How do you work best?

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"Strangely enough, my imagination works best when I am sitting alone in a large assemblage, when the tumult and noise require a substratum of will if the imagination is to hold to its object; without this environment it bleeds to death in he exhausting embrace of an infinite idea." -Søren Kierkegaard

I stumbled across this quote by danish philosopher and granddaddy of existentialism, Søren Kierkegaard, in the book Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit, and couldn't help but feel an absolute sense of agreement. In college I always loved doing my work in a bustling coffee-shop (side note, why can't I find any place as cool as Stella's in DC?), and even now I've got Pandora cranking out the tunes all day as I work to liven up the office ambiance. To me, there's something about the struggle to stay on task when so much is happening that allows me to focus in a way a quiet room never could. As Søren explained in his journals, you can focus on what you're actually doing as you block out the layers of distraction rather than focusing on being isolated from the distraction.

Of course, I know plenty of folks who tell me they need polar opposite conditions to get anything done (the boyfriend for one). In fact, sometimes I can't help but think perhaps there's something wrong with my choice of work environment... is it because I can't handle the quiet? Do I have a need for continuous distraction because I watched too much TV as a kid? It's secretly nice to know my need for a bit of chaos isn't solely a result of growing up in an era of over-stimulation - something tells me that Kierkegaard's quiet, 19th century Copenhagen upbringing didn't over-saturate him with Sesame Street.

Another quote plucked from Kierkegaard's writings for Solnit's book was so sweet I had to share:

"This very moment there is an organ-grinder down the street playing and singing -- it is wonderful, it is the accidental and insignificant things in life which are significant." How perfect a sentiment for the start of the weekend. Now go out and see how many significantly insignificant things you can experience.

I just finished an absolute gem of a book called Radioactive: Marie and Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss. I'm not especially interested in science and knew nothing about the Curies before reading this book, but nevertheless I highly recommend it. Part work of art, part picture book for adults, every page was a joy to linger over. If you're looking for a hard hitting biography with loads of intimate details or a truly scientific primer, this is not the book for you. If, however, you appreciate creative expression, want to read something completely unlike other biographies out there, and treasure the books in your personal library - then I urge you to pick up this book.

Through it's picture book format, you'll learn a lot about the Curie's research on radiation, their discoveries of radium and polonium, and the effects of radiation on the human body (given the heartbreaking recent events in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami that cut power to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant causing increased radiation levels in the area - it is an interesting time to have read this book). You'll also learn much about the Curie's personal lives and the tabloid-worthy affairs of Marie - it's juicy! Even the typeface used throughout the book was created by the author an has a very interesting history (explained at the very end of the book), and the book itself glows in the dark (an homage to radium)! This is one piece of literary work that really has it all. Just check out some of these pages:

Baking Fun

Green tea pistachio cupcakes! I was in a baking mood this weekend so I whipped up some of these very St. Patrick's Day appropriate cupcakes from the fabulous Color Me Vegan cookbook (which I highly recommend). I also made a batch of delicious gluten-free almond flour breakfast bars from Elana's Pantry. A great alternative to store-bought processed protein bars or granola bars, they're filled with whole foods including sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, raisins and pumpkin seeds. Seriously yummy stuff! Note, if you make the breakfast bars, be sure to let them cool fully before cutting them up or they'll get really crumbly. It will be hard though... they smell SO good out of the oven.

Insipration From the Ranch

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I just finished another great book called Ranch of Dreams, the true story of Black Beauty Ranch - an animal sanctuary nearly 1,200 acres large - in Texas. In addition to making me want to book a flight to see this incredible operation in person ASAP, the book had me dreaming of ranch-inspired style... western wear, dusty desert scenes, utilitarian forms, you name it. Here are a few of my Ranch of Dreams themed picks.

That's one nice place to relax after a long day.

When I think ranch fare, I think chili, and where there's chili there should be cornbread!

I love the idea of desert labyrinth. Perfect for a dry space.


Detailed view of a beautiful print available on Etsy.

A handmade Giddy Up Cowboy print skirt, also from Etsy!

Lazy Sunday: Philosophizing

I just finished a great book called Socrates Cafe by Christopher Phillips and it's had me feeling especially philosophical all weekend. The book recreates dialogues from Socratic inquiry discussions Phillips has facilitated in cafes, assisted living homes, elementary schools, and prisons around the country, along with his own reflections and fitting bios and anecdotes of philosophers past and present. Anyone ready to bring a deeper level of inquiry and curiosity into their own life can channel their inner Socrates by asking questions, and more questions, and still more questions... For example, in one senior center a participant asked the question, what is home? The questioning went from there - When is one most at home? Is home a physical location only? Can a person have more than one home? Can you return home? Can one be without a home?

Phillips wraps up the book by quoting from Socrates's Apology - an excerpt I think fits quite well given the current state of US affairs: "As long as I breathe and have the strength to go on, I won't quit philosophizing... Esteemed friend, citizen of Athens, the greatest city in the world, so outstanding in both intelligence and power, aren't you ashamed to care so much to make all the money you can, and to advance your reputation and prestige - while for truth and wisdom and the improvement of your soul you have no care or worry?"

Artist Spotlight: Galen Rowell

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Prior to his death in 2002, photographer Galen Rowell spent his life exploring nature and attempting to capture the beauty of some of earth's most unforgiving peaks. I first learned about Rowell reading Three Cups of Tea - the true story of a mountain climber who builds a school in a small, impoverished village in Pakistan (I highly recommend the book) - and his photos of the famed K2 helped bring the story to life for me. I quickly discovered that his photography of national parks here in the US is also incredibly stunning and have me ready to plan a wilderness escape myself (well... as soon as things warm up anyways).

Much of Rowell's work embodies a sense of transcendence - there's something quite ethereal about it - which he addressed when he said, "If we limit our vision to the real world, we will forever be fighting on the minus side of things, working only to make our photographs equal to what we see out there, but no better". What a beautiful thought and one that speaks volumes outside of photography too.

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Lazy Sunday: Reading Riot

I am forever reading too many things at once, and before I've whittled down my bedside book pile to a reasonable height I rarely restrain myself from making more trips to the library or the bookstore to contribute to the madness. Tonight, however, propped against stacks of pillows and fueled by a desire to simplify my literary rotation, I'm determined to finish up several of the half-read books and somewhat-skimmed mags claiming valuable nightstand real estate. Do you read several books at once? Typically I enjoy the variety but I think I've hit a critical mass.

Free Information

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Living fabulously means being informed and enlightened about the world around us, and these days you don't need a costly subscription to the evening post to do so. Two of my favorite sources of information and inspiration also happen to be free: the library and free podcasts. If you haven't made it to your local library recently, head on over - it's an incredible source for books, magazines and journals, CDs, DVDs, news, digital media, and more. Even if you live in a small town and think your library falls on the puny side, it is likely to have a partnership with other libraries in your area which means you can request materials from other locations and they'll be delivered to your particular branch at no cost. You can read more about why I think libraries are so great in one of my past posts here.

If you like to get your information in an audio format, podcasts are the way to go. The internet hosts a never-ending supply of regular (or psuedo-regular) audio recordings addressing topics of every kind. Downloading free podcasts to your MP3 player or phone takes just a few seconds, and listening to something interesting is a perfect way to make use of your drive to work, your afternoon walk, or time spent cleaning the house. I like listening to NPR's On Health podcast to stay up to date on the latest health developments, Stop Podcasting Yourself for some comedic relief, and the CNN News Update which comes out with new headline stories every hour. Do you have a favorite podcast you recommend?

Design Inspiration: Bookshelves

Bookshelves and cases are not only the perfect places to house your most prized literary classics (or guilty pleasure gossip rags and romance novels, we won’t judge) but when used strategically they can be ideal design inspiration for your home. A carefully placed bookshelf can stand on it’s own as a focal point and conversation piece. Depending on the space you’re working with, bookshelves can serve to break-up the space and even create a room within a room. They’re a quick way to make any room a bit cozier too, adding visual elements of depth and color. Not sure how to incorporate these hardcover holders into your place? Check out these read-ready rooms.

A definite focal piece from Home Interior Designs.

An industrial twist from Furniture Fashion.

Read the rainbow! Found on Freshome.

A luxurious look, easily hidden, found here.

Floating bookshelves from Ikea found here.

A warm reading corner from BHG.

A modern option from Toxel.

Artist Spotlight: Jenny Meilihove

Artwork by Jenny Meilihove

Jenny Meilihove is a Russian born illustrator living in Jerusalem whose work is both adorably quirky and bright. Her equally adorable website can be found here and an Etsy shop here where you can find originals and prints alike. I especially adore her rich watercolors. Even her workspace (see the last picture) is so fun and creativity inducing. This children's book she's illustrated looks so fantastical... any translators?

If you like any of the pictures you see, be sure to click on the links below - they'll take you to Jenny's website where there are plenty more (many of which I had hoped to post but were too big to do them justice here).

Artwork by Jenny Meilihove

Artwork by Jenny Meilihove

Artwork by Jenny Meilihove

Calendar by Jenny Meilihove

Picture via Jenny Meilihove

The Year of Pleasures

I just finished The Year of Pleasures, a novel by Elizabeth Berg, and true to the title, the book was a pleasure in itself. Berg has a beautiful, descriptive way of writing that brings her scenes to life and paints a rich picture of her characters. The storyline is very much for the female crowd, as the main character Betta deals with the loss of her husband by moving to small town in Illinois and learning how to live without him. There are moments of empowerment and helplessness along the way, but never without the simple joys that make life worth the struggle. It’s the perfect read for a wintry day by the fireplace; recommended for your grandmother and grown daughter alike.

Berg’s descriptions had me picturing every little detail in the book so vividly I was ready to run off and move to the Midwest myself. Here are a few pleasures I’ve been dreaming about since flipping the back cover…

Photo via GPB

Betta is always cooking or baking something for someone, relishing in her nurturing instinct. Even though I’m not one for baking myself, she seemed to find such joy in the process I entertained the thought.

Photo via Lennoxx

Betta has her bedroom painted pale blue to make the space more relaxing, and I love the idea of a matching the shade with a sunny yellow and bright white.

Photo via Houzz

There are several mentions of antique birdcages in the book, and what could be a more fun and beautiful decoration? My gram has had a large birdcage on her mantel for years, filled with little figurines and treasures. I like the idea of hanging a couple from the ceiling, wound with white twinkle lights like lanterns.

Photo via Hugo Naturals

Even bathing takes on an air of luxury in Berg’s novel. Betta would make a production of it, putting on an old album and taking a slow bath, lingering in the warm water. It made me want to do the same, so I promptly picked up a sliver of Hugo Naturals handmade soap and got to it! I have to put in a word for this delightfully scented, all-natural brand that left me skin soft and lush, no moisturizer needed.

Lazy Sunday: Typing Away

Today's one of those autumn days when the trees aren't brilliant enough yet to warrant a leaf peeping, the wind's a little too whip-y to permit for outdoor anything, and the rolling clouds are just ominous enough to trigger a contemplative mood. Well break out the notepad and bic, moleskin and fountain, typewriter and ribbon, laptop and high-res, or whatever your recording implement of choice, because it is the perfect day to write. I am two emails into my long list of inscriptions, and there's no stopping me now. Writing is the perfect Sunday activity because it can be so emotionally cathartic. Give it a shot! Whether you opt for a letter, email, journal entry, poem, short story, free write, article, blog post, or more, it's sure to release some pent-up creativity and put you in touch with what's been on your mind.

Summer: MoMA Style

I was flipping through the most recent MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) catalog today and found a few treasures that seemed perfect for the dog days of summer.

Salt Cellar found here

This Salt Cellar is the perfect place to stash your favorite kitchen salt (I prefer this course sea salt for it's flavor and heft) to make quick, simple summer meals feel a little more gourmet. I always wanted to have those little bowls they use in cooking shows; pre-filled with 2 and 3/16 teaspoons of rare patagonian paprika to be dashed into a stew at just the right moment. However, all those extra little bowls would probably not be worth the extra (albeit tiny) dishes to wash, so this salt cellar seems a happy compromise.

Sky Umbrella found here

When those afternoon thunderstorms roll through, this clever Sky Umbrella is the perfect way to be all business on the outside, and optimistic on the inside. It also comes in a collapsible variety.

Bookworm Shelf found here

I love how this Bookworm Shelf turns a plain wall into an artistic statement. And what better way to display your summer reading and strike up a literary conversation? Have you been reading anything good this summer? I'm working on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. In fact, I am off to get a few more chapters under my belt tonight.

Lazy Sunday: Morning Reading

There's something so appealing about sitting down with a stack of books this morning, sipping iced tea on the porch, and watching the world wake up. Since I am at a lack of porch, or patio for that matter, and my stack of reading is of the academic variety, I am off to the library to watch my computer screen instead. With any luck I'll finish in time to watch the world fall asleep as I skim the pages of something entirely business-less. What are you reading today?

No Impact Man Trailer

It is so fitting that as I blog about simplicity this week the first No Impact Man movie trailer releases!  If you don't know about Colin Beavan's no impact project, check out his website here. I don't know if I am more excited to see the movie or read the book, both of which come out the first week of September. Check out the movie trailer below. 

Book Club: The End of Overeating

I am in the middle of the most interesting book: The End of Overeating; Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite, by former FDA commissioner David Kessler. Rarely do I buy books, especially one still only available in hardcover, but after seeing Kessler speak about his research on the Colbert Report (one of my most trusted news sources) I knew it would be worth it. So far the text has not disappointed. Kessler's research is centered around understanding why Americans overeat and the role that ingredient composition, the food industry, marketing, and sensory appeal play in this phenomenon. Given the outlandish obesity rates in the US and the obsession over food and weight so prevalent in our society, Kessler's writing could not be more relevant.  

One of the ideas Kessler presents is that of eating as entertainment - also called "eatertainment". The concept of eatertainment is certainly one embraced by the restaurant industry and the prepared food industry alike. The writing really got me to thinking about the role we often allow food to play in our lives. Coping mechanism. Indulgence. Reward. Distraction. Stress reliever. Sound familiar? It might seem obvious, but it was not until reading this book that I realized just how much we tend to use food to escape our circumstances rather than immerse ourselves in the moment - despite what our intentions may be.

Perhaps the best thing about Kessler's writing is his frank style and personal input. Even as a former FDA commissioner, he's not beyond admitting his own struggles to eat healthily given the thousands of processed temptations we are inundated with on a daily basis. I also find the dual approach to examining the obesity "epidemic", from both a chemical and psychological standpoint, a welcome refreshment from the countless one-sided commentaries and diet books on the market. You can find more information about Kessler's work on the FDA website. 

Valuable Investments: Library Card

Photo via CAPS Library

I am kicking off day one of Valuable Investments week at Apartment 303 with a simple and free service we should all be utilizing: our local public libraries.  If you cannot remember the last time you saw the inside of your own town library, now is time to dust off that long-forgotten membership card.  For those whose wallets are without this priceless piece of plastic, there is no time like the present to head over to your closest bibliophile haunt and sign up.  Public libraries are a tremendous source of value for our selves, our communities, and our planet; a literal trifecta of value!

Value for Our Selves

Public libraries are a wonderful way to enrich our lives and minds through reading; one of the most time-tested forms of entertainment and knowledge sharing.  I do not need to explain the many reasons why it is important to spend less time in front of the television and more time engaged in a book that challenges our assumptions and helps us to see the world in a new light.  If it has been a while since your last visit, you may have forgotten the many services Librarians provide as well (after all, they do have a Masters in Library Science). These services include research help, book recommendations, locating old newspaper and journal articles, and ordering in books from affiliate libraries for your convenience.   In an era where each of us considers our Wikipedia and Google search skills to be sufficient, it is remarkable how efficient and effective the aid of a Librarian is. 

Your library card is your ticket to unlimited free entertainment and knowledge, and not just through books.  Libraries also stock DVD collections, journal and magazine subscriptions, books on CD, music scores, online news subscriptions, and free Internet access.  That’s right, all of this for free*!  *tax dollars notwithstanding 

Value for Our Community

Public Libraries serve a vital role in any community and are a great place to find out about upcoming events, local history, and all different types of community organizations.  Most libraries offer various book clubs, free or low cost lectures and classes, and children’s programs to boot.  So if you are looking for a way to get more involved in your community, or if you are new to an area and don’t quite know how to find your niche, start with your local library.

Value for Our Environment

Since the publishing industry is such a major polluter, it seems counterintuitive that hitting up your local library is good for the environment.  However, borrowing a book will always be greener than buying your own personal hardback copy…which is likely to be quickly tossed on your bookshelf where it will promptly begin gathering dust for next 25 years.  The concept of sharing resources in the same manner as libraries can also be applied to many other goods and services in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way (think the bicycle sharing program in many European cities, or the popularity of the Freecycle Network). Many libraries also allow you to access e-versions of books they carry – a convenient and entirely paper-free way to read. 

Given all of the value public libraries provide, it is amazing to think that so few people take advantage of their services.  So this week, pay your closest library a visit.  The investment of your time will reap major dividends, all around.  

Feeling French

The title of this post may not be entirely accurate, seeing as I have never been to France - nor have I so much as known a French person for that matter.  I am, however, in the midst of Sarah Turnbull's book Almost French; a delightful read about her own adventures in the city of love. The book has me wishing I were strolling the halls of the Louvre, stopping at a sidewalk cafe for refreshment, listening to the beautiful French language, and, of course, gushing over Parisian fashion.  Since I'm adoring everything French today, I thought I would indulge my interest by sharing a few of my favorite French finds.

Water Lilies by Monet found here

The Artist's Garden at Giverny by Monet found here 

Claude Monet has long been one of my favorite artists.  Best known for his lily pad paintings, Monet is the father of French impressionism.  What I love most about Monet's paintings is the sense of movement they evoke.  The play of light is captivating and makes you feel as if you are there to experience the very moment at which the sun catches the flowers just right. 

Image via Carol's Cafe found here 

While all French pastries deserve mention, French bread in particular is making my stomach growl tonight.  The more layers of hot, crispy crust, the better.  Preferably spread with tangy orange marmalade and washed down with a flute of genuine bubbly from the Champagne region.

Yann Tiersen is a French composer, perhaps most well known for creating the score to the movie Amelie.  I discovered Yann's music just recently and have been listening to his piano, violin, and accordion performances every day since.  His songs are so moving and emotional.

Photo via Jessica Korman found here 

Toile is a French original.  Developed in the town of Jouy centuries ago, this patterned fabric adds a touch of provincial flair to any decor.  The above bedroom in sun-drenched yellow and sky blue has me swooning.