entertain us.*

Here's a look at what's been on my ipod, nightstand and tv lately....

On the ipod: The Head & The Heart

Do you know this band? Last summer I went to see Iron & Wine (for free!) in Millenium Park. I'd never heard of the opening band, but as I was talking with my friends and they were playing, we all kept pausing and saying "wow, they're really good." "Oh, I kind of like them." "Who is this band?" Turns out it was The Head & the Heart. I may be behind the times, but if you are too, you should check them out. They're from Seattle & are awesome.

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On the nightstand: The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok

This one is way overdue (not at the library: I mean I should have read it a long time ago). I've been carrying this around and found that a surprising number of people have not heard of Chaim Potok. This book is about an Hasidic Jew who becomes an artist and how it affects him and his community. Such a great book about the creative life. If you've never read Potok, I suggest starting with The Chosen. 

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On the TV: Revenge of the Bridesmaids

On a lighter note, I can't get enough of this movie. Awhile ago, my sister and I were having one of those watch a really cheesy movie on Netflix nights, and stumbled on this gem. I bought it recently at Target and have already watched it three times. It is still cheesy, but surprisingly funny. It has all the things I love about a made for TV movie, good one liners, Raven Symone (Olivia from Cosby! all grown up and still funny), the girl from Better with You, plus some surprisingly apt observations about Girl World.

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What are you reading/watching/listening to? 

*Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

"Wear the old coat, buy the new book"*

The Book Notebook

I've been working on my book list for 2012. Also known as a big stack of books on my bedside table that I am thinking of reading soon. This got me to thinking about the best books I've read this year.

Whenever I finish reading a book, I write it down in "the book book." My sister and I both started these notebooks about 15 years ago. I love having a record of every book I've read since I was 14. Really, I don't know what people do when they don't write down the books they read. You should probably start doing this. :)

a page from the book book

So here's a little review of some of my favorites from 2011. The list of every book I read is way too long (over 80 books. I really like to read.), so I tried to be selective. You're welcome.

I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks

This book is super fun. She's got lots of great ideas for figuring out your style and dressing using basics. I can't help myself: I love books about clothes and this one's great!


The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith

I will read everything this man writes. Humour. Great characters. Scotland. Lots of cups of tea. Stories that will make you laugh out loud. I have been following the story of Bertie - a little 6 year old boy with an overprotective mother- for years. Bertie gets signed up to be in the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, even though he's only 6. Bertie's trials at school (his mother makes him wear Crushed Strawberry overalls and hang out with kids named Olive and Tofu). The series is about the tenants of one building in Edinburgh. You will love them all.

Sarah Morgan: The Civil War Diary of a Southern Woman

I picked up this book while I was visiting Kate in Texas and 800+ pages and all, could not put it down. The book opens with Sarah telling the story of the deaths of her father and brother and goes on to tell of her life in Baton Rouge during the war. She is described as a "real-life Scarlett O'Hara" and it's so true.

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

 After finishing the last Jane Austen novel (I know there's always re-reading- but still. It was a sad day), I've been on the lookout for other British novelists. Elizabeth Gaskell is fitting the bill perfectly. There are BBC miniseries for almost all of her books (Cranford, Wives and Daughters, North and South. Go watch them.) and the books are just as good. Wives and Daughters is my favorite so far. The characterization is amazing. It's like reading about people you know! I was a little worried because the book is unfinished, but the story wraps up decently- and you can watch the excellent movie ending if you aren't satisfied!

The Invisible War by Chip Ingram

 I have loved Chip Ingram since he spoke at my college graduation ceremony. This is one of the best books I've found on spiritual warfare. Basic, biblical...and balanced (yay alliteration!). This is an issue every Christian deals with and Ingram is great at making the issue not blown out of proportion. We're all in a battle and this is a great tool for being armed!


One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

 Is there any Christian woman who didn't read this book this year? There's a reason: it's excellent. I'm not going to lie, it took me awhile to get into her poetic style. But I'm glad I did. Ann Voskamp provides great ideas and tools for being thankful for what you have and living in the present. Things I often need to be reminded to do. :) My small group studied this book this year; it was a great book for discussion. I'm currently on about #300 on my list of things I'm thankful for. And counting.


Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and other concerns) by Mindy Kaling

My sister just blogged about this book. And I heard about it from her. And borrowed it from her. So, thanks Christy! Really, this book is so funny. Mindy Kaling is a writer (and actress) on The Office. Here's a clip (from the chapter "Best Friend Rights and Responsibilities"), after points like:

I Can Borrow All Your Clothes
I Must Be 100 Percent Honest About How You Look, But Gentle
I Can Ditch You, Within Reason...

"I Will Take Care Of Your Kid If You Die
 I can't even write about this, it's too sad. But yes, I will do that. And you will have one awesome little kid who hears endless stories about how amazing and beautiful and perfect you were. Incidentally, you're kid will grow up loving Indian food."

Kelly from The Office: who knew she was so funny?

What books have you read this year? 

Find more awesome 2011 book lists at The Nester.



*Austin Phelps quote

the living room

It is October and fall in Chicago, which means it was time for some fall changes to my living room...
Corner #1:
The white couch, ready for fall with plaid blankets and pillows, a la Toast UK. I made the pillow covers and change them (and the blankets) according to the season.
These pictures are Sabrina Ward Harrison for Papaya. yay!
View into the courtyard...
Wooden trunk? from a neighbor who who was getting rid of it. Tablecloth? Innsbruck, Austria. Matryoshka? Russia, gift from a childhood friend. Wireless Internet? Clear.
Corner #2:
Books books books....
Here it is: the New (used) Red Couch. So comfortable. So red. So awesome.
Books, maps, candles...
Pumpkin spice candle and a stack of books. I really like you, fall.
My grandma gave us this awesome camera. The map is framed paper from Paper Source.
Corner #3:
Corner #4:
I know this sounds ridiculous, but BBC miniseries really do look better on a big TV.
Library books and pumpkins. Hello, fall.
Basket of DVDs....why yes, that IS The Best Show Of All Time. I'm glad you asked.
I got the fall decorations at a super secret home decorating store my mom introduced me to. If you live in Chicago, I need to take you there.
I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I just love this picture. It reminds me of my childhood in Washington state and the fact that evergreens do exist, even if there aren't many in Chicago.
A little perspective: a view into the kitchen. Yes, that is a hula hoop.
Ok, guys: we've had a tour of the coachhouse....Come back tomorrow for the unveiling of my new studio!

Inspiration Friday: Library Books

I've been on a kick lately of reading great books from the library. So I thought I'd share a few of my favorites:

*Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces. I just started reading this one, and have already gotten a few great ideas. If you don't know about Apartment Therapy, you should check it out. If you live in a small apartment, a small house, or just have a small room and you want some inspiration for decorating it- I think you'll get some clever ideas from this book.

*The Ellements of Personal Style.
I was kind of put off at first by the cheesy play on words (Elle magazine, Ellements...get it?), but this book is pretty fun. Each chapter is about a different fashion icon (Charlotte Gainsbourg, Angelica Huston, Diane Von Furstenburg...) and their style, their homes, and their mammoth closets. Fun.



I've also been enjoying a few lighthearted fiction books:

*Inkheart by Cordelia Funke

Have you seen the movie? (Hellen Mirren. That's all I have to say). It's definitely a book-lovers book. If you're looking for something to read post- Harry Potter, you should pick this up. Let me know what you think!

*The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith

If you haven't read anything by Alexander McCall Smith, please go read the first book from any one of his three main series: 44 Scotland Street, The Sunday Philosophy Club, and The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. My favorite is the 44 Scotland Street series. So. Funny. I usually end up telling my sister all the funny things that happen to the characters. It's kind of Wodehouse-y and great if you need a good laugh.

Let me know if you pick any of these books up. Have a good weekend, friends!

2012

Did you all know about this? No, it's (probably) not the year the world is ending. But it is the year we all get to see him...

and her...


in the movie adaptation of this book...


You now have one year to read/re-read the book, and to get super excited with me.

It also wouldn't hurt to re-watch this again in the meantime.

let the reader be introduced to lady carbury.

Oh, the drama, romance, intrigue..and lots of gambling... Plus that girl with the funny voice and Mr. Darcy.
I've found that whichever BBC miniseries or classic book I'm in the middle of is my new favorite.

Trollope is no exception.

{Inspiration Monday}

This week I am inspired by my mom's question: do you love or hate January?
Thanks to my mom, January is one of my favorite months. I love Christmas, but after the holiday excessiveness~ decorations, food, and music galore~ I like the simplicity of January. Here are just a few of my favorite things to do this month....

*start a new calendar/planner. By the end of the year, my calendar has usually degenerated to an unorganized mess, so I love getting a new one and starting fresh...

*Rearrange furniture and redecorate. After taking down Christmas decorations, it's fun to clean shelves, and rearrange furniture and accessories...I like keeping things simple in January.

*Start a new project- a quilt, art journal, or organizing project. Since I'm inside anyway because of the cold, I love getting random projects I've been putting off finally checked off my list!

*Watch a good movie/ tv show and read good books. Here are a few I've been enjoying...

Cranford. Based on the novels by Elizabeth Gaskell. I got it for my birthday and have already watched it twice.

24 starts their new season this week. How could you be bored with January when you can watch Jack Bauer take out terrorists and save children in Africa?
Home Rules, by Nate Berkus. This is totally inspiring for decorating post-3-years- in-a- dorm room. I have been tossing out my stuff from college and having fun being a grown up. :)


*In January, I always make a list of books I want to read during the next year. High on my list this year...

An Illustrated Life, by Danny Gregory. I can't wait till the library gets this in, or I get some money...

The Sound and the Fury, by William Faulkner. Kate loves it- it must be good.

and Shakespeare wrote for Money- and anything else Nick Hornby might write.

So put away your Christmas decorations, and enjoy the fabulous month of January!

{read}

Books on art that I'm loving...

Spilling Open by Sabrina Ward Harrison. As far as I know, she pretty much inspired everyone who makes art journals. There's a reason so many people were inspired by her~she's fabulous! Her other books (Brave on the Rocks, Messy Thrilling Life) are also amazing.



Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts. I got this book for Christmas (thanks mom!) and am loving it. Kelly Rae Roberts shows how to make mixed media collages (I especially love her background ideas), as well as writing about different aspects of creative life.


The Creative License by Danny Gregory. One of my favorites on creativity. If you think you could never learn to draw, read this book. Danny Gregory= wicked awesome.

1000 Artist Journal Pages. I thought I was the only one who had an art journal. Apparently not. Photos of journal pages by people from Israel to Idaho. So cool.