girlhula on etsy
Sunday, May 31, 2009
tiny blossom ring
dainty, yet sturdy. perfect juxtaposition.
from iacua's etsy shop
* 'blossom' has been added to my list of favorite words...
from iacua's etsy shop
* 'blossom' has been added to my list of favorite words...
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
nested
it is a beautiful day outside, and still, i would like to snuggle down here:
the window next to the bed, the sun, the tea cup... reminds me of my first apartment...
i scooped this pic from for me, for you
the window next to the bed, the sun, the tea cup... reminds me of my first apartment...
i scooped this pic from for me, for you
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
tenant? please, know your rights!
unfortunately, i have learned the hard way with two terribly crummy landlords. my first experience cost me $300, because i was young, and i didn't know my rights (and i definitely did not know how to stand up for myself).
i've learned, however, and my current crummy landlord situation is proving to be more successful.
here's what has helped me:
-i would print this and keep it with you, especially if you are moving annually or are a student. it's a copy of the Seattle Landlord- Tenant Laws.
-here is a link to the King County Law library and more resources.
- solid ground is a grass roots organization with an office that deals with housing/tenant/landlord issues. speaking with their staff has been hugely helpful. while they are not lawyers, they can diagnose your situation using the landlord-tenant laws and give you advice on how to proceed.
- here you'll find a king county publication on how to go to small claims court
my long story short: our landlord deducted a plumbing bill from our deposit, which was for tree roots in the mainline of the housing complex. i spoke with solid ground, they said it was illegal, and they advised me to write a letter of dispute within 7 days of the returned deposit check, and if that doesn't work go to small claims court. i sent the letter last week (use certified mail!) and i am hoping for the best!
i really hope this proves helpful. i have realized that it is really hard to deal with the legal system, particularly when you are figuring out how it works. it is turning out to be a BIG process, but, alas, it is necessary to keep things fair. it's unfortunate that there are people out there who will take advantage of others; i feel like college students get the brunt of it where housing is concerned.
good luck!
i've learned, however, and my current crummy landlord situation is proving to be more successful.
here's what has helped me:
-i would print this and keep it with you, especially if you are moving annually or are a student. it's a copy of the Seattle Landlord- Tenant Laws.
-here is a link to the King County Law library and more resources.
- solid ground is a grass roots organization with an office that deals with housing/tenant/landlord issues. speaking with their staff has been hugely helpful. while they are not lawyers, they can diagnose your situation using the landlord-tenant laws and give you advice on how to proceed.
- here you'll find a king county publication on how to go to small claims court
my long story short: our landlord deducted a plumbing bill from our deposit, which was for tree roots in the mainline of the housing complex. i spoke with solid ground, they said it was illegal, and they advised me to write a letter of dispute within 7 days of the returned deposit check, and if that doesn't work go to small claims court. i sent the letter last week (use certified mail!) and i am hoping for the best!
i really hope this proves helpful. i have realized that it is really hard to deal with the legal system, particularly when you are figuring out how it works. it is turning out to be a BIG process, but, alas, it is necessary to keep things fair. it's unfortunate that there are people out there who will take advantage of others; i feel like college students get the brunt of it where housing is concerned.
good luck!
extras
1) Sleeve
2) Nigella Damascena, or “love in a mist.”
3) holga instant back camera
you can use polaroid instant film!
pricey, probably not worth it, but still desirable...
2) Nigella Damascena, or “love in a mist.”
3) holga instant back camera
you can use polaroid instant film!
pricey, probably not worth it, but still desirable...
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
ames and ferns
ames is in town!
here's us in 2003:
(biology. junior year. dna model.)
and in 2009:
we had a great day today. we meandered around u-village and lamented the fashions. then, it being happy hour, we went for sushi in fremont. note: blue c sushi is good for it's welcoming ambiance, and affordable rolls but it's simply not the best. happy hour is great, however, with their cheap rolls and stiff drinks.
she leaves for hawaii on thursday. i told her i would accompany her to pick up a large order of cured meats that she is taking back to her coworkers at the restuarant.
here's us in 2003:
(biology. junior year. dna model.)
and in 2009:
we had a great day today. we meandered around u-village and lamented the fashions. then, it being happy hour, we went for sushi in fremont. note: blue c sushi is good for it's welcoming ambiance, and affordable rolls but it's simply not the best. happy hour is great, however, with their cheap rolls and stiff drinks.
she leaves for hawaii on thursday. i told her i would accompany her to pick up a large order of cured meats that she is taking back to her coworkers at the restuarant.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
blooming
we rent a small cottage in the middle of the city; it has come with a lot of elbow grease to make it 'quaint'. the outside (and, actually, the inside too) have not been cleaned or kept up for years. i have given up on it looking nice, but it sure is cozy and natural. perfect.
my work in progress:
my front porch. a lot is happening here....
soon to be blooming vegetable patch--
pictured: phenol, tomato, mint, and some variety of poppy.
iris and onion patch
parsley!
lessons learned:
-tomato plants should be planted very deep. pulling off the last few branches of the plant and covering up to about 6" is ideal.
-also, tomato plants NEED lots of heat. plant next to a cement bulkhead, foundation, or next to anything that holds a lot of heat. direct sunlight for these guys.
- planting marigolds around vegetable gardens detracts slugs from invading. slugs love marigolds and they will go directly to them, leaving the veggies alone--it's better than using chemical slug bait, especially if pets or kids are around.
-out with the old! pick off dead blooms on flowering plants. this 'dead heading' allows for the plant's energy to be focused on producing new blooms. plus, it just looks nicer.
- when planting potatoes i've found that using large buckets, drums, or garbage bins is best. plant four or five of these guys in 6" of soil. as the plant grows keep adding dirt, leaving a few inches of the plants uncovered. this will produce the maximum yield, as potatoes grow on sort of a root chain.
- water!
i am in no way an expert, these are just a few things i have picked up through trial and error-- and having incredible green thumbs for a grandmother and mom doesn't hurt.
my work in progress:
my front porch. a lot is happening here....
soon to be blooming vegetable patch--
pictured: phenol, tomato, mint, and some variety of poppy.
iris and onion patch
parsley!
lessons learned:
-tomato plants should be planted very deep. pulling off the last few branches of the plant and covering up to about 6" is ideal.
-also, tomato plants NEED lots of heat. plant next to a cement bulkhead, foundation, or next to anything that holds a lot of heat. direct sunlight for these guys.
- planting marigolds around vegetable gardens detracts slugs from invading. slugs love marigolds and they will go directly to them, leaving the veggies alone--it's better than using chemical slug bait, especially if pets or kids are around.
-out with the old! pick off dead blooms on flowering plants. this 'dead heading' allows for the plant's energy to be focused on producing new blooms. plus, it just looks nicer.
- when planting potatoes i've found that using large buckets, drums, or garbage bins is best. plant four or five of these guys in 6" of soil. as the plant grows keep adding dirt, leaving a few inches of the plants uncovered. this will produce the maximum yield, as potatoes grow on sort of a root chain.
- water!
i am in no way an expert, these are just a few things i have picked up through trial and error-- and having incredible green thumbs for a grandmother and mom doesn't hurt.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
buch aufnehmen
lists!
recent reads:
the general in his labyrinth- gabriel garcia marquez
interpreter of maladies- jhumpa lahiri
dervishes- Beth helms
of these titles, please read:
interpreter of maladies
these stories are remarkable in their seeming simplicity, bittersweet and complex in their lessons of love and life, and each has a place in this collection. i suppose i could harp on lahiri's gift as a writer, but i think it would be best of you read this book. this is what, i would suspect, being human is all about. a part of it anyway.
ames: thanks to you, i have found and enjoyed this book.
whidbey is.
coupeville, wa
photos from the town of coupeville.
i spent my childhood on my grandparents property a few miles away from the this town center. they built it all themselves, and i can remember donning my 'whidbey island' work jeans every weekend and school break to work. since it was an unsettled, pretty wild several acres my work consisted of clearing underbrush, planting gardens, and making piles. on good days, there was a bon fire, which i managed with delight.
i hadn't been there in a few years. having worked over the weekend chopping firewood and doing other up keep things, my love of that place has been rekindled. of sorts. life should be that simple and fresh.
i am not happy to be back in seattle. period.
i wonder if i could find a job on the island and putt around. it's unlikely at this stage in my life, but damnit, why do i have to wait unitl i get old to enjoy the ho-hum country life? i suspect neither the city nor the country would fit me quite right... quite an imbroglio.*
* i am studying for the GRE
p.s. i have an americorps interview next wed.
photos from the town of coupeville.
i spent my childhood on my grandparents property a few miles away from the this town center. they built it all themselves, and i can remember donning my 'whidbey island' work jeans every weekend and school break to work. since it was an unsettled, pretty wild several acres my work consisted of clearing underbrush, planting gardens, and making piles. on good days, there was a bon fire, which i managed with delight.
i hadn't been there in a few years. having worked over the weekend chopping firewood and doing other up keep things, my love of that place has been rekindled. of sorts. life should be that simple and fresh.
i am not happy to be back in seattle. period.
i wonder if i could find a job on the island and putt around. it's unlikely at this stage in my life, but damnit, why do i have to wait unitl i get old to enjoy the ho-hum country life? i suspect neither the city nor the country would fit me quite right... quite an imbroglio.*
* i am studying for the GRE
p.s. i have an americorps interview next wed.
Friday, May 15, 2009
motor trip
my dear ol' dad and i go on a motorcycle trip every year or so. while our upcoming trip to whidbey island this weekend is much shorter than our previous lengthy adventurous jaunts, the impending few hours on the back of the bike have stirred up some good memories.
here are a few photos from our trip to yellowstone and california
have a good weekend!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
today
i am reveling in the smooth, whistle and hum along, sounds of carla bruni courtesy of grooveshark.
she really goes nicely with the sun, the lush green in my yard that fills up my many paned front window, and a good book.
i am enjoying this beautiful day with reticence, cut flowers and a fiery desire to learn french.
she really goes nicely with the sun, the lush green in my yard that fills up my many paned front window, and a good book.
i am enjoying this beautiful day with reticence, cut flowers and a fiery desire to learn french.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
fey handmade
fey, a.
1. giving an impression of vague unworldlinesss.
2. whimsical; strange
i am truly taken with business models that support and promote quality products straight from the hands and minds of artists. i used to think that handmade items were tremendously overpriced, but in fact i was wrong. while in certain cases 'handmade' is synonymous with a hefty price tag, in most cases a few extra dollars for a quaint, unique item with oodles of longevity is worth it.
fey handmade's "about us" section inspired this rave. with a low waste, high quality, friendly all around stance.
take a look at some of the functional and modestly ticketed things i found in the 'under $25' section (which is all can afford to peruse):
chrysanthemum
ship pillowcases
mini creamers
these three creamers are from pigeon toe ceramics
i've learned that there is no need to traverse large chain stores! memo books, bed linens, coffee/tea accessories (and so many other items-- dish towels, dishes, kitchen accessories, etc., all things used to furnish one's living space) come in all shapes and sizes in healthier venues.
check local farmers markets if online communities aren't cutting it for you. no shipping and interaction with vendors is always nice. boutiques in and around the city (especially seattle) have lines from local artists in their displays, too.
etsy is also a great resource for finding handmade and/or local artists. it is also pretty affordable.
a side note:
there's a documentary about the close-knit community immersed in most things made by hand. it is called handmade nation. worth seeing?
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
may day + bbqs
it has been quite the stormy weather.
the 1st of may was pleasant- it was sunny and beautiful outside.
however we've lapsed to our old windy, rain soaked ways.
i really am not partial to either rain or shine, the unpredictability
keeps me on my toes.
note: may 1st has traditional importance for many pagan celebrations. it is now most common for may 1st to be associated with public holidays, like International Workers Day or Labor Day.
i have been told that there is a tradition of giving flowers; ringing doorbells and running away so the homeowner receives an anonymous bouquet, brightening their day.this is all news to me. i think of may poles, ribbons, and flowers on may day, but mostly it goes unnoticed... i suppose it's a holiday produced from time evolving and antiquity ( and our love of bbqs.)
which reminds me: mpg has purchased a small gas grill. he made cornell chicken and salt potatoes last weekend.
i will throw the recipe up here. it was amazing! out here in the pacific NW we have no idea what a proper bbq is. all i know is that i can tell we are now having a meat fest every weekend through the end of fall due to mpg's utter thrill and enthusiasm for running the grill. fine by me.
lists.
recently read:
FICTION
like water for chocolate- laura esquivel
cavedweller- dorothy allison
the seine was red: paris, october 1961-leila sebbar
my mother never dies- claire castillion
CHILDREN'S LIT.
the tale of despereaux- kate diCamillo
i'm listening to;
cat power
and, still, nick drake
the 1st of may was pleasant- it was sunny and beautiful outside.
however we've lapsed to our old windy, rain soaked ways.
i really am not partial to either rain or shine, the unpredictability
keeps me on my toes.
note: may 1st has traditional importance for many pagan celebrations. it is now most common for may 1st to be associated with public holidays, like International Workers Day or Labor Day.
i have been told that there is a tradition of giving flowers; ringing doorbells and running away so the homeowner receives an anonymous bouquet, brightening their day.this is all news to me. i think of may poles, ribbons, and flowers on may day, but mostly it goes unnoticed... i suppose it's a holiday produced from time evolving and antiquity ( and our love of bbqs.)
which reminds me: mpg has purchased a small gas grill. he made cornell chicken and salt potatoes last weekend.
i will throw the recipe up here. it was amazing! out here in the pacific NW we have no idea what a proper bbq is. all i know is that i can tell we are now having a meat fest every weekend through the end of fall due to mpg's utter thrill and enthusiasm for running the grill. fine by me.
lists.
recently read:
FICTION
like water for chocolate- laura esquivel
cavedweller- dorothy allison
the seine was red: paris, october 1961-leila sebbar
my mother never dies- claire castillion
CHILDREN'S LIT.
the tale of despereaux- kate diCamillo
i'm listening to;
cat power
and, still, nick drake
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)