Note the fancy leather strap I’m wearing? It’s called a Murray Belt and it was invented by Cvillian Margaret Murray Bloom. If you are like me and prefer your hands free and hate bulky purses, this “purse” is for you! It’s like a belt that you wear around your shoulder, and it has two adjustable compartments for your phone, wallet, keys, cards, gum, or whatever. The leather one is beautiful for dress up occasions, but I am most excited about the nylon and canvas designs coming out soon that will be great for sports, like walking on the beach! I always take my phone for music/podcasts and ICYMI, bathing suits don’t have pockets. I’d say this is a much cooler alternative to the fanny pack 😉
This bamboo laptop/iPad organizer. Since our office is eventually moving downstairs I needed an upstairs charging and storage station for my laptop. I ordered this on Amazon a while back and love it. It’s beautiful to look at, and fits well with living room decor (aka doesn’t feel like an office). My MacBook disappears when it’s in there. I also use the back slots to hide mail or bills that need addressing, so it’s quite the minimalist upstairs office solution. (Wood board from here!)
VIDEOS
Cville Cluster Granola. I picked up a bag from Great Harvest here and man did I forget how darn good it is! Those clusters!!! Also loving the Icelandic Provisions brand of yogurt. Lowish in sugar and with a little fat.
This mascara. I have been loving this mascara by IT Costmetics for a while. The wand is great, and it really does lengthen my lashes. (They also make my all-time favorite concealer!) I heard about the L’Oréal mascara on Young House Love, and when someone swears by something I gotta try it for myself, especially for less than $10. Sherry was right, the L’Oréal is a great bang for your buck, esp in waterproof. I got this sampler from BirchBox a while back and also loved the Mac 3D black lash and Marcelle brands from it. Mascara is so hard to find the perfect fit for your lashes (esp. if you don’t have any like me…)
Speaking of podcasts, I’ve been into The Minimalists! While I wish the actual podcast was a bit more minimalist (ironically – the guys are super chatty sometimes and get off topic!), I’ve been enjoying their thoughts on a variety of topics, especially anything involving adulting things like money or houses.
And speaking of adulting, we had our attic insulated. That was an annoying thing to have to do and pay for. But now the nursery ceiling is all sealed in! This spray foam is crazy weird:
And finally, this article, “The Last Conversation You’ll Ever Need to Have About Eating Right” by Mark Bittman and doctor David L. Katz is just so spot on. The sarcasm, the on-point answers. It’s a good read!
I really like the bamboo organiser! It looks super chill! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
OMG so funny that you mention insulation in the attic – it’s something my boyfriend & I have been putting off doing for years because it’s not exactly a “fun” way to spend money. Maybe this post will inspire me to remind him about it again…
Love the article!!
I am positively drooling over that amazing station you have designed!! The table, board, artwork combo is perfection, and I love the tray and now MacBook stand. Love your style!
Getting your attic insulated and doing “adult things” can be a real drag. 😉 Glad you got it taken care of and don’t have to worry about it now!
Bamboo organizer is awesome looking and priced right. Another great mascara is the Liquid Lash Extensions from Thrive Causemetics. I’ve also shared that Dr. Katz article – it’s a MUST-READ for everyone!
Hi! Love your blog but hardly ever comment but just want to let you know I destroyed my laptop by leaving it on its side without shutting down. When I took it in to be prepared, the tech guy told me that when it’s not shut down then the disks are still spinning and can get scratched. Just FYI!! Have a good weekend!
Oh thanks for the tip! I didn’t know that. So closing the lid isn’t enough? It has to be all the way shut down?
I don’t actually know but now I always shut down before carrying it like that! Maybe it’s not a normal thing- who knows!
Does your laptop have an SSD? Cute charging station – love keeping all that “stuff” together!!!
I’m not sure??
Love love love your storage & charging station!
LOVED that article from Grub Street that you shared!
Cville Crunch is my absolute FAV granola and will be forever 🙂 And thanks for sharing another podcast. Always on the lookout for another.
I love Mark Bittman. His articles are great. Dieting and food have become way to complicated.
Not pictured in this post, but saw in a previous one and forgot to ask – where is your blue kitchen towel (hanging on your oven) from? I loved it! thanks for sharing your favorites with us!
It’s a Turkish towel from Etsy!
The coconut flavor skyrr from icelandic provisions is my favorite!
I read that Bittman article a while back and it’s excellent, especially since i’ve been vegetarian for decades and support anyone eating more plant based meals.
So very glad you included “The Last Conversation…” with Bittman and Katz! I never saw or heard about the article and it was superb! I’ve always felt Bittman was so informative and was able to break it down to a level that was understandable. I haven’t posted often during the years, but I enjoy your posts and while I’m at it – congrats on the new baby coming very soon! Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for sharing the Murray Belt, Kath!