dachsies & design

24 hours.

2011-12-29T09:40:00.000-05:00

in NYC.

thanksgiving in 3 parts.

2011-12-14T12:13:00.002-05:00

before:

during:

after:

obligatory photo.

2011-11-22T09:05:00.000-05:00

maine is just so damn pretty.

nathaniel rateliff.

2011-11-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

my love for this musician is deep. deep and real. what a song.

football sunday.

2011-11-17T08:57:00.002-05:00

Lobsterman and I have gotten way into watching the 49ers play every Sunday. Or rather, I've gotten into it - since he has always been a fan. Now that my sister is a San Fran resident, I feel an even stronger inclination towards the city.

Rather than eat wings and greasy crap on Sundays during the game, we make things like crabcakes.

Freshly picked of course.

mistletoe hung where you can see.

2011-11-15T11:17:00.003-05:00

I am absurdly excited about the upcoming holidays. probably because i am so excited to decorate my apartment. i just ordered felt mistletoe. i have issues.

heyoooo

2011-10-25T09:01:00.002-04:00

New stuff in the shop! Check it out!

i'd say this is right.

2011-10-13T12:43:00.002-04:00

(via)

venue.

2011-10-12T12:14:00.000-04:00

i was lucky enough to attend a very magical wedding over the long weekend. the couple was married under this gorgeous apple tree.

as far as wedding venues go, this is hard to beat.

sunset.

2011-10-11T15:12:00.001-04:00

on sunday night we had a final farewell to the summer by cooking out on my "in-laws" farm. the sky was magical. i'm so lucky i get to see sunsets like this so often.

apples and pocket holes.

2011-10-06T08:21:00.002-04:00

I was going to write a post about apple picking but instead I am going to talk about Lobsterman's penchant for losing things.

He has lost his wallet, license, car keys and a variety of other items of importance about a million times since I've met him. This is not an exaggeration. He's lost items everywhere from a movie theater to the White Mountains. I know this because somehow someone always finds his lost item and mails it back to us. So odd.

So when I looked at this picture closely, I noticed something....sticking out of his back pocket. {click on the photo to enlarge} Our apartment key!

I am pretty sure we lost this key on that day. It's obvious to me that the man needs to stop wearing jeans with holes and then perhaps our problems will be solved.

The end.

problems.

2011-10-05T09:22:00.001-04:00

I can't stop eating pumpkin pastries. It's a problem. I devoured this tray of pumpkin muffins BY MYSELF after deeming them too "burned" to bring to a work function.

A few days later I made a pumpkin loaf. It's pretty much gone. It's a little too soon for me to be gaining holiday weight.

oh hey october.

2011-09-30T09:20:00.001-04:00

can you believe october is tomorrow? apparently my street can because it's already covered in leaves.

happy fall to you!

building a lobster trap.

2011-09-29T08:45:00.000-04:00

so here's how it goes down.

you get some cagey pieces. you snap them together with metal fasteners. you leave some holes so the lobsters can get in. you put up some meshy things so they can fall in but not get out. you hang bags full of bait.

ta-da! you learned something new today!

woody allen.

2011-09-28T08:02:00.000-04:00

i love this movie. have you seen it?

a must see if you're a woody allen fan like me.

boots.

2011-09-27T09:19:00.000-04:00

finally took my fall boots out of storage and noticed that every single pair has a heel coming apart. apparently i'm hard on my feet.

so i splurged and purchased these for the upcoming season. one allowance.

not a sailor.

2011-09-26T09:04:00.001-04:00

but luckily lobsterman and his friends are.

the only terms i know are "keeling" (because it creeps me out when a sailboat keels) and "yar" because it's a famous line from The Philadelphia Story.

exploring by boat.

2011-09-22T10:15:00.000-04:00

fyi.

2011-09-21T15:09:00.003-04:00

this is still happening.

that's a load off my mind.

chill chill.

2011-09-17T14:39:00.001-04:00

it's cold in maine! lucky for you i've added outerwear to the shop! check it out!

ferry rides.

2011-09-15T13:24:00.004-04:00

when i head north to see lobsterman, i have to catch a ferry boat. the ride often requires me to sit in a friends car, bags tossed in the back, and just chat away the hour long journey. if i don't have anyone to chat with and i'm forced to sit in a cabin, i usually get seasick.

stop the presses!

2011-09-07T09:35:00.001-04:00

COULD IT BE?! My all-time girl crush and boy crush are getting together? This news is even more exciting than B and Jay having a baby! Ahhhhh!

on going meatless.

2011-09-06T13:34:00.003-04:00

about two months ago i decided to experiment with going meatless. it's gone pretty well. i haven't noticed a huge change in my body, but the fact that i'm not eating it has made me feel less guilty about all the bad things meat can do to the body. (please note i have slipped up 7 times in the past two months, not too shabby) my biggest fear was that i'd become a "carb loader" and just gorge myself on pasta. that would not be ideal. but instead i've embraced delicious treats like tempeh, tofurkey dogs and even tofu now that i know how to use it!

do you eat meat? are you a vegetarian? have any good recipes to share? here's one i've been using a lot.

new in!

2011-08-29T09:00:00.003-04:00

a few new goodies in the shop!

be sure to check it out.

did you survive the storm? i think one branch fell in my yard. just one.

the weekend.

2011-08-18T09:36:00.004-04:00

hi all.

i had a busy weekend entertaining a close friend.

some highlights:

hiking for four hours and complaining most of it
getting a flat tire and not knowing how to fix it
waiting over an hour so he could eat a lobster at a shack by the sea
dancing the night away
enjoying extra time together after his flight was canceled, then delayed again

what are your plans for this weekend?

photo

rocks.

2011-08-12T09:17:00.000-04:00

the first time i came to maine, i was shocked to see that there was no sand on the beaches. i thought to myself, "self, how do people lay on beaches with rocks in their bum?" turns out it is in fact possible and now i've learned to love these smooth, flat stones more than sand anyday.

ME LIKE CORN!!!!!!

2011-08-11T13:23:00.000-04:00

something is wrong with me. i should not upload such atrocities.

but the good news, new stuff in the shop!

guess the decade.

2011-08-10T21:11:00.001-04:00

soooo this is what i wear when i'm sunning myself. you know, because i like to pretend it's 1985. i feel that would have been my peak year had i not been one years old.

oh well. oh and the suit is for sale. this was meant to be a modeling session but i just...couldn't...take it off.

style icon.

2011-08-08T15:20:00.002-04:00

this is mine.

if you don't know who this is, you are now shunned!

who is your style icon?

rowing.

2011-08-03T09:31:00.000-04:00

do you know how to row a boat?

I'm bad at it so I usually just sit back and swap away the deer flies while lobsterman does all the work. That's how I roll.

delicioso.

2011-08-02T09:22:00.000-04:00

a perk to living in maine - and living with a lobsterman.

island.

2011-08-01T09:12:00.000-04:00

I went out to the island last weekend to see my lobsterman. It. Was. Hot. Out. We tried to seek some refuge by kayaking out to a small island. It wasn't exactly cooler there, but at least we had lobsters and crabs to cook and eat. Yum.

New additions to the etsy shop too - check it!

buy this!

2011-07-30T09:33:00.002-04:00

you are all very lucky this doesn't fit me.

rangeley.

2011-07-13T22:28:00.004-04:00

a few weeks ago, lobsterman and i stayed in a cabin in rangeley. it was a long drive. it was raining.

i lasted a night. but at least i got two photos out of it!

what. a. week.

2011-07-08T11:24:00.004-04:00

I am tired and cranky and broke. Four new car tires and some work on the old Subaru done. And no lobsterman around. He's too busy making money on one of these things:

But on a happier note, he will be home on Saturday. For a night. And it will be sunny so I can lounge on the beach. So I guess the week isn't so bad afterall.

(photo)

shop update!

2011-07-05T14:14:00.003-04:00

new items added! check it out!

scenes from a weekend.

2011-07-05T10:55:00.002-04:00

new yorkers are gone. my lobsterman is gone.

and such a great weekend is gone! waaaaaaaaaa!

they're coming!

2011-07-01T08:29:00.000-04:00

my two best friends will be in maine spending the fourth with me.

excited doesn't even begin to describe....!

morning light.

2011-06-30T08:28:00.000-04:00

it is the best spot to sip my coffee in every day.

now if only we had a kitten. i'm sure it would enjoy this spot.

coming together.

2011-06-29T08:26:00.000-04:00

finally! a full bookcase and curtains that lobsterman hates.

too bad for him.

a night with katy.

2011-06-28T08:28:00.000-04:00

katy perry is the shit.

casinos? not as much. we had such fun though. best birthday present ever!

shop update!

2011-06-27T09:45:00.003-04:00

new items added to the shop today. and don't worry. katy perry photos are coming right up!

no big deal but.

2011-06-24T09:20:00.000-04:00

me and my bff are going here this weekend:

to see her:

jealous? thought so.

smart man.

2011-06-23T09:18:00.000-04:00

lobsterman has a very good eye. we were camping in rangeley a few weeks back and stopped at a yard sale. he found this old hunk of junk camp oven that was for sale for $1. it was in rough shape. so what does he do?

turns it into a wine holder. the man is a genius!

success.

2011-06-22T09:07:00.003-04:00

wanted to make a cushion for a storage bench for ages and i finally did last night. it looks pretty good considering it took about 20 minutes. success! onto the next apartment project.

please ignore the dishes i have yet to put away in the background. thanks.

home.

2011-06-20T15:46:00.001-04:00

we surprised my dad by driving all the way to ct on friday afternoon. we had a lovely weekend filled with food. i am not kidding. i am three pounds heavier.

i love going home.

happy birthday.

2011-06-17T09:42:00.000-04:00

to my dad.

a great father. a great chef. a funny man. a dapper dresser. a good swearer. and my fave guy on earth.

The Watson Shop is open!

2011-06-17T08:14:00.003-04:00

Friends. Please check out my new vintage clothing shop - The Watson Shop !

I only had time to upload my first batch of items last night - but there will be lots more of vintage goodies to come! Hooray! So happy to be a part of the etsy community.

things i forgot.

2011-06-16T14:08:00.004-04:00

but recently realized once again.

1. Mr. Goodbars are so good and highly underrated. I think they sprinkle them with crack.

2. Walking into town without my debit card means I won't buy things. Genius!
Except when I see my favorite antique store literally tossing things out the window at insane discounted prices and I am without wallet. Dumb!

3. Wearing backpacks are comfortable.

4. Knowing how to sew a button is probably the best home ec still I could have ever held on to.

that is all.

i really need it to be friday.

lobsters.

2011-06-16T14:05:00.002-04:00

lobsterman is going to be hauling traps soon - in two weeks. he will be mostly on the midcoast while i'll be busy redecorating our apartment in his absence. you know. to keep busy.

what are your summer plans thus far?

get excited!

2011-06-14T10:24:00.001-04:00

i am launching my etsy shop this weekend. hip, hip, hurray!

any guesses on what i'll be selling?

write to do list. check.

2011-06-10T09:35:00.000-04:00

national best friends day. was yesterday.

2011-06-09T09:25:00.003-04:00

i am lucky to have a lot of best friends. but she's the one that started it all!

also, we're seeing katy perry in two weeks. jealous? thought so.

The Bronx

2011-06-07T10:06:00.000-04:00

Just some photos from my favorite neighborhood in New York. If you live in NYC and haven't walked down Arthur Avenue - you are missing out.

too much fun.

2011-06-06T10:25:00.003-04:00

I am playing catch up since my whirlwind reunion weekend. I miss my friends already. I have the best friends.

A Few Snaps.

2011-06-03T10:02:00.000-04:00

shrimp kabobs for din din.

our neighbor's tulip garden.

my DIY closet that was DIYed my lobsterman.

got any good snaps to share?

heading back.

2011-06-02T12:51:00.000-04:00

this weekend i'm headed to my alma mater for a college reunion. five years since graduation. phew. i am old.

though i must admit, i'm excited to be back on campus much older and much wiser.

Ocean Time.

2011-06-01T09:52:00.000-04:00

But more wonderful than the lore of old men and the lore of books is the secret lore of ocean.
H. P. Lovecraft

I Want This Summer

2011-05-27T11:04:00.000-04:00

to be like last summer. Lazy days, hot weather, weekends at the beach.

Eats.

2011-05-26T10:58:00.000-04:00

My favorite sandwich on earth from Tino's in the Bronx/ Beer at Novare Res/ A locally picked apple

Sun..is...OUT!

2011-05-25T10:36:00.002-04:00

It has been a dreary, rainy and bleak few weeks. I am not pleased about it. But today, something strange woke me before my alarm went off. It felt hot...and bright. It was sun, folks! SUN! Sweet merciful heavens it has made me happy! I promptly put on a swingy skirt, wedges that have yet to be broken in and a silk scarf around my neck. I'm ready for spring.

Also can't stop listening to the new Fleet Foxes CD. That's my jam yo.

Sorry for spotty posts. I'll put up real photos and REAL updates soon, soon.

Oh. Hey! Here I Am.

2011-05-20T14:49:00.003-04:00

Where have I been you ask? Oh, around

Here is what I've been up to over the past month:

- Organizing this clothing swap which is happening tomorrow. Eeeeep!
- We moved. Into an awesomely awesome place. I will have to post pics. It's an old Victorian mansion in the heart of my favorite part of my city. Too lucky.
- Eating lots of roasted brussel sprouts. A new favorite.
- I wrote a book. And got a book agent.
- Redecorating the apartment. Currently seeking a vintage mail wall holder. Send suggestions.

Those are the highlights really. What have I missed?

Camping.

2011-03-22T12:39:00.002-04:00

Things I like:

Things I do not like:
Peeing outside
No running water
Bears sniffing your tent while you try to sleep

Do you like to camp?

Iced...Coffee.

2011-03-15T12:09:00.003-04:00

Just bought this on Rue La La for a steal - the Bodum Iced Coffee Maker. Now that the temp is in the 40's, I'm convinced it's time for Spring and therefore switching to all my coffee on the rocks.

That is all.

Happy Birthday

2011-03-10T10:43:00.002-05:00

to me.

Strong Dislike.

2011-03-07T14:47:00.003-05:00

I am a major summer person. But know what my pet peeve is during the warm months?

Flip-flops. Those rubber uglies really rub me the wrong way. I'm all for an espadrille or a mule or a beaded sandal or a nice gladiator - but these? They should be outlawed to the beach and only the beach.

Moving.

2011-03-07T12:44:00.002-05:00

I. HATE. MOVING. But Lobsterman and I are currently apartment hunting and we have three weeks left to find a new place. We've looked at over 30 different spots already - no joke. Either we're the pickiest people on earth or Portland has crappy apartments. But at least I'll have a new space to decorate. We will definitely need this doormat.

Er.

2011-03-04T15:36:00.002-05:00

She's starting to creep me out.

Fore Front.

2011-03-04T13:38:00.001-05:00

Hi friends. Do you read my other blog? If so, you might want to check out this awesome closet tour that is up today! xox

Ashley Jordan's Closet. from forefront fashion on Vimeo.

Brooklyn.

2011-03-03T12:11:00.002-05:00

I'm headed back to NYC for a relaxing weekend to see friends in a couple weeks. I can't wait to spend some time in Brooklyn - probably the coolest place ever.

buy this map.

Wedding Photos.

2011-03-02T11:38:00.009-05:00

Just a few lovely memories from the night.

Rehearsal dinner...

wedding hair...

bouquets...

lots of makeup...

married and ready to party...

overserved...

the end of the night...

There's nothing better than seeing two of my best friends make it official.

MIA.

2011-02-28T10:11:00.004-05:00

This has been a whirlwind week. I got back from the wedding, was dog sitting for a week, had guests all weekend and maybe tonight, just maybe, I can just kick back and relax with Lobsterman. I need a vacation from these vacations.

I thought the Oscars were totally boring last night. James Franco disappointed me greatly. There were no big surprises. My favorite part is the documentary categories and the foreign film. It's a good way to find new flicks to add to my "must rent" list. Very much looking forward to catching Javier Bardem in "Biutiful."

What have you been up to? What have I missed?!

It Happened.

2011-02-24T09:58:00.002-05:00

and I am still recuperating. Details to come. Until then, a video of the BEAUTIFUL bride waiting in the limo. Because we actually showed up to the wedding an hour early. Who does that?!

Getting Excited.

2011-02-16T11:20:00.003-05:00

for the wedding.

And yes these are all images I have saved in a folder for my future nuptials. What? I'm a planner.

(and no I am not getting married anytime soon. nonetheless I like a good party)

Not Enough Time.

2011-02-15T10:08:00.000-05:00

A Valentine Letter Of Sorts.

2011-02-14T08:43:00.002-05:00

One of my dearest friends in the world is getting married this weekend. She's marrying a friend of mine. I introduced them, kinda. Though I can't take any credit for this courtship. It was fate that they found eachother.

There is a wonderful quote I read once, I think it was Hafiz. He said that you should never refuse a friendship, even if nine out of ten bring you nothing, one alone will repay you. I believe this to be true.

I am honored to be this woman's maid of honor. In the highlight reel of my life, her face flashes in it a lot. I'm grateful that she invited me to grab a slice and beer with her over six years ago. I'm grateful she stood by my mistakes, my insecurities, my most cherished events. I'm glad that I've laughed and cried with her all these years. Even though I'm hours away from her now, I can still feel her squeezing my hand on bad days. Having her in my life, makes my life better.

I am so SO very excited to share this coming weekend with you my dear friend. So very excited.

Relaxing.

2011-02-10T15:42:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow I'm headed North to the island where Lobsterman grew up for a weekend of relaxation and family time. I'm looking forward to it. Oh and next weekend? The wedding of the century! More on that later.

It's funny that I live in Maine and can still travel North. Ah geography...

Quick Question.

2011-02-09T14:40:00.001-05:00

Why is J.Crew channeling Luke Perry circa 1994? Just curious.

Not Again.

2011-02-01T15:10:00.001-05:00

My office is closed tomorrow due to impending snow. 14" to 20" to be precise.

Just shoot me.

Duvet.

2011-01-31T09:25:00.000-05:00

Well-played, Ikea. Well-played.

On Collecting.

2011-01-28T09:03:00.000-05:00

According to Nate Berkus, everyone should collect things. So I am going to start. Because I always listen to Nate Berkus god dammit!

Elephant Teapots - Okay so I already own two of these for some reason. So I think this is a smart starter set.

Limoges cups. Also pretty tea cups and moustache cups in general.

Shoes. What? I am certain that can count as an acceptable collection.

Look Book.

2011-01-27T10:20:00.001-05:00

From J.Crew Spring 2011. All I gotta say is - WOW.

Can't Get Enough.

2011-01-26T14:38:00.001-05:00

of this album. Or of this song.

Accidental Health.

2011-01-25T12:53:00.002-05:00

There's this cheesy nutri-grain bar commercial that basically says if you start the day with one healthy choice, many more will follow. Whatevs, I thought. But then, I read about the green monster. So I tried it. I've had it for breakfast every morning for the past two weeks.

Then there's the quinoa I've been eating for lunch every day. Um. I love the taste with avocado and dates and tomatoes and peppers. And here's the thing - it's like the healthiest food on earth.

And I've discovered the non-fat organic stonyfield yogurts as a mid-afternoon snack. What's happening to me?

Folks, I've gotten healthy and I haven't even tried to do it.

So This Happened.

2011-01-24T12:54:00.002-05:00

Sometimes when my Lobsterman has an idea, say, "I want to build a tunnel out of that giant plowed pile of snow!" I fear for his life. Why? Because he always attempts said idea but rarely do they go without a hitch or an injury. But this tunnel? He outdid himself.

We're pretty sure some homeless people slept in it last night but we like to share the love.

Last Night.

2011-01-21T11:17:00.005-05:00

I cut 6 inches off my hair. When my best friend's wedding is over, I'm going to cut off 8 more inches. I currently went from this:

to this:

Aaaaaaand you can't even tell the fricken difference. That's why the next 8 inches will be necessary. Also, I wear too much plaid.

Just Sayin'

2011-01-21T09:27:00.001-05:00

Brilliant necklace spotted here, sold here.

Ah Friends.

2011-01-20T12:11:00.001-05:00

Today my friend Jeannine emailed me to let me know I've been "slacking on the blogging." She forgets I have a full-time job and I can't amuse her 24/7. Here's a post just for you J9!

Plates.

2011-01-19T13:45:00.000-05:00

Also, you can add these to the birthday list. Many thanks. (MARCH. 10.)

Scenes from a Snow Day.

2011-01-13T09:53:00.001-05:00

A few shots I took around Portland:

Snowpocalypse.

2011-01-11T15:58:00.001-05:00

Here's hoping I get snowed in tonight folks. The forecast is looking wintery! Here's a scene from my street during last year's snow (not taken by me, taken by him). God I hope I get to work from home tomorrow!

Best Cover Ever.

2011-01-07T14:25:00.000-05:00

I'm aware I'm all about the videos lately.

FYI.

2011-01-07T09:34:00.001-05:00

Since I can't buy them now, these pillows are on my birthday list. (March 10 folks. Thanks.)

Oh and I'll be 27 on March 10. Ummm...yikes.

I Long For U.

2011-01-06T09:17:00.003-05:00

Nothing is cuter than this. NOTHING! My best friend just emailed it to me from etsy. Adding to my wish list immediately.

Freeze.

2011-01-05T08:46:00.000-05:00

So I know I'm on a spending freeze, but if I wasn't, I'd probably pick up this adorable dachsie compact. Is January over yet?

Ann Margaret.

2011-01-04T10:55:00.004-05:00

When I was little, Bye Bye Birdie was the shizz. It still is. I rewatched it over the holidays and forgot how smitten I used to be with Ann Margaret's doe-eyed looks and little shimmy. I think I'm going to start dressing like her this year. Perhaps that will be my February resolution.

New Year Resolution(s).

2011-01-03T08:58:00.003-05:00

Rather than come up with hokey resolutions to become a better person, lose weight, bla bla bla, I'm giving myself personal challenges for every month this year. My challenge for the month of January is to spend money on just the essentials. What do I consider an essential? Groceries. Bills. Gas. That's it. No eating out, no buying clothes, no thrifting, no scouring Craigslist for antiques. I want to see how much I can save by limiting myself.

We'll see how it goes!

(via)

What I've Learned This Year.

2010-12-31T09:31:00.000-05:00

(gratuitous self portrait - if the fashion bloggers can do it daily then so can I dammit!)

1. New York City isn't the only great place in the world to live. I really love Maine. And I think I might be happy in lots of other places beyond the Big Apple too.

2. No one makes a marinara like my parents. Nobody.

3. Family gets better when they're not nearby. Now hear me out before you yell. I just mean that I appreciate my family more now that my time with them is limited. I have a GREAT family.

4. Tea is better for me than coffee. But coffee is way more delicious.

5. I have a long way to go with learning to compromise. I must be an adult if I'm suddenly admitting this to myself.

6. I worry more about saving money to buy a house than I do about buying clothes. I'm flippin' old.

7. Trends that do not look good on me: harem pants.

8. There is absolutely nothing more healing than a weekend drinking wine with my girlfriends. Not therapy, not yoga, not self-help books. Friends work wonders.

9. I can go organic, but not with shampoo. There is no brand out there that makes my hair glisteny rather than greasy.

10. When I was in middle school I wrote a love story about a fisherman in Maine. I didn't realize then that I'd be writing my own history. Thank GOD I had a good imagination.

11. I can get sick of eating seafood (though it takes quite a lot).

What did you learn in 2010?

Received.

2010-12-30T08:27:00.000-05:00

Apparently some little birdies have heard that Lobsterman and I break glassware like it's our job. We got a set of Angela Adams rocks glasses and these fab Italian wine glasses that I've posted about before for Christmas. Let's hope they stay intact.

Laughing Loudly.

2010-12-29T12:26:00.002-05:00

My dear friend Eileen sent me this video. I promptly peed my pants and needed to post it.