clickin’ around, vol. 55

Posted on October 16, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

♥ This is, hands down, the best baking contest EVER invented. Now who wants to come over and dream up a killer cake with me?!? (Thank you, Megan, for the heads up!)

♥ Speaking of female food things: Engagement Chicken: A History of Romantic Culinary Bullsh*t.

♥ Thank heavens I’m not the only one who wants to Skip the Wedding, Stalk the Hashtag. #whew

♥ Top on my list of fall-y things to make this weekend: Apple Peel Bourbon and DIY boot socks.

♥ As someone who lost two Grandmas to Alzheimer’s disease, this poignant and love-filled mini movie had me crying in my cube.

♥ It’s been a month since I read this woman’s story, and my thoughts still keep coming back to her.

♥ On a lighter note: Bob Weir and Jerry Garcia’s AIDS PSA blooper reel. I die.

♥ I have a file going of prints to hang in my fantasy kitchen. These beauties by Amy C. Evans are officially on the list.

Well that’s it for now. I’ve got a full day of work ahead and then I’m heading to Rollie’s in St. Cloud to see Mr. Moe Bandy perform. If you’re unfamiliar, listen to a few of his songs while you check out this round-up of his album cover art. He’s an under-appreciated gem of ’70s-era country, if you ask me!

xoxo,

Meghan

Photo: Goldie Hawn in 1974 c/o Ladies of the '70s.

right now

Posted on July 22, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

Apologies for the quietude around here, friends. I’m knee-deep in week three of juggling two jobs (it’s been nothing but fun so far, honest), but I figured it’d be good to hit pause on this whirlwind and tell you what’s going on right. now.

Eating: Cherry tomatoes from the garden, pizza burritos and these smoothies, all day everyday. Except on Sunday when, in celebration of gutter-cleaning accomplishments, I made these vodka tonic slushies (tremendously refreshing) and my favorite oven-fried chicken. Call me old-fashioned, but I’m sort of a stickler about Sunday supper!

Reading: Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner and am digging it so far. If you haven’t read Stegner, and you like Willa Cather, John Steinbeck, Edward Abbey or the American West in general, I highly recommend starting with Angle of Repose.

Saddened by: This MPR News investigation into the clergy-led sex abuse cover-up that’s going on in St. Paul is wholly absorbing and so completely maddening. All four parts warrant a read.

Watching: FAR too many George Jones/Tammy Wynette YouTube vids via my new Chromecast. (That thing is slick, btw!) Once I start, I just can’t stop.

Listening to: Tom T. Hall’s “Ballad of Forty Dollars” album. Tom T.’s always good when I’m feeling worn and in need of a little pick-me-up.

Planning: Our week-long stay at the cabin! I’ve been researching nearby supper clubs and paddling day trips, but I’m most excited to just be up there and RELAX. To further this mission, I treated myself to a patriotic float AND a new hammock!

xoxo,

Meghan

clickin’ around, vol. 54

Posted on July 2, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

tumblr_n5y3f1rDaJ1rbqpjlo1_500 ♥ Class of ’21 entertains the graduating class of ’71 during commencement and reunion at Smith College via Vintage National Geographic. In case you, too, need a little light this week.

♥ 3 new takes on classic summer lemonade and summer salads made for toting. Who wants to picnic?

♥ Poignant shots of modernist homes just prior to their demolition.

♥ In defense of old-lady perfumes. Amen to all of this.

♥ Really digging this #girlboss video series that’s going down over on Nasty Gal. Lots of inspiration and wisdom in those two-minute videos!

♥ Last but not least, a candid interview with lil’ ol’ me re: my favorite local thrift stores and people I like on Twitter (and in real life).

xoxo,

Meghan

lake life love

Posted on June 23, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

As far as weekends go, this one definitely neared close to the heavenly end of the spectrum. After a stupidly busy couple of weeks, some days at the lake were just what I needed. I read this entire book. Fried some chicken. Baked a cake. Got a little sunburn. Hit some rummage sales and found cool stuff. Went for a paddle. Pondered weighty fabric decisions. Battled sweaty bangs. Hung out in a wildflower patch. Watched the fog roll in. All in the company of people (and dogs) I adore.

There’s something rejuvenating about breaking away from one’s routine, am I right? I hope your weekends were also abundant with rest, relaxation and all kinds of happy-making things.

xoxo,

Meghan

Photos: processed using VSCO Cam.

cabin crafts

Posted on June 19, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

I took today off work to run some errands and get organized for a long weekend up north. My goal is to spend loads of time there this summer/fall, so to make all the back-and-forth as easy as possible, I’m bringing some essentials to leave up there, allowing me to pack light week-in, week-out. Since it’s such an inspiring, beautiful place, of course I had to assemble a little craft kit, so if a rainy day hits, or I find myself up too early (or late), I’ll be able to work on some projects.

Here are a few crafts I’ve been eying that require a minimal number of supplies and that can rely on, or benefit from, the abundance of natural materials surrounding the cabin. The best part is most of them would be handy to keep up there!

Clockwise from top: birch bark canoe by Lil Fish Studios // god’s eye DIY via Free People // twisted turban headband via eHow // spray-painted lids via Yadira’s Craft Adventures // pine cone garland via I’m Not Sure Where

If you have ideas for projects that’d be good to tote up north, please do let me know. Now, back to packing!

xoxo,

Meghan

midweek melodies: monterey pop soundtrack

Posted on June 18, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

Before I knew about the Monterey Pop Festival of 1967, the only impression I had of Monterey, California was a girl I shared a floor with freshman year of college who loved to brag about bjs she’d given to various frat daddies that particular week. We weren’t close by any means, except, of course, in proximity, which is why, one cold winter night happened to I wind up at the ER, watching as her stomach was pumped free of the enormous quantity of painkillers she had swallowed. The next day her mom flew into Boulder, and the day after that, we exchanged goodbye hugs as they returned together to Monterey.

Today, so many years later, when I hear “Monterey,” my brain doesn’t automatically go to this sad, faded memory, but instead to the Monterey Pop Festival, the unofficial start to the “summer of love,” inspiration for a little thing called Woodstock and an all-around significant event in ’60s music history. The three-day concert, held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds and planned in a mere seven weeks, boasted a lineup of stars including, but not limited to The Mamas and the Papas, The Byrds, Canned Heat, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Who, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Eric Burdon & the Animals, Simon & Garfunkel and a magnificent Otis Redding.

The concert was also filmed and turned into a full-length film called Monterey Pop, which is conveniently available to watch in its high-def glory on YouTube. Groovy right? I’ve been re-watch/listening to it at night this week, while I answer emails and work on freelance, and it’s just too good to keep to myself, especially considering that this week marks the 47th anniversary. If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to sit for a while and soak it in. The festival-goers’ fashion alone makes it worthwhile to see, if, for whatever reason, ’60s rock isn’t your thing. If you want to skip around, track lists are beneath the video, though I strongly advise you to watch it all the way through, at least once. (Whatever you do, do not skip Jimi!)

The bonus footage, including some rad Byrds songs, two great Simon & Garfunkel tunes and Mama Cass being her hilario self, is also a must-see.

I wish you all happy Wednesdays.

xo,

Meghan

Ticket scans c/o: Candice Bergen.

shooter shots

Posted on June 16, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

It’s been a busy, tiring, stormy Monday, but I had to stop in and share a few photos from yesterday’s Shooter Jennings show. On a whim, I took my “real” camera and here are a few snapshots from the day…minus any crops, filters or editing ’cause I’m plumb tired.

I’ve gotta admit, seeing Shooter perform his dad’s songs, on Father’s Day, which also happened to fall on Waylon’s birthday, which also happened to be a beautifully blustery, sunny summer day, was all-around pretty magical.

xoxo,

Meghan

sunday funday

Posted on June 15, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

First and foremost, BIG HUGE THANKS to the sweetheart-ed souls who came out in the cold and rain to shop my garage sale. Drizzle aside, seeing familiar faces (and meeting some of you for the first time!) brought a whole bunch of sunshine to an overall cloudy day.

As luck would have it, today the skies are blue and the sun’s shining down. Which is A-OK with me, because I’m going to see Shooter Jennings and Waymore’s Outlaws play outside tonight, and I’m pretty sure I’d cry if I had to spend another minute in the rain. While I’m not a fan of Shooter’s original music, I am looking forward to seeing his backing band, comprised of Richie Albright, Waylon’s original drummer and right-hand man since 1964, FAME studio session bassist, Jerry Bridges, who played with Waylon starting in the “Dukes of Hazzard” days and steel guitar legend Fred Newell. I’m extra-excited because it’s the first outdoor concert I’ve been to you yet this year, I have the perfect dress to wear and…have I mentioned that’s it’s not raining?

Whatever you’re up to this Sunday, enjoy yourselves! Rain or shine, summer weekends are gifts to be treasured.

xoxo,

Meghan

Photo c/o: King of Beers.

heads up: my rummage sale is tomorrow!

Posted on June 13, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

Today it’s my pleasure to fill you in on a rummage sale I’m personally very excited about…because it’s mine! My basement and garage have been filled to the brim with all kinds of (mostly vintage) goodness and it’s time to send it all off to other good homes.

I’m parting with a TON of sweet stuff, including clothes, sized XS-XL, furniture, framed art work, craft supplies, electronics, Pyrex, holiday decorations and books, in addition to approximately one billion other things for your home and garden. From soaker hoses to needlepoint, there’s definitely a little bit of everything up for grabs and it is all PRICED TO GO! Sneak peeks will be hitting Twitter and Instagram later today, but in the meantime, here’s the Craigslist ad that outlines what’s for sale, location details and sale hours.

Should you be in the mood to make a morning of it, tomorrow also happens to be the 12th annual SENA neighborhood rummage sales, which are 150+ strong and right in the neighborhood next door. SENA sales are running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and you can pick up a guide at Angry Catfish, the Midtown Farmers Market or Keen Eye Coffee. If shopping makes you hungry, I just heard that Tiny Diner‘s finally open, which is just up the road from me, but there’s also yummy brunch to be had at Blackbird, Five Watt Coffee, Pepito’s (hello, brunch buffet) and Colossal Cafe, and all are mere minutes from my house.

Rain or shine, I hope to see you tomorrow!

xoxo,

Meghan

uff da, aka things I’m excited to do tomorrow

Posted on May 14, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

Uff da, this week’s been a doozy. And I don’t even have a single thing to blame, either. It’s just been kind of a never-ending string of unfortunate occurrences, so much so that I don’t know if I should laugh it up or cry. I’ve been getting by with a few of my favorite sanity-saving activities, i.e. walking the dog, digging around the garden, texting with my Mom and emotionally eating way too much jalapeño–pineapple pizza.

I have also been looking forward to tomorrow, Thursday, which has been like a little light at the end of the tunnel. Because tomorrow, two exciting things are going down.

First, after work, I’m going to check out Spirit of Hope United Methodist’s annual rummage sale. I drive past this church on the daily (pretty much), so when I saw the big blue sign advertising the sale, I knew I had to work a stop into my schedule. The sale runs tomorrow from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Click through for the address and directions.)

Secondly, my friend Alex is hosting a shindig for vinyl-loving ladies at Secret Stash’s HQ. I’m SO happy Alex got this group together, and that we’re hanging tomorrow, because, real talk, I could use a night of good music, smiles and chit-chat. Also, I really (REALLY) need the new Sonny Knight record, so fingers crossed they have a copy around for me to buy. (You can hear some of Sonny’s songs, and more from Secret Stash, right now, right here.) If you’re not busy and want to hang, please do come through! (The fun starts at 7 p.m.)