vouching four: fixing the february flaws

Four things I've done recently to help fix the february flaws:

1) Get an updo. Do you have a leftover spa gift certificate from Christmas or your birthday? Instead of cashing in on a mani/pedi or a massage, paint your own nails, ask your sweetie to rub your back and splurge on an updo. I went to a party last weekend and got my hair "did" at 10:00am..which made for a fun day of looking fancy and unfortunately no way to take a nap, but it was worth it. Image

2) A little humidity. Botanic gardens need not be forgotten in winter, especially when they have a greenhouse/conservatory. This is hands-down my #1 cure for the winter blues, and it only costs $1.00. One step in this rain forest and my frizzy hair relaxes, my skin plumps up and my mood lightens. The last time I went, I saw a girl hunkered down in the corner reading. What a nice way to spend the afternoon.

3) Window shopping. Do you have a special shop or store that you feel inspired in? You don't even need to buy anything, just seeing the sights and smelling the smells can be all you need. This paper gown was spotted in my local Anthropologie window.

4) Snow ice cream. When life gives you snow, make snow ice cream. If you've never made this fun treat, you have to wait for a day when it snows...a lot. Gather loads of fresh snow and add milk until you get a nice slushy (but not wet) consistency. Add the sweetener of your choice, flavor and food coloring. Mint, lemon and peppermint are my favorites.

vouching "four"

I started the pining four and vouching four columns when I first started working on the Art Wall blog. I stopped doing them a while back, I think I forgot about them or something...maybe I fell out of love with the idea, I honestly don't remember but I'm bringing them back for a round 2. Here's four thing's for which I will vouch:

1) The most under-appreciated flower around: baby's breath. I think its so pretty and it lasts forever. I buy a small bunch at the market, split it up and use it in the bathrooms and on bedside tables. So sweet.

2) Summer! As September approaches, the lull of fall is easy to succumb to, but don't dismiss the last days of this magnificent season. Despite the bugs and the heat, its got my heart. Viva el Verano!

3) Adina's tiny disc gold necklace. My favorite jewelry staple. I actually can't find it right now so I'm throwing this into the universe to try out that law of attraction I keep hearing about :)

4) Rainbows. It had been way, way too long since I'd seen one. This one was a full arch and obviously too beautiful for pictures.

vouching four...

Tried and true, four things I recommend...

Tried and true, four things I recommend: 1) Words cannot describe the love I have for this pillow I got for my girl. I finally understand what the phrase: "so cute it hurts" means. Buttercupbloom on Etsy. 2) If you have a latte/cappuccino/espresso addiction, the Breville Espresso Maker will pay for itself in 3 months. In all seriousness, I use it every single day (sometimes more than once) and it beats all the $5.00/cup options out there. 3) Potter's Crackers--simply put: the most delicious crackers in the country/world/universe/state of Wisconsin. Trust me, they look a little "hearty" but the flavors are deee-vine. 4) If you have a love/hate relationship with organizing like me, the Rotex Label Maker will push you a little bit more toward the love. I scored mine on Ebay for $7.00. Image: UNIFORM natural.

vouching four...

Tried and true, four things I recommend:

1) Cape Cod in the fall. A teeny tiny-house-lover's (that's me) paradise. This used to be Edward Hopper's home. Can you see the 12 foot window on the side of the house? I am longing to be there this fall. 2) Hable Construction's checker pattern. Just one pillow in it makes me happy happy happy every day. 3) Composting. It hurts so bad but feels so good. I keep my bin in the fridge to avoid the bugs. 4) Christopher Jagmin's odd numbered plates. Currently holding court over my black and white kitchen, I think they would add a dose of quarky-chic to any room.