1.03.2012

7. 2012 Non-Resolutions

I have had trouble coming up with my 2012 New Years Resolutions. I am not very good at following lists of "dont's" and generally do not like feeling restricted, even if it is self-imposed. In addition, I don't feel an overwhelming need to change how I live because I lead a healthy and happy life. Once I read the list of Mr. Blasberg's Non-Resolutions, I realized that that is what I need to make. A list of things that I will continue to not do during 2012. Now, I feel like I am making a promise to myself to continue living the good life I lived in 2011. 

I've never lived in excess. I do not drink myself to oblivion. I do not chain smoke or experiment with drugs. I do not shop until I drop. I do not exercise until I pass out. I do not hoard large bags of chips then devour them all in one sitting. Okay, yes, I have eaten one too many cookies on a couple of occasions, but who hasn't?! 

I've never stripped in public. When I was younger, I thought that it would be funny to get arrested for indecent exposure. Maybe it was because I was 13 years old, 100 lbs, and unaware of what kind of girls actually disrobe in front of strangers for fun. Now that I have grownup a few years, I have decided to leave the unbecoming skin baring to Girls Gone Wild. After all, I am not a stripper. One day I hope to have a successful career and respectable family, so I think that I better keep my clothes on.

I've never gotten fired from a job. Despite some instances where I think that I should have been fired (like when I refused to sweep a bagel store), I have never been fired. Then again, the majority of my working experience has been at my mom's art camp. 


I've never destroyed my hair. I don't dye it because my dad says it's tacky for a young girl and too expensive. Blow drying takes too long and I'm afraid that my hair will become heat damaged and brittle. I don't like straightening my hair because it reminds me of every middle America preteen. 

I've never been bored. My mom used to always tell my sister and I that, "Only boring people get bored." I hated her for saying it at the time, but now I love it because it has turned me into a self-sufficient person capable of finding something to keep me occupied at any place or time. To combat boredom during the SAT's, I planned my wedding from cocktail hour to goodbye brunch. At school, I am involved in multiple extracurricular activities to keep myself busy. The only downside of my ability to keep busy is that I can't stand people who are constantly complaining of boredom!


I've never worn something just because it is "in." I hated gauchos and pink pleather pants in elementary school. I don't like ankle boots, Chan Luu wrap bracelets, or heavy sequin tops. I will forever refuse Harlem pants, colorful camo, and bubble skirts. Just because everyone likes a trend and looks good wearing it doesn't mean I have to, too. 


1.02.2012

6. Window Boxes

There is something so sweet about window boxes. To me, they are also very romantic. When I think about Juliet looking out her balcony at Romeo, I see capacious window boxes brimming with magnificent flowers. I have always dreamed of having them on my house filled with bright snapdragons, miniature roses, and trailing vines. During the winter, I would arrange lush greenery and holly berry branches or little evergreen trees with white lights in the boxes. 



These monochromatic window boxes dress up this old building without looking too ornate or overdone. 

It is interesting how the fullest boxes are on a high floor instead of the first floor. 


These are so full and luscious. I like how the white and purple compliments the bluish-gray siding.

The bright red flowers in these window boxes nicely work with the abundant garden below.

These colors are so bright and delicious.

A marriage of my two favorite things: a white house with black shutters and beautiful window boxes!

I love how this little shed all decorated for Christmas.

12.28.2011

5. Patterned Sheets

I love patterned sheets. Especially when they are super soft, they add some pizzazz to any room. 

Pretty color combination.

My favorite sheets of all time.
I like the simplicity of these.


Although these are plain, I do like the border.

Bright and cheerful.

I like the small grey dots.


12.27.2011

4. Shearling

'Tis the season for irresistibly soft shearling! Shearling is the perfect laid-back luxe look that works in just about any cold weather design. When done right, shearling can be a gorgeously feminine or undeniably masculine way to stay warm. As long as Ugg is not involved!


Traditional shearling hat.

Beautiful color.

A classic chocolate brown pea coat.

Absolutely beautiful coat.

Such a beautiful ski house blanket.


This man definitely shovels his own driveway...and looks really good doing so!

Who said your dog can't be indulged, too?!


12.26.2011

3. Butter

I love butter in many different forms. In fact, I think I love just about everything with butter in the title, even if there is no relation to butter itself! 

Butter Chicken

Pumpkin, Apple, or Apricot Butter

Brown Butter Frosting

Butter Cake

Butter Cookies
Butternut Squash

And of course, that perfect step in baking where the bowl is full of just softened butter and sugar....

Yummy