Paper Taxi by Laura Warecki

Simple happiness

2012-01-22T14:57:00.001-05:00

It's amazing how much falls into place once you're just sublimely happy. I've been thinking about my current state of being and this quote really sums it up and I'm living firmly by it. I got my whosits and my whatsits galore. Yes, I just quoted The Little Mermaid.

*I found this quote on pinterest but unfortunately, there's no information anywhere on the whole internet about this quote, who said it, and where the original image came from. So I made my own little image of it. If anyone knows the origin of this let me know!

2011: ending with a bang!

2012-01-03T16:27:00.004-05:00

Hi there fellow earthlings! Sometimes I feel like a martian when I visit my blog...You guys are around here more than I am! Now that the holidays are over and the January calm has commenced, I thought I'd share a few photos from the past few weeks!

In November and December I was lucky enough to participate in 3 holiday sales and had a great time! The first was a benefit for breast cancer research and all our table fees went directly to Susan G. Comen! How cool is that? My college buddies, Calla Grace, and Danielle from The Merriweather Council were both there, too (hiya gals!).

Next up was a hidden holiday market that my friend Colleen Ellse put together!! It was super fun and packed with friends and family. It was so successful that Colleen is planning another one in the future and possibly even a public one if we can find some space! I was so busy chatting that I barely took any pictures. I rounded out my year with another in house holiday market in Manchester, NH but have absolutely no pictures of. Too bad because the house was amazing!

Then Christmas happened.

We spent Christmas Day opening presents, walking through my hometown, dinner, and then did it all over again the next day at my brother and sister-in-law-to-be's house! So much fun and so much love!

I'll be popping in over the next few days to show you some other pictures I found on my camera! Maybe a New Year's Resolution post, but probably not. Sorry. Love ya, though.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-15T21:47:00.003-05:00

Phew! Christmas is just over a week away? Luckily I finished up my shopping this evening! I tried to keep as much of it as I could handmade or from local shops. I found some cool stuff along the way! I'll share after Christmas... I don't want to give anything away to prying eyes trying to figure out what I got them...I know, I'm a tease.

Anyways, I wanted to share with you a photo my friend Amy sent me this morning! She purchased one of my lantern garlands and did something unexpected with it. She draped it across her Christmas tree! I think it looks great there AND she can reuse it any time of year! Double whammy.

Last week I had a couple people purchase these in person to hang in the classrooms and cubicles, too! Then it's a party every day :) You can purchase your own garland in my shop!

Enjoy the season and Merry Christmas!

Where the time flies

2011-11-16T18:21:00.001-05:00

I wish I knew! Things over in Paper Taxi land have been all over the place! So many life changes have occurred in the past few weeks and I've never been more excited for the future. I recently left my full time job to pursue my art but in the economy....you know, I can't really afford to just wing it. So I got myself the best part time job I could imagine. I'm a dog walker! Yeah, seriously! A local service was hiring and I started this week. There is nothing more fulfilling than a happy puppy at the end of the day.

I've also just finished up with a commission for my lovely friend Amy. She needed some thank you notes for her recent wedding and I love them! I'll share once she's sent them out as not to spoil it :) Along with all the fun new things going on, I also found out today that I won a print from Mae Chevrette, another local artist (and featured etsy seller!). I can't wait to hang it up! I think I have the perfect spot picked out :) Take a look at the print!

How beautiful, right? Pick up your own copy in her shop! Now if I could just go to coffee with her...Mae, are you reading?

Two lovely people have also featured me on their blogs, the lovely Laura of Laura Kelly Photography is one! I designed her logo back in the birth of her business. I've been meaning to share it with you all! Laura is a seriously talented photographer out of Ottawa so all you Canadians looking for a family shoot, wedding, or engagement pictures best be sending her an email!

The other is Hila Lumiere of le projet d'amour. Hila is a writer out of Perth, Austrailia. She recently asked for entries to her "why I adore the night" challenge. And since most of my current work is at night under the stars, I just had to submit my boat print! Some seriously inspiring work on her site!

I have my first of three small holiday shows tomorrow afternoon, alas, it's a private event, but I'm excited nonetheless! Wish me luck!

PSA to Squirrels Everywhere

2011-10-11T14:35:00.005-04:00

image: imgfav.com

Ode to a Squirrel

by: Laura Warecki

Power lines are not your tight rope
They are not as safe as you might hope
I saw you get shocked this weekend
Something that I would not recommend
And then the power went out and I moped.

please join me in a moment of silence to mourn the loss of a source of entertainment for my cats.

Confession Tuesday will return at it's regularly scheduled time next week.

Party on...

2011-10-06T09:31:00.001-04:00

It's a strange feeling to miss someone you never knew. Steve Jobs passed last night and as I'm sure you've read all over the internet, people are heartbroken. But what we should all learn from this is, make your mark on the world, no matter how big or small, and make sure that mark is something you love and are so very proud of. Hats off to you, Steve Jobs, for creating that vision and impacting so many people's personal and professional lives in every way. I have no doubt that Apple will continue to rock the party and fulfill Steve Jobs' vision.

festival of lanterns: available in my shop

So party on, everyone, make your mark!

Confession Tuesday: I worked my first 100hr work week

2011-10-04T09:52:00.002-04:00

So maybe there are a lot of people that work 100 hours a week, but last week was my first. I've been a steady 40hour/week kind of girl for about 3.5 years and then I started my business and bumped that up to about 60hours/week for a couple months. and then I made a deposit for my first craft show.

enter the 100hour work week.

And as hard and exhausting as it was, I've never felt more accomplished, more proud, or more excited! Here are a few pictures from my show!

photo template from pugley pixel

I had a great time, made some new friends, and had some old friend's visit! Check out Curly Girl Design's mini review of me over on the Curly Girl Blog!

I'll be back later this week to show you the new items in my shop (some of which you can see above) but if you can' wait, go look for yourself in the Paper Taxi etsy shop!

Confession Tuesday: Sometimes I wish

2011-09-27T09:47:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I wish I was a lawyer. Confession.

But that's really only after watching episodes of Ally McBeal, because this happens frequently:

And then I think about all those incredibly and unfortunately flawed characters and how I have the biggest crush on "The Biscuit" even though he wears orthopedic shoes, his nose whistles, and he hums John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt when he gets overwhelmed.

And I finish up every episode reminding myself that being a lawyer does not comply with my number one life requirement: the denim jacket rule.

I'll be out most of this week from the blogging game, gearing up for my first craft show this Sunday, October 3rd! See all the details in the Paper Taxi newsletter

Confession Tuesday: I'm not embarrassed.

2011-09-20T08:59:00.003-04:00

image credit: amazon.com

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Whoopi at her finest. Lauryn Hill in her prime. Gospel music for the masses. Movie title Pun. Can it get any better? I've probably seen this movie no less than 100 times. And it's just as amazing as the first time.

What's your guilty pleasure movie?

My weekend in Photos

2011-09-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

photo template: pugly pixel

This weekend I went out with my boyfriend, Lee, in downtown Boston and Harvard Square to take my new fancy-schmancy camera for a test run. We encountered a lot of unexpected things like Hempfest (which was.....interesting but I couldn't wait to get out of there), cute shops on Charles Street, street performers, and that little girl in the pink sweatshirt. I couldn't get enough of her! Oh and that top photo? My boyfriend helped a little old lady cross the street. It was adorable. Here she is in all her glory!

Can't wait to go out again soon! The weather was so perfect and and wore my new boots. If you're even kind of thinking of a new pair this year, I highly suggest these boots from Target. Lee says I was turning heads everywhere we went with these babies on! And the price is ridiculous! <--I'd suggest ordering a 1/2 size smaller!

My first craft show is just a couple weeks away now! Working on at least one more print and I designed a couple cute things this weekend as well. Stay tuned! (sometimes I give sneak peeks on my twitter or Facebook, so check start following me to get the heads up!)

Special Delivery!

2011-09-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago a childhood friend, Kristin, asked me to do a top secret super cute painting to help announce her pregnancy on her floral business blog, Ideas in Bloom. I was so excited, I'm pretty sure I emailed her about 25 seconds after she asked!

Go tell Kristin congratulations on the Ideas in Bloom blog! So excited to have been a tiny part in the announcement and wishing her and her husband all the best!

Interested in a commission? Email me!

Oh and I put a new little signup in the sidebar! Go sign up for my Paper Taxi newsletter for updates, happenings, general trivia, and who knows what else! (besides spam. I hate spam.)

Paper Taxi's first month!

2011-09-14T11:25:00.000-04:00

I'll be back next week with Confession Tuesdays!

Paper Taxi has been open for a whole month! This is a huge deal for me and I'm so grateful for it all. In this first month, I've had 8 sales, 2 commissions, 2 craft show applications, and a bazillion new friends! This is much more than I could have dreamed for before I opened. Thanks to all of you for commenting, pushing me along, and helping me reach my own dreams and wishes! Cheers to another great month!

Come visit me in my Paper Taxi shop on etsy!

I made a chalkboard a couple weeks ago and it's my new backdrop. I think it's pretty cute. What about you?

Want to come see me in person? My first craft show is in 2 weeks! I'll be showing at the Harrington School Fall Festival for the Arts in Lexington, MA on October 2nd, 12-4! Keep up to date on their facebook page.

omg so much work to do before then. SEE YA!

Fashion Boogie

2011-09-08T11:20:00.001-04:00

found via ApartmentTherapy

How cute is this video?! So fun to see the different fashions and dance moves!

Let's boogie.

Confession Tuesday: I make things up

2011-09-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

When I was little, I made up a lot of stories. Sometimes they were just better than real life. Well, apparently I thought they were so good that I ignored how things really were. Here are two examples that particularly stick out.

Exhibit 1:

The setting: New York City, Statue of Liberty, 1994(ish)
The characters: My ma and pa, my brother, me, hundreds of strangers.

My family and I went on a vacation to the Big Apple. Why? Who knows. We are small town folk. My dad refused to let us get on the subway at 8pm because my brother was hysterically insisting that we were going to get mugged. Anyways. At some point, we went to the Statue of Liberty and climbed every step up to the top of the crown on a very narrow spiral staircase. This is what it looks like (I'm so unsure of the validity of my story that I had to look up this picture to make sure I didn't make that up either.)

image: Richard Drew/AP Photo

So safe to assume, you can't go down the up stairs. It's barely wide enough for one person to pass. So what is any normal 8 year old supposed to assume the protocol is to get down?

This:

image: Forbes.com

Obviously.

No seriously. For several years, (ok, fine, until sometime in college when I realized the slide was probably ridiculous) I thought I rode a slide down from the crown of the Statue of Liberty. I don't know if I was just hoping that's what would happen once I got to the top or if I imagined that the trip down would be so much better if it were a slide. But somehow I honestly convinced myself this was real. And boy do I wish it was. I might not have such a strong distaste for visiting NYC if I knew I could ride a 22 story slide when I got there.

Exhibit 2

The setting: My parents house, the living room, 1991 or 1992

The characters: Me, my mom's handwriting, my sheltered life.

At the age of 5, I had not seen the movie Dirty Dancing yet. I'd never even heard of it. But, there was a mixed tape in the stereo at home with a variety of 80s gems including the Dirty Dancing theme, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life". The tape had my mom's handwriting on it (which coincidentally is the same handwriting as the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy). So between not knowing the movie, never hearing the song, and seeing my mom's handwriting, I put 2 and 2 together and logically concluded the duet was sung by none other than my next door neighbors, Bruce and Pam. I mean, my life consisted of David the Gnome episodes, kindergarten, and about 20 people in New Boston, NH. I wasn't exactly cultured. Of COURSE the song was sung by Bruce and Pam! Yeah, well that turned out to be pretty embarrassing when I found out I'd totally made that up when first seeing the movie in middle school.

Bruce and Pam. I mean Johnny and Baby.

But see what I mean? Those would have been two really cool things if the were real.

Chalkboard Paint!

2011-09-02T18:59:00.002-04:00

photo source unknown! If anyone knows let me know. I just found it on Pinterest with no credit.

This is what I'm doing this holiday weekend. Well, among many other Paper Taxi related things:

commission requests
new projects
craft booth prep
exciting promotion starting on Tuesday
painting

But I'm definitely buying a big piece of plywood and either making my own chalkboard paint or just buying some (I'm planning on doing black anyway so it might make more sense to get it pre-made, but if I were to do any color, I'd definitely use this recipe!) I'm going to use it as a new backdrop for my prints for photos. I'm pretty excited about it! I've never used chalkboard paint!

Other than that, I'll be hanging with my boyfriend, cats, and maybe make a tiny trip to NH if the mood strikes. Hope you all have great weekends!

Confession Tuesday: My Denim Jacket

2011-08-30T20:08:00.006-04:00

Mary Poppins Meets 2009, originally uploaded by Starr Crow.

I never want a life when my denim jacket can’t double as a blazer.

Confession.

It’s a jacket in early spring when you can’t stand to put that winter coat on one more time.
It’s the extra layer you bring with you to the beach when the sun starts to go down..
It’s the wrap you wear over that kinda fancy frock that you feel a little overdressed in.

My denim jacket is my blazer. I feel like a million bucks in it. I feel free to do what I want. I feel in charge. I feel like sticking it to the man.

Now bedazzeled denim jackets……that’s another story.

The cute blog of the lady pictured above!

www.athoughtistheblossom.blogspot.com

Come on Irene

2011-08-28T14:29:00.003-04:00

Working the weekend through supposedly hurricane Irene. I've only experienced a couple wind gusts and wet flip flops, but anyways, for my new greeting card line, a little sneak peek!

Confession Tuesday

2011-08-23T19:02:00.004-04:00

I love clothes. It's just something I must own up to. Proof:

In Paper Taxi news...

Just designed and sent away for my business cards
Bookmarks in the works for some very special people at The Creative Connection
Sent my first order to Australia. If you aren't following me on Facebook or Twitter (um why not? I swear I'm at least a little entertaining.) I've declared myself an International Sensation. And I like the sound of it.
1 week of my shop open and I have had 3 sales and about 1 bazillion new friends <3

I think that's it for now. Working on getting some greeting cards in the shop and some new prints!

image credits: photo of my addiction: me digital photo frame: pugly pixel

The Happiest Cards EVER

2011-08-18T12:42:00.004-04:00

While doing what I do best (internet browsing, ok fine I'm good at a lot of productive things too), I came across this set of note cards from Little Things Studio

omgee!

I love the patterns, I love the quotes, and I love that I can pop them into 5x7 frames and have a new wall art collection. Which is precisely what I'm going to do.

images from littlethings studio on etsy

So who wants to buy one of my prints so I can buy these cards? Check out your options in my shop!

Jeeze, Julia!

2011-08-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

My buddy over at Jeeze, Julia! Wrote the sweetest things EVER about me and my art this week! My goodness, never in a million years would I expect to have the response I've had from the inter web world.

Btw, not only does Julia have a snazzy blog, she's also on etsy!

click on the picture for the listing!

The day I've been waiting for!

2011-08-16T08:45:00.000-04:00

I opened my shop yesterday morning! I'm so excited to share it with you

and I hope you'll stop by and take a peek!

I spent my birthday weekend, parked in front of my computer working working working! Taking pictures, writing listings, working on my website, etc! My back could use a break though. I had to sit on the floor with my computer on the coffee table because my wifi doesn't reach my office! Hopefully we'll rectify that soon :) Here are a couple photos from the weekend!

•I got this really cute metal file box on ebay months ago for this exact purpose and I can't be happier with the color! Best $5.50 ever!

•My man, Lee, took all my product shots with his super duper fancy shmancy camera. I've only just learned a little bit about using it!

•King Tut did most of the work.

ok joking but how DANG cute his he?!

Now that it's all set up, hopefully I'll have more time to work on new products as well. I want to offer greeting cards, other print sizes, recipe cards, and small notebooks in the future.

I have some ideas up my sleeve so I better get cracking!

Please oh please come see the fruits of my labor!

Shop | www.etsy.com/shop/papertaxi

Facebook | www.facebook.com/papertaxi

xoxo!

Happy Birthday to me!

2011-08-11T09:49:00.000-04:00

Well hello there friends! Last night I had the pleasure of dining with my co-workers at Henrietta's Table in Harvard Square! It was delightful in all aspects (especially all the horror movie talk moderated by Lauren) and they surprised me with a birthday cake!

Carrot cake, if you couldn't tell by the decoration. Mmmm so good.

But what's even better about my birthday this year? I'm giving myself a present. I'm opening my etsy store. This has been a long time coming and I'm sick of people getting on my back about it! Prints are ordered (they're coming today! I can't wait!) Shipping and packaging supplies ordered. This weekend, I'll spend my time collecting some pretty items to dress up those plain envelopes, take lots of pictures, and park myself in front of my computer until it's done and I can share it with all 20 of you! Then hopefully I can share it with more and more. Tell your friends! That would be the best gift ever.

<3

Fly Me To The Stars!

2011-08-04T10:27:00.008-04:00

Another new one for you! I really really really enjoyed making this one! The three night scenes I've done will be offered individually or as a set! I've learned something really important these last few months, and that's the importance of a great sketch. I used to just paint and collage with reckless abandon, which lead to art that was just...a little reckless. My most recent works have started with a good solid drawing first which makes it much easier to envisions colors, and patterns and papers!
Here's the sketch I did for this one:

My shop will open on Monday, August 15th! THERE. I said it. Now I have to do it! I'm really excited (and really nervous)!

Dream Catching

2011-08-01T10:20:00.003-04:00

Sketched, painted, collaged, glued over the weekend! Had a lot of fun with this one and just want to make leaves and feathers forever.

Sleeping to Dream

2011-07-27T14:29:00.007-04:00

You might have all been wondering where this boat was off to...Well, the captain made camp here!

a little collaged scene for you to enjoy. My etsy shop is just mere weeks from opening and I have a lot of work on my hands!

Save the Date!

2011-07-01T09:35:00.003-04:00

Over the weekend, my co-worker booked her wedding, just 3 months away, so naturally she needed a save the date like a month ago, best I could do was pronto. It went out on Wednesday!

I really like how it came out and it's so easy to customize! I will be offering this in my Etsy store! I also would love to design some other save the date's and illustrated wedding invites! Or new home announcements, birth announcements, party invites, anything, everything!

NHTunes.biz!

2011-06-09T12:24:00.007-04:00

Recently I had the pleasure of working with a new, local recording studio, NHTunes.biz based in Manchester, NH. The owner, Bob Desmarais of the Sonic Boomers, asked me to design a logo that incorporated an acoustic guitar (his weapon of choice) and the state of NH. Well guitars and NH's shape kinda look alike, right? See it?

I went with it and added some distressed texture for a little bit of a younger look.

I really like how it came out and look forward to doing more logo design and branding! Interested in working with me (because I absolutely want to work with you!)? Email
laura@laurawarecki.com for more info!

CocknBullKid's new album release!

2011-05-23T16:53:00.003-04:00

I had the pleasure of working with Amelia's Magazine again over the weekend, this time for new artist CocknBullKid out of London. Her new album released today in the UK and will release in the USA soon.

Here's the illustration I did, pulling inspiration from CocknBullKid's website as well as her video "Hold on to your Misery"

And you can read the article here.

The Pierces for Amelia's Magazine

2011-05-11T14:17:00.000-04:00

I first found Amelia's Magazine during a trip to Barnes and Nobel and hours of time. This was back in 2007? probably when Amelia's Magazine was a print publication. Now no longer in print, the magazine has developed into an online arts and culture magazine with great content and creates opportunities for illustrators (well-known, well-not-known, and students alike). I recently decided to start following Amelia on twitter and lo and behold, she did an illustrator call-out mere minutes before to illustrate The Pierces, a sister duo band that I have loved for the past couple years! I jumped right on it and submitted my illustration. And wouldya look at that! It's a the top! Thank you so much Amelia's Magazine! I had a great time and love being back into the swing of things, makin' art!

See the entire article here.

On another note, I know, it's been many months since I last posted. But I'm really back at it and have lots to show you and an etsy shop on the way!

I'm having a....

2010-09-29T11:39:00.002-04:00

Girl!!!
JK LOL, it's a yard sale!

Come on over to 20 Gill Rd in Waltham, MA this Saturday, October 2nd for the best yard sale to hit this coast in years. Ok maybe I'm exaggerating, but come! Tell your friends! Tell your moms! Tell the hoarder down the street!

Go to yardsalesearch.com to find some other sales in the area too! Who DOESN'T love a tag sale morning?

Find garage sales
in Waltham, MA.

For my niece and nephew

2010-08-26T16:57:00.000-04:00

Dream Boat, July 2010

2010-03-24T10:06:00.003-04:00

Ok so I haven't blogged in forever. SHHHHH. But LOOK AT MY HOUSE ON THIS BLOG, Crocodile Tears Aquired Gems! Basically, at least half, maybe more of my furniture collection is from Craigslist. Thanks, Keyse, for posting!

2 Months Ago...

2010-02-07T16:59:00.001-05:00

Shoes, originally uploaded by lwarecki.

I painted this....WHOOPS never posted it.

These are all the shoe's I've ever wanted. Ok, not ALL the shoes, but a select 7

Happy Holidays

2009-12-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

I love painting/cutting out tiny pieces of paper

Happy Holidays to you all!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T12:35:00.002-05:00

I'm thankful for my family, my friends, my boyfriend's pending visa, my job, my art, and my motivation for several of my current endeavors.

And of course, my cat, Baker.

Eat your hearts out, all, and be thankful.

working on something!

2009-11-23T18:34:00.002-05:00

I decided something very cool this weekend. But it's top secret until further notice!

In other news, I'm in the midst of painting something. Baker's a little more than annoyed that I'm not paying as much attention to him/ really interested in my expensive paint brushes and dirty water.

Lookit!

2009-11-18T08:35:00.005-05:00

This is the most amazing Save the Date I've ever seen. And the couple is getting married at the Natural History Museum?!?! Seriously?!?! DREAM CITY.

via forPRINTonly

Shoe Clips?

2009-11-17T12:45:00.003-05:00

Has anyone ever seen something like this before? BECAUSE IT'S THE MOST AMAZING ACCESSORY I'VE EVER SEEN.

Literally clip them to any of your shoes. How cute for a holiday party? Available at etsy shop, allencompanyinc Gotta keep my eye out for more of these! I'm wearing some awfully plain black flats today...

I think these might be kind of funky cute on a pair of converse or something. But I might just be really hungry and delusional.

Regretsy

2009-11-16T20:26:00.002-05:00

So the site, Regretsy, has been scouring the design blogs for a few weeks now. I started following them on Facebook and look at what they had to offer today.

An anonymous shop with no information about the cards, who makes them, or anything. Maybe the mystery makes it so appealing, or that they have been inspired by current events, or maybe it's because they're hysterical.

See below:

This is probably the best Christmas illustration I've ever seen.

MARTHA STEWART

2009-11-11T10:13:00.003-05:00

It's no secret that I love Martha Stewart. I did an illustration for one of her magazines, Body and Soul, last year and frequently read some of her other publications. Working for her would be A DREAM.

Well come to find out via, Martha's twitter, you can for a price! She's donated a whole bunch opportunities to a charity auction, one of them being a 6-week paid internship at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia!
Current Bid: $1550. But you'd be getting paid about $3600 plus touching things that Martha has. So totally worth it. And it's for charity. Bid online here!

Oh don't feel like being an intern again, HOW ABOUT A PERSONAL TOUR OF MARTHA'S GARDENS AND LUNCH WITH THE QUEEN HERSELF? Because you can get that too. Current Bid: $9500. Estimated value: $10,000 (but I think it's really closer to priceless.)

Red Velvet Art Girls

2009-11-06T16:38:00.002-05:00

First, if you don't know about the Red Velvet Art Girls, find out about the here. They're super cute, make super cute things, and sell other super cute things.

They also have a great blog. Today they blogged about Betsy Johnson and summed her up perfectly with this quote:

"Her style is over the top, adorable and if it was a food it would have at least 1000 calories!" - RVA girls

Huzzah!

Candy? What candy? I GOT A CAT FOR HALLOWEEN

2009-11-02T13:00:00.004-05:00

Meet Baker! I got him at the mspca in Jamaica Plain, MA on October 31st! He's six months old and the cutest, most lively creature in the world.

About the name: His name and the shelter was "Simba" cute, but common. I had a dream a couple years ago that I had a cat named Bakery, which I think is a pretty funny name. After some advice from facebook friends and in-your-face friends, I've shortened it to Baker! I think it's fitting, especially because he looks like a cinnamon bun...

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T18:23:00.001-04:00

No abe lincoln, but hey! I make my costumes with already owned items. Trick or treat!

The best children's costume I've seen yet.

2009-10-30T10:29:00.002-04:00

I'm obsessed with this Abraham Lincoln costume! So cute. This little girl is the daughter of the wonderfully talented Abby Glassenberg!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is approaching!

2009-10-24T13:47:00.004-04:00

I lovelovelove sophie blackall and especially love her blog, Missed Connections featuring the section from craigslist. How clever, darling, cute, weird, and addicting.

Saturday, October 17, 2009
- m4w
We shared a bear suit at an apartment party on Saturday night.
I asked for your number and you gave it to me, but somehow I don't have an area code written down. I had a great time talking with you, and I don't trust Chance enough to wait until I see you in the elevators...

I love plaid

2009-10-18T13:56:00.003-04:00

What I wore today by Lorecki featuring Old Navy

Especially plaid shirt dresses:

Shirt Dress: Old Navy $25
Leggings: Target $5
Boots: Steve Madden $69.95

This is an actual outfit for $104.5 that I am wearing today. and I love every bit of it.

So no photos here yet, but vote for me on AT!

2009-10-05T12:54:00.002-04:00

My bedroom was accepted into Apartment Therapy's 2009 Color contest! Vote for me please! You have 48 hours. Tell your friends, tell your moms, tell your grandmoms, tell your dads, tell your neighbors, tell you best friend from 3rd grade!

Just click on the "Thumbs Up!" here.

And here's another link because you can never have too many!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/room-for-color-2009/lauras-briny-blue-bedroom-room-for-color-east-7-097466

THANKS IN ADVANCE.

House pictures NEXT week...

2009-09-18T10:53:00.005-04:00

Ok so i know i said I'd do a house pictures post, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. BUT I did see these awesome shoes on anthropologie.com

Super cute mary janes. $98 And HEY they're out of my size.

Browsing Endless.com, lookit what i found!

SAME super cute mary janes! $66.17 AND HEY super deal and in my size.....

Will they be mine?

Labor Day Weekend!

2009-09-08T10:45:00.000-04:00

This weekend, I decided to trek out to Todd Farm for some flea market action!

I also saw some very neat/funny things there. :)

MANHUNT: The Board Game

Hahahaaahaaaha I really should have bought this

I think the little girl is my Great-Aunt Evy. Like 85% sure.

What I picked up:

1960s Smock/Apron

Large retro tin

See that fabric inside? That's a vintage Vera Neumann sheet. My fav!

Glass serving tray

All in all a successful trip!

Up next: HOUSE PICTURES

I didn't think anyone could pull a howling wolf t-shirt off

2009-09-07T09:49:00.003-04:00

But the cherry blossom girl can.

My dream "Goodbye Summer" Outfit

2009-09-03T16:20:00.002-04:00

Goodbye Summer! by Lorecki featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs accessories

Say goodbye beach days and flip-flops and hello to orchards and peep-toes! Up here in New England, we've had a rather short summer and we're not ready to say goodbye! But since we have to, why not dress up for the event?

Shoes: Modcloth $64.99
Dress: Modcloth $64.99
Sweater: Topshop aprox. $45
Necklace: Charlotte Russe $6.99
Earrings: Marc Jacobs @ Nordstrom $48 (hi apple picking season!)

Total $229.97

What do you think of my goodbye summer outfit?

Remember, duck, and cover your martini

2009-08-22T21:41:00.006-04:00

Just one of the many great line descriptions and dresses from etsy seller VERA VAGUE

Seriously, don't miss a single item from this seller. Even if the clothes aren't your cup of tea, there is sure to be a laugh after the click. And who doesn't want a laugh?

all images: veravague

hahahaaa @ the 1950s

2009-08-18T16:36:00.001-04:00

I adore 1950s fashion and advertising....but this? really? and it's not a joke?

Thank you maidenform.

found via: Advertising is Good For You

Quick Craigslist search!

2009-08-11T12:53:00.004-04:00

I was just catching up with Poppytalk and caught this sweet guest room makeover!

Photo Credit: Michael Penney

I love love love that bed frame. LOVE it. Like obsessed with it, love it. So I did a quick craigslist search AND LOOK WHAT I FOUND in about 2 minutes.

See the post here, for all you Boston dwellers. $100 and it looks to be in great condition!

2009-08-06T10:55:00.004-04:00

Head on over to Crocodile Tears ASAP. Keyse's got some really cool stuff up there and you gotta act fast with craigslist! Plus, she featured some huge FREE chalkboards I spotted last night.

I Think I'm in Love

2009-08-03T11:30:00.003-04:00

What a perfect title for this print by etsy seller, rosiemusic! I absolutely love this print and think it would look DARLING in my living room!

Housewarming!

2009-07-31T12:55:00.003-04:00

It's almost the time when I can share my house will everyone. Give me 2 weeks. I'll be throwing a shindig at chez Laura on my birthday! I made this little invite in illustrator last night and had a fun time making the patter! inspired by my little TV cabinet!

And I'll be posting pics soon enough. don't get your pants in a knot.

2009-07-30T17:03:00.001-04:00

I love love love love this lady's kite tattoo! (and I'm not one for tattoos...pain issues...)

Plus it's a photo from one of the cutest weddings ever over on OnceWed. Go on, check it out.

Red Praire Press

2009-07-30T09:27:00.002-04:00

I found Rachel Bone via Ellie of mint design blog this morning and I can't get enough! Plus she's making prints of her work available in the next couple weeks, starting with the one below: The Entrepreneurs.

Check out the rest of Rachel's work on her website and keep up with news at her blog!

OMGOMGOMG

2009-07-29T12:40:00.002-04:00

So my senior year of college, I made this:

And I posted it on my old deviantart account. Logged on today for the first time in about, i don't know, a year. AND I HAD A COMMENT FROM ALISON SUDOL (A Fine Frenzy) HERSELF.

I'm freaking out. I love her. LISTEN TO HER.

Bright orange??

2009-07-27T08:39:00.003-04:00

What fun would this kitchen cart be in a bright color?! Now the seller says "cheap", but at $48 I think I'll have to pass. Darn...

CRAIGSLIST

Pillow Talk.

2009-07-23T12:57:00.002-04:00

Via decor8's twitter I found this AWESOME pick-your-pillow contest! Just comment on the post to win a pillow of your choice, up to $65! So fun. There are tons of ways to enter too, like tweeting about the contest, facebooking, blogging (ahem), etc! Here's my choice!

I already picked a spot on one of my soon to be reupholstered chairs from craigslist, remember?

Go on, enter!

Wouldn't I just LOVE this!

2009-07-23T12:04:00.003-04:00

Cool 1957 binder from vintage etsy seller, kitschcafe!

I love the colors so much (and that it says staff dummy!)

oui?

2009-07-22T13:25:00.001-04:00

Non.

Loving these earings from tenthings!

The Mamas and the Papas...

2009-07-22T10:44:00.004-04:00

make each day just a little bit better.

Finally, a reason to want to go to Paris

2009-07-16T15:24:00.002-04:00

I know Paris is supposed to be that magical place that every girl is dying to visit. Such wasn't true for me until I started this book:

Julia Child's cooking show on PBS was one of the only not made for kids shows I liked back in the day. I could listen to her talk for hours upon hours. As I read this book, I can hear her distinct voice and strange inflections. The descriptions of Paris are ones I've never heard and makes me want to visit and peek into all the restaurants and sights. This coming from a girl who's never even seen real french cuisine (Though neither had Julia!).

If you have the chance, I do suggest the book highly. Now just a little longer before Julie & Juila comes out! Meryle Streep is the PERFECT person to play Julia.

and I thought I'd live forever, but now I'm not so sure

2009-07-07T16:53:00.001-04:00

Because Lisa Loeb isn't on TV anymore.

Yeaaaaeeahhhhh, 'cause I miss you.

If you have to go back...

2009-07-01T15:30:00.000-04:00

I hope you get your visa...<3

image via ffffound

This would be so perfect

2009-07-01T15:03:00.002-04:00

In my new kitchen, which will soon be a dusty robins egg blue with yellow and orange accents.

From featured etsy seller, andfurthermore, this is her largest doily clock at 12" in diameter. SWOON.

My birthday is in a month and one half. Just sayin'

Is it ironic

2009-07-01T13:42:00.002-04:00

that I'm going to save up all the change from trading in aluminum cans for a cow bank?

image via lama designs

Julie & Julia

2009-06-30T18:30:00.000-04:00

How much do I want to see this?
SO MUCH.

See the trailer here.

MY GRANDMA HAD ONE AND NOW I WANT ONE

2009-06-30T16:34:00.003-04:00

Look at this cool address book! From vintage etsy shop, Vintology

found via decor8

How I found out about Thursday's Event

2009-06-28T11:09:00.001-04:00

Martha Stewart's Twitter. I'll remember that moment for the rest of my life.

Turtle Bunny Love Design

2009-06-27T20:19:00.004-04:00

LOVE love love this print from Turtle Bunny Love Design. Just might have to pick it up for myself one of these days. That quote speaks for days with me...everyone at my office can attest, I'm sure.

View tbld's blog here!

I'm on Apartment Therapy!

2009-06-25T10:23:00.003-04:00

I wrote into Apartment Therapy a couple weeks ago about re-upholstering my kitchen chairs, and they posted the question this morning!

Head on over to give me your advise!

Movies I can't wait to see...

2009-06-24T14:02:00.002-04:00

Where the Wild Thing Are

Alice in Wonderland (see more images here)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blooded Prince

I just bought my midnight showing tickets for Harry Potter. I've been waiting FOREVER for this. It was supposed to come out last NOVEMBER. But because Daniel Radcliffe decided to do that naked play in NY, Warner Bros thought it put a bad rapp on his name or something. BTW I saw that naked play, Equus, with Daniel in London a couple years ago and it was great. He's a pretty decent stage actor!

BurdaStyle

2009-06-24T10:11:00.003-04:00

I got an email last night from BurdaStyle abou this lovely top pattern available for digital download ($3, I think). They released a different version of it last week with the drawstring at the bottom of the shirt. GROSS. I'm sorry but that "bubble" look only flatters sticks. This version is SO much prettier and will look good on everyone in my opinion!

I've never sewn a piece of clothing before, but maybe I'll try it out on this. Purchase the pattern here.

2009-06-23T13:33:00.002-04:00

This is cute. Ugly Betty wore it in one of the last episodes of the show this season, so naturally, I want it.

SALE. MINE? we'll see.

Vintage Jane

2009-06-23T10:32:00.003-04:00

Have I told anyone how much I love Etsy, sometimes? Look at what I found from Vintage Jane:

This is just really weird and I can't stop looking at it. Girl heads? For pillows? Who's bright idea was that and can I meet them?

Such a pretty bedspread!

This is just plain gorgeous. GORGEOUS, I tell you.

All images via Vintage Jane.

Rain can't get ME down!

2009-06-22T08:29:00.002-04:00

You know, just sitting in my new condo, sippin' coffee, eating cheerios and fresh blueberries, and borrowin' internet.

I moved in this weekend and I LOVE IT. I love every bit of it.

Lee and myself painted the bedroom and living room on Friday, precisely 3 hours after signing the paperwork :) It took us all afternoon and into early evening, but it looks great! A cheery pistachio ice cream green in the living room and one deep teal wall in the bedroom surrounded by crisp white walls. The bedroom looks really great with the one accent wall, plus my bedding effing rocks. Pictures soon! There are boxes and suitcases currently dominating the space.

After the move, I browsed my overloaded google reader to find a post by the lovely Keyse of Crocodile Tears. The most lovely wooden cabinet with metal screen. SWOON CITY. I picked it up yesterday to find that I've met Keyse before at the Boston Biz Ladies meet-up last summer held by design*sponge. What a coincidence. I followed that visit by one to Boomerang in Jamaica Plain. I found some cool stuff like a two tiered cake server (which I promply broke last night, but it's fixable!)

THEN I spent my life away at IKEA on who-knows-what. Seriously, I can't even remember. Hopefully it's stuff I needed.

Anyways, busy busy weekend and I can't wait to get this place all set up! I'll be doing a tour once that happens and my new couch comes in. The neighbors have informed me that all of them but one have had to have the couches delivered through the window... Mine is a short couch (76" vs 81") so hopefully they can get it through the door. If not, I'm on the first floor! Easy Peasy.

Off to "commute" to work. 1 MILE. I love my new house.

Shoes

2009-06-18T11:35:00.001-04:00

Giving a whole new meaning to "hearts and stars"

GET THEM (for me) HERE

I'm a size 9. thx

It's been raining for the most part since LAST tuesday

2009-06-16T09:53:00.001-04:00

If only I had this outfit to go with it....

image found via designismine

When these go to print,

2009-06-09T14:16:00.001-04:00

I'm getting one.

Public School
an Austin-based collaborative via swissmiss

You're KIDDING me

2009-06-03T10:31:00.002-04:00

This is just so gorgeous I can't even believe it...alas, it's out of my budget...see the post here.

Oh Updates!

2009-06-02T15:01:00.006-04:00

Big news everyone! I bought a condo! Moving in less than 3 weeks! Now I'm on the hunt to make the place MINE. I've already picked up a few things from various sources, but my main source is Craigslist! There's a lot of good (and a lot of junky) stuff on there and it's fun to hunt it out. I'm going for a bright colors and patterns decor with mid-century furniture.

Kitchen Chairs. Planning on recovering them in this but the vinyl is in really good condition. So we'll have to see how the rest of my kitchen makeover goes...but for $15/chair, how could I go wrong!

Danish Mid-Century Occasional Chairs. Both have cushions (I AM RECOVERING. DON'T WORRY, I HAVEN'T GONE CRAZY) and are in impeccable shape. I've been searching for this style of chair forever and can never find ones in good condition for less than $300 for ONE. Or if I do, they're on ebay and require and extra $100ish for shipping. I'm picking up these gems tomorrow for $150/pair

New couch not from Craigslist, but still...good deal, barely more than an Ikea couch and it's of a much better quality! By far my biggest purchase for the condo but I still got it at a steal (super-duper memorial day sale at Macy's) Plus it's shorter than most couches (76" vs 81") which is great because I bought a condo, not a mansion. This one is being special ordered in a gorgeously soft sea foam blue color.

What I wish I could have....but don't a way of picking it up or storing it until the move. Things like this come up often though, just hopefully I can get a price like that one!

Now, if anyone wants to chip in to the Laura is a homeowner fund...

omg 2 months

2009-05-20T15:42:00.004-04:00

It's been 2 MONTHS. I've fallen off the blogging wagon. Things have just been so exciting, more about that in the future...I don't want to jinx anything, but I do want to share something I found on the Free Stuff ads on Craigslist

(click to view bigger)

Sounds an awful lot like The Ring!! But with Ms. Pacman? hahahaahaahaa hopefully no one has died via a yellow ball with a pink bow coming out of the screen....

The First Day of Spring!

2009-03-20T08:10:00.001-04:00

Look at what I saw when I logged on this morning!

"First Day of Spring" - Eric Carle

If I could have all these dresses,

2009-03-14T14:51:00.002-04:00

I'd be so happy.

I think I post more about dresses than design or art on this blog. Maybe it's because I'm obsessive. Probably.

image found via Samantha Hahn

I love daylight savings

2009-03-08T15:21:00.002-04:00

I woke up this morning to chirping birds, sunshine, and the knowledge that sunset is close to 7pm.

I'm completely obsessed with this weather.

working on some art of my own today!

above artwork from featured etsy seller, Geninne. Take a peek at her blog and her shop!

2009-03-02T10:39:00.003-05:00

Want this. Need this. But not for a few months since we just got dumped with 8 inches of snow and no snow plows in sight...

dress from Ruche

it's been a while....

2009-03-02T09:43:00.002-05:00

Oh, I'm sorry...it's been over a week...I apologize immensely for not updating while vacationing at sea in St. Thomas, St. John, the Bahamas, and St. Maarten...

Also, I rode a horse on the beach in St. Maarten and it swam in the water with me on it's back and the horse's name was Magic.

Life is hard.

image credit: Mike Monteiro

I've already picked out a few things...

2009-02-19T16:20:00.002-05:00

that I wish were made in adult sizes...especially that fuchsia number at the top. Maybe strapless, with these heels?!?!?!

Ok so maybe adult sizes of any of those dresses is a little unrealistic, but those shoes! I can get those. And I can get them with free shipping...

Image credit: chasing fireflies

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T13:55:00.001-05:00

Here it is! Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

<3 Laura

And because I love this wine label

2009-02-12T16:38:00.003-05:00

via ffffound

Because it's been so warm.

2009-02-12T16:37:00.001-05:00

via ffffound

To all my 7 loyal readers and my mom...

2009-02-10T13:33:00.003-05:00

I cannot even begin to apologize for missing my one and only blog segment I have, Must Have Monday. BUT I have an excuse, and have a TAKE THAT TUESDAY instead.

If it weren't for these 4 products, I might be dead. Ok maybe not dead, but better off dead. I haven't been as sick as I was this past week since the days when Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup was the greatest gift of God, Salute Your Shorts marathons were the only thing that got you through a sick day from school, and eating mountainous bowls of ice cream didn't cause your ass to swell to the size of a small boulder.

Let's just say, I'm glad it's over. I'm glad to be back. And you bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there'll be su....I mean a new post of glitz and glam.

Until then.

oh finally!

2009-02-03T14:21:00.003-05:00

I feel like creating! I wanted to make something for my boyfriend for valentine's day, but neither one of us are very romantic....(we're actually exchanging CHRISTMAS presents on Valentine's Day...and ones we picked out for ourselves at that.) I wanted to give him something sweet, but not so sweet that you want to vomit or cause others to vomit. I think I've finally thought of something. I'll work on it this week and update you all!

(and in case you're wondering, the Valentine's Day card above is available through etsy seller lilacmoon!)

Another Night on Justin Rd

2009-02-03T10:25:00.002-05:00

So as my roommate and I innocently watched Annie and the Season Premiere of Medium, we heard this incessant pounding coming from the neighbors upstairs. It was a constant and rhythmic beat, but not at all the kind of beat you want to hear while singing along to "Little Girls". As this is not the first time we've heard strange noises from the apartment above, I calmly, walked to their door, and rang the doorbell:

:door bell:
::footsteps coming down the stairs, answers door::
Laura: Uh, hi. I'm not sure what's going on up there....
Girl: Oh, haha, we found a bouncy ball
Laura: :blank stare:
Girl: We'll stop now.

Keep in mind that when I say, "girl", I mean a 30ish year old woman, not a 7 year old girl.

Aaaaaaand, segway. look at this pretty sony commercial.

Must Have Monday!

2009-02-02T17:47:00.003-05:00

So this one isn't actually a product....yet.

I've been in search of a replacement duvet cover for ages now and can't find one that's cute enough, pretty enough, colorful enough, fun enough, and especially, cheap enough.

SO I'm making my own. And this is my mock up. It's all amy butler fabric. I know original, but girl's got style. I can't help it.

Let me know what you all think!

Kurycki

2009-02-02T09:19:00.002-05:00

Karen Kurycki found via my love for you is a stampede of horses.

hahahaha. Karen Kurycki is pretty hysterical.