Biking In Style

I've busted out my lil' blue bike for the season and am ready to buzz around the streets of Madison. Watch out!

As with everything I do, I must do it in style. I can't help myself.

I've already got the Carrie Bike Basket, probably one of the most stylish bike baskets I've found. It's not really meant to hold anything too heavy so I may have to do a little handiwork on it this summer to make it more durable. But how perfect is this for the farmer's market?

 (Image via FinnishDesignShop)

Another great option is this Alexandra Cassaniti Bicycle Bag. Perfect for a bit of cash, sunglasses, and whatever else I need for a quick ride to Mickey's for a beer!

(Image via ooga booga) 

Some panniers for the back of the bike, perhaps?

 (Image via Cycle Chic)

Or one of these super stylish Po Campo bags?

 (Image via Supermarket)

Ding ding, here I come!

(Image via flickr) 

U-Lock holster. Who knew there was such a thing?

 (Image via etsy)

Safety first! Gotta have some lights on that bike. Hello, knog frog.

Oh, and don't forget about the reflective ankle spats! Every girl should have a pair.

(Image via Cycle Chic)

Say Hello To My Little Friend

Meet my new composter! Mine is an orange version and looks very cute on my counter top. It was my only purchase I made this weekend and I got a great deal on it at one of my favorite stores, HomeGoods.

Hopefully it will help me add many nutrients to my soil so my lil' garden will grow!

(Image via norpro.com)

I'm Not A Quitter. No. I'm. Not.

I've been tempted to quit this little blog project. I wonder what the point of it is, really. Who actually reads this frivolous thing and why do I spend so much time on it? One of my goals was to post daily. I thought it would be easy-peasy but not so much!

The few people who actually read it won't let me quit. So, for all seven of you, I'll continue! Plus, I really set out to do it for myself as a place to post all the things that inspire me and so I should keep at it.

Of course, I compare myself to other bloggers out there who do this full-time or work in creative fields and are surrounded by daily inspiration. Oh, and it seems that almost every blogger has advertisers! I'm just one girl living in a little city posting about a few things that I like. And have seven people who read this.

I also don't want to be one of those people who just regurgitates stuff from other people's blogs (that have been reposted from other blogs...which have been reposted from other blogs...and, well, you get the picture). How unoriginal. But, sometimes I will post things I see on other blogs and I'm ok with that!

Alright, enough rambling. Moral of the story - I'm going to keep trying to post regularly (when I'm feeling inspired) and I'm going to have fun with this and not worry about all that other stuff that doesn't matter. I've got people relying on me!

Phew! That was quite the rambling for sure.

Now I must recover from my lovely weekend where I spent a few days at home and a few days in Minneapolis. Oh, how I miss the city. I had a good time catching up with friends and visiting with my old buddies at work (totally worth the $42 parking ticket! Oy.).

But, I failed to indulge in a Grain Belt or two! The horror.

(Image via adamturman.com)

What I Need

I'm not sure what I would do with this. But I think I need it.

(Image via Irina Graewe)

What I Love: Iconi Interiors

My friends warned me. Don't go there, they said. You'll want to buy everything. They were right. Everything at Iconi Interiors is pure perfection. I could move right into the store.

Iconi Interiors has a mix of new and refurbished home furnishings that I would call "mid-century modern with a touch of glam." Throughout the store you can find one of a kind pieces of furniture, some great lamps and a pretty sweet assortment of bar ware. I wanted to buy it all and throw a party. I restrained myself. But don't worry, I'll go back.

 (All images via Iconi's flickr stream)

Baking Bonanza

I like food. Wait, I love food. Sadly, I don't cook or bake often. I've got a pile of Food & Wine and Bon Appetit issues, as well as a few cookbooks. I think I buy them mainly for the pictures. And I'm always finding recipes on-line that I bookmark...and never make!

Things need to change around here. Yes, yes, yes they do.

So, this weekend I baked TWO different things. Can you believe it?? And both were tasty, if I do say so myself.

First up, black bottom cupcakes. These are probably the most perfect dessert. Chocolaty. Creamy. 100% Delicious. I don't think any photograph I could take would do them justice but here's a lovely pic I found.

(Image via Life's Smorgasbord)

Since I had leftover chocolate (always dangerous) and I had a few bananas in the freezer I decided to make chocolate chip banana bread. Now, before you start to wonder about the healthiness of this weekend's baking bonanza, I should let you know that I found this next recipe on Cooking Light. And, let's face it, when baking sometimes healthier is not always better!

The Marbled-Chocolate Banana Bread was scrumptious and pretty and yes, healthy. Well, as healthy as chocolatey-bananey bread can be! It was the perfect thing to eat to distract from the miserable Badger game.

Image via Cooking Light)

TOAST? Yes, Please.

I'll take this outfit from TOAST. Thank you very much.

 

(Images via TOAST)