Eyeowa

While in Iowa over the weekend I partook in some harmless civil disobedience and goofy vandalism.

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.

Concept from www.eyebombing.com

Claw Machine Reviews

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.

What are you doing this weekend? Considering heading over to Claw Machine Reviews and checking out my latest tip on how to win, then go out into the real world and give it try!

Welcome!

The hallway and its giant chalk board 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!

 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.

Outfit details--All elements purchased second-hand unless noted otherwise:

Why do I look so crabby!?

Floral Shirt: $1.50

Dress: $2.00

Belt: $.25

Tights & Socks: Purchased from mall stores, $10.00

Boots: 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.

Approximate Total: $53.75 (13.75 excluding the boots)

Floating Shelves

Renegade Handmade's 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.

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.

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 here.

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?

Just look at the siding details! The colors! The tear drops! The spire! 

What does your dream home look like?

Happy Birthday, Carrisa!

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 Luxe Debris!

For her big day, consider hopping over to her online shop and perusing her amazing jewelry and her well-curated vintage selection. This girl knows what's up.

Love you, Carissa!

Plant Parenthood

One day, in either the near or far future, Jake and I would like to adopt some "serious" plants. A pitcher plant, lime tree, something carniverous, and a few that will feed us.

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.

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.

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.

Leslie and the Ly's Tour!

A handful of some of my favorite people have begun their annual trek across the USofA!

Leslie & the Ly's, Pennyhawk, and Ramona and the Swimsuits will be coming to a city near you. Find your date here and start stretching for the dance party.

Their newest music here:

Leslie and the Ly's (you can hear myself, Carissa, and Jessica in "Here to Win")

Pennyhawk

Ramona and the Swimsuits

Check out what Ramona has to say about the tour, and then pop over to her photo tumblr to keep track of the lady gang.

Iowa represent! Happy weekend, ya'll!