The Everything Bagel

Today, I am ready for summer. Ready for watermelon and corn on the cob and lemonade. Ready for beach umbrellas and the smell of sunscreen.

Image via pinterest.

Dying over these pop-culture paper-cut silhouettes from designer/illustrator Olly Moss. I’m hoping these become available for purchase because I just may need that Doug one.

More images over here. Images via Olly Moss.

Nobody baby but you and me

Because Sean and I both work full time, myself during the day and he often at night, it makes it difficult to spend the quality time together that we want to. We’ve begun instituting “date night” every Friday, where we go to our favorite restaurant The Chicago Diner (yes, they now know us by name AND by order, SO embarrassing!) and to an indie movie theater down the road to see a new film that we don’t know much about. It’s officially all I think about Monday through Thursday.

Our first venture we saw Black Swan, and I was BLOWN AWAY. I’m no movie critic, but I will say that it deserves all the hype it’s received. As a warning though, if you’re squeamish like I am, maybe prepare to hide your eyes every once in a while.

The following week we saw The King’s Speech, and once again, this movie was phenomenal. Not only was the acting incredible, but it’s one of the most beautiful examples of cinematography I’ve ever seen.

And last but not least we saw Blue Valentine. Holy cow. Neither of us had any idea what we were really getting into with this movie, but I will say that it’s beautiful and heart-wrenching and honest. It definitely deserves more attention. Also, it has an original score by Grizzly Bear, and two wonderfully romantic songs featured in it. Listen to Ryan Gosling cover “You always hurt” on ukulele here or Penny and the Quarters “You and Me” here.

Photos from pinterest: 1 // 2 // 3 

Anyways, it’s about old friends.

I actually cannot believe it’s January 3rd, 2011. Like everyone else with the resolution-making mindset, I’ve been working on getting out of my 2010 rut and planning new things. We’ve been setting some goals, both reachable and lofty, and I’m getting really excited about them. New projects, new projects, new projects!

Joe, Erica, Jonelle and Jackson came to visit for the new year, and despite them only staying a short time and going to a loud, crowded, techno-playing nightclub, we had a really great time and looked super-fine while doing so.

So happy new year—here’s to love and accomplishment in 2011!

(Photos by Sean Cook & Joseph Matteson. Left-right, top-bottom: Joe/Erica, Joe, Jonelle, Jackson, Sean, Myself and the most gaud-damn beautiful shoes you’ve ever seen.)

Inspiration: Rue Magazine

Well, it’s a rainy, 65 degree morning here in Chicago(what the WHAT?) and what better way to begin my day than by sipping a soy chai, reading the new issue of Rue Magazine, and listening to The Official Elvis Honeymoon House Holiday Playlist created by The Flashdance. Because if it’s not going to start looking like Christmas, then there better be plenty of cinnamon, glitter and Elvis Presley to give me cheer.

A few important things I’ve learned from this issue of Rue:

• My new life goal is to have a workspace/studio as wonderful as this.
• I may never own enough plaid. 
• Pink living rooms can be AMAZING.
• Other people hate taxidermy in interior design as much as I do!

And for good measure here are a few things I’ve stumbled across on the internet the last few days:

• The cutest tape I’ve ever seen!
• My New Years Eve is going to go a little something like this
• Amazingly intricate candlesticks (via Design*Sponge)

(Source: ruemag.com)

24hrs of Michigan

Spending time in Michigan with close friends is one of the most heart-warming experiences I can think of. These photos are from our last trip home where I ate some really delicious vegan Chinese food, had my first visit to The Ugly Mug, and won an award in our annual mock elections.

Read More

BBQ tofu & sauteed broccoli

BBQ tofu and sauteed broccoli is one of my favorite meals to make because it’s really easy and super delicious. It takes about 45 minutes to make, not including tofu-pressing time, but it’s well worth it. My recipe is adapted from the Baked BBQ Tofu in Veganomicon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz.

Follow the link for the recipe:

Read More