Yearly Archives: 2008

Winter party season brings with it plenty of chances to get dolled up. Dressing down is firmly not allowed! Cara wrote in with a request for the holidays: Would something like this peacock headband be over the top or would it work for a formal New Year’s party? A feather headband certainly isn’t for everyday,…

Working on a puzzle with a cup of tea is one of my favorite holiday activities. Over Thanksgiving, we did a custom puzzle of a map of my in-law’s neighborhood. It was tough since there’s no master image to work from but a lot of fun. One of these custom puzzles would make a great…

Well, that was a surprise! Reporting for jury duty turned out to be a quite pleasant experience. The waiting room was elegantly decorated. And when myself and 80 others were called into the courtroom to be whittled down to 12, everyone was well-dressed, rational, intelligent and efficient. There was one sophisticated woman who looked just…

This ring seems like just the thing someone stylish at a design agency would wear. The sort of person who could really pull off a white blouse and has an extensive collection of sharpies. Plus, I like that the proportions are similar to my engagement ring. It could be a great Christmas gift for a…

Margaret and I were inspired by the latest Paper Source catalog on Sunday night. We made our own versions of this paper holly wreath in about a half hour. Just some construction paper, wire ties and tape. I’m going to hang one on our apartment door and one on my computer at work.

After all these years of calling and being automatically dismissed for jury duty, I have to show up in court this morning. I’m tempted to dress like I imagine a “civil citizen” would: tweed skirt, opaque tights, pumps and silk blouse. But I don’t think standing out from the crowd is necessarily my best strategy.…

This week’s resolution: make the most of my existing clothes. I’m dedicating this week to repairing, darning and dry cleaning my benched clothing. This includes: Sewing a missing button on a black cardigan. Reattaching a loose bead on a pair of red flats. Dry cleaning four dresses and a bunch of sweaters. Organizing my closet.…

You may want to steady yourself for this one: Royal Limoges, the French company that produced my lovely dishwasher safe wedding china, has come out with a new modern design. Paradis Vegetal is not cheap, but just look at that gold, pink, blue and red peony pattern.

Another Thanksgiving, another trip to Sanger to see Rob’s family! It was a great, relaxing holiday full of good food and country life. While there: We rode bikes. Ate an amazing Thanksgiving dinner. We hung out with goats. Including eight adorable newborn goat kids. Rob learned to weld and we shopped for tools at Harbor…

Jean: Have a great birthday today, turkey-girl! You were a fantastic maid of honor and an even better dance partner this year! Even though you wear Uggs, you’re still my favorite stylish scientist. Skye: My newest sister, and what a great addition to the flock! You raise four lively, kind and generous boys with real…