i came to berlin to have some fun.

where to find me

2011-03-22T21:52:00.001-05:00

I've officially made my home at tumblr, follow me here.

I suspect I'll return to blogspot one day, but not today.

weekend bits

2010-10-31T20:25:00.007-05:00

sorry for me, for you, but I decided to copy. imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

pumpkin pancakes.

2010-10-29T09:44:00.002-05:00

This is just what I want right now. As always, thank you kitchen sink.

mmm. fall.

2010-10-28T09:27:00.001-05:00

via totokaelo.

boston food challenge? lets do it.

2010-10-24T19:22:00.004-05:00

I have been embracing Boston more in the past few months, and Jessica's Chicago food challenge has inspired me to do one of my own. The map above shows the 21 official neighborhoods in Boston. Perhaps by documenting eats in each of these neighborhoods, Aaron and I will see a bit more of our new-ish home. It's difficult though, because I want to also explore the neighborhoods and food of Cambridge, Brookline, and the 30 or so sub-neighborhoods of my very own Dorchester. However, I'm going to assume it's unlikely that I'll complete the task of 21 neighborhoods in the next 12 months, so it's pointless to take on more.

By the way, I'm just loving Dorchester and am still baffled by the fear of Boston toward this area. I was informed by a friend recently of the negative health impact of living in bad neighborhoods. Wha? It's like the suburbs out where with mixed races and sometimes vandalism. Let's suck it up people.

blue.

2010-10-23T19:49:00.004-05:00

New York Magazine did a piece on former Blues Clues host Steven Burns Williamsburg home. Very cool. And I love that it's blue.

neglect. new york.

2010-10-17T12:59:00.004-05:00

wow. It's been a while. I was getting that feeling that, since I've neglected this blog for so so long, that any return must be a triumphant one. I've done so many things this summer. Traveled to mexico, newport folk festival, wisdom teeth out, brief but wonderful chicago trip, katie came to visit, I went to visit katie, matt came to town, and so on....

I was feeling like I needed to post about each of these things to come back. but the past is the past. Then I was thinking about switching to a tumbler. this may still happen. but in the meantime I'll start posting again. Why not?

sorry for the neglect.

in the meantime, here are a few shots from my recent new york trip. I had a great time with my sister, and caught some awesome New Yorker festival events. It was my first time in NYC when the weather was actually nice. Fun!

dace.

2010-08-28T14:05:00.002-05:00

I really need to break from my J.Crew monotony. However, I find myself attracted to clothing way outside of my budget. Take dace for example. I am totally ready to embrace it- ready everywhere except my pocketbook. They do have decent sales I suppose. I might have to give something a try when the price is right. In the meantime, feast on these pretty dace items.

preppy?

2010-08-16T17:30:00.004-05:00

someone told me this week that I was "preppy" and could see me being called meg, wearing pink and green. I think he meant it as a compliment, but man, that is not how I see myself. I think the northeast is rubbing off in a bad way. I need to rethink some things....

popcorn shrimp

2010-07-20T20:06:00.000-05:00

you know I love muppets, right?

Herb and Dorothy

2010-07-16T13:12:00.007-05:00

I watched the best documentary today entitled Herb and Dorothy (available as watch instantly on netflix). Its about a couple who, on their meager salaries, amassed one of the most extensive and important collection of conceptual and minimalist art from the New York scene, simply out of the love of the art. Over the span of 40 years, they somehow stuffed over 40,000 pieces in their one bedroom Manhattan apartment. They are certainly quirky, endearing, and have an eye for art like you've never seen. And they've never sold a single piece.

However, they've given much of their work to the National Gallery and established a program to give 50 pieces of their collection to 5o states each. So look up which institute in your state holds the "Vogel Collection."

Here is a nice trailer of the doc:

Herb and Dorothy Trailer from Herb and Dorothy on Vimeo.

sunday work

2010-07-11T12:44:00.004-05:00

Chips, TJ's avocado verde salsa, Corona, and work by a breezy open window. I've had worse Sundays, and worse work days! Thanks beautiful day...

Science, mathematics: Physics major has a name for a really big number - latimes.com

2010-07-07T08:52:00.000-05:00

Science, mathematics: Physics major has a name for a really big number - latimes.com

oh chicago...

2010-07-02T17:10:00.000-05:00

From here, just last week! thanks jessica

i think we have a winner...

2010-07-02T16:57:00.004-05:00

In early May Aaron and I picked up some basil seedling kits at Ikea. You know, the sprinkle seeds, add water, watch it grow sort of thing. Well we decided to make a little competition out of it. We we each decided how much water they should get. Where to place them in the apartment for the right sun. And despite being knocked over by the cats, Aaron's little basil seedlings was way in the lead early on. However, in recent weeks the tables have turned. Mine is in the dark green pot. I'll let you decide.

happy birthday to me!

2010-07-01T17:14:00.003-05:00

I received the above amazing wayfarer ray bans from my mom (thanks mom!). Yes, I know how white that makes me. I also got the complete series of the West Wing and a fantastic edition of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. So much nerdiness and so little time! I am most certainly loved. I can't believe this is my third birthday with this blog.

talk of the town...

2010-06-24T18:42:00.006-05:00

Hi friends!

sorry for the delay in posting. I have been busy with a number of things, and now that so many have stacked up, it's beyond what I am able to post. So instead I thought I would give a little list of what I've been up to...

-Explored Portland, ME where I ate the best PB&J in the world.

-Consumed stout in one of the best pubs in the world, in desolate Lovell, ME (see above).

-Traveled to El Paso, TX and Tacoma, WA for work. Both places I would love to return to.

-Hosted L&B for a weekend, and impatiently awaiting their permanent arrival in Boston.

-Planned out my vacation days for the rest of the year.... exciting things to come.

-Enjoying my new earrings very much.

no new apartment additions of note.

new earrings

2010-06-02T18:28:00.003-05:00

patiently awaiting their arrival...

wee flower pot posts

little larsen posts

sink hole

2010-06-01T21:56:00.002-05:00

I can't get over this sink hole in Guatemala City. Unbelievable. 115 people died as a result of the tropical storms there. This sink hole took out a few highrises. Sad.

janelle monae and james brown

2010-06-01T20:50:00.004-05:00

As I think you all know by now, I'm a lover of soul music. And who's the godfather of soul? Why James Brown of course. So you can imagine my delight when I came across Janelle Monae. An indie pop and soul singer, signed by Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2007, she has a great voice and even better dance moves. But what I love about her the most is her blatant reference back to the good old James Brown days. As you can see in the above Letterman performance, she works the moves (though no one is as smooth as the man) and even has cape placed on her shoulders before she drops the the ground on her knees. As you've seen here before, this is all James Brown. I've reposted that video here for you enjoyment. (be sure to watch the end of both videos).

Of course this means she is nothing new, but how refreshing to see this young artist refuse to be placed into the young black woman musical artist categories (as she says in a few interviews). And to harken back to James Brown, well thats way cooler than the Madonna reference that is getting a bit tired with Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera. No wonder P.Diddy said this was the most important signings of his career.

Newport Folk Festival

2010-05-18T18:41:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to go to the festival this year! There are perks to being in New England! I think I'm most excited to See Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, but Andrew Bird, Edward Sharp & The Magnetic Zeros, the Avett Brothers and The Swell Season certainly have their draw. I hear the venue is right on the water, and if the weather is nice, its going to be a great time. Checkout the teaser below:

Newport Folk Festival 2010 from Mike Anderson on Vimeo.

For a line up click here (we are skipping Friday).

listen: Jakob Dylan: NPR Tiny Desk Concert

2010-05-18T18:32:00.003-05:00

NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts, my new favorite thing.

other pieces of our delicious weekend

2010-05-16T12:04:00.001-05:00

going green: ramps and fiddleheads

2010-05-16T11:49:00.006-05:00

Aaron and I came across a fantastic produce market in Watertown over the weekend and went crazy over a few rare items we had not seen in person before, but only read about. These were ramps and fiddleheads.

Aaron was in charge of the ramps, making a sort of ramps pesto with lemon and parmesan.

I simply sauteed the fiddleheads (after a quick 2 min boil) with olive oil and garlic. They have a great earthy taste that was delish.

Grove.

2010-05-09T22:04:00.004-05:00

This post is going to reveal how lame I really am. If I did have an iphone, I would totally go for one of these cases. But I don't have an iphone. It's like picking out a wedding dress when you're single. A little premature.

Anyway, check out Grove via Apartment Therapy.

apartment update

2010-05-09T11:35:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I gave an apartment update- and there have been some exciting new acquisitions.

1) Henny Ikea Blanket: I first saw this blanket over at The Brick House and new I loved it right away. Even though they don't carry it in the Ikea near Boston- they did have it at the Brooklyn Ikea I visited a few weeks ago. It looks great and is machine washable- which is a must with cats, as you can see.

2) Office Rug: Another Ikea acquisition. I have been holding off on blogging about the office until I file a little better about its progress- and I think its really coming together. Since it functions as an office, TV room, and dining room, we really don't need any other room in the house. Seriously, you could cut off the dining room, guest room, and living room, and we might not notice. As the Dude would, say, the rug "really ties the room together."

3) Lane Dovetail Side Table: We live by the BEST thrift store. I found this Lane Dovetail side table. They had two there, but one was seriously damaged dog chew marks. This one just needs a little refinishing. Despite being consistently sold on ebay for $200, I got this for $15. Thrifty! It might end up going to some friends who have the coffee table, but for now it works great as table in the office. I'll update once its refinished.

The Catorialist

2010-04-28T17:18:00.003-05:00

So many of you know I am a 'reader" of The Sartorialist. Well, you can imagine my delight when I (*ahem* Aaron) came across The Catorialist. Take a look at these stylish kitties as they go about their business.

james and aretha

2010-04-23T16:09:00.001-05:00

I encourage you to get funky this weekend. Enjoy!

shelving

2010-04-18T20:24:00.001-05:00

Wow! Loving this shelving. From here.

watch

2010-04-17T09:29:00.001-05:00

this is for you dyno

book lovers never go to bed alone

2010-04-14T21:44:00.003-05:00

Check out this awesome book blog. Thanks steve.

turkeys? yes indeed.

2010-04-12T17:12:00.004-05:00

Apparently there is a group of turkeys (otherwise known as a rafter, gang, or colloquially, a "gobble") that lives outside of my work building. I've been told they come out in groups of as much as 30 by late summer. I'm the only one who seems to be excited, looking out other people's office windows as they walk by, and being totally distracted by their pecking at the glass during meetings. When I pulled into the parking lot today they were standing where I usually park, so I excitedly grabbed my camera while other people walked right on by into work. Wait till the end of the video, as I think the big guy was a little miffed I was filming him.

i'm here

2010-04-11T12:56:00.005-05:00

I'm sorry oh blog...

Just because I have been ignoring you does not mean I have forgotten you. I have been very busy with various activities, including a visit from my mom and sister, a trip to NYC, a work trip to Columbia, SC, a weekend house guest, and lots o' work. Please forgive me and see the pictures below as evidence of my stated activities.

cat nap.

2010-03-07T14:02:00.003-06:00

what could be better?

spring dress

2010-03-07T13:53:00.003-06:00

in the spring spirit and really coveting this dress right now.

island house.

2010-02-28T13:06:00.002-06:00

continuing with the fantasy house dreaming... on the coast of Elliðaey, a southern island in Iceland

stone house

2010-02-25T22:17:00.001-06:00

What a cool house. In Fafe, Portugal. Take me there.

listen: Declaration of Dependence

2010-02-24T07:54:00.003-06:00

Kings of Convenience (an old favorite from Riot on an Empty Street) has released a new album entitled, Declaration of Dependence. Though my precious Imeem has been purchased by Myspace, I can offer a link to this full album on their myspace page here.

I would also suggest listening to their NPR interview. I particularly enjoy how the interviewer continually references the fact that the two of them have trouble getting along. There are also quite a few live ditties.

I hop you enjoy as much as I did.

reading

2010-02-21T15:37:00.005-06:00

After the holidays we now have subscriptions to 5 publications. Which should be great news. I love to read books, but I also love a great article. I used to alternate reading the New Yorker and a book on the train to work. But these days, though we have more to read, I have less time. Driving to work means I have lost my commute reading time, and most weekends and evenings I am trying to catch up on a little work, while also logging a few hours a week at MIT. This means I relegate a few Sunday morning hours to the written word. Now Aaron comes home each day with some little tid-bit or story to tell from Harper's or the New Yorker. And it makes me sad.

So I must make a new commitment to READ before bed, and not allow Anthony Bourdain or The Wire put me to sleep. I can do this. Perhaps.

apartment update

2010-02-21T15:22:00.007-06:00

We have done some major rearranging in this place so I thought I'd share.

Bedroom (used to be the office):

Guest room (was guest room but switched furniture):

Office: used to be bedroom, but with all the great built-ins. we thought it would be a better office. It still needs some work though, so I'll post pics later.

Dining room: I found this Lane Highboy at my new favorite thrift store, Boomerang, in Jamaica Plain. After I purchased it I found it on Ebay for 5 times the price. Amazing!

love.

2010-02-14T20:08:00.001-06:00

forty can't tell twenty

2010-02-07T19:08:00.002-06:00

Read my friend Jon's blog, forty can't tell twenty. It is new and awesome. Thanks for sharing Jon.

marimekko love

2010-02-04T18:51:00.002-06:00

embracing my inner finn with a little marimekko

i hear mother-in-law minna has some connections. going to have to look into that...

2010-02-04T18:41:00.002-06:00

Hello International Year of Astronomy 2009 posters by Simon Page. I want one of each of you.

other LA snippets...

2010-01-24T21:22:00.007-06:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I visited LA last weekend to visit our good friend Jon Garda. I liked LA a lot more than I thought I would. It had a unique kitschy quality that I didn't expect. I imaged an image-driven, shallow place. Instead I found great food, cool vintage shops, beautiful landscape, oh and did I say great food? I can't really imagine living there for too long with all of the driving, but it's definitely worth a visit. Funny thing- it rained two of our three days there. Sunny LA- Ha!

Here are a few highlighted moments:

Here we are at the Getty, looking over LA

There was great Mid-Century furniture shops. Here is my first vintage Herman Miller sighting. A big day in my life.

Pelicans roaming the Pier.

We went to a great arcade on a Pier where we played vintage games and redeemed our tokens for a "suprise" prize box. It contained random keychains, nail polish, whistles, etc...

Jon took us to the Farmer's Market where we ate amazing doughnuts and Crepe's. I would go to this outdoor food market everyday if I lived there.

Classic Hollywood fare

Protesters for Conan

And because it rained for a day and a half, the Valley totally flooded (notice the power line down).

If you haven't yet, skeptics like me should go to LA and be pleasantly "suprised."

Soda Pop Stop

2010-01-24T21:02:00.005-06:00

So Jessica definitely scooped me, but I still thought it was worth a post. Aaron and I visted our good friend Jon Garda in LA last weekend and he took us around to some of his favorite spots. One of them was the soda pop stop, Galco's, an old grocery store in LA that now specializes in old time and unique sodas. It was really quite an experience. The video below will tell you all about it (we saw that guy there too!).

Here are a few pics from our visit below.

And I agree with Matt... Mint Julip does tase like drinking double mint gum.

Unfortunately I'm not really a soda person, so some of the effect was lost on me. But the whole scene was pretty awesome, and I love that this one man is trying, and succeeding, at simply pursuing something he loves in his very own way. You can order by mail here, if you so wish.

Personally, I loved the cooler filled with candy.

Stonington/ Mystic excursion

2010-01-02T20:06:00.005-06:00

When I was born my father was stationed in Connecticut. During that time my parents and sister lived in a quaint house on the tip of a Connecticut peninsula right in front of the Stonington Lighthouse. Now that I live in Boston, I have the pleasure of easily traveling to just about anywhere I want in New England, and today my destination was Stonington to see the house I lived in for the first two months of my life. The trip took only about 2 hrs. It was a snowy day, so I look forward to going back in the summer.

This was their house. My mom tells me how she read about this house at the local library, where she learned there was a secret smuggling passage leading from the house out to the ocean and ghost sightings.

This is the house down the street where my supposed god-parents live. They weren't home, but still live there.

Here is the point where my mother took us (mostly my sister) to play on the lawn and at duBois Beach.

Then Aaron and I drove to Mystic and ate at the famed Mystic Pizza. What a perfect day.

Listen: Laura Veirs

2010-01-02T19:53:00.003-06:00

I can't stop listening to this album so I thought I'd share it with you. Laura Veirs has just come out with a new album entitled, July Flame. My first thought was that she was a more upbeat, and female, Fleet Foxes, with a dash of country. Here is what NPR's Bob Boilen has to say:

"Exclusive First Listen: Laura Veirs
December 21, 2009 - Laura Veirs' latest release, the stripped-down July Flame, uses atmosphere and tension as the connective tissue for its songs. Veirs, who's been setting her observations to song since 1999, says she was in a writing slump going into this record, so she challenged herself with odd tunings on her nylon-string guitar. She dug deep inside for inspiration, did away with her full band for most of the album and wrote many of these tracks in her barn in Portland, Ore.

The sounds on July Flame were created with Veirs' producer, Tucker Martine; this is their sixth record together. Martine is known as the producer for records by The Decemberists, Laura Gibson and Thao Nguyen, among others, as well as a collaborator with guitarist Bill Frisell.

On July Flame, you'll hear her beautiful finger-picking, vocals by Jim James of My Morning Jacket, and gorgeous string arrangements by Stephen Barber. There are songs about subjects as seemingly innocuous as summer peaches ("July Flame"), as well as a tribute to legendary studio musician Carol Kaye.

Although Veirs has been on Nonesuch Records for her past three albums, July Flame will come out on her own label, Raven Marching Band Records, on Jan. 12."

You can listen to the whole album on NPR here.

Christmas is here!

2009-12-21T18:00:00.003-06:00

Wow! I can't believe Christmas is only a few days away! Aaron and I leave tomorrow night to head back to Chicago. Good thing we didn't leave earlier- we might have been snowed in! We got a lot of snow on Saturday, as you can see below. Here I am in front of our new car (not that you can see it). I had to buy one to get to my new job. The car is growing on me I guess, but I still see myself as a non-car person, and hope to get rid of it as soon as I can. I'm wearing Aaron's mom's old Finnish fur cap. It's dramatic yes, but very warm. I even got a compliment on the street!

I've been wrapping away in preparation for Christmas. Ikea had such great nordic inspired decorations this year. I think it's my favorite paper yet!

Oh, and here's Aaron below in the White Mountains. Pretty huh?

Merry Christmas!

Saturday in Battery Park

2009-12-10T17:58:00.001-06:00

Me and Mayumi off to see the Statue of Liberty!

the brick house

2009-12-06T16:48:00.002-06:00

I came across this amazing mid-century renovation blog called, The Brick House. Such inspiration! Such envy! Such Taste!

busy month!

2009-12-06T16:26:00.003-06:00

The past month has been so busy for me. I interviewed for jobs, decided to accept a position, went on a car search to be able to get to the new job, traveled to Chicago for Thanksgiving, participated in a good friend's wedding, hosted(ing) a Brazilian friend and took a weekend trip to NYC. I even went to a bunny fair! Whew! So much to blog about and no time to blog. But the holidays get me in the blogging spirit, and I start my new job tomorrow, so I hope to have more time to settle into home life. I also feel the urge to knit. I'm thinking red marled wool. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

cat-attack

2009-11-16T21:47:00.002-06:00

say hello to the kitties

shoe covet

2009-11-14T18:03:00.002-06:00

Oh man I really want these right now. But can't afford them. I'll just have to covet from afar.

welcome to the revolution

2009-11-13T08:43:00.003-06:00

whole foods guy: do you want a bag?
aaron: um, no thanks
whole foods guy: welcome to the revolution
aaron: thanks?

slat bench

2009-11-11T15:39:00.002-06:00

apartment update. (well, not really update since its about 2 months over due).

I found a slat bench! craigslist WILL work out... you just have to wait for it. This bench is exactly what I wanted. I knew I could make it work somewhere, and was happy it worked as a coffee table. I was afraid the room would look too crowded, but I think its just right. Now we just need a t.v. I'm getting a little tired of hunching over the tv stand to do anything on the computer. And we have an office just sitting there. This helps explain my pitiful blog record recently.

The great thing about this bench is that it extends! See.....

Here it is pushed together

And here it is extended. very cool in my book.

Halloween

2009-11-10T21:14:00.007-06:00

Wow- I can't believe I'm so behind in my blogging. I have so many post ideas backed up I don't even know where to start.

How about Halloween? Do you like my pumpkin? It's hard to tell but its a white pumpkin- so he has a ghost face.

Aaron and I decided to spend the day driving around the North Shore of Massachusetts (Oh I love you Zip Car). It's so great that you can drive 45 mins out of the city and you are in some cute small fishing town. Here is our trip in pictures:

We didn't get very far before we started noticing all the kitschy old signs on the highway. Its like nothing changed in the state since the 50s. Not that I really mind considering my mid- century dispositions. We were driving though so I missed a lot of good ones.

First we hit up Glouschester

not even the churches escape the fisherman's influence

when your name is Bob Whynott- you better just run for office

Our next stop was Rockport- such a beautiful town

Roy Moore's Lobster. Enough said.

our meal came from these crates- well, probably not, but you get the idea

And now we arrive in Essex

next to one of the many antique stores we came across an ancient graveyard. fitting for the day I think.

Then we went to Ipswich, but no pictures were warranted there. Sorry Ipswich. I did like you.

Where the Wild Things Are: a good listen.

2009-10-27T20:55:00.003-05:00

I went to see Where the Wild Things Are over the weekend and had mixed feelings. I think I was expecting something else. I expected to feel nostalgic maybe, or even happy. I felt the opposite. Not because the movie wasn't good- it was very good- but it was disturbing to me and very sad. I wanted a cathartic scene between Max and Carol. I wanted Max to change somehow. I think he was glad to be home- but I also think he's going to flip out again the next chance he gets.

What I really found interesting was that the wild things were not scary because they were monsters. They were scary because they were so child, no, human-like. Their relationships were broken. They were selfish, moody, and prideful. They could love, but at any moment they could snap and eat you, or worse, disappoint you.

Anyways, I really love the feel Spike Jonze was able to portray. It was very dreamy, but not unrealistic. I think the movie was greatly helped by the soundtrack, something I can't stop listening to at work. I thought I would share it with you. Enjoy Karen O And The Kids.

Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack

vegetarianism and jonathan safran foer

2009-10-21T21:04:00.009-05:00

In the past few months my vegetarianism has been in limbo. After meat eating in Europe I've certainly fallen off the wagon, and I haven't really felt too bad about it. When I do eat meat, its usually in small quantities and infrequently spaced. I'm not really sure how I feel about it. I still feel the same way about eating meat- the implications for the environment, the treatment of factory farmed animals, and health benefits- are still important to me. But at the same time, I don't think some sampling every now and then really negates those things. And yet, if I can't stick to this, can I really stick to anything I believe in?

I came across an article by Jonathan Safran Foer in The New York Times Magazine Food Issue. He is one of my favorite authors, writing the beautiful works, Everything is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. He's coming out with a new book called Eating Animals, and this article is adapted from it. Yes its about not eating meat, but really its about his family, perspective on life, and the importance of living by what you believe. I've never been one to push eating habits on to others, and my recommendation to read this article is no exception. I just really loved it, and wanted to share.

"Against Meat: The Fruits of Family Trees," by Jonatha Safran Foer.

"When I was young, I would often spend the weekend at my grandmother’s house. On my way in, Friday night, she would lift me from the ground in one of her fire-smothering hugs. And on the way out, Sunday afternoon, I was again taken into the air. It wasn’t until years later that I realized she was weighing me..." read more

winning friends

2009-10-14T21:13:00.004-05:00

The weekend before last Aaron and I hosted our first party. Originally it was intended to simply return the favor to a co-worker who hosted us young people at my job for dinner at his place. So Aaron and I decided we would tempt them down to Dorchester with wine and cheese. We thought a dinner party would be too expensive and complicated for a larger group, and a nibbling party would be a bit more social.

Well a trip to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods later, we learned that wine and cheese is in fact very expensive indeed. But the party was definitely coming together. I invited all my co-workers and Aaron invited a few of his. We had about 10 guests and I think they had a great time. I forgot to take pictures (eek) but we had quite the spread of nuts, meats, 5 cheeses (so good!) fruit and four wines. We had way too much and are still eating cheese over a week later.

We realized that just about everyone we know in Boston, save two, were in our apartment. Kinda sad. I was happy that we were being social, and could have a party two and a half months after relocating. But our circle is still pretty small. I have been making friends at work, but I miss real friends who you can actually relax with.

I went to Chicago over the weekend to attend Caitlin's bridal shower. It was so great to see her and it reminded be how much I'm missing. Most of my friends have left Chicago and the few who remain have plans to leave. I suppose nothing can prevent this post-college shift away from that network. I just feel like I need a friend action plan. How does one meet people and make friends? I usually don't warm up quickly with people anyways, so starting from scratch is a challenge. Any helpful hints?

maybe more parties...

Apartment Update: Record player

2009-10-03T17:25:00.006-05:00

When Aaron was in high school he had a nice little collection of records. Many of them he acquired from my mother who got them from her brother Bill. There's a lot of weird disco, but also a lot of other great albums. When we moved to Boston Aaron's parents drove our things from Illinois to our new place. This provided Aaron's mom the opportunity to bring EVERYTHING Aaron had left in their house from growing up with them. This ranged from a few toys, to old school notes, to some of his brother's yearbooks. Small price to pay for all their help. She also brought the records.

I really like the idea of records. Sure they sound suboptimal, but I think the cracking and popping adds charm. So we began our craigslist hunt for record player. It took us a while to find the right thing, but when we did- wow the price was right. $35! It seems to work well, we just need a needle before we can test it out. We were going to put it in the dining room, but it looked so nice in the living room, thats where it resides.

I have been loving door sixteen. Obviously I'm not redoing a house, but she has such great taste I'm always inspired. And she has an enviable eames chair collection. Ho Hum.

I'm in the search for some cool art for the dining and guest room. Any ideas?

Hosting our first party this weekend. Stay tuned.

later

2009-09-30T20:29:00.003-05:00

I'm sorry. I'm lame. I really do feel like I have good stuff to blog about- but am tired of the computer when I get home from work.

Ideas to explore later:

-awesome new apartment stuff

-we might have a social life?

-upcoming New York trip

-thoughts on Boston

-Chicago trip

-children? ha! not for a long time.

to sew

2009-09-05T16:02:00.003-05:00

Today I learned how to thread a sewing machine (thanks to youtube) and stitched a few stitches. Sometimes the result was a glob of thread coming from the bottom (any idea why?), but for the most part I think I can handle it. I think I need a few more practice rounds before I can hem a curtain. I feel like such a housewife... but you know I do have a job and sewing seems so useful, and possibly even fun. So we'll see. I also have a scheme planned of joining a sewing class and meeting some much needed friends. At least the machine is no longer sitting around, and now when I look at it, it won't feel like another failed project.

new chairs

2009-08-30T19:48:00.003-05:00

Well I thought it was time for me to start blogging about apartment updates. Things have been coming along so well, and now with the major necessitates covered and me working, progress will be slower. I can now blog along with progress and back track a little as well.

About a week and half ago we came across these two chairs on craigslist (our primary resource for anything from a toaster to furniture). I don't know who made them- but I love them and they look great in the place! $40 a piece- not bad considering our less cool ikea version was $50. They lounge in our living room until further notice.

zooey, even though you have a boy's name, you sure can dance...

2009-08-28T17:29:00.002-05:00

Oh Caitlin! Thanks so much so sharing!

what a spectacle

2009-08-26T16:32:00.006-05:00

I have admittedly been absent from this blog -- and for good reason! Matt and Jessica have come to visit and we've been seeing all that Boston has to offer. This includes great restaurants and bakeries, historic sites, and candlepin bowing (more on that some other time). It also means taking a trip to Spectacle Island. This island in Boston Harbor was once shaped like a pair of eye glasses, but after a long history as Boston's trash dump, glue maker, and dirt repository, it has since retained a round shape, no longer resembling spectacles. It has also since been turned into a natural environment with paths and picnic tables. Also, as you can see, there is a great deal of black berries for the picking- or so we presumed. Only a short, cheap, ferry ride away, and we were smelling the sea air and taking in a view of the city from across the bay. I'm excited to explore more islands, and possibly even camp on one. We only have two nights left with our friends, and we are back to being alone and boring, but also rested.

oh seafood

2009-08-18T21:09:00.004-05:00

yes. I suppose I'm an east coaster now. I buy fresh fish and roast it and eat the whole thing and I love it.

quinoa stuffed peppers

2009-08-12T18:35:00.008-05:00

Did you know that quinoa is one of the most perfect foods? It has a high protein level and a balanced set of amino acids. Not bad for a seed in the tumbleweed family. Last night I made quinoa stuffed peppers, and while you could substitute for couscous, I really don't know why you would. This recipe is from the kitchen sink, with a few changes.

Quinoa stuffed peppers

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup quinoa

4 large red bell peppers, halved and seeded
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into one-inch segments
1 small yellow squash, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
1/2 tsp coriander seeds
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
pinch cayenne
1 can chopped tomatoes, drained
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons of the adobo spice (found in the latin american or mexican aisle)
2 1/2 tablespoons finely grated sharp white cheddar

Preheat oven to 350. Coat a small baking dish with cooking spray. Split the peppers in half and clean them out; place them in the baking dish. Roast for 20 minutes.

Bring the quinoa and broth to a boil in a small saucepan; reduce heat and cook until the broth is absorbed, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a nonstick skillet. Add onion, asparagus, yellow squash, caraway seeds, cumin, cayenne, adobo spice and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Remove from heat and stir in the tomatoes, chickpeas, chipotle and adobo sauce. Add the quinoa into the skillet and toss with the vegetables.

Fill the par-roasted peppers with the quinoa mixture. Top each pepper with 2 teaspoons of grated cheese. Bake 15 minutes

just what I wanted...

2009-08-10T15:00:00.002-05:00

It is such a wonderful feeling to have found the perfect jean. I went to Madewell today on Newbury Street and there I found that elusive wardrobe item. They do exist! I've been on the look out for black denim for sometime and, thanks to the tip from Wicksten, I found them at Madewell. This is an offshoot of J Crew, and I was pleasantly surprised to find they are located in Boston. I was hoping to get their 37s, as they are cheaper, but the Rail Straight cut was so perfect. A bit pricey, but now that we are budgeting, I can save up for more expensive things and not feel bad about it. I am ready to donate all the denim I have that I feel just so so about and start over with Madewell.

what to read in europe

2009-08-10T07:33:00.006-05:00

I had a great weekend, with lots of apartment improvements, and a great tour of Fenway Park. I'll share the apartment updates later, when the place is cleaned up enough to take pictures.

For now I have a different kind of post. I read so many great books while in Europe I thought I would share. I found overwhelmingly that reading books set in the place you were traveling truly made the experience that much more fulfilling.

The first book I read, Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, did not follow this logic. I read it in Sardinia, and while it was a very interesting read, I found it to be distracting from my overall experience. I recommend reading this disturbing comment on the animal character of human nature during a rainy day at home.

The next book I read was one of two Hemingway novels completed during the trip. This posthumously published unfinished novel, The Garden of Eden was loaned to me from a friend in Chicago, and when I read the back I was not looking forward to it. A man caught between passion for is eccentric wife, and the love of a woman who his wife has also fallen in love with. Sounds pretty twisted. But it was a great book, with interesting relationships and perspectives on the writing process. The best part for me was the continual traveling thorough Europe. Hemingway is so good at capturing that feeling; driving from town to town, sitting at a local cafe enjoying the spectacular food and drink. Even though it was set in the coastal regions of France and Spain, it seemed to really elevate my experience in Cinque Terre.

The third book, Marie Antoinette: The Journey, by Antonia Fraser, was another great setting book. This fairly dense biography taught me a great deal about the French Revolution, late 18th century French culture, and made my visit to Versailles and Paris like a Marie Antoinette pilgrimage. And considering I read it over Bastille Day, it was very relevant.

Then I read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Again, not fitting for the European experience, but a quick and entertaining read.

Finally I read A Moveable Feast. This was a book I picked up at the Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris. I had wanted to read another Hemingway book, and when flipping through it at this quaint english store, I saw pictures in the back of the book of the very place I was standing. Apparently when Hemingway was living in Paris he frequented this bookstore, as well as many other expatriate writers. So naturally I bought it, had it stamped by the store, and felt very cool. The book was short essays about his time on Paris and his experience with the city and the writers living there. Such a a wonderful book to read in the city of lights. Paris seemed very much unchanged in many ways from when Hemingway lived there, and you could just sink into a cafe and be there with him. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone. Hemingway is so good at those simple yet powerful one liners.

Happy reading!

dedicated to chairs

2009-08-05T15:54:00.004-05:00

I came across a blog dedicated entirely to chairs. As I am in a chair hunt, this was particularly pleasing to me. Take a look here.

back in business!

2009-08-05T09:45:00.004-05:00

Well here I am. Back. After landing in Chicago Aaron and boarded a plane to Boston, and the past week I've been occupied with moving in and looking for work. But I feel like we're finally settling in. I had originally planned on blogging through the whole trip, but since I didn't it seems so hard to go back through and update on what we did. All I can say is that I'm so glad I went. A few favorite destinations included Cinque Terre, Chamonix, the Loire Valley and Paris. I didn't expect to love France as much as I did. Currently I can share a Paris picture, but I'm having a hard time accessing the pictures we loaded to an external hard drive, so I'll try and post more later.

Our apartment is so big and nice that its been really fun thinking about what to do with it. The first major project was stripping a mid-century danish dining table we got from craigslist. I was so happy to have learned thins new skill! Here it is with some Ikea chairs we bought.

I'll post more about the apartment as we finish each room.

Boston has been really great. Dorchester is a really diverse and pleasant neighborhood (at least our area). Last might we met a neighbor from across the street who moved to her house "as a bride" and has been there 62 years! Amazing. True to form Aaron has started his baking, already making english muffins and a peach tart.

Also, to be real Bostonians, we had a shrimp boil last weekend. So good. I'm excited to start blogging again, what with a new apartment to put together, a nice kitchen to cook in and a new life to start.

travels

2009-06-24T14:10:00.002-05:00

Its been a long hiatus from blogging... for good reason! About a week and a half ago I graduated from my master's program, moved from my home in Boston, put our belongings in storage, and embarked on a six week tour of Italy and France. We started in Sardinia, where I lived as a child with my family for over a year. Here we spent time with old friends and left my late father's cremains in the sea that he loved. Then we left for Rome to start our touring. And here we are.

I had been planning on posting pictures and keeping track of the trip on this blog, but internet access has been a problem for me, so my posting may be sporadic. I'll try to share when I can. Have a great summer and wish us luck!

new from Coconut Records, "Microphone"

2009-06-05T16:36:00.002-05:00

I can't lie... I have such a crush on Jason Schwartzman

last day of school... for a long time!

2009-06-05T08:54:00.002-05:00

Wow. Today is my last day of school. I can't believe how fast it went, and yet I'm so intellectually exhausted, I can't imagine it feeling longer. I'm off to my last class that will include cheese and wine, and then my last University of Chicago duty will be graduation a week from now. I'm so glad I did it, and only sort of glad its done. I can easily say it was my most challenging experience, and I've grown so much intellectually. I can also easily say the a PhD is not in my future (so near future at least) and that real employment will be fantastically appreciated. I'm so happy to have my master's at my age; now lets make a dent in those loans!

grover's take on marriage

2009-06-02T11:41:00.000-05:00

vintage on etsy

2009-06-02T10:14:00.004-05:00

I should really explore etsy more. This little shop, dear golden, has some great stuff!

R. Buckminster Fuller, at the MCA

2009-05-26T11:22:00.005-05:00

On Sunday I joined Joy, a friend, to see the exhibit, "Buckminster Fuller: Starting with the Universe" at Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. Wow! I was totally blown away. I had never really heard of him before, and was fascinated by how far ahead of time this architect, mathematician, and visionary was. He was very concerned about sustainability, efficient design, and globalization. The exhibit included models of his 4d homes, domed structures, and sea cities. I was most compelled of the video of 'Bucky' standing outside on a windy day with a table of rods and connectors in front of him, explaining why the tetrahedron is the foundation of the universe. While there was a tinge of sadness in it all, as many of his ideas never came to fruition, no matter how hard he fought for them, I was also filled with hope. I am often coming across modular housing, sustainable designs, and alternative materials in my reading, and I now see how foundational the thinking of Buckminster Fuller was. If you're in the city, I definitely recommend going stopping by the MCA. The exhibit ends July 5th.

Domed Pavilion for the World's Fair, Montreal. still in existence.

Bucky's world map, meant to eliminate distortion and emphasize the interconnectedness.

Here he is with a model of a domed home and foldable interior

most incredible I think is his idea to dome part of manhattan to reduce cost: universal climate control, eliminate snow removal, protect against pollutants etc...

plate shelf

2009-05-20T12:06:00.003-05:00

due to our way too large book collection I'm always interested in shelving options. We've been rocking the ikea cube bookcase for a while now and while I still love it, sometimes it looks a little heavy. I'm loving the above plate shelf by nARCHITECTS. very cool.

wish list

2009-05-20T09:53:00.002-05:00

coveting these palma patent ankle-wrap flats from j.crew.

Listen: Phoenix

2009-05-17T15:03:00.003-05:00

On April 6th I watched Saturday Night Live with Aaron (a favorite activity of his) and saw Phoenix perform. I had never heard of them before, which isn't unreasonable considering they are fairly unknown French band, and since that time I've had their song "Lizstomania" in my head. I really like them so I though I would share from their nicely titled album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (see the SNL performances here). What do you think?

PHOENIX

on my wish list: proud mary

2009-05-15T23:37:00.004-05:00

In my blogging around I came across this really neat company called proud mary. It is a company started by two you ladies developing socially conscious and inspired fabrics for wonderful products. While expensive, I understand the cost because of the mission of the company and the nature of a new company. I've chosen this bag for my wish list.

tempaper?

2009-05-14T11:56:00.004-05:00

Just today I was thinking about how cool it would be to wallpaper, but that it seemed unlikely considering we will be renters for a very long time. I was inspired by these amazing papers from madison and grow.

Then I came across these really cool temporary papers from tempaper designs. I think its a pretty good idea. Would you do it?

I'm back!

2009-05-14T09:57:00.003-05:00

Wow! We had to take our computer in the the Apple and they had to replace our hard drive. We lost almost all our music, but I'm glad they saved most everything else. It's disconcerting considering we purchased our computer less than a year ago, but oh well. It was under warranty.

Anyways, its spring, and there is much to be happy about. Graduation is coming up, Europe is just around the corner, and Boston plans are set. I will really miss Chicago and our friends here though.

Planning for the apartment has been really fun. I've been loving mid-century design lately, and now that I have a palate to place these ideas, things are coming together in my mind. We even already bought a Danish mid-century dining table from craigslist. Yes, we have a dining room! We love to cook and host, so we were hoping for a dining room.

Well this is sort of rambling. Here are a few images that have been providing recent home inspiration.

I love the layering here. We have so many books I'm thinking of getting another of the same large ikea bookcase that we have and replicating this in the living room.

I love this room too.

We don't have dining chairs. Maybe paint random ones?

update

2009-05-06T10:09:00.003-05:00

So I've been a little absent from my blog recently! This week our computer has acting a little funky, and last week I was so focused on my thesis. Two quick updates: we found an excellent apartment in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. I can't wait to share more with pictures once we move. Also, my thesis is practically done! It will be turned in on Friday!!! So excited!

Sorry for the short post. Stay tuned for more activity as the computer is fixed and school slows.

classic shoes

2009-04-30T22:06:00.003-05:00

I totally want these shoes right now... (Jill I know you used to have a pair- maybe in white?)

what a weekend

2009-04-27T10:49:00.003-05:00

My trip to boston was filled with highs and lows, and now that I'm back I'm having a hard time summing up the trip. Perhaps a list of these highs and lows will help.

1) I got in late Thursday night and went straight to the adorable inn Aaron was staying in. What a great place. The Mary Prentiss Inn served free made to order breakfast, was really convenient, and offered a really cozy and historic atmosphere. We got to meet quite a few nice people there too. The Mary Prentiss Inn give this trip a plus (+).

2) The next day I met a very nice agent who picked me up at my hotel showed me around Cambridge and Somerville. Nice agents who give rides: a definite (+).

3) The last apartment I saw on Friday I fell completely in love with, and after seeing more apartment with Aaron on Friday he agreed this was the best place too. What a great high that was to find an awesome apartment. (+).

4) Friday night pizza and beer in amazing Davis square surrounded by baseball fans watching the Red Sox face the Yankees. (+).

5) 80 degree weather eve though I flew North. (+).

6) The amazing Italian district of North Boston with its windy streets, great bakeries and delis open late, and hopping night life (and sardinian cheese!). This was a completely great atmosphere. (+)

7) The incredibly horrible food and service at a recommended Italian restaurant in the district. (-).

8) Waking at 6 to catch a flight to leave Aaron for awhile week (-).

9) Sitting for an hour in a hot plane not being able to move on a Philadelphia run way do to a few small storms in Chicago. (-).

10) Finally getting in Chicago and the blue line running on a single track delaying my return home even more. (-).

11) Finally reaching home and getting a call from aaron that the apartment we loved had in fact already been rented. it had listed through two brokers and ours didn't know it was be rented. After that day of travel finding out that I didn't even accomplish what I had set out to do was such a low (-).

Taking a look at the plusses and minuses, I see that the lows were situational and that many of the highs had to do with loving the city. But now I'm back to square one. Aaron works with nice people though and I think he'll like his job. So that is a really important plus. Over all it was a great weekend, with a rough ending.

oh cambridge.

2009-04-22T22:15:00.003-05:00

Aaron just left for Cambridge to begin training at his new job. He won't be back until next Friday! But, luckily for me, I decided to join him this weekend to look for apartments. I leave tomorrow night. I really hope we are able to find a great place, so we have something to come home to after our trip.

We've made things really hard on ourselves as usual and decided to leave for Sardinia the day after graduation and return three days before Aaron starts work. In this three days we have to unload our things from storage, drive them to Boston and move in. We have a habit of doing things like this (hello- camping in DC... with no car... and no home!).

So getting acquainted with the Boston area now and attempting to secure an apartment before we leave seems like one thing that will make this summer a little easier. Now I just need a job....

Can't wait to post about my first experience with Cambridge and Boston!

picasa!

2009-04-22T22:05:00.006-05:00

I'm so excited Caitlin told me about Picasa. I can't stop collaging. I'm sure there are many for features I could be playing with in this free google application, but I love the collage! You can find a few products on my procrastination below.

Images that hope to draw from in our new apartment's bedroom

sort of the palate I have going in my europe packing

one crazy collage of our winter NYC trip

the dress and sweater I am wearing as one of Caitlin's bridesmaids. so excited!

Pesto

2009-04-18T10:16:00.008-05:00

After a few unexpected and unpleasant mysterious allergic reactions (anaphylactic tightness of throat and chest, nausea, and hives on my lips) I've narrowed down my allergy to pine nuts. This became clear after a number of unhappy pesto meals. Pesto? Oh No! I love Pesto! What could i do without pesto? It is so delicious and a staple meal in my family. Ugh. But wait! Further analysis has shown me that pesto does not have to me made with pine nuts. It can be made with walnuts. I used to cringe whenever I came across any recipe that required the food processor, but recently we've been becoming friends, so I though I would try out a new recipe:

Pesto Spread

1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup crushed walnuts
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt, pepper and red pepper flakes (to taste)

(via the kitchen sink)

This recipe was excellent, even with a few flaws. First, and this is my fault, I thought I had walnuts on hand but in fact has pecan so I substituted. It seemed to make little difference. Second, I think this recipe is intended to be spread on bread, so I think next time I will use 1/4 cup olive oil to make it better for pasta. But otherwise I think I found a winner. Pesto is still in my future.

spring wardrobe remix!

2009-04-17T09:30:00.004-05:00

so much fun to have new things to wear with the weather!

shirt: michael stars (half off)

sweater: uo

denim: gap

sandals: old navy

dress: h&m (new purchase for europe)

sweater: j.crew

sandals: old navy

Spring!

2009-04-16T11:04:00.002-05:00

Today is such a spring day it makes me so excited for a number of things.

1) Graduating soon. Ah to have a break.

2) Trip to Europe. I've started thinking about what to pack, and fantasizing about the delicious food and warm air.

3) Boston! I've been reading some history this week and I can;t wait to be there. The warmth of spring is a reminder It won't be long before I'm there!

4) Cooking! I love to cook when the seasons change.

5) Spring clothing. I'm so tired of my sweaters.

Hope you all enjoy the day as much as I do.

call for volunteers!

2009-04-08T12:35:00.003-05:00

Friends, I am in a pickle. As you know Aaron and I will be in Europe for 6 weeks this summer, and with so many family members participating in the trip I'm not sure who to ask to watch our kitties. They are very nice, non-destructive cats. Anyone up to the challenge??

grey t-shirt

2009-04-08T09:15:00.003-05:00

I have found that a grey t-shirt is a must have for any wardrobe. I used to (and usually still do) rely on ribbed white tanks as my first layer undershirt, but have come to find that a grey tee 1) goes with everything, 2) can be classily dressed up or down, and 3) adds a little more interest than plain white. Yes sometimes I think about what I wear this much. I confess.

new home... here we come

2009-04-07T21:45:00.004-05:00

Big news! In our hunt for jobs Aaron was offered an excellent position in Cambridge, Massachusetts. We are both so excited for the move, but are sad to have only two more months in Chicago for a very long time. After Europe we will be heading almost directly to Boston. Though I've never been, I've heard such wonderful things about Boston. I'm really looking forward to starting a new life there. Life for the first time as a non-student! I've been combing through Craigslist looking for apartments, and may even go in April with Aaron to look at a few. I don't want to get my hopes up - its hard to move (as I learned this summer in DC) - but I think Boston will be a great new place to get to know! Yay!

cat fight

2009-04-04T10:00:00.004-05:00

When Hank and Lainey interact it usually begins with sweet licks on each other's faces. Usually Lainey will clean Hank's face, demonstrating nice big sister behavior. But that quickly devolves into neck biting and kicking, and a full blown wrestle session ensues. I think they enjoy it because neither dashes off, and one is always instigating the other. I thought I would share one such fight. I guess its a good thing they don't have front claws.

Listen: First Aid Kit

2009-03-31T12:07:00.006-05:00

This morning a friend sent me a cover of the Fleet Foxes song "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" by sisters duo from Sweden called First Aid Kit. I was instantly a fan and had to investigate further. I love the folky/country sound, the plaid and fair isle garb, and their enchanting voices.

Below find an excellent little piece about these young Swedes, and two videos of songs (including the cover that brought me to them in the first place.

“Blessed with the voices of plaid-clad angels” The Guardian

The Swedish duo First Aid Kit comprises sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg (born 1990 and 1993, respectively), hailing from Enskede, a suburb south of Stockholm. Yes, they are very young, but the pure music they create speaks of bygone times and old souls. The emphasis is on narrative lyrics accompanying playful melodies with intense, dense harmonies.

The musical journey of Klara and Johanna began with singing along to the pop songs that leaked into their childhood home, radio hits by Britney, Christina and so on. However, it was not until happening upon the music of such venerable artists as Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, that the sisters discovered how music that could touch them in a way that those radio songs could not.

Klara describes her first encounter with the song ‘First Day of My Life’ by Bright Eyes as a revelation. With authenticity and honesty having struck a deep chord within, this is what came to characterize the music of First Aid Kit. It has the feel of forest folk songs, full of enchanting storytelling, and as on EP highlight ‘Jagadamba, You Might’ a sense of compelling, ancient mystery. Their music has much in common with artists like Vashti Bunyan, Devendra Banhart, Bright Eyes, Joanna Newsom, Karen Dalton or The Carter Family.

At 13, Klara was given her first guitar, and the sisters started playing music and composing songs together in the spring of 2007. The first lyrics, melodies and harmonies came quite quickly. Then came another song. And another. And another.

The warm ember glow of ‘Tangerine’ was recorded at home and sent it to a Swedish radio hoping it would get attention. It immediately went on air and was listed as one of the best songs of the summer 2007. In April 2008, First Aid Kit’s 7 track debut EP ‘Drunken Trees’ was first released in Sweden on The Knife’s label, Rabid Records.

Wichita Recordings is re-releasing ‘Drunken Trees’ with a bonus track, the sensational and much You-Tubed cover of Fleet Foxes’ ‘Tiger Mountain Peasant Song’ http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=HMrqBldlqzA, along with a DVD with 3 songs performed and recorded live in the Swedish forest.

Added keyboard and an autoharp to their live set up, First Aid Kit has already performed at high-profile gigs and festivals in Sweden. A full album is set for release in September 2009. The confidence, wide range of obvious natural talent and exceptional promise of these songs is undeniable.

The future for First Aid Kit feels star bright.

where the wild things are

2009-03-29T09:50:00.003-05:00

I think this has the potential to be amazing. This was a favorite book of mine as a kid so my expectations are high - but the trailer looks promising.

2009-03-25T11:34:00.000-05:00

I'm off to my home town for a few day for Spring Break. Enjoy the weather!

apple pie

2009-03-24T15:44:00.003-05:00

Aaron has some mad pie making skills. Note the leaves of dough - very creative! We were having dinner over at a friend's and took the pie out just before we left. Everyone from the elevator at our building to the elevator at the Fisher Building received complimentary whiffs of apple from the steaming pie as we carried it over, and were noticeably envious.