Anticipation

I am almost finished packing. Almost all of my stuff is moved into my new room now, but I don't officially check in and start living there until Sunday. I must say, I am a bit torn. Living at home is fantastic; I have my own room, and plenty of other places to spread out for projects and stuff, I share a big bathroom with only one other person, my bed is a queen size, and I have plenty of alone time. But I really do love dorm life, not having to cook, only having one room to clean, and 3 people to split the task. I wish there were two of me. One to live in each place!

One thing is for sure, I am glad to not be living in the campus apartment building now. It has been flooding off and on all week. It got so bad last night that people had to evacuate their rooms and find another place to stay. We had 3 people come to stay in my dorm. I feel so bad for all of them. It is not a very nice way to start the year. They also had to close one of our bridges. Today on the news they even mentioned us and showed the damage. More rain is supposed to be headed our way... maybe it will change it's mind and go somewhere dry. Otherwise we will be traveling to class by gondola.

(Blonde Redhead)

Start Wearing Purple

Went to Goodwill today. I bought these cute purple shoes for $5. They remind me of Barbie Doll shoes.

(Gogol Bordello)

Going Away To College

Where did the summer go?
Nancy arrived today and I helped her to move in, while sneaking in a few things of my own. Our new room is pretty great. The bathroom is a little small for three people to share, especially when compared to the the huge one the four of us had to share last year. It is gonna look good though. Our Shower curtain is pink and Zebra striped!
What took the most time was configuring the beds. We wanted to come up with a way to stack and save space, while making it easy to get into & usable for seating others who visit us. Through trial and error we eventually ended up with a pretty sweet set up I think. Hopefully Barbie will like the way we have the room set up because we will be really settled in by the time she gets to move in next weekend.
It feels strange being in a new building. The idea of living there for the next year is still sinking in. Our building used to be a Ramada Inn before the school bought it, so right now it still feels like, and smells like, a hotel. Every year the RA's decorate the hall, but I guess they are going to do it later this week, because right now the halls are totally blank, thus emphasizing the hotel feel.
Our walls are already getting a new look. If any of you remember how our walls looked last year, this may look a bit familiar.


(Blink 182)

Handle With Care

Today was one of the most exciting days of work this whole summer. Our school has a small collection of original artwork by artists such as Picasso, Whistler, Toulouse Lautrec, & Renoir that have been donated. Most people have no idea that the school has them, though they are pretty much the most expensive possessions of the school, and they cannot be replaced. Well, they all needed to be moved from the old art building to the new one, and I got to help! I actually held them in my hands! It was kind of nerve-racking but a real thrill. I am pleased to say that they are all safely nestled away waiting for the day they will have a new place on the walls.
Sadly, I have no pictures for today.

Nancy arrives tomorrow, and we will move into our new room!

(Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins)

Together

It's that time again; school is just around the corner and people start to pop back onto campus for student meetings and getting ready for the incoming newbies. I was completely stoked to help Adam move into his new pad. Welcome home darlin'! You were greatly missed. There were several other unexpected and delightful returns, like Rachel, Kym, Katie, Ben, & Deanna. I am thrilled to welcome you all back!

In other news, everyone should pick up a copy of the latest Filter Magazine. Rilo Kiley made the cover!

(The Raconteurs)

Thrifty

Check out my most recent Thrift Shop finds!
I am crazy about my 50s serving platter. Somebody sure took care of it because it seems like new.
The black polka dot dress has cute little fabric buttons on the sleeves!
I love the yellow gingham 60's dress, but it fits kind of strangely and it has shoulder pads that I'm not so sure about...

(John Swihart)

1 2 3 4

I have finally finished my suitcase!
A while back, I purchased this gorgeous red suitcase from goodwill for a mere $2. Naturally, it came with the musty odor and stained lining, but the outside was in great condition, and I just couldn't resist it. I am always looking for suitcases to adopt. Retired ones that is; those that have led a full life of travel, and are content to settle down.
While some age gracefully, others most likely require a bit of work. Here are my tips for anyone who would like to adopt their own vintage valise:

-Before you buy: Plastic suitcases are easier to remove marks from than ones with a papery or fabric exterior. Check the outside for dents, cracks, scratches, and faulty hardware. Brace yourself, and open it up. If there are stains, see if the lining looks easy to rip out or to cover over.
-When you get it home: Spray some Febreeze inside, and leave it open to air out. The musty smell may not evey really leave, but it will become less noticeable. A good scrubbing w/ an old toothbrush is great way to clean the bumpy plastic textured surace. If you rip the linning out, you may want to put a layer of quilt batting down before the fabric layer. Don't try to cover with a single piece of fabric, because it will wrinkle quite a bit. Instead, cover in sections. I put down one large layer in the middle, part way up the sides, then add the side sections over it. Hot glue is my weapon of choice for adhering the fabric.
-Make it your own: Choosing a fun fabric for the inside will give your portmanteau some personality, but you may also want to add a luggage tag, or some travel stickers to spice up the the exterior.

This re-upholstry job is not intended for suitcase bound for heavy use, but they are great for storage or decoration. My mother is the one who got me interested in suitcases. There are many of them scattered about our house. Some stacked as an end table by the couch, several as under bed storage. It is really interesting to think about who owned them, and where they have been. My beloved red valise had the remains of an airline tag that said hawaii. Sometimes you find one that has a person's initials printed on it. I may just have to post a picasa album of our plentiful portmanteaux for you to enjoy!

(Feist)

Roxie

Roxies Vintage has re-launched their website!


(Renee Zellweger)

I Wonder

There are a couple of things that I have been wondering about for some time now.
1) How do you add a highlighted word in your blog that functions as a link to something else?
2) Where can I buy these ring parts? I have checked Michaels, Jo-Ann, & Hobby Lobby, as well as the craft sections of Meijer and Wal-Mart.

If anyone can help me with either of these questions, I would really appreciate it!

(Diffuser)

Vacation

Hollar from Holland!
We spent the last day of our vacation in Holland, Michigan.
Now don't get me wrong, I love my school, but I am so jealous that Hope College gets to be in such an adorable little town!
Especially with a store like Roxies Vintage! I love this store!
Their website is not up right now, but I will be sure to let you all know when it is.


(The Go-Go's)

Holiday

I have FINALLY finished my online sociology class!! HOORAY!
Time to hit the road with my family for vacation.
Goodbye Chicago, Hello Michigan!



(Green Day)