On the Shelf

My reading list sometimes spirals out of control. Here's what's on the docket:

Personal Growth:

I'm hoping these four reads will help me learn how to set new rhythms, better approach my "free" time, be more productive, & make healthy decisions. 

Pure Enjoyment:

Just some books to read through for the fun of it! A couple memoirs (one of my favorite genres), a story set in Seattle, & a magical read : )  

Just Because:

Found most of these in the "Little Library" stands in my neighborhood. Drawn in by the front cover & brief summary on the back, I'm interested to find out if any of these are winners. 

Turning pages,

SJW

Whistle While You Work

I pulled a Snow White the past few weeks - stuck in my little cottage, cleaning away. Unfortunately, the Lower Queen Anne squirrels, birds, & deer were neither as savvy nor helpful as their Disney counterparts. It's just been me, 409, & a lot of paper towels. The scrubbing, painting, wet-vacuuming, dusting, wiping, & washing all paid off though. Our former little unit was immaculate by the time we handed over the keys to our new short-term tenant.

As for the furnishings, we were able to reuse several of our old items & locate inexpensive pieces through OfferUp (my new favorite time suck). Some generous souls in our community even gifted us items they were no longer using including the standing lamp, dishes, & bedroom dresser!

 Here's the finished product for our furnished little rental unit.

Feeling grateful & happy & contemplating the words of Snow White, "Remember, you're the one who can fill the world with sunshine."

SJW

Life Wright Now | September

Watching
I stumbled upon the movie trailer for Genius & am intrigued by the true story of Thomas Wolfe & his editor. Historical films regarding literature with an amazing cast is a good sign in my book : ) It's next up on my Netflix list & I might just add "Look Homeward, Angel" to my classics reading list!

Eating
Mr. Fleece & I are utilizing Blue Apron through October in an effort to build up our recipe repertoire. My strategy is to make the meals provided for the week & then purchase the items from the grocery store the next week to see if I can make the same great-tasting dish on my own. Having made the first meal with all the ingredients handy makes it less intimidating/overwhelming to make it a second time. Making the same meal so closely together is also a good way to help learn the steps and make it go faster for future editions. We often double the recipe the second week so we actually have leftovers : ).

So far, this meal-planning approach is working. It's not super sustainable in the long run, since Blue Apron is still rather expensive per meal, but it's been a helpful tool to get me in the kitchen & grow my culinary knowledge & experience. For example, I blanched green beans for the first time : )

Reading
After reading "Bringing Up Bebe" I decided to continue my education on French culture/parenting & picked up "French Kids Eat Everything." I've become somewhat fascinated by the French approach to food & have taken notes for myself & future family.

 I'm inspired to create the table as the happiest place in the home & enlightened to a different way of inviting children to eat. Vegetables don't have to be covered in ketchup & young toddlers don't need to constantly snack between meals. Though there are standards & expectations in France that make it far easier for this to be accomplished (like daycares that craft three-course meals including leeks, cabbage, & fish for toddlers...) & it certainly takes time & energy, the fact that it's possible is encouraging!

Listening
Mr. Fleece played the song "Lights Burn Out" by Prinze George (coming to Seattle on October 29) during one of our first dinners in our new house. The fact that we can now eat meals facing one another, rather than side by side at a bar & extra mood music made for a more romantic meal than normal! 

Hands in the air,

SJW

Skirtin' Around | Fashion

I recently stumbled upon Star White's Beauty & Bows blog (re-launched as Dearly Noted). More than any person or blog I've come across, this thrifting guru has achieved the style I want (& occasionally achieve) in my life. Her willingness to experiment with colors & patterns allows her to pull off the prefect blend of preppy funk. The fact that most of her finds are from thrift stores only wins me over even more! I love her creativity in the world of skirts (this woman has a lot of skirts!) & am inspired to purchase more skirts and try the following:

1. Ditch the mini & go for a more modest length. 

2. Mix & Match Patterns & Fabrics

3. Find some great solid pencil skirts

4. Use belts for an extra pop & accent. 

5. Not related to skirts, but find a classic winter coat!

Did you notice her great taste in shoes too?

Style Crushin'

SJW

Fummer Fashions

fummer: the short season between summer and fall when everything is perfect for everything. 

Soak up that sun & put on that scarf, because fummer is alive & well. I'm mixing bright pieces with jewel toned favorites & starting to dabble with sweaters & tights. It's that time where turquoise & pink meet burnt orange & plum and layers thrive. Enjoy the changing season & all that that means for your wardrobe : )

Cooling off,

SJW

Life Wright Now | August

August has been filled with sweet Seattle fun! There's no reason to complain when you get to go to the Queen Anne Farmer's Market, take an evening dip in South Lake Union, walk through Discovery Park, see a free dance show at the Sculpture Garden, play friendly rounds of volleyball, cheer on the Sounders in person, help friends move, & window shop in Edmonds.

Here's some other highlights:

Watching
I haven't had a lot of time to watch much of anything other than The Olympics : ) I'm also excited to see the new Beatles documentary.

Eating
Delicious bites from the top of Smith Tower at the VIP Party. The picturesque building just got a makeover & has re-opened to the public. The view is phenomenal, & the Smith Tower Sazerac is delicious. I'd definitely recommend making the trip if you're in town or want a unique Seattle experience.

Reading
"A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry is on my up next list. If I like the story, I plan to see the play this fall at the Seattle Repertory Theater.

Listening
I think I'd always prefer an intimate house show over a large concert. This weekend, a group of us gathered to take in the tunes of husband & wife duo Out of the Dust at a friend's house. I really like their songs "All that I am Made for" & "Safe to Shore."

 summertime friends,

SJW