Status Update

For starters, I am not a facebook hater. I think facebook has a lot of positives: reconnecting with people, staying in touch with people I otherwise wouldn't, discovering everyone and your mom is pregnant, remembering people's birthdays, etc. But, it also has some negatives: knowing way too much information about people you never see, thinking everyone's life is perfect, finding out everyone and your mom is pregnant, etc.

I must confess this isn't a facebook problem, but a personal problem. I am a person that loves to compare myself to others (for better or worse). This is not something I am proud of. What that means is that I am constantly feeling like I don't measure up in a crowd of 500 "friends." I have nothing interesting going on in my life, I don't have anything witty to say, or I have nothing "worth" sharing. The reality is, most other people feel the same way, but we all fall into the trap of "showing off" on the interwebs. We all do it, just face it. Married people post about how awesome their husband is and what they just did to celebrate their anniversary, not about the fight they had last night. Moms post about their amazing children and the sweet/funny things they say, not about how they feel like they have to get out of the house or they will scream. We present a false sense of reality. Or, we are the awkward person who reveals too much personal information. Those are your choices. Sign me up.

So, all of this to say, that I have decided to give up facebook for Lent. I am not judging anyone who enjoys facebook and loves checking it everyday. I am not saying that I am better than people who spend time on facebook or twitter. I am only trying to say the opposite, which is that I am not mature enough to deal with facebook and if I were, I would be all about it. I'm realizing it is unhelpful for me at this season in my life, so I think it is wise to take a break. More power to the people that can handle social media with grace.

I would also like to point out that I do not always give up things for Lent. I don't always feel like it is something that is necessary or important to do. But, this year, I feel like it will be particularly helpful for me and a character-building sacrifice. So, again, please don't here judgement or guilt toward anyone that did not give up something for Lent. I do not want to make this another public forum for bragging. There are plenty of venues for that (ahem...facebook). I just wanted to share my thoughts and reasons behind my decision. Mostly, so I will actually have to do it, now that I am saying it on the internet.

playing hooky

Instead of a towel rack in our "new" bathroom, I thought it would be cool to hang a collage of random wall hooks. I dug out all of the hooks I have been collecting over the past several months and finally put this idea into action.
Here is the breakdown.

1. Whale hook, Urban Outfitters, $3 (on sale)
2. Elephant Hook, Anthropologie, $20 (but kind of free with a gift card)
3. Recycled Anthropologie hook, $0 (it use to have an initial attached to it, but we removed it for another project, so we ended up with this simple and industrial metal hook)
4. Horse hook, Urban Outfitters, $4 (on sale)
5. Architectural salvage railing hardware, lemp brewery salvage yard, $2
6. Architectural salvage hook, lemp brewery salvage yard, $1

So, if you count my anthro gift card as making the elephant hook free (which I of course do), I now have a place to hang our towels for only $10. Victory!

I might keep adding to the collection because I have this awesome bull hook I found at an antique store in Illinois. He is large and in charge.

living room project

You know me...once the inspiration is there, it could take years to see any sort of progress. But, that is how I roll. Regardless, I am loving this odd combination of colors and patterns. I want our living room to be mainly neutral (light gray walls, gray couch) with pops of color and different patterns in the pillows and chairs. Oh yes, did I mention that I am recovering two chairs and a couch? I need to make an internal timeline for myself or this project will not be done until 2015. Productivity starts now.

These shoes were made for walking

Jeremy and I are planning our spring Eurocation and I have been searching for comfortable walking shoes that won't make me look like the goofy American tourist that I am. Am I kidding myself? Yes. But, like all Americans, I deceive myself into thinking that I could pass as a European if I just hide my ginormous camera and keep my Midwestern mouth closed.

Aware of my self-deception, here are a few shoes I have found that just might fit the bill.

1. Cute and casual, this striped oxford flat is very euro.

2. Have you heard of Bensimon? Every french girl owns a pair of these. These might be my best bet. P.S. I love grey. P.S.S. These come in slip-ons.

3. Espadrilles are cute, comfortable, colorful and cheap! Plus, I saw a gal from France rate them five stars, so that means they have street cred.

4. These striped slip-ons are so cute. Keds...who knew?

5. One of these things is not like the other. I know, these are a little out of left field, but it will LITERALLY feel like you are wearing slippers around Europe. But, I would have to endure Jeremy calling me "Pocahontas" all trip.

6. Toms are so USA, but you have to admit they are awesome. Even the french can't deny it. blush suede lace-ups.

film for thought

It's official. Jeremy and I have purchased our plane tickets and will be off to Paris and Italy for two weeks this spring. I am beyond excited, but overwhelmed by all of the research and planning that still needs to be done. But, if you have to do research, why not watch a fabulous film? These are just a few on my list. What are your favorite films that make you want to travel?

Cinema Paradiso: Sicily

Roman Holiday: Rome

Room with a View: Florence

Summertime: Venice

Bread and Tulips: Venice

Before Sunset: Paris

Amelie: Paris

An Education: Paris

Present & Correct

Everything at Present & Correct makes you smile. Bright colors, bold graphics and clever ideas. Where else can you find patterned masking tape, russian fairy tales and vintage telegrams?

Check it out here.

head for the doors: craigslist finds

old barn doors

Blue antique door, $85