It was touch and go there for a moment, but friends, we made it to the weekend. Did you hear it’s February already? This has been a notoriously cruel month in the past, but with the warmer temps and lack of snow, I’m optimistic this year will be different. After all, there are new projects, trips and experiences on the horizon!

Have a good one.

Image via Remain Simple

I had just stopped hunting for a new laptop bag when… DING! There was Nicholas, the designer behind Columbia-based Hasso, sitting in my inbox. The bags are gorgeous- classic and ruggedly appealing. The Hasso line is made from locally sourced waxed vegetable tanned leathers and 455 gram cotton canvases. I’m particularly drawn to the material juxtaposition of the messenger bag and but these backpacks are taunting my credit card as well.

Check out their entire line of products here!

All product images by Hasso.

Additional Sources: Image 1 by Stockholm Street Style / Image 2

Readers- It may be the time of the year, but I’ve been a little down in the dumps lately. I do my best to keep positive, but sometimes when a string of bad luck comes your way you can’t help but whine “Why me!?”. When I was in my (very) early twenties, my roommate and I did a lot of whining about the growing pains associated with becoming real “adults”. The self-pity fest was most often accompanied by a gigantic piece of chocolate cake and multiple glasses of wine. Soon enough we were laughing about the heaviest things on our minds.

Over the years I’ve realized that wallowing in self-pity is just a pitstop on your way to accepting the bad things that happen to you. So why not have a little fun with it? Soon enough you’re looking towards better things.

So party away, my friends.


Provisions:

1. Alcohol. Whatever floats your boat.
2. Lounging gear. Opt for cozy knits and a warm water bottle to hug.
3. Food. Sometimes only ice cream will do the trick.
4. Music, Movies & Journaling. I’ve watched Casablanca since high school and it still does the trick. I also posted my weepiest tunes on 8tracks and Spotify. Totally subjective and personal, but yeah, Radiohead makes me bawl.

Best Practices (for good measure):

1. Lay off the social media. This is an intimate party and odds are you’re not your “best self” in this state of mind. And let’s be honest, it’s probably pretty irritating to everyone else, too.
2. Reach out to someone you can trust if you need support. Talking through things often helps us move on.
3. Remember that everything looks better in the morning light. You’ll feel better tomorrow, I promise.

Links: celebratory banners / I recommend scotch / sweater / hot water bottle cover / wool undies / ice cream spoon / batch ice cream / casablanca / journal /

Ah, Friday is finally here. I need a couple beers and a good sleep after this week! But I’m particularly excited for this weekend because we are celebrating the birth of our friend Emily (HAPPY BDAY EM!) with a night out in the city. There will be dancing, drinks and a little leather dress I’m excited to wear.

Hope you all have a good one!

K
image via +

Beautiful textural spaces by TACKLEBOX architecture…

Design & Concepting by TACKLEBOX architecture, photography by Juliana Sohn for Aesop and Gianluca Fellini for Aesop

I’ll be working on creating a more seamless way to share the mixtapes I’m posting, but for now, I’ve got Spotify links to past mixes:

Mixtape No.1

In The Kitchen

Get Up and Get Dressed

At The Movies with Woody Allen

Longer Days, Shorter Nights

Feelings

Move It

Jumpstart January


* To clarify- I will posting to 8tracks AND Spotify. Happy listening

image via Middle Child Complex

Currently…

Watching:
Charles & Ray Eames: The Architect and The Painter. It is currently streaming on PBS. The couple that never fails to inspire creative living.

Listening:
Turntable Kitchen :: The Best 7″ Vinyl Singles of 2011. Fantastic round up from one of my favorite blogs.

Wear:
Booties with boyfriend jeans. It’s actually been mild and enjoyable this winter. All the more reason to enjoy naked ankles and fussier footwear. via +.

Tasty hues inspired by a recent afternoon ice cream treat:

Bracelets by Natalia Brilla
Only Make Print
Julie Stegner by David Vasiljeic
Anthro Dresser
Coin Purse
Book Review cover by Chris Silas Neal
Necklaces by FORTUNE
Gold Cutlery from Canvas
Peach Planner by Julia

Totally crushing on this clever interactive caffeine consumption poster created by Column Five. I want my own! You can purchase your own here.

Alyson from Unruly Things invited me to contribute a guest post while she’s away in sunny Flordia. I’m all about sparkle for holiday parties, so head over to Unruly Things to check it out!

Are we all enjoying the decadent tastes of the season? Who else is feeling a little regretful for having a chunk of cookie dough for dinner? I might be all alone on that one, but readers- I’m feeling a little sluggish from my baking adventures. So for the past 2 weeks, I’ve made a point to enjoy some healthy meals where ever I can.


Here’s what’s worked for me:

1. Load up on super foods like quinoa, roasted sweet potato and kale. Mix with a squeeze of lime, feta and a bit of red pepper. What can’t you accomplish with all those healthy nutrients?

2. Make a huge batch of your favorite chili (I use this vegetarian recipe) and serve it in roasted acorn squash. It looks festive and tastes amazing. I learned this from my mom, so you can thank her. (THANKS MOM!)

3. Keep it simple when it comes to snacking. Grabbing a handful of almonds is as easy as it gets. They’re also filling, so you can keep your hands away from the company cookie plate for a good 3 hours. Truth.

Thanks to MPLS St. Paul Magazine for including me in their Best of 2011 issue. I’m honored!

Are you a list maker? Lists are like mini diaries in a way, giving us a snapshot of daily life, time periods and events. Lists of Note compiles lists from extraordinary people. I’m completely fascinated by this. My favorite comes from Johnny Cash in the upper right corner, it’s like words of wisdom from Mr. Cash himself.

via It’s Nice That

Nice pieces at Alder Boutique. That plaid/leather jacket is pretty cool. The sleeves zip off!

Just a few things i’m loving this week:

1. Black n’ Tan: I’ll take a pint and that entire outfit.

2. Citrus Season:
Tasty brightness in the dead of winter

3. Argan Hair Oil Tonic: Perfect for smoothing ends and adding shine.

4. Central point bracelet: Loving this color combo.

5. New colors at PUBLIC: Delicious hues to be lusted after.

6. Artist Geoff Mcfetridge: This painting. via POKETO

happy weekend, y’all. let’s clink to a lounge-around-in-your-jams kinda weekend.

see you monday.

image: laura l., via pink haze