Weekend Recap. Tired just remembering it all...

With a belly full of fajita-goodness I can now do a recap of the great weekend I had. It was jam-packed!

Wednesday I went to a much-needed Happy Hour at Opus Lounge. My friend and I had willpower and did not have the chocolate fondue. Normally, though, it is a MUST.

Thursday I went to a Thanksgiving dinner at the home of one of my coworkers. Countries represented: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Poland, France, Canada.

Black Friday. Yikes.

The Milwaukee adventure took place on Saturday. The Warhol exhibit was impressive, in my opinion. The color, the variety, the urine. I loved it.

After the MAM we ventured to Art vs. Craft. What a freakin' zoo. It wore us out and we had to venture to the Milwaukee Public Market for sustenance. After eating we wandered around the Third Ward and went to an antique mall where I found some awesome blue chairs for NINETY dollars. Such a score.

The weekend is over?

It has been absolutely fabulous having an extended weekend. I needed it. I got so much done, had so much fun, and spent sooooo much money. Yikes. But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Ya know?

I'm too tired from my beer and Bob's Bad Breath Burger at Weary Traveler to write.

In a nutshell: turkey, Argentineans, Frenchies, Milwaukee, Warhol, empty parking lots, crafts, Cubanitas, martini sprinkles, X-mas decorations, paint, spray adhesive, lights.
Time's Up.

   (Photo: WarholStore.com)

Happy (almost) Hump Day!

It's almost Wednesday. Officially Hump Day. But since Thursday is Thanksgiving and I have Thursday and Friday off, Wednesday, really, is Friday. Oh joy!

I won't be making the trek home for Turkey Day. Instead I'm venturing to Milwaukee this weekend for Art vs. Craft and also going to see the Warhol exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum. I have been to Milwaukee tons of times and have yet to step foot inside this museum. I am so excited! It is bound to be a great day.

But before venturing out for artsy fun I have work to do. Thanksgiving day I will be finishing my never-ending house projects. New pulls for my dresser, painting an accent wall in my bedroom, and refinishing some lamps. I swear I can't have a weekend where I sit around and do nothing.

I struggle with plain white walls. I love seeing uber-modern interiors that are stark white. But I don't live in an uber-modern apartment. Instead, I've got oak trim and lame Benjamin Moore antique white walls. Ugh. I've already painted a ton and don't have the energy, patience or money to paint two entire rooms. Hence, the accent walls. Are accent walls so 1999? If so, I don't care.

Anyway, that's what's on tap for this weekend. I better get some rest so I can be productive!

Mad for Madison

I moved back to Madison about 6 months ago and it's like I never left. And also like I moved to a brand new city that requires serious exploration.

During my first stint in Madison I was a student. I spent 4 1/2 years trying to enjoy as much of the city as I could. Or at least as much of the Plaza as I could...

Back then I knew there was so much to do but I never got around to doing it all. Damn P-L-A-Z-A.

This time around I am determined to explore every nook and cranny (or kranny?) of the city. Don't worry, dear friends, I will chronicle every adventure so you feel like you were there. I'm big on details. Maybe a little overboard.

Mocha and MMoCA

It was a gorgeous fall day in Madison today. And a busy one! I woke up and finished a home project that has been in the works for a very long time. My house projects will be another (few) post(s). They are never ending.

After that I went with a friend to Burnie's Rock Shop. Burnie's is the mecca of rocks and gems. It's not a huge store but it has every type of metal, rock, stone, bead, etc. that you would need to make jewelry. If you want instant gratification Burnie's also sells jewelry - the selection of amber jewelry is out of this world.

I bought some stuff to make a new ring and then we were on our way to Michelangelos for coffee and a lil treat. Croissants and coffee make for a good day. Before making our way to the Holiday Art Fair we made a pit stop at Anthology and Little Luxuries, two great (probably the best) boutique/gift/craft shops on State St. More about them another time, though!

And then it was off to the Madison Museum of Modern Art aka MMoCA. I have yet to spend quality time in MMoCA. Don't worry, though. It's on my list of things to do.

The Holiday Art Fair was very similar, albeit smaller, than the summer Art Fair on the Square. For the most part it is not art I like. Jewelry and odd wall decor that is too whimsical and looks like it' made for crazy ladies with cats. And do people really wear fun fur scarves? Blech.

Yet, there were a few gems. Nick Wroblewski is a woodcut
printmaker and he had some pretty amazing pieces. I loved the color.

Another artist, Dylan Punke, had some interesting photography that I loved because it reminded me of home. Old farmhouses and lonely paths through the woods. Now, before you start to think "ugh, not more of THAT" hear me out. It was freakin' cool even if his web site does not do his art justice.


There were also a few artists selling some unique jewelry....but I can't seem to find their cards. We'll keep them for another post since this is reaching novel length ;)

All around it was a fun day. But, the real fun has yet to start. Dinner party!

Nervous Nelly

If you grew up in a small town you probably are aware that the end of November means deer hunting. This is a concept that I have never understood. Why on earth would anyone want to spend hours and hours sitting outside in the cold waiting for an animal to be dumb enough to show its face? Did I mention it's cold?

Anyway, you might be wondering where I am going with this. A few years ago the antler chandelier and anything else with antlers was THE trend in home decor. Again, didn't get it. See the connection now???

Well, I've found something that reminds me of the antlers but is much more modern and "scientific" (it's the new "green", if you ask me). I am sure these have been on other blogs for the past few weeks....remember, this is only my second post, yo.

Nervous System, founded by two MIT alumni, designs amazing products. And they recently posted pictures of their lamp and vase prototypes which should surely find a spot in my house.

They would probably be offended if they knew someone was comparing their amazing products to antlers but it was the first thing that I thought of when I saw the picture. When you see the jewelry they create you will be amazed. Everything is stunning. Delicate. Clever. Strong. Serious. Awe-inspiring. It is all of that. And I love it. And want it. All.

(Photo from The Cultivated Home)

Well it's about time.

After thinking about doing this FOREVER I've finally (!) started a blog. Fun times will be had by all. And by all, I mean moi.
What will this blog be about? Hmmmm, that's still to be determined. I'm inspired by so much creativity that exists. And in awe of what goes on in the mind of people. I'm a mile wide and an inch deep when it comes to my interests. So I guess it will be a random chronicling of whatever is striking my fancy. That day/week/month.

And we're off....