I took guitar lessons for awhile, starting when I was 18. I really loved learning to play, but eventually I ran out of money and had to quit. I wish I’d had the determination to continue on my own, but I didn’t. I hadn’t picked up a guitar for a few years now, but suddenly I wanted to again.
I blame Alex’s loft, which I saw at the Apartment Therapy Party on Friday. He had a couple of guitars on display, and they made me think of my own. I have two electrics (my old Danelectro 56-U2 and a vintage Fender Telecaster), a Sigma acoustic, and a Lotus bass. They’ve all been sitting in the basement.
I also have a clarinet but I suppose those aren’t as cool, right? ;)
We started decorating for Christmas a bit early this year because we needed the tree up for our Christmas card photo. I won’t show it to you yet, but it’s good. The photo shoot involved Brandon, footie pajamas (complete with butt flap), and Jim Beam. Ho ho ho.
Christmas in our apartment last year was very silver, pink, and shiny. It didn’t feel right to deck out our 1920 bungalow the same way, so we went out to get a real tree a few days ago.
All of our ornaments are the same, but of course the tree makes all the difference.
last year
this year
I wish I had some cute pillows to switch out for the holidays. I’ve had my eye on the Swedish House Pillow Cover from Pottery Barn, but I’m hoping it will go on sale after Christmas and I can buy a couple to save for next year. The living room doesn’t look bad with our normal items, but a little change is always nice.
And now, my taste gets a little questionable.
When we were packing up our things from the attic of the old apartment, I added a little something extra to our Christmas decorations. Three deer. White ceramic deer. They were just sitting up in that stuffy attic, abandoned and unloved, and I knew nobody would miss them if I “liberated” them. So I did. Brandon found out as I was unpacking them a few days ago and…
He hates them.
Well, maybe he doesn’t hate them. Strongly dislikes? (Is that better, honey?)
I put them on the buffet, and I think they’re fantastic. Oh deer.
I can’t find my shrinky dink paper (woe is me!). I wanted to make a key chain and take a photo with my new key because I have a shiny new Oak Park P.O. Box. This is what my key chain will look like eventually:
Wondering where to send snail mail (or goodies) to me?
Pink Loves Brown
P.O. Box 1268
Oak Park, IL 60304
I’m at the post office quite a bit these days.
A huge thank you to my lovely, lovely customers! I truly appreciate it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
p.s. My Periodic Table of Sentiments cards were in Daily Candy today, and I’m thrilled to pieces!
I have been a very busy lady.
The guest room was finished up as well as it could be. I’m going to order the Marimekko Lumimarja fabric for the windows. The friendly people over at Finnstyle are offering me (and you) 15% off until Friday! Just enter “makingitlovely” when you check out.
Here’s the way the room turned out for now:
This was all in preparation for the arrival of my friend Lili, of course.
We went to the Design*Sponge Biz Ladies Meet-Up, which was great. I saw some friends (like Donovan and Grace), met some new people, was recognized (yay!), and ate yummy snacks.
Lili and I walked around Oak Park, checking out some of the shops (Flybird, Fitzgerald’s Fine Stationery, Paper Source, Barbara’s Bookstore, etc.).
I also hired a second employee! Yes, again. Did I ever write about Sarah? She didn’t work out, but I digress. My friend Pat had just quit at the bookstore, so he’ll be helping me for the holidays. Hooray!
Later, we went to Emily’s open house at her studio. Gorgeous! She has an amazing space with wood floors, huge windows, tall ceilings, and space. Sigh.
Oh, and I met Jess from How About Orange there, so that was a nice surprise!
Saturday was my last day with Lili, so we stopped by the DIY Trunk Show before I brought her to the airport. I was recognized again, and it completely made my day (and made me blush!). I bought a poster for The Fiery Furnaces from David R. Head Jr., and we both bought an Implements of Craft poster from Handmade Nation.
After I had dropped Lili off, I went directly to meet up with my sister and my dad. My sister’s car died, and she decided that she needed a new one OHMYGODRIGHTNOW. Uh huh. There was no way I could talk her out of it (believe me, I tried), so I figured I could at least help her get a good deal. She and my dad were ready to sign off on a car for $247 / month for six years. I got them down to $225 / month for five years. Still crazy, but less so.
I rushed home after car shopping and started cooking because Brandon and I had a pot luck dinner to go to. I made a sweet glazed bell pepper salad: roasted red and yellow peppers and red onions (coated in olive oil), then mixed with balsamic vinegar, honey, and chopped kalamata olives. We hopped on the el with our big bowl of food and headed over to Amy and Anthony’s place. It was a really nice evening with other crafty people, and lots of yummy food.
My friends Bekah and Lisa just finished grad school (such smarties), and they rented out Timber Lanes to celebrate. Um, I bowled a 53. I haven’t done that badly since I was 8. Brandon bowled a 133, and we were all very impressed. Much shouting and excitement commenced whenever anyone broke 100, so…
After bowling, I drove out to IKEA. I thought they were open until 9 o’clock on Sundays, but they’re only open until 8. I arrived at 7:55. Luckily, I knew exactly what I was there for: the wire baskets I had spied in Emily’s studio. I grabbed 15 of them, hit the self-checkout lanes, and was out of there pretty quickly.
Lastly, I got home and finalized a deal with T.G.I.Friday’s for a custom button order (550 buttons for the Chicagoland area). I’m bringing in a new button machine for it, so I’ll also have 2.25″ mirrors available in the future over at the shop.
Whew! A busy end to a busy week.
Guest Room, Me, Pink Loves Brown • 20 Comments • November 18, 2007
