Monthly Archives: April 2010

thrift store review: animal ark thrift store

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Animal Ark Thrift Store

I know, I know, a thrift store in St. Paul? Where the hell is that?? Typically the only things that can get me over that way is a visit with my Auntie Sharyn who lives in Lowertown or a hot date with my honey at Mancini’s. This thrift however, has entered into that good company, quickly becoming something else worth crossing the river for. Because, you see, this is a big thrift store that can house some pretty fantastic finds.

Situated at the top of a long hill in the adorably named neighborhood of Swede Hollow, the biggest strength of this place lies in the housewares section. If you’re looking to outfit a kitchen, top to bottom, with mostly vintage or quality used stuff, this is where I’d send you. (Big brother are you reading?? Get a colander already dude!) The entire left side of the store is essentially just household goods. Pass by the fancy sets of china displayed out front, there are plenty of deals to be had once you start digging an aisle or two back. There’s a lot to look at, so take your time. Some things you can reliably find here: an assortment of old salt and pepper sets, decanters, beautiful cake stands, vintage stemware, kitschy cookbooks and service items, all reasonably priced.

Note: The staff works the Internet to research prices, especially on the china and dishes. It’s not unusual to stumble across some pieces that are marked pretty high—whole sets of china for $150, for example—with the eBay summary taped to the shelf underneath.

Moving on…I can’t say I know very much about vinyl, but they sure seem to have a lot, and every record is $1. The stacks are stashed in the back room, which also has all the men’s clothes, lighting, gardening stuff, some furniture and electronics, all of which they have a healthy selection of.

That's a lot of records.

 

In terms of clothes, you’ll have to go often to score anything remarkable. Some of my favorite things I’ve picked up here wardrobe-wise are some leather Brazilian-made clogs and this sporty Lee denim jacket I’m in love with. You can rely on variety of costume-y, grandma-like jewelry—think lots of beads, clip-on earrings, cuff bracelets, fake gold, belt buckles, etc. Scarves and hankies are also had aplenty.

The furniture displayed is in good shape with inoffensive, serviceable designs. I’d say it’s priced fairly, but not cheaply. A woman working there mentioned a whole ‘nother space adjacent to the shop, that’s chockful of furniture that you can get escorted to and browse, if furniture is what you’re seeking. Of course she told me this on my way out the door, so I can’t tell you first-hand what’s back over there. Good to know, though, right?

Sale-wise, every time I’ve visited, art’s been 50 percent off. While the majority consists of cheesy prints, I’ve found some charming crewel and cross-stitched pieces as well as some frames that would be worth shelling out a buck or two for. All brown dishes (covered crocks and company) always seem to be 50 percent off, too. I haven’t noticed across-the-board discounts on clothing, but they do put stuff on sale when the seasons change.

The service here is the only things I can complain about, because, it wasn’t the best the last time I was there. The lady was curt, and honest to goodness, I felt like I ruined her entire morning by asking her to ring me up. She didn’t include part of my purchase, meaning she had to run my card twice. I might as well have kicked her in the shins, it was that painful for her. Everyone has tough days, but c’mon…be nice! She was a volunteer, too, which made her sour ‘tude even more inexplicable. It’s volunteer work, not work work. Be pumped!

Where does the money raised here go? According to Animal Ark’s website, the shop generates approximately $60,000 a year for the shelter, the animals and their care. As Minnesota’s largest no-kill shelter, Animal Ark serves more than 1,000 homeless animals every year in their Hastings shelter and through their network of foster homes. The fact that the “rabbits are kept in a luxury bunny suite that includes all the amenities a house rabbit deserves,” makes my heart happy. Bunny suites for the house rabbits—for cute’s sake! If you’re considering adopting a dog or cat (or rabbit, I suppose), I dare you spend a few minutes on their site and not fall head-over-heels in love with one of the many eligible furballs. 

Floppy ears like Coco's kill me.

To me, they’re a worthy organization and I’m 100-percent content to have my thrifting dollars support their mission.

Here are some of my favorite finds from this shop:

Framed Crewel Embroidery Scene, $1

 

Vintage leather clogs, $3

Floral Limoge Platter, $1 and Cute '50s Tangerine Serving Dish, $5

Go here to find: Dishes, kitchen utensils, vintage sheets, jewelry, pet supplies, kitschy art, furniture (dining tables, especially)

Selection/Variety: ♥ ♥ ♥

Quality: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Pricing: ♥ ♥ ♥

Organization: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Customer service: ♥ ♥

Cleanliness: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Do they take credit cards? Yep! (They also sell pet licenses for St. Paul pooches and kitty cats.)

While you’re there: Um, well, let me preface this by saying I know next to nothing about St. Paul, BUT, when Mary and I were there last Saturday, we stopped at Swede Hollow Cafe and dang, everything looked awesome. Half the place was digging into caramel rolls the size of a baby’s head, and they also had a decent sammy selection. I had a cubano (fancy term for coffee with milk and brown sugar–news to me, too) and it was sufficiently hot, sugary and caffeinated.

Where it is: 809 E. 7th Street, St. Paul

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact: 651.772.8983, www.animalarkshelter.org

I’ve been a bad blogger, and for that, I am sorry. I had a big presentation at work this morning, and it’s been taking up a lot of energy. Other things that have been keeping me busy? Early a.m. yoga at the Guthrie, seeing these two bands last night at First Avenue, eating obscene amounts of soul food from this place, research disguised as shopping for the June issue of METRO magazine and as usual, dog walking, chores and a healthy dose of goofing off.

Tonight’s plans revolve around putting away some nachos (and a Pacifico or two) with a couple delightful ladies, a weekly tradition I’m fairly obsessed with.  I’m trying a shrimp nacho recipe—I could eat both nachos and shrimps everyday of my life and be happy, but I’m not 100-percent sure I’ll love them together.  [Update: I totally did! These turned out super yummy.] If I can manage to avoid splashing any more pineapple juice onto my just-washed bangs like I did a minute ago, we should be in OK shape. Back to the kitchen I go…

xoxo,

Meghan

purple haze all in my brain

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Yesterday I was walking Finn through the alley, and saw a tiny glimpse of purple. A little scrubby patch of violets growing in cracks of the concrete next to my neighbor’s garage.

I get sloppily sentimental when I see violets. Why? Because I know that right now, the front yard of my mom’s house in Wisconsin is completely & unabashedly awash in them. Her entire front yard is a veritable sea of purple, and I’m missing it. Violets will forever put a smile on my face, even if I’m eight hours away from that pretty purple lawn.

To ease my yearning, here’s an random assemblage of violet-colored pretties.

Isn’t this handmade amethyst & bullet (!!) necklace super cool? I want one of Dinosaur Toes’ creations BAD.

I love V-neck dresses, and especially heart the flattering cut and comfy cap sleeves on this one. Fact: Sally Jane Vintage has the best finds.

I really need to get some violet nail polish. Like yesterday.

Magical millinery from my favorite headband shop ban.do. Splurge on this violet confection here if you’re feeling flush. As in $350 flush. (Ooof.)

Or opt for this reasonably priced ($35), but also totally adorable one, also by ban.do.

Violet tights keep the chill off bare legs, but also look spring-y. In Minnesota, that’s what Martha would call “a good thing.”

Blake Lively looks lovely swimming in violet ruffles.

These violet centerpieces are so sweet. Yet another great design*sponge tutorial, found here.

A unexpectedly harsh “roses are red” verse. Burn!

Geez, four hits on the drum, and I’m already rocking. Q. Is there anyone cooler than Jimi? A. Of course not sillies, we’re talking about Jimi Hendrix!

And last, but not least, my ultimate favorite: A pretty posy of violets in a vase. [insert heavy homesick sigh]
Simply pretty.

Nails, Blake, poem & violet images all found here.

Well, I’ve got nachos to make and Etsy-bound threads to measure. Happy Thursday!

xo,

Meghan

P.S. Here’s a silly snap of me trying to work the self-timer of my new camera. While sitting at a stoplight.
Someday I’ll learn how to work the damn thing. Just not today, and definitely not while driving.

how to: host a clothing swap

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Hi all!

Have you ever heard the saying about men, that one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure? Well, the same can be said for clothes, as witnessed first-hand at the clothing swap my roommate & I hosted Sunday. Cast-offs from one gal’s closet happily found homes in someone else’s and the best part is, all the true rejects (I can’t believe no one took my shamrock sweatshirt!) have already been donated to a worthy charity.

There are definitely things I would do differently next time, so before you host one, please learn from my mistakes!
Here’s a quick list of tips…

1. Make a cute invite, or better yet, have someone else do it for you! I love babysitting Riley, the daughter of my designer pal Bryan. In exchange for the hours I’ve happily spent Play-doh-ing with her, he whipped up a super cute, paper-doll inspired invitation. Thanks, Bry!

2. Invite pals with differing styles. Flashy gold handbag, a silky backless halter dress, patent-leather flats—I was surprised by the items that caught my eye. We all have our own style and shopping ruts, so by inviting pals with different tastes, you’re bound to be exposed to items you wouldn’t normally purchase.

Here's me eyeing Vanessa's cast-off gold handbag. Me likey!

3. Invite pals of all sizes. I was bummed when a few of my plus-sized friends admitted they didn’t attend because “nothing would fit them.” If just a couple of them had showed, there would have been plenty of items to exchange!

4. Pre-swap, pick up a rack at Target or Ikea so you can hang dresses, blouses, jackets, etc. I found this super light and easy-to-assemble one at Target for $14.99. Ask people to bring clothes that should be hung already on hangers so you don’t have to drum up spares of your own.

5. The day of, sort and separate clothes by category: dresses, sweaters, short-sleeved shirts, blouses, accessories, outerwear, shoes and miscellaneous. To show off the jewelry, Elissa cut a budding branch from the yard, and dangled earrings, necklaces and bracelets from it. So cute!

Alexa & Elissa browsing the jewelry tree.

6. Make sure your piles are spread around so people aren’t throwing ‘bows to get through the sweaters to the T-shirts. I had T-shirts on the porch, skirts and pants in the living room and set the rack up with dresses in my spare bedroom.

Pants piled high on the piano bench.

7. Have a couple full-length mirrors available as well as private-ish changing areas. Because, you know, some people don’t like getting naked in front of strangers.

8. Feed people! Shopping (er, swapping) on an empty stomach is no bueno. You can read all about what I cooked here. It’s my opinion that a Bloody Mary bar and mimosas make any and every morning fiesta funner. Am I right?

I'm embarrassed to admit how many of these cheesy kebabs I ate.

7. Have bags available for people to take their new-to-them threads home. Also, encourage people to take the hangers they brought back to their closets.

There are several ways of working a swap including both East and West coast styles (say what?), but I think it’s pretty simple (Midwest style?): Bring stuff you don’t want, take what you do. Don’t be greedy.

If hosting your own sounds like too much rigmarole and you live in the Twin Cities, I’d highly, highly recommend checking out the Alter/Nation Clothing Swap, to be held at the Grain Belt Bottling House this Saturday, April 24, from 1-5 p.m.

Not limited to just a plain ‘ole swap, there’ll be custom screen-printing by Anthem Heart, on-site alterations, a fashion show featuring upcycled gems by CounterCouture, beverages by local distiller Prairie Vodka, apps from the Red Stag Supperclub plus makeup, hair and photobooth fun. Sounds like a party not-to-be missed, right? All the details, including information regarding when and where to drop your swap-ready clothes, can be found here. I’ll see you there!

xoxo,

Meghan

P.S. Thanks to Louisa for snapping pics of the swap. I was too busy hosting to break out my camera (regret!), so I appreciate her sharing her photos. You rock lady!

wardrobe remix: tara sloane

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Whoa, did this this weekend go by waaay too fast for anyone else?

To ease our collective “Monday-is-here-and-it-sucks” pain, here’s a a fun lil Q&A with Tara Sloane, intern extraordinaire.  Typically at work, I’m too preoccupied with trying to cross things off my never-ending to-do list to notice a whole lot, much less what the interns are wearing. Tara’s adorable style, however, caught my eye. Perfectly broken-in cowboy boots, vintage high-waisted skirts, flirty floral prints—there’s no way I was going to let her internship end without featuring her pretty self.

Me: Where’d you get all the pieces of your outfit?
Tara: The blouse and necklace are from my grandma’s closet. She’s saved every piece of clothing she’s owned since probably the ’60s. The skirt is from My Sister’s Closet on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. Tights are Topshop and the boots were my grandpa’s old work boots. The glasses are from Savers.

Me: Where would you wear this outfit?

Tara: Class (who says all college gals have to wear Victoria’s Secret Pink sweats?), interning, bookstore or art gallery browsing, wherever I feel the need to look “all grown up.”

Me: You mentioned you get a lot of clothes from your grandma. That’s awesome. Tell me a little about her and her style. What are some of your favorite finds from her closet? If you’re not the same size, what are your tricks for making her clothes work for you?

Tara: From what I gather, my grandma was quite the fashionista. My grandpa used to do a lot of shopping for her, and he has excellent taste. My grandma was always all dolled up. The things I find are mostly classic feminine—satin blouses, floral skirts, housedresses, cardigans.

It’s hit or miss with what fits me. I can’t wear any of her shoes or boots (I have big feet, sigh.), and a lot of things are too big or the styles are too long. I alter a lot of floor-length skirts so that they’re shorter and I belt some of the dresses and blouses so I actually have a waistline. But I love over-sized sweaters, so I”m in the clear there. My favorite thing is a yellow, blue, red and white-striped mod dress. It’s short, kind of jumper-like and zips up the front. Of course I wear it with very Twiggy eyeliner. And get a lot of bizarre looks on the bus.

Me: Do you have a favorite piece of vintage clothing? If so, what is it?

Tara: My grandpa’s boots! I think I’ve given them almost as much wear as he did. I’m also obsessed with my grey tweed Moffat blazer. I like to think these pieces go with just about everything.

Me: What’s your favorite thrift store in town? Why?

Tara: Blacklist Vintage, hands down. I could spend all day in there. Their collections of reinvented vintage are always so fun and quirky, they have the greatest hats and the selection of retro knick knacks (Lite Brite, anyone?) is to die for. They also have a Ms. Pac Man game upstairs you can play for free.

Me: Any tips for successful thrifting?

Tara: I guess it’s no different from shopping anywhere else, but don’t buy something unless you absolutely love it. And don’t buy vintage designer just because it’s designer. My grandma has this white and navy Oscar de la Renta cardigan I’ve been trying to make work for years but it won’t. I think it’ll always be frumpy.

Me: Do you have a go-to outfit, something you can throw on anytime and always feel great?

Tara: My friend made me a skirt from this jewel-toned purple fabric we found (surprise, surprise) at my grandma’s. Maybe it’s because she made it for me, or maybe it’s because nobody else in the world has one like it, but I feel so fabulous in that skirt. Plus I can dress it up or down, which is always a plus.

Me: What’s your favorite classic rock song?

Tara: I have been known to belt Queen’s “Somebody to Love” at obnoxious volumes when I need a pick-me-up.

Me: What are you excited about this spring? Any shows? Trips?

Tara: Graduation! Now the fun part of trying to make it as a journalist (ha.) I’m more excited for summer, though, for outdoor shows, music festivals and freckles. I love Minneapolis in the summer because we have to cram in as many outdoor events as possible before it gets cold again. It’s so exciting. A friend and I are also road-tripping to Chicago for Lollapalooza.

Me: Last but not least, are your glasses real?

Tara: No…busted! They’re from Savers, and I wore them to a costume party purely for frivolity’s sake. Then I wore them one night while I was studying, and somehow they just stuck. Now I guess I feel too ordinary or something without them.

Both photos were taken by the very talented Tate Carlson.
Thanks, Tate!

Don’t miss Tara’s article on Uptown’s Cult Status Gallery in the June issue of METRO magazine. It’s a great write-up about the new unique, much buzzed-about art venue.

If you’d like to have your thrifty style featured, email me!

hpthrifter@gmail.com

I hope your week is off to a lovely start! Be back later this week with a useful, money-saving how-to.

xoxo,

Meghan

crepe making, recipe & tips

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Happy Saturday!

After a quick trip to the St. Paul Goodwill (found a beautiful, short-sleeved ’50s sweater dress) and Cheapo (happy Record Store Day!), I spent the afternoon prepping for tomorrow’s clothing swap.  I tried to alternate sigh-inducing chores (sweeping, laundry, more laundry) with enjoyable, smile-making ones. Making crepes most definitely puts a smile on my face.

I got this recipe in Madame Gasiorkiewicz’s French class. I think I was in seventh grade? Somehow, this little 4 x6 card has stuck with me for some 14 or so years, probably because the recipe is super easy & reliably awesome. Soooo, I thought I’d share it with you guys. Like my sophisticated 12-year-old handwriting?

Batter up!

Careful not to get the pan too hot, or you’ll end up with Cajun-style crepes. This one looks just right.

Layering wax paper in between each crepe keeps them from sticking together, and I also think the paper soaks up some of the extra oil. These crepes freeze superbly layered this way. Just seal them in a Ziploc bag, pop them in the freezer and bam, crepes for a rainy day, done.

Finn likes to check in to see how it’s going what I’ve dropped on the floor.

Tomorrow, I’m going to stuff a pan-full with this creamy bacon-mushroom filling. Nom. Some will remain meatless & unstuffed, so they can be spread with this magical stuff. Yesssss.

source.

Let me know if you give Madame G’s recipe a try! I’m heading back to the kitchen to juice a boatload of limes for homemade Bloody Mary mix. Breakfast bevvies, bacon-y crepes, lovely ladies AND exchanging unwanted clothes for new stuff? Sounds like a pretty perfect Sunday morning to me. Until next time…

xoxo,

Meghan

tomorrow: goodwill’s red tag sale

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Heads up thrifters!

source.

Goodwill’s Red Tag sale is happening tomorrow, Saturday, April 17th. Everything with a red tag, from clothes to housewares, shoes to electronics, will be 50 percent off. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wondering which Goodwill to go to? A list of store locations in the Twin Cities can be found here.

I’ve had good luck finding both vintage and new clothes at the Goodwill in Hopkins. There’s also a big one by the Bethesda Dress for Less Thrift in Maplewood. Do you have a favorite? If so, hit it up on Saturday and let me know what discounted treasures you find! Happy thrifting!

xoxo,

Meghan

springtime wants

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Good morning dears & happy Friday!

Here’s a quick list of things I’ve been wanting this spring.

A pretty pair of vintage clogs.

Although my eyes have been peeled while thrifting, I have yet to find a pair as perfect as Rhiannon’s from Liebmarlene Vintage. Aren’t they adorable? Isn’t she adorable??

A simple turquoise cuff.

The sterling/turquoise cuff I’ve had since I was 11 broke last spring and I’ve been missing it hard as of late.  A simple bracelet like this one would be perfect.

Paint-by-number paintings.

Here are some Etsy-found floral paint-by-numbers that caught my eye. I’m always looking for these when I thrift, but think I’ll have better luck at some upcoming flea markets. Either of these pretties would fit right in my pink-is-more bedroom.

Music DVDs.

I love watching concert DVDs and it’d be nice to own a handful more. These are a few I’d love to add to my collection: (1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.)

I love you Jimmy Page.

Pretty plaits.

Braided ‘dos are gorgeous, don’t you think?

I’m so stealing this look from Emily, of See Emily Play. So unfussy.

Fresh underthings.

My blog’s not a month old and here I go, blabbing about undies. Ah well, there’s just something about spring that makes me want to shake things up in my lingerie drawer.

How cute are these ruffly unders from the UK-based line of aptly named lingerie, Beautiful Bottoms? Simple & girly equals one irresistible combo.

I’d have sweet dreams in this set from Naomi Lingerie. Totally want it.

Well, that wraps up my list of lusts. What are you longing for this spring?

xoxo,

Meghan

happy birthday loretta lynn

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One of my all-time favorite lady singers, Loretta Lynn, turned 75 today.

Here’s her singing one of my favorite songs on “The  Johnny Cash Show.” I didn’t know it was one of his favs too, until I watched this vid. I love her dress! She always looks so so pretty, especially back in the ’60s and ’70s.

It never ceases to impress me that a woman who can belt out such sweet love tunes can also write “I’m-a-badass-strong-woman-don’t-eff-with-me-or-my-dude” anthems like “You Ain’t Woman Enough to Take My Man,” and another favorite of mine, “Fist City.”

Observe: “If you don’t wanna go to fist city, you’d better detour around my town. ’Cause I’ll grab you by the hair of the head and I’ll lift you off of the ground.” Snap! Hair-pulling chick fights are no joke. Trust me, I was witness to many many many in junior high.

Anyway, here’s a nice performance of the tune I’ll hope you’ll like. How cute is that dog on set, btw? And the plaid-on-plaid.

Happy birthday, Loretta! I <3 you!

xoxo,

Meghan

P.S. I asked Melanie from Idée Géniale to help me figure out how to style a pair of shoes that have been gathering dust in my closet for months. You can see the look she came up with here.  I was surprised by how “me” it is! I love the entire ensemble from the headband to the jacket to the pretty printed dress. Adorbs!

thrift store review: nicollet avenue salvation army

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Nicollet Avenue Salvation Army Thrift Store

I find myself at this Salvation Army more than any other in the Twin Cities solely because the travel time from when I turn the lock in my back door to arriving at the store’s front door is approximately three minutes. When I need a quick thrifting fix, as I frequently do, but don’t have a lot of time, also an all-too-often occurrence, this is my spot.

I go here for the basics—clothes hangers (5 for $1), bed frames ($15 for a twin frame for my guest room)—and keep my expectations for finding anything else low. I browse the clothes, jewelry, dishes and bric-brac, but rarely find anything too exciting. Like most other area Salvation Army thrifts, this store stocks a moderate amount of never-been-worn Merona, Xhilaration, Converse One Star and Liz Lange, i.e. Target store brands.

The service is standard, but there’s a lovely new woman who started in the past month, who I’ve found to be very sweet and helpful. In terms of sales, every Friday and Saturday, the store offers dollar days, when all clothing with the weekly tag sale color are $1 each. (Offer does not include shoes or accessories.)

Here’s one of my favorite finds from this shop. Boy did I wear the crap out of this poncho this winter! It’s so warm and I love the rounded brass buttons. Pictured in it is the lovely Mary. She was over one night, got cold, threw it on and then, busted a move. Which of course, I had to document. I think I paid $3.99 for this fringed green and gold beauty.

Vintage Wool Poncho

Go here to find: Your thrift-store basics. Serviceable kitchen goods, sometimes decent furniture, average clothing and shoes. I recall that they had a healthy selection of Christmas items, both new and vintage. They also seem to keep a nice stock of bicycles, both for children and adults, many of them of the older, awesome variety.

Selection/Variety: ♥ ♥

Quality: ♥ ♥

Pricing: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Organization: ♥ ♥ ♥

Customer service: ♥ ♥

Cleanliness: ♥ ♥ ♥

Do they take credit cards? Yep!

While you’re there: In terms of dining, Shorty & Wag’s is across the street and Cocina Latina is next door. Anodyne Coffeehouse is also a hop-and-a-skip south on Nicollet. Drinking wise, you could go to Casey’s. We are talking about south, meaning it’s a beer bar. They have fancy stuff on tap, but Casey’s is not for me, ’cause I can’t stomach beer out of plastic bottles, unless I’m on a boat. In which case, I don’t care, because I’m probably exceptionally happy. Because I’m on a boat.

Shopping-wise, B Squad Vintage is a scant three blocks north up Nicollet, if you feel like shelling out a few more Jacksons for your vintage goodies. This store perpetually stocked with lovely vintage finds, including a reliable selection of dresses, vinyl, T-shirts, et al.

Where it is: 3740 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact: 612.822.1200

I hope your Tuesday has treated you well. I’m not sure if it was the 3 a.m. thunder or my late afternoon Doubleshot that kept me up last night, but I most definitely didn’t get enough sleep. (Since when I can I not drink coffee past 4 p.m., btw?) Tonight’s plans include [drumroll please] cleaning out my fridge, putting away laundry (story of my life) and paying some bills. I know, I know, so rock ‘n’ roll.

Speaking of that, I melt for this rehearsal take of “If Not For You.” It’s not George’s beard or Bob’s denim-on-denim ‘fit (both are awesome), but it’s just the sweetest little song. And, I’m a sucker for outtakes, B-sides and rehearsal footage of any kind. Anyway, watch & melt. Unless, you know, you have no heart.

xoxo,

Meghan

slowed down sunday

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Hey y’all & happy Sunday!

Do you ever feel like you’ve been going a million miles an hour with no rest in sight? Being sick put the brakes on my pedal-to-the-metal pace this week and while it’s been way more frustrating than fun, it has made me so appreciative of the breathers I do get. So today, with an afternoon completely free to myself (LOVE THAT) I decided to slow the heck down and get back to the basics.

I cooked.

Everything I’ve made from Jae Steele’s Get it Ripe cookbook has been delicious, so I have high hopes for this Ginger Sesame Pasta Salad. Me thinks this will make for some healthier-than-Grumpy’s lunches for me this week.

I baked.

These brownies = insanely delicious. A PR company mailed my co-worker Chuck a bunch of fancily packaged Tcho chocolate on Friday, and he kindly hooked me up with the bag of organic baking drops, under the condition that I whip up some brownies to share with the editorial crew on Monday. Done and done! The recipe I used can be found right here.

I walked my dog.

I took this Polaroid of Finn the summer I adopted him (2005). He’s the best dog in the entire world, and I love him so.

I painted my nails on my front porch.

At-home mani/pedis rule because I can zone out and listen to whatever I want (not to mention they’re infinitely cheaper and more convenient). This afternoon, the sunny weather put me in the mood for some super sixties tunes, so I picked this album to be the soundtrack to my pampering. It’s full of so many gems, you can’t help but sing along LOUDLY.

I listed some more pretties on Etsy.

Have you checked out the Etsy shop yet? No? Well, what are you waiting for? CLICK. I’m listing items almost daily, so check back often.

I made something.

This Design Sponge tutorial inspired me to make some custom business card/tag-type of things. I pasted cutouts from old magazines onto one size and stamped the other. Sweet eh? Have I mentioned I love Design Sponge. Because I do, a lot.

Now, it’s dusk, and I intend to curl up on my couch and sew some new buttons on one of my sweetie’s shirts.

Like I said, back to the basics.

I think I’ll watch Rescue Dawn while I sew. Has anyone seen it? I know it’s a war movie and all that, but a little dose of Christian Bale can’t hurt my night right?

source.

On that handsome note, ta ta!

xo,

Meghan

UPDATE: Rescue Dawn lost me when Christian Bale started scarfing down worms. I’ve moved on to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Royal Albert Hall show.

Bam. Doug Clifford just trumped Bruce Wayne.