Today I'm in love with...

   Ballerinas.

   The Hair

   The Shoes

   The Bodysuit

   The Ethereal

Back to Blogging

I apologize for my leave of absence! So much has happened in the past two months, I wouldn't even know where to begin. First there was finals, and then nothing but booze, birthdays, and men for a good month and a half. So I suppose I will just start where I left off for now; with the prototype. We developed the shape of the carton into a ceramic planter, which ended up selling out at our design expo. Going through the motions of starting a small business were inspirational, to say the least, and I could not have asked for better business partners! Below are some photographs of the object that I managed to snap before the expo started.

The Prototype

For my Architecture of the Object class, the goal is to design an object and sell it at a design fair in order to experience the motions of starting a small business. Last night, my partner Susan and I presented our object to a jury of designers. It went rather well, and we've decided to take the object further, by abstracting the shape and designing our own inspired object. These are a few photographs I took last night!

The idea is to take something disposable, like this plastic egg carton, and slip cast it into a permanent object, forcing to buyer to rethink the shape of the object for different purposes. Hope you like it!

Menswear + Crochet

 I've been crocheting like mad to help level out the stress of school, and I've made a few really cute things. My favorite is just a simple beige scarf that I tied into a bow, and I've discovered that it goes really well with a few of my wardrobe staples. I've always loved menswear- oxfords, blazers, slouchy shirts and trousers. Here's a quick little outfit that I put together this morning and absolutely loved!

Like the scarf? Buy a similar one here at Casa Manzanita!

Ombre + Bangs

I apologize for the long absence and spotty posts, school has been absolutely overwhelming and I barely have time to even think about blogging! But I HAVE been thinking about a hair change. I'm thinking of going a bit darker for fall, and I have fallen in love with Ombre tones and straight bangs. I'm thinking maybe I'll give this combintion it a try.

Surprises can be lovely

This week has been absolutely hectic. I’ve had loads of projects to finish, three presentations in three different classes, shopping dates to meet, housework to do, and a few unexpected surprises along the way. For one, my grandmother was nice enough to let me have her sewing machine if I fixed it up. It’s a beautiful furniture piece, a 1951 Singer White Dressmaster with all of the original bobbins, attachments, and a button hole maker. It sews beautifully, and it will be wonderful to make clothes on the same machine that my mother and grandmother used to make all of their own clothes. I’m thrilled to start using it!

I went thrifting with an old friend from highschool, Julia, last Sunday. The weather was gorgeous, but has already returned to the warm and humid norm. I found some really great things for when the weather stops being so fickle.  I especially love my long, silk skirt with tiny beige dots and my new favorite flannel camping shirt. So cozy!

Rajesh and I were on our way to my parents house when I stopped to get gas. This precious little boy walked right up to me, and I just had to take him home. I think he was abandoned because he has been housetrained and loves to cuddle! I gave him a flea bath, clipped his nails, cleaned his ears, gave him some heartworm medicine, and now he’s right as rain! We think he's a chihuahua beagle cross, because he howls when you leave him by himself! It's so cute, I could die. By far the best surprise of the week! He is the sweetest little pooch, and I hope I can find him a good home very soon.

Kale Chips

I have had an amazingly busy week, and I haven't had any time to come up with recipes or cook or even browse the web for things I love! Later this evening I'll create a post explaining my crazy week! But for now, I thought I would post a recipe for my new favorite snack since I haven't posted a recipe in weeks! It's nice to get back in the kitchen.

 Kale chips are another one of the healthiest foods that people don't eat, and they are delicious! They have the melt in your mouth consistency of fried spinach, a huge supply of vitamin K, and are only 15 calories a cup! I eat mine with just a little salt, because I love the taste of kale. 

First, preheat your oven to 365 degrees F, wash the leaves, and lay them out to dry. I pat mine with a paper towel to get off any excess moisture. 

 Slice the leaf twice lengthwise on either side of the rib. Then chop into two or three inch pieces, removing any remaining large ribs.

 Then drizzle one Tbsp of olive oil (the leaves must be completely dry) over the leaves, rubbing with fingers until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt or any other spice you want to use and toss.

 Lay the leaves on a cookie sheet and bake for twenty minutes. Carefully remove from oven and transfer to bowl.

Enjoy!


Tip: these chips can be saved for a few days after being prepared. They are also an excellent way to get kids  to eat their veggies.