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Showing posts with label 101 in 1001. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 101 in 1001. Show all posts

101 in 1001: Update No. 2

I'm making steady progress on my 101 in 1001 list! This is my second update since starting in January and I'm happy to report that I've completed ten more tasks since my first update in April!

11. Scrutinize the contents of my closet and donate, store, or toss everything I no longer wear. Not the most fun task but long overdue and almost therapeutic. 

13. Go skinny dipping. Shhh!

21. Read all seven Harry Potter books. Have you read them? I definitely may or may not have cried at the end of the last book. J.K. Rowling is a genius.

34. Make an address book with contact information for friends and family. Remember this? 

36. Figure out the best way to store all those business cards! This baby looks just as cute on my desk as it does at parties.

46. Buy something at a flea market. These earrings!

57. Prepare a meal using ingredients from a flea market. Right here!

62. Get a facial. I know I'm going to ruffle some feathers here and I'm happy I tried it but it totally wasn't for me! Too pricey and too much for my sensitive skin. I'll stick to my preferred mani/pedi indulgence instead!

86. Wear the right shade of red or pink lipstick — and not on Halloween. NARS Jungle Red. Not for the faint of heart but fun for a night out. Teeny tiny picture here.


97. Find out my blood type. Just one of those things I felt like I should know, don't you think?


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That's 20 tasks down, 81 to go! My 1001 day deadline is in September 2013. I feel great about it! Have a similar list? Leave a link in the comments so I can check it out!

Neither Here Nor There

Just a few life updates and fleeting thoughts on this lovely long weekend... 


1. My first week of work is behind me and I can't tell you how much I love Bollare. I'm working with really cool people and really cool brands (here, here, and here — lend them a "like," won't you?) and I'm learning something new every day. Isn't that what it's all about?

2. My brother Grayson is getting ready to apply to college and it's bringing back all sorts of memories. I want him to wind up at Bucknell so badly but I think it's best not to push the issue.


3. Knowing that some of my friends are back at school and I'm out in the real world is such a strange feeling. Seeing pictures of rush festivities pop up on Facebook definitely tugged at my heartstrings. But I'm really happy with where I am right now — and there's always Homecoming!

4. Confession: I've spent hours researching apartments in New York even though I know I can't afford to move into the city right away. It's just fun to know what's out there! 


5. On a related note, the worst part of working in New York is my commute from Connecticut. An hour train ride each way plus time on the subway. The bright side, though, is plenty of time to read books and magazines. I finished Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell this week and I highly recommend it.

6. I'm insanely and unattractively jealous of everyone who's going to New York Fashion Week. Seeing a show is on my 101 in 1001 list and I'm determined to make it happen in time for next year.


7. I'm not sure where my new Tumblr is headed but I'm loving it so far! Won't you follow along? Remember, you can ask me anything! I've already gotten a few questions ranging from advice for studying abroad to how to store makeup.

8. I have a couple really fun interviews lined up to bring Design Dialogues back with a bang this fall. It's my way of bringing you original content without having my boyfriend follow me around with a camera documenting my outfit changes ;)


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I'm kind of all over the place today, huh? What's new with all of you?

On The List



5. Work for one of my dream companies.

12. Throw my first dinner party.

61. Try my hand at calligraphy.

What are some of the things you'd like to achieve in the next two or three years?

{image via Patterson Maker}

Look Mom, I'm in Matchbook!

Just popping in to share a bit of fun press! I'm in fantastic company in the "Matchbook Investigates" feature of Matchbook Magazine's stellar seventh issue.
We were each asked about our favorite vacation spot and anyone who's read my about page already knows my answer:
A big thank you to the Matchbook girls for reaching out and including me in an issue that features fashion standouts like Atlantic-Pacific's Blair Eadie and Milly's Michelle Smith. To say I'm flattered would be an epic understatement!

P.S. How badly do I need a new headshot? I'm embarrassed to admit how old this one is ;) Definitely a task for the 101 in 1001 list!

Graphic Image on sale!

Remember when I collaborated with Graphic Image to bring you this giveaway? I haven't been able to get their happy-hued leather accessories out of my head since.
I splurged on this address book ($64) in bright yellow leather and suffice it to say I'm obsessed. I can't wait to add all my family and friends' contact information, which you may recall is on my 101 in 1001 list!
I also bought this business card case ($41) in hot pink leather and I can't wait to show it off at my next networking event. It picks up on my blog logo's hot pink dress perfectly! (Remember how I was just complaining about my out-of-control business card collection? Who knew a couple Graphic Image purchases could knock two tasks off my 101 in 1001 list?)
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Want to invest in a few new office essentials yourself? I have very happy news for you! Every single thing on Graphic Image's website is 50% off today thanks to their Christmas in July event. That means my address book costs just $32 and my business card case only $20 and change. Of course my cart is filled up to here with lots of other little luxuries. Shop to it!

Weekend snapshots...

Michael and I covered a lot of ground this weekend! It was his first visit to San Francisco and we wanted to see a bit of everything. We did a ton of walking (even stopping in a nail salon for an indulgent foot massage!) and rekindled some of that adventuresome spirit from our days abroad...
On Saturday we perused the farmers' market at the Ferry Building...
Picked up picnic ingredients from Acme Bread and Cowgirl Creamery...
Swung by Ghirardelli Square...
And made dinner with a few farmers' market purchases (enabling me to cross that one off my 101 in 1001 list!).
On Sunday we ate brunch outside at a little spot down the block...
Where we may or may not have indulged in these yummy beignets...
Followed later on by an ice cream cone at Bi-Rite and a little sunbathing in Dolores Park.
On Monday we hopped on a ferry to Sausalito...
Which occasioned picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge...
In Sausalito we grabbed a bite to eat (followed quickly by more ice cream) and chatted with a counterbalance artist on the dock...
And topped off the weekend with a baseball game at AT&T Park. Check out that view! We managed to pack a lot of mileage into a few short days and had a great time exploring the city together. I miss him already!
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P.S. On an unrelated but equally happy note, Graphic Image is celebrating Christmas in July with 50% off everything sitewide today only! If you're still upset you didn't win the Graphic Image giveaway I hosted a while back, now's your chance to invest in a new address book, iPad case, passport cover... You can tell my cart is full! 

Currently reading...

Library cards are a wonderful thing. When I was feeling homesick during my first week in San Francisco, my dad suggested that I get lost in a good book. I got my library card the next day and have read every evening since.

The fact that I have a few reading tasks on my 101 in 1001 list should explain the diversity of my current reads.

21. Read every Harry Potter book (5/7).
60. Read every Jane Austen novel (1/6).
69. Read twenty new-to-me books (1/20).

I'm making steady progress and, more importantly, enjoying the opportunity to read for pleasure now that my collegiate years are behind me. Tell me, what are you reading these days?

No. 24 + 36

A couple more glimpses into my 101 in 1001 list...
24. Learn to eat with chopsticks. I'm embarrassed to admit I don't already know how — anyone else?

36. Figure out the best way to store all those business cards! What's your preferred method?

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P.S. If you've started a 101 in 1001 list of your own, please leave a link in the comments so I can check it out!

Cocoa & Hearts

As you may recall, one of the goals on my 101 in 1001 list is to invest in my first piece of original art. You can imagine my delight when Jen of Made By Girl announced the opening of her art site, Cocoa & Hearts. Her paintings are colorful, modern, and simple in the best way possible. While her larger pieces are a fantastic resource for large-scale decorating projects, I'm most drawn to her 10" x 8" canvases, which retail for $95.
What are your favorite sources for original art? 

No. 23

It's been a little while since I shared an item on my 101 in 1001 list so I thought I'd return with a simple and sweet resolution today. In my remaining 878 days, I intend to write at least fifty thank you notes. I've already written eight so I'd like to think I'm on my way! Time to invest in some pretty new stationery like these from Mr. Boddington's Studio ;)

101 in 1001: Update No. 1

A few of you indicated in my reader survey that you'd like to hear about the progress I'm making on my 101 in 1001 list. I'm happy to report that I've completed ten of my goals since January 1! If you figure I have to complete one task every ten days, I'm right on track!
1. Come up with 101 things.

2. Inspire someone else to write a 101 in 1001 list (Roxy from My Cup Of Te).

7. Redesign my blog as a reflection of my personal style (thank you, Hanna!).

8. Tie up loose ends: business cards, favicon, and Facebook and Twitter pages.

9. Launch an inspiring interview series called The Design Dialogues!

14. Take on an interior design client (hi, Christine!).

28. Upgrade to the iPhone.

64. Try one totally-out-of-my-comfort-zone exercise class.

89. See one (or six) of my sister's Amherst softball games.

91. Try five new-to-me foods: beans, brussel sprouts, edamame, grapefruit, sushi.

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There's another handful of tasks that I've started on and I feel great about the progress I'm making! Do any of you have a similar list? I would LOVE to see!

Sing It, Sister

No. 25 on my 101 in 1001 list is to sing karaoke. I think I would find the experience simultaneously terrifying, embarrassing, and exhilarating. 

{photo by Pamela Hanson}

Here's To You, Mrs. Robinson

Let me start by saying that I adore this Mrs. Robinson-inspired shoot by the talented photographer Olivia Graham. One of my 101 in 1001 goals is to see ten so-called classic films — films like 1967's The Graduate, filled with catchy music, mod fashion, and intriguing plot. Do you have any recommendations for classic films you adore? Do tell!

Upgrade!

This week's lesson: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 

After my last phone took a little spin through the washing machine bit the dust this weekend, I am happily upgrading to the iPhone 4. (Thank you, Mom and Dad!) My first big girl phone — and no. 28 on my 101 in 1001 list!

Now I need your help. Any advice from fellow iPhone users? Favorite apps? I must know!

A Bedroom After My Own Heart

Remember when I asked for help putting my personal style into words? (It's no. 10 on my 101 in 1001 list.) A few of you tossed around the words glamorous, lived-in, and traditional. While I still need to perfect the definition (lived-in glamour? traditional with a twist?), I definitely think you were onto something. 
To me, this bedroom from new-to-me tumblr the house home embodies each of those three characteristics flawlessly. I get a lived-in vibe from the open door and unmade bed, which to some might look just messy but to me means comfortable and laid-back. The chandelier and the floor-skimming curtains are unapologetically glamorous, keeping out of the way and yet stealing the spotlight at the same time. Finally the balcony and the gold gilded mirror stand for time-honored tradition. My only change might be to swap out the bed for one of these platform beds — less vacuuming and more storage! What do you think of this space and my efforts to explain my aesthetic? Feel free to help : )

No. 11

The eleventh task on my list is to scrutinize the contents of my current closet and donate, store, or toss all the items I never wear. I feel like I do this fairly often but I'm not nearly discriminating enough because I definitely only wear about 50% of my wardrobe. Come to think of it, I ought to add an 11(b): buy only what I'll actually wear.

P.S. New to Design Darling? Welcome! I'm keeping a list of 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days. You catch up on the rest of the list by clicking here.

The Well-Stocked Bar + No. 93

Did you all see Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere's house tour the other day? I fell hard for this vignette with its styled bar and graphic art.
In related news, I think I need this perforated steel bar cart, new at Urban Outfitters. One tier for bottles and another for glasses — it's brilliant! No. 93 on my 101 in 1001 list is to find my signature cocktail. As a picky eater/drinker who doesn't care for wine or beer, this is easier said than done. Inspire me, readers! What's your alcoholic beverage of choice?

No. 79

It's hard to stay put in a Pennsylvania winter, particularly after spending last spring studying in France. My wanderlust is in full gear these days and I'm itching to take a trip to Montreal. In fact, it's no. 79 on my 101 in 1001 list. Have any of you been?


P.S. I have this camera and I adore it. It's responsible for all the pictures on my travel blog!

No. 3 + 4

Number three on my 101 in 1001 list is to move into my first apartment. As many of you know, I am graduating from college in May and have no idea where life will take me this next year. I'll likely live at home for a few months to save up for my own first place, which brings me to number four: to have my first apartment published on a major blog or in an online magazine. You have to aim high!

{rest of my list here, image via here}

Signature Scent

No. 74 on my 101 in 1001 list is to find my signature scent. Doesn't that seem like something every young lady should know? I feel silly for not having one and never replaced my last bottle when it ran out. Of course it seems like a fairly frivolous task but in reality I imagine it might be rather daunting. Tell me, what is your preferred perfume?
{picture from Rue}