Grown Up Pencil Case
Posted on July 17th, 2015
Going from pharmaceutical consulting to the fashion industry have made me realize there are some definite aspects of my wardrobe where I need to step up my game (hello, shoes). The halls at Nordstrom are secure, so we need cards to swipe in everywhere. As people move from meetings from floor to floor, they take their wallets with them with their card, but I’ve found that between my wallet, my notebook, my phone, and my pen, my hands are pretty full. I have an old green Kate Spade ostrich Stacy wallet that works well for me (I love the current striped version and the bow on sale), but I’m thinking some kind of larger pouch that could hold more of my meeting essentials could be pretty clutch. Is there a grown up version of a pencil case?
Mackenzie Horan models my favorite version, found here, which is conveniently really not in my price range at all. But the blue, the scallops, the monogram… perfect.
Other contenders:
- Very summery
- To help me get over the red aversion
- With a bow, and for a good cause
- Super affordable
- Good color scheme
- On sale!
- Colorblocking
But I could go another direction. I don’t really need my whole wallet for meetings most of the time unless I have to do emergency online shopping (it happens), so what I really need is a place for my swipe access card. Those phone cases with a card holder that were so popular in college would work well. Although they’re kind of cumbersome to carry all the time, it would be easy to swap over for another case on the weekends. (Sidenote: am I the only one who needs a new phone case all the time? When it comes to phone cases, I am like Pig Pen. So much dirt.)
I was very unsuccessful in finding good options here, to be honest… although these would work: One // Two . This Kate Spade one would be perfect, but I’m having trouble finding it! It seems like a concept that is being phased out, and most of them available are just not that cute. Does anyone have any suggestions for something similar?
Please use this as an excuse to online shop on my behalf. Enjoy!
Procrastination Station– July 15
Posted on July 15th, 2015
Remember how I moved to Seattle last month? (Ha. As if you could forget. As if I don’t mention it in every post.)
I read this article from The New Yorker and now I’m regretting it big time. The picture says it all. If you think the intersection of history and scientific data is interesting, you’ll want to read it. If you are easily alarmed, don’t.
I love America so much, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to live here. William Han, a New Zealander living in in New York, feels the same way, but unlike me, he does not have the opportunity to be here indefinitely. My knowledge of the immigration system is fairly limited, so I’m glad I read his piece on the immense challenges it poses. I did want to know what he would suggest as a solution, however… tough stuff.
Sometimes, Onion articles pop up and I have to admit… I often chuckle! They weighed in on the pros and cons of removing the Confederate flag from government buildings. Hard to argue with the con “can’t fully grasp its incredible grandeur like you can on a bedspread or garage door.”
I enjoy typography in the way I enjoy many things: I know nothing about it, but I’m interested, and I like to look. Domino Mag compiled a list of some of the most elegant signs in New York. Font lovers, rejoice!
In other reading news, Go Set a Watchman was released today, and not without a great deal of controversy. I ordered my copy tonight– looking forward to getting started at the beach this weekend!
It’s Really Over
Posted on July 13th, 2015
A year ago this week, I moved to New York. I had accepted my job offer in March, so I had plenty of time to get ready. I had read approximately 3,000 articles on the internet on all things New York, from subway lines to budget optimizations to new restaurant openings to how to best find an apartment. To quote one {thoroughly modern} Millie, “Manhattan, I prepared for you.”
Except it turns out that you just can’t really prepare for New York, especially when it is your first time living on your own without the life structure of an academic setting. I had no trouble going through the motions—I got up at 5am five days a week in 2013—but I was emotionally exhausted pretty consistently. My 60 hour workweek could have been worse but still didn’t feel awesome, and I had little time in my life to do anything except run, work, and a little volunteering. I think I can count on both hands the number of times I cooked dinner for myself! Not proud.
I have come to realize that New York was part of this, though. Instead of feeling energized by my surroundings, I felt drained. There were exceptions, of course, like walking up Fifth Avenue to get home in the evenings. But generally, I found being a New Yorker quite challenging. I felt constantly like I had to be “on,” and expounding energy and extraordinary effort. I was super proud of myself for moving there on my own and putting myself in a demanding environment, but living in Seattle has forced me to recognize the toll that really put on me.
On the one hand, not much has changed now that I’m in Washington. I still have a full-time job, I am still financially independent, I still live in an apartment with wall colors I don’t like but can’t change… And yet, I feel completely different. Instead of feeling stressed but proud, I feel lucky and still pretty proud, too! I felt like I had something to prove to the world in New York, but I don’t feel that way anymore. I’m just focused on being. Being happy, being the best version of myself, and figuring out what it takes to accomplish that.
Of course, this is a personal thing. For a lot of people, being in New York is what allows them to figure out their best self. The vibe of the city is what gets them out of bed in the morning, not what makes them cry at night sad. If you are one of those people, I really admire you, your resilience, and your grit! And if you’re not, I really admire you and identify with you, too.
So in closing, I don’t think I realized while in NYC the full consequences of the decision I was making. On the one hand, I don’t regret my time there at all, and I am so grateful to have had the life experience of living in New York. On the other hand, it is so over.
The Art of the Home
Posted on July 9th, 2015
Understandably, Ian and I have not exactly rushed into a lot of art purchases in our first few weeks. We recycled some pieces we already had, but could not ignore the gaping hole above our bed. Something needed to be there.
Going into the hunt, Slim Aarons was my dream. I love a little aspiration in my decor, and looking at those pictures gives me a lifestyle to shoot for. One Kings Lane has a pretty good selection, and these were a few of my favorites:
Of course, looking at Slim Aarons images led me to his modern heir, Gray Malin. To be honest, this might have been my first choice were money no object…
But of course, it is. So we reined it a little bit, and started looking at options on Minted.
I highly recommend browsing Minted if you’re not sure what you’re looking for and need a little inspiration. I would have been happy with any of these options.
Incidentally, West Elm also carries some items in collaboration with Minted, like these arrows. For a little 3D action at a super affordable price, I actually like this nautical piece as well– on sale for under $50!
But then we came across the winner: a Tom Kelley mid-century photograph of a happy couple. Happy is the operative word here. Looking at the image just brought such a smile to our faces!
How could we say no? And it looks right at home above our bed.
(Note: I didn’t choose the wall color, nor can I change it)
Getting closer to building a complete, happy home!
Procrastination Station- July 8
Posted on July 8th, 2015
The theme this week is “things I read…”
Gray Malin feels like the Slim Aarons of our generation– he is the photographer behind the Marfa photo you have definitely seen— and I have spent many hours daydreaming about apparating into his photos. Like a pool full of inner tubes! Given his inspired eye, it is not surprising that his home delivers a similar level of class chicness. Thanks to Domino for giving us a peek inside here!
Now that she’s gotten out of a tiny New York apartment, Mackenzie Horan is dipping her toe into cooking. Looking forward to trying out her granola recipe this weekend. Granola is an example of a fairly unhealthy snack that has earned the reputation of being healthy for no reason. Don’t tell anyone.
Everyone needs a little dose of inspiration from time to time. See what simple adages these 25 people have found inspired them most. I particularly liked the one above!
I have always been taught to hold education in the highest regard, which made me find this article on the possibility of a POTUS without a college degree quite interesting. (Political party aside!) When the value of the things you value are called into question, some critical thinking is required.
Maximizing Summer
Posted on July 7th, 2015
Here we are on July 7. Independence Day just passed, and technically the summer season only started 16 days ago. And yet each and every year at just this very time I’m sitting pretty, basking in the glory that is summer, and then I BLINK MY EYES and it is September 27. I know I’m not alone in this, having discussed this disturbing phenomenon with others, but this year I’m going to attempt to do something about it.
In order to really maximize my remaining glory days before the rainy season is upon us, I have decided to catalog and prioritize my goals for the rest of the summer. Behold: my summer bucket list.
We have a lot to cover.
- Go to another Mariners game. Baseball is a quintessential summer nights activity, and it will also help Ian and me to continue to feel at home in Seattle.
- See two movies. I have my eyes on Minions and Trainwreck.
- Take a weekend trip to Victoria on Vancouver Island. I visited Victoria with my family a few years ago and really loved it (especially Butchart Gardens), and am glad it’s only a quick ferry ride away!
- Enjoy a beach day (or two!)
- Host another dinner party… except we can be pretty sure mine won’t look anything like what is pictured above.
- Hike at Mount Rainier. Ian swears it is worth the drive!
- Read two more books– your suggestions here would be SUPER welcome
- Try a zumba class at my new gym. I’ve already gotten pretty into barre, but would like to get my groove on, too
- Run a half marathon. I’ll be crossing this one of the list on Sunday!
- Send postcards to my friends (and grandmother) because snail mail is irreplaceable
- See a Seattle sunset from a prime vantage point. The sky turns the most beautiful colors here as the sun goes down, and we’ve watched from our 26th floor roofdeck, but I would love to have a proper sunset watching, wine drinking date at a park.
Looking forward to making progress and making the most out of the most wonderful time of the year. In the immortal words of John Mayer…
Too. True.
What Drag Queens Kill For
Posted on July 3rd, 2015
In case you missed it on Instagram or Tumblr…
This super fabulous thing happened to me this week. It was Monday morning, which is generally a universally hated time, and I was getting Starbucks because, as of recently, this is a thing I do. The barista in our building is totally darling and friendly (Nicholas, thank you), and it just so happens that on Monday morning, he said just the right thing to make my day week.
“Princess Helen,” he said, as he handed me my grande Skinny Vanilla Latte (caffeine and I have rekindled our relationship), “You look great. I know drag queens who would kill for that necklace.”
Well, that is certainly one of the most wonderful things anyone has ever said to me. My parents thing I’m smart and motivated and my college roommate thinks I’m a great friend, but a barista thinks my necklace would be coveted by queens. So after I was done telling every single person I know, I reflected once again on the power of statement necklaces.
In terms of accessories, statement necklaces are my secret weapon. Even if your outfit is lame and uninventive (which mine almost always is), if you’re wearing a fabulous statement necklace, everyone thinks you look fierce. Trying to pull off a striped tee and jeans as “business casual?” Get some excellent jewelry going, and everyone will focus on how put together you are. Yes, I am speaking from personal experience.
At this point, I have developed a pretty good collection. That being said, there is always room for improvement in life. I’m not one to settle! So whether Bling is your middle name or you’re just starting to take my advice, check out these pieces below as you build out your arsenal:
The Kate Spade number I was sporting on Monday is pretty uniquely fabulous but also sold out in the winter of 2014, but I nobly struck out on a mission to find something similar for you all. The good news: I kind of found something. The bad news: it’s $800. BUT Loren Hope is beautiful and I always find I get my money’s worth on pieces like these.
Of course, Kate Spade always has an amazing selection. One // Two (only $43!) // Three
For Kendra Scott lovers: Four
To embrace the tassel trend: Five (Extra 40% off!)
To look extra amazing: Six
Everyone should own this necklace, it’s nothing too crazy but I wear it constantly: Seven
Because J. Crew Factory is practically free right now: Eight // Nine
So on Monday mornings, let your gems do the talking. You never know who will talk back, or what they’ll say!
Procrastination Station- July 1
Posted on July 2nd, 2015
I know, I know, I haven’t been the best at bringing you regular content recently. But that sure won’t stop me from providing you with other– dare I say better– things to read.
We are well in the midst of wedding season. Racked investigates the history behind The Most Important Dress You’ll Ever Wear. And points out how silly it is that it’s white. What about stains? No red wine will be served at my wedding; it’s only logical.
Send some love with these adorable greeting cards from Yellow Owl Workshop! The watermelon would be just the thing to send when thanking someone for including you at their July 4th bash. {Thank you notes after someone hosts you are a lovely tradition and should be upheld}
Topical to me, aka extremely important, Mackenzie teamed up with some of her girlfriends to share thoughts on moving in with your Sig O. I’m still in the phase where, after five years of long distance, it feels too good to be true. Here’s hoping that unbridled joy lasts forever and ever!
Realistically, I suspect I have days as a stay-at-home mother in my future. I very much look forward to making my children my primary priority, but reading this perspective on Grown & Flown is important for anyone thinking they may bow out of the workforce. Ultimately, it’s a deeply personal decision, but they encourage us to go into it with eyes wide open.
Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays (tied for second, or third, can’t decide), and it has me craving all sorts of big time Americana. Waiting on Martha understands me, and provides ways to spruce up your prepackaged wieners and buns. Pardon my language. Now to find some pie…
That’s a Peach, Hon!
Posted on June 30th, 2015
{Caddyshack reference anyone?}
Fresh produce reigns supreme in summer, of course! In Seattle, I am lucky to live near the famous and famously touristy Pike Place Market, and we love going every weekend to pick up flowers and fresh produce for the week. The peaches at our favorite produce stand have been on point recently, so I’ve been incorporating them into just about everything… which includes dessert!
We have gotten in a habit of hosting dinner parties on Sunday evenings as we build out our social network in the Pacific Northwest, and I make sure to force my love of peach desserts on my guests. This week, I made a peach pound cake that was the perfect way to showcase those yummy summer flavors.
Cakes are easy because you can pretty much throw all of the ingredients together and let your stand mixer work its magic. The key here is to mix everything together and then add the peaches last so they only get folded in gently, as opposed to being beaten to a peachy pulp.
I used a bundt pan for this, as I do for most cakes, because it produces an aesthetically pleasing outcome without any skill on your part. Which is lucky, seeing as I don’t have any. I did put the cake pan on a tray just in case there was any overflow. Thankfully, there wasn’t!
For the next approximately 80ish minutes, enjoy the smell of peachy cake filling your home. It’s as good as it sounds.
And voila!
Nailed it!
Now you try…
Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups flour
1 pound of butter (so you know it’s good)
6 eggs
3 cups of sugar
1 tablespoon of vanilla
1/3 cup peach schnapps
1/2 cup of milk
2 cups of fresh peaches, diced
Cook in a well-greased bundt pan for about an hour and twenty minutes at 325 degrees. I recommend serving with homemade whipped cream– which, for the record, is always worth it. Serves about 12 people. We had a lot of leftovers, so I…
a) took them into my closet and ate them in private
b) sent them to work with Ian
c) made more friends
I’ll let you decide which option I chose.
Christmas Come Early with Kate Spade
Posted on June 18th, 2015
It’s like Christmas in June! …Literally. Kate Spade released a preview of their winter collection, and it definitely has me thinking there’s no place like Kate Spade for the holidays. Find more images here! I don’t even know what that black present is, but I think I probably need it. The navy/periwinkle stripe combination is so classic (so Mackenzie Horan, in fact). I haven’t been thrilled with the Kate Spade statement colors this season just because they already feel like they won’t last forever (this in guava and fresh air, for example), so this is a positive development.
PS In terms of the current arrivals, this bag might be the one to get me over my irrational aversion to the color red.
