Blue Carrot Blog

Extremely Sad and Incredibly Sad

2012-01-23T09:47:00.003-05:00

Have you seen the screen adaptation of the best-selling book, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close? If you haven't, without spoiling anything I urge you to bring tissues. Not just one. A whole box. In fact, you may even want to bring extras for everyone around you, because if the audience is anything like mine, they'll need them too. It's not to say that the movie was bad — it was actually wonderful.

I knew nothing about the story, except the fact that it had "something to do with September 11th", which is true (hence, tissues). 13-year-old Thomas Horn plays Oskar Schell, an endearingly odd and anxiety-laden kid who becomes obsessed with finding a lock that matches a key — after his father dies (I'll let you guess how) he finds the key and becomes convinced that in finding whatever the key opens, he might be able to hold onto his father a bit longer.

As a bonus, his hunt takes him around the five boroughs of New York City, which I never mind seeing on screen (or in real life).

Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock are wonderful as always, but it's Horn's movie, and he does not disappoint. I could relate to a majority of his eccentricities, and depending on your experience, you may want to yell at him loudly or hug him incredibly close.

Recipe Cards

2012-01-17T12:50:00.001-05:00

I just received these incredibly gorgeous recipe cards in the mail that I ordered from Yellow Owl Workshop. They make three varieties, the silver and copper that I got, and a gold version too.

I'm a complete sucker for kitchen illustrations, and the foil stamping really makes them special. The copper is actually too beautiful for words, or even recipes — I'll be framing two of these and now the search begins for recipes that are worthy of the others.

MyPhone Case

2012-01-03T14:57:00.003-05:00

I went through a real-wood iPhone case phase, where I had this one for my 3gs and then this one for my 4s. Unfortunately, as I found out the hard way, wood cases aren't nearly as durable or protective as they are pretty, so I'm in the market for a new case.

The options at our local Best Buy were paltry, but I did find this Speck case, which, although not the colors of my choosing, led me to decide that I definitely wanted a plaid case.

That is, until I went on their website and found this sweater-inspired beauty. I don't know if it's because it's 17 degrees and snowing today or what, but I bought it almost without hesitation.

I say almost because I briefly considered one of their great plaids — maybe when it starts to get warm again, I'll have to trade for a more summery pattern.

YeeHaw Meats

2011-12-16T12:00:00.005-05:00

These letterpressed cuts of meat posters from YeeHaw are just the right mix of cool and gross. I'm pretty sure I need all three for my kitchen, except I don't have the wall space — buy now, figure out how to make space later, huh? I see zero flaws in this plan.

Peas on Earth

2011-12-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

Aside from some vintage Corel Draw fueled attempts, I've never really made my own Christmas cards, which may be odd considering I spend 40+ hours a week designing things for other people — kind of a hair-dressers have the worst hair type of deal?

Anyway, this year I decided to break tradition, and not only design my own, but screen print my own cards. I'm lucky enough to work at a place (427 Design, holla) that has its own screen printing equipment, so it was quite easy and actually even a bit fun.

My drawing ability being what it is (i.e. kindergarten-level), I stuck with simple shapes and a hilarious (to me, at least) pun and my man helped me with the distressing (his specialty) and separations.

I love screen printing light inks on dark paper — I think it's the fact that this technique can't really be replicated any other way that makes me gravitate towards it. I mixed my two inks, and with a lot of help from my genius-of-a man, produced about fifty of these adorable prints.

I hope my family and friends appreciate them, and since we don't know (or rather, like) that many people, I happen to have a few extra prints — if you would would like one just let me know.

Free of charge, of course — all I ask is that you do your part to keep peas on earth.

A Blue (Carrot) Christmas

2011-12-15T12:13:00.004-05:00

Today is the last day to save 20% in the shop with the coupon code 'GIMMEEDATDISCOUNT'. Also, every package that ships from today will include a free, screen printed holiday print (designed by moi), just because I like you.

If you would like to request that I send you a print, are ~~too cheap~~ unable to buy something from the shop, and not weird about giving me your address (I won't stalk you, promise), then e-mail me your name/address and I'll send you a delightful surprise. Although I guess if you request it (and I've already shown you what it looks like), it's not really much of a surprise, but still.

You're welcome.

Vogue

2011-12-12T16:13:00.004-05:00

If you live anywhere near me and hope to pick up a copy of the January issue of Vogue (featuring a certain Iron Lady), I apologize in advance. I will be buying all of the copies.

Isn't she just perfect?

December Doings

2011-12-09T09:47:00.001-05:00

We put up our tree, which lasted about six seconds before this happened...

Look at that face. It's nothing but trouble. And that hint of white in the right of the frame? That's our tree skirt, which apparently is the most irresistible cat toy on this planet, and will therefore never look flat, straightened and pretty ever again.

I got a great, big Blue Carrot stamp to make all of your holiday treasures a wee bit more special. I'm also resisting the urge to stamp EVERY THING.

We went to Pittsburgh for the day, a trip that's never complete without Ikea and Primanti Bros. You'll notice there is no pickle in this picture. It was in my mouth, where all Primanti pickles belong.

I have the horrible job of being in charge of decorating our office for the holidays. And by horrible I mean amazing.

My first order of business three years ago was to ignore the plastic pine Christmas "pole" that we had, and purchase this stainless, aluminum beaut from eBay. Packing peanut snow? Yeah we do that.

If I'm known for one thing, it's my cutout cookies. They are so time consuming, however, that I don't make them very often. I broke out the rolling pin this week though to make a batch for the director of the school of art at the university. I'm hoping nothing says "thank you for giving me a job, and please keep giving me a job, so I can pay for my car" like snowflake cookies.

And, as always, I can't go too long without at least one Mozart picture. Look at that brooding, noir-heroine face. This kid's going places, I tell you.

Blue Carrot Shop Gift Guide: Decorations

2011-12-08T14:53:00.001-05:00

Snowflake Glass | Santa Tray | Santa Mug | Tree Tray | Season's Greetings Tray

Terra Cotta Elves | Manger Babe Book

I love Target Christmas decorations just as much as the next girl, but there's something about vintage holiday items that no amount of shiny and new can replace. If you feel the same way then boy do I have some gems for you — hop on over to the newly redesigned Blue Carrot Shop, and visit the holidays section.

I've updated the shop with tons of new holiday items, including some great graphic serving trays, books, glasses, mugs, knick knacks and more.

And, as an early gift to you, until December 15th if you enter the code "GIMMEEDATDISCOUNT" at checkout, you'll receive a 20% discount — now that's a new holiday tradition I can get behind.

Christmas Wish List No. 6

2011-12-08T08:30:00.000-05:00

1. Flying Monkey and 2. Dorothy Vinyl Figures | 3. Stieg Larson Millennium Trilogy

4. Diana Camera | 5. Make Your Own Log Pillow Kit

6. Uppercase Magazine | 7. Victoria Secret Fragrances

Christmas Wish List No. 5

2011-12-07T10:03:00.001-05:00

1. Mittens | 2. Fox Ring | 3. Fox Keychain | 4. Dorian Gray Special Edition

5. Cheshire Cat Print | 6. Husband Chopping Board | 7. Freudian Slippers

Christmas Wish List No. 4

2011-12-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

1. Culinary Tools Pop Lab Chart | 2. Tea Towel | 3. Metrocard Baby Rattle

4. Book Book Laptop Case | 5. Scratch-off Map | 6. Taxi Booties

7. New York City in a Bag

Christmas Wish List No. 3

2011-12-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

1. Balloon Dog Shakers | 2. Graphic Cutting Boards | 3. "Antique" Measuring Spoons

4. Houndstooth Apron | 5. Blinking Ketchup and Mustard Bottles | 6. Cat-ula!

7. State Dish Towels

Blue Carrot Shop Gift Guide: Dad

2011-12-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

1. Airstream Tray | 2. Mini Anvil | 3. Moose Napkin Holder | 4. Pure Oil Ashtray

5. Tire Ashtray | 6. I-Beam Bookends | 7. Car Dealership Sign | 8. Radio Coasters

Christmas Wish List No. 2

2011-12-01T08:30:00.001-05:00

Blue Carrot Shop Gift Guide: Mom

2011-12-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

1. Bird Tea Towel | 2. Yellow Egg Basket | 3. The Cracker Barrel | 4. BBQ Tray

5. Spice Shaker Set | 6. Betty Crocker's New Picture Cookbook | 7. Duck Measuring Cups

8. Pin Cushions

Christmas Wish List No. 1

2011-11-30T08:30:00.000-05:00

1. Andrew Bird's The Mysterious Production of Eggs on vinyl | 2. Steve Madden Troopa Boots in Black (I have a pair in brown that I adore) | 3. Beanie Baby Sock Monkey (for my niece) | 4. Jeni's Ice Cream's Tasting Pack | 5. Fox Scarf! | 6. Kate Spade Air Quote Mittens | 7. GTI Plaid Scarf (I am such a nerd I found one on eBay and bought it for myself)

Introducing... Blue Carrot Shop 2.0!

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Have you been to the newly redesigned, much improved, updated, shiny brand-spankin-new Blue Carrot Shop yet? I've added new categories, new products and new discounts (enter the code "GIMMEEDATDISCOUNT" before Dec. 1st to receive 20% off) and I've reduced the prices on hundreds of items.

So, click on over to the shop and get all of your holiday shopping done — let me know if you would like me to send the package incognito (so a loved one doesn't know) or with a special card or wrapping.

I hope you like the redesign!

Hello, Old Friends

2011-11-28T17:25:00.001-05:00

I've been a tad busy this past week, so forgive my lack of posting. For your patience and undying devotion, I will now reward you with ~~excuses for my absence~~ pictures from the horrible time we spent apart.

Sometime last week I traded in my Saab, took a horribly cheesy photo of myself in front of it, and hardly had time to feel sad before...

I bought a brand new, 2012, Volkswagon GTI. It is super fast and black with red accents and has plaid seats and a super secret spy hatch (the latch is the VW logo, shhhhh... you didn't hear it from me) and I am officially in love with an inanimate object and I don't care how gross that makes me. I am a consumer whore, and how.

I also found the time to cook an entire Thanksgiving meal for 12 members of my family, and in an extreme exercise of self control, not kill them all in the process. I love them all dearly, but our house is teeny-tiny and I had never even so much as looked at a raw turkey, let alone cooked one before.

Which is why I almost threw up when the "neck" emerged from one of the various cavities (I'll spare you the photo, but if you follow me on Instagram, you're welcome).

Oh, and I also managed to completely re-design Blue Carrot Shop, including a new cart, new discounts and new categories, but more on that later.

And I'll never be too busy to take photographs of my cat(s).

OMG OMG OMSTREEP

2011-11-14T10:02:00.001-05:00

Holiday Movies

2011-11-09T14:13:00.000-05:00

With the end of the year always comes a slew of Oscar-contending films, and this year is no different. I find myself looking forward to the releases of more than a few, including:

The Iron Lady: December 30th

Martha Marcy May Marlene: November 11th

J. Edgar: November 11th

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: December 21st

Shame: December 2nd

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: January 20th

Are there any movies that I'm missing? What's on your holiday must-see list? (If you say Jack and Jill, shame on you — say ten Hail Meryl's and save your $12 for The Iron Lady, you won't be disappointed.)

My First Time

2011-11-08T16:49:00.003-05:00

Last week was a week of "firsts" for me including:

My first time being pulled over. I've been in a car getting pulled over before (once with my sister, twice with my man) but never been on the receiving end of a warning or ticket of any kind. That is, until Sunday, when I got pulled over while on my way to my Grandmother's house for lunch.

I thought I was speeding (maybe 10 miles over at the most, I was going downhill), but I was stopped for my window tint. Apparently the driver and passenger side windows must allow no less than 50% light in through the tint. Mine allow 11%. Oooopsy.

I told the cop I had bought it that way (not true) and that I had no idea it was illegal (also not true); he said the dealership would probably take it off for me (sure, I'll get right on that, officer) and wrote me a warning. As he was walking away, he said "Oh, by the way, your tinted license plate is also illegal (come on) — thanks for wearing your seatbelt!" So, I can no longer claim to have never been pulled over, but I think ten years with a perfect driving record was a good run.

My first time being away from my man for more than 4 days. My man went to Vegas on a business trip, and I did not. We work together, and live together so for the past three years and three months, we've rarely been apart. It's always nice to have time to myself, but by day seven, I was more than ready to pick him up at the airport.

I know seven days may not seem like a lot, especially to you ladies out there in long-distance or military relationships, but I'm spoiled and I like my company. I was so bored in fact, that I...

Painted an entire room for the first time. While the man was gone, I painted our bedroom gray, which was the first room I've ever painted entirely by myself (ceiling included). I'm happy with how it turned out, although my hatred for painting was definitely confirmed. This will hopefully also be the last time I ever paint an entire room by myself.

My first time eating sushi. This technically happened last night, which wasn't last week, but whatever — this one's a biggin. Anyone who has ever met me knows that for most of my life I've had an almost pathological fear of all things seafood — and raw seafood? Doubly scary. I've been easing myself into this genre during the past few years with a scallop here, a shrimp there. But it wasn't until last night that I actually ordered and consumed multiple pieces of spicy tuna sushi. And it was delicious.

My first time in a Books-a-Million. I walked into what just a few months ago was my beloved Borders, and what I was told was now a Books-a-Million, and found... that very little had changed. The fixtures were the same. The signs were the same. Even the layout was basically the same. I browsed for a while, a little shocked, a little weirded out, but mostly happy that I have a place back (they have a cafe) where I can sit, drink coffee and read my trashy tabloids — it's been a very long three months without one. I even made...

My first purchase at a Books-a-Million: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in paperback, a birthday card and matroyska-shaped measuring spoons.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2011-11-07T19:01:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the trailer for the David Fincher adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? Seeing this trailer actually made me want to go buy the book — and hopefully finish it before the December 21st film release.

I picked up a copy this weekend and I'm only a few chapters in, but I can already tell that I'm going to need to pick up parts 2 and 3 of the internationally-bestselling trilogy soon.

Also, does anyone one else think that a black-haired, short-banged, emaciated, eyebrow-less Rooney Mara is shockingly sexy? No? Just me? Hmmph.

I wanna Beetle for Christmas

2011-11-07T18:40:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the new 2012 Volkswagon Beetle?! Gone are the bud vases and general cute, hippie-ness — the Platinum Gray Metallic Turbo is the stuff of which my dreams are made. We test drove one today and holy crap.

Parenthood Playlist

2011-11-04T08:30:00.000-04:00

I've professed my love for the NBC show Parenthood before, and this season is better than ever (are you still not watching? what's wrong with you!?). One thing that has been consistently great from the very first season is the music — I find myself thinking "man, what a great song" at least a few times during each episode.

Luckily, there is this wonderful site for anyone who has ever wondered the same thing. I went on a music-downloading spree today, and grabbed some James Blake, Mia Doi Todd, A. A. Bondy, Bombay Motorcycle Club and Fink — all have songs featured in episodes this season.

The Wonderful Mae Whitman with TV bro Miles Heizer and real-life beau Landon Pigg

Add those to the Lucy Schwartz, Junip and Landon Pigg that I already have, and I'm building quite the impressive Parenthood Playlist. I only wish that these wonderful songs from Miles Heizer's (Drew Braverman) band Herve, and the Graveyard song that the incredibly talented Mae Whitman played and sang last season were available on a full album.

Are you listening record execs? These kids know what's up.

Bedroom Redo (p. 2)

2011-11-03T14:16:00.003-04:00


1. Log Lamp \| 2. Cardboard Moose Trophy \| 3. Plaid Thermos \| 4. Twig Vase 5. Michael Sowa Prints \| 6. Log Pillows

Once I decide to redo a room, I get very into it, very quickly. All I can think of today is our bedroom and I've spent far too much time dreaming of faux bois, woodland creatures and plaid, plaid and more plaid.

I picked out a color last night (Urban Sunrise by Valspar) and my dad is coming over tonight to help me move the heavy things (I promised him in return that I'd put him in a great nursing home one day).

I'm also trying to forget how much I hate painting, but I'm hoping that the promise of a cozy, woodland-hunting-lodge-themed wonderland is enough to sustain me through the entire project.

Kitten Pals

2011-11-03T09:31:00.001-04:00

How sweet are these Kitten Pals buttons from The Black Apple? I adore everything in the shop, but I have a special place in my heart reserved for adorable kittens (who doesn't).

Bedroom Redo

2011-11-02T11:23:00.001-04:00


1. BEHR Ultra Silver Sateen \| 2. BEHR Ultra Ashes \| 3. Cornelius Squirrel print \| 4. Damask Stripe Duvet 5. Pendleton Motor Robe in Black Butte Plaid \| 6. Edie Fawn, Felix Fox and Ember Bunny prints

My man is in Vegas until Sunday for business ("business") and I'm itching for a project to keep me occupied during my lonely nights (we don't spend much time apart, okaaaay?). One of the only rooms left in our house that we haven't redone is our bedroom — it's in the basement, dreary by default and in desperate need of a refresh.

It should be no surprise to anyone that in my quest to make my entire house match my cat, there is only one color option: gray. I've been coveting this duvet set from Dwell Studio for a few years now, but a nearly $300 piece of fabric is not really in my budget right now (or anytime soon) and most of the reviews say that the stripes are more of a beige than an ash gray anyway (or that's what I tell myself to ease my pain).

A quick searched turned up this set at Target, and I think if paired with this Pendleton wool plaid throw, it will update our bed nicely (and relatively inexpensively).

I've also been coveting these adorable collage prints from TinyFawn for above our bed, and they just happen to be the exact colors (and animals) that I adore.

We have hideous, cheap, golden oak-ish trim and paneling halfway up the walls, and I'm hoping that a whole lot of sanding and white paint will work some magic. I'm also hoping I finish before my man gets home, although I abandoned the idea of keeping it a surprise, and asked for his approval first — immediately following him giving me the go-ahead, he asked how I was going to move our bed by myself.

Anyone have any tips on making a king sized bed easier to move by yourself? I'm asking for a friend.

UPDATE: In lieu of the plain duvet, plaid blanket combo, I just impulse-bought this plaid duvet from Pottery Barn Teen — I'm hoping the man really meant it when he said "whatever you want", because this is what he's coming home to!

Party Time, Excellent.

2011-11-01T10:11:00.003-04:00

Despite some culinary missteps (my lady fingers turned out a tad on the pudgy side, my shards of "glass" were more frosted than see-thru — shhhhh don't tell Martha) our Halloween party was amazing — and every single person came in costume, even my man's dad who had on such a convincing "Justin's Dad" costume that he was voted runner-up in the costume contest (the top prize went to a very authentic Macho Man Randy Savage).

We also had a Wayne and Garth, the Christmas Story Leg Lamp, Green Man, two Michael Jacksons (one came with her own "little" boy in a onesie), a sexy Robinhood, Robin (minus Batman), one third of Run DMC, Elmo, an old man in a cowboy hat (aka my grandpa), a pirate, an owl, a real child with a blue face, three vampires and two very classy, fantastically fancy foxes.

In addition to great costumes, there was some pretty delicious (and spoooooky!) food...

Two jack-o-lantern scarecrows, some creepy porch decorations and a few hundred sparkle lights to greet our guests...

Carved critters...

Bottles of "poison" and a dead flower arrangement...

I also may have spent a ~~little~~ lot more more than I had intended on decorations/every Halloween-themed thing I could find, but now I'm just extra prepared for next year, right?

Books, I love them.

2011-10-31T14:25:00.000-04:00

Just pre-ordered the new Nov. 1 releases from Joan Didion and Mindy Kaling: Blue Nights and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me, respectively. I like to follow my heavy, illness and grief memoirs with a sarcastic, observation-based, humorous chaser.

I adored Didion's last book, The Year of Magical Thinking, and I'm hoping that Is Everyone... is even half as funny as the cover image and excerpts suggest (although, it still doesn't beat Tina Fey's Bossypants, which I think has the best book cover I may ever see for the rest of my life).

Any other great books I'm missing out on?

Talking about books makes me miss Borders even more than I already do (RIP). However, Books-a-Million is currently moving into two former Borders locations near me, so maybe they can fill a teeny bit of this book-browsing, coffee-drinking, tabloid-devouring void of mine.

This is Halloween! This is Halloween!

2011-10-28T12:00:00.002-04:00

As I've mentioned, we're having our Halloween party this weekend and I've been trying to prep what I can ahead of time so I'm not running around like a madwoman come Saturday afternoon. Here's a sneak peek at what I've accomplished thus far:

Inspired by these Martha ones (and not wanting to pay for them), I made my own soda labels (and treat bags).

Coffin utensil holder — I bought an unfinished wooden one (like this one) from Pat Catan's, painted it, distressed it and wrote my own epitaph with a silver Sharpie marker (love those).

We carved our pumpkins, which will end up being heads for spooky scarecrow-like yard decorations — can you guess who the soft, gray, adorable inspiration was for mine? Two years ago we tried the Martha Method of filling a mason jar with white Christmas lights instead of a candle and it worked great (especially if you hoard extra-long extension cords, which we do).

I've also prepared a list of creepy foods that I intend to make, including but not limited to: these heavenly sounding pumpkin cupcakes, deviled eggs like this, salsa dip that looks like puke but tastes like amazing (equal parts salsa and cream cheese), the always-a-hit finger cookies and these shards of glass cupcakes from — you guessed it — Ms. Stewart herself*.

And, lest I get too worn out from all of this strenuous party prep, I've been diligent about getting outside, enjoying the last of the warm fall weather (it may snow this weekend - yay!) and taking every picture I can of the beautiful leaves before they're gone.

What are you being for Halloween? Any last minute suggestions for creepy food/decorations?

*Although it may seem like it is, I promise this post is not sponsored by Martha Stewart, I just love her and everything she does. But I wouldn't be opposed to being sponsored by her, eh Martha? What do you say? Have your people call my people**.

**I don't have people.

Foxy Lady

2011-10-27T11:33:00.002-04:00

Last week I talked at length in defense of the non-sexy Halloween costume, and mentioned that this year I intend to go as a fox (inspired by this amazing children's jacket). Not a sexy fox, or a lingerie model with ears and a tail, but a classy, tweed-jacket-wearing, professorial fox.

My man is going as the same (although he would make a great sexy fox), and while the costume is pretty basic when you consider that I've sewn an adult-sized peanut suit for Halloweens past, I am still hand making a few key fox parts.

This past weekend I made the "heads", which are basically hoods that I cut off of thrifted clothes and hand sewed ears onto them. I also made a pretty rickety bow-tie (my sewing experience is almost exclusively relegated to Halloween time, so I'm not exactly ready for Project Runway), but what I'm most proud of is our tails.

I had very little idea how to start making the tails, but I bought some white and brown skeins of yarn, and decided to give it a try. After cutting individual strands to length for what seemed like days, I came up with this brilliant little handmade ghetto loom of sorts:

Which, was basically two clips on the edges of candle jars that I wrapped my yarn around, expediting the process while helping to maintain my sanity. I gathered about five bundles of white, and probably six or more brown on top, cut through the bottom of the loops after rubber-banding the tops together, and then randomly trimmed the yarn strands into what I thought a fox tail looked like.

I was pleasantly surprised by the results, and as with most things, my second one turned out much better than the first. I tied the clips I was using to each tail, allowing us to clip them to our shirts. The tops will be hidden underneath our tweed blazers (mine has elbow patches!), so I didn't worry about making them look too finished.

I'm excited to have a cute and clever (or at least I think so) costume that I will actually be able to move around in — mobility is usually an unfortunate afterthought in my costume-planning process. And since they're predicting a possibility of snow showers during our Halloween party, I know I'm definitely going to be thankful for all of those layers of tweed.

Side note: Mozart DID NOT enjoy this fox tail making project. She spent the greater part of the night trying to attack the yarn from various angles, and I think I'll be picking up hidden yarn scraps for the rest of my life.

Historic Hudson Valley

2011-10-27T08:30:00.000-04:00

How have I gone 26 years without knowing about the Historic Hudson River Valley and it's fantastic fall fesitvals?!

Centered around Washington Irving's famous Legend of Sleepy Hollow are three events: Horseman's Hollow, a haunted walking trail at Philipsburg Manor; a dramatic performance of the spooky tale at Old Dutch Church; and the Legend Celebration at the homestead of Irving himself.

Then, in the category of "holy-shit-I-want-to-go-to-there" is the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, featuring more than 4,000 individually hand-carved, illuminated jack o'lanterns. Four-thousand, hand-carved jack o'lanterns — I know where I'll be next October.

Also, their site contains one of the most unexpectedly funny FAQ pages I've ever read.

Poor Miss Sophie

2011-10-26T17:28:00.005-04:00

If you'll recall, my mom, the anti-cat person, bought a cat a few months ago, and instantly fell madly and deeply in love. I mean, how could you not love Miss Sophie, the world's cutest vaguely-siamese rescue kitten?

Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, Miss Soph came down with an eye infection, or so my mom was told by a few different vets. When nothing seemed to make her eye better, she went to an eye specialist, who finally diagnosed Sophie with entropion, a deformity of the (in Sophie's case, third) eyelid that is apparently super rare in cats; so rare in fact, that the surgeon asked my mother if she could document Sophie's case for publication in some rare cat disorder journal somewhere (is that a real thing? and she said yes).

So, poor Sophie underwent double-eye surgery last week (although only one eye was currently having problems, the other eyelid was also trouble, so they operated on both) and is currently enduring the ultimate in cat shame: the plastic cone.

As if that wasn't embarrassing enough for the proud Miss Soph, the cone is too large and after many successful escape attempts, my mom taped the cone snug with bright blue painter's tape.

Kudos go out to my mom — a woman so cheap that she collects her shower water to use on her plants — for falling so in love with Miss Soph that she barely flinched at the steep surgery bill.

And I think Sophie fully intends to stick to her repayment schedule of belly rubbins and general cuteness.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE CATS!

And in case you were wondering, Mozart's sparkling green beauties are doing just fine these days.

CRAMBLIN' (WO)MAN

2011-10-19T17:34:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, my culinary genius of a friend, Rachael, posted a picture to Twitter of a very delicious-looking apple crumble. I promptly replied: GIMMEE DAT CRAMBLE, and a very funny hashtag and on-going meme of sorts was born.

Fast-forward to this past weekend, and I'm in Buehler's staring at their pounds and pounds of apples, when I decide to try my hand at the CRAMBLE. I finally got around to making this legendary dessert last night, and I must report: it's HOLY SHIT GREAT.

Now, I had expectations, as any lover of fall-themed desserts would, but the CRAMBLE far exceeded all of them. It was crispy and gooey and cinnamon-y and even my man — in the middle of playing a video game, no less — felt compelled to praise all things CRAMBLE.

Head over to Rachael's (newly designed!) blog and check out the simple (aka not cramblicated) recipe — and don't forget the vanilla ice cream — your mouth will never be the same.

In defense of... The non-sexy Halloween costume

2011-10-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

While I am not the girliest of girls, I do not mind being thought of as sexy on any day of the year with one notable exception: Halloween. I'm not sure when it became ok, let alone the standard, for a girl to parade around the streets wearing nothing but skimpy lingerie and a pair of animal ears. On any other day of the year, this girl is a hooker. On Halloween, she's a sexy mouse.

I come from a crafty family, and Halloween has always been the perfect outlet for my once-a-year urge to sew something. My costumes though out the years have included: a crazy, evil clown; a road; an evil, creepy man; the original Willy Wonka; the Luigi half of the Mario Brothers; Ellen DeGeneres; a penguin; a bloody mary (yes, the drink); Mr. Peanut and a Wizard of Oz flying monkey. All creative? You bet. Entirely handmade? Of course. Incredibly sexy? Not a chance.

It seems that I am part of a small minority (there has to be others out there, right?) of girls that actually want a creative, funny and interesting costume — not to mention one that doesn't cause frostbite — in lieu of dressing as a complete slut.

Maybe I'm jealous of the attention that these girls get for doing something that takes zero effort or advance planning. Maybe I get frustrated when I'm waddling around campus as a penguin and I can't pick up drinks because in my quest for authenticity, I've sewn flippers around my jacket sleeves with no outlets for my actual hands.

Or maybe, just once, I want recognition for doing something creative and difficult (have you ever sewn a 5 ft. peanut suit? I don't recommend it) without being looked down upon for not costume shopping at Victoria's Secret.

I really just want to thank everyone who goes beyond underwear in their quest for an interesting and unique Halloween costume and let them know that you're not alone. There's nothing wrong with choosing smart over sexy or quirky over quick.

And if you would like to consult with me on costume ideas, I'll be sewing elbow patches into a thrifted tweed jacket — I'm going to be a classy, professorial fox this year — fully-clothed, but sexy just the same.

Quest: Gray Nail Polish, part 2

2011-10-18T08:30:00.000-04:00


1. NYC Color Sidewalkers \| 2. M.A.C. On The Prowl* \| 3. RBL Concrete Jungle (apparently you can't get this anymore?) 4. O.P.I. Skull and Glossbones \| 5. Carolyn New York Hanging On the Stoop

Since my last post about my obsession with non-sparkly gray nail polish, I've come across a few others I thought I would share. I bought the NYC Color Sidewalkers this weekend at Target, and while I've only painted it over my other nail color while in the store (a girl's gotta test these things), I am certainly in love with its under $2 price tag. Also, the lighter gray is different enough from my others to justify owning yet another gray polish.

Then, today, I received O.P.I.'s Skull and Glossbones in the mail, the result of a manic impulse buy from Amazon. Again, I've only painted over one nail so far, but the color is even lighter than Sidewalkers, and from what I can tell, its definitely a high-quality polish. It better be, for what it cost, but it might be my favorite, after the Finger Paints Mozart-colored one.

*Who pays $23 for a nail polish? Am I strange to think that's a little extravagant? Maybe it paints itself (that would certainly be worth it)?

Broomstick Treat Bags

2011-10-17T12:54:00.000-04:00

Once again, I turned to the High Holy Priestess of Halloween, Ms. Martha Stewart, for the treat bags I decided to make for our Halloween party this year. I've seen these broomstick bags in her magazine for a few years, and decided to finally give them a try.

They are pretty simple, but take a lot longer to put together than I had anticipated. By the time Practical Magic was over (1 hr. 44 min.) I had only finished 15 "brooms". I had also run out of treats, so I moved on to The Craft (I was really feeling the 90s witch-vibe) and a nap.

First, gather sticks from your (or your neighbor's) yard, and have your nice, handy, man cut them for you. I found that a more substantial, thicker stick looked better, but use what you can find.

Bonus: This totally counts as yardwork, or at least that's what I told myself.

Push the bottom of one bag out, while keeping the sides folded in. Cut the bag into strips, stopping short of the bottom. This part frustrated me at first, because you're cutting through multiple layers of brown paper and it gets pretty shifty and tries to make your life hard.

I found that keeping a hold on the cut parts while you cut the rest, and constantly re-aligning your pieces is the way to go. Also, if it's not perfect, it doesn't really matter in the end.

Cut some fringe in the top of another bag, and set it inside of the shredded one. Fill with treats, and insert your stick handle.

Gather the shredded strips around the inside bag, and tie tightly with string. I wrapped it around a few times to look like a broom handle.

Place in a box, and keep away from cats until your party.

I'm pretty happy with how they turned out; I just hope they last until the 29th — for some reason Mozart has felt compelled to chew on every one of the stick handles she can reach.

Side note: the bags ended up a lot larger than I had thought they would be, but it makes them more realistic/impressive looking. Be prepared to use a lot of candy in each one (and make sure you have some extra for yourself, you've worked hard).

Web Therapy | Meryl Streep

2011-10-17T12:01:00.002-04:00

This is the first episode of Lisa Kudrow's Internet-only show, Web Therapy, that I've seen (I'll give you three guesses why) but I laughed out loud through the entire thing. So, so good.

In defense of... North

2011-10-14T08:30:00.000-04:00

"I hated this movie as much as any movie we've ever reviewed in the nineteen
years we've been doing this show." — Roger Ebert

I am about to defend the merits of the best-worst movie (I insist that I coined that phrase far before this) ever made: 1994's North. Never heard of it? Neither have the DVD manufacturers — as far as I can tell, its only available in its native VHS format (remember those?).

I had the pleasure of seeing North in its original, theatrical run in 1994. I was nine, and I loved it. I think even then I could tell that this movie was a little cheesy, but the absurd premise of an eleven-year-old who is fed up with his work-a-holic parents, takes them to court and when the judge rules that he must find replacements or return to his given set within two months, embarks on a world-wide parent audition? Yeah, I loved every minute of it.

Still have no idea what I'm talking about? Would it pique your interest to mention that the eleven-year-old in North is Frodo-himself, Elijah Wood? Or that his original parents are played by Seinfeld Alums Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Jason Alexander? I'm sure you've heard of Bruce Willis? Yeah, he's in it too (in a bunny suit, no less).

A fan of Jon Lovitz or Oscar-winner Alan Aarkin? You won't be disappointed. Maybe you've listened to Reba McEntire, or watched Dan Akroyd on SNL or been creeped out by Kathy Bates?

How about Abe Vigoda, Ben Stein, Kelly McGillis, Faith Ford or the dearly departed John Ritter? Oh, and I think Scarlett Johansson is pretty popular these days, although her career surely peaked with North.

Yes, the story is ridiculous but I stand by my assertion that it is the best, worst movie I've ever seen (and I've seen it many, many times). So next time you're flipping through the channels and you see North on TBS, stop and watch (it's also streaming on Netflix).

Or, purchase the VHS and have this wonderfully kooky, surprisingly endearing, film on hand whenever you're in the mood to see Bruce Willis in a pink bunny suit.

Society6

2011-10-13T11:40:00.002-04:00

Have you ever been to Society6? They handle the selling, printing and distribution of prints for some really great artists, and I spent quite a while browsing through the work.

I particularly like Thomas Sullivan's prints; the nesting-doll like food chain set is my favorite, although the skeleton key is just as cool.

In defense of...Buying a $45 t-shirt

2011-10-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

I thought I would do a recurring "series" of sorts, in defense of people/places/things/practices that I've either caught a lot of grief about liking/not liking in the past, or things for which I just feel the need to explain my feelings.

I'm sure everyone has similar things that they are embarrassed to admit that they like or do, and I thought it was time to be truthful (and defensive) about mine.

First up: Buying a $45 t-shirt.

I have always been incredibly cheap, sometimes thoughtfully so, sometimes just unjustifiably stingy. I am particularly cheap when it comes to clothing; forgive me, but I just don't see the point in paying hundreds of dollars for a pair of jeans when a $25 pair will do relatively the same things for me.

To be fair, I've never been rich, so there have been many times when I couldn't even afford a $25 anything. But then, there was that one time I spent $45 on a t-shirt.

I came across this shirt one day, quite by accident, and it was love at first sight. It was everything I desired in a shirt: the perfect color combination, with the perfect graphic and one very big negative — it was $45 (plus shipping). I was so blinded by my love of the cat vomit shirt that this absurd number barely registered before I was clicking 'buy'. I hardly even minded that the only size left was an XL (I'm a solid medium) and with a few clicks the shirt was mine.

I had officially spent eleven-thousand-percent what I usually did (40 cents at a thrift store v. $45) on a t-shirt. A t-shirt. But you know what? Even though it's about three sizes too big and was about three times overpriced, I love this shirt. I dare say, it's the best shirt I've ever owned.

And I barely even feel bad about it anymore.

Full disclosure: I also own a $35 t-shirt (left), but this one was bought for me by my man, so I mostly feel lucky, instead of bad about owning it. In fact, all of Ace's clothing is amazing and I want it all. But every piece is absurdly overpriced. $75 for a thermal shirt? Come on.

There.

2011-10-12T14:01:00.001-04:00

Elizabeth Olsen

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

I grew up on Full House, Two of a Kind, So Little Time and I've seen every single horribly-cheesy-but-endlessly-enjoyable, Olsen twin movie (Double, Double, Toil and Trouble? It's not Halloween without it).

I realize they are adults now, and want to be called by their actual names (the nerve!) but they will always be the twins to me. Unfortunately, aside from the occasional tabloid story or fashion article, its been hard getting my Olsen fix now that I find myself to also be an adult.

Enter: Elizabeth Olsen, younger sis to my beloved twins, and from what I read, a much, much better actress. I can't wait to see all of her five (!) upcoming films, especially the "psychological drama" Martha Marcy May Marlene (yay alliteration!).

She's already got me interested based solely on her genetics — just look at that face! At times she looks like she could be a third twin (um, triplet?) but she seems to have avoided the oversized-fur-millionaire-bag-lady phase that made me lose a little bit of faith in MK & A.

And a little bit of Streep cred? She has it.

Also, in all of my research I haven't found any evidence that she has a fragrance line at Wal-Mart, which is always a good thing.

Halloween Invite 2011

2011-10-10T20:26:00.000-04:00

I had lofty aspirations for this year's invite to our Halloween party — I'm a graphic designer, I should be able to knock it out of the park, right? Well, I never really got around to designing the perfect invite (one that I had planned on screen printing too, you know, because I have endless time), so I turned to the Holy Lady of the Holidays: Martha Stewart.

I downloaded this owl template, and customized the middle portion with some spooky type of my own creation (at least I designed part of it, huh?). I printed them on sparkly card stock (half silver, half copper) — leftover paper samples given to us who-knows-how-long-ago by a rep — and voila!

An adorable and memorable invite that was super easy to put together — although after cutting out more than twenty I must admit that I began to get the dreaded scissor-finger-claw.

Just download the pdf template, add your date/time/place, print, cut, secure the wings with teeny brads (I used matte black ones I just happened to have, and punched the holes first with a push-pin), mail to your friends and family and wait for the compliments to start rolling in.

And, if none of them happen to read Martha Stewart, you may just be able to pass it off as your own creation. I promise I won't tell.

Also, if you happen to be in the neighborhood on October 29th, and you're not a complete weirdo, stop by! Consider this your formal invitation (don't make me cut out another damn owl).

My man and I will be the ones dressed as fancy foxes (more on that later).

Maize Maze

2011-10-10T19:27:00.000-04:00

This weekend my friend Emily and I took her 3-year old, Carter, to his first-ever fall festival at a local farm.

It was unbelievably hot (for the middle of an Ohio October), so we didn't linger but we did find our way out of the maize maze, relatively unscathed — albeit sweaty and incredibly thirsty.

They had all sorts of fall-themed games for kids, including pumpkin bowling (and gourd golf) and the can-you-believe-people-pay-for-this "game" where you paid a dollar for a pumpkin that you were then "allowed" to smash from atop a platform. Um, okaaay (we didn't do that one).

Also, the leaves are getting better and better each day, and I apologize in advance if you're ever stuck behind me while I try to take photos of them out my car window.

Yes, I do realize the light turned green but just look at those reds! Those oranges!

Fall is What Ohio Does Best

2011-10-07T10:07:00.000-04:00

Ohio does a lot of things that I don't like (allowing guns in bars, not allowing same-sex marriage and sweatpants, for example) but there is one thing that Ohio does best: fall.

The cornfields that seem so monotonous and country most of the year, turn into wonderlands of autumnal joy by the middle of September. You can't drive more than a few miles without running into a nursery or stand or farm selling rows and rows of pumpkins. Mums of every shape, size and color are just as plentiful (and beautiful).

My friend Anna and I went on a hike last night through Boston Township, which is a must-see if you ever find yourself in Ohio, in the fall. Associated with hauntings and satanists, the area is nicknamed Helltown, but is actually quite beautiful, especially when the leaves start changing.

Be sure to check out Stanford Road, which is picturesque during the day, and positively terrifying at night — for some reason there seemed to be a mass exodus of tiny snakes from the land onto the road as soon as the sun went down? We had no idea there was such a thing as nocturnal snakes, but we're going to limit our walks to daylight hours from now on...

And this weekend, my friend Emily and I are taking her 3-year-old boy to his first maize maze (see what I did there?) — I'm ~~probably~~ definitely more excited about this than he is.

Streep News

2011-10-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

Meryl and Tommy Lee Jones are currently filming Great Hope Springs in Connecticut (road trip, anyone?), and any news about a new Streep project is the best kind of news.

Also, have you seen the official poster for the Iron Lady? Is it December yet?

(All photos/updates from Simply Streep)

Quest: Gray Nail Polish

2011-10-05T10:21:00.003-04:00

1. Essie Chinchilly | 2. O.P.I. Suzi Takes the Wheel | 3. O.P.I. French Quarter for Your Thoughts**

4. China Glaze Recycle | 5. Finger Paints Stunning Stilettos | 6. Essie Power Clutch

I'm not what you call a "girly-girl", but recently I decided rather randomly that I wanted to paint my nails. I'm not sure what spawned this foray into cosmetics-dom, but once I got the idea in my head, I was a girl on a mission.

I wanted gray nail polish — not silver, not blue, not charcoal, but matte gray. This turned out to be slightly more difficult than I had anticipated, but due to some scouring and Internet queries (aka asking my Twitter frands "where the eff can I find gray polish?") I've found some real contenders.

The only ones I've tried on real life hands (my own, let's not get weird) are the Essie Power Clutch and Finger Paints Stunning Stilettos. Power Clutch was a little too dark (and expensive), but it was the first one I found so I was excited. Then I found the Finger Paints brand at Sally's while on a trip to pick up hair toner (okay, so maybe I am a girly-girl), and its a near perfect match to the gray I've been seeking*.

I'm eager to try the others, and I'll report back so you don't have to be a crazy person and buy six nearly-identical shades of polish (like, me). I came close to purchasing Essie's Chinchilly (almost worth buying for the name, alone) at Target last night, but it looked a tad too on the beige side of things for me.

Do you have any other suggestions?

*It photographed a bit darker than it is IRL, which probably defeats the purpose of trying to photograph it in the first place. Also, I've found it nearly impossible to photograph my own hand without looking like a troll. And yes, I'm holding a honey bottle (I'm so high fashion now, you don't even get me).

**Can you even tell these two O.P.I. colors apart? Am I missing something or are these literally the same bottles of polish with different names? Oh, fashion, how you confuse me so.

Don't Throw These Away

2011-10-04T08:30:00.000-04:00

I love these more permanent versions of plastic/paper cups, especially the We Are Happy To Serve You cup, which I have been coveting for a while. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they're just cute.

Red Party Cup | NYC Coffee Cup | Eco Cup | Starbucks Ceramic Traveler | Cold Cup

Stalking

2011-10-03T17:47:00.002-04:00

This weekend numero uno on my to-do-list was to hunt down some cornstalks (or corn shocks? is there a difference? I need some explanation on this...) for my porch, since its by far my favorite fall-time decoration.

I can't exactly explain why, but tying dried up, dirty, shredded cornstalks to the support beams on my porch (and fence posts) is just as good as it gets for me.

I also tried out the Holga lens my man bought for our work camera (a Canon 5D), which appears to do little more than silhouette your image and make focusing nearly impossible. Oh well, now I can take photos with our thousand-dollar camera that look like ones you take with a ten-dollar camera. That makes me cool, right?

So cool, in fact, that I will now take all of my self-portraits like so:

I also put down this spoooooky doormat from Target (aka my Halloween headquarters) for the third year in a row (maybe second? I can't remember, point is, I don't think you can still get it... sorry), even though the only people that ever see our front door are either the pizza delivery girl or our squirrel Trevor*.

*My man ~~likes~~ loves squirrels, so much so that we have a corn feeder on the front porch, and he has named the most frequent visitor Trevor. Trevor speaks in an English accent, in case you were wondering.

Lost Type Co-op

2011-09-30T12:27:00.002-04:00

Have you heard of the Lost Type Co-op? Well do you like incredibly well-designed fonts available in a pay-what-you-want distribution model? Yeah, I do too.

Feist

2011-09-30T10:55:00.005-04:00

Heard a charming interview with Canadian musician Leslie Feist this morning on NPR (there were a lot of "aboots" thrown around), and forgot how much I loved her last two albums. She has a new one (Metals) coming out on Tuesday and it sounds great — I know exactly what I'll be listening to for the next few weeks.

All of her songs are wonderful (I'm sure you've heard of 1234?) but Lonely, Lonely is the song that first introduced me to her, and it's been my favorite ever since. This isn't the official music video — I don't think there is one — but just close your eyes and listen.

It's Always Funny

2011-09-29T09:44:00.002-04:00

I haven't caught up on the new episodes of IASIP (I'm very into acronyms lately, do try and keep up), but the promos for Season 7 are just, perfect.

If you want to know why I love this so much, look no further than the company Christmas card I designed a few years ago. I've never met an awkward family photo that I didn't like.

Must-have Martha

2011-09-27T11:21:00.000-04:00

Martha Stewart (or rather, her entire team of underlings) has released a new book today, Handmade Holiday Crafts. I saw it on Poppytalk this morning and immediately bought it on Amazon (RIP Borders).

I'm sure it's just a compilation of everything I've already seen in her magazines and other books, but I don't care. It looks amazing and it has Martha's name on it, so it has to be.

(inside spread images via Poppytalk)

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

2011-09-26T11:45:00.003-04:00

This weekend the man and I took a mini (3 hr.) road trip to visit some friends in Salamanca, NY (and their adorable, albeit bark-y Boston Terrier, Go-Go).

The Allegheny Reservation actually runs right through town, although to be honest, aside from the Casino, a plethora of smoke shops and a few gas stations proclaiming that they were Tribally Owned, you wouldn't really know you were on a Seneca reservation. Yes, we did go to the casino, where we stuffed ourselves with buffet and played roulette like the good Americans we are.

We also toured some local antique/record shops/barns where we picked up some shop treasures (update soon) but most importantly, this fancy fella.

We've been coveting various taxidermy critters for a while and finally happened upon this beaut for a very reasonable price at the expansive Salamanca Antique Mall. He is currently perched atop our bookshelf, frustrating and confusing our two cats, who have yet to figure out why he won't respond to their advances.

Our friends collect vintage monster memorabilia (amongst many other things) — aren't these melted squishy pop-out eye toys incredibly terrifying?

We also became buds with their cat, Slimmy, who is 100% black, including his whiskers. You're no Mozart, Slim, but you're definitely a handsome dude.

The Week of Streep (p.8)

2011-09-22T15:57:00.004-04:00

In this final (for now) installment of the mini-Streep reviews, I will revisit the last seven releases in Meryl Streep's career. Next in line is the Iron Lady, which is set for release in January — have you seen the teaser? It's been more than a year since my last new Streep fix, and I'm jonesin'. I've got the fever and I've got it bad.

And, in case you missed it, here are parts one, two, three, four, five, six and seven, for your reading pleasure.

2007: Evening

As usual, Streep uses her very minimal screen time to maximum effect in Evening, adapted from Susan Minot's New England-set novel of the same name. Evening is notable in that it was the feature-film debut (in a starring role) of the similarly talented Streep Spawn, Mamie Gummer (relation to the Great One: daughter).

Real-life mother and daughter actually share the on screen role, with Gummer playing a young Lila (in what is basically a flashback) and Streep stepping in as present day Lila. It's not hard to see the similarities, physically, of course, but also in talent. I'm sure it's not easy entering into the same profession in which one of your parents has more than excelled (or rather, defined it altogether), let alone going toe-to-toe with your famous mother in the same film. Gummer holds her own, although (of course) Streep knocks it out of the park.

Side note: I'm about 85% sure that I found the actual house where the majority of Evening was filmed, while on vacation in Newport, Rhode Island. It was set far off from the road and my camera zoom at the time was less than stellar, but I'd like to think my powers of recognition were spot on.

If watching Evening doesn't make you want to book a trip to Newport immediately, you probably accidentally rented the 1999 non-hit of the same name.

2007: Rendition | Lions for Lambs

Streep had supporting roles in two political thrillers in 2007, Rendition and Lions for Lambs. Rendition, like so many movies, failed to deliver despite a promising cast including Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal and Alan Aarkin. Streep is powerful in her brief scenes — don't miss her heated confrontation with Witherspoon's character.

Lions, also boasts a noteworthy cast (I'm sure you've heard of Robert Redford? Tom Cruise?) and is the more enjoyable — if you can call debating the political ensnarement that is Afghanistan, entertainment — of the two films. I have a hard time enjoying Tom Cruise in any film that isn't Rainman, but his scenes with Streep are the best parts of Lions, which focuses on three stories told simultaneously in real-time.

2008: Mamma Mia

After a stretch of supporting roles, Streep burst back into the spotlight with the screen adaptation of the ABBA-filled musical, Mamma Mia. Now to be clear, I don't exactly think that Mamma Mia is an Oscar-worthy film of distinction. I did, however, manage to see it thirteen times at the theater — it's campy and ridiculous and gorgeous and fun and everything I needed in the summer of '08.

I went once, on a Monday, and stayed for a repeat showing. I bought the soundtrack and blasted it in my car with the windows down, impervious to embarrassment. I saw the sing-a-long version in a theater containing only two other people (to whom I am related); which is to say, I loved it.

Streep looks like she's having the time of her life frolicking around the Greek Islands, and if you don't have an equally good time watching her do so, than I truly feel sorry for you. Don't rent Mamma Mia expecting to see Casablanca, but do watch it expecting to cringe at Pierce Brosnan's attempt at a singing career, which, in my opinion, is just as enjoyable as watching the vocally-talented Streep.

2008: Doubt

Doubt is another screen adaptation of a stage show, albeit holy (you see what I did there?) different from Mamma Mia. Streep plays Sister Aloysius Beauvier, and you'll wonder why it's taken her this long in her career to play a nun — she's utterly fantastic.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman is equally as wonderful as the priest who's relationship with a 12-year old boy raises the titular "doubt" and Viola Davis was 100% robbed of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her brief, but powerful scene alongside Streep. From the performances, to the story, to the set design and time period, there is no Doubt (ehhh?) that this film more than earned its Best Picture nomination.

Side note: If you're like me, and fall asleep to any movie you try to watch past 5pm, do try to stay awake for the end of Doubt. Streep's closing scene with Amy Adams is some of her finest acting work to date.

2009: Julie and Julia

If I wasn't such an ardent Streep fan, I might have sworn that I was watching footage of the actual Julia Child during Streep's scenes as the famous chef in 2009's Julie and Julia. Rather than do a caricature of Child, Streep's performance is as fitting a tribute as fans could have ever hoped for. From the voice, to the mannerisms, to the face, to the height (achieved with some particularly enormous shoes — you can spot them in certain scenes) Streep is perfect.

I only wish that the entire movie was about Julia, and wasn't instead forced to split its time between Child's fascinating life in Paris and the present day (more specifically, Julie Powell's so-so memoir, about the time she decided to cook her way through Mastering the Art of French Cooking).

Streep was most certainly — and unfairly — denied the Oscar win for this career highlight and I'm sure my man would agree — upon leaving the theater I immediately cooked Child's famous beouf bourguignon, and it has since become my signature "fancy" dish.

2009: It's Complicated

Streep's last theatrical release to date, was It's Complicated, and was a welcome return to comedy for the Great One. She is hilarious in this breezy, thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy from Nancy Myers, alongside two old favorites — Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin — and one of my new favorites — John Krasinski ("Harles"). I saw It's Complicated five times in the theater, and would have gone more if it hadn't been winter (i.e. snowy, miserable) and I had been able to find more willing companions.

It's the perfect movie to watch if you're home sick or in the mood to laugh, and if I could have just one day as the gorgeous, bakery-owning, amazing-kitchen-occupying, California-living, Steve Martin-dating Jane Adler, I would be a happy girl.

(all photos from Simply Streep)

The Week of Streep (p.7)

2011-09-21T11:22:00.000-04:00

I remembered today (about a year and a half late, oopsy) that I never finished reviewing the entire Meryl Streep catalog AND because it's my blog and I can do what I want, I'm going rogue, finishing what I started, and still referring to it as a 'week' even though it's taken me more like 15 months.

And, in case you need a refresher, revisit parts one, two, three, four, five and six before proceeding.

2004: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

L.S.A.S.O.U.E. has the distinction of being the first Meryl Streep movie I saw during it's original run in a movie theater. This was in 2004 of course, 2 years before I would be consumed by all things Streep, so I went more to be entertained than wowed by the Great One.

But, wowed I was, and as in most of her supporting roles, Streep stole every scene she was in — not a small feat, considering most of her screen time is opposite a scenery chewing Jim Carrey ("What a Supreeeeese"). She plays the grammar-obsessed, ultra-jittery Aunt Josephine and she's absolutely perfect — in fact, the entire movie is actually great, and able to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

2005: Prime

While Prime wasn't a blockbuster by any means, it is certainly worth revisiting on DVD or Netflix. Streep plays Dr. Lisa Metzger, a New York City therapist who finds out that her patient (a very likable Uma Thurman) is dating her son, but can't let on that she knows. The scenes where she tries to keep it together while Uma reveals intimate details about her relationship are pure comic gold.

Nothing is better than watching Streep squirm as Uma declares "his penis is so beautiful I just want to knit it a hat."

2006: A Prairie Home Companion

Ah, 2006: The Summer of Streep. Two Thousand Ought Six was a great summer to be newly obsessed with Streep, as it featured not one, but two theatrical releases prominently featuring the Great One. The first, Robert Altman's last film, A Prairie Home Companion has a stellar ensemble cast — Kevin Kline, John C. Reily, Lily Tomlin, Woody Harrelson, Maya Rudolph, a pre-crack Lindsay Lohan and Mr. Garrison Keillor, as himself.

Streep plays opposite Lily Tomlin as half of the singing duo, The Johnson Sisters. She is adorably ditzy, a little slutty and entirely enjoyable. She also sings (if you like music at all, get the soundtrack, now), which is always a delight.

2006: The Devil Wears Prada

A major highlight to my Summer of Streep was the box office hit, The Devil Wears Prada. One of the highest grossing films of her career, T.D.W.P. also held my personal record for times viewed in a theater: I saw it six times (a record that stood until another Streep film, Mamma Mia, shattered it two years later).

Streep is absolutely perfect as the white-haired, terrifyingly soft-spoken, Miranda Priestly. Everything about her performance is perfection, from her line delivery ("By all means, move at a glacial pace, you knoooow how that thrillllls me") to her emotional, make-up less scene two-thirds through the movie. Just try and get through the "cerulean" monologue without agreeing that she more than deserved the Oscar she didn't end up winning.

2007: Dark Matter

The release of Dark Matter, a 2007 film chronicling the true story of a Chinese student who ends up going on a shooting spree at his college, was delayed for more than a year after real-life events at Virginia Tech mirrored the film a little too closely. I ended up seeing it in a theater in New York City, when it was playing on maybe two screens (in the entire country).

Suffice it to say, it wasn't a hit. Streep is adequate as Joanna Silver, the student's sympathetic benefactor, and the film reunites her with her Music of the Heart costar, Aidan Quinn. I wouldn't drop everything you're doing to run out and grab a copy, but it's an interesting story that was the victim of unfortunate timing.

(all photos from the always-amazing Simply Streep)

RIP Borders

2011-09-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Monday, I bought the very last thing I'll ever buy at a Borders store and Wednesday, the two stores closest to me closed for good.

It would be impossible for me to calculate exactly how much of my life was spent inside of a Borders, but I can approximate that for the last 10 years, I've gone about once a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but I never went very long in between visits.

I would almost always sit in the cafe, always with a stack of magazines, a coffee drink and my iPod, occasionally with a friend or a book, but mostly by myself. Those small cafe tables were my sanctuary, the place I went to get away from the computer, from my family, from the noise, from the rest of the world.

I spent one entire summer writing what I thought would one day turn into a memoir, but now reads like an amateur, extended diary entry. I spent two months illustrating song lyrics for what eventually became a Valentine's gift for my man. I did countless school projects and had many wonderful conversations, first at the Chapel Hill store, then Fairlawn and more recently at the North Canton location.

To say I enjoyed Borders is an understatement, and as news broke that the chain was closing for good, I was really, genuinely sad. My friend Emily and I sat in the cafe the last night it was open, drinking sub-par coffee drinks (I never really found a great one there) and reading tabloids, like I had done so many times before. The next day, everything went on sale, the cafe closed and eventually they began disassembling and selling pieces of the actual store.

I was determined to buy a cafe table and two chairs, because it only felt right after spending so much time sitting at one. I had some competition (especially on the chairs), but I eventually secured my own set. We went back this week, after learning that the remaining fixtures had been marked down by half, and bought three rolling library ladders (for Furnace Street), two cardboard sign holders, a set of lockers, an extension cord and a red shopping basket.

When I was cleaning out my purse, I pulled out the receipt and couldn't bring myself to throw it away. The lockers and the sign holders are the last thing I'll ever buy at Borders, and although its a tiny comfort to know that I'll be able to continue to sit at a cafe table, I'll always wish I was back inside a Borders, with a coffee and an enormous stack of tabloids.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-09-15T09:48:00.003-04:00

The weather today in Ohio is rainy, with a high of 56 degrees. I'm not complaining. To say I love fall would be an understatement. Fall is one of the (only) things Ohio does best; soon I'll be purchasing cornstalks for my porch, carving pumpkins, guzzling cider and traveling to the Circleville Pumpkin Festival, but in the meantime, I'm enjoying these early fall delights:

Scarves. I would wear a scarf every day if it wasn't weird and sweaty to do so in 90 degree heat. I got this plaid looker from Target and today is its first (of many) outing.

Chai Tea Lattes. But what about that other pumpkiny, spicy latte, you ask? The chai tea latte is like the pumpkin spice latte, but for the fact that it's less sweet, can be ordered year-round, and doesn't look like nuclear waste when left sitting for more than five minutes.

Pro tip: order yours without water for a richer, more delicious, all-around delightful cuppa tea.

Leaves! Okay, so they haven't really started changing yet, but a story on NPR this morning about Leaf Peepers in New England (that term will never, not sound dirty to me) got me in the mood for a road trip to the Berkshires. I doubt we'll take one this year, but Ohio's foliage is usually just as brilliant, and literally, in my own backyard (this pic is actually Central Park — another place I wouldn't mind visiting this fall, or any other time).

The return of Parenthood. If you're not watching the best show currently on tv, then you're doing it wrong.

Halloween party planning. We were robbed of our chance to have a party last year, due to home renovations, so we'll be making up for lost time this year with an extravaganza. There is little I like to do more than plan a party, and Halloween parties are the absolute best.

Thanks to my backlog of Martha Stewart Halloween issues, I already have a great head start (and check out the October issue of Living for a how-to on these awesome 'shards of glass' cupcakes).

Thermos Shelf

2011-09-14T15:00:00.001-04:00

Saw this on Design*Sponge today, and thought it was a great way to repurpose vintage Thermos('s? i?), especially ones where the lids are long gone.

But where can you find a wonderful and interesting vintage, patterned Thermos these days, you ask? These beauts can all be found right this second in Blue Carrot Shop.

Wood Thermos | Tartan | Orange Stripe | Blue Plaid

Am I MISSing something?

2011-09-14T09:58:00.002-04:00

Just to be clear, I am generally quite clueless about fashion. That being said, I am a graphic designer, and fancy myself to be an ok judge when it comes to things being ugly or not. And the new Missoni for Target line? Ugly. In fact, Missoni's entire line in general? Ugly.

I'm sorry but I really fail to see the appeal, not to mention the fact that EVERY. SINGLE. PIECE. LOOKS. EXACTLY. THE. SAME. I know it's their trademark, their signature, their thing, but come on. I just don't get it. And you know (just to make you hate me more) I could have gotten it too — I went to Target last night (for the much-more-my-style Halloween merchandise), and the shelves were still very well stocked with zig-zag goods of all shapes and sizes.

But, what do I know. Apparently demand for the line was so great that Target's website was down for most of the day, and many pieces sold out entirely (and in some stores, they lasted only minutes). Who knew there were still so many rabid Bill Cosby fans out there?

Speeee-yiderz

2011-09-09T10:32:00.001-04:00

When my man called me outside today to "look at the tire swing", I was definitely not expecting to see this, hanging between the ropes:

I'm generally terrified of spiders (and most creepy, crawly insects that threaten to walk on my face at night), but I have to say, well done spiderman (or lady). It was a little difficult to photograph it in all of it's intricate awesomeness, but believe me, it was a masterpiece.

And totally unrelated, I'm currently considering* buying this oh-so-pretty maple leaf necklace from tru.che. It's hard to pick just one favorite from her wonderful jewelry line, but it's been feeling particularly fall-like this week (had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season yesterday, thank you Emily!) and this leaf is pretty perfect.

Plus, for once in my life I have more than 3 dollars in my checking account, so I think it's about time I started spending frivolously.

*This might sound lame, but I've worn the same necklace every day (minus four) for more than a year, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for a change. I almost feel like I'm cheating on my beloved token necklace just by looking at others. Don't feel that way, T.N., you'll always be my number one.

The Luckiest of Girls

2011-09-08T14:25:00.000-04:00

As the title of this post would suggest, I consider myself to be very lucky. I have amazing friends and family and a man that loves me. BRAG, BRAG, BRAG.

Sometimes, it's easy to forget this, but for my birthday last week, the people who matter the most made sure to remind me that I'm loved by lavishing me with super special gifts (for the record, this is the absolute best way to show me I'm loved, obviously).

First up is my man, who not only bought me two dozen roses, an additional bouquet of mixed flowers and two balloons so filled with helium that they may never deflate but he ALSO got me a big papa dill pickle (that's not an overly-sharey euphemism, I promise).

Oh and he also commissioned this beyond-words-amazing painting of the most whimsical and fantastical rabbits you'll ever see falling through space (by the super talented Erin Mulligan — thanks Erin!).

I don't wish to be overly braggy, but he kinda nailed it, no?

Not one to be outdone, my best friend Emily also created a masterpiece for the occasion, based on another masterpiece of sorts.

BACK STORY ALERT: While in New York City this July, Emily and I were in the process of taking a photo of ourselves in front of a beautiful sunset, when a stranger approached. He asked us if he could take our picture, since he'd seen us struggling to do it ourselves. We obliged, and as he walked away, I checked my camera for the photo that we had taken in the midst of greeting him, and found this:

So, this is what Emily looks like as strangers approach her. And this is what I look like (note my commitment to the photo in progress).This was far better than the one said stranger ended up producing, and thus became my very favorite photo of all time.

Which Emily then turned into my very favorite watercolor of all time.

"When Strangers Approach"

Which then turned into my very favorite reenactment-containing-a-watercolor photograph of, you guessed it, all time.

So, thank you to everyone who made me feel special on my birthday or on any of the other days. 26 might be quite fun with all of you in my life.

Schweddy Balls

2011-09-07T19:17:00.000-04:00

So, remember this?

Well, this is finally happening...

And, just incase you're one of the only people on the planet who hasn't seen (or doesn't remember) the perfect SNL skit that spawned this delicious looking dish, here you go. And you're welcome.

Side note: I adore Alec Baldwin, and you should too.

Kitties!

2011-09-07T09:38:00.000-04:00

My super talented friend Rachael posted about this wonderful piece she did for her friends, and I adore it. I'm hoping that I can convince her to let me commission a similar study of the very portrait-worthy Mozart — or maybe my mom would like one of Sophie?

Check out Rachael's portfolio and visit her shop for more of her awesome work.

SHOP UPDATE!

2011-09-06T15:36:00.005-04:00

I worked feverishly all of Labor Day weekend to bring you the BIGGEST SHOP UPDATE OF ALL TIME (believe me, the all caps is NECESSARY). I have added more than 55 new (vintage) items to the shop, including cameras, canister sets, chalkware, plaid and so much more!

I have also done a bit of shop maintenance, including removing the sold items from their respective categories (they all live exclusively in the sold section now — less clutter, yay!). I tell you this not because you care, or would even need to know, but because I want everyone to know how much I care.

And also, remember, nothing says you care like buying all of my things.

And HOW!

2011-09-02T10:22:00.001-04:00

I was contacted a few months ago by the lovely Bryn Mooth, asking if she could feature Blue Carrot Shop in the Sidelines column of HOW Magazine. Of course I said yes, because it's HOW Magazine (duh).

September seemed so far away at the time, but it's here of course, and I finally tracked down actual physical copies of the issue this week (well, actually, my man did — he bought every one that Barnes & Noble had in stock and gave them to me Wednesday for my birthday; RIP Borders).

It's one thing to be written about online, but there's something entirely different about seeing an article about you in real, live, print. And by entirely different, I mean entirely awesome.

Incase you're dying for even more of ME (I've been pretty me-centric this week, indulge me) you can read my Q&A with HOW right here.

I can see 30...

2011-08-31T18:05:00.000-04:00

So, I turned 26 today. Which means in 4 short years, I'll be 30, which means my eggs are going to start dying and then I'll die. Hopefully, some other pretty awesome things will happen in between.

I thought I'd do a cheesy, self-indulgent, who-really-cares post today ALL ABOUT ME. Because it's my birthday, and I can and you can't say anything bad about me. At least don't let me know about it until tomorrow.

So here are 26 facts about me, in no particular order and not guaranteed to be relevant or interesting to anyone but me.

In the ten years that I've been driving, I've never gotten pulled over. Not one speeding ticket, warning or otherwise.
When I was 10, I had hair down to my butt. I've had (very) short hair for almost ten years, and I can't imagine ever having it long again. Although, occasionally I have dreams about long hair where I brush it and constantly gather it into a ponytail.

I adore my cat Mozart as if she were my child.
I have, at various times in my life, been obsessed with Ally McBeal, Rosie O'Donnell, Meryl Streep, Gilmore Girls and Parenthood. I may have scrapbooks of some or all of these.

I have seen every Meryl Streep movie and recorded performance that I know to exist. I also own all of them. I started checking movies off my list in 2006 and just found the last one (The Deadliest Season) last year.
I have three jobs (here, here and here), four Twitter accounts (this one, this one, this one and this one) and three blogs (you're on one, this one and this one).
I am an extremely picky eater. I just recently added onions, green olives and water chestnuts to my list of approved foods. I also just recently started eating steak (my meal of choice for tonight).

I love New York City and I've been there more than 15 times. My favorite place I've ever been is the Brooklyn Heights Promenade; it's magical.
I have terrible eyesight, and perhaps my biggest fear is going blind.
The quality I cherish most in myself is my sense of humor. I think I'm hilarious, and you should too.
I am a certified cake decorator, but prefer to bake cookies. I'm told that my cookies are wonderful.
My man got a New York City subway token set into a necklace for my birthday two years ago, and there have only been four days since that I have forgotten to wear it. Four awful, horrible, no good, sad, necklace-less days.
I love newspapers (The New York Times, please), books and magazines. Trashy tabloids are a great weakness of mine (RIP Borders).
I have enormous pupils. I was once told by an optometrist that "in ten years of practicing" he had "never, ever seen pupils as big" as mine. No, I am not on drugs, and thanks for asking.
I am very shy at first, hard to get to know, and then impossible to get rid of.

I saw Mamma Mia the movie 12 times in the theater. I saw the sing-a-long version once.

I love Cape Cod even though I'm not fond of water, haven't owned a bathing suit since I was ten and don't eat seafood. Our guest bedroom is Cape Cod-themed.
I would very much like to travel the world. Or at least Germany, England, France, Italy, the Scandanavian countries, Egypt, Russia and Alaska.
My choice for top funniest movies of all time: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, The Naked Gun, Anchorman, Dumb and Dumber and the Austin Powers trilogy.
I just want to be included.

I've had some really intricate, really embarrassing, ultimately awesome Halloween costumes (all handmade exclusively by, and for me).
Ron Popeil and infomercials have had a very large impact on who I am today.
I have some really great, funny, amazing people in my life.
My parents are better than your parents.
I'm terrified that my eggs will die before I try to have children. I've always known that I wanted to be a mom.
Eggs aside, getting older has never bothered me. I've always felt like an old soul. I'm simply catching up with myself.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! My parents took exactly two pictures of me on the first day of school as a kid. One before kindergarten, the next before first grade. Then, they obviously gave up.

Danny & Annie

2011-08-30T10:32:00.000-04:00

I'm not usually a fan of internet videos (unless they have a cat in them doing funny human things, of course) but lately I've been finding some really great ones. This video, part of NPR's StoryCorp series, is one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever seen/heard. If you don't have at least one tear rolling down your cheek by the end, you're probably not human.

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

Beet Cake

2011-08-29T13:05:00.000-04:00

I can't resist reposting this video (as seen on Design Mom today) because I'm in love with everything about it — the typography, the transitions, the melting chocolate! Everything that is, except the beets. Can you make beet cake without beets?

beet cake from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

New York Prints

2011-08-26T12:35:00.001-04:00

So I just couldn't resist these letterpressed New York City and Brooklyn snow globe prints from 1canoe2. Hey, thanks to this HOW Magazine article on the shop, I've sold quite a few things this week and can afford a bit of frivolous shopping. Stop judging me.

Let's Kill Something

2011-08-25T08:39:00.004-04:00

Just found, and promptly bought, this print from Angryblue. There are few different ink/fade options so you may get one that is somewhere from red, to purple, to orange.

We have two cats, and I'm pretty sure this is all they do all day — I just wish they wouldn't take their bowties off before we got home.

(via OMG Posters)

Professor Me

2011-08-23T12:09:00.002-04:00

I have approximately one hour (and counting!) to figure out how to be a professor — I accepted a part-time faculty position at the University of Akron teaching typography 1 and I'm a little nervous for my first day.

I asked my friends for advice and the most common answer on what makes a professor a professor, seems to be: tweed. Runner ups: sweater vests and elbow patches.

It's supposed to be 82 degrees today, so I'm not exactly heeding that advice, but I do love this jacket and these Converse are especially my style (too bad they're apparently only available in Japan, booooo).

Mollycoddle Soap

2011-08-19T15:47:00.001-04:00

Can you believe each one of these is soap? I need those pickle soaps RIGHT AWAY but unfortunately I have to wait till Mollycoddle's shop is back from vacation. I mean, pancakes!?

Ohmigod, SHOES

2011-08-19T10:15:00.000-04:00

So I went to Target last night for the first time in a while, and of course I ended up buying many wonderful things, all of which I didn't need (except for maybe the eggs, I really did need that omelet last night).

Target is my Kryptonite — if Kryptonite is a fun and happy place filled with everything you never knew you needed, that doesn't let you out of its doors without taking at least $100 of your money.

None of the things I found are available online (sorry, you'll just have to believe me, they have some great stuff) except for a pair of grey moccasins I bought. I didn't really think of myself as the moccasin-wearing type of girl, but these may be the most comfortable shoes I've ever laid my feet on. Seriously, it's like I'm wearing two bunnies (but synthetic, super soft, no-real-bunny-at-all, bunnies) on my very contented, if a tad warm, feet.

While searching for evidence of all the treasures I bought last night, I got stuck browsing Target's online shoe section and found about a million pairs that I kind of have to have, right now. I narrowed it down to the grey options, because I can't help it, I love grey and you should too.

1. Lace-up Boots (I'm going to buy these like, right now)
2. Flannel Flats
3. Faux Suede Flat Boots
4. Moccasins (currently making my feet super happy to be feet)
5. Flat Flannel Boots

Oh, and while you're shopping: my birthday is in two weeks, and I'm a size 9.

P.S. I can't say the word 'shoes' without thinking about this.

We Said Vows...

2011-08-18T18:00:00.002-04:00

This could be the absolute cutest wedding video I've ever seen, about a couple who "eloped" at San Francisco's city hall. Grab a tissue (or four).

we said vows. from Jeremy on Vimeo.

(found by this lovely lady)

Gramercy Park

2011-08-17T13:56:00.001-04:00

Is there anything more arrogant and awesome than a privately owned park in New York City that is only accessible by key to a choice few residents?

Nope.

(via the New York Times)

The Art of the Steal

2011-08-17T09:52:00.000-04:00

Have you seen The Art of the Steal, a wonderful (and terribly sad) documentary chronicling the fight for the Barnes Foundation and its unprecedented collection of post-impressionistic masterpieces ("more Cezannes than the Louvre")?

The film is completely engrossing and maddening, and I only wish that I could have seen the collection in its home in Merion, PA before its move to downtown Philadelphia, but unfortunately the Foundation is already closed in preparation for the move.

The doc is on Netflix (instant streaming) and I challenge you to watch it and not get incredibly frustrated, angry and immediately join the Friends of the Barnes organization.

Furnace Street

2011-08-15T22:37:00.004-04:00

So, we bought a building... Read about it here, and keep up with our progress as we renovate 243 Furnace Street, a cereal mill built in 1893.

EXCITING THINGS, THEY BE HAPPENING.

Ad Boy

2011-08-12T15:55:00.001-04:00

I went to pillage Borders of all their design books before they disappear for good, and I found this gem: Ad Boy, filled with tons of wonderful vintage advertising characters. I wish everything I ever design could have an anthropomorphic ice cream cone in it...

The Good Life

2011-08-10T13:17:00.002-04:00

I couldn't help but repost this amazing cookbook designed by A Friend of Mine (found via design*sponge today). The hand stenciled titles, the vintage linens, the gingham bookmark, all so, so good.

I literally want to not only eat these recipes, but the entire book as well (that preserves page is perfection).

All animals do not sleep or rest in the same way

2011-08-10T12:53:00.000-04:00

Shop Update!

2011-08-10T09:11:00.001-04:00

In the midst of a few pieces of exciting news — one for the shop (check out the shop feature in the September issue of HOW Magazine!), and one for me — I'm now officially a part-time professor at the University of Akron (eeeek) — I updated the shop for you! Now we can all celebrate!

For the Record

2011-08-08T15:50:00.001-04:00

My man recently bought a 1960s record player and we've been hunting for our favorites on vinyl every weekend. We've found some goodies so far (Cat Power! Joni Mitchell! Daniel Johnston!), but my favorite record store discovery has to be that, when covered just so, the Simon and Garfunkel Bridge Over Troubled Water album fools you into thinking that Arty G. has a super rad mustache.

It can't be unseen.

Meet Miss Sophie

2011-08-03T11:54:00.002-04:00

So, it's no surprise that I ~~love~~ adore cats. I don't have kids yet, dogs are too needy and slobbery for my tastes (exception: Boston Terriers, which I will have — and outfit in a bow tie — someday) and I'm notoriously obsessive. Cats don't have a chance of not being loved by me. Sorry cats.

My mom, however, has always been 100% team dog, but she lives alone now and works long hours, so her dog dreams quickly evolved into the resignation that if she wanted to have a pet, it would have to be a cat. I never thought I'd see my mom in line at PetSmart willingly spending her money on feather sticks and clumping litter, but that day came a few weeks ago.

We walked in with the intention to browse, and walked out with a too-cute-for-words teensy, tiny, itty, bitty kitten. My mom asked for name suggestions, and as I went down the list of Meryl Streep characters (of course), Sophie came out the winner.

So, meet Sophie: my mom's new kitten, who is tearing up my mom's new furniture (and body) with her razor sharp kitty claws but is far too cute to get in trouble for it.

She loves belly rubbins (!), lounging on the printer, and of course, her feather stick. My mom should probably keep a close eye on her because every time I see her adorable, mustachioed face, I come closer and closer to putting her in my purse.

Sorry in advance to Mozart; I feel like I'm cheating on you, but if you saw Sophie, you'd understand (no, she wouldn't... she did see Sophie, and growled at her).

Emma Stone

2011-08-02T17:35:00.001-04:00

I saw Crazy, Stupid Love last night and aside from being a great movie (see it!), it reaffirmed what I've suspected for some time: I'm utterly and completely in love with Emma Stone.

She intrigued me in SuperBad, made me laugh in Zombieland and by the time I saw Easy A, I realized that not only is she a great actress, but girl is hot.

She is wonderful in Crazy, Stupid Love, and definitely the sexier of the Ryan Gosling/Emma Stone pairing — and don't go all "BUT HAVE YOU SEEN THE NOTEBOOK" on me, I have, and I stand by my assessment.

I haven't seen the House Bunny yet, but it's on my list now that I was reminded (thanks IMDB!) that it contains Stone. I'm also impatiently looking forward to The Help, which not only was a great book, but Stone is sure to be perfect as nerdy — and very curly haired — Skeeter Phelan.

I'm even a little excited to see the new Spiderman next summer, although I am glad that after filming wrapped, she returned to her sexy red hair. Mmmm.

SHOP UPDATE! New Section!

2011-07-26T13:55:00.002-04:00

I've updated the shop with a ton of vintage cameras — so many, in fact, that I had to add a new section for them! So check out the new "Cameras" section, and don't forget to hunt for the new treasures elsewhere in the shop.

Your Occasional Mozart

2011-07-19T12:58:00.001-04:00

Would you just look at those whiskers? I love this cat way too much.

Swap Meet

2011-07-18T17:52:00.001-04:00

The car-loving man and I went to a swap meet this weekend, and aside from feeling like we were walking the surface of the sun (it was hottttttt) we found some decent treasures.

You'll find my finds in the shop as soon as I get done photographing and uploading (tonight?), but until then, here are some gems that I didn't buy, but still admired.

The American Gentleman

2011-07-15T10:41:00.001-04:00

I've been waiting for a reprint of this totally awesome print by Derek Deal, and today I got my wish. This yellow variant is now available — there are only 100 (well, 99 — I just bought one) so don't hesitate and be sorry for months like I was when the red one sold out.

My man has this print, also by Deal, hanging in his office and I'm constantly jealous. It also sold out, so you can be jealous, too.

(via OMGPosters!)

And the winner is....

2011-07-11T09:26:00.000-04:00

A huge Blue Carroty congratulations to Steph, the winner of the second Blue Carrot giveaway! If you are Steph, please contact me and let me know which shop item ($25 or less, please) you choose as well as your shipping information.

And if you're not Steph, thank you for entering and keep checking back — I can guarantee that there will be more giveaways, exciting shop updates and tons and tons of pictures of my cat.

Also, I'm planning a few posts on my recent trip to New York (Coney Island! The Brooklyn Bridge! Crazy Squirrel Whisperers! Oh my!) so, there's always that to look forward to...

The Iron Lady

2011-07-07T13:25:00.002-04:00

I CAN'T FUCKING WAIT.

Epic Road Mix is Epic

2011-06-30T16:19:00.001-04:00

In preparation for my sure-to-be-epic road trip to NYC this weekend, I spent the morning making some pretty epic playlists, which I then proceeded to burn to CDs because I have a super frustrating play your iPod through the radio device that pretty much just plays static and makes me want to die (let's not talk about it, please).

It's been a long time (or at least feels like it has) since I've actually burned a CD. Turns out, they don't hold much, but that didn't stop me from filling four shiny discs with every best-when-belted jam and 80s/90s Disney soundtrack I could find.

(click the photo for a bigger view, make your own playlist and start belting — you're welcome!)

Have a great holiday weekend, and if you need me, I'll be napping in Central Park, stuffing my face with John's pizza and witnessing this quintessential display of American freedom.

Sighting

2011-06-29T14:50:00.001-04:00

Last night, while waiting to see Transformers 3 (at a midnight showing — what was I thinking? IT NEVER ENDED), the Larry Crowne trailer came on, and I caught a 2-second glimpse of what appeared to be a Streep daughter.

IMDB later confirmed my sighting (Grace Gummer), which aside from showcasing my mad-quick-like IDing skillz concerning anything Streep, gives me one more reason to want to see Larry Crowne.

Have you seen the trailer? How could you not love a Hanks-Roberts-Gummer rom com?

Only three(ish) days to enter the Blue Carrot Giveaway! Win the Blue Carrot Shop item of your choice, and I've updated the shop with all sorts of goodies to choose from so there's NO reason why you shouldn't enter!

Chagrin Falls (JENI'S ICE CREAM ZOMG)

2011-06-29T09:49:00.002-04:00

Last night my friend Anna and I took an evening adventure to Chagrin Falls, OH. Neither of us had been, and since the minute that I had heard it referred to as "Stars Hollow", I knew I had to check it out. The center of town is completely adorable and quintessentially picturesque.

It was a beautiful night and it seemed like the whole town was out; there is outdoor seating at almost every restaurant, a beautiful park (near the eponymous falls) and everything was dripping with bunting and patriotic attire for the Fourth of July.

We stopped at Jeni's Ice Cream, and while I've had it before, I'd never been to an actual shop. Tasting is encouraged, and taste we did. I can't even begin to describe how delicious and basically mind blowing this ice cream is, you just have to taste it for yourself. I had brambleberry crisp and goat cheese with roasted red cherries and about six orgasms in my mouth. Seriously, it's a revelation.

If you can't get to one of their nine locations, they ship pints directly to you (more than worth the $12/pint, I promise). We also ate at the original Dave's Cosmic Subs, which was also a culinary delight. I could probably just do shots of their signature creamy italian dressing. It's that good.

Also, the book store in town is three stories, with creaky wooden floors and that book smell and I never wanted to leave.

Chagrin Falls was magical (and delicious!) and I would like to move there immediately. I'm thinking how wonderful it must be at Halloween or covered in snow and Christmas lights, and it makes me think I may not need to leave Ohio to be happy, afterall.

Bits & Baubles

2011-06-28T11:29:00.001-04:00

My uncle's patio was literally crawling (more like, hopping) with these teeny tiny frogs (toads?). I couldn't find any definitive explanation for their miniature cuteness, but I did see one literally leap frog another. Life goal complete.

Sometimes I accidentally don't kill plants, and they actually flower and make me happy.

I've lived virtually next door to this towpath for three years, and just now started to run on it. It's pretty spectacular.

Hey lil bubble critter in my coffee!

Camera collection from my good friend James, who became an even better friend when he purchased these from the shop.

Parts.

Auction typography.

My new, old best friend. It's a Kitchenaid, and it works — she so pretttttty.

And, as always, Mozart being epic.

Only a few more days to enter the Blue Carrot Giveaway! Win the Blue Carrot Shop item of your choice (and who doesn't want to do that?).

Flag Cake

2011-06-27T10:15:00.003-04:00

This flag cake is amaaaaazing, and looks significantly easier to do than the heart one I attempted for Valentine's Day. If I wasn't going out of town — New York City this weekend, SO EXCITE — I would definitely attempt this patriotic treat.

(via Glorious Treats)

You only have a few more days to enter the Blue Carrot Giveaway, and win the Blue Carrot item of your choice! Tell your friends and everyone else you've ever met!

June 22nd: A High Holy Day

2011-06-22T20:56:00.002-04:00

On this day, 62 years ago, Mary Louise Streep was born to a middle class family in Summit, New Jersey. On this day, 5 years ago, a middle class girl from Stow, Ohio waited in the sweltering, mid-day, New York City sun, hoping to catch a glimpse of her idol.

That girl was me (obviously), and I had come to NY that summer with many hopes, highest among them: see/meet the one-and-only Meryl Streep. Streep had recently become a full-blown obsession of mine as I worked my way through each and every one of her recorded performances for a self-initiated summer project (initial objective: avoid the inevitable summer vacation boredom).

I had tried earlier in the day, rather unsuccessfully, to secure tickets to The David Letterman Show, where Streep was to be a guest. As I reluctantly, dejectedly, pulled myself away from the studio, I stumbled on what appeared to be the fabled "stage-door" entrance. I had nothing left to lose (and truthfully, nothing else to do), so I claimed a very unshaded spot in front of a barricade — along with a few other autograph seekers and the paparazzi.

We waited for what seemed like days — through bits of overheard conversation I gathered that the Great One was running late. But, she eventually arrived and from what I can remember (I tend to have selective amnesia concerning my most magical moments, which is a less-than desirable attribute), she was radiant.

She was in and out of my life so quickly that I barely had time to take a few less-than-Pulitzer-award-winning photographs, before she disappeared into the dark studio. Then there was more waiting, and even more sweating (did I mention I was wearing all black? Or that it was 90 degrees?) before she exited into an idling Towne car.

She signed a few autographs (none for me) and expertly juggled an enormous bouquet of roses (it was her birthday, after all) and a bottle of water, all while teetering on impressively high heels. And then, she was gone.

This somewhat routine and brief star-sighting was an epically monumental moment in my life, although it would never seem so to anyone but me.

It was also notable for a few other reasons: I took my photos (all ten of them) with a non-digital camera. I immediately took the film to the first hour-photo place I could find, and waited — rather impatiently — for my priceless memories to be developed. It seems so odd to me now, when I take a photo with my iPhone and within seconds I can not only look at it, but it can be posted on Twitter or Facebook for the entire world to see.

Meryl Streep is tiny. I mean, she's a pocket person. I never, ever considered this before seeing her in person — she occupied such an enormous place in my life and mind (not to mention, movie screen) that I was shocked (and I still am, actually) to find that I towered over her.

Wheelchair = autograph. Now, I'm not trying to be offensive or cynical, but I'm about 99% sure that the only reason she came to my side, was to sign an autograph for a dude in a wheelchair. I'm not saying he didn't deserve it, and it could be a fabrication of my foggy memory, but I swear I heard him say "if I call to her, she'll come over here for sure." And she did.

Standing for hours in the mid-day, 90-degree, 100% humidity, asphalt-covered city, while wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and Converse (with socks!) is not to be attempted by anyone, ever. Especially if you haven't eaten anything all day because you're a poor college student, who is about to get mentally and physically overwhelmed by the mere sight of her idol.

I went on to see Meryl Streep in person a few more times since — twice in Mother Courage in Central Park, and at her Lincoln Center tribute; I even saw her daughter, Mamie Gummer, in a play (and talked to her afterward) the very next day. But they always say, you never forget your first and while that may be partially untrue (see: magical memory amnesia), June 22nd will always be an extra special day for me.

So, happy birthday Meryl Streep, you certainly saved me from boredom that summer, and I couldn't be more grateful. I've seen dozens of amazing movies, plays, operas and performances that I would have otherwise overlooked. I've read books and taken trips, slept in Central Park and toured New England. I've met people and fallen in love, participated in amazing conversations and had some great laughs. You'll most likely never understand the impact you've had on my life these past five years, and that's ok.

I can only hope that this June 22nd, and every one after, is as wonderful and as memorable as you made mine.

Late night shop updates!

2011-06-21T09:40:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, I watch Switched at Birth and update the shop with a few new goodies for you.

Loyal Order of Moose Napkin Holder | Ash Tray | Shell Tray | Carousel | Duck Hook

Also, don't forget about the second Blue Carrot Shop giveaway, you have until July 1st to enter!