We’re doing some serious spring cleaning and purging around here. It feels so good to sort through all the old and get rid of things we haven’t used or needed in months. It’s liberating to say the least. It’s also a chance to repurpose certain items and find a few DIY projects to spruce things up. The cork boards and lamp shades below are appropriate for the spring weather. When things settled down around here and I find an open Saturday afternoon I may have to try my hand at one or the other.
I’ve been pretty silent here on Stray Streets the last couple weeks. Life’s been busy and we’re finalizing the details of some really exciting changes for our little family, more on that to come. Here’s what life looks like lately, according to my iPhone.
This past Christmas my family decided to do a hand-made gift exchange. I made a custom stamp with a collection of recycled sketch books for my sister. Since then I’ve kind of been on a stamp kick, and I definitely appreciate the time and effort that goes into making a well carved and well crafted stamp. This collection of Eames chairs is my next inspiration. I absolutely love these stamps from Citoyennes. The best part, you can stamp the silhouette with black and then fill in your color of choice. I may have to buy more stamp rubber and make these happen.
(Image from here.)
Remember last October when I was stressed and busy and working long hours to make the Ballet West Gala a smash hit? Well, I just found a link to Salt Lake Magazine’s coverage of the event, all these months later. I can’t believe I’m starting the plans for next season’s 50th anniversary Gala in November. It’ll be here before I know it, but until then I can browse these pictures and sigh with relief that last year’s Gala is over and done with, never to cause me a loss of sleep again.
(Images from here.)
When I was little the eye doctor told me I needed glasses, but they never made my vision better, and only gave me terrible headaches instead. My mom and I suspected a possible scam. I’ve since never owned a pair of eye glasses. I know a lot changes in 20+ years, so I’m considering a quick visit to the optometrist just to see how my eyes have aged. I’ll admit, I’m one of those people who always thought wearing glasses was cool. (I had a 3rd-grade crush on the class nerd with the classic coke-bottle 80′s glasses.) But I never wanted to be the person wearing stylish frames without a need. When we visited Pasadena the other weekend we stopped in at Old Focals, a vintage frame shop that provided glasses for Django Unchained, Mad Men, Ocean’s 11, and The Aviator (among others). I tried on a few unique frames – what do you think?
(Click the image to make the gif live and see the changing spectacles.)
Brent and I love coffee table books. They most often have beautiful images, large pages, straight-forward information and serve as a nice piece of decor in the home. Like all books in our collection, they tell others a little more about us and what we’re interested in. We’ve decided to try and purchase one new coffee table book every month this year. Whether we find it in a bookstore, second-hand shop, or gallery, we plan to carefully choose things that will further serve as an expression of self. If the books can commemorate a trip or event/activity – even better. One book that may be up for consideration is Beverly Hills Hotel The First 100 Years, a new photo book commemorating 100 years at the pink palace. The hotel is steeped in history, elegance, and a pretty impressive list of Hollywood activity. Stars were discovered, weddings were held, parties were hosted, movies were filmed, all on the grounds of this iconic Beverly Hills landmark. It’s amazing to see how much city has been built up around the property. A lot changes in 100 years.
(Image from here.)
Mingus has been particularly cuddly and sleepy lately. Of course the cold weather means lots of extra blankets and bundling up, lending well to some good snuggling. We never mind him keeping our feet or laps warm. He’s such a good little buddy, always trying to get comfortable as close to you as he possibly can.
