Gonna Get Dirty

I am well aware that in terms of Columbus food trends, Dirty Frank's is right behind Jeni's Ice Cream these days. Everyone is talking about it, and it's always got a line out the door. But seriously, if you live in the central Ohio area, I highly recommend taking a visit to this establishment. Run, don't walk, and enjoy some of the best, and most creative hot dogs of your life. They also have vegetarian and vegan options for almost every dog on the menu! 

{images by Kiesha Jenkens}

Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Place

248 South Fourth St.

Columbus, OH 43215

614.824.4673

Missed Connections

I know the Lifestyle Blogosphere is going crazy about these today, and though it's risky to jump on the bandwagon, they are too beautiful to ignore. Sophie Blackall, an artist living in Brooklyn has created these beautiful illustrations of some of the more poetic Missed Connections on Craig's List, New York City. They are terribly romantic, and I adore them.

{Images are the art of Sophie Blackall}

I insist you go there now and view them all in one sitting.

Lollipop does Palm Springs

If you have never just spent hours and hours looking at the Lollipop Events & Designs website, you should be ashamed of yourself! They have some of the cutest wedding and event ideas I've ever seen, including one of my favorites: A Palm Springs theme. Here are some pictures of their fabulous work. You will never leave their site without getting inspired!

{All images from Lollipop's website}

I absolutely love the word search as your menu! Such great ideas! And that color palette is done so tastefully. I am also obsessed with their Nantucket inspired event.

I Like Ike

This adorable birthday party for a little boy named Ike (how cute is that?) was, of course, election themed. The invitation was a ballot, the children wore red, white and blue, and they even had a voting booth. If I had a son named Ike, every party would have to be election themed because it's too great an idea! Check out even more cute photos at RealSimple. 

Je Ne Sais Quoi BARBIE

At work today, my boss Eric told me about a Je Ne Sais Quoi Barbie Doll that is just tres chic! She is French, or course, and is draped in (faux) fur. A jacket, full length gloves, and a fur hat...I wish I was Je Ne Sais Quoi Barbie instead of regular old Jenna Sais Quois. Check her out at Mattel.

{Images from Mattel}

Laundry Room

Living in thee different tiny apartments in Columbus for the past five years has really made me appreciate how great it was to have a washer and dryer available any time of the day that didn't take quarters...I have been thinking a lot about a laundry room of my very own. When I have my own home, I am going all out to make sure my own laundry room is a place I want to spend time. Here are some that I have in mind.

Ice Cream Sunday Bar

It may seem like insanity to blog about ice cream during this frigid weather, but I absolutely love this take on a dessert bar for a wedding from Eat Drink Chic. It is just like a traditional ice cream parlor, and would be so fun for your summer reception. 

What's Cooking

After disclosing the shame of my eating habits (frozen meals 2-3 times a day) I have decided to learn to cook. Not quite in the manner of Julie & Julia, but in my own way. I am going to target a few recipes, starting out easy and building up as I go along. 

On the menu this month: 

Guacamole

Bruschetta

Caprese Salad

These recipes mostly involve chopping, and mixing, and that is why they are completely doable...right?

Grocery List

I am always jealous of the women who can plan meals ahead of time, and do their grocery shopping in an organized and efficient way. I usually go to the store when the Lean Cuisines are on sale and stock up for the month, but then again, I'm a single twenty-four year old woman. Perhaps in the New Year, we can all utilize these cute Grocery Lists as seen on Design*Sponge today. And it will knock out several birds with one stone: Eating Healthy, Being Organized, Planning Meals, etc.

Retro Modern Kitchen

I am absolutely in love with this kitchen on Apartment Therapy. It is so clean, and there is obviously a place for everything, including different types of cocktail glasses. It's so tough to find a place for the things you love and need, but don't use every day! Plus the narrow counter-high drawers for spices and oils is genius. What do you think of the color? 

Beautiful Poster

I think this poster is really, really well done. Putting your thoughts about the book or the movie aside, it is a beautiful composition. I love the varying weights of Gotham, and the release date really pops in white against the creamy color of the other type. In other words, this is good design.

The Wedding Singer

A poster for Off The Lake's auditions that I designed at work today. Love the 80's.

Click on the image above to enlarge it.

Organizing

I am not usually someone who makes New Years Resolutions, because I don't understand why you would wait until the New Year to make a change in your life! However, I am a big supporter of entering another year with an organized house and closet. 

That is my mission this week, and I started by organizing my wardrobe and shoes. It was then that I realized I seem to gravitate towards some highly saturated colors.

Happy 2010! Now, I have to get back to work!

Why Don't I Own This?

I really, really wish this was my sewing machine. I'm certainly on the lookout for one like this.

Sew, a Needle Pulling Thread

Throughout Christmas, I worked on a little sewing project for my friends Sarah and Rachel. They are both working at their first big jobs after college and grad school, and living in two great apartments. I wanted to sew them something that they could use in the kitchen, so I came across a pattern for a really cute vintage-inspired ruffled apron. I gave them the aprons on New Years Eve, and here are some pictures of the girls modeling them!