Being an English major and all-around book lover, I have a lot of books. Even though I have (finally) jumped on the digital books bandwagon, I still cannot part with my old fashioned paper books. I like the way they look and I find them comforting.
However, when I got my new chair, I noticed just how much of a royal mess my book case was. It was a bad backdrop and dark corner of my apartment.
Awesome chair, total mess behind it.
I had run out of shelf space and was stacking things on the floor, I kept piles of magazines thinking I would want them someday (I didn't) and, perhaps worst of all, I had organized my books alphabetically and by genre. You can imagine what happened when I got a new book--the entire shelf had to be shifted.
So on my first day of summer break, I spent some time purging my book collection and storing some books that I still wanted but didn't need out on the shelves.
First I emptied all the shelves and sorted them into piles of "donate" "store" and "keep." With the keep pile, I stacked the books by similar height.
After doing this, I began putting them on the shelves, starting with the tallest and biggest books at the bottom. I also made sure they were all flush with the edge. It took a lot of fussing around.
While putting books on the shelves, I broke up the vertical arrangement of books with some horizontal stacks--keeping in mind what was below. You don't want each shelf to be identical, try to create a zig-zag so the eye moves around.
Finally, I accessorized with some items I had around the house--many of which had been sitting in corners looking for a home for 3 years...
The final result...
Much more visually pleasing and interesting
Vignette One: Vintage Anna Karenina books I wanted to feature and some small vintage glass jars. No idea what their original purpose was, but I am starting to put mini collections in them. One of them currently has a bunch of vintage keys
The top shelf--I actually ran out of books! But this gave me the perfect place to feature my favorite book in my collection: a 2nd edition Rebecca from 1941. I also have that beat up paper back from the 70s. I refuse to part with it! It was my mom's once and then she suggested I read it. I end up reading this book about once a year and that paperback version of Rebecca has been with me since high school. I also put some pretty votive with electric tea lights and a needlepoint vanity tray.
A glass bowl I've had for years that just sat in a corner and 2 decorative "carpet balls" I made out of vintage dictionary pages.
Vintage mason jars and dried lavender
Really neat collection of vintage wooden spools with pretty thread still on them.
Part of my collection of vintage prescription bottles. They're a weird thing to collect, but I just think they are so cool. I have a thing for tiny glass jars
Lace vanity tray, neat jars and vintage Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights
A much better background for the chair! Now what to do about that desk area....
So I've been very lazy about the blog this entire school year. But now summer is almost here and you can expect to see a lot more posts (for all 3 of you who are maybe reading this).
Today I am spending a Saturday in by myself because my body decided it would be a fabulous idea to come down with a cold two days before summer break starts. I'm watching random movies and saw that Step Up 3 was now on Netflix Instant. I enjoy the dancing... normally I can stomach the plot. I enjoy a little brainless entertainment every now and then. But OMFG (and that is one of the very few times I will use that acronym) this movie is ridiculous.
I may be 2 glasses of wine in (I know, I have a cold. bad idea. Whatever.) But I am still sitting here in such a state of WTF that I had to pause the movie 20 minutes in and express myself. I will now give you commentary as I witness more and more craziness. This may be a long post.
Firstly, I don't know why they even tried to set up a back story, because it just makes the whole thing even more asinine. So Moose (yeah, that's the only name he's given) is at Freshmen orientation at NYU when he suddenly becomes ensconced in a dance battle royale with the "House of Samurai" in the middle of Washington Square Park. Cause, ya know, NYC is just that bad ass.
So the 18 year old white boy becomes a force to be reckoned with and is immediately taken under the wings of an older man with a video camera who then takes him to his "secret practice area."
Totally Kosher.
Moose. You will be intimated by his glossy curls and freshly washed face
So Luke (AKA creepy older guy) sees some chica he has the hots for in his club downstairs (he owns it as a front for his little dance studio--did I mention he's creepy?) and proceeds to head downstairs to "court" her. This happens:
yeah.... Number one.. why in God's green earth is she wearing a cape?!
Number two: A video camera? Again? Is he trying to start some porn empire or introduce himself to a girl he finds interesting. Then again... she is wearing a cape. Luke is starting to remind me of someone...
Remember Ricky from American Beauty? The guy obsessed with plastic bags...
Meanwhile... Moose goes to the bathroom. The entrance of which is straight out of Tron. Can't find a picture of that, but trust me. But it's no mere trip to the lou for Moose--because "nobody battles the samurai just once"
So that guy is trying real hard to be intimidating. But those speakers on his pecs kinda sorta look like boobs. Just saying...
So Luke takes his lady friend upstairs to his place (there's a "damsel in distress" situation) and he, I kid you not, makes her sleep in a tent. A tent. They're in NYC not the &$@!#$ Adirondacks.
Next, The Santiago Twins (who are totally straight) show off their wall of shoes and Moose is like "F my engineering degree! Let's Dance!"
I leave you with this clip and say no more. (except this)
The Santiago Twins are the ones in matching long johns with easy access front flaps. Totally straight.
Don't know how much more of this I will watch. If Mystery Science Theatre 3000 were still around (and if this were a SciFi film) this would totally be featured.
Summer will be here in about a month for me. No more classes... no more books. This is the most accurate depiction of teachers and summer break I've seen:
So summer out means that I have time to catch some movies. Here are a few I find particularly enticing that are coming out in the next few months.
1. Super 8
Same production company that was responsible for "Lost" (Bad Robot) and potentially cool 70s soundtrack--I'm in.
2. The Trip
Hilariously funny British guys, fine restaurants and food jokes, funny bad impressions. It's a little like The Odd Couple for restaurant reviewers.
3. The Art of Getting By
This has the potential of being good... or being trite and formulaic. However I have had many students like George and I love the term "Teflon Slacker."
4. Bad Teacher
So I have a major thing for Justin Timberlake... and Justin as a slightly nerdy teacher in glasses... too much! Also has Jason Segal, star of my fav. show HIMYM
5. Prom
Yeah it's a Disney movie and targeted at people half my age. But as a teacher, I find these kind of movies hilarious on a whole different level. It's Prom season now. The students are doing some silly things to ask out their potential dates. Including a student who stood on the roof with a poster rolled into a tube to unfurl when his date walked by. The tube looked like something else. Police and helicopters were called. True story.
6. Another Earth
When I was little--middle school and early high school--I would do nerdy things like read A Brief History of the Universe and journal about my ponderings regarding the universe. Another Earth was something I was frequently obsessed with--it's a possibility. Just think about it!
7. One Day
I've been following this one for awhile, loved the idea. And finally there is a trailer to watch.
Yes, the accents... But the story looks really good.
8. Tintin
I'll probably wait until this comes out on Netflix, but I am excited about this. I remember watching the original cartoons on HBO with my mom and I absolutely loved them. Gives me a fuzzy feeling of nostalgia.
Summer is rapidly approaching and while I am excited about the warm weather, pool, and time off; I am kinda freaking out about fitting 2 novels into the remaining 2 months of school. It will be done!
I have been embracing the weather by redecorating my deck. I went to HomeGoods (an awesome discount store) and got some new, cool things. I also got new chairs at 50% off from World Market. I loved the old chairs, but they weren't really comfortable.
Porch before--some cute pieces but that darn orange camping chair... It was comfy at least. But I didn't want it on my porch anymore.
The other side of the porch before. Even the watering can is on its side...
New decor--view from my living room.
This is the side that had the orange chair. I am going to be using that bag of soil so it will be gone soon.
Other side after--that wall needs something. I have ideas...
There are no electric lights on my porch so I have lanterns. I found these at HomeGoods and I LOVE them. They are the blue color, the glass is pressed glass and the brass has intricate designs punched in it.
The plant stand I rescued from my grandma's last year. I am still working on collecting cool (and cheap) pots. I loved this mirror too--I think it's an unexpected touch.
And finally, the rug I got from thefoundary.com for less than $20! It has such pretty colors! And keeps me from tracking stuff inside
Next week: plants! I will, of course, have pictures to share. I have also really been channeling summer through my cooking lately:
Fried shrimp, coleslaw and hashbrowns with dill. Pan frying a few shrimp for one is really easy! I recommend trying it.
Steak fajitas! I made a quick pico de gallo and a Mexican rub for my steak. The steak was so good! Tip: cook the steak first, then the peppers and onions. It gives the steak time to rest, seasons the veggies, and the hot pan gives the peppers the charred look and taste you want.
Over the past year, I have been in the process of updating my apartment and purchasing quality furniture that will last me for years and years. I look at it like an ongoing art project--I just love interior design! I got a new couch around November, purchased a really nice quilt (that I am STILL waiting for!) and yesterday--I bought a new chair!!
I am member of several interior design flash sale sites--most people my age are members of designer clothes flash sales. Not me. I really recommend checking them out--amazing deals and neat stuff! There's The Foundary, One King's Lane, and Joss & Main--where I got the chair.
But first, let me tell you about my old chair... I bought it from a cheap furniture store when I first moved here 3 years ago. It only cost about $299 for the chair AND ottoman. I thought it was quite a deal, and it was the blue color I love. But 3 years later, the thing is a blemish in my apartment. The construction is quite cheap and time is a wrecker. The fabric is also ridiculous. It's not microfiber, just regular fabric (polyester I think) but if i run my fingernails across it--BAM! white streaks that won't go away. If I spill water--yes, water--on the chair, it creates a stain. And the back of the chair has acquired some odd brown stain. You'd think I was always dirty when I sat in it. Which I rarely do anymore. So here is my old chair in all its glory:
So when Joss & Main featured a furniture company I love (Hotel Maison), I was watching. And saw the chair I had been waiting for. Top grain leather (so excited!), creamy white, button tufted back, glamorous old Hollywood style. And all for a very reasonable price thanks to the flash sale discount. It's coming around May 5th and I can't wait.
Now I just have to decide what to do with the old chair... I'm too embarrassed to donate it. So throw it off the balcony or burn it in effigy?
For some reason I just love break up songs. It's not that I'm going through one--quite the opposite in fact--but there's just something empowering about this particular sub-genre.
But I don't do weepy songs, I've never been one to dwell on things. The songs I listen to as "breakup songs" are very far from "Everybody Hurts." You have to try your best to see the brighter side, realize that you'll be stronger in the end and move on. So with that in mind, I give you my 7 favorite "kick ass and take names" break up songs.
1. Reba McEntire "Consider Me Gone" I love this one because we've all known guys like this--they're "fun" but just... shallow. These are the immature "bros" who say such enlightened things as "I feel like a married couple" or "I just don't wanna be trapped." Well: 1) you should be so lucky and 2) See ya!
2. Goodbye to You "Scandal"
I love a little peppy 80s music when I'm down. Also a great song for the elliptical (speaking of, it's been a few weeks since I hit the gym).
3. "Express Yourself" Madonna
Speaking of 80s music... This one helps to remind me what I need to wait for. Favorite line: "You deserve the best in life, so if the time isn't right move on. Second best is never enough, you'll do much better, baby, on your own."
4. "Wrong Baby Wrong" Martina McBride
Cause there's nothing a bottle of wine can't cure. Except maybe a hangover from drinking said bottle...
5. "F**K It"Eamon
So this one is a little more angry than sassy, but it's great for when you're going through the "angry" stage of grief. I'm not one to curse, but I still like this song. And sometimes you just gotta drop the F-Bomb. (this is the edited version of the song; still probably NSFW though).
6. "Bye Bye" Jo Dee Messina
Notice the abundance of country songs? Yes, I listen to them and these women just do it right. This is the song for the guy that you thought was "the one" and you just hung around too long. We're all guilty of it as some point. "Maybe I read you wrong thinking you could be my Mr. Right. I was putting my heart and soul on the line, you said you needed more time... well it's been long enough and time is up."
7. "Harden My Heart" Quarterflash
Hearing this song always brings me back to the first time I heard it. Senior Year. Kinda broken up over a certain college freshman who "broke" my heart. I heard this and starting jumping on the bed and dancing. Also gotta love a little early 90s sax a la "Baker Street"
"Kafkaesque" is really the only way to describe the ordeal I'm being put through with ordering this comforter from Arhaus:
Pretty isn't it? I wouldn't really know since I still don't have it
A close up--it's burn-out velvet. It really is beautiful.
Now Arhaus is a "nice" store. I really like their stuff and the employees have been very nice, but let me describe what I've been put through with this cursed quilt.
1. Went to store on Dec. 26 and have a post-Christmas, totally greedy "OMG I have to have it" moment. Bought quilt with X-mas cash.
2. Now, the entire problem could have been resolved if they just kept the quilt in the store. I understand why they don't have furniture there, but how much space would it really take to store a few quilts? I doubt that many people are flooding the furniture store for $300 quilts. But John happily takes his commission for doing nothing and laughs "Oh, we don't have a back room." Like I'm supposed to swoon at how exclusive they are. I just want the damn quilt.
3. Since they don't have something as pedestrian as a backroom or "storage" I am forced to pay $24 for shipping and handling. They better make my bed for me when it gets here.
This is how John sees storage.
4. It's on back order. Of course--So I am told it will be in by February 2nd. I patiently wait. Later I figure out the quilt was on sale and I didn't get my sale price. I call about that...
5. Mid-February rolls around and I am wondering where my quilt is. After all, they already charged me for it. Most companies wait until they actually send it. I call the store and meet Robin, who is a very nice lady who seems sympathetic of my situation. It was back ordered again. Until March 2
6. March rolls around and guess what?! No quilt! I call Robin again, she says she'll look into it for me because it was back ordered again... and this is "not usual." I sure hope not.
7. Robin leaves a message on my answering machine and I just have to laugh. Turns out my quilt is made in Egypt and a certain revolution there has held it up. However, there is ONE in the U.S. and since I've been waiting longer, they are going to remove it from one person's order and send it to me.
8. 2 weeks pass. I call Robin again. At this point when she answers the phone I find myself wanting to say "Hey Robin! What's up? It's me Laura" I actually do say "It's Laura" and she knows who I am--Quilt girl. She's shocked that I still haven't received said quilt and is going to look into it again.
9. A weekend passes and then Robin calls me again. Turns out there was some sort of shipping fiasco and UPS ruined my quilt THE ONLY ONE IN THE CONTINENTAL US! UPS.. WTF?? And you wonder why you're going out of business.
Too bad this guy wasn't around to sew it back up for me. Seriously, what is going on in this picture?
So now I'm back to playing the backorder game--I'm told Mid-April. I should just cancel the order at this point, but I feel like I've waited so long that I can't just give up now. Will the quilt ever arrive? Or will I be 80 and hanging out with my best bud Robin still waiting for the backorder that would not end?
