The Sartorialist

Monday, August 31, 2009

I finally got around to picking up Scott Schuman's The Sartorialist today. I have been wanting it ever since it came out, but I'm stingy and was waiting for a good coupon! I had $5 in Borders Bucks and found a 30% coupon today, so I went after class to purchase it! It was SO worth the wait. I love following his blog and this book is amazing. It is over 500 pages of beautiful photographs, so inspiring. Perhaps I'll share a few of my favorites at some point. Either way if you've never visiting The Sartorialist blog, please do.

In other fashion blogging news, do check out Darling Dexter while you're at it. Her stylings, photography, and projects are delicious!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Borders
Sound of: Jackson Browne
Taste of: Fruit by the Foot
Sight of: The Sartorialist
Feel of: Bunny George

Good Things about Today:
- The Sartorialist Book!
- Feeling good about my project for 3-D design
- George had a great time in his playpen
- 70 degrees and sunny

Busy

Saturday, August 29, 2009


Blogged, originally uploaded by jenib320.
I'm not quite ready to get back into the blogging groove but I thought I'd post a little update. I had some time to take photographs two weeks ago, but school just started up this week. Once I get into a routine I'll be photographing and post much more (hopefully!).

These are a few of my favorites from the past few weeks. I've been using lots of Pyrex in my cooking adventures! I have also been playing with George, my bunny, a lot! In between the cooking, school, and bunny, I've been working on projects around my apartment to make it seem more life home. Will be back soon!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Sunflowers
Sound of: Spongebob Squarepants
Taste of: Fruit by the Foot
Sight of: George in his new play pen
Feel of: An evening nap

Good Things about Today:
- Mom visited and brought goodies and George's play pen!
- Found Pyrex at Salvation Army
- Saved 40% off my groceries with coupons, store savings & advantage card!
- FREE DIET COKE 12 PACK, yum!

Toast

Monday, August 24, 2009

The one catalog I not only look forward to getting but that I love:

Toast. Check it out, you'll be glad you did.

First week of classes. Be back soon :)

Dansk Kobenstyle

Monday, August 17, 2009


Red Dansk, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I have expanded my Dansk Kobenstyle collection by three pieces this week so I thought it was time to take a little inventory and share my collection! I am still in the middle of moving, so this will be mostly photos!

It all started with a little red enamel pot. I picked it up at Goodwill on customer appreciation day for $3.25. I had no idea it was vintage, there was more of it, or that I would fall in love with it. It was cheap, cute, and a handy size. A little Flickr searching and I found out more about this lovely little pot, and the obsession began. My Mom really likes the designs as well and on impluse purchased the large red pot from an antique mall. She ended up deciding she really didn't need it and gave it to me!


Dansk Kobenstyle, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I found this little yellow pot on eBay for $15 with free shipping. It had a lot of black marks on it when it arrived so I had to use quite a bit of Bar Keeper's Friend on it, hence the matte spots. Am hoping to restore some shine somehow!


Kobenstyle Paella Pan!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

My Mom found this piece at the Hospice thrift store in Medina for $5! I know lids are few and far between for this size but I'm on the look-out!


Dansk Kobenstyle Loaf, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Just picked this beauty up this past weekend at the Medina Flea Market for $17. It has never been used and even still has the care instructions taped inside! This may be my favorite piece so far because of it's unique size!


Dansk Kobenstyle Pans!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Found these on eBay for $.99! They have some wear and nicks but they're still nice looking! I love the sizes and the beautiful blue color!

I cannot wait to find a turquoise pot at a decent price. I love turquoise and the style looks so lovely in that color!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Zucchini Bread
Sound of: Keane's first album
Taste of: Zucchini Bread
Sight of: Blue Dansk
Feel of: Shower after moving

Good Things about Today:
- New Dansk came today!
- My textbooks arrived
- Moved in dresser with no problems
- Sold the last textbook!

Flea Market Finds

Sunday, August 16, 2009


Flea Market Finds, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I started moving into my apartment this weekend. Picked up the keys Saturday and have been taking up a load everyday. In between the packing and moving we managed to go to the Medina Flea Market this morning. We always hit the outside vendors first because they are usually less expensive. The first stand we stopped at we found the Woodland bowl and Horizon Blue Refrigerator dish. The Woodland bowlw as paired with two Fall Colors Americana bowls but I don't collect the pattern so we asked to split them up and he threw in the refrigerator dish free since it didn't have a lid! Ended up getting the two for $3 total :) Things got better from there, the next stand we stopped at had the Butterfly Gold refrigerator set. It was marked at $20 but ended up getting it for $17. It is in perfect condition! We didn't find anything else until right before we left until we found the Dansk loaf pan. It was marked down from $25 to $17 and was too excited to ask for any less, it's beautiful!


Dansk Kobenstyle Loaf, originally uploaded by jenib320.

THE PAN. It is an incredible size, color, and condition. There is a small nick on one handle but otherwise is perfect. It still has the care instructions taped to the inside, never been used. I am beyond thrilled!


Butterfly Gold Refrigerator Set, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I have been resisting picking up these dishes separately at a local antique store for months, and I'm glad I did! It would have been much more expensive! These are super minty and easily could be brand new!


Woodland & Horizon Blue, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Finally picked up my first woodland bowl. I love this pattern but have been unable to find any in good condition or cheap enough. Couldn't believe my Mom talked him into throwing the refrigerator dish in for free! It's in really good condition and such a pretty color!

Overall it was a great day. Great thrifting and today's moving went pretty well. Managed to get some things unpacked, we are moving the bigger furniture and the Pyrex tomorrow. Posts will be sparse here for a little while!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Shampoo
Sound of: Keane
Taste of: Unsalted in the shell Peanuts
Sight of: New Apartment
Feel of: Bunny

Good Things about Today:
- Great Flea Market Thrifting!
- Good moving
- Picked up Mike's new TV
- DANSK LOAF!

Live Simon & Garfunkel

Thursday, August 13, 2009


Live Simon & Garfunkel, originally uploaded by jenib320.
These two albums have been getting a lot of playing this week. Requested every live Simon & Garfunkel album from the library a few weeks ago. These two are the best by far. 1967 and 1969, how can you beat that? These two albums along with the Harry Potter Audiobooks have been getting me through my packing and cleaning. My favorite song is The Boxer, with Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. a close second. I also love their other hits as well, Homeward Bound, The Sound of Silence, etc. If you haven't listened to these live albums, hop to it, they're fantastic! They are for the most part just Simon, Garfunkel, and an acoustic guitar or two. Glorious.

Today I love the..
Smell of: Blue conditioner
Sound of: Live Simon & Garfunkel
Taste of: Zucchini Bread
Sight of: Bunny
Feel of: Clean sheets

Good Things about Today:
- Getting close to done painting
- Making headway packing
- Aunt Karen is here visiting
- First textbook I ordered arrived!

Zucchini Bread

Wednesday, August 12, 2009


Zucchini Bread, originally uploaded by jenib320.
Today I had the itch to do some cooking so I decided to make some Zucchini bread. My Dad planted a ton of vegetables at the farm this year and we have five or six huge zucchinis to use up. I'm not big on zucchini but I love zucchini bread. It was a super easy recipe from an old cookbook of my Moms. I love when a recipe says 'combine all ingredients and mix'. I didn't have to use 10 different bowls or turn the mixer on and off. It turned out great! It was a good excuse to use my Pyrex loaf pans. They were already wrapped and packed but weren't hard to find. They came out unscathed and made great moist bread!


Zucchini Bread, originally uploaded by jenib320.
This is my favorite loaf pan that I've found so far. I really want to find the turquoise one in this size!


New Coffee Table + Blackie, originally uploaded by jenib320.
Finally finished my coffee table today. I covered it a few weeks ago but I had to put some little wood pieces on the underside of the lid so it doesn't slide around. I found this old crate for $5 at a garage sale a few months ago. I was trying to think of something to use as a coffee table and thought this was the perfect size for my space, however the bottom is in bad shape. My Mom had the bright idea of making a lid for it. We measured it and my Dad cut a piece of plywood the size of the top. I then cut up an old foam mattress topper (I'm far too cheap to buy foam from JoAnns, its so expensive!) and glued it to one side of the plywood. I managed to find a fabric that has purple (futon cover), turquoise (side table), and yellow (pillows) in it, so it will coordinate pretty well with everything in the living room. It was really easy and I love the way it turned out. It can handle a tray and will be great to put my feet on :)


New Coffee Table + Blackie, originally uploaded by jenib320.
Blackie has claimed it. She didn't want to get off while I took photos, she actually posed quite nicely!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Zucchini Bread
Sound of: Live Simon & Garfunkel
Taste of: Pinneaple
Sight of: Projects
Feel of: Bunny!

Good Things about Today:
- Finished up a few projects
- Made zucchini bread, in Pyrex to boot!
- Played with George!
- Zucchini bread! :D

I love Succulents

Tuesday, August 11, 2009


Succulent, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I am having a love affair with succulents. I don't know what it is about them, but they are just so appealing to me. They're easy to grow and don't mind being repotted and moved around. It all started a few years ago after coming across the beautiful arrangements done by Greenware Design. It started with a simple arrangement of my own done in similar style. Over the years I have collected many other plants but the vast majority of them are succulents. And now it has gone so far as to theft (not really!). I took a small start of a very cute blue succulent from the beach on vacation! Their ability to start from a small leaf or part with very little roots amazes me. I have saved a few cuttings from the sidewalks of campus.

I will be moving into my apartment this weekend. My Dad and brother will be at a tennis tournament this weekend so it will be pretty slow going. I am hoping to be moved in completely by Wednesday so that I have plenty of time to get everything unpacked and set up before school starts. This week is being spent cleaning, packing, and attempting to finish up the projects on my to do list. I am trying to get the paint involved projects finished first, which would be hardest to complete once I move. Shall be posting photos of these projects in the next few weeks!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Clean Laundry
Sound of: Friends Season 1
Taste of: Chicken Nuggets
Sight of: Bunny!
Feel of: Bunny!

Good Things about Today:
- Playing with George the Bunny
- Made progress on projects
- Made progress on packing
- Bobbie Kitty was being goofy today

Meet George!

Monday, August 10, 2009


Meet George!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

After waiting for many long years, I finally have my own bunny. When I decided to live in an apartment without a roommate this school year I decided I would need some company. I would love a cat but they are a bit expensive and I have to may a monthly fee to have one in my apartment. Because of this, I decided it was time to get a bunny! Ever since making this decision I have been anxiously awaiting the county fair so that I could find the perfect bunny! We were on vacation when the fair started but were back in time to go the day we returned. They had many bunnies but I was hoping to find a dwarf because he will be kept inside and in a cage. On Friday I found and purchased George! He was only $20! I couldn't pick him up until Sunday after 8pm.

Yesterday 8pm finally rolled around and George is now safely home! My cats are a little freaked out so I have his cage in my room. He seems to be pretty happy, he wasn't scared at all. He loves exploring and is really curious so we named him George. I am so excited, I love him :)


Meet George!, originally uploaded by jenib320.



Meet George!, originally uploaded by jenib320.


Today I love the..
Smell of: New conditioner
Sound of: Harry Potter
Taste of: Vanilla Yogurt
Sight of: Bunny!
Feel of: Bunny!

Good Things about Today:
- Playing with George the Bunny
- New coupons
- Working on crafty projects
- Beautiful weather

Flowers

Sunday, August 9, 2009


Flowers, originally uploaded by jenib320.

All the flower I few this year are blooming right now! The marigolds started blooming a month or two ago, but everything else is blooming now too! I really enjoyed growing everything from seed. It has been much more satisfying. Since we're back form vacation and I'll be leaving in a little over a week for school, I thought I'd cut some for my room.


Cut Flowers, originally uploaded by jenib320.



Succulent Bloom!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

One of my succulents also is blooming! It's a Mexican Hen & Chicks called Silver Spoons. It has been one of my favorite finds this year because it has huge leaves but this makes me love it even more! I've never had one of my succulents bloom before! My other plants did alright while we were away too. One of my african violets is blooming again for the 3rd or 4th time this year! :)

Today I love the..
Smell of: Flowers
Sound of: Harry Potter
Taste of: Caramelized Pineapple
Sight of:A new red microwave
Feel of: Freshly laundered quilt

Good Things about Today:
- Picking up the BUNNY today!
- Made some progress on my room
- Found a great vintage shelf (for free!)
- Made some project progress!

My Favorites

Thursday, August 6, 2009

We will be making our way back up to Cleveland tomorrow afternoon, it has been a nice week. I was inspired by the lovely series on favorite things going on over at the Decor8 Blog this week, and have decided to do a little makeshift one of my own. This will also be a way for you all to get to know me a little better! :)


My creation, originally uploaded by jenib320.

1. Strawberries: My favorite fruit, and easily one of my very favorite foods. Love eating them fresh and plain but have really enjoyed making strawberry freezer jam!. 2. Fabric: I love crafting and sewing and it is always so satisfying and exciting coming home with new fabrics, so much possibility! 3. Flowers: I love gardening and really enjoyed growing all my plants from seed this year. Cut flowers always make me smile. 4. Shoes: Love shoes, and have many pairs even though I only wear a select few. Very partial to flats, especially ones with giant bows on them!


My creation, originally uploaded by jenib320.

1. Vintage Enamelware: I love collecting vintage Dansk Kobenstyle pots as well as Cathrineholm enamel items. It's been a wonderful hobby and I love the shapes and colors of these pieces. 2. Vintage Pyrex: I throughly enjoy the hunt for this vintage ovenware. Such beautiful colors and patterns, much more fun than the clear glass things they sell now! Love finding and using these beauties! 3. Vintage Lotus Bowls: These bowls seem to turn up all over the place. I don't know what it is about them that I like but they're handy for all kinds of little things and very sweet. I have quite a collection of them! 4. Hello Kitty: I love Hello Kitty and really enjoy collecting different Hello Kitty items. Hello Kitty is just too cute and irresistible! It really brings a smile to my face!


My creation, originally uploaded by jenib320.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: I love my Cavs. I am a huge fan and watch as may games as possible! I love going to the games and taking pictures of my Cavs! Lebron James, MVP! 2. Mike: My boyfriend of a year and a half. I realize he isn't a 'thing' but definitely still a favorite! :) 3. Blackie: My first kitty. I love when she comes and hangs out in my room with me, sleeping on the end of my bed. She may not like me that well (I like to pick her up!) but she is wonderful company and I love her! 4. Bobbie: Our second kitty. She is feisty and funny. When we need a good laugh, Bobbie always follows through. She enjoys carting around beanie babies and playing with ice cubes!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Clean laundry
Sound of: Jack Johnson
Taste of: Strawberry Waffles
Sight of: A new desktop background
Feel of: Wet sand

Good Things about Today:
- Going home tomorrow!
- Skyping with Mike and Sonny!
- Diet Coke
- Learned to fold origami cranes

A Day of Thrifting

Tuesday, August 4, 2009


Kitchen Finds!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Today my Mom and I went on an adventure out to Fort Myers to go thrifting. I mapped out 19 thrift stores for us to hit! A few were closed and a few we couldn't find, but we managed to go to 10 thrift stores and 4 antique stores! Not bad, and we were only gone for about 5 hours! We found a lot of great stuff! It was really exciting to go to all new thrift stores. I love my thrift haunts at home but it is nice to mix it up a bit!


Pyrex Finds!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I found a lot of Pyrex which was very exciting! First I found the Sage Scroll oval casserole, which I am extremely excited about! This is the first time I've seen it in person and I love it. It is in really great condition and was only $6! Next I found the Pink Daisy space saver for $3.75 at a Salvation Army! It has some wear on the corners but the pattern is in great shape. I have never seen this size before, it's 1.25 quarts. Should be good for brownies! Next I found the Flamingo Pink round casserole. It was $12 at an antique store which is a bit much for me but it is pink, and I love the round casseroles. Plus, I'm on vacation! Haha. Finally I picked up the Verde oval casserole for $3. I realize now that I already have it but it is in perfect condition and this is my favorite size, so I think I'll still keep it! Not bad in the Pyrex department! :)


Cathrineholm!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I accidently swore out loud when I saw these bowls. We were walking through this expensive antique store (I had just seen a Pyrex Primary bowl set for $78!) when I saw these I was telling my Mom that the one thing I would pay antique store price for was Catherineholm. Right as I said catherineholm I saw the bowls and screamed! What are the chances? They are a bit rough, they'll need some Bar Keeper's Friend when we get home, but I love them. I can't wait to find more! It was only $15 for the pair, they had no idea what they were, the tag was marked "vintage granite bowl pair".. interesting!


Dress, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I am really loving this dress we picked up at Salvation Army. It was $4.50. It too is going to need some work. It's too big for me so we'll have to take it in, and there is a stain on the bottom hem but we'll make it work! And if not I'll just salvage the fabric and make something out of it. Love the pattern!


Plastic Lotus Bowls, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Saw a lot of white lotus bowls today but I already have too many. Found these plastic ones for $.25 each! They're funny, I like them.


Smiley, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Finally, picked up this fun little utentsil for $.50. My Mom has one really similar that was from Target a few years ago. This guy will be used often for stirring pasta :)

All in all it was a very successful day of thrifting. We didn't get lost, and we found lots of goodies!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Chicken Dumpling soup
Sound of: Wind in the palm trees
Taste of: Diet Coke
Sight of: Pyrex
Feel of: Success

Good Things about Today:
- Had a very good day of thrifting
- Cathrineholm!
- Going to see Harry Potter 6 tomorrow
- Entourage season 5

Tutorials

Captiva


The Bubble Room, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I was doing so well with posting lately, but our vacation has been getting in the way. I finished up my last summer class last week and have been pretty lazy since then, haha. We left Friday morning for Captiva Island, FL. It has been great so far. We are here until Friday August 7th. It has been really relaxing. I have done some great shelling so far and am so happy to be back. I love collecting shells and Captiva and Sanibel Islands are supposed to be some of the best for shelling! Anyways, here is some catch-up on the vacation so far!

I am so in love with this idea. I must remember to bring some of my mason jars with me to my apartment to use as glasses :)


Shells, originally uploaded by jenib320.

The beach is lined with thousands of shells, its kind of overwhelming!


Shells, originally uploaded by jenib320.



Shells, originally uploaded by jenib320.



Sunset on Captiva, originally uploaded by jenib320.

We have a lovely view of the sun setting right from the beach our villa is on!


Cactus, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I really like this little guy. I wish I could take him home!


Tupperware!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Managed to stop at the Goodwill store on Sanibel Island! Found these three Tupperware stacking bowls, $1.99 for the three :) I love the colors.

Tomorrow my Mom and I are heading into Fort Myers for some thrifting! I have mapped out 19 thrift shops on the main roads! We'll see how many we make it to :)

Today I love the..
Smell of: Chicken noodle soup
Sound of: Waves
Taste of: Milano cookies
Sight of: Shells
Feel of: Blankets

Good Things about Today:
- Found a Fig shell and Angel Wing shells today!
- Took a nice long afternoon nap
- Milano cookies

Mikasa!

I am so in love with these. My Mom found them at the Hospice Thrift shop. She has quite an eye for things that I like! :) They were a crazy good deal too. There are 8 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 8 saucers, 5 bowls, 7 cups, 1 large bowl, 1 creamer, and 1 sugar dish. All for $10! I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of this pattern while out thrifting and on eBay. I'm loving the pattern a little more everyday. Can't wait to use them!

According to the markings on the bottom these are Mikasa Pivotal Ben Seibel Flower Garden Dishes. So, they are manufactured by Mikasa, the line is called Pivotal, the design was done my Ben Seibel and the pattern is called Flower Garden. That's a mouthful!