30 Before 30
In honor of my upcoming 30th birthday, I’ve researched countless “things to do before 30” lists. And while there are plenty to choose from, I kept coming back to “Thirty Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30.”
The List was originally published in Glamour by columnist Pamela Redmond Satran in 1997. Over the next 30 weeks, I’ll be tackling each item on The List and reflecting about it here… publicly (gulp). I hope you enjoy and we can grow together. After all, turning older is a privilege denied to many.
By 30, you should have…
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
I’m almost more reluctant to open up about my home decor history than I was about relationships #isthatweird?
In all seriousness, I’m far from a serial stylist. I’m more of the look at an item for months and months, hem and haw, and then finally decide I maybe want it enough to invest the $25–500 it requires to purchase. Really.
It’s taken me two years in my current place to buy wall art, and then struggle-bus my way through hanging it just right. There’s no limit to how indecisive I can be when it comes to decorating.
So it should come as no surprise: I haven’t quite checked this to-do off my 30 Before 30 List yet. I do have some decent furniture — yes, it’s from IKEA — but it’s in good condition and I’m proud of what I’ve done with it. Take my sofa table, for instance, which was about $250 in IKEA cubes and baskets, and serves as a perfectly planned bookcase.
I even had my eye on a $300 West Elm rug, but couldn’t commit, and then missed out on Cyber Monday like a n00b and it’s since vanished from the site. Le sigh.
Maybe it’s because my childhood home wasn’t focused on design, but rather the people in it. Or maybe I’m too OCD about everything working together that I can’t commit. Either way, my goal before I turn 30 next year is to check off this List item and not have buyer’s remorse. Double whammy!
If you have a living room I can hack together, like this one from Target — or if you have tips for indecisive interior decorators like myself — please do let me know in the comments!
A girl can dream, can’t she?
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Happy Tax Day, guys! Hope you’re all celebrating with fat refund checks and piles of coin like Scrooge McDuck. Even if you’re not, here’s some fun stuff to get you through to the weekend:
- “Game of Thrones”: It’s the only show I watch through shaky fingers, but it’s baaaack and I couldn’t be more excited to see what season five will bring. (Of course, I could have read the books but who has time for that?!) Just give me Jon Snow all the time and nobody gets hurt.
- Waffle Party!: What’s the best way to kickstart the workday? My team’s schedule wouldn’t allow for a lunch outing, so we did a pop-up party in the kitchen and stuffed our faces with sugary waffles this morning. Delish.
- Spring
CleaningDecorating: I’ve been itching to update my apartment with some more pops of color — and Brit+Co. (and Pantone) must have read my mind. The Marsala has me especially excited … it is the Color of the Year, after all! - “You Don’t Own Me” – Grace f. G-Eazy: OK, so I’m all about the OG version of this song — any fellow “First Wives Club” fanatic can attest. But this hot remix brings the sexy and I can’t stop listening. Sorry, Spotify.
Images courtesy of: Nerdist, Pinterest, Brit + Co., Artist Direct
WO: Weekly Obsessions
The best and worst part of a long weekend, for me, is getting back into the workweek routine. For example, you may think it’s Tuesday all day until you finally wise up around 4 p.m. that OH SHIIIIZ, it’s Hump Day!
Where’s this guy when I need him?
- Florida Necklace: My college bestie gifted this awesome state pride necklace to me, after trolling my Pinterest for ideas. Smart lady — I couldn’t be more in love with it!
- Amity Hall: Bottomless brunch is a must for most people my age, and this little gem in the West Village does not disappoint. Check out the Bloody Mary bar before ordering the Benny Hill or a stuffed burger. Yummm.
- Imported Bubbly by essie: I’ve searched high and low for this nail color for nearly six weeks and FINALLY found it at a Duane Reade recently. It’s quickly become my fave nail color of the year.
- “We Can’t Stop” – Postmodern Jukebox: I got sick of Miley mania about 10 seconds in, but I’m so in love with this cover from Postmodern Jukebox and The Tee-Tones. It really classes up that trash bag of a Hannah Montana mess. Check out more of their stuff here.
Images courtesy of: Modestics, Examiner, essie, Postmodern Jukebox
First World Problems
I’m going to be a bit of a brat in this new series, wherein I complain about first world problems — AKA things I should be grateful I have access to but annoy me anyway.
First up: a new problem with Pinterest. This one’s much more serious than the last.
We’re off to a great start.
I updated my Pinterest app, because I hate seeing that little red circle notification. (It’s a whole ‘nother story). This update included a new feature, where you can scroll to see related pins. Sounds super, right? WRONG.
Say you’re browsing pins on oh, I don’t know … a handheld device … like the iPhone, the same one you just updated because of App Store’s incessant red circle?
And, maybe you can’t see the entire pin, because some are long and others have lots of words (and have I mentioned you’re viewing a small-scale screen?).
What’s that say? No, not the Harry Potter nonsense. The shark one!
So you click the pin to view it full-screen. But, now there’s a box notifying you to scroll down to see related pins. OK, got it.
Thanks for that helpful tip, Pinterest!
Wait, why won’t the box go away? Clicking it opens the pin’s URL (which we all know is about 60 percent effective at being a helpful link).
Yep, I got it.
SERIOUSLY, GO AWAY.
Scroll up, scroll down … the box is still there. WTF, Pinterest!
I hadn’t even realized you could (accidentally) scroll any which way, because I was so aggravated by the big, dumb box.
Despite scouring help articles and FAQs and the almighty Google, I can’t find a solution. What’s this first world coming to?!
Pinterest’s iTunes page. It’s full of lies.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
My weekend was a perfect mix of old friends and family with new announcements and stories to share. And my workweek began with winning an office raffle, plus unexpected praise. March has been pretty good to me (despite my absolute shit excuse for a bracket). Back to those positive vibes:
- Easter: Obviously. Sunday’s celebration will be bittersweet — I’d love to spend time with relatives, but I’m content to share it with my NY family. And Reese’s eggs. Lots of ’em.
- “Wicked Single”: I’m judging myself plenty, but hear me out. This show is supremely silly, chronicling Bahstahn singles getting crazy. I adore Chubs, and poor Nikki can’t stay standing for even half an episode.
- Mean Mad Men: Until “Mad Men” returns for its sixth season April 7, the pop culture gods give us this crossover. “Mean Girls” quotes, imagined by our Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce faves. That is so fetch!
- Vampire Weekend – “A Punk”: I’m admittedly biased because it mentions my ‘hood, but just try to listen to this song and not swoon. Still grumpy? Watch the video — you’ll either smile or seize.
Images courtesy of: Pinterest, Us Weekly, Mean Mad Men, Wikipedia
Witty in Fitty: My Problem with Pinterest
Pinterest is great and wonderful and all of those things, but I have a big problem with it. As of today, here’s my status with these selected boards:
Bites & Brews: 158
______________________________
Sweet Treats: 162
______________________________
Work It Out: 28
______________________________
It may be time for a Pintervention.
Pinning a Place
While it was so much easier to move with only three suitcases in tow, I’ve quickly learned just how much I need to buy. Not stuff, necessarily — but certainly some necessities and touches to make our new apartment feel more like home than hotel.
For example, we’re currently sharing an air mattress. In the living room. Without curtains.
Adventurous, sure. But practical, hell no.
Thank goodness for Pinterest, allowing my Happy Home board to blow up as I dream of decorating and furnishing. I’ve never been so excited to spend monies.
A Perfect Palette: I love shades of gray + blush with pops of yellow.
Some pinspirations …
Off the Wall: From gilded temporary wallpaper to creative clings, I’ve
got it covered.
Clever + Cozy Accents: Hey girl, I know you love Kanye’s tweets and are in need of storage solutions.
And Just Because: Who doesn’t want a couch that converts into
bunk beds?!
All images and their sources can be found here.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I split my pants today.
So that happened … and though it was thankfully in a spot where most wouldn’t notice, it was really the cherry on top of an accident-prone week. Oh, yeah — it’s WEDNESDAY. What disasters will the next few days bring? Only time will tell. Let’s focus on something happy, instead:
- Name that ‘Stache Calendar: Now that I’m all set up with a real live desk, I’ve got this daily laugh to keep me entertained. Many thanks to Santa for the excellent stocking stuffer.
- My Shows Return: From “GIRLS” to “Nashville” to “Workaholics,” I couldn’t be more pumped for this week’s winter premieres. Thank you, cable gods.
- This someecard: I have an ever-growing love for these guys, but maybe no other has been as true as this one. I pinned it yesterday and it’s since gotten 100 repins — so I know I’m not the only one feeling that way.
- The 70th Annual Golden Globes: How is it I’m still enthralled with recaps of the awards show I watched three days ago? Simple: Tina, Amy and Jennifer killed it. Enjoy.
Pinterest Pick-Me-Up
I haven’t been feeling well lately — likely a combination of overexerting myself and not eating properly (oh, and drinking till I can’t feel feelings anymore). Lucky for me, Pinterest is overflowing with adorbs pictures of animals, so the icky feelings subside … even if only for a little while.
Some of my faves from the “Furry Friends” board I hold so dearly to my heart:
Happy puppy makes me … happy.
Cupcake? What cupcake?
Little baby puppy butt
Yes, you’re a lion. Now get out of the tree.
Hide ‘n seek, bunny style
He looks like an old man, AKA my perfect Walter.
“Oh, you shouldn’t have!”
And the absolute best — gets me every time.
There, now don’t you feel better too?
Suck It, Martha
Happy VD Day, all! Hope you’re celebrating with good people and even better drinks. I chose to celebrate by taking on a Martha Stewart craft for the Valentine’s mailboxes at my office. I even pinned it to make sure I stuck to my goal. Just four steps … how hard could it be?
Side note: As a former sorority girl, I pride myself on my crafting skillz — especially if I can get hold of glitter glue.
But that Martha, she is a saucy minx. She makes it look so simple: Cut felt circles, glue ribbon and wire to them, insert a fortune and fold! That’s it!
Instead, here’s how horribly it all went down:
1. Using fabric shears, cut a 4-1/2-inch diameter circle from a piece of felt. Cut a piece of matching ribbon slightly shorter than 4-1/2 inches. Using wire cutters, cut a piece of floral wire slightly shorter than the length of ribbon. (So far, so good. Except, I mixed up the red and pink ribbons with the opposite-colored felt pieces. I’m sure no one will notice.)
What could possibly go wrong here?
2. Using craft glue, affix the wire to the middle of the felt circle. Glue ribbon on top, covering the wire. Let dry 30 minutes. (Start to seriously think Martha’s got nothing on me … am overly confident at this point. Come up with unique fortunes in my blissful state — why not movie quotes?)
Blurry, but you get the idea.
3. Fold the felt circle in half, using the wire as a guide, so ribbon is inside cookie. Next, angle the sides toward each other, bending the wire at its halfway point and forming a fortune-cookie shape, as shown. (Something’s amiss. Why are these looking more like tacos than fortune cookies? Use more craft glue to close the taco-cookies, and use candy to weigh it down. This will work. It has to.)
Mmm, tacos.
4. Assemble the fortune cookies. Carefully peel back one flap of the felt cookie, and insert a paper fortune and a few candies. Fold the flap back over to close cookie around contents. (How does the flap stay closed? That doesn’t make any sense. There’s no way in hell I’m fitting candy in these things.)
Ready for their office debut!
Among other lessons, I found that it’s a good idea to read user comments on a project before starting — just as you would with a recipe.
I also managed to cut my fingers thrice, ensuring me a spot in the Hepatitis Hall of Fame. Where was that in the instructions, Martha?
After the glue, blood and tears dried, they ended up looking just fine. And next to my Red Velvet Cookies and Justin Bieber cards, nobody cared that they didn’t quite resemble treats from a post-Moo Goo Gai Pan coma.
Now that’s romantic.
Wittyburg.com 