:59:00.000-05:00

I'm taking the day to recover from my whirlwind trip to Dallas. I'm way too tired.

photo from here

{sign painters}

2010-07-29T07:00:00.003-05:00

Austin, Texas based photographer, Jay B Sauceda, captures a nostalgic, classic look of side wall commercial art pre vinyl-printing days in his Sign Painters series. So many advertisements today are too much with their over production, bright lights, and loud audio. These give us room to breathe and there's something nice about that.

{the curse}

2010-07-28T14:08:00.002-05:00

This song won't leave my brain. Listen to it. You'll understand. Or you'll be annoyed with me because it won't leave your brain. But don't let that stop you.

Gabe and I were invited to attend (a favorite of ours) Josh Ritter's concert next week all thanks to Gabe responding to this question in an interview with Pank

[If you wanted to be the change you wanted to be, what would the costume look like? How would you make it?]

with this answer

[How stressful to be held accountable for my own words like this. The costume would be a meticulous note-for-note recreation of Josh Ritter’s The Animal Years. In the tradition of Beatles cover band The Fab Faux, I wouldn’t worry about dressing up like him, but, youngish slender contemporary sometimes-bearded white guy he is, I might accidentally end up dressing like him anyway. I would “make” the costume by taking twice-weekly guitar lessons and then sitting down to memorize the many words to “Thin Blue Flame,” the really long one.]

{family affairs}

2010-07-28T06:00:00.007-05:00

Mother-daughter duo, Nina and Kaya Egli are the masterminds behind the beautiful clothing line, Family Affairs. The prints are vibrant and the cut feminine but not too girly (I like feminine but not girly, a fine line). Nina was once the in house designer for The Beatles iconic Apple shop in London and her daughter, Kaya has her own line of jewelry, Toujours Toi. Although I can't imagine what it would be like to go into business with a family member, I do know these two ladies make it look pretty cool. Or perhaps it helps that Nina is based in Switzerland while Kaya lives in New York City. Read more about this family affair here.

{love is strange}

2010-07-27T06:00:00.002-05:00

Two of my all time favorite movies star Sissy Spacek, Badlands and Coal Miner's Daughter. Both films do a great job at capturing her innocence, strength, and this kind of naive beauty. Since moving to Nashville, I've been more drawn to her style than ever before. I've been on the look out for more cuffed blue jeans, denim shirts, floral dresses, and scarfs for my hair. The video above is a clip from one of my favorite scenes in Badlands. That dancing gets me every time!

{Carl Kleiner}

2010-07-26T06:00:00.003-05:00

I adore this series by Swedish photographer Carl Kleiner and stylist Julie Von Hofsten. The top photo reminds me of something Joan on Mad Men would wear. Speaking of Joan, did you watch the season 4 premiere? I'll have to watch it today online somewhere. It's nights like last night I wish we had cable so I wasn't always a day behind everyone else obsessed with Mad Men!

Friday!

2010-07-23T19:11:00.004-05:00

beautiful clothes and photos by jackson, johnston & roe

Have a lovely weekend!
{Stay tuned for a big announcement on Monday!}

photo source

Nadinoo

2010-07-23T09:46:00.001-05:00

Nadia Izruna, the designer behind the British label, Nadinoo (view Etsy store here), started making her beautiful handmade collections in February 2009. I've never been this smitten with an entire clothing line, I want every. single. piece. Also, the Liberty of London fabrics have never before looked more beautiful. The collection is designed for three fictional character, Fleur, Pixie, and Lula. "Pixie is quirky, playful and spontaneous, Lula is more bold, sexy and a little cheeky, whereas Fleur is a delicate flower and a dreamer." After reading the descriptions of each and then going back to see which pieces I am drawn to most, I am clearly a Pixie.

Which character are you?

{Discographies}

2010-07-22T00:04:00.000-05:00

I'm constantly amazed with what people can do with 140 characters on Twitter. Discographies is the latest creative Twitter feed I've enjoyed reading. It is descried as a "definitive guide to an artist's body of work." For example:

Joni Mitchell: 1-5 many bad boyfriends, many chords; 6-9,16 Jazz Odyssey!; 10-13 "take that, Rickie Lee Jones!"; 14-15 quietly enjoyable.

or:

Bob Dylan: 1 Woody; 2, 3 ambition; 4 pot; 5-7 speed; 8-9 pot; 10-11 AJ Weberman; 12-16 booze; 17-19 Jesus; 20-27 pot; 28 death; 29-32 pot.

{photo source}

More Camp!

2010-07-21T11:53:00.001-05:00

Gabe has his first Nashville reading this Saturday, 3 PM at the Nashville Public Library. He'll be reading with Kyle McCord and Keith Montesano. I'll be there. They'll be there. You should be there too!

I've heard rumor Durham might read from Fun Camp, a popular, new collection he is writing. Gabe describes Fun Camp as a "series of short monologues that take place in and around an eccentric pseudo-religious summer camp. It started as a bunch of little speeches, folks telling other folks what’s what and how it’s gonna be, until I wrote one on the rules at a summer camp and around the same time, landed on the title. The more I wrote about summer camp, the more I wanted to write about summer camp. And when I show parts of it to people, the comment I keep getting was, “More camp!” I agree. Camp is fun. Camp is camp."

More camp!

birthday cake

2010-07-20T10:54:00.001-05:00

I love (on the rare occasion) when I look at a photo of food and think to myself I could make that. This cake is simply beautiful and perhaps more important for me, beautifully simple.

photo (a favorite new blog)

a backyard

2010-07-20T10:44:00.001-05:00

I spent the night dreaming of backyards. Backyards for gardening, catching lightening bugs, hanging sheets to dry in the sun, and relaxing with my friends and family on hot summer nights and cool fall days.

photo

best friends should be together

2010-07-18T22:02:00.002-05:00

This past weekend Gabe and I traveled to Kansas City, Missouri for stop two in our summer of weddings tour. We had a blast getting to know Sarah and Nate's families, friends, and the Panamanian bodybuilder, Pedro, living with them while he learns English (totally normal). Highlights of the trip include: bizarre group dance circle towards the end of the evening to Bad Romance, Royals baseball game in the sweltering heat (they lost), Sarah's mom's homemade cheesecake dessert table, and rooming with Jeannie and Brian for two days just like old times.

Jeannie and Brian are both super talented writers. Brian is currently helping Gabe edit for Keyhole Magazine while editing his own literary magazine, Matchbook and Jeannie's poetry has been featured on my blog before. I found myself frequently replying to things Jeannie said this weekend with "that could be a title of a poetry collection." For example: Which Bug is Biting Me or Best Friends Should Be Together.

Oh, no, I'm entering into long post zone! Is anyone still awake?

photo

2010-07-13T00:07:00.000-05:00

I saw this toddler's bed on the always resourceful Making It Lovely and I seriously can't get it out of my head.

You can drool at it here.

Happy 4th!

2010-07-04T22:13:00.010-05:00

Mr. and Mrs. Lowry

2010-06-29T17:24:00.006-05:00

Gabe and I drove to Ann Arbor, Michigan this past Friday for Gabe's best friend's wedding. Brent and Cristina are so special to us and it was great to be there with them to celebrate. I even found a sweet used books store Saturday morning before the festivities began. I only wish we had time to explore more of Ann Arbor. Thanks for hosting us Johnson and Lowry families!

If Nashville weather continues to stay in the high 90s

2010-06-23T16:57:00.002-05:00

I want to live in this vest, a tank, and cut offs all summer long.

This makes me feel less bad

2010-06-19T09:50:00.001-05:00

This one just makes me laugh.

found here via here

Current wish list

2010-06-09T10:45:00.001-05:00

Custom return address stamp

(even though I'm a renter. I think it would be a nice collection to keep over the years to remember the different homes we've lived in)

Japanese masking tape

Leather laces like Kate

Thief&Bandit shirts

and to bring me back to reality... employment.

if I only had one outfit to wear

2010-05-07T21:12:00.002-05:00

hands down this would be it.

Stella McCartney f/w 2010

{finders keepers}

2010-04-30T17:01:00.002-05:00

I've been lucky lately in my quest to find beautiful, inexpensive treasures for our home. All of them just how I like them, old with a little dust and a lot of character.

Anagram Press

2009-11-14T21:00:00.004-06:00

found here and here

flowchart goodness

2009-11-04T21:06:00.001-06:00

from here via here

Big Hearted Hum Ablaze

2009-10-07T19:36:00.010-05:00

picture from the Durham family band's first show in September 2009. Taken by Jed Berry.

Mom, please ignore my slouched shoulders... I know, i know, HOLD THEM BACK.

Lily Sparkles

2009-07-25T08:41:00.006-05:00

When summer first started, I expected lazy, slow days, but so far, it has been anything but. I am going to Maine to be with one of favorites, A.J., and I can hardly wait. A best friend and 5 days of reading, exploring, walking, music, and friends sounds so good right now. I hope you enjoy your weekend, I know I will! Oh, I can't forget to mention my adorable cousin Piper and her awesome cat naming skills. Lily Sparkles (or sometimes Caroline Smith), welcome to the family.

print found here

{dance class}

2009-07-13T20:25:00.004-05:00

Tonight Gabe and I participed in the first Film Dance Society session held by the ever impressive Brian Baldi. We learned the dance sequence
from Jean Luc Godard's Bande à part. There were 12 of us or so, a giant screen and orange slices. Some caught on rather fast, others at a slower pace, but everyone had their own unique style. As the actor says before the dance, so is our motto for the night, "Empires crumble, republics founder and fools survive."

Blah

2009-05-22T16:25:00.005-05:00

I made the mistake of showing this picture to Gabe. Now it seems I might have to attempt to make the damn thing.

image found here

one of my favorite songs.

2009-05-17T22:16:00.004-05:00

by one of my favorite performers at one of my favorite places in los angeles.

Forget the kids

2009-04-14T17:59:00.004-05:00

I want this party for my next birthday. Merrilee created a beautiful Neverland themed party for her son's birthday. It has just enough whimsy and keeps that cool minimal feel. Just the right color palette too. And who doesn't like a line up of adorable costumed kids?

photos here

Smoothie Summer

2009-04-07T21:15:00.006-05:00

When Gabe and I find a food or recipe we like that is as healthful as it is tasty, we can get carried away with how often we make it. Bonus points if our amateur culinary skills can produce said food or recipe like a pro. This summer I predict our diet will consist of daily fruit smoothies from yogurt and frozen blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, peaches, and bananas, fresh pesto to mix with pasta and on breads, edamame for an afternoon snack, and homemade whole wheat pizza with fresh veggies and more pesto. If only we had a porch to sit on and enjoy these delicious foods...

picture found here and here

museum + dinner

2009-03-31T20:43:00.004-05:00

Fourteen Hills

2009-03-20T16:51:00.004-05:00

Gabe was recently published in the latest issue of Fourteen Hills. The cover is beautiful and the center of the magazine has full-color art work. You can read other stories by Gabe here.