17 August 2006
Well, as you can imagine, I've got big plans for whatever tiny house I wind up in in the Cities (I'm not sure yet if I'll be in Minneapolis or St. Paul -- I've got areas of both picked out, so it's just down to which houses are available when I start properly looking). The bathroom? Beadboard as far as the eye can see! And so on.
I bought these little treasures the other day:
I think I saw these on Design Sponge (er, maybe not -- does anybody remember?), and I hightailed it to Heal's that afternoon to find them. (What will I do when I can't just stop in at Heal's/make a pit stop at Covent Garden/drop into Liberty?) I love the mini bunny terrine, which will be my sugar bowl. I wasn't totally sold on the mugs at first -- they're cute, but a bit too 'novelty' for me. But they're big, with thick walls, and the handle is roomy enough to comfortably fit your fingers. That's a good mug, cute design or no, so I bought a couple.
I've been feeling really inspired lately. I'm pre-typesetting Living the Good Life (going through and deciding what needs formatting how and where the photos will go), and I just love it so much. It's got me started thinking about my own eventual garden. When I was growing up, my mom usually grew things like sweet corn (and pop corn!), potatoes, beans, and sometimes broccoli and always zucchini. I'm excited to do the same, and I'd really like to try growing my own loofas.
Other inspiring things -- Stephanie's 'At Home' set on flickr. What are some other good home sets on flickr (besides the Corners of my Home pool)? I think I'm going to have to finally break and buy some of those homey picture-type books from Amazon.co.jp.
One last thing! Joy and I met up for lunch and shopping yesterday. It was so nice to meet somebody new and instantly get on with them -- it gives me a lot of hope for friend-making back in America. We visited a bunch of my favourite shops, but I managed not to buy anything. Well, except new wool and amazing sweet treats from Ottolenghi. But that's just the basics, really.
They're gorgeous - I miss Heals so much, I used to stop into the store on Kings Rd on my lunch break. I am putting the final touches on your package and it will be on the way to you very soon!
posted by suzy at August 17, 2006 10:20 AM
love the new look of the blog and the treasure you bought.
good luck to you on your BIG move soon.
i enjoy reading your blog.
posted by laurie at August 17, 2006 02:30 PM
yes your choices are 100% the best! you're quite lucky!:)
posted by envious at August 17, 2006 07:29 PM
I can not believe you are going! I am stunned. Good luck in all you do. You will still keep the blog going won't you?
Oh and as for missing the shops here. Pshaw, you know that the States is soooo much better for shops and sooooo much cheaper too!
posted by Gemma at August 17, 2006 08:24 PM
There are loads of good, small, cute shops in Minneapolis and St. Paul. I moved to Minneapolis a few years ago (from a much larger US city) and was pleasantly surprised to see just how hip of a place it is...It's certainly changed my view of the Midwest.
posted by sara at August 17, 2006 08:27 PM
Oh, I just love those mugs! What great purchases. You have a great mindset for your move; I'm sure you'll meet some wonderful crafty people in the States, and have a most excellent garden. =)
posted by shirley at August 18, 2006 12:14 AM
oooo the mugs are great!! and house-hunting, too. happy days ahead.
posted by rebecca at August 18, 2006 04:27 AM
Growing my own loofahs is a dream I have, too. Gee, is that a weird dream to have? Tough luck, I'm dreaming it!
posted by Leisl at August 18, 2006 04:52 AM
that sugar dish is devine!! happy days ahead, indeed.
posted by lisa at August 19, 2006 04:22 AM
I hope you love minneapolis/st. paul! Shopping, crafting, gardening abound here. Only deterred by WINTER. Brrr. It's what keeps us strong.
There are great neighborhoods to be found in both cities. St. Paul tends to be more affordable with more old-fashioned neighborhoods. Minneapolis fancies itself more sophisticated, but that just means they tear down most of their cool old buildings and build new, shiny things. Lively craft scene -- Check out Crafty Planet. It's a store in Northeast Minneapolis that many 'hip' crafters congregate at. They sponsor the Craftstravaganza and No Coast Craft Events. Fun!
I live in minneapolis but have oft considered a move across the river. Best of everything with the impending move!
posted by Margaret Mc at August 19, 2006 06:16 PM