tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23555034776195574742024-03-13T10:45:13.827-05:00The Broke BrogI've got the Midwestern Nice and a bad case of thriftin' fever.Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-16069311898905795232012-02-29T10:57:00.001-06:002012-02-29T10:59:52.876-06:00Eyeowa<div><p>While in Iowa over the weekend I partook in some harmless civil disobedience and goofy vandalism.</p>
<p>I have tried many times to do this in Chicago, but it's difficult to be ANYWHERE without being within someone's eye line. Thank goodness for Iowa.</p>
<p>Concept from www.eyebombing.com</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SldyEDgRa9A/T05Y-RpgzKI/AAAAAAAAB0A/7hjFJkvZymE/IMG_20120224_225329.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M324AnyWV7I/T05Y-4QoKoI/AAAAAAAAB0I/JjqWHXAtImo/IMG_20120226_175110.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IY0zuoZjYMw/T05Y_jZxK2I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/JQjr6WLG1lo/IMG_20120225_130246.png' /></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-1259260560094681532012-02-24T09:00:00.000-06:002012-02-24T09:00:03.031-06:00Claw Machine Reviews<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy happy happy WEEKEND! The beau and I are headed off to Iowa for a long overdue visit with family and friends. We have plans to eat dinner at the SO VERY VERY GOOD Lincoln Cafe, and then having many beers while wearing vests (her choice, part of our crew's tradition of letting the birthday boy/girl call all shots) to celebrate Carissa's birthday.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are you doing this weekend? Considering heading over to <a href="http://clawmachinereviews.blogspot.com/">Claw Machine Reviews</a> and checking out my latest tip on how to win, then go out into the real world and give it try!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-25309890517988529622012-02-23T09:00:00.000-06:002012-02-23T09:00:06.646-06:00Welcome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2O4kWI4x5vk/T0VyyFQ3SvI/AAAAAAAABy4/2Ny3dooXR9o/s1600/DSC_0017(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2O4kWI4x5vk/T0VyyFQ3SvI/AAAAAAAABy4/2Ny3dooXR9o/s640/DSC_0017(2).JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://thebrokebrog.blogspot.com/2012/01/back-in-iowa-i-had-pleasure-of-not-only.html">hallway and its giant chalk board</a> have gotten a make-over. I'm still in the process of putting it all together, but I am dorkily excited for someone to see the chalkboard. We won't have guests for a couple of weeks, so HERE YA GO, INTERNET!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIDT4cwV0DU/T0Vy1HTvXeI/AAAAAAAABzA/rFPhVej90qk/s1600/DSC_0025(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIDT4cwV0DU/T0Vy1HTvXeI/AAAAAAAABzA/rFPhVej90qk/s640/DSC_0025(2).JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0oX5nwl5so/T0Vy32YiNlI/AAAAAAAABzI/51wo-qoa47Q/s1600/DSC_0026(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0oX5nwl5so/T0Vy32YiNlI/AAAAAAAABzI/51wo-qoa47Q/s640/DSC_0026(2).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c382Q-Yr1LI/T0VzAdx358I/AAAAAAAABzQ/zeoU_xDHlGc/s1600/DSC_0028(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c382Q-Yr1LI/T0VzAdx358I/AAAAAAAABzQ/zeoU_xDHlGc/s640/DSC_0028(2).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDJpM3Ph_0c/T0VzCqzgv-I/AAAAAAAABzY/MSnYYQIBPXU/s1600/DSC_0030(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDJpM3Ph_0c/T0VzCqzgv-I/AAAAAAAABzY/MSnYYQIBPXU/s640/DSC_0030(2).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The lettering and embellishment was done with chalk pens, which wipe off with water but won't smudge under your finger. I have a bag of plain ol' chalk nearby, so visitors can leave their own marks or Jake and I can write each other the lovey messages we are wont to do.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k2tjfv24L2s/T0V07JLmEWI/AAAAAAAABzo/hJmICCMLnvI/s1600/DSC_0033(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k2tjfv24L2s/T0V07JLmEWI/AAAAAAAABzo/hJmICCMLnvI/s640/DSC_0033(1).JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outfit details--All elements purchased second-hand unless noted otherwise:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why do I look so crabby!?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Floral Shirt: </b>$1.50</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dress: </b>$2.00</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Belt:</b> $.25</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tights & Socks:</b> Purchased from mall stores, $10.00</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Boots:</b> A birthday gift from my mom, to replace the pair that was stolen from my car! I paid $40.00 of my own money for these from Zappos.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Approximate Total: $53.75 (13.75 excluding the boots)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-25645508269350187852012-02-22T14:45:00.001-06:002012-02-22T14:45:14.435-06:00Floating Shelves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://renegadehandmade.com/">Renegade Handmade's</a> storefront has sadly closed, but my benefit from their fixture sale was vast. I picked up a clothing tagger for cheap, a bag of markers to support my marker habit, and among other things some floating shelves. There are only two, a few feet in length, but they are just what I've always wanted.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stuck them up on our big, bare wall in the bedroom and I can't wait to turn it into a rotating "gallery," as tiny as it may be.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6z7mwwDGJUE/T0VR2OUSr9I/AAAAAAAAByY/IsnNUKVdVIA/s1600/DSC_0005(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6z7mwwDGJUE/T0VR2OUSr9I/AAAAAAAAByY/IsnNUKVdVIA/s640/DSC_0005(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JUaMqVrSX4/T0VR8r1zL8I/AAAAAAAAByo/Ekg8Ij88AQU/s1600/DSC_0008(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JUaMqVrSX4/T0VR8r1zL8I/AAAAAAAAByo/Ekg8Ij88AQU/s640/DSC_0008(2).JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One step closer to my dream home! In which, I have a library full of these shallow floating shelves, much like the photo below from <a href="http://www.revistasede.com/eng/blog/030/index.html">here</a>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.revistasede.com/img/blog/30ooga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://www.revistasede.com/img/blog/30ooga.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And speaking of dream homes, we found ours! It may not be in the right setting, but one day when we are able to afford the $$$$million$$$$ price tag, we can just put in on a truck and take it to our acreage...right?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just look at the siding details! The colors! The tear drops! The spire! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wAXXsdPxXdI/T0VQZzmHw3I/AAAAAAAAByQ/rWWKmqoiMuk/s1600/dreamhome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wAXXsdPxXdI/T0VQZzmHw3I/AAAAAAAAByQ/rWWKmqoiMuk/s640/dreamhome.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does your dream home look like?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-81092307722178901322012-02-21T17:00:00.001-06:002012-02-21T17:00:20.344-06:00Happy Birthday, Carrisa!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is a very important day! Without it, one of my favorite bloggers and people would not be in my life. Happy birthday to super special buddy and talented lady Carissa from <a href="http://luxedebris.blogspot.com/">Luxe Debris</a>!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCOBqp44iOY/T0Qh0bpMXFI/AAAAAAAAByI/Jt7iikoDfdI/s1600/DSC_0022(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCOBqp44iOY/T0Qh0bpMXFI/AAAAAAAAByI/Jt7iikoDfdI/s640/DSC_0022(2).JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For her big day, consider hopping over to her online shop and perusing her<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/luxedebris"> amazing jewelry</a> and her well-curated <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/luxedebrisvintage">vintage selection</a>. This girl knows what's up.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love you, Carissa!</span></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-3761952733827676462012-02-20T13:21:00.001-06:002012-02-20T13:31:37.445-06:00Plant Parenthood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KvaGoxVxWrc/T0KdT3EmcXI/AAAAAAAABxw/HoYz6v01rEI/IMG_20120219_172447.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KvaGoxVxWrc/T0KdT3EmcXI/AAAAAAAABxw/HoYz6v01rEI/IMG_20120219_172447.png" width="298" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One day, in either the near or far future, Jake and I would like to adopt some "serious" plants. A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitcher_plant">pitcher plant</a>, lime tree, something carniverous, and a few that will feed us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a big ol' rubber plant sitting happily in the kitchen thanks to Jake's care, but any other plant I've owned has died due to cats, my laziness, or in the case of our cilantro, rats.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a little trip to American Science and Surplus (more on that later), we picked up some "baby steps" plants to fill our new beakers and practice our plant care.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have any experience with cacti, succulents, or air plants? Let me know if you have any tips! We need all the help we can get.<br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SLDeeoTUzKU/T0KdTMCp_2I/AAAAAAAABxo/s3Ionp4fByI/IMG_20120219_183257.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SLDeeoTUzKU/T0KdTMCp_2I/AAAAAAAABxo/s3Ionp4fByI/IMG_20120219_183257.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-438720596037285482012-02-17T12:48:00.004-06:002012-02-17T12:48:59.064-06:00Leslie and the Ly's Tour!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A handful of some of my favorite people have begun their annual trek across the USofA!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygJ0byM21dA/TzwMG0z5qOI/AAAAAAAAA-g/moG1XothcbM/s640/lh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygJ0byM21dA/TzwMG0z5qOI/AAAAAAAAA-g/moG1XothcbM/s640/lh.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leslie & the Ly's, <a href="http://www.pennyhawk.com/">Pennyhawk</a>, and <a href="http://ramonaandtheswimsuits.com/">Ramona and the Swimsuits</a> will be coming to a city near you. Find your date <a href="http://www.leslieandthelys.com/">here </a>and start stretching for the dance party.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their newest music here:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lesliehall.bandcamp.com/album/destination-friendship">Leslie and the Ly's</a> (you can hear myself, <a href="http://luxedebris.blogspot.com/">Carissa</a>, and <a href="http://messica-jessica.blogspot.com/">Jessica</a> in "Here to Win")</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pennyhawk.bandcamp.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pennyhawk</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ramonaandtheswimsuits.bandcamp.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ramona and the Swimsuits</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out what <a href="http://patternedpiles.blogspot.com/2012/02/tour-is-here.html">Ramona </a>has to say about the tour, and then pop over to her <a href="http://ladytour.tumblr.com/">photo tumblr</a> to keep track of the lady gang.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Iowa represent! Happy weekend, ya'll!</span></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-12795158354499674942012-02-16T09:00:00.000-06:002012-02-16T09:00:04.963-06:00Bedroom Makeover<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are no excuses to <i>not </i>tackle nearly every item on your project list when you have 2.5 weeks at home with no obligations. This is my situation, still at the top end of the 2.5 weeks my boss is in India.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We painted much of our apartment in the first couple of months here, which I shared long ago in <a href="http://thebrokebrog.blogspot.com/2011/09/overhaul.html">this post</a>. We bought a calming slate blue for the bedroom, but after tackling four rooms worth of walls, I was burnt out and swore that I'd get to it soon. Fast forward to February, and I finally got around to it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until yesterday, the bedroom was such an eyesore that I never bothered to take a single photo of it. Tall, white walls in the shape of a small square just big enough for our bed and <i>kind of</i> our dresser. One small west-facing window with the view of a brick wall three feet away (ahh, city life) and a single bare bulb hanging from a rusty chain being our only sources of light. The room absolutely felt like a prison cell. Of course, we do nothing but sleep and change clothing in the room--even reading and napping are done elsewhere--but it felt nothing like the sanctuary typical of a bedroom.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank goodness things change.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9tEKE5Evbc/Tzya4K1dXVI/AAAAAAAABxY/fdwQ-YsPAGs/s1600/DSC_0010(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9tEKE5Evbc/Tzya4K1dXVI/AAAAAAAABxY/fdwQ-YsPAGs/s640/DSC_0010(1).JPG" width="640" /></a>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq46RRr97tA/TzyaqenC6sI/AAAAAAAABw4/RmuxOguRykE/s1600/DSC_0002(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq46RRr97tA/TzyaqenC6sI/AAAAAAAABw4/RmuxOguRykE/s640/DSC_0002(2).JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHK_Lb0xBXI/TzyavHeNRNI/AAAAAAAABxI/ppzoJcVSa9U/s1600/DSC_0004(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHK_Lb0xBXI/TzyavHeNRNI/AAAAAAAABxI/ppzoJcVSa9U/s640/DSC_0004(3).JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dd-qz0Txpt0/Tzyassd5poI/AAAAAAAABxA/ZaK8K4Ugafw/s1600/DSC_0003(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dd-qz0Txpt0/Tzyassd5poI/AAAAAAAABxA/ZaK8K4Ugafw/s640/DSC_0003(2).JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xzflqK4CjIw/Tzya7NySVII/AAAAAAAABxg/wfdRuc3dsOk/s1600/DSC_0016(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xzflqK4CjIw/Tzya7NySVII/AAAAAAAABxg/wfdRuc3dsOk/s640/DSC_0016(2).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please divert your eyes away from the paint on the ceiling! I am diligent about edges only for the first wall and then inevitably get lazy. One of the items on my "no excuses list" is to hop around the apartment with white paint and a ladder to fix my whoopses. Also on the list is to hang some white shelves we've acquired from both friends and the Renegade Handmade store (RIP) and make a hanging lamp shade with a little more interest.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, while I commandeered most of the styling choices in the apartment, Jake did an exceptional job choosing both the wall and bedding colors for this room. The combination of light blue and brown has always been a favorite of mine, and adding touches of jewel tones makes for a romantic room without feeling like it belongs to a princess. Maybe in our next place, I'd let him do all of the color scheming.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A few of the details:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bedding</b>: Espresso brown and Eggplant organic sheet sets from Target</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Gazelle print</b>: FREE gift from Renegade's fixture sale with our purchases--it had a $50 price tag on it, but has slight tears at the edges. Whatta deal!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Throw pillows and curtains</b>: Made by my mom years ago when I'd decorated my bedroom in a Moroccan motif</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Elephants</b>: All of the tiny elephants were found at antique and consignment shops and gifted to me by my dad for good luck</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-69142667150593105662012-02-15T12:37:00.000-06:002012-02-15T12:37:51.567-06:00Projected: Stick Art Accomplished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8S6CaNznJE/Tzv5pqqalzI/AAAAAAAABww/Gq4o31MVuBY/s1600/DSC_0005(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8S6CaNznJE/Tzv5pqqalzI/AAAAAAAABww/Gq4o31MVuBY/s640/DSC_0005(1).JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a lot of struggling with mono-filament and a bit of craft cursing, I made it happen! The layout isn't pitch-perfect, but after a couple hours of struggling with the display I decided that it will have to do for now.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This project was 100% free, using paint and fishing line I already owned. Mother Nature was kind enough to donate the sticks from the park across the street.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out the whole process <a href="http://thebrokebrog.blogspot.com/2011/09/project-projected-v1.html">here </a>and <a href="http://thebrokebrog.blogspot.com/2011/10/stick-art.html">here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jFpzNUbAgpk/Tzv5mlfxplI/AAAAAAAABwo/ezq02pwIoYE/s1600/DSC_0004(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jFpzNUbAgpk/Tzv5mlfxplI/AAAAAAAABwo/ezq02pwIoYE/s640/DSC_0004(2).JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS- My layout seems to be doing crazy things without my permission, so if you happen to see the Comic Sans font anywhere on here, please know that it is not of my doing! My design taste and skill levels are limited--if not a bit challenged--but I DO know better than Comic Sans and Papyrus thanks to some outspoken design friends of mine.</span></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-23967261190524293792012-02-14T13:24:00.000-06:002012-02-14T13:24:15.451-06:00Weekend Goodies<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Saturday, the handsome guy and I had our first day date in a while. "A while" being a couple of weeks, because we really wish every day was date day. While I've been graced with 2.5 weeks off from work, Jake continues to go to school and work, all day/every day. These special days are few and far between now, so we made the most of it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...bought mussels and shrimp from our <a href="http://www.dirksfish.com/">favorite fish monger</a> to make po' boys and steamed mussels with wine and soy chorizo </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...stopped by <a href="http://www.notasecretagentstore.com/">The Boring Store</a>, which supports Dave Eggers' youth writing non-profit, <a href="http://www.826chi.org/">826</a>, and picked up some small gifts</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...raided the fixture sale at <a href="http://renegadehandmade.com/blog/">Renegade's</a> now closed storefront and got away with all of their markers, a tagger, shelves, and extension cords for dirt cheap</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...perused the bins at <a href="http://www.logan-hardware.com/">Logan Hardware</a> and spent some time battling it out on the Johnny Mnemonic pinball table </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...spent an hour browsing at the <a href="http://bamchicago.com/">Broadway Antique Market</a> and making a mental list of all the things we'll go back for when we're swimming in pools of money </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...and spent the evening with Jake's brother and "sister-in-law" getting burgers at the <a href="http://www.badapplebar.com/">Bad Apple</a>. My favorite burger has the fig and bacon compote with goat cheese. MMM.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whew! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLHVoM_HxTk/Tzqwe5W2quI/AAAAAAAABvs/27UaKF1Grks/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLHVoM_HxTk/Tzqwe5W2quI/AAAAAAAABvs/27UaKF1Grks/s640/DSC_0035.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9FahgCsE3M/TzqwjfqmITI/AAAAAAAABv0/6t8wyGNFePc/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9FahgCsE3M/TzqwjfqmITI/AAAAAAAABv0/6t8wyGNFePc/s640/DSC_0037.JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AUa8MCap-Y/TzqwlVDcFfI/AAAAAAAABv8/sD6oIXauISA/s1600/DSC_0041(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AUa8MCap-Y/TzqwlVDcFfI/AAAAAAAABv8/sD6oIXauISA/s640/DSC_0041(1).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Zrlji9Rf7o/Tzqwn3emy9I/AAAAAAAABwE/lAPeEHVJSio/s1600/DSC_0052(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Zrlji9Rf7o/Tzqwn3emy9I/AAAAAAAABwE/lAPeEHVJSio/s640/DSC_0052(1).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYZfJIuGPmU/TzqwqFUJ4gI/AAAAAAAABwM/PIZvk9U45z8/s1600/DSC_0057(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYZfJIuGPmU/TzqwqFUJ4gI/AAAAAAAABwM/PIZvk9U45z8/s640/DSC_0057(1).JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVe1-rtgBFc/Tzqwr3sBOYI/AAAAAAAABwU/3rATPx7-6qA/s1600/DSC_0071(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVe1-rtgBFc/Tzqwr3sBOYI/AAAAAAAABwU/3rATPx7-6qA/s640/DSC_0071(1).JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2yDF5zUTkE/Tzqwtbq_ZBI/AAAAAAAABwc/eGH9rW0CV-0/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2yDF5zUTkE/Tzqwtbq_ZBI/AAAAAAAABwc/eGH9rW0CV-0/s640/DSC_0082.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Waiting in line at Dirk's.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. The Boring Store.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. The Boring Store window display.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Beating me at Johnny Mnemonic.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 & 6. Stack of twenty old 45s from Logan Hardware that will eventually turn into crafts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. The cover of one of my new miniature notebooks made from old slides.</span></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-4258547605489633882012-02-13T11:56:00.003-06:002012-02-13T11:56:50.491-06:00Easy DIY Drip Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YwNNBCmtnOo/TzlL4g9V8bI/AAAAAAAABvE/_4D0Q2ypz-w/s1600/DSC_0012(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YwNNBCmtnOo/TzlL4g9V8bI/AAAAAAAABvE/_4D0Q2ypz-w/s640/DSC_0012(1).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Supplies</b>:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water color paper or canvas</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water color paints (I used Reeve's Water Colour in a tube for more color concentration)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paint brushes, one for each color or have a glass of water nearby for rinsing</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spray bottle of water</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Newspaper or tarp to keep your space clean.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UriV1xeLmJg/TzlLxCSKxRI/AAAAAAAABus/MyvKbpzJsMI/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UriV1xeLmJg/TzlLxCSKxRI/AAAAAAAABus/MyvKbpzJsMI/s640/DSC_0003.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consider experimenting on scrap paper first. Here is the hot mess of my first attempt, which is already in the recycling:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Zuwm1GHrMw/TzlL-W7L7YI/AAAAAAAABvM/zoIowJNL-OM/s1600/DSC_0015(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Zuwm1GHrMw/TzlL-W7L7YI/AAAAAAAABvM/zoIowJNL-OM/s640/DSC_0015(1).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UriV1xeLmJg/TzlLxCSKxRI/AAAAAAAABus/MyvKbpzJsMI/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b>Simple steps:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. With the paper flat on a surface, dampen the top of your paper with your spray bottle. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.Add the water colors of your choice in whatever placement suits you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.With the spray bottle and a brush, mix each paint with water until the color paste is fully dissolved.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4.Tilt your paper/canvas upright to begin drips. Adjust as necessary: gently (or not so gently) blend your colors together, spray more water, throw some glitter on it, etc.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.Allow drying time, frame it up, and admire.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2BH3zfq3P8/TzlLzJOnzKI/AAAAAAAABu0/0JfgzJHjqgk/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2BH3zfq3P8/TzlLzJOnzKI/AAAAAAAABu0/0JfgzJHjqgk/s640/DSC_0010.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_UwYgjExkU/TzlL_3QbzyI/AAAAAAAABvU/RD9PsyZnw30/s1600/DSC_0017(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_UwYgjExkU/TzlL_3QbzyI/AAAAAAAABvU/RD9PsyZnw30/s640/DSC_0017(1).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-45751415090755969162012-02-08T09:00:00.000-06:002012-02-08T09:00:07.386-06:00Reconstructions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that my handsome roommate/best friend has returned to school, I have a lot of time alone at home. In the summer I'd go exploring, but I am holing up for Chicago winter, no matter how mild. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My new sewing machine has been put to work!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After fixing all of the ripped pants in the house--including one pair split by Jake at a party when trying to do yoga while wearing corduroys--I began working on the pile I set aside to reconstruct. Each top is upcycled from materials I already owned.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GT5nUzjBW10/TzHVFx7WVVI/AAAAAAAABuM/KT814RgkZdQ/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GT5nUzjBW10/TzHVFx7WVVI/AAAAAAAABuM/KT814RgkZdQ/s640/DSC_0041.JPG" width="422" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vintage blouse, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ruched with added blue lace.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFBDj15t6mI/TzHVIyfmA8I/AAAAAAAABuU/Fn0NUqOrBlM/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFBDj15t6mI/TzHVIyfmA8I/AAAAAAAABuU/Fn0NUqOrBlM/s640/DSC_0045.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freestyle "quilt" from fabric scraps appliqued to a stained t-shirt I had dyed last summer. This is a new style that I am working to perfect.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1tBsDn4ym0/TzHVPbJxk-I/AAAAAAAABuk/figP2TBFAl4/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="634" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1tBsDn4ym0/TzHVPbJxk-I/AAAAAAAABuk/figP2TBFAl4/s640/DSC_0069.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peculiar short sleeved t-shirt/cardigan/jacket, sewed together in the front, gathered under the bust for a little shape, and give puffy sleeves.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q65YpTGBMr8/TzHVMemfJYI/AAAAAAAABuc/GCNUedKNH0s/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q65YpTGBMr8/TzHVMemfJYI/AAAAAAAABuc/GCNUedKNH0s/s640/DSC_0057.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait to do this to more sweatshirts! Tiny vintage sweatshirt turned into a cardigan with a lace trim. I'm not loving the lace, so I may replace it with some green or white binding. What do you think I should do?</span></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-63714042386386776712012-02-06T10:04:00.001-06:002012-02-06T10:04:01.063-06:00Absence<div><p>Excuse the silence around here. I haven't been well for the past few days, and laying on the couch watching Intervention doesn't make for very exciting blog content. I'm feeling more like myself now, so I'll come back on Wednesday with some fresh content.</p>
<p>Be well!<br>
Xoxo, <u>Brooke</u></p>
</div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-62271625593173199182012-02-01T12:58:00.001-06:002012-02-01T12:58:21.235-06:00New Favorite Places<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you ever find yourself in Chicago and want to avoid the tourist trail, I'd love to give you recommendations. Here are a couple nearly free options to get you started:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.logan-hardware.com/">Logan Hardware:</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlccBpAhhEM/TymKiwgrBCI/AAAAAAAABt8/GeHWW8Cw6is/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlccBpAhhEM/TymKiwgrBCI/AAAAAAAABt8/GeHWW8Cw6is/s640/IMG_0140.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Logan Hardware is a record store and vintage arcade museum located in the Logan Square Neighborhood. </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;">A collection of historic games that are FREE to play! </i></div>
</span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;">Your patronage of the store helps us keep the Museum free and functioning."</i></div>
</span></span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></i></div>
</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.woollymammothchicago.com/">Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities:</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9z1QXUxMTbs/TymKvtSOSXI/AAAAAAAABuE/S9WZpy0Hec8/s1600/IMG_20120122_143616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9z1QXUxMTbs/TymKvtSOSXI/AAAAAAAABuE/S9WZpy0Hec8/s640/IMG_20120122_143616.jpg" width="474" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"In addition to being the coolest store on the planet, we are also a curiosity cabinet of items resurrected from the past. A motionless zoo & touchable museum, we specialize in antique & vintage: specimens, taxidermy, art, medical doodads, atypical collectibles, unusual objects, & strange whatchamacallits."</i></span></span></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-6952648562465830572012-01-30T11:33:00.000-06:002012-01-30T11:34:13.844-06:00Made Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzmdZgsI214/TybOtwof2gI/AAAAAAAABtM/m4m5Tr7VaiE/s1600/DSC_0065+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WiCJ6wEamuk/TybOhPRuIiI/AAAAAAAABsc/hW8Uinu86Yo/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zXwLAMLy_w/TybOrfXVluI/AAAAAAAABtE/2610bMmIipk/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zXwLAMLy_w/TybOrfXVluI/AAAAAAAABtE/2610bMmIipk/s640/DSC_0069.JPG" width="416" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A new year, a new look.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One box of darkdarkdark brown dye. A good trim and asymmetrical bangs via razor comb. Some white and pink <a href="http://thebrokebrog.blogspot.com/2011/11/diy-ethical-hair-extensions.html">embroidery floss</a>. Earrings from my favorite jewelry <a href="http://luxedebris.etsy.com/">artist</a>. <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/smoky-eye-video-tutorial">This super-easy new make-up trick</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tK2e3IT1Cjw/TUYpVUBYlQI/AAAAAAAAAP4/LVcMTa-S_EM/s400/IMG_2043.JPG">this </a>to witch in exactly one year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzmdZgsI214/TybOtwof2gI/AAAAAAAABtM/m4m5Tr7VaiE/s1600/DSC_0065+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzmdZgsI214/TybOtwof2gI/AAAAAAAABtM/m4m5Tr7VaiE/s400/DSC_0065+(2).JPG" width="260" /></span></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMYHBuExaHc/TybOvPnJL4I/AAAAAAAABtU/u2T6Lk7lUt8/s1600/DSC_0064+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMYHBuExaHc/TybOvPnJL4I/AAAAAAAABtU/u2T6Lk7lUt8/s400/DSC_0064+(2).JPG" width="260" /></span></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-52228687096049205032012-01-27T09:00:00.000-06:002012-01-27T09:00:13.078-06:00Symmetry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsG3Mlz7FvI/Tx9DY0RGqtI/AAAAAAAABrs/bYcvi6-8i7U/s1600/DSC_0015%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsG3Mlz7FvI/Tx9DY0RGqtI/AAAAAAAABrs/bYcvi6-8i7U/s640/DSC_0015%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought these matching vintage lamps at the same time as the lamp in <a href="http://thebrokebrog.blogspot.com/2012/01/thrift-haul-116.html">this previous post</a>, for $6.00 each ($12.00 for both). I knew it'd be a long-shot to thrift matching lamp shades, so I caved and bought these from a big box store for less than $30 total (yikes!). I suppose the extra cost was worthwhile, as I have been grinning at them each time I walk past for four days now. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the wall directly across from <a href="http://thebrokebrog.blogspot.com/2011/12/table.html">this one</a>, and I love how its symmetry is mirrored. No matter how ready I'll be to leave Chicago, it's going to be tough leaving this apartment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Weekend! I'll be taking it easy and hopefully hosting a game night--our first time having a gathering of friends we've made here in Chicago. What are your plans?</span></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-67195997729780204302012-01-26T09:00:00.000-06:002012-01-26T09:00:11.492-06:00DIY Grease-Fighting Liquid Dish Soap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkvTRjb_Hvs/Tx85x7Vk_NI/AAAAAAAABrc/qlges1XpPQM/s1600/DSC_0023%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkvTRjb_Hvs/Tx85x7Vk_NI/AAAAAAAABrc/qlges1XpPQM/s640/DSC_0023%25283%2529.JPG" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After some struggle and playing a little "mad scientist" in the kitchen, I've struck up a pretty, pretty decent alternative to store-bought dish soap. <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127999735">Here's a little somethin'-somethin'</a> for you to read about major brands is dish soap. There are many somethin'-somethin's on this subject for you to find out there, so this is just a jumping off point. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This recipe is natural, but please remember that natural does not mean that it's something you should eat or drink. If you're going to do a full load of dishes with this stuff by hand, be sure to wear some gloves to protect those lovely paws from drying out.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I already had all of these ingredients on hand (you will too, once you begin exploring the world of natural housekeeping), so it was unbelievably convenient to make. More convenient, in fact, than actually going to the store to buy more dish soap. The total cost of the soap breaks down to approximately $2.50, which is less than leading natural dish soap brands that I've found to be much less effective at cutting grease.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lssibfyppuY/Tx850DRMt9I/AAAAAAAABrk/kOscJ9Nl9Ow/s1600/DSC_0020%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lssibfyppuY/Tx850DRMt9I/AAAAAAAABrk/kOscJ9Nl9Ow/s640/DSC_0020%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">INGREDIENTS:</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 cups water</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup Castile soap <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Dr Bronner's is my preferred. The peppermint is what we always have on hand, but unscented would probably be ideal)</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 TBS Super Washing Soda <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Found in most laundry aisles)</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 TBS Baking Soda</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 TBS White vinegar</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil *optional <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I chose tea tree, but lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus are great choices as well)</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OPERATIONS:</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Mix the water, castile soap, washing soda, and baking soda together in a non-reactive pot. On your stove, gently heat the mixture over medium-low flame. Whisk until the washing soda has completely dissolved.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Remove from heat and add the vinegar and essential oil. Mine did not bubble over, so I assume anyone who tries this method should be safe. If your kitchen turns into a middle school science lab, I apologize.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Allow your soap to cool and then transfer to your favorite liquid soap vessel. I always make sure to label my concoctions clearly, as well as mark their containers with the recipe for easy future reference.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please note that this soap will not do much in the way of sudsing, but it WILL get the job done. As consumers we've been convinced that something isn't getting cleaned unless we see some bubbles, but often suds are the result of drying, harmful chemicals--totally artificial to most cleaning processes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-39538471224333190322012-01-25T09:00:00.000-06:002012-01-25T09:00:04.252-06:00An Eccentric and a Flake<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately there's been a great deal of consideration done on my part towards my next steps in life and the future far ahead. My "now" and my future look much different than many of my peers', as I am sure many of my dear readers understand and can relate. Make no mistake, I am not feeling down, simply reflecting, considering, deciding, and preparing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2p_9QrQIjnY/TxszyavFwZI/AAAAAAAABrU/DR3zy78rZpg/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2p_9QrQIjnY/TxszyavFwZI/AAAAAAAABrU/DR3zy78rZpg/s640/IMG_0166.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Street art on Randolph Street in Chicago. The piece on the left is made from reclaimed home trimmings.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Creating a life that reflects your values and satisfies your soul is a rare achievement. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>In a culture that relentlessly promotes avarice and excess as the good life, a person happy </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>doing his own work is usually considered an eccentric, if not a subversive. Ambition is only </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>understood if it’s to rise to the top of some imaginary ladder of success. Someone who takes </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>an undemanding job because it affords him the time to pursue other interests and activities </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>is considered a flake. A person who abandons a career in order to stay home and raise children </i><i>is considered not to be living up to his potential-as if a job title and salary are the sole </i></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">measure of human worth. You’ll be told in a hundred ways, some subtle and some not, to keep </i><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">climbing, and never be satisfied with where you are, who you are, and what you’re doing. There </i><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">are a million ways to sell yourself out, and I guarantee you’ll hear about them."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Bill Watterson</span></i></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-89650870045990528782012-01-24T09:00:00.000-06:002012-01-24T09:00:03.096-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-msGu4WTJ8/TxssDldxmZI/AAAAAAAABrM/9s_OgsE1Ge8/s1600/DSC_0033%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-msGu4WTJ8/TxssDldxmZI/AAAAAAAABrM/9s_OgsE1Ge8/s640/DSC_0033%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOhgxpi20M0/TxsrvulvnCI/AAAAAAAABqs/1snVqoUKpfg/s1600/DSC_0049%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOhgxpi20M0/TxsrvulvnCI/AAAAAAAABqs/1snVqoUKpfg/s640/DSC_0049%25281%2529.JPG" width="420" /></a>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in Iowa, I had the pleasure of not only making exceptional espresso at the city's <a href="http://www.brewedcr.com/">favorite coffee shop</a>, but also keeping up the chalk boards. The menus are done exclusively by hand, and I updated some of them weekly.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being barista and chalk-wielder are two things I miss dearly, so I was thrilled when offered the old menu board from Jake's Chicago coffee shop. It may not be a job any longer, but I will certainly keep it as a hobby.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make no mistake, this board is the size of my car--almost four feet tall and 7 to 8 feet wide--which made it difficult to get home. It looked a lot like <a href="http://thebrokebrog.blogspot.com/search/label/In%20My%20Apartment">this</a>, but much less stable. Now that it's home safely, it will be the perfect thing to fill up our bare wall in the entryway and offer greetings and art space for our guests. My first-ever chalk board greeting was for birthday kids Josh and Jessica, who were to spend their birthday weekend with us here in Chicago until the snow ruined our plans.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-msGu4WTJ8/TxssDldxmZI/AAAAAAAABrM/9s_OgsE1Ge8/s1600/DSC_0033%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOhgxpi20M0/TxsrvulvnCI/AAAAAAAABqs/1snVqoUKpfg/s1600/DSC_0049%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eventually it will be hung, but the whole hallway is full of "eventuallys." Eventually, we'll put up a couple more coats of orange paint to hide the blue underneath and touch up the white trim. Eventually, we'll either pull up the hideous carpet or get a decent rug. Eventually, we'll put a privacy curtain over the front door. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a peak at the other side of the wall, in all of its undone glory:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSmDj7_1UZI/Txsr3zNUI5I/AAAAAAAABq0/JEadCrtZLDY/s1600/DSC_0044%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSmDj7_1UZI/Txsr3zNUI5I/AAAAAAAABq0/JEadCrtZLDY/s640/DSC_0044%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a>
</div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-17150563588451074412012-01-23T09:00:00.000-06:002012-01-23T09:00:13.657-06:00Outfit: Color Warrior<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhKfPl7a-LY/Txsk9vtXMPI/AAAAAAAABp8/LU_sEHeI9l0/s1600/DSC_0025%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhKfPl7a-LY/Txsk9vtXMPI/AAAAAAAABp8/LU_sEHeI9l0/s640/DSC_0025%25282%2529.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4RZeKS1Tnk/TxslBWeNPdI/AAAAAAAABqM/8w02zscn0x4/s1600/DSC_0005%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4RZeKS1Tnk/TxslBWeNPdI/AAAAAAAABqM/8w02zscn0x4/s640/DSC_0005%25282%2529.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG5KSkyFsEM/Txsk_zezbzI/AAAAAAAABqE/o2u79CEAeeE/s1600/DSC_0014%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG5KSkyFsEM/Txsk_zezbzI/AAAAAAAABqE/o2u79CEAeeE/s640/DSC_0014%25282%2529.JPG" width="428" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> With the season's first winter storm (in mid-January? No complaints!), I'm back into <i>wishful dressing</i>. Just because the whole outdoors is grey does not mean that I need to be.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Top:</b> Discount buy from a big box store, $2.00</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Skirt:</b> Vintage and home-sewn, a birthday gift from my handsome roommate</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hat:</b> My favorite of all time, crocheted vintage from a church sale, $.25</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Necklace:</b> From the one and only <a href="http://luxedebris.etsy.com/">Luxe Debris</a>, who is now hand-etching the most amazing pieces!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Belt:</b> Vintage gold, silver, and copper makes for a perfect match in any jewelry situation, $.25</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tights:</b> Discounted from a big box store, $3.50</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Boots:</b> Thrifted in Des Moines on New Year's Day 2010, $4.00</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Approximate Total: $10.00</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-27022899725526696742012-01-20T10:56:00.001-06:002012-01-20T11:06:53.176-06:00Happy Weekend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay safe and warm this weekend!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We may be hosting some if our greatest buddies over the next few days, but it looks like an impending blizzard will be thwarting our much anticipated plans.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the case that I'm snowed in and buddy-less I'll be sewing, cooking comfort foods, and figuring out what to do about my mess of hair. It hasn't been this long since I was 22 and I'm reminded now of how boring it can feel. Any suggestions would be welcomed!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is an unfortunate phone photo of myself sans make-up or styling for extra effect of desperation:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j9uVBg9SSeY/TxmdEjjZ4TI/AAAAAAAABps/QXsjoMAjSYI/IMG_20120120_102236.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j9uVBg9SSeY/TxmdEjjZ4TI/AAAAAAAABps/QXsjoMAjSYI/IMG_20120120_102236.png" /></span></a></div>
<br />
</div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-45536979415957250422012-01-18T09:00:00.000-06:002012-01-17T11:37:35.658-06:00Claw Machine Reviews<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cory, a buddy of mine back home in Iowa, shares my joyful passion for arcade games--specifically skee ball and claw machines. Clever and talented guy he is, he's started a review blog for </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claw_crane" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">claw machines</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Yes, there really is a corner of the internet for everyone.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.homearcades.com/images/claw_machine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="223" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.homearcades.com/crane_machine.htm">Image Source</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having been trained well by my dad over the years, I will toot my own horn and admit to being well-above average in the claw machine department. Prior to a little snafu at the Dekalb Oasis (rigged machines!), I had been on a 3-time winning streak--three different machines in three different states. If only I could get paid for such things!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is with these credentials that I am proud to say that I have earned as spot as <a href="http://clawmachinereviews.blogspot.com/">Claw Machine Reviews'</a> Chicago correspondent. You can check out my first post <a href="http://clawmachinereviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/tip-whats-your-target.html">here</a>!</span></div>
</div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-28003946082997277252012-01-17T09:00:00.000-06:002012-01-17T09:00:02.613-06:00Reading List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3Gb53yIBa4/TxIEFeynkUI/AAAAAAAABpc/pUrAFbAvzfc/s1600/DSC_0029%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3Gb53yIBa4/TxIEFeynkUI/AAAAAAAABpc/pUrAFbAvzfc/s640/DSC_0029%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The book fairy was kind to me over the past month! For you, a list of what's new on my bookshelf. I heartily endorse each of these titles.</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Place-Affordable-Sustainable/dp/0978866568/ref=pd_sim_b_1">Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills</a></u> by Raleigh Briggs.</b> The "type" and illustrations are all done by hand for a 'zine edge with a radical feel. This is an excellent resource for wild-crafting and making your own tinctures, as well as natural home and health care.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Marketplace-Locally-Globally--Line/dp/1603424776/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326581310&sr=1-1">The Handmade Marketplace</a></u> by Kari Chapin.</b> Valuable to anyone who wants to build a presence in today's crafting market. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Made-Scratch-Discovering-Pleasures-Handmade/dp/1603425322/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326581561&sr=1-1">Made From Scratch</a></u> by Jenna Woginrich.</b> I haven't read this yet, but I am anxious to get started!
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Part memoir and part how-to manual, </span><span style="background-color: white;">Made from Scratch</span><span style="background-color: white;"> recounts Woginrich’s growing independence and the successes and missteps she experiences as she learns to more fully live off the land. By turns upbeat, dramatic, and sometimes sorrowful, her story embodies the experience of the new homesteader one who is committed to reducing dependence on commercially produced goods while still working a day job to pay the rent. Woven into the narrative, readers will find easy-to-follow instructions for making clothing, playing a musical instrument, preserving fruit, brewing the best pot of coffee imaginable, and much more.</span> (</i>Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.com)</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moby-Duck-Beachcombers-Oceanographers-Environmentalists-Including/dp/0670022195/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326581745&sr=1-1">Moby Duck</a></u> by Donovan Hohn. </b>I haven't cracked this one yet either, but the concept is incredibly compelling! <span style="background-color: white;">Selected by <i>The New York Times Book Review</i> as a Notable Book of the Year. </span></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When the writer Donovan Hohn heard of the mysterious loss of thousands of bath toys at sea, he figured he would interview a few oceanographers, talk to a few beachcombers, and read up on Arctic science and geography. But questions can be like ocean currents: wade in too far, and they carry you away. Hohn's accidental odyssey pulls him into the secretive world of shipping conglomerates, the daring work of Arctic researchers, the lunatic risks of maverick sailors, and the shadowy world of Chinese toy factories. </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.com)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Making-Radical-Home-Post-Consumer-World/dp/1605294624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326581926&sr=1-1">Making It</a></u> by Kelly Coyne & Erik Knutzen.</b> Written by the couple behind <a href="http://www.rootsimple.org/">Root Simple</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Homestead-Expanded-Revised-Self-Sufficient/dp/1934170100/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b">Urban Homestead</a> (which I gifted to <a href="http://messica-jessica.blogspot.com/">Jessica </a>and have heard high reviews). Full of DIYs for the home that go beyond mixing baking soda and lemon juice and venture into castile soap making (with lye!), building your own chicken coops, slaughtering said chickens in a humane way if you so choose, kombucha brewing, and plenty of other truly radical projects. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bust-DIY-Guide-Life-Magazine/dp/1584798963/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326583311&sr=1-1">Bust DIY Guide to Life</a></u> from Bust Magazine.</b> Clever sewing projects, easy vegan recipes, DIY intimacy ideas for yourself and/or your partner, wedding planning, and even your rights in caring for loved ones when they pass. It's Bust magazine, how could this not be wonderful? And it is.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cook-Butcher-Williams-Sonoma-Recipes-Butchers/dp/1616281138/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326582877&sr=1-1">The Cook & The Butcher</a></u> by Brigit Binns. </b>A meat-oriented cook book from Williams Sonoma, with contributions from Mark Martin. Mark is a family friend, fellow Iowan, and owner of <a href="http://nelsonsmeat.com/">Nelson's Meat Market</a>, a dying breed of classic butcheries. He's an incredibly kind and knowledgeable man, I'm so glad to see him find this success! Below you can see his personal inscription in my book, written after he was told Jake and I eat mostly vegetarian these days.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Cooking-Everyone-Deborah-Madison/dp/0767927478/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326583288&sr=8-1">Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone</a></u> by Deborah Madison.</b> This is the bible of vegetarian cooking. Organized by ingredient, Madison gives detailed information including storage, health benefits, choosing the best fruits and vegetables, and cooking methods, followed by tried-and-true recipes for the ingredient. This is more of a reference book than recipe book. Have a surplus of tomatoes? Head to the tomato chapter and learn how to make marinara. Want to try lentils for the first time? There's four pages to guide you through the process and make something you'll love. I can't recommend this tome enough.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EFthlnFfOU/TxID2dl-k1I/AAAAAAAABpE/iu8NLA4hCfw/s1600/DSC_0039%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EFthlnFfOU/TxID2dl-k1I/AAAAAAAABpE/iu8NLA4hCfw/s640/DSC_0039%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i>To Brooke & Jake</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>In a weak moment think "BEEF"!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Happy grilling</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mark Martin</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Christmas 2011</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-12736899813604224082012-01-16T09:00:00.000-06:002012-01-16T09:00:02.788-06:00Thrift Haul 1/16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tub4CMsZ_s/TxIB8OE0FLI/AAAAAAAABok/LryYD0sdYSE/s1600/DSC_0015%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tub4CMsZ_s/TxIB8OE0FLI/AAAAAAAABok/LryYD0sdYSE/s640/DSC_0015%25281%2529.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xLiJR6HpJE/TxIB5I2D-dI/AAAAAAAABoc/beDyruoCErM/s1600/DSC_0018%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xLiJR6HpJE/TxIB5I2D-dI/AAAAAAAABoc/beDyruoCErM/s640/DSC_0018%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Vintage table lamp in the perfect colors of orange and green, with beautiful special details. <b>$5.00</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9b1YAaxtdM/TxIB_B57NII/AAAAAAAABos/C4KZeU8JIlg/s1600/DSC_0013%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9b1YAaxtdM/TxIB_B57NII/AAAAAAAABos/C4KZeU8JIlg/s640/DSC_0013%25281%2529.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQytEo6R6wU/TxICBygb4NI/AAAAAAAABo0/y5JDovV_Z7c/s1600/DSC_0011%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQytEo6R6wU/TxICBygb4NI/AAAAAAAABo0/y5JDovV_Z7c/s640/DSC_0011%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set of 3 vintage TV trays. Hand-painted! $3.00 each, <b>$9.00</b> for the set.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeUvC-3OOgk/TxICEyVNEEI/AAAAAAAABo8/hA0MWfsr_-s/s1600/DSC_0005%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeUvC-3OOgk/TxICEyVNEEI/AAAAAAAABo8/hA0MWfsr_-s/s640/DSC_0005%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buttery soft motorcycle boots with metal details. They make me feel like I am walking around in <a href="http://luxedebris.blogspot.com/">Carissa's </a>shoes, which is nothing short of a dream come true. <b>$3.00</b></span></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355503477619557474.post-78839241457613967652012-01-13T09:00:00.000-06:002012-01-13T09:00:00.737-06:00Birthday Outfit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzT6QZC9uTY/Tw94bbblLaI/AAAAAAAABoM/YyVknMTnytI/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzT6QZC9uTY/Tw94bbblLaI/AAAAAAAABoM/YyVknMTnytI/s640/DSC_0044.JPG" width="424" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dress:</b> A very rare mall purchase! Divided by H&M, $20</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sweater:</b> "Vintage Brooke", pushing ten years in my wardrobe! At this point, I'm calling it "free"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Necklace: </b> Statement necklace bought from 1st Class Finds, $4.00</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Stockings:</b> Gifted by Jake's mom, who has never seen me wear pants, free</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Shoes: </b>Grey pumps, not shown and bought new for a job interview, $15.00</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Handsome Fella:</b> Wearing all vintage (except the tasseled loafers, a gift from my mom) and constantly complaining about needing a hair cut, free but lookin' like a million bucks</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Approximate Total: $39.00 </b>(Whew! that's pricey in my book!)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I've mentioned, I had a birthday last week. Among many really special gifts, I received <a href="http://thebrokebrog.blogspot.com/2012/01/silhouette-gift.html">The Boss's</a> first ever piece of art (a lovely abstract, finger paint on canvas) and a couple of pitch-perfect vintage scarves from my boo. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a day at work, I was escorted by the handsome man above to play unlimited free pinball at <a href="http://www.logan-hardware.com/">Logan Hardware</a>, have some whiskey at the dive-y <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/bob-inn-chicago">Bob Inn</a>, and indulge in amazing tapas at <a href="http://www.girlandthegoat.com/">The Girl and the Goat</a>, run by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard. He sure knows how to treat me well. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The whole night was sponsored by <a href="http://www.templetonrye.com/">Templeton Rye</a>, made in Iowa and oh-so delicious.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjI4yEOzDW8/Tw94cW460qI/AAAAAAAABoU/jauJeC8JtXo/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjI4yEOzDW8/Tw94cW460qI/AAAAAAAABoU/jauJeC8JtXo/s400/DSC_0042.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065734307041689831noreply@blogger.com0