oh, hello

24 weeks

2011-03-14T20:46:00.001-05:00

Kicks before work. Kicks after work. But barely any kicks during work.

I get it, baby, work bores me too.

22 weeks

2011-02-28T17:59:00.000-06:00

Dear Baby,

Today you are 22 weeks and the size of a spaghetti squash. I have a feeling you are a wee bit smaller than Baby Center tells me you should be since you were in the 38% percentile at our last doctor's visit. Today, I took a long lunch and took you for a walk around the neighborhood. I walked up Division, over to Milwaukee and back. I stopped to grab some some lentil soup and fattoush. It is still cold, but it's sunny out, which makes me feel like the potential for warmth is within reach. I ate lunch at our new desk and read about your growth for this week. I grew concerned that you are not moving as much as I read you should be, then moments later I felt some movement. I imagine you're like 'Don't worry mom, I'm all good!' then start swimming around my belly to ease my fears.

bye bye 2010

2010-12-31T13:35:00.000-06:00

I have a feeling 2011 will be a great year, yes?

time off

2009-03-30T17:07:00.001-05:00

stitch, originally uploaded by mel-l.

Been knitting lots, cooking creatively, and all around being domestic and stuff. No biggie.

peace out student loans

2009-02-19T12:00:00.002-06:00

happy heart day!

2009-02-14T10:31:00.001-06:00

raspberry jam hearts, originally uploaded by mel-l.

OMG

2009-02-09T20:11:00.001-06:00

Fifi Lapin for LeSportsac!!!!!

72 colors

2009-02-03T15:22:00.001-06:00

72 colors, originally uploaded by mel-l.

Crayons have really evolved since I was a kid. Check out all these awesome colors.

all grown up

2009-01-30T10:34:00.001-06:00

cupcakes, originally uploaded by mel-l.

Going home to celebrate this little one's 5th birthday. Seriously, she is 5 already?!

today's mail

2009-01-22T15:44:00.001-06:00

I , originally uploaded by mel-l.

Sometimes it's the littlest things from the littlest ones that make my day.

another chance

2009-01-21T09:43:00.001-06:00

steel cut oats, originally uploaded by mel-l.

I gave steel cut oats another chance after disappointing me the first time. This time I added lots of delicious toppings and it was a great winter morning breakfast. I added bananas, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon and spiced walnuts. Delicious!

!!!!!

2009-01-20T13:36:00.001-06:00

hello hope, originally uploaded by mel-l.

egg pants!

2009-01-14T11:14:00.002-06:00

yes please

2009-01-14T11:07:00.002-06:00

my fitness routine for 09

2009-01-10T15:10:00.002-06:00

resolution #1: visit LA

2009-01-07T12:08:00.001-06:00

Buffmonster, originally uploaded by mel-l.

insano

2009-01-05T10:57:00.001-06:00

o m g

home sweet home

2008-12-30T22:15:00.001-06:00

Marina Towers, originally uploaded by mel-l.

Three Christmases, one wedding, one birthday party, two karaoke parties, one mall trip, too many Target trips, one scary scary driving trip, two plane rides, seven babies, one coney island, two faygos, zero white castles.

We are back home. Seven days later and five pounds heavier.

It's good to be back.

oh christmas cactus

2008-12-23T11:23:00.001-06:00

christmas cactus, originally uploaded by mel-l.

We will be in Michigan when you finally bloom. Sad!

i NEED these

2008-12-21T22:56:00.000-06:00

flop

2008-12-21T14:06:00.001-06:00

bunny flop, originally uploaded by mel-l.

He is off to the bunny sitter for an entire week, starting tomorrow. We sure will miss the little dude.

i would like to work here

2008-12-20T21:53:00.000-06:00

Digg Dubb: Groove Is In The Heart from Trammell on Vimeo.

coming soon!!!

2008-12-19T08:22:00.004-06:00

FINALLY!

best ever!

2008-12-18T12:54:00.001-06:00

, originally uploaded by mel-l.

I usually keeps lists to avoid being a scatterbrain. This morning I was so happy to see that ovidovi added something to my list!!! Quelle surprise!

your trash, my treasure

2008-12-17T12:01:00.001-06:00

awesome afghan, originally uploaded by mel-l.

I thrifted this amazing afghan in MI. It's always a little sad when I see handmade goods at the thrift store. Their trash is my treasure.

Thus is the joy of thrifting.

done and done

2008-12-17T00:00:00.001-06:00

downtown lights, originally uploaded by mel-l.

We are done Christmas shopping! This year was pretty easy and low key. Our only gift recipients are tots under five, grannies and adopt-a-family families. Serious!

Both of us have grown sick of overindulgence, especially over the holidays. Let's be honest, who needs more crap? We certainly don't and neither do you!

good night

2008-12-15T23:39:00.001-06:00

Noble Street Co-op, originally uploaded by mel-l.

still amazing

2008-12-14T10:51:00.001-06:00

mission accomplished

2008-12-13T22:27:00.001-06:00

oh how i've missed you, originally uploaded by mel-l.

~~Mya + PJ time~~
~~Thrifting time~~
~~Holiday shopping time~~
~~Coney Island time~~
~~Cookie making time~~
~~Craft time~~
~~Inevitable annoying time~~

snuggle

2008-12-12T20:03:00.003-06:00

My dad often says some unintentionally hilarious one-liners. Here is a sampling from the past couple of days:

"So does Ivo have a holster for his iphone or does he just put it in his pocket?"

"There's always good programming on the hallmark channel."

"I've got to wrap myself in my snuggle." (He actually meant snuggie, obvs.)

making cookies

2008-12-11T22:23:00.001-06:00

, originally uploaded by mel-l.

michigan bound

2008-12-10T11:05:00.001-06:00

I-94, originally uploaded by mel-l.

Heading to the mitten for a couple days. Maybe some shopping. Hopefully some thrifting. Definitely some Mya + PJ time. Lots of missing ovidovi time. Maybe some tea time. Hopefully some relaxing time and not so much annoying time.

blackbird review

2008-12-09T09:27:00.003-06:00

Appetizers
crispy confit of swan creek farm suckling pig with matsutake mushrooms, toasted walnut consomme and pomegranate confit B+

salad of endives, crispy potatoes, basil, dijon, pancetta and poached egg A

Entrees
braised skirt steak and grilled wagyu flatiorn with spaghetti squash, braised chestnuts and vidalia onions B+

braised organic pork belly with grilled spot prawn, boiled peanuts, sugarsnap peas, cornbread and gumbo consomme B

Desserts
seasonal sorbet (grapefruit) B

kalamata olive cake with honeycrisp apples, toffee and buttermilk ice cream A+

The food was great, not mind blowing, but great. The portions were small and the prices were high. The atmosphere was stuffy, not necessarily due in part by the restaurant, moreso by the diners themselves.

Oh, also I forgot to mention that the amuse bouche that was served was homemade rabbit sausage:( Thankfully, ovidovi defiantly said we could not eat it. They were nice enough to make us an alternate!

I don't think it lives up to all the pomp & circumstance. I'm glad I got to dine there, but I doubt I will go back.

happy 6 month anniversary to us!

2008-12-08T12:41:00.001-06:00

, originally uploaded by mel-l.

bunny camp

2008-12-07T11:54:00.001-06:00

, originally uploaded by mel-l.

The bun sitter e-mailed back and Pickle has been accepted to bunny camp over the holidays!

I hope he doesn't embarrass us.

baby's first photo

2008-12-06T12:49:00.001-06:00

Union Pacific North, originally uploaded by mel-l.

Apparently, I joined flickr four years ago today. Besides e-mail, I think that might be my longest internet relationship to date. So many blogs and social networking and whoknowswhatelse have fallen to the wayside.

I am hoping to revive this one and post a little something every day.

This is a huge commitment.

thinking about warmer times

2008-12-05T18:07:00.001-06:00

IMG_0106, originally uploaded by mel-l.

good mornings

2008-12-05T16:01:00.001-06:00

morning routine, originally uploaded by mel-l.

tomorrow!

2008-12-05T15:16:00.002-06:00

furniture, like whoa

2007-10-28T22:32:00.000-05:00

New couch(es) in less than a month! Bye bye big red.

busy dang!

2007-10-12T15:06:00.000-05:00

After a month + of moving, friends visiting, family visiting, Michigan visiting, Raleigh visiting...

we finally

have

a

free

weekend

!!!

happiness

2007-09-25T20:38:00.000-05:00

new sofa

2007-08-19T17:33:00.000-05:00

I'm really starting to hate our current sofa. It's bulky. It's chenille (puke). It's red. It's going to be the pink elephant in the room in our new sunny white apartment. We visited some sofas on Friday and so far the Crate & Barrel Petrie Sofa is a top contender. It's beautifully tufted. It has classic tapered legs that is synonymous with mid-century furniture design. It's over a month's worth of rent - ugh. Dang, this new mid-century collection I'm about to pursue is going to be hella expensive.

You will be mine soon.

official

2007-08-09T19:34:00.000-05:00

It's ours, it's ours! The apartment is ours!

We are still in the neighborhood and I'm back in my old hood. Chicago Ave and Noble Square represent!

2007-08-05T16:08:00.000-05:00

I think we found an apartment!!

So even though, we are paying a bit more and it's a bit smaller than our current place, we will be getting:

in-unit washer and dryer
dishwasher
skylights
huge vaulted ceiling
huge closets
parking space
private deck
rooftop deck with skyline city view
fireplace
two full bathrooms!!

OMGOMOGMOGMOGMOGMOMG.

mya + pj visit chicago: friday

2007-07-04T12:42:00.000-05:00

Millennium Park

2 weekends ago

2007-06-23T12:11:00.000-05:00

Sarah and Tim whisked away to our Wisconsin getaway. Final destination was unknown (to us), all we knew is that we were going to Wisconsin and staying by the lake. Five hours later, we arrived in Door County. In our grown up years, we are developing a fondness for quaint small town vacays versus big city adventures, quite a juxtaposition to our previous NYC vacation and a very welcome retreat.

We walked on water.

Rode bicycles.

Experienced a fish boil.

Watched the sunset.

And did so much more: Ivo's photos, My photos

wisconsin

2007-06-06T09:52:00.000-05:00

Mini summer vacation #2 commences in 7 hours.

hello t-mobile

2007-06-03T15:45:00.000-05:00

After 5+ years with Sprint, I decided that our relationship was getting stale. Despite the fact that they actually forgot to bill me for like half a year, kept giving me complimentary text messages and overall have not been bad, they weren't really keeping it fresh with new cell phones and just continued to offer giant clunky flip phones that were ugly. I mean it's 2007 and I need to keep up with the Joneses, so boo-ya, I just ordered this pretty thing. If you already sensed that I was turning into a yuppy d-bag, just wait until I'm sitting next to you on the bus reading e-mails on my smartphone, scrolling away. Yep, I'll be one of those people.

P.S. If I text message you, expect long ass texts with rapid speed and pictures!

Hip hip hooray!

2007-05-29T11:07:00.000-05:00

OMG! Today ovidovi is 29. Hooray! He is the best and I wish him a year of awesomeness! 4EVA!!!

Also, thanks to AP, we will be enjoying Detroit Coneys in Chicago!! Best gift ever! Do your friends send you two dozen Detroit coney dogs for your birthday?? AP is a good friend to have. Forreals.

Spring/Summer Trips

2007-05-17T09:28:00.000-05:00

Michigan - DONE!

New York City - DONE!

Michigan - DONE!

Las Vegas - work shiz, ugh

Michigan

San Francisco?

Michigan

vivienne tam

2007-04-05T23:37:00.001-05:00

amazing.

basketweave

2007-04-01T19:54:00.000-05:00

Hooray! I just picked this up at Target. Tres cute!!

lovers

2007-03-29T21:35:00.000-05:00

i can watch this every day.

nanette lepore

2007-03-29T13:59:00.000-05:00

i kinda want a longer version of this for my wedding dress

bcbg i love you

2007-03-29T13:49:00.000-05:00

a year ago

2007-03-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

LA

Marina

San Francisco

I need a vacation.

two things

2007-03-08T21:21:00.000-06:00

#1 - My new haircut is pretty dope. I'm bringing back the thick bangs like no other, peoples.

#2 - Parker Posey is on the cover of the new Lucky magazine!

redesign

2007-02-27T12:44:00.000-06:00

We rearranged our entire apartment a couple months ago. The office is now the guest bedroom. The tv room is now the office. The studio/office/den is now the tv room. The guest bedroom is now the changing room/closet. Oh my. We were in a tizzy for a bit, but all is arranged and rearranged and we love it. We have optimized our living space!

Before

After

Before

After

miff

2007-02-26T21:09:00.000-06:00

Best blog ever!!!!

proenza schouler

2007-02-26T20:14:00.000-06:00

Yayayayay! My Target Proenza Schouler dresses arrived! I must admit that I was not hyped when I saw the the clothes online, but then I saw one of the dresses in person and it was a really well-crafted frock. Lined-silk dress! Target, like whoa.

This is the dress I saw in person, but in black. I decided to get this pretty purple pattern. I'm really into purple these days. I may be the only one. This dress fits perfectly!

I added this dress to my order at the last minute (and to get the free shipping). It looked cute until I tried it on. It's ill-fitting, tight in some places, loose in others, the material is kinda scratchy. It's going back home to Target.

vegas #2

2007-02-24T20:58:00.000-06:00

Hooray! I finally got around to uploading all of my photos from the past month (or two). Expect lots of photo updates!

trenchcoats

2007-02-23T12:53:00.000-06:00

I need a cute little trenchcoat to wear over my cute little dresses this spring. CUTE! MJ is a bit of a splurge...

Frenchcoat $129

Marc by Marc Jacobs $268

Marc by Marc Jacobs $298

keds

2007-02-10T15:25:00.000-06:00

So cute, so spring!

minnetonka

2007-02-10T14:47:00.000-06:00

Trying to decide which pair will be mine by end of day...

wedding ideas #4 - dresses

2007-02-06T16:49:00.000-06:00

Yes, please. Vera Wang you are a genius.

wedding ideas #3: potential venues

2007-02-04T11:43:00.000-06:00

Webber's Inn - Ann Arbor

I'm not really hyped on this place, but the wedding planner insists that we take a look at it. It's a hotel ballroom, it's carpeted, it's a carpeted hotel ballroom. We agreed to look at it.

The Inn at St. John's - Plymouth

I would love to have the wedding here, but it is sooo expensive. It used to be an old seminary and a couple years back they redeveloped it as a golf course/inn/banquet center. It's really beautiful in pictures and though we are not hyped on getting married in anything religious, the chapel is amazing.

Michigan Union Ballroom - Ann Arbor

Pre-wedding planner, this was our #1 destination and #1 venue. It's really beautiful inside. We love downtown Ann Arbor as a backdrop. Downfall is that we would need to wait until school is over so there aren't kids everywhere and all catering is done through U of M, so there would go our dream to have White Castle late night snacks.

Lafayette Grand - Pontiac

I have never heard of this place and not really hyped on having it in Pontiac. Our wedding planner found it and it looked pretty cool. Our atmospheric vision translated to rustic and art deco to her. It is very art deco. Hmm. It looks like their website domain is up for sale. Hopefully that's not indicative of things to come.

We are taking a look at some, if not all of these places when we go to Michigan in a couple of weeks, so hopefully we will finally find something and actually start planning this shiz. Wish us luck.

wedding ideas #2

2007-02-03T15:38:00.000-06:00

Seriously considering this for a cake topper! Duh, of course there will be a bunny groom.

wedding ideas #1

2007-02-03T14:53:00.000-06:00

Bird Branch Centerpiece

Button Place Cards

Lacy Luminarias

Dress of my dreams

vegas

2007-01-24T22:08:00.000-06:00

1.2.3. GO

2007-01-18T12:57:00.000-06:00

3 pairs of shoes
2 purses
3 scarves
2 cropped coats
1 winter coat
2 pairs of jeans
1 pair of black pants
2 tank tops
1 winter coat
1 pair of sunglasses
1 sweatshirt
2 digital cameras
1 ipod
2 magazines
5 shirts

Vegas, here we come!

monthly update, i suck

2007-01-03T21:24:00.000-06:00

Today is my lucky day. First my coworker gave me a tiny salami log. It's true. Then I won a hot air balloon ride for two (value $450!!). Then Tiff gave us a ceramic paper crane, the same crane I have been pining over since last year when I saw it at Penelope's then it was gone before I could buy it. Whoa. Also, I had $1 mini cheeseburgers and that is awesome.

I swear I'm not a bad blog mama. My computer sucks it so much. It's totally cramping my aspiring blogger lifestyle. Forreals.

Resolution #1: Write more.

for my woodgrain lovers...

2006-12-04T11:56:00.000-06:00

http://www.itsknotwood.blogspot.com/

he-he-hello

2006-11-22T13:44:00.000-06:00

OMG. I must get the new issue of Bust.

slouchie bootie you are all mine

2006-11-21T12:22:00.000-06:00

I will see you pretties in 5-7 days.

help me please

2006-11-17T11:25:00.000-06:00

I am taking baby steps with this skinny jean thing and have no idea how to carry them thru the winter. I only wear them with flats (no socks) and this doesn't seem feasible when the snow hits. Please help.

#1

#2

#3

I-94

2006-11-14T09:55:00.000-06:00

A 4-hr drive, no flash, a crappy camera and a sunset can yield some unexpectedly beautiful pictures.

lower APRs like whoa

2006-11-12T17:23:00.000-06:00

Dang! So I finally mustered up the courage to call up my credit card companies to request a lower APR and it worked. Dudes, you just have to ask. They lowered both of my APRs by like half. It's sick how happy this makes me.

Collections: Milk Glass

2006-11-09T12:36:00.000-06:00

So I like to collect things. For the most part my collections are rather small. Instead of investing time in just one collection, I have like 20+ scattered around my apartment. I started to archive them.

I really got obsessed with milk glass for a bit. I think I saw a picture where this woman had a huge milk glass collection and displayed them on a built-in that had a painted backdrop. It looked beautiful. I found a couple pieces here and there and then ovidovi's aunt discovered I liked milk glass and passed me on like 90% of my collection. Since we haven't painted our walls and likely never will, I'm at loss with how to display the pieces I have. They are kinda scattered throughout.

These are all pieces that ovidovi's aunt passed on to me. I love the milk glass with the dots, those are my favorite pieces.

Pedestals.

I still have a couple more pieces of milk glass to archive, but you get the idea. Milk glass rules because you can always find it in thrift stores because no one likes it. True, they look like grandma pieces but they are so pretty when they are illuminated and awesome if you display them in front of a painted wall. One day...

county line orchard

2006-10-24T20:38:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, we made the trek to Hobart, Indiana to pick apples and partake in other fall activities that us Midwesterners are raised to appreciate. To our dismay the entire orchard was rotten and barren and we only picked a handful of apples. On the upside, we gorged on sugary donuts, mini burgers, and made fun of farm animals and freakishly-shaped gourds. It was worth the drive to Indiana (words I will never mutter again).

mya + pj

2006-10-15T23:18:00.000-05:00

Chinatown

2006-10-12T22:43:00.000-05:00

commit to fit!

2006-10-10T09:31:00.000-05:00

Last night me and ovidovi signed up for the YMCA. We will be muffin tops no longer!

my new obsession

2006-10-08T21:34:00.000-05:00

Fannie

2006-10-08T13:06:00.000-05:00

We babysat Fannie recently. She was pretty cool. She sat still for my picture taking and only puked once. Good dog.

She looks very regal.

Checking out Division St. ill activity.

Trying to look cute with her dirty mouth.

totes stale

2006-09-30T22:06:00.000-05:00

In an ultimate stale low, I just spent a good portion of my Saturday night perusing theknot.com forums. Not only that, I just created a profile and posted an entry. Ugh. Earlier today I ironed, watched cooking shows, hemmed a pair of pants, sewed a button on a shirt, fixed a jacket, cleaned the office and babysat a dog. Wow. At least the pants I hemmed are skinny pants, I guess I'm not that stale. Ha.

i am a bad blogger

2006-09-27T12:35:00.000-05:00

Les + Mya surprised me with a gift bag full of wonderful old things. I love old things!

This is a card that Mya made for me. She is really into drawing intricate circles and outlining things.

Owl that belonged to Pete's grandmother. Now I have two owls, that makes a collection!

Vintage handkerchiefs

Doilies!

tgif

2006-09-22T18:33:00.000-05:00

the goods

2006-09-17T13:46:00.000-05:00

Here is what I bought:

Timber Chicago skyline turquoise wood earrings

Loosetooth felt hedgehog for PJ. This pic is of the squirrel, I couldn't find the hedgehog. You get the idea.

Renegade Craft Fair 2006 poster

Kitty G print for Mya

Whoa. It is really windy out right now. It is probably a tornado of handmade goods in Wicker Park. Ok. That just gave me an excuse not to go.

Peace out craft fair! A++ Best craft fair to date! See ya next September! XO

like whoa

2006-09-17T12:59:00.000-05:00

This pretty much sums up my saturday.

There is a small part of me that wants to go back to the craft fair today. It's so tempting. I know, I know. I don't need any more stuff. I have more important things I need to do today. But still, the craft fair is only in town once a year.

I have issues.

it's almost here

2006-09-15T18:13:00.000-05:00

I finished!

2006-09-14T23:21:00.000-05:00

Hooray I'm so excited! I finished the tote bag for Mya!!

I'm so proud of myself for finishing a craft. Next project is a cross-stitch owl that will be given away to one lucky person.

Labbit quit smoking!

2006-09-12T12:19:00.000-05:00

Labbit has taken up a new habbit. No more cigarettes. He's chewing gum now.

Before:

After:

you are beautiful

2006-09-11T16:58:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, I met Erin downtown and we came across the you are beautiful installation at State and Washington. It's really awesome, I recommend everyone go see it. Chicago artists did a series of individual letters that spell out 'you are beautiful' in a couple languages.

pear shaped

2006-09-08T13:58:00.000-05:00

lemodulation: i think i'm going to be a pear
ants555ants: haha
ants555ants: is your mom a pear?
lemodulation: no
ants555ants: then you prolly won't be
ants555ants: my mom is a serious pear

Crafts!

2006-09-06T23:02:00.000-05:00

I have been meaning to make Mya another little tote bag. I finally made my way to the mega craft store and purchased my supplies. I found some seashell patterns so I am going to stitch some shells on the tote and then sew on some felt fishes.

My thumb is already starting to feel raw. I love it.

love these sites

2006-09-05T12:36:00.000-05:00

decor8
oh joy!
print & pattern
apartment therapy: chicago
something old something new
style bytes
design*sponge
creature comforts

cleveland

2006-08-29T23:14:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, me and ovidovi visited Erin and Henry in Cleveland. This summer we inadvertantly took a partial tour of America's Rust Belt. It started with Pittsburgh, then to Detroit (duh), then to Cleveland. According to the intraweb, we still have a couple fast-shrinking cities to visit to complete our tour. Youngstown in the fall? Anyone? Ok. Back to Cleveland. It was fantastic. Erin and Henry were the best hosts to show us around. We hung out with great friends, ate delicious food, burned off said food calories by walking around so so much, danced a wee-bit, checked out some breakers and mad ass graffiti, and watched wide-eyed as our tour guides drove us all around their city.

We heart Cleveland!

au revoir mes enfants

2006-08-25T12:46:00.000-05:00

Last night I said goodbye to my bestest friend here in Chicago. I will miss him (and matt) so so much. I didn't anticipate crying, but inevitably ended up crying like a baby during our goodbyes. Yeah. I can't help it. Las Vegas is so lucky to have them...

and Celine
and Toni B.
and pyramid shaped hotels, duh!

Today after work, I am going to my co-worker's going away party. She is leaving for Shanghai in two weeks.

Everyone is making moves.

shuffle, kick, step

2006-08-23T15:13:00.000-05:00

This morning I found myself trying to remember the sweet tap moves we learned yesterday. I was totally pulling some Riverdance type of moves in between my daily morning routine. Get dressed. Shuffle, kick, step. Gather things for work. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. I highly recommend everyone add this to their morning regimen.