Links

Jun282013

Friday Link Fling – June 28th

Best fucking name

  • This app, along with the others from its maker, looks super cute! I bet Clare will love them all.
  • I love all of these daguerreotypes of women breastfeeding their babies. I imagine it was hard keeping those babes still for the prints!
  • These look ridiculous. Nutella? And biscuits? I’m in.
  • I really love these huge astronomy prints. WANT.
  • Irish coffee ice cream? Holy crap. This is a good summer recipe. Perfect breakfast!
  • A feminist’s view on makeup. I like this.
  • This grilled poblano recipe is something I think Kevin would like.
  • I am extremely intrigued by the idea of roasted strawberries. In a milkshake? I’ll try it.
  • Chocolate. Stout. Cheesecake. Fudgesicle. YES.
  • A cronut? That’s ridiculous. I’d still eat it.

Today’s list is almost entirely food. NO REGRETS.

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Mar222013

Friday Link List

IMG_0058

We got a new camera, and it is AWESOME

  • Kevin and I have been pretty terrible about getting grown-up stuff done since Clare was born, but this site should help. I like checklists, even if they’re for boring things like living wills and powers of attorney!
  • I’m sort of tentatively thinking of having Clare’s 1st birthday party be rainbow-themed, and these cupcakes would complement that nicely. Except I think I might want to do doughnuts instead of cake? We’ll see.
  • Note to self: next time it’s time to update your computer desktop wallpaper, change it to this. I’ve got some other nebula on my desktop here at work, and I’m not quite ready to switch it yet. APOD is a fucking goldmine for wallpaper.
  • My getaway house in the Wisconsin woods (someday, someday) is going to have lots of natural light and wide, wide plank floors. Yes.
  • I think my office is missing a mobile. Don’t you?
  • I’m kind of obsessed with Raspberry Pi computers, and somebody used one to keep track of their beers on tap at home. We could DEFINITELY use this.
  • It’s a little late to make it for St. Patty’s Day, but I would love to make this Jar of Luck to add a little greenery to my home office. Or anywhere in the house, really.
  • I’m so impatient for Clare to get older so she can play with cool things like this felt board over at A Life Sustained. Such a great idea!
  • Stuffed cheese buns? YES PLEASE!
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Mar132013

Spring jacket lust

I hate shopping for clothes for myself. Especially if they’re expensive clothes, regardless of whether they’ll last me forever or not. The last time I bought a new coat was from Target two springs ago, seen below:

Current spring trench

My current spring-y trench coat from Target

This coat is cute, and it still works, I guess. I kinda want something bright and new for spring, though. Especially something in coral…

Soia & Kyo's Martha in coral

Soia & Kyo’s Martha in coral

Or maybe something a little slumpy and army-ish:

Penfield Summer Anorak

Penfield Summer Anorak

This guy by Vans from Zappos is pretty cute, although I can’t testify as to the quality of anything from Vans anymore:

Vans Anchor jacket in charcoal heather

Vans Anchor jacket in charcoal heather

I generally like DKNY stuff, and this is cute, but it might be too boxy on my big-bootied frame:

DKNY plaid

DKNY plaid

Then again, there’s always this one from Target (again):

Target French terry

Target’s French terry in coral

I don’t know if I should try for something shorter, or go with a long trench like last time. Or just, you know, stick with what I’ve already got and skulk about it. Probably the last thing, but it’s nice to think about.

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Dec282012

Friday Link List!

Friday Link List!

  1. I’ve been gently daydreaming about building another HTPC machine (especially now that we’re giving up cable next week!), except unlike my last foray into this realm, I think I want to build a media server to stash in the basement, and then have set-top boxes at the tvs in the house to stream from the server. I’m going to be watching this entry for ideas on DVD rippers.
  2. I am in love with the homemade cocktail mixers that Whitney over at the Ugly Green Chair made to pass out as holiday gifts. Want to steallll!
  3. I also want to make some of this sleep salve. Another great idea for next year’s gift baskets.
  4. Don’t these homemade paper crackers look wonderful? I need to send away to Ferm Living for some wallpaper samples so I can make these for various festive occasions.
  5. Anna over at Door Sixteen wrote about her skincare routine, and so much of what she said rang true for me. I’m still dealing with acne in my 30s (even though I got a wonderful respite while pregnant), and I need to start doing what I can to take care of my skin more effectively.
  6. These Stephen Wildish posters are fucking awesome, and I WANT THEM ALLLLL. Ahem.
  7. Soooo, I’m making my first foray into using woven wraps, and I used holiday money to order this lovely little item. This is apparently a huge mama-subculture that I didn’t even know existed until very recently. I don’t know if I’ll get into the community, but I’m definitely looking forward to carrying my bambina around in something this beautiful (and RED). Time to start watching YouTube videos on different carries!
  8. Since my friend Amanda introduced me to this quinoa salad recipe a few weeks ago, I’ve made it twice. TWICE! That’s a record in our house since C was born! It’s so refreshing and filling, I’m sure I’ll make it many more times this winter (especially since it reminds me of summer, with the citrus and corn).
  9. Homemade Magic Shell? Don’t mind if I do!
  10. Handmade sprinkles for cakes and DOUGHNUTS? You’re killin’ me, Smalls! Yeah, I’m gonna make these, too, for a little doughnut-themed shindig we’re hosting next month.

♥ ♥ ♥

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Nov072012

Hurricane Sandy Relief

Supply Kit

Via SpecialKRB on Flickr

My heart is aching for those affected by Hurricane Sandy, but being landlocked in Iowa and having a new baby, I unfortunately can’t pick up and fly out to the east coast to help out in the relief efforts (even though my background as an AmeriCorps alum ensures that that’s my kneejerk urge whenever things like this happen). Since I’m stuck here, I tried to find other ways I could help out.

Thanks to Anna at Door Sixteen, I was directed to this post on Sweet Fine Day, which gives a view on the destruction that got lost in the uproar over the elections (yay Obama, by the way!). At the bottom of the post is a list of local organizations and efforts that are directly benefiting those affected by the disaster, which is apparently the way to go about helping them the fastest, since Red Cross funds aren’t necessarily getting to where they’re needed quickly enough. From there, I donated via the Occupy Sandy Amazon wishlist, using my Prime membership to make sure things got delivered quickly. I also contributed to the NYC Food Truck Association, which is currently out in full-force, feeding Sandy victims for free.

I’m sad I can’t be there in person to help out with the efforts, but I’m happy to do some small part to send things that are needed and spread the word about the awesome things that are going on.

Help out if you can!

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Oct272012

October Bluum Box

October Bluum Box

Post packing tape ripoff

I first found out about Bluum boxes while wandering around watching mommy videos (yuck, I know, haha) on YouTube. I love getting my Birchbox every month; it’s like receiving a surprise Christmas present every month! Sometimes I even forget I’m signed up for it, until I get the email letting me know it’s shipped. So, I figured I’d enjoy Bluum, which is geared towards moms and their babies. Here’s what came in my first box, for October:

October Bluum Box description card

The theme is “Magical Moments”

  • Disney Cuddly Bodysuit (3-pack $14.99)
    This is the sweetest, softest way to introduce Disney to your little character. Made with Disney Huggable Soft 100% Cotton and a double row of snaps, it’s like having two bodysuits in one, so that comfort and fashion last longer for your little one during his first magical year.
  • Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash (8oz. $7)
    A natural plant-based cleansing complex that gently cleans your baby’s hair AND body with a blend of Aloe, oat flour, and soy proteins. Bath time is one of the best times thanks to this tear-free shampoo and wash.
  • Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream (1.8oz. $18)
    Beauty sleep takes on a deeper meaning with this rich, natural night cream. Clinically proven to provide intense hydration, it also helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, so you wake up to skin that feels soft, supple, and smooth.
  • Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer (.09oz $5)
    Want your lips to speak volumes? Give them a smooch of luminescent color with this luscious lip shimmer. Shea butter and anti-oxidant rich fruit oils, moisturize, soften and nourish lips naturally and lovingly. Comes in 12 shimmering shades.
  • Happy Baby and Happy Tot pouches (3.5oz $1-1.59)
    Happy Baby and Happy Tot convenient, portable pouches offer a perfect on-the-go organic meal for babies and a health snack for toddlers.

October Bluum Box guts

This service looks like it’s going to be pretty great, so I’ll let you all know about what I get in the future. If you’re interested in signing up, feel free to use my referral links above, if you’re not too skeeved out by that. I don’t get any money from it, it just goes towards me having some future Bluum boxes paid for, win-win!

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Oct282011

Shoegasm

Holy crap, you guys. Was I talking about shoes lately? I HAD NO IDEA ABOUT THE SHOES! Today I followed a post on SFGirlByBay, one that featured some deliciously witchy/pilgrim-y shoes, and I went temporarily blind. BLIND. BECAUSE OF THE SHOES. My blindness-causers, let me show you them.

These shoes are from Chie Mihara’s line, a Japanese designer based in Spain, I think? I love them.

"Amis"

"Consi"

"Eloisa"

"Falla"

Another "Falla", I love this color combo

"Fenomeno"

"Flok"

"Iona"

"Olga"

"Rostar"

"Salvadora"

"Volanda"

"Xosmo"

"Floribri", wouldn't these be perfect for bridal shoes?

So, what is this collection teaching me? Well, for one thing, I need some gorgeous shoes. And for another? I need some charcoal grey tights. And some ribbed grey tights. Good goddamn.

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May052010

2010 Semi-Annual Midwestern Concert Bonanza!

It’s that time again! Here it goes:

Iowa City:
Sat 05/15/10 – Henry Rollins – Capitol Theatre (Davenport)
Sun 05/16/10 – Barenaked Ladies – RiverCenter / Adler Theatre (Davenport)
Fri 05/21/10 – The Tallest Man On Earth – The Mill
Sat 06/12/10 – The Mountain Goats – Blue Moose Tap House
Sat 06/12/10 – These United States – The Mill
Sat 09/18/10 – Janis Ian – City Park

Des Moines:
Sun 06/06/10 – Marcy Playground – House Of Bricks
Sat 07/03/10 – “80/35 Festival” – Western Gateway Park (Spoon, Will Whitmore, Modest Mouse, The Walkmen, and more)
Sun 08/08/10 – The Black Keys – Val Air Ballroom (West Des Moines)
Sun 08/15/10 – “Iowa State Fair” – Iowa State Fairgrounds Grandstand (VANILLA ICE!)
Sun 10/10/10 – Willie Nelson – 7 Flags Event Center (Clive)

Madison:
Fri 06/11/10 – These United States – Memorial Union Terrace @ UW
Sat 06/19/10 – CocoRosie – Barrymore Theatre
Wed 07/14/10 – Simon & Garfunkel – Kohl Center Arena
Fri 10/22/10 – Arlo Guthrie – Monroe High School (Monroe)

Omaha:
Thu 05/06/10 – 30 Seconds To Mars – Sokol Auditorium / Underground
Tue 05/11/10 – Matt Pond PA – Slowdown
Sat 05/15/10 – Mastodon – Sokol Auditorium / Underground
Mon 05/17/10 – Mono – The Waiting Room
Sun 05/23/10 – Less Talk More Polka – Duffy’s Tavern (Lincoln)
Thu 05/27/10 – Insane Clown Posse – Westfair Amphitheatre (Council Bluffs)
Sun 05/30/10 – Earth, Wind & Fire – Harrah’s Casino – Stir Concert Cove (Council Bluffs)
Sat 06/05/10 – Damien Jurado – Bourbon Theatre (Lincoln)
Mon 06/07/10 – Blitzen Trapper – Slowdown
Sun 06/13/10 – The Mountain Goats – Slowdown
Sun 06/13/10 – The Psychedelic Furs – The Waiting Room
Fri 06/25/10 – Mates of State – Slowdown
Sat 06/26/10 – Henry Rollins – Sokol Auditorium / Underground
Tue 07/06/10 – The Hold Steady – Slowdown
Sat 07/24/10 – “Maha Music Festival” (Old 97s, Spoon, Superchunk, The Faint) – Lewis And Clark Landing
Sun 08/01/10 – Al Green – Harrah’s Casino – Stir Concert Cove (Council Bluffs)
Wed 08/04/10 – Better Than Ezra – Horseshoe Casino / Whiskey Roadhouse (Council Bluffs)
Mon 08/09/10 – Gogol Bordello & Primus – Harrah’s Casino – Stir Concert Cove (Council Bluffs)
Sat 08/28/10 – The Black Crowes – Harrah’s Casino – Stir Concert Cove (Council Bluffs)
Sat 10/09/10 – The Flying Karamazov Brothers – Lied Center (Lincoln)
Fri 05/20/11 – Vienna Teng – Holland Performing Arts Center

Chicago:
Sat 05/08/10 – Joel McHale – Chicago Theatre
Tue 05/18/10 – Them Crooked Vultures – Aragon Ballroom
Wed 05/19/10 – Conan O’Brien – Chicago Theatre
Fri 05/21/10 – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – Vic Theatre
Sun 05/23/10 – Imogen Heap – Riviera Theatre
Tue 05/25/10 – Jill Scott – United Center
Thu 05/27/10 – Toots & The Maytals – House Of Blues
Sat 05/29/10 – Smoking Popes – Lincoln Hall
Sun 05/30/10 – Brian Jonestown Massacre – Metro / Smart Bar
Wed 06/02/10 – Erykah Badu – Chicago Theatre
Wed 06/02/10 – Gwar – Durty Nellie’s (Palatine)
Fri 06/04/10 – New Kids On The Block – The Venue at Horseshoe Casino (Hammond)
Mon 06/07/10 – She & Him – Millennium Park
Tue 06/08/10 – Matt Pond PA – Lincoln Hall
Wed 06/09/10 – Damien Jurado – Schubas Tavern
Thu 06/10/10 – George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic – The Cubby Bear
Fri 06/11/10 – Phish – Toyota Park (Bridgeview)
Fri 06/11/10 – The Psychedelic Furs – Metro / Smart Bar
Sat 06/12/10 – Concrete Blonde – Vic Theatre
Tue 06/15/10 – Cute Is What We Aim For – Reggies Rock Club
Fri 06/18/10 – CocoRosie – Metro / Smart Bar
Fri 06/18/10 – Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby – Schubas Tavern
Mon 06/21/10 – The Books – Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Tue 06/22/10 – Mates of State – Lincoln Hall
Fri 06/25/10 – Mason Jennings – Lincoln Hall
Mon 06/28/10 – Mirah – Lincoln Hall
Fri 07/09/10 – “Weird Al” Yankovic – Star Plaza Theatre (Merrillville)
Fri 07/16/10 – Old 97’s – Navy Pier
Sat 07/24/10 – Built To Spill – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre (Tinley Park)
Sat 07/31/10 – Al Green – The Venue at Horseshoe Casino (Hammond)
Wed 08/18/10 – Blondie – The Venue at Horseshoe Casino (Hammond)
Wed 08/18/10 – “Honda Civic Tour” (New Found Glory, Paramore, Tegan and Sara) – Charter One Pavilion @ Northerly Island
Sat 09/25/10 – Bill Cosby – Hemmens Cultural Center (Elgin)
Tue 10/05/10 – Willie Nelson – Rialto Square Theatre (Joliet)

Minneapolis:
Thu 05/06/10 – Low – Varsity Theater
Fri 05/07/10 – Joel McHale – Mystic Lake Casino (Prior Lake)
Fri 05/14/10 – Henry Rollins – Pantages Theatre
Mon 05/17/10 – Barenaked Ladies – The Orpheum Theatre
Tue 05/18/10 – Conan O’Brien – The Orpheum Theatre
Tue 05/25/10 – Toots & The Maytals – First Avenue
Fri 05/28/10 – Brian Jonestown Massacre – The Cabooze
Sat 06/05/10 – She & Him – First Avenue
Tue 06/08/10 – Local H – The Rock (Maplewood)
Wed 06/09/10 – Matt Pond PA – 7th Street Entry
Fri 06/11/10 – The New Pornographers – First Avenue
Sat 06/12/10 – The Psychedelic Furs – First Avenue
Sat 06/19/10 – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings (with MGMT and OK Go) – Walker Arts Center
Sat 06/26/10 – Ween – The Roy Wilkins Auditorium (Saint Paul)
Thu 07/01/10 – Mirah – Cedar Cultural Center
Thu 07/01/10 – Tool – Xcel Energy Center (Saint Paul)
Sat 07/03/10 – The Hold Steady – The Cabooze
Tue 07/13/10 – Joan Baez – Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater (Apple Valley)
Wed 07/14/10 – Modest Mouse – The Orpheum Theatre
Sun 07/18/10 – Wolf Parade – First Avenue
Sun 08/15/10 – The Black Crowes – Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater (Apple Valley)
Sat 08/21/10 – Blondie – Treasure Island Resort & Casino (Red Wing)
Mon 08/30/10 – Lady Gaga – Xcel Energy Center (Saint Paul)
Sun 09/12/10 – Pavement – The Roy Wilkins Auditorium (Saint Paul)
Fri 10/08/10 – Willie Nelson – Mystic Lake Casino (Prior Lake)
Sat 01/08/11 – The Flying Karamazov Brothers – Orchestra Hall

St. Louis:
Tue 05/11/10 – The Forecast – Firebird
Wed 05/12/10 – Reverend Horton Heat – Old Rock House
Wed 06/09/10 – Erykah Badu – Fabulous Fox Theatre
Fri 06/11/10 – Brian Jonestown Massacre – Off Broadway Nightclub
Mon 06/21/10 – Blitzen Trapper – Off Broadway Nightclub
Wed 06/23/10 – Passion Pit – The Pageant
Mon 06/28/10 – The New Pornographers – The Pageant
Thu 07/01/10 – Henry Rollins – The Pageant
Mon 07/12/10 – “Weird Al” Yankovic – The Family Arena (Saint Charles)
Sat 07/17/10 – Lady Gaga – Scottrade Center
Fri 08/06/10 – Gogol Bordello – The Pageant
Sat 08/28/10 – George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic – Chaifetz Arena

Music Festivals:
Pitchfork (Chicago)
Lollapalooza (Chicago)
LouFest (St. Louis)
Lilith Fair (Chicago/Minneapolis/St. Louis)
Soundset (Minneapolis)
Warped Tour (Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis)

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Dec042008

Sorry, everybody

It’s probably going to be pretty quiet over here for a while, but if you’re interested, come visit me at Seven Ten Clark, where I’m updating every single day with progress photos and descriptions of the work that I’m doing on my new house. I don’t think I’m going to have time to do much of anything else until we get moved in, and we have a LOT of work to do before we move.

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