Puddle jumping. A survival guide.

I noticed them right away when I moved here. Rain boots and umbrellas. Everywhere. Never in my life have I seen more of them...and never this cute. Quickly I attributed this to the large college population and remembered that I had something that sometimes resembled an umbrella. I'd be fine. And I was.


Until today. I woke up to the largest puddles I have ever seen. The parking lot to my apartment complex looks like a lake. I'm sorry I doubted you, Athens. Time to go shopping for rain boots.


I can't say that I'm disappointed. It's still shoe shopping.

My first favorites are black.
Like most everything in my closet, but these have puppies!

Terrier Rain Boots

I've often thought that rain boots SHOULD be bright and fun. The weather they put up with is just the opposite. Splashing about in an homage to the sixties would get me through the fact that my eyeliner is streaming down my face.

Kamik Janis Plum

Endless.com has tons of rain boots. Free overnight delivery. Looks like we have a winner. Thanks, Bri.

And! Not that I have anything personal against Target (besides this, that and the other), but they DO have a gigantic selection of boots.

I must admit they're adorable, too.

Hello Kitty, peacock feathers, animal print, anchors, fruit, polka dots, ponies! Oh, my...all this girl stuff gets me excited.

It's like giving cotton candy and handful of tickets to a child at the fair. Thanks, Amanda.

And the best umbrella I've ever seen? Maybe.

This one's not bad either.

My brother wants a Blues Clues sweater. That's what he said. I think he said it because he thinks my blog is silly. Or that I couldn't find a shirt like it. Either way, now he has to wear it.

Columbiaknit "Blues Clues" Shirt

[It was a] Happy Valentine's Day.

I procrastinated writing this blog. I actually planned on making a playlist for the most romantic greeting card holiday of the year. One he could listen to and maybe find some new favorites. With a whole bunch of I love you's throughout. That would be a part of this entry, but it is not. Instead I only had time for a few construction paper hearts and poems scratched out in Sharpie. And dinner!! I had time for dinner.


I cooked Valentine's Day dinner. That's right. I did it. Without wearing the vintage inspired apron I just HAD to have. Giant baked potatoes stuffed with broccoli and cheese. Tomato basil pesto pasta with corn and black beans. All topped off with vanilla bean ice cream with dark chocolate and berries. I gave myself a pat on the back. Since moving in with my lovely boyfriend I haven't had to do much in the kitchen. I was afraid I might have forgotten how to boil water. Well, turns out I remembered.

[This is not Valentine's Day dinner, but close enough. I made it.]

If you haven't made a pesto before it's ridiculously easy. There are more than a handful of simple recipes floating about the internet. All you need to know though is the list of ingredients. Use common sense and your taste buds for the rest.


- Olive oil
- Parmesan (or other similar) cheese
- Garlic
- Basil
- Salt and pepper


As for the basil I prefer fresh to dried, but usually end up using half and half. That way I conserve the fresh stuff to use in another dish. 


There you have it. It's done in seconds. 


I think I'm going to start using these. The only way I can safely assure I'm being taken seriously in the kitchen.

Diamond Ring Measuring Spoons

Just ridiculous enough for me to think they're wonderful.

Another thing I feel inclined to share are these chalkboard kitchen cupboards. Sure they'd make the kitchen messy, but isn't that the state it's always in anyway? I say it's a fair trade.

Partly cloudy. High of sixty-four.

1. Young Folks - Peter, Bjorn and John


2. Inside and Out - Feist


3. Do You Wanna Dance - The Mamas and the Papas


4. I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend - The Ramones


5. This Boy - The Beatles


6. Kids (MGMT Cover) - Ben Lee


7. Big Break - Emma Burgess


8. Time to Pretend - MGMT


9. Windows are Rolled Down - Amos Lee


10. Bohemian Rhapsody - Jake Shimabukuro

I'm always reading. Doing crosswords. Picking at my nail polish. Anything to keep my brain and hands busy. I've found that employers typically frown on this type of behavior. Not exactly productive. Bringing coloring books to work isn't exactly something covered in the handbook, but still. 

The Colour-In Dress seems like the solution to it all. Berber Soepboer is the genius behind ideas like this and the Replacement Dress. It allows you to swap out certain pieces of fabric to re-invent your look in a second. Twenty-five year old kindergarten kid friendly.