simple man.

Simple Man, Graham Nash

mascara trick.

To refresh an older tube of mascara, add in a couple drops of saline (contact) solution.

georgia on my mind.

Georgia on My Mind, Ray Charles

stop thinking.

… lend your ears to music, open your eyes to painting, and … stop thinking! Just ask yourself whether the work has enabled you to “walk about” into a hitherto unknown world. If the answer is yes, what more do you want?

-Wassily Kandinsky

ticket memory box.

A cute & simple way to store concert tickets, museum admissions, and Rose Bowl passes (Go Badgers!) 

4 Steps

Start with a shadow box frame. I used an 8'x10'. 

Apply scrapbook paper to the back of the interior. 

Add text. 

Drop in your ticket stubs & reapply the back.

things i like.

Cinnamon in my coffee.

craigslist 101.

Note to self: Do not search for "modern" or "vintage" on Craigslist. 

MODERN:

The throw pillows really help.

"Contemporary, modern design."

 Nope, don't see it.

The advertised object in this posting is not the rug, not the end table, but the lamp. Very artsy angle.

This crystal chandelier sconce screams "modern." 

VINTAGE:

No comment.

Looks very...worn in.

Terrifying.

inspiration sandwich.

I came across this book at a used bookstore in Cape Town, South Africa. It's a book every even slightly creative person should own. The stories present meaningful ideas in quirky, yet simplified ways. Examples of chapters in the table of contents include: "invite someone dangerous to tea," "learn to watch snails," and "take lots of naps." Look at the cover. "Eat this book." How could you not want to check it out?

yoga.

My new favorite thing. I love the mind, body & spirit concept of yoga. And it's tough! I've felt more sore the day after a yoga class than after a good cardio workout.

I feel as cool as this dude when I'm doing my downward dog. Guitar & dreads included.

Plus, my yoga mat is way cuter than his.

art appreciation 2.

LANDSCAPE NEAR ANTWERP by GEORGES BRAQUE, 1906

oil on canvas

One of my all time favorite styles of artwork- fauvism, with beautiful color and brushstrokes. Lovely.

Source: Guggenheim

mediterranean quinoa.

Easy, healthy, and yummy recipe. 

Measurements aren't really necessary, just add more of the ingredients you like and less of those you don't like!

Ingredients: 

quinoa (approx. 1/3 cup)

diced cherry tomatoes

basil

spinach

cucumber

feta cheese

olive oil 

salt & pepper

So simple. Cook quinoa. Dice veggies. Crumble feta. (Snap artsy picture).

Drizzle with olive oil. Stir in veggies, basil, and feta. Season with salt & pepper. Serve chilled. 

happy birthday edgar degas!

Happy birthday to French artist Edgar Degas, famous for his portrayal of young ballerinas. A favorite of mine. In celebration of his birthday, a modern twist on his favorite subject.

         

art appreciation 1.

No. 175 by Luis Feito, 1960

oil with sand and pebbles on canvas

A recent visit to the Guggenheim Museum is the inspiration behind these art appreciation pieces. I wasn't familiar with several of the artists whose work I really enjoyed, so I thought I would take note and share. What is most striking about this particular piece is the immense amount of depth in the artist's layering of materials. It is truly a three dimensional piece that requires closer examination. Cold, subdued, and mysterious.

Source: Guggenheim

lettuce wraps.

So delicious, healthy, and easy! I started with the recipe from skinnytaste, but made a few minor modifications. For convenience, I substituted ground chicken for the chicken thighs (which are later ground in a food processor, so essentially the same thing). I love veggies, so I added extra mushrooms and water chestnuts. And of course, I had to add one of my all time favorite ingredients, sriracha! I put it into the skillet as well as on top of wrap. A very flavorful, spicy chicken lettuce wrap...yum!

no shoes.

I had no shoes and complained, until I met a man who had no feet.
-Annonymous

wallcovering art.

Here's a quick and easy little DIY project for any empty wall in your space. Buy three similar 8x10 frames from a thrift store. My total for the three below was a whopping $4.28.

Remove glass, and spray paint the frame in any color. For this project, I chose white because the frames were going into a simple white bathroom. I ordered three complementary wallcovering samples (interior designer perk!) and placed them in the frames, creating instant art. 

15 shades of gray.

 Because the book didn't live up to its expectations and I much prefer the 'a' spelling of the word...

creativity.

coral and teal.

I'm currently obsessing over this color combination...

muted

or

vibrant

kendra scott.

Kendra Scott jewelry is amazing. Wonderful assortment of colors, and simple, yet statement piece design. My boyfriend got me the Danielle Earrings in Chalcedony (above) for Christmas, and they are stunning. Plus Sofia Vergara wears them so they have to be cool, right?

go.

continent, country, restaurant, city, state, bar, park, shop, house, take me there.