She Lives!

... I'm inching closer and closer to having an established homestead and INTERNET!!! I know, it's a miracle beyond words, but just know that I have been insanely busy; cooped in the boondocks; filling my brain with an inordinate amount of information; traveling, near and far, with some of the most glorious ladies in the world; and figuring out what the hell I'm going to craft for our family Thanksgiving feast (horse-shaped pumpkin loaf, duhs).

Still wishing I could enjoy VP PSLs every day and ride my bike to work and be told I'm soooo pretty every .5 seconds, but in the meantime I am packed to the brim with new adventures. 

I'm sitting here, waiting for the dear and wonderful Kirtley to come my way and toast to our new neighborly addresses. This weekend will hold more painting, more scrubbing, and more adjusting of furniture in hopes of creating the most glorious little nest...ever. 

Give it time, people. I'll be back on the radar soon!

xoxox, 

Hannah

It Was So Hot Outside, We Could Fry An Egg...

I had a great -- albeit super fast -- weekend. I spent all of Saturday soaking up the public library and flipping through magazines, checking out memoirs, and researching travel options for upcoming trips. I read a memoir (Crazy Love) by Leslie Morgan Steiner about her abusive relationship with her first husband. While it wasn't the best book I've ever read, it was one of those I couldn't put down, not even to refill my coffee or eat yet another lemon-pepper cucumber. It was sad and descriptive and at most times bleak... but those are usually my favorite kind of books, anyway.

Also, I bought this super dorky egg cooker at Williams-Sonoma that cooks your fried eggs in the shape of daisies. Awesome, I know. Let's just say I've been getting more than my fair share of protein the last couple days. Sooo cute sooo easy.

 

Next up:

Most egg-cellent. Bahaa.

Yesterday, Eileen and Rob came up so Rob could do something important downtown for law skool/life. Eileen and I bummed around the miserably hot city, grabbed some espresso, checked out Eastern Market, and had lunch/dinner (linner) at a super cute and random cafe near the Capitol. I'm getting so stoked about our trip to Charleston that's RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! I may or may not have a countdown running at work on my whiteboard for erryone to see. I'm betting hard money that J's new pad is the sickest one in town, and I'm the first to admit that I need a little Owsley lovin' in my life.

Other than the fact that I am once again battling the dreaded poison ivy, life is b-e-a-t-i-f-u-l and busy. I'm trying not to rush through August so I can enjoy every moment, even if most moments are spent  in sweltering 90+ degree heat. With Charleston, Blacksburg, and Maine on the calendar, my goal to book a new trip every weekend is shaping up nicely. Now if only the Landlady + pooch would return, life would be perfection...

xxx, Hann

It's a Marvelous Night for a Moondance

Can it get any more beautiful outside? Low humidity, sun shining, birds chirping...perfect weather for one of the last days of the month. Took my car to the shop to get inspected [finally!], running after work, then getting my stretch on at yoga. Also, I'm becoming obsessed with Caprese sandwiches/tomato sandwiches in general. Nothing says summertime like two pieces of bread, thick mayo, juicy tomatoes, and salt + pepper. Heaven. In the meantime, while I'm counting down the hours till I'm free (1.5!), check out these gorgeous shots from around the way... 

Cabinet r-e-s-p-e-c-t right here. I love how there's glass all the way around and not just the front. Super pretty, especially with the robin's egg bead board.

The first work I think of when I look at this photo is "plush."

She is divine.

Kicking back to my old faithful stripes, this time in a soft, shabby pink. Not of a fan of the window treatment, but who am I to judge and/or blow against the wind?

This room is fantastic. From the millions of windows and natural light to the cool collection of portraits stacked against the wall, I love the artsy fartsy studio vibe and the electric pillows.  

Where can I get my hands on these!?!?! Skinny dip tea party at my house!

Hopefully everyone is beautiful! Taking my Holga out for a spin this weekend to see what kind of goodies I can get into. Fingers crossed for greatness.

PS. Beyonce's new album dropped yesterday. Get thee to iTunes, stat!

xoxo,
Hannah

You Just Gotta Keep Livin... L-I-V-I-N

Recently, I've been feeling so much better about my life. Things are lining up. Plans are in the making. My everyday going-ons are making me happy, full, creative, and sweet. Getting over my grass-is-always-greener syndrome couldn't be more fun--and what better day to realize it than the first day of summer! Slicing negativity...focusing on everything beautiful around me...and remembering exactly who I am...sounds like a brilliant plan to me. 

This morning, I rode my bike to work! Finally! It's something I've been talking and talking and talking about, but I woke up a little early, strapped on my helmet (you're welcome, Mom/Alex!), and took off (Landlady in tow, of course). It was so, so easy and I'm kicking myself for not doing it earlier. However, I did take a spinning class last night and my buns are feeling like steel/my seat bones have the serious ouchies. No fun, but (butt?) sacrifices must be made!!

Also, one of my newest obsessions is...basil water! I was on my cucumber water kick for a hot minute in Blacksburg, but I'm moving on to more...adult...choices. Well, not really. I'm just growing basil in my backyard so it's FREE and my cucumbers have yet to sprout. Can't wait for them to get here but in the meantime...yum!

Also...I'm in the midst of planning an amazing, life-changing, balls-to-the-wall road trip that will take me from DC to Pennsylvania to upstate New York to Massachusetts to Rhode Island to Nantucket and beyond! Getting seriously excited about convertible-driving, scarf-wearing, sunglass-sporting adventures in the sunshine with one of my favorite women out there.

So cheers to life, love, and happiness--keep it coming my way!

xxx, Hann

Pleased As Punch

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the weekend! Looking forward to blackbean burgers in the backyard, mandioca, canoeing on the river, homemade candles, summer reading lists, Trader Joes wine, and a happy happy father's day. Breaking wishbones for beautiful weather! 

xxx,

Hannah

I Know This Much Is True

I have never picked more peas in my life.

My pops can grow a mean baby carrot.

There's nothing better than chilled watermelon.

New toys are a v. big deal at my parents' house (and I will never fully escape my redneck roots).

I sometimes prefer the company of dogs.

First-cut hay in the Lou trumps all

Blacksburg will always be there.

My mom will forever see faces in trees. 

And everyone grows up one day...

... some just later than others.

Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit

Two bare feet on the dashboard. Young love in an old Ford. Cheap shades and a tattoo and a Yoo-hoo bottle rolling on the floor boards. Perfect song on the radio--sing along 'cause it's one we know. It's a smile. It's a kiss. It's a sip of wine. It's summertime... 

June 1 is here and it's left me craving bright yellow paint, cool blue hues, and a sprinkle of sand here or there...

...grey tees and blonde fishtails...

...the perfect shore porch, complete with sweet corn...

...summer craft projects a la stenciled wooden floors...

...new hot babe bathing suits...

...eternal sunshine...

...or maybe just a glimpse at my roots...Swedish lovin' and all.

Eff the bullshit--full speed ahead.

Bonjour, Weeeeekend!

It's absolutely brilliant outside, and I just found out I get to leave work at noon! Plus, I'm meeting Caroline for lunch at The Counter....going for a run...maybe checking out the Anthropologie sale section...basking like a cat in the sunshine...starting a new crafty project...probably heading to Jazz in the Garden...and getting ready for a glorious Memorial Day weekend. BONUS: I get to work from home on Tuesday!!

Go outside and get you some of this...

...a sweet southern breeze 

... a hydrangea buzz

... a long and lazy brunch

...an afternoon delight

...and a little present for you from me

Come run with me, the best is yet to be...