Senior year of college I took a class called Publication Design—six to nine on Wednesday nights. Woof. I vaguely remember learning about clipping paths and layers, but mostly recall how difficult it was getting graphics to behave as desired. And sometimes, new skills don't really sink in unless I have an applicable use for them. Well, four years later, I have a pressing need for the quick commands that made my head spin on the Adler journalism building's third floor. I've been really eager to brush up on basic Photoshop techniques for a while so I can create more compelling visuals here; it pains me to have ideas that I can't bring to life! I finally bit the bullet and took the
iheartblogshop online workshop over the weekend, a tutorial tailored for bloggers. I hope to apply the skills to a career some day soon, which made the splurge feel justified. So—feast your eyes on my first project (I know it's not perfect!): a series spotlighting the goods I won't get through the month without making mine. October is off to a running start—lots of fun dinners, tailgating and traveling in the next few weeks—which is just the way I like it. The short list ensures you don't miss any must-haves, must-sees or must-reads while out for dim sum or setting up the Bloody Mary bar before kickoff. So get out there. Wake up before dawn, mix a spicy batch and get wild with garnishes. I've got the shopping covered.
Eric Hutchinson is performing in Madison next month for only twenty bucks a ticket.
I'm newly obsessed with his music and listen to "
Tell the World" and "
Breakdown More"
during every morning (OK,
and evening) commute. I'm currently debating whether to see him live
or go to Iowa City for the Hawkeye/Badger football game the same weekend.
Tough call, right? Help me decide!
Banana Republic is promoting a new look and I am a fan—it's refreshing to have an
alternative to J.Crew. The Anetta Booties are reeling me in hard and fast. I normally love a
stacked heel and the versatility of Chelsea boots, but need something sassier in the mix.
The quilted texture gives these character, a pointy toe and stiletto make them dressier for nights
out, and the modest heel means I could still wear 'em comfortably at work.
I wear a few rings daily, but am itching to stack on several more.
I like this one's mix of simplicity and sculptural interest,
and the midi size gives your ring game depth.
I feel like I have a lot of expenses these days (anyone with me?), so I'm keeping clothes
buying to a minimum this year. It's OK, though, because wearing jeans and a plain white tee
to work recently reminded me that a minimalistic look is my jam anyway.
I'd rather shell out big money for killer shoes and accessories. Given my new M.O., I do need
to restock on the basics, starting with white, black and gray tees. Can never have enough of these.
Anthropologie candles get me through the year, but sweater weather requires
a special scent. My mom discovered Rosy Rings in a small shop in our hometown,
and they've become a favorite among my sisters and me. Not only is the fragrance great,
the wax-encased botanicals glow softly as the candle burns, and the substantial size
of the pillar makes an impressive statement.
After a facialist recommended adding Vitamin C to my nightly cleansing routine
to calm redness, this
article led me to a budget-friendly CC cream
perfect for my "problem." The vitamin- and mineral-rich formula corrects
uneven tone, improves luminosity and reduces the appearance of fine lines
while providing natural-looking coverage and SPF. Plus—cute packaging.
Chewy, nutty, sweet—and "fashionably wholesome." I tried Karlie's Kookies
a few weeks ago, and they tasted better and better and better
as I made my way through the tin. And because the recipe substitutes
traditional ingredients for almond flour, gluten-free oats and agave,
they make being a cookie monster seem okay. The best part?
Six kookies feed 60 hungry children through
FEED. Eat 'em up!
I have no clue what my life will look like much past next week
(realistically, I'll probably be sitting right where I am now, but generally,
the future is very fuzzy). It's a scary feeling, and it makes me interested in writers
who explore themes that face twenty-somethings in this formative decade.
There's no doubt Dunham will tell it to us straight.
