It's Here!

And it's just as yummy as promised. Click here to check out the first issue of the new shelter magazine Rue!

Zara Online!

Ahhh! How did I miss this. I have always wished Zara would open up their stores online and now my wish has come true! Wooohooo!

In other news, I had my second sewing class yesterday. I'll post pictures of my new hand-made pajama pants tomorrow. Above is a little pic of my new favorite thing... my tomato pin cushion, complete with emery strawberry. So classic. Tell me this doesn't remind you of rifling through your mother's sewing kit to find scissors (that were totally off-limits). That's right, I'm hardcore.

Houzz

My favorite cousin, who isn't actually a cousin, sent me a new delicious shelter site. Houzz is a great way to store decor images you like in folders and label what you like about each photo you select. I'm addicted already and my file folders are stuffed! Do it!

Holden

I just finished The Catcher in the Rye this morning on the Metro and LOVED it. Somehow I never read it in high school. I thought it was such a great story and loved the stream of consciousness style.

I just ordered The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen from the library. His new book Freedom is getting so much press, I thought I should start with his previous book that got such rave reviews as "The Great American Novel". Has anyone read it?

The Tote

Well folks, the six hours I spent at G Street Fabrics on Sunday may be considered among some of the best of my life. Ok, maybe a little exaggerated. But it was indeed thrilling! I was actually giddy! A dream, realized!

There were four other women in my class and our instructor was fabulous. To begin, the instructor walked us around the store floor where we were able to choose our own fabric and she could make sure we purchased the correct materials. Then, we got to work. Learned how to use the machines (the most intimidating part!) and the basics. The results are below. I'm so proud. So proud that I refuse to actually use  the tote, and prefer to just stare at it. Can you frame bags?

Next Class Project: Pajama Pants. Stay tuned!

It even has a pocket in the front a la Lands' End.

And don't forget the lining!

My fabric is actually upholstery remnants.

It's pretty big. But doesn't exactly go with my pajamas.

Sewing!

I'm off to my first sewing class today and I'm so excited!

Stella + Dot

I keep seeing Stella + Dot all over the internet. It looks like a direct sales program like Avon or Arbonne but with jewelry. Does anyone have any experience with them? What's the story?

Rue?

Hmm... Very intriguing! Maybe it will be like Lonny? I'm anxious for the premiere issue.

Cod

I just finished Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky. I have to admit, I usually stay away from non-fiction, but this tale of fish wasn't nearly as boring as it sounds. I had no idea how much of a role one single species of fish could play in the world order. Cod is fascinating and I definitely recommend.  It's a short read, well-written and enjoyable. Too bad after reading it I can't go get a nice filet of cod because it's on this list!

Recent Purchases

The 'Haters Gonna Hate' print is for sale again. Whoopee!

I also bought the new Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces.

Delish!

Danny + Annie

From Cup of Jo. I dare you to watch this and not tear up. Story Corps is my favorite part of Friday mornings on NPR and this is no exception! It reminds me of my grandparents Willie and Ann.


Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

RH: Beverly Hills

Especially after the snooze fest that is RH: DC, this looks amazing! I can't wait.

My Chairs!

I was just perusing the Design*Sponge Best of Dining Rooms post and saw the photo above. They are the exact same chairs that I brought back to DC with me in July! They were my paternal grandparent's kitchen chairs. I'm not much of a red person, but I love the bright color on the chairs and the yummy fabric. See mine in bad photo below. I can't wait to get them cleaned up and change out those brown cushions!

A HA!

I think I figured out what I want to blow up. We used these stamps on our wedding invitations and I love the design. How great would they be above a bed!?