Reading: Graze magazine

Yes, the season of reading has resumed. Fall semester started yesterday. And although I'll be occupying my time reading about nursing and pharmacology and the world of higher education, I would like to break up the density and fifteen letter words with some light, inspiring, and leisurely reading. On my last trip to Outpost I picked up their new magazine (their free monthly Exchange paper died last year) called Graze. In addition to their cover story about berries, this issue features an article about a trout farm in Kettle Morraine, locally-made BBQ sauce and a round table talk about sustainability. Oh, and there's plenty of recipes, too. For the $1.99 sticker price ($0.99 if you're a coop owner) I gained a lot from this magazine and will no doubt be using some of the recipes. Nothing against People magazine, of course.

Really Into: Air Plants

I popped into the Anaba Tea Room and Garden Store and fell in love with these little air plants. And they were only $1.50 each. They just need a good soak of water once a week and some indirect light. Even horticulturally challenged people like myself might be able to handle this one.

The Garden Room
2107 E. Capitol Dr. Shorewood, WI
(414) 963-1657
HOURS
Tues 10-5, Wed-Sat 10-9, Sun 10-4
Closed Mondays







Here is a great hanging vase from mudpuppy for displaying your airplants. I have a similar glass vase hanging in my kitchen that would be perfect for this. I just remember to take them out and water them.

Backyard Discovery: Drawstring Fabric Studio

This is why I love Milwaukee. Cool stores like this are right around the corner from my house. I ventured into the Drawstring Modern Fabric Studio in Bay View over the weekend to check out their stock. Loved it. I am not blessed with the crafty gene, but Drawstring offers sewing classes for us not-so-creative types. However, I can sew a decent seamline so I picked up a square of cute fabric for Lulu the dog to wear as a scarf. What can I say? The dog has some fashion sense.



Visit the Drawstring store at 800 East Potter Street in the Bay View neighborhood (around the corner from Honey Pie Cafe)
W-F: 12pm-8pm
Sat-Sun: 12-4pm
and online at www.drawstringstudio.com

Not in Milwaukee? They have an Etsy Shop to the rescue.

Back to School: 2011 Picks

J.Crew shirt dress, Calf hair headband, Nars Multiple in Maldives, Michael Kors rose gold watch, Suede bootie, Silence & Noise pencil skirt, Warby Parker Reece glasses


I finally went back to school shopping last week and picked up a few must-have staples for the impending cooler weather (I know, curses!). I must say, the outlet malls are a godsend for anyone on a budget, in graduate school, or just trying to save a little. I hit up the Kenosha outlet mall, just 45 minutes south of Milwaukee. I'm really into field jackets, jewel tones, leopard calf hair, and greyish suede this year. What about you?

Last week I had a birthday, relatives in from out of town and I've been working 10 hour days almost every day. Hence the lack of posts. But I promise I'll be better this week. I have some good stuff planned for this week.

Local Style: Flea Market Chic

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Along with finding great deals, flea markets are great for people watching. Granted, the majority of flea market go-ers dress in a mixture of overalls, gym shoes, and baseball caps, there are some pretty well-dressed peeps in the crowd. Being well-dressed also means dressing practically. You'll be walking through some gravel, some mud, and puddles, so shoes work the best. An extra layer for the chilly mornings, some sunscreen, and a nice big bag should be worked into the wardrobe. I really don't get why people wear platform wedges or short skirts to these things. But, I love seeing people incoporate vintage jewlery or a hat into their style. I hope I find some of those pieces like that this weekend.

The Elkhorn Flea Market is this Sunday and just a 45 minute drive from Milwaukee and 90 minute ride from Chicago. And since the weather looks beautiful this weekend, their over 500 dealers will be wheelin' and dealin' left and right. As always, I'll be there bright and early with travel mug in hand. See you there!



The Details:
What: Elkhorn Antique and Flea Market
Website: www.nlpromotionsllc.com"
When: General Admission, $5: Sunday 7am - midafternoon (no official close), Early Buyers, $25: Saturday 1pm - 7pm, Sunday 5am-7am
Where: Walworth County Fairgrounds: 411 East Court Steet, Elkhorn, WI

I want to go to there: a dessert backyard

This looks pretty darn nice.

Off to work today. Stayed tuned for more back to school stuff tomorrow.

Back to School: iPhone cases

Hi Everyone! I'm trying to hurry up and enjoy my short summer vacation before it's time to hit the books again September 1st. We just got back from Massachusetts last night where we were visiting friends and eating as much seafood as possible. I found these great iPhone cases called the Made to Measure and The Undo from Indie Cases today. If you have an iPhone, these cases are the coolest.

Backyard Discovery: C. Adams Bakery

Last week I made a quick stop in the Public Market to grab some soup (summer colds strike again) and I passed the big gorgeous cases of bakery items and couldn't resist. C. Adams Bakery has locations in the Public Market and in Mequon and serve the most amazing desserts and baked goods. Decided what to buy is a real dilemma. I mean, big, big decisions. I picked the Apricot Streusel Bar to feed my already epic apricot obsession. But there were many runners-up in the decision-making process like the Key Lime Bars, Brookie (a brownie cookie), and chocolate mousse. Have you ever been to C. Adams? What did you get?

MKE locals: Todd Fillingham

This beautiful woodwork comes from Milwaukeean, Todd Fillingham, a furniture designer and wood artist. The deck chair above was built from durable cedar and walnut and takes on a style common in boatmaking. Most of his work is custom-made, but he does have an Etsy shop where you can buy those salad tongs in the middle. They are so unique and I could see having those for a lifetime. Todd's work has been featured in design milk and designsponge, but it probably isn't long until his work gets quite popular.

Todd Fillingham website: http://www.fillingham.com/index.php
Todd Fillingham on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/people/fillingham

Tilt Shift

1., 2., 3.

I have been a little obsessed with tilt shift photography lately. It reminds me a little of the Mr. Roger's Neighborhood intro. Remember that? Well, I have a feeling tilt shift it will turn into the new hipstamatic and be overused on every occasion, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

Pint In Hand: Fox Barrel Pear Cider

There were many, many beers to try at the Brewfest on Saturday, but I really enjoyed sipping my ol' favorite, Fox Barrel Pacific Pear Cider. In the nearly 100 degree heat, it was the coldest and most refreshing out of everything there. Most craft beers are darker and a little heavier which is great for taste, but not for the heat. To preserve the flavor, the darks like porters to brown ales are served a little less than cold so that you can taste the flavors better. This is not what I wanted on Saturday. I was ready to put ice in my beer. So, the pear cider was perfect. Cider is not a beer because it's not made with the traditional barley and hops. But, because it's a liquor, it gets very, very cold. And the subtle light fruitiness was perfect for a nice summer day.