spring walks in the park

It's that strange time of year when, if you glance out a window, it still looks remarkably like winter, yet the weather is much warmer and little buds are sprouting here and there. The Husband, the Dog, and I have picked up our afternoon/evening walks in the park again, and once more I feel lucky to live so close to a protected greenbelt.

On another spring note, the Elfa closets I mentioned in a previous post went on sale, so we jumped at the opportunity and completely revamped the closet in the second bedroom. Eighteen drawers, 14 shelves, and two hanging rods later, we have a brand new closet! Prior to the installment, however, we had to do some massive spring cleaning, seeing as how we used that closet for storage. I did come across some hilarious photographs and keepsakes from years past though, which was quite entertaining.

ram on

I am happy to share something I discovered recently from Aquarium Drunkard. Apparently, some really fan-tastic bands from L.A. decided to re-record Ram, one of Paul McCartney's first solo records (one I quite like and tend to recommend to people, along with McCartney). Bands like The Parson Readheads and Frankel took part in this endeavor. I'm not normally into covers, but I listened to this record straight through, and there were very few tracks I took issue with. In fact, the entire thing is pretty darn good. Download away, people.

home-improvement mode

I am once again in home-improvement mode. After The Husband and I complete a project, I tend to sigh with relief (as does he) and take a breather. I avoid even thinking about the next venture. However, my mind now has a few more ideas in the hopper, including a closet organization in our second bedroom. It is a somewhat-massive closet, larger than the one in our master (thanks for nothing, mid-century architects), but it's awkwardly shaped with hideous sliding doors that swing back and forth when closed.

I've considered two options. One is an Elfa closet from The Container Store (pictured). The other would be cheaper but requires more ingenuity. Ikea has large wardrobes that fit inside closets. We would simply remove the doors and slide in the wardrobes (but "simply" never turns out to be as easy when it comes to Ikea). It will likely be a big expense, but I find it a necessary one at the moment. The new bamboo floors in the den will have to wait.

officially thirtysomething

journey to montana

The Husband and I have long discussed a roadtrip to Montana: "Big Sky Country." There's something fascinating about that area of the country. Perhaps it's the untamed, Wild West feeling or all the natural beauty. We're not sure. We just know that we want to go. We are planning to hit the road in early summer with stops planned in Jackson Hole, WY, and Yellowstone. Part of my personal fascination with Montana is the fact that wild horses still roam there., but they are being threatened by lost grazing areas, which sickens me. Nonetheless, I'm hoping in our upcoming trip that we might catch a glimpse of a herd traveling across the plains...

say it isn't so

First Blueprint, then Home & Garden, and now this. Another one of my favorite shelter magazines, Domino, is folding. Having recently worked for a home decor mag, I understand how the economy is affecting the industry, but this is seriously heartbreaking. There isn't going to be a shelter magazine left that suits my demographic and lifestyle. What's a girl to do?

before and after

AFTER (thoroughly modern):

The curvy, ugly light fixture in my dining room has finally been replaced with this drum shade from CB2. It really ties the decor together in the room. The previous light was way too ornate. When the new light arrived, we were somewhat shocked to realize that it was a plug-in light! After some wire-splitting and a trip to Home Depot, however, we had it all wired and done. It really makes a difference in the room.

BEFORE (curvy insanity!):