If you've got some time...

and some boredom, click around here.

They are snapshots of images Google Street View has brought up. So when you're wondering what's happening in the world, you can see it through these pictures.

In honor of Spring...

Dress, Shoes

[Via Matchbook Magazine]

Spring has sprung!

I'm going to celebrate by wearing sandals, going to the park, and having a picnic. Doesn't this weather put you in the best mood? :)

However you're spending yours...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

[via The Cupcake Blog]

Food, Identity, and Politics

I'm currently taking a class called Food, Identity, and Politics in which we discuss food and how it builds our identities from a Feminist Psychology perspective. A reoccurring issue within the course material is SES (socioeconomic status). Today we talked about food and what it means to us and what role it play in our lives. For me, food is social. It's a way to gather with friends or family, it's a social activity, all in all, it's so much more than just food. Think about it, food is not just a crucial piece to our survival, it's one of the building blocks upon which our society functions. When you go on a date, you go to dinner. When you have an interview, it's over coffee or lunch/dinner. You attend any social function (charity events, conferences, parties) there is bound to be food there. Why? Food is a way to bring people together, it's something to hold/do when you have a conversation, all the while meeting basic human needs. But what if you can't afford this basic human need?

SPENT

Playspent.org is an interactive website launched just last month in a collaboration between McKinney and Urban Ministries of Durham. It's a "game" that tests your ability to get through the month on the income you have and all of life's little surprises. I played 4 times before I was able to make it through the month. It challenges the stigma against those who need help and gives you a chance to help if you so choose. If nothing else, it opens your eyes to how fortunate you are, or at least, that's what it did for me.

Playing favorites

I'm in love with above and below.

Never love anybody who treats you like you’re ordinary.
— Oscar Wilde

(via 24 Free Dinners)


I highly recommend you check out my new favorite blog. It's funny, thought provoking, and relevant. All the things any good blog should be.

Also, i've discovered a new favorite hobby. Vintage shopping! A friend and I ventured to some vintage shops a few days ago and ever since, i've stopped scouring Kate Spade .com for my next purse purchase and started to think about the value and beauty of something vintage. I bought some lovely pieces (i'll post photos soon!) but what really does me in is the mystery behind their origins. Where did they come from? Who did they belong to? Where did they get them? Why did they part with what is now mine? I wish I knew the stories but knowing i'll never be able might be part of the fun.

In the mean time, check out the stores we scored our vintage finds at, The Vintage Twin and The Getup.

"Art doesn't have to be expensive to be good."

I've seen so many mentions around the blogosphere about 20x200 and when I finally stumbled over to the site, I became a believer. It started when Jen Bekman wanted to find a way to connect artists with art enthusiasts. To put it exactly, Jen says, "limited editions x low prices +theinternet = art for everyone." Personally, I love the diverse the pieces are. They have everything from an owl print to semi-erotic prints.

This one is called Sugarcoat by Michelle Hinebrook. When I think of art, I feel like I should pick something more... convoluted if that makes any sense. But what I love about this is how it's chaotic but the detail keeps it from looking like it belongs in a child's bedroom. I'd place it in an all white bathroom as the focal point. Hinebrook says this piece is part of series that looks at sensations of the body and the experience of taste and touch. I can see it.

This one is my favorite by far. I love the text but also, I love the story behind the text. Austin Kleon, the artist, takes New York Times articles and blacks out most of the text leaving a few key words behind. It's a marrying of art and poetry to me, and that's something something worth hanging.

If all else fails, there are always these colorful cake prints by Amy Stevens called "Confections (adorned #14)." They were her answer to turning 30, baking 30 birthday cakes. When she realized they didn't look like Martha's cakes, she decided to make prints instead. Sounds like my kind of woman.

Now to satisfy my cake craving...

Lost & found

I never pass up a good story like this.

Rainy day activites

It's rainy and gloomy and all I want are my pj's and some soup. Oh, and to read this!

If there is one magazine that captures the culture and style of the blogosphere, it's Matchbook Magazine. Described as the "field guide to a charmed life," the team at Matchbook delves into art, fashion, culture, travel, and any other aspect that goes into the creation of a charmed life. Have a read here.