How To: Hug A Tree

For you. In honor of Earth Day.

(Image via Laura George)

New Tunes from GAYNGS

Ok. So when members of Solid Gold, Megafaun, Bon Iver, P.O.S. and pretty much every other Minneapolis band get together, it's bound to be good stuff, right? Um, yes. Definitely.

The new GAYNGS album Relayted was posted today for our wonderful listening pleasure and I'd suggest you give it a listen. The Gaudy Side of Town is the first single (and also the first track) and it is s.e.x.y. I love the combination throughout the album of Zach Coulter, from Solid Gold, and Justin Vernon, from Bon Iver. Vernon even busts out some R&B. Sweet.

Oh look, right down here you can take a listen thanks to The Current!

TOMS Shoes.

Why is it that there is no place in Madison that sells TOMS Shoes? I have a feeling that every Madisonian would snatch up a pair. Not only are they pretty sweet shoes, but the company is also doing great things for children in need.

Who, or what, is TOMS you ask? Here's what you'll find on the web site:

TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS One for One business model transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support. 

Now, run out and buy a pair! 

They've even got a wedding shoe!

To Market, To Market

No, 'tis not a fat pig I'm going to buy. Though that would be awesome. I don't think the Dane County Farmers' Market (DCFM) sells whole animals...except rabbits!

The Farmers Market started this morning in Madison! It is one of the most beautiful farmers markets in the country. The DCFM takes place on the Capitol Square and it is the perfect setting for a farmers' market.

This picture, although the best one I could find that had the Capitol building in it, does not do the market justice. Maybe I'll have to amp up my photog skills so I can post some of my own!

With all the veggies and other goodness that I'll be buying, I think it's high time I expanded my culinary skills. There are a few cookbooks out there that would be perfect for all of my farmers' market fare.

(Image via Chronicle Books)

(Image via Varnes & Noble) 

Definitely this cookbook from the Madison Area CSA Coalition 

 (Image via amazon.com)

 This Eat Seasonably calendar is pretty sweet, too.

 (Image via Eat Seasonably)

Impure Vessels

I love these concrete bowls by Impure Vessels.

notNeutral

These plates by notNeutral jumped out at me from the front page of Supermarket. Give me a map, atlas or plot book and I can be entertained for hours. I love trying to figure out where I am, where I've been or where I want to go. Maybe this is why I have a good sense of direction!

Berlin, up close

London

And Montreal!

Though, I'd rather eat in any of these cities rather than on the city.

Blue Monday

This weekend was great. The sun was shining. I was productive. I spent time with friends. And I even had time to relax and catch up on some reading. Ah, bliss.

And now it's Monday. And raining. Oh well. Soon the sun will be shining again!

On a different note, now that I'm planning on renewing my lease for my apartment I'm ready to start round two of the never-ending house projects. Oh yes, friends. Soon my list of things to do will number in the hundreds. Ok, slight exaggeration.

One project I want to tackle is my spare room or what I would like to call my "craft room." Um, where no crafting has happened recently. That needs to change and I think a bright blue paint job just might do the trick.

So how about some inspiration?

In honor of the lovely weekend....an outdoor scene sure to inspire anyone.

(Lillian Day)

BOLD!

(anniebee)

I love turquoise & yellow together!

(ooh food via desire to inspire)

Hmm, maybe my craft room should be a little sexier?

(Ivy style33)

 

I love the color of this door. It's the perfect blue/grey/green combo and the contrast of the white branches makes it even better.

(back garage)

 

What I Want: Cool Cosmetic Case

Getting up in the morning at 5:50 am to work out can be rough sometimes. Surprisingly, I've done a pretty good job of getting up at least three mornings a week, if not four. Sometimes, though, a girl just needs to lay in bed for a little bit longer!

After my work out I'm usually feeling that euphoric work out high. That is, until I walk back into the ugly locker room. Locker rooms aren't known for style, that's for sure.  To bring a little style to my morning gym time, a new cosmetics case might be just what I need!

Cox & Cox (ok, so this is actually a pencil case. But I'd use it for my make up!)

 (Image from Cox & Cox, found via Decor8)

Etsy

 (Lucy Blaire Creations) 

(MPsen) 

(Majkatree)

Now, if I were really fancy and wanted to spend $80 or more on a cosmetic case I might get one of these!

Felix Ray

Kate Spade

Tory Burch

(Last three images via Bloomingdales)

Marc Jacobs 

(Image via Zappos)

Weedrobes

(Images via Boooooom)

 

These design by Nicole Dextras remind me of a Project Runway episode but so much better. I especially love the top image.

This Week's Gilt

All of these e-mails from the Gilt Groupe makes it hard for a girl to have restraint. 60% off a super sweet bag or some great dress? Sorry, I gotta pass it up. Save, save, save. So instead, this is my virtual window shopping.

Here's what I'm lusting after from the latest Gilt Groupe sale:

Tucker

Geren Ford

Alice + Olivia

Alexander McQueen

And for the home

Modern-Twist

(Images via Gilt Groupe)

California Cool

I'm loving this outdoor area recently featured in Veranda. It makes me want to move to California so I can enjoy something like this every day. It has a very casual and cool feeling.

All that needs to be added is good food, good wine, and good friends and you've got yourself the perfect little party.