IKEA comforter

IKEA is one of my "happy places". Just ask Josh. At any point, if I've had a bad day, or I'm in a funk... IKEA is the place I want to go. And if I don't want to go anywhere, I want to watch Harry Potter. It's just the way things are.

But I love IKEA because you can always find something. I know that makes it very dangerous... but it also makes it highly helpful! Take, for instance, our summer comforter dilemma.

We have a fabulous down comforter that I absolutely love. However, since we live in Philly, that down comforter is fabulous.... for about 7 months of the year. From about October until May, I'm in love with it. And then from May-September, it's just way too much and if we have it on the bed I am one hot, sticky, sweaty mess. It's not a pretty sight.

Now, the solution seems quite simple, right? Just get a lighter quilt or blanket for the third of the year it's too warm for down. Well, we sort of have that. We've got Josh's old quilt, that works quite well... for about 2-3 months (May-mid June, and September). But then even that gets to be too much when Philadelphia decides it's summer and hits the high 90s and low 100s with almost 100% humidity.

For the sweltering months, you'd think I'd just kick off all the blankets and turn up our one window AC unit. But nooooo, that would make too much sense. I have to be all particular and be that person who can't sleep without some sort of sheet/cover on me, and we then also want to conserve energy and so we only set our AC at 82 degrees. Go figure.

And here's where IKEA, once again, becomes one of my favorite places. Not really wanting to go spend a lot of money to get another light-weight blanket (because, trust me, I looked, and none were readily affordable), I was DEEElighted to find this little beauty at IKEA:

Now, it's not super high quality down or anything like that, but it's the perfect weight for a middle-of-summer-suffocatingly-hot-night, and it was the perfect price at $9.99 (you try to beat that). Not only that, I can slip our duvet cover over it, and not even have to worry about matching it to the rest of the room's decor.

IKEA, I love you.

The Perfect Gift for Dad

So, are you stuck on what to give your dad for his next birthday, Christmas, or Father's Day gift? Look no further! It's the Dad Blanket! It can also work well for married, non-dads as well. Perhaps Josh should've thrown this on the day his aunt completely, totally unexpectedly showed up on our doorstep in Philly (she lives in NY), and he unknowingly answered the door shirtless...

To Whet Your Appetite...

I like pictures. We know that, yes? Of course.
I like Seattle. We know that, yes? Of course.
I like desserts. We know that, yes? Of course.

SO... what could be better than pictures of desserts in Seattle, right?! Well, aside from eating the desserts yourself while in Seattle... not a whole lot!

A few weeks ago, one of our Seattle adventures was a trip to the zoo with some beloved friends. This trip happened the day after my birthday... meaning I had my new camera. Now, the zoo was fabulous and wonderful, as all zoo trips should be (more on that later, I promise)... and it was also tiring, as all zoo trips should also be (it's just in the rules). So, what better way to refresh ourselves after a trip to the zoo, than by going and getting delicious cupcakes?!

I can't thank Patye enough for introducing me to Trophy Cupcakes. For one thing, the cupcakes are INCREDIBLE. They are carefully handcrafted, completely unique, and absolutely beyond delicious. For another, this place is just so darn cute! Beyond their beautiful and scrumptious cupcakes, they've got a whole variety of vintage decor and party supplies... not to mention an assortment of lattes and espressos. At $3 a cupcake, it adds up quickly (we bought 4: ate 1 there and took 3 home to share), but it's definitely worth it. I'm already looking forward to going back at Christmas!

I'm not going to say much else, other than this: Trophy makes the BEST cupcakes I have ever had in my life, and if you live in the Seattle area, you need to go. There's one in Wallingford and a new store in the U District. They are fabulous. Check out their website for hours... and for FLAVORS. There are five core flavors available everyday, then another 4-5 available depending which day of the week it is... ranging from Lemon Coconut (my favorite of the ones I tried), to Chocolate Peanut Butter, to Snickerdoodle, to Chai Cardamom. Seriously, people, go get some.

Farewell, Beloved Long Johns. Hello, Mugs.

Given that we haven't had any snow for 3 weeks, that only one day's "high" for this week was in the 30s, and that it is now the last week of March... I am actually starting to believe that winter is starting to end. (Notice I didn't say "Spring is here". Winter is ending. Big difference.) And yes, this means that I have finally let my tights, wool socks, fingerless gloves, and Long Johns slip back into their hibernation. Time for the happy dance!

As for spring coming... I'm now content enough with our 40 -- and sometimes 50 -- degree weather to wait a few more weeks for the buds to appear and the official jacket change to occur. (You know, switching from the winter coats to the spring jackets. The official sign of spring's arrival.) I'm also starting to get excited about Spring Break. Oh yes, I still get a Spring Break. It's one of the beauties of working at a school. So, in just over a week we'll be heading to Chicago for 6 days. (For those of you in that area, April 5-11 are the lucky days.)

As I start to cast off the winter frigidness, my eye is starting to catch wonderful bursts of color. In mugs. (More on that later.) I'm actually really liking Starbucks' new spring line/palette. It's fantastic!

See? So much happiness. The brown ones at the bottom are still admittedly slightly reminiscent of winter, but I'm digging the tree -- can't deny it. I also just LOVE orange and green. My two favorite colors. And I love seeing them so prominently displayed. (To see the full line, visit the Starbucks store.)

Now, I will admit that I'm in the middle of a slight mug craze. I know that the season for hot drinks to coming to a close... but I'm still crazy about mugs! I don't know why, especially since I don't even drink coffee. (I know, I'm bringing shame to my Seattle roots.) But who's to say you can't drink iced beverages in a mug? We're all about going green, right? Long live the mug, even into the summer months! I've been finding random inspiration here and there, such as these "Medallion" and "Swirlygig" mugs from Lollipop Pottery:

I just love them. It's a good thing we don't make a lot of money, because otherwise I would probably be stocking up the house with a ton of mugs that Josh and I would never actually be able to use all of. (Though we do already have some awesome mugs, including these sweet red and blue ones, and some Charlie Brown mugs I picked up last year at Target for $1 EACH.) But seriously, I'm having a slight obsession moment. Thus, I have decided that one of my next creativity projects will be to go to a ceramic painting place (such as Color Me Mine) and paint one. I'm not sure that this will necessarily be the "cheapest" option, but I think it will be good for my soul. Plus, I'll then have an awesome mug that I can happily and excitedly exclaim, "Dude, I MADE that!" anytime anyone picks it up to comment on how hideous it is. It just doesn't get much better than that, now does it?

So, if you have any mugs you just absolutely love, please send pictures/links my way (I already have a bunch I like, but I figured it would seem just a little beyond obsessive if I actually posted them all here). I shall gladly welcome more mug inspiration as I anticipate my own mug creation. Until then, I'll sing farewell to my beloved Long Johns, and hello to my mugs.

Button Creations!

Well, I got my creative pants on this weekend and made some fun goodness. (In case you're wondering, yes, I tend to talk about pants in person. Especially after teaching 2nd grade, when I would routinely tell my students they had on their smarty pants (a good thing), their funny pants, their dancey pants, or their grumpy pants, amongst others.)

This weekend, I played with buttons! As I mentioned a couple posts ago, I was inspired by this entry on SouleMama and decided to give my hand at button goodness a try. So on Sunday, as Josh was playing chaperon at a Sixers game with the kids from the neighborhood Boy Scout troop, I got a bit crafty and creative.

I started out with the earrings. First, I gathered my buttons, the earring backs, and my hot glue gun (all available at any craft store). Now, my button collection is nothing like my mom's, and sorting it was nothing like sorting hers. I still have fond, fond memories of sorting through her hundreds of buttons, by color, shape, size... I loved it. My current goal coming out of these projects is to build my button collection so as to increase my choices. I felt rather limited, I must admit. But it didn't stop the fun from happening! In the end, I just made two pairs as I only wanted to make things I knew I would wear. It may be hard to tell from the picture, but the silver ones definitely have that hint of vintage (I'm planning to wear them to work today) and the white ones will be a fun outdoor spring/summer pair.

Now, onto the magnets. We have actually been in need of some magnets lately. While our magnet poetry words are overflowing, our supply of magnets that can actually hold things is suffering. The inspiration for this project was well-timed. I picked up some heavy-duty magnets from the craft store (hey, I wanted magnets that would hold things up -- there's no backing down now), and I was going to stick with just buttons. But then these cute little wooden cutouts caught my eye. They were adorable. And cheap. I caved. In the end, I made six magnets, only two of them from buttons. But come on, can you resist the cuteness of my little frog and turtle friends?? I didn't think so. I would like to make more button magnets, but as I said before, I need to grow my collection a little bit first.

Now, obviously, none of this was very difficult. Probably the "hardest" part was breaking off the loops on the backs of the more decorative buttons I used for the magnets. (If there's a way to do this that I'm completely ignorant about, please let me know. I am anything but an expert on these things.) Yet, even though none of this was complicated in any way, shape, or form, and even though it didn't really require that much thought or planning, I can't tell you how much GOOD this did for my soul.... as evidenced by the fact that I just wrote a huge blog about it and that for the past two days I've been making Josh look at all of it over and over again. It's just the fact that I'm creating again. And little and unimpressive as it may be, it is a very, very good thing for me right now.

A Return to Play

At the beginning of February, I was able to take a getaway weekend trip to southern New Jersey with my dear friend, Robin. (I'll probably post some pictures of this later.) She flew into Philly from Boston, I picked her up, and we drove the hour to her family's sheep farm -- one that's been in her family since 1637. (I think that's correct. Robin, tell me if I'm wrong.) During that time we had some long discussions about the eerily similar place we are in life, and how we've both been desperately grappling for creative outlets in our lives.

Needless to say, that's about the time I started writing on here more frequently, and also the time I started thinking of more "projects" I could do. While many of the projects have been centered around continuing to set-up our house and make it our home, my "projects" have also included things like intentionally finding discounted theater tickets (if you live in Philly, this is a great tool), taking more pictures (even though my camera is dying a slow death), cooking new things (this totally counts), reading quite a few more books, and just trying to pay attention to more of the details in life. I have been so hungry for art in my life... so hungry for that release, freedom, and excitement in creating. I think that while this desire was deeply felt when I was teaching, teaching was such a huge commitment that I literally didn't have time to pay attention to it. However, now that I have an "office job" and a bit more time, I've found that my desire which simmered so long has become a rapidly boiling need.

I am now taking action. I am starting an "inspiration" journal filled with pictures and ideas that inspire me to create. Something. Anything. Everything. As long as it's creating. I need to give myself the freedom once again to be a person who finds joy not just in the result of producing, but also in the process of doing... regardless of the outcome. I need to brainstorm, attempt, fail, and do it all again with more joy than before. I need to return to days of intentional imagination and play.

As I mentioned before, Robin was in a similar place in life, and she actually decided to commit to making at least one project a week. She's chronicling her adventures here: http://theweeklymake.blogspot.com/ While I'm not at a place where I feel ready to commit to making something each week (and I must admit, she's rather more crafty than I am), I am committing to cultivating a lifestyle of intentional creation, whatever that may be. I need this in my life (and trust me, Josh does, too).

So how is this translating into my everyday life? Well, in addition to the clock I want to make, I stumbled upon this potential project on SouleMama yesterday -- button earrings! You know I love my earrings, and while I probably won't buy the book featured (it's either money spent to buy the book, or money spent to buy the supplies), I thought these were totally worth a try (especially the brown ones -- love the antique look).



So, with that, check back for updates about my return to a life of playing, imagining, and creating. I will post about things that have caught my attention, and what I've done/am doing with those things. And maybe, on the occasions when I actually make something (since for me it won't just be limited to "making"), Robin will even let me do a guest post ;-)

Go Shopping, Save Money, Help Kids

If you’re looking for a good excuse to go shopping, I've got it for you. If you've been thinking about buying something, but waiting for a good time to buy it, I've got that for you, too! Or, if you're just looking for a good deal that helps people, I've got that as well! I'm just a helpful person today, huh?

I got an email yesterday from one of my friends who works for Teach For America (the organization proper). Since I'm the Learning Team leader for lower elementary, I guess I'm "on the list" to receive certain updates. The email was telling about an opportunity to help Teach For America this weekend while getting some great discounts.

If you shop at Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy (all subsidiaries of Gap) March 12-15 you get 30% off as part of their Give & Get campaign. Plus, 5% of your total purchase will then be given back to Teach For America. Just print this coupon, present it at the checkout, and specify Teach For America as your chosen organization: http://www.gapgiveandget.com/np/tfa.html For more information, check out TFA's press release.

This is a pretty great deal at any point in time, but I think it’s really great that even after 30% off, they're then giving an additional 5% to Teach For America. As most of you probably know, Teach For America is the organization that I joined after graduating from college. It's a non-profit organization that is working to eliminate educational inequality in the US (and now abroad, through Teach For All). TFA recruits people they see as possessing leadership qualities – not necessarily those who have had experience teaching. As such, the alumni base is quite broad, with many people staying in teaching after completing their 2-year commitment, and many more (like me) staying involved with education and community development even if not directly through teaching. One of the reasons TFA teachers succeed as much as they do is because of the constant support and training TFA provides... and yes, that’s why this event and support is very much needed!

If you want to read more about TFA (beyond the links I've already included), here’s an article from US News about what it's "really like", and there is plenty of information on TFA's website. There’s also a ton out there if you just google it! I am a deep supporter of Teach For America and its mission, and I will readily testify that while it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, it has profoundly shaped me and influenced the direction of my life. And beyond all of that, it’s truly affecting students and schools across the nation. So, go get shopping and help change kids' lives! =)

Time Change!

It snuck up SUPER early this year, but this Saturday night (well, very early Sunday morning) marks the start of Daylight Savings Time! Yup, that means for most of us, it's time to change our clocks. Now, don't forget what your mom taught you: "Spring FORWARD, Fall BACK". Unfortunately, since we land in the "Spring" part of it (I think the weather should have to follow these categories), that means we move our clocks forward and lose an hour this time. Bummer. I guess I am looking forward to having that extra daylight in the evening, though, even as it means I'll be getting up in the dark again (which I don't think I'll ever get used to).

For those of you interested as to why Daylight Savings Time seems to be earlier and earlier each year (don't worry, you're not crazy, it IS happening earlier), here's a fun website: http://www.squidoo.com/daylightsavingstime. Basically, Congress approved for DST to start earlier each year to help save electricity by having there be more daylight when most people are "active". While it presents challenges for some people/occupations, I must admit I'm one of those people who uses more electricity at night than in the morning. It's been strange the past couple years changing clocks so early in the year, though. I mean, it feels like Christmas was just here.

I'll leave you with the above image - a clock from Dutch by Design. This version sells for about $65 (clock and frames - you fill in the frames yourself), but it's my current inspiration for a project. I'm determined to make my own for much cheaper because I think it's a fabulous idea, and I am one of "those people" who like to have a clock in each room. I think this one might go into our bedroom or the study - haven't decided yet. I just know that once it's made, I'll want to look at it often. =) So, that said, don't forget to change your clocks AHEAD ONE HOUR tomorrow night!

Chasing Away the Winter Blues

I don't know about you, but I am very ready for spring. I'm now entering the 4th month of wearing tights AND long johns to work (in addition to pants, of course), 2 pairs of socks, and on average, 4 layers on top (usually including two turtlenecks and a sweater). I also wear a scarf, my fingerless gloves (so I can actually type/work), and have a blanket wrapped around me. It's getting a little redundant, and I am ready to be warm again.

Ready as I am, Philly's weather doesn't seem to care much. It's still 28 degrees outside (which, unfortunately, isn't "too bad" for our weather lately), and I need some help in remember that a time will come again when my fingers will thaw and I will be able to wear "just" a pair of pants and a sweater to work. Lately I've been relying on a few creature comforts to speak to me of spring. These are, admittedly, from a very feminine perspective, but there are a few that work across genders.

1. Satsuma Body Butter from The Body Shop: 1.7 oz - $10, 6.9 oz - $20. If the scent of this body butter doesn't immediately make you think of warm, exotic places, I don't know what will. For my dry skin, there is nothing better than this tropical-scented lotion. While $20 for the big one can seem a bit high, it's well worth it, and it will last you quite a while.

2. Beauty Rush Lip Gloss from Victoria's Secret: $7/each or 2/$12. Normally I'm not a "pink" kind of person, but these lip glosses bring a lot of pop and flavor to my lips. I have a bunch of them from the past few years, and my favorite flavors are probably Passion Fruit Pop, Lotta Colada, and Strawberry Fizz. They keep my lips soft (mine get chapped SO easily), and also add a little color and shine. Also, they go on sale pretty frequently, so don't get scared away by the $7 price tag. In fact, over Christmas I bought a box of 6 for $15. Definitely on the list of "think of spring" items.

3. Tiger Spice Chai from David Rio: $8.95 for a 14 oz canister (about 12 cups). I love chai. I have a slight obsession with it, and am pretty elitist about it, too. This is one of the best "instant" mixes I've found. While I'd love to make all my chai all the time, that isn't possible or practical (especially when I need a pick-me-up at work). While this little canister of goodness doesn't necessarily help me hope for spring, it does make the winter a little more bearable.

4. Bamboo and KANIST Vase from IKEA: Bamboo $1.99, Vase - $2.99 (though I linked to the bigger vase online). I need green in my life, especially in the winter months. We have three of these plants in our bedroom, and they bring me a lot of happiness. I've had two of them a number of years and they've grown quite tall (the third is getting on its way). They're really easy to take care of, and can survive just about anything. Trust me. Just fill the vase with some rocks and water, and you're good to go.

5. SKAMT Vases from IKEA: $1.49 each. These vases are just plain fun. As you look at the picture, you'll notice a trend - color. I need color in the winter months. These vases come in SO many different colors, they're super cheap, and they're great to stick in random places around your house for some spring cheer, especially if you have a single flower to put in.

Ok, the last items are all obviously earrings. I love wearing earrings, especially the big, dangling kind. As I'm longing for warmer weather, I'm turning to colorful clothes and colorful accessories. It can totally change your day knowing you're wearing a pair of sweet earrings. The following are a bunch of pairs I wouldn't mind picking up. (Forever 21 is a fantastic place for earrings if you're not into spending much, like me.) Also, since I'm not very good yet at digital imaging, I suggest just looking at the website pics to really see the earrings.

6. Ombre Swirl Earrings from Forever 21: $3.80

7. Beaded Wire Hoop Earrings from Forever 21: $3.80

8. Beaded Hoop Earrings from Forever 21: $4.80

9. Mini Flower Earrings from American Eagle: $12.50

10. Mini Flower Earrings from American Eagle: $12.50. I know I put these in twice - but I like both color combinations. Plus, they're currently buy one get one 50% off online (makes them about $9.35/pair).

So, if you too are fighting the winter blues, perhaps one of these things will give you a little inspiration, and help make your cold days pass a little faster on the way to a much-anticipated spring.