Monthly Faves : January

I'm bringing back last summer's "Read Watch Listen Do" post as a regular monthly feature! It'll kind of be like other bloggers' weekend links or weekly roundup lists, but much less frequent. I don't know about you, but as much as I love those link posts, I often feel overwhelmed each Friday when so many of them pop up in my Reader. So here we are with a monthly link post {most likely falling on the last day of each month}. These posts will be reserved for only the best links I find around the web, and will contain the perfect balance of frippery and function :)


• Since I was too poor to go to Alt Design Summit this month, I'm savoring all the wrap-up posts linked through the Alt blog... Who wants to go to Alt with me next year?!
• So so glad that there are other people out there who think of cooking as a creative act: A Generous Dollop of Creativity.
• Jessica Hische answers: "How do I get freelance work??" for those who need a reminder.
• Designers! Ever open someone else's Photoshop file and want to stab a pencil in your eye? You might want to pass along this: Photoshop Etiquette Manifesto. So good.
• What message are you unconsciously sending on Twitter? by Sister Diane of CraftyPod. This comment on the post sums it up quite perfectly {and humorously}: "Twitter is not QVC."


• Parks & Rec is back! My Thursdays have been so empty without it. Any other wannabe Pawnee residents out there?
• Cat vs. Printer: The Translation is pretty much the most hilarious video on the internet. I'm not embarrassed to admit I watched it every single day in January. {I'm easily amused.}


• New tunes: The new Iron & Wine CD is pretty fantastic. I've never really listened to them before but I'm digging it.
• I'm still repeatedly listening to last month's podcast of All Songs Considered Listener Pick Best Albums of 2010. It's like tuning in to the most perfect radio station for two hours.


• Check out my friend Katie's brand new Etsy shop! She is an incredible paper-collage artist with such a unique and enjoyable style.
• Print out this manifesto by design group Jake & Dan and hang it above your desk.
• Make this Raw Cashew Dreamcake {a raw, nut-based "cheesecake"} from My New Roots. Holy moly, that color is ridiculous!
• Mamas: These Valentine's Day cards are so cute {and pretty simple!}.
• Surprise a your sweetie with a custom "You & Me" embroidery from Lilac Saloon.

Giveaway Winner!

It's time to announce a winner of last week's birthday giveaway! Using Random.org, the winner is.....

Ashley at A Bird Out Of Water!



Congratulations! I'll contact you shortly to get your address to send off the print and a few other treats. :)

Thanks to everyone who entered... I totally loved reading about your perfect days! Have a beautiful weekend, friends!

Foodie Friday : Homemade Popcorn

Once homemade popcorn entered my life, there was no going back to those microwavable bags with their stale tasting kernels and florescent fake butter sauces. Even in college, I brought a Stir Crazy popcorn maker to my dorm room for snacking during those late night study sessions. These days, popcorn remains one of my favorite snacks and makes an appearance at least once per week whether it's movie night or not. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I totally sneak in popcorn to the theater. The homemade stuff is infinitely more healthy than the theater's version, which is made with GMO corn and loads of unhealthy oils and fake butter.

Popcorn is a fairly healthy snack, as it's a whole grain that's packed with fiber, so it is quite filling. A cup of air-popped popcorn has about 30 calories or so. And it's cheap! I buy my organic, non-GMO kernels from Whole Foods' bulk section, and I can get a big ol' bag for less than $2 {which makes probably 20 batches or so}.

I have various methods, depending on my moods and tastebuds...

Stovetop Method - Get ready to feel like you're in Little House on the Prairie!

1/4-1/3 cup popcorn kernels
1-2 tablespoons of a high-heat oil such as grapeseed or coconut
A sprinkle of salt
Melted butter, optional

Add your oil to a large pot and heat over medium-high heat, covered. I add 2-3 kernels to the oil as it's heating {which act as a guide for when to add the rest of the popcorn}. Once your first kernel pops, quickly lift the lid, pour in the rest of the kernels and replace the lid immediately. Here comes the arms workout: Shake-a-shake that pot full of popcorn! You don't want the kernels to burn, so shake the pot every 15 seconds or so, keeping the pot close to the heat. When the kernels stop popping {or there's about 30 seconds between pops} remove from the heat. Pour popcorn into a bowl and add a touch of salt, and melted butter if desired {although I don't think it needs it, since the salt sticks to the oil}.

Microwave Method - For those who want to save some calories!

1/4 cup popcorn kernels
1 large glass mixing bowl
1 large microwave-safe plate
A sprinkle of salt
Melted butter or olive oil in a spritzer bottle

It's totally possible to make microwave popcorn yourself! Some people use a folded paper bag to do it, but to me, paper + microwave = fire, so I stick with a bowl method. Pour the kernels into the bowl, top with the plate {which is to keep your popping kernels contained}, and set the microwave for 6 minutes. Time will vary per appliance, so stay close to the microwave! When the popping slows to about 30 seconds apart, pull out your bowl of popcorn {watch out, that bowl will be HOT!}. I often transfer the popcorn to a new bowl that won't burn my hands. Because it's air-popped, salt won't have anything to stick to, so a bit of butter or a spritz of olive oil might be needed. Then munch away!

Kettle Corn Variation - A sweet treat that'll remind you of the state fair!

1/4-1/3 cup popcorn kernels
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil, or other neutral-tasting high-heat oil
2 tablespoons sugar
Salt

Add your oil and all the kernels to a large pot and cover with a lid. Heat over medium-high heat. When the first kernel pops, quickly toss in the 2 T. sugar {it helps to have it ready in a little bowl to toss right in} and replace the lid. Shake the pot every 10 seconds or so, so the popcorn and sugar doesn't burn. When the kernels stop popping, remove from heat and quickly pour into a bowl. Add a generous pinch of salt or two. As the popcorn cools, the sugar will cause a bit of clumping, which you can just break apart with your hands. Delish!

Get poppin', friends! And then throw in a movie and invite me over :)

Snapped Snippet : Breaking for a Cat Nap

Some days are full-steam ahead, knocking items off the to-do list like a champ. You feel great! You can do anything! *Fistpump!*

And some days just hit like a load of bricks. No matter what, the inspiration's just not there, the pieces don't fall into place, the words just don't come.

Today is one of those days. *Headdesk.* And what can you do about it? It won't do any good to sit and stew and frump about, so I'm turning to the wisdom of my kitty and taking a cat nap. Things can only get better on the flip-side.

What are some of you remedies for those off-days? Some of my other favorites include long walks, stretching, a break for Hulu, or doodling.

Snapped Snippets is a blog series in which I share bits and pieces of my creative life that I capture on camera.




PS- You still have one day to enter my birthday giveaway if you haven't done so already! A winner will be chosen tomorrow.

Branching Out Around The Interwebs

I've finally had the chance to play around and try out some new websites around the interwebs. Since I've become much more conscious lately about how I'm spending my time online, I can be pretty critical of sites being lauded as the latest and greatest (like Tumblr... just didn't dig it). But Pinterest has won me over, completely. It's a beautifully visual way to organize my favorite photos and links online. I personally love that my boards are helping me refine (and in some cases, define) my style-- with interiors, fashion and graphic design-- by seeing what patterns and themes appear in my curated collection of images. Plus it's fun to put together boards like "Too Cute for Words" that never fail to make me smile.

I have some extra invites available for Pinterest if you are not a member yet. Just leave a note in the comments with your email and I can send one along to you! And if you're already on Pinterest, I'd love if you added me!


I've also listed my blog on Bloglovin' after hearing various lovely bloggers speak its praises. I have always been a loyal Google Reader user to follow others' blogs, so I haven't decided whether I'll make the full switch to the site, but I do like the way that Bloglovin' allows you to preview the blog's style with the thumbnails. And I appreciate how easy it is to find related blogs through the site. If you have a Bloglovin' account, feel free to add me there!

Lastly, I wanted to introduce you to the Caitidid Designs Amazon store, which has been added to my blog sidebar. As an enthusiastic and voracious reader, I have amassed a huge collection of recommended reads on beloved topics such as living creatively, personal development, cooking, business, photography, etc. As a way to keep my recommendations in one spot, I've created an Amazon store. I personally love seeing what other bloggers and creative people enjoy reading, so I hope my recommendations will be useful to others. And if anyone were purchase any of the books from my Amazon store, I would get a tiny percentage of the cost, which helps me keep my blog chugging along! I'd definitely appreciate anyone's contributions :)

I'd love it if you shared links to your Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter, etc., in the comments! I always look forward to get to know my blog friends better. :)

Inspired by : Vivian Maier

Oh my word, friends! Ever since I heard the story of Vivian Maier, I have been completely fascinated with her and her work. Vivian was a street photographer in the 1950's through the 1990's. But what makes her story so incredible is that her 100,000+ photographs were not seen by anyone until shortly before her death, when a local historian bought several boxes of negatives at an auction. The auctionhouse had acquired these items from an abandoned storage locker.

Throughout her life, Vivian worked as a nanny for wealthy families in the Chicago Northshore area, spending her free time taking photos around the city with her twin-lens reflex camera. She was known for keeping boxes and boxes of private belongings, assumed to be her huge collection of photographs, negatives and undeveloped film.

When historian John Maloof acquired some of these boxes through the auction, he attempted to search for information about the talented photographer. He only came across Vivian's obituary, written the day before he tried to locate her. Isn't that crazy? The rest of the details about her life still remain somewhat of a mystery.

While I don't know Vivian's reasons for keeping her photographs private during her lifetime, I can't help but feel a bit sad that critical acclaim is coming to her so shortly after her death. I wonder whether she was aware of how talented she was, or whether she was simply taking photographs for the pure love of doing so. It is a perfect reminder to do whatever makes our hearts sing, but I also interpret her story as a lesson in the importance of sharing our artwork, visions and voices with the world while we can.

There is currently a free exhibit of Vivian's photographs at the Chicago Cultural Center. I can't wait to go see her work in person.

Here's a segment from Chicago Tonight about Vivian, if you'd like to learn more:



{Image credit: All photos belong to the Maloof Collection, Ltd.}

Weekending.

This weekend was full of homemade birthday cake
(and being too excited about eating it to take a picture before I devoured some too much).
Driving at dusk across the plains.
Visiting the world's cutest nephews.
My heart swelling at a tiny voice saying "I'm so glad you're here."
Watching Toy Story 3. And then again. And again.
Eating delicious white bean chili.
Enjoying my time without email, blog reading, and twitter.
Realizing that it's true what they say about seeing your husband hold a baby. *Swoon.*
Loving that he loved being around the kiddos.
Conversations in the car ride home about future plans, dreams and families.
Coming home to so many lovely daydreams on my birthday giveaway post.

How was your weekend?

This post was inspired by the "Weekending" posts over at The Habit of Being. Amanda has invited readers to share bits and snippets from their weekends.

Birthday, Perfect Day For a Daydream (And a Giveaway!)

It's my birthday today! *Happy dance!* I plan on sharing my intentions for my 28th year next week, since that seems much too serious a task for today. For now, I'm indulging in a fantasy of my perfect day... You can never be too old for a bit of daydreaming :)

{Be sure to scroll down to the end of the post to check out my first giveaway!}

In my world, a perfect birthday should include...

A morning full of cuddle time the hubs, with no alarms or work to worry about.


A carb-laden breakfast of delicious pasteries and chai
(which are both magically calorie-free).


Scouring my favorite thrift stores with my BFF
(who would be the lovely Zooey Deschanel, of course).


Doing some dreaming and sketching at a cafe.


Indulging in a fresh baked pan of brownies.
(Because Brownies > Cake.)


My husband surprising me with a sweet face like this.


Or this.


Or this! Followed by a non-stop snugglefest, naturally.


For dinner we'd have some delicious sushi.


We'd build a magic fort in the living room with mountains of pillows...


Make some hot chocolate, with extra marshmallows...


And watch movies long into the night
(which would--fantasy or not-- most likely be Disney flicks).

Perfect.

____________________
GIVEAWAY! Since it's my birthday and I've declared I can do whatever I please (and also because I'm so appreciative of each and every one of you who reads this little blog!), I've decided to have my very first giveaway! Up for grabs is a lovely print from awesome Etsy artist RosieMusic (along with a few little surprise treats from me). This print, titled Home Sweet Home Vol.2, is 8x10" and printed on wood veneer paper. It's such a cute print... I have several other prints from RosieMusic and I love them SO much.


To enter the giveaway, comment below and answer the question: What would be a part of your perfect day? If you tweet about the giveaway, you can be eligible for an additional entry; just post a link to your tweet in the comments. I'll pick a winner next Friday, January 26th.

{Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12}

Snapped Snippet : Holy Crochet! I Figured It Out!

After not being able to move beyond a single crochet stitch for the longest time, I've finally figured things out thanks to a fun crocheting lesson with my local crafty Meetup group. It was a bit like learning to ride a bike-- after trying and weeble-wobbling my way along, something just clicked in my brain and I could do it! I could magically see how the yarn transforms into stitches! Now I am a granny-squaring machine. This will be a pillow, and I've already gone out and bought an armload of yarn to start on a blanket. I think I'm officially addicted :)

Snapped Snippets is a blog series in which I share bits and pieces of my creative life that I capture on camera.

Well Said : Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it."

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"The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood."

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"Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love."

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Wise words from Martin Luther King, Jr. These quotes are still so incredibly pertinent and much needed reminders today's world. I'm taking extra time today to think about how I can better channel Dr. King's spirit and be a stronger force of love, peace and service to others-- I encourage you to do the same.

Foodie Friday : "Crazy Sexy Diet" Review

Have you met the amazing Kris Carr? If not, you really should get to know her, because she is one of those people that you come across online and then proceed to pretend that you are BFFs in real life. {Or maybe that's just my creeper internet-stalker tendencies shining through!}. Kris was featured in the documentary "Crazy Sexy Cancer" and runs the website Crazy Sexy Life. She has an incredible story in which she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and was able to stop the growth of the cancer by making changes to her lifestyle and diet. She has long been one of my heroes {which I wrote a bit about here}. Kris is now a wellness coach and motivational speaker who inspires people to ignite their lives and take control of their health.

Crazy Sexy Diet is Kris' new book (officially out on Sunday!) and is pretty much a bible for healthy living, chocked full of practical information and inspiration on topics like alkaline foods, juicing, moving your booty, and detoxing. It's written in Kris' signature sassy tone, interspersed with interviews from many well-known health gurus like Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. Neal Barnard. What I loved about the book is that you never feel like you have to overhaul your whole life-- Kris encourages you to make whatever changes you can, even if it's something as small as eating more greens on a regular basis. We're not expected to change overnight {My own limit is wheatgrass. Just. Can't. Do it. *Shudder.*} She also provides a sample food/activity plans and recipes at the end of the book. I found the book to be much more than a traditional "diet book" and I know I'll be using it as a resource for a long time.

Plus, it doesn't hurt that the book is so fun to look at! The designer side of me squeals in happiness over the gorgeous layout and colors throughout the book. :)

Good For: Yogis, natural foodies, and anyone interested in making incremental changes in their life to be more healthy and feel more vibrant. People with minor health issues such as sinus problems, IBS or asthma might find some great holistic approaches to lessening your symptoms.

Do you have any favorite health/wellness books to recommend? I'd love to hear!

{PS- Note: Links are Amazon affiliate links, but I only share books I really, truly love!}

Snapped Snippet : Our Reflection Book

Mark and I started a little New Year's tradition in 2009 in which we write out our significant and memorable moments from the previous year, as well as a few goals for the upcoming year, in a special notebook.

It's become so interesting to see how the moments differ between the two of us, and we always find something on the other's list that makes us smile and say, "Oh, yeaaaaah. I totally forgot about that." Even though we only started this two years ago, I can already see how we've managed to capture moments that I probably would have forgotten about otherwise. This little tradition is especially good if you have a significant other who isn't a personal blogger with an online record of events. :)

Snapped Snippets is a new blog series in which I share bits and pieces of my creative life that I capture on camera.

Color Story : Pantone Blue Curacao

As a kiddo, I'm pretty sure I declared at least a few times that I wanted be the person who named Crayola crayons when I grew up. These days, I'm still enamored with the names of paint and nail polish colors, and I get embarrassingly excited each winter when Pantone releases the color forecast for the upcoming Spring season. How they go about choosing the colors is a bit of a mystery to me, but I have visions of a svelte and coiffed woman in her Parisian office waving away a mustard-colored cardigan with a wrinkle of her nose, saying, "Mustard is so 2009. 2011 is all about Beeswax."

Despite being a person who usually runs far, far away from anything labeled a trend, the designer in me is always curious to see where the Pantone colors trends pop up in interiors, graphic design, fashion and even in wedding style. As a way to explore each of the colors a bit, I plan on sharing these Color Stories every few weeks, made up of some of my favorite Pantone-hued Etsy items.

First up, we have Pantone Blue Curacao (15-4825). While it can definitely evoke a modern sensibility and a beachy vibe of someplace like Fiji or the Maldives, I personally *love* the vintage, girly feel of the color.

1. Vintage Hazel Atlas Aqua Crinoline Dinner Plate from Somethingcharming, $12
2. Design Your Own Clutch by eclu, $58
3. Vintage 1950s Teal Party Dress from CassiesAttic, $73.50
4. Teal Rose Necklace by tamar, $28
5. Pure Heart Fine Art Photo by MariaKallin, $24.90
6. The Thread That Binds Us Print by SmallTalkStudio, $16
7. iPad/Netbook Messenger Bag in vintage plaid by mariforssell, $99
8. Vintage World Globe from claireferrante, $32

Are you a fan of Blue Curacao? Where does this color take you-- Fiji, the 1950's, the Mediterranean?