Back when I was working on SUPER SEKRIT PROJECT (it's done now; all that's left is to count down the days until I can share it with you!), I bought a whole bunch of a kind of stone entirely new to me: snow quartz (also called snowy quartz, milky quartz, and white quartz). It was something I could use in so many projects, when moonstone was too expensive and when mother-of-pearl was too warm.
In so many projects, it turned out, that I used it all up before writing a geo-shopping post about it. Oops!
In the meantime, feast your eyes on this latest piece of sciart jewelry: the speed of light in snow quartz, with faceted amethyst acting as spacers.
This is only the second speed of light piece in my shop and (according to my photo backlog) the third I've ever done. How could I forget one of the most important physical constants there is? I don't know, but I'm determined to rectify that situation.
This would be a great gift for any physics nerds or hard SF fans you know, whether for Valentine's day or for a February birthday (since amethyst is February's birthstone).
Last week, I decided to dig on Etsy for some #sciart finds. This week I originally planned on searching on Pinterest, but you know what? Either Pinterest users are idiots, or there is something fucky with their algorithms (why not both?), because the vast majority of stuff that turns up when you search for "#sciart" is fairies and fantasy things. And, for some reason, fashion color palette advice based on your "season."
Meanwhile, if you search #sciart on Twitter, you get some really nifty new stuff! Like neurons painted in sumi-e style:
The style for this necklace came to me by the way of a DIY pin some months ago. The shabby chic look of the twine and pearls combination was totally different from what I usually make, and since I'm always on the lookout for styles that mesh well with my numbers but are also different from what I've already made, I decided to give it a try. This was some months ago, but I only got around to photographing the results today. Ahem.
Three-strand pi necklace with twine and fake pearls.
The one problem with this look is that pearls are often drilled with exceptionally tiny holes. Twine, on the other hand, is often quite bulky. These faux pearls are just plastic beads from the craft section in our local department store: much easier to string on twine, but not as fun as the real thing. For that, I'd need a proper beading needle and some tricks. Or use invisible/illusion cord, a fine, transparent nylon cord which is often paired with pearls:
However, the look is different. A bit dressier, don't you think?
The other option is to use twine with other beads, like gemstones or wood, that are drilled a bit larger. But that doesn't seem to be a look that people are really making, or are interested in, at least not just strung with knots. Macrame is not really where I want to go with this.
Usually on Wednesdays (or every other Wednesday) I do a "What I('m) Read(ing)" post, and I do have one book I'm reading (Tropic of Cancer) and one book I just finished (White Teeth) that I want to talk about, but right now my blogging time is somewhat limited as I play hostess to a visiting friend. So, instead, a quick word about a package I just got!
When I packed for Stockholm, I brought one pair of winter pajama bottoms (warm, fleecy) and two pairs of all-purpose, year-round pajama bottoms (jersey knit bottoms from Target). One of the bottoms dated back to my junior year of college and so after many years of faithful service, had to be sent to the rubbish bin. Not to the donation bin; they were well beyond donating.
In a nutshell: I was in the market for some lounge-around-the-house wear.
Then I remembered a great website I had found via Pinterest: Punjammies.
I had wanted a pair since I first saw the pin (and first realized they had items that would even fit me), but put it off because I didn't need any at the time. I ordered a pair the same day I had to retire my tan capri coulettes. I got a pair like this, only without the border on the bottom:
They are comfy, lightweight and fit wonderfully (a miracle for someone with my hips), though they are regular cotton instead of the stretchy jersey knit I've grown accustomed to. Anyway, the point of this post isn't that these are spectacular loungewear, even though they are. The point is that the proceeds go to the International Princess Project, a group in India that seeks to end human trafficking and provides former sex workers with a new trade (sewing), the chance to use it to earn a fair wage, and the environment needed to heal, mentally and physically, from their experiences.
If you're not following me on Pinterest, well, why not?! Then you can get all these (and more!) in your life as soon as I find them. But—not every website is for everyone. You'll never find me on Tumblr, that's for damn sure. Here are some of my recent favorites on Pinterest, for those of you who'd rather not:
I've seen Fibonacci spirals before, but I've never seen them fragmented into arcs and then turned into circles. I love it!
I had a high school physics teacher whose mission in life was to eradicate the concept of "centrifugal force" from the "folk physics" paradigm, since it isn't technically a force, so the title of this one makes me cringe even more than it would normally. I showed this to Lawyer Mom and her response was similar: "never, ever in a million years would I have subjected myself to this."
I just like this. That's all. It's almost too well-done to eat.
You can always follow me (click that button on the right!), of course, and never miss a single thing I pin ever, but some finds are worth sharing elsewhere! For example, this awesome print from Not On the High Street, showing all of the planets in the solar system to scale:
I haven't made any jewelry in ages. We (I) have been lax in getting a larger table for the kitchen, where I would have room both for Regan (my laptop) and for beadwork. It's been long enough now that I am really itching to to string up some new things. Browsing Pinterest for design inspiration and color schemes, I find myself drawn towards the "boho" and Southwestern: earthy neutrals with bright jewel tones, chunky cuffs, layers of strands....sharing here is the next best thing to sitting down and working out my own stuff.
Truth be told, I'm also desperate to branch into a new look and style, jewelry-wise. Not in terms of my own personal style, but what I make. At the edge of my brain there's the realization that no one's really combining these styles with the techniques I use. Something about these styles and concepts feels like a next step or momentous occasion. Is there a market for math versions of the following? Who knows?
I love the colors, but especially I love the random (pseudorandom?) chunks of citrine in there as a complement. The natural, earthy effect is exactly what I strive for in some of my pieces, but I don't really achieve it to this degree. The large beads and big chunks are perfect for working with physical constants, since I only have a handful of numbers to work with.
The colors. The colors! Turquoise has been all over Pinterest lately, or at least it was the last time I was seriously ODing on pins. The combination with bright oranges and deep reds is always so stunning. I also love the chunky multistrand look in bracelets. The variety in beads is great, too: there are so many, but yet they all thematically work together. Variety is an area I know I need to start working in, as an artist ("artist"), but done wrong it can just be distracting chaos. Reminders like this about how to do it right are important. (Note how almost every strand alternates a gemstone bead with a silver bead or spacer. I think that's part of this bracelet's secret.)
Again with the variety and controlled chaos. There's so much going on there and yet they all work together. I love the jewel tone colors in this one, as well as the fascinator/dangle thing going on at the end.The length and the multiple strands of this one would be perfect for irrationals; I think truncating them too early (like I do for single strand necklaces and bracelets) takes away from some of the beauty. Being able to stand back from a piece and see the whole (well, "whole") number, or multiple parts of it working together is neat, and probably why I like my memory wire cuff bracelets the best. It's like collage work, but with beads.
I put every in quotes up there because invariably these lists never apply to me entirely, or in part, or even in insignificant part. Truth be told, I can't imagine they all would apply to any person that actually exists; just more faux-niche (when your market constitutes a full half of the world's population, how is it actually "niche" in any meaningful sense?) writing designed to be seen and talked about. Not going to give them the benefit of a link; the curious among you can Google it. Anyway, I was bored on a Saturday night when I came across this on Pinterest. Whenever someone titles an article as "Bits and Bobbles Every Girl Needs!" or "Whosiewhatsits Every Woman Should Know How to Use!" I am always curious to see how I stack up against the Ur-Woman the author is imagining. Time to tally it up!
101. Despite what it says on the tag, cashmere is best washed by hand. To dry it, use a salad spinner, which releases excess water in seconds.
I do not, and probably will not ever, own anything in cashmere. Or a salad spinner. 0 / 101
100. Use white wine to remove red wine stains.
Not strictly fashion advice, but I suppose when you're stretching to fill a list any trick will do. Not particularly useful for me (I go more for whisky than red wine) but I might need it someday. 1 / 101
99. Wash new jeans twice before taking them to the tailor. Why? Because jeans will always shrink in length when washed.
I wear jeans. I wish I had done this before I got a couple pairs tailored. 2 / 101
98. To stop angora or mohair from shedding, fold the garment and place it into a zip-top bag and freeze it for at least three hours.
Angora and mohair belong to the same category as cashmere: not in my closet. 2 / 101
97. Remove odors from vintage or thrift clothing by spritzing them with a mixture of one part vodka, two parts water.
Or just throw them in your next load of laundry? 2 / 101
96. “Remove white deodorant marks from a garment by gently rubbing the protective foam used on hangers against the fabric.” — Jonathan Simkhai, designer
It's actually embarrassing how many times I've forgotten to put on deodorant until after I've dressed myself (or forgotten to put any on at all), so a few of my tops have that deodorant cruft on them. 3 / 101
95. If you get an oil stain on your favorite handbag, coat the mark with baby powder and let it stand overnight. By morning, the stain should be gone. If a bit still remains, repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.
But what about my favorite skirt? By singling out handbags, do they mean to imply this trick only works with (faux) leather? I'm assuming yes. Perhaps useful for other leather things as well. 4 / 101
94. The best at-home method to keep diamonds sparkling: liquid dishwasher detergent and an old toothbrush.
Diamonds are terrible. 4 / 101
93. The secret to well-fitting everyday clothes is Lycra. The formulas to look for: 95% cotton/5% Lycra spandex for T-shirts, and at least 2% Lycra for jeans to hold their shape.
At this point, I would like to commend the writers for their correct use of "everyday." When you are describing the frequency with which you do something, "every day" is the correct usage: "I wash my pet alpaca every day." When you are using it as an adjective to mean "normal" or "daily," it becomes a compound word: "This tote bag is great for your everyday drug smuggling needs." That being said, it's also somewhat useful. I'll keep it. 5 / 101
92. “Always organize your clothes going light to dark from left to right in your closet. Your eye will follow the color and thus help you stay organized.” — Melanie Charlton Fascitelli, Founder, Clos-ette and Clos-ette Too.
Hahahahahahahahah no. 5 / 101
90. Wondering about the quality of your cashmere? Gently stretch the body of the garment to see if it snaps back. A lower-quality cashmere won’t.
Not wondering about the quality of the cashmere I don't have. 5 / 101
89. “If you don’t have time to try on jeans in the store, try the Neck Method: You can determine your size by placing the waistline of the jeans around the diameter of your neck. If the waistline of the pant comfortably meets at back of your neck, then the jeans will fit.”— Sarah Ahmed, Creative Director, DL1961 Premium Denim
Okay, say what?! I am not immune to the depression and humiliation that comes with those shopping outings tryings-on, so a tip about finding the right fit is welcome. However, I have to wonder: what is the benefit to wrapping the waistband of my jeans (is it only jeans, or all trousers?) around my neck when compared with the tried and true method of holding them up to my waist and seeing if they make it halfway around? I mean, aside from giving the shop clerks something to laugh at. Maybe there is some mystical connection between my neck and my waist that I have yet to unlock, but the halfway-hips method has yet to let me down.
Incidentally, this tip DID bring back fond memories of high school; the uniform skirts we wore in orchestra had such a gap (where you'd expect a zipper or buttons or something to be) that it was possible to velcro the closure around your neck (as opposed to sticking your head through the hole meant for your torso) and wear it like a cape, which I totally did a couple of times. Thanks for the memory, Sarah Ahmed. 5 / 101
88. Cut down your closet by 25% by asking yourself this one question: “If I were shopping right this second, would I buy this?” If the answer’s no, out it goes. — Melanie Charlton Fascitelli, Founder, Clos-ette and Clos-ette Too.
I don't have trouble keeping my wardrobe down to a manageable, wearable size. 5 / 101
87. “Never put your swimwear in the washing machine, and always hand dry. The machine will damage the suit and it will lose its elasticity. The only exception: At the end of the summer or vacation, wash your swimwear in lingerie washing bags on the gentle cycle with a bit of Drift or Woolite. But only after many wears.” —Shoshanna Gruss, Designer
This one falls in the category of "probably very useful, but not applicable to me." I've always just run my bathing suit under the tap and let it hang dry outside or in the shower. It's held up just fine and doesn't have any weird stains or smells. 5 / 101
86. To drop bloat five days before a big event, stay away from dairy and whole grains, which can do a number on the digestive system.
OH GOD NO NOT THE BLOAT. 5 / 101
85. While fake designer bags are a huge don’t, fake diamond studs are a huge do. Faux stones are hard to spot to the untrained eye.
I don't like the look of diamonds and my ears will most likely go to the grave unpierced. 5 / 101
84. Dressy occasions aren't the time to play with trends, so know your silhouette and stick to it to always look your best. Perfect example: Sofia Vergara knows she looks good in mermaid dresses, and always chooses variations of the shape on red carpets.
Seems like this would be common sense. Considering my aversion to fashion trends, dressy occasions, and going to important events in anything other than something I know looks presentable and relatively flattering, not something I really needed to hear. 5 / 101
83. “Never put a garment on immediately after ironing, as this can actually cause new wrinkles to form. Instead, let it sit for five minutes to set the press.” — Althea Harper, Designer and Rowenta Brand Ambassador
Sometimes I iron things! 6 / 101
82. The best way to de-fuzz a sweater: use a pumice stone.
And sometimes I wear sweaters! Just not cashmere ones. 7 / 101
81. Snap clip-on earrings onto flats for an instant evening shoe, or onto shirt collars for DIY embellishments.
I totally found a pair of clip-ons for flats in a box of stuff in my closet once, I was utterly perplexed by them and Lawyer Mom had to explain their purpose to me. Despite my unpierced ears, I don't actually own any clip-on earrings. And if I did, I wouldn't use them on shoes or shirt collars. I suspect it looks more tacky than trendy. 7 / 101
80. If you get wax on a piece of clothing, layer wax paper over the hardened wax and then run an iron over it to loosen it up. Once you pull off the paper, the wax should come right out with it.
Not that I can imagine very many scenarios where I would end up with wax on clothing. Wax on tablecloths, however, is another matter. 8 / 101
79. Pour a dash of vodka into vase water to extend the life of your flowers. 9 / 101
Not really fashion but sometimes I like to have cut flowers around so I'll take it!
78. Spray tights with sticky (read: cheap) hairspray to avoid holes and runs.
Tights are from the great Satan. I'd rather go bare-legged or wear some cotton leggings. 9 / 101
77. To clean dirt off suede, remove the crust from a piece of bread and allow it to become stale. Gently rub dirt and stains with the edge of the stale bread, and they’ll disappear. To de-scuff suede, use an eraser or nail file.
Potentially useful and worth a save. 10 / 101
76. Shopping for a wedding dress or another big-event outfit? Head to the store with makeup on, proper undergarments, and your hair semi-done to get a better sense of how it’ll look.
Shopping for a wedding dress? Hair done? Getting a new outfit for an event? That's rich. 10 / 101
75. Double-stick tape work to shorten a hem in a pinch if you can’t get to the tailor before an event.
Or iron-on hem tape! Good to be reminded that you can fake a solution to something yourself, though. 11 / 101
74. Blot, don’t rub, when you spill something on your clothes. Wiping or rubbing will actually further ingrain the stain into the weave.
I think this is probably the best tip so far! 12 / 101
73. “Panty lines are not okay! Every woman should invest in nude, seamless underwear.” — Giuliana Rancic, HSN designer and E! host
Uh, sure? Since I'm not a celebrity, I don't think ~VPL~ is something I really need to concern myself with. 12 / 101
72. If you don’t feel like trying on a dress but still want to see where the hem will hit you, align the shoulder seam exactly with your shoulder bone (not your collarbone).
Why not? 13 / 101
71. Repurpose old or thrift sweaters and blankets by using them to reupholster a throw pillow, a chair seat or cover a stool.
Sounds simple in theory, but probably pretty annoying to do in practice, at least for sweaters. A BLANKET ON THE COUCH NO WAY~ 13 / 101
70. “Use hairspray to remove a lipstick stain.” – Kaelen Haworth, designer, KAELEN
I don't wear lipstick! 14 / 101
69. Add a 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse cycle while doing laundry to maintain the wash of your favorite pair of dark jeans.
Second-best tip so far! 15 / 101
68. To stretch tight shoes, fill two freezer bags with water and place into each shoe. Let it freeze overnight. As the water freezes, it’ll gently expand your shoes.
Or don't buy shoes unless they fit. 15 / 101
67. Frame vintage scarves for cool original artwork.
I don't have any scarves, vintage or otherwise, that I don't wear. And I have other things I'd rather frame. 15 / 101
66. Due to its high level of surfactants, Dawn dish detergent is especially successful at removing grease and oil stains from clothing.
Is Dawn really that much better than other dish detergents? Or is it just dish detergents in general (minus the hippy-dippy ones that avoid surfactants in favor of true soaps)? Regardless: pretty useful. 16 / 101
65. “A flattering silhouette begins with the right underpinnings. Never underestimate the power of Spanx—they’re a girl’s best friend!” — Lucy Sykes Rellie, Fashion Director, Rent the Runway
I am a fan of foundational undergarments only in cases that prevent the dreaded chub rub. Fashion Bug had a great line that was lightweight and comfortable and I swear by the two pairs I bought for skirts and dresses. The Bug since got acquired by Lane Bryant, who seem to only want to trade in the aforementioned Spanx, which are made from a much more irritating and clinging material. Sadface. 16 / 101
64. Revamp an old coat by swapping out the buttons and having a tailor replace the lining with something eye-catching, like a pattern or a bright color.
How much would this cost compared to just buying a whole new coat? And who gives a shit about the lining of your coat anyway? I keep my coats closed because usually I'm wearing them in cold weather. 16 / 101
63. When getting jeans shortened, always ask your tailor to reattach the original hem. It may cost extra, but it’s worth it.
This one sounds like a good idea, but only in the "it's better to save something than throw it away" sense. Never once I have I changed my mind about a hem length; I deliberate for a while before I take something to a tailor. I imagine the extra fabric at the bottom would start to irritate me, as well. I'll take a pass on this tip, even if it's not inherently bad or totally useless. 16 / 101
62. If blush or bronzer breaks in your handbag, pre-moistened makeup removing wipes will clean up the loose powder flawlessly.
As if I carry blush or bronzer. 16 / 101
61. Break in stiff or too-snug shoes by slipping them on with socks and blasting your feet with a hot hairdryer.
Isn't this the same as #68? 16 / 101
60. Hang a shoe bag on the back of your bathroom door and use it to hold makeup, toiletries, brushes, hair ties, etc.
Okay, not a fashion tip, but there is nothing I love more than good door storage, even if my toiletries consist of a comb, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. 17 / 101
59. A vintage trunk not only makes a stylish coffee table, but it can also house shoes and clothing you rarely wear.
Again, not a fashion tip, but one I can appreciate as a person moving into a very small apartment. But vintage trunk? No thanks, I'll just stick with a storage ottoman from Ikea. 17 / 101
58. “To remove watermarks from leather boots, add a few drops of vinegar to a bowl of cool water and scrub the stains with a soft bristle brush until stains are no longer visible. Let dry overnight.” — Daryl Carr, Marketing Coordinator, Stetson
I don't own leather boots, but my boyfriend does enjoy working with leather and I'm sure I'll acquire some leather goods from him in the future. 18 / 101
57. To stop squeaky shoes, remove the insole and apply Vaseline or WD-40 before replacing it.
A good idea, but I bet removing and replacing the insole is easier said than done. 19 / 101
56. To determine if pearls are real, lightly rub them over your teeth. Fake pearls will be perfectly smooth, and real ones will feel slightly gritty or textured.
This is a legit tip! If you don't want to gross anyone out, use your fingernail instead. 20 / 101
55. When you’re shopping for a jacket, coat, or blazer, pay attention to the fit around the shoulders. While a tailor can tweak pretty much everything about the fit of a jacket—from tapering the waist to shortening it—they can’t change the shoulders. Make sure the seams sit perfectly at the bony tops of your shoulders.
Good to know! 21 / 101
54. Chic up a sporty puffer vest by cinching the waist with a skinny belt.
Could not give a shit about looking "chic" when I'm trying to stay warm. 21 / 101
53. Unless they’re cropped or tapered, pant hems should just graze the tops of your shoes and be from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch off the floor.
But what if they are cropped or tapered? Nonetheless, good to know. 22 / 101
52. Always dry-clean coats before storing them, and place on cedar hangers inside cloth garment bags. This preserves the fabric and keeps moths away.
The idea of "storing" clothing boggles my mind. I don't have enough space (or clothing) in my life to store things. 22 / 101
51. If you have a small closet, never keep your shoes in clunky shoeboxes. Instead, always line up them on the floor.
Who in the world keeps their shoes in shoeboxes, small closet or no? The only fit place for shoes is by the door. 22 / 101
50. Going to a winter wedding or formal event? Try wearing a sleeveless fur vest as a top, cinching it with a skinny belt or piece of ribbon and pairing it with a floor-length skirt.
How about no. 22 / 101
49. How to care for fur at home: “Pass the fur with a hairbrush and steam it for added bounce, volume and shine.” —Eran Elfassy, Co-Creative Director, Mackage
In addition to cashmere, mohair, and angora, fur (faux or otherwise) will never be something in my wardrobe. 22 / 101
48. “Marquise ring shapes help to create the illusion of longer, more slender fingers, even on small wide hands. Pear or oval stones are also flattering.” — Carol Brodie, Fine Jewelry Designer, HSN’s Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie
I can't say that I pay much attention to how flattering (or not) someone's ring is to their hand, but good to know regardless. 23 / 101
47. Everyday bras should be replaced every three to six months, as that’s when they start to lose elasticity and support.
Good one to know! You should also always fasten them at the outside, moving inwards as the fabric stretches and loses elasticity. Support in bras comes from the band, so if the band is too loose your bra isn't going to fit properly. 24 / 101
46. Ideally, a pencil skirt should hit just at the top of your knee. Any lower and it will start to shorten your leg.
I don't care for pencil skirts. 24 / 101
45. Pants a bit too tight? Let them air dry and stretch the waistband by hand (or with a hairdryer) while they’re still damp.
This one certainly has some practical uses. 25 / 101
44. Still look chic while showing some skin: If you’re wearing a miniskirt or shorts, cover up on top. If your top is skimpy, go for full-coverage bottoms.
WEAR WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU WANT. SHOW AS MUCH SKIN AS YOU WANT. 25 / 101
45. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-fitting, stylish winter coat. You can be wearing pajamas underneath and you’ll still look perfectly put together.
Again, winter? All I care about is staying warm. 25 / 101
44. Windex restores the glossy sheen on patent leather without doing any damage.
Good to know! 26 / 101
43. Fold jeans like a pro: Lay jeans on a flat surface, fold in half from left to right. Grab the stacked jean legs and fold them in half so the hem of the jeans lines up with the waistband. Fold the jeans in half one more time.
I already fold my jeans like this...? 26 / 101
42. The power of a silk pillowcase isn't a myth: Not only do they prevent “sleep crease,” they’re much, much gentler on your skin and hair.
I've never heard of this before. Do I care enough to drop cash on a silk pillowcase? Not right now, but maybe in the future. 27 / 101
41. “The best way to store fashion jewelry, including Sterling Silver, is in Ziploc bags. This helps pieces retain luster and reduces tarnishing and scratches.”—Jordann Weingartner, Founder, I Love Jewelry Auctions
Yes, absolutely. 28 / 101
40. If the garment you’re ironing has delicate buttons or detailing, cover them with the bowl of a metal spoon and press the surrounding fabric.
Kind of clever, I guess? 29 / 101
39. Don’t buy items you know you won’t properly care for. For example, if you know you’re never going to hand-wash that delicate cami or beaded sweater, don’t buy it.
File this under "No Shit, Sherlock." 29 / 101
38. “Pair flirty, feminine dresses with masculine spectator shoes for an effortless and unexpected look.” — Gabriella Perezutti, Designer, Candela
That's nice. 29 / 101
37. To achieve the perfectly effortless cuffed sleeve, keep the top button (which is called the gauntlet) buttoned while you roll.
Good to know! 30 / 101
36. V-neck sweaters and tees give the illusion of a longer torso.
All of the shits I give about elongating my torso: _____. 30 / 101
35. Spritzed a bit too much perfume on yourself this morning? Use unscented, oil-based makeup remover to remove excess perfume.
Don't wear perfume, either! 30 / 101
34. Tend to wear certain leather shoes without socks? Always stuff them with a soft cloth when you’re done wearing them. This absorbs moisture and help the shoes keep their shape.
But I am a grungy hippie who sometimes foregoes socks. 31 / 101
33. “Hoop earrings are a classic style that every woman—regardless of age—should have, but the type depends on your face. If you have a thin face, go for larger round or embellished hoops. If you have a round face an elongated hoop or drop style is best.” —Elena Kiam, Creative Director, Lia Sophia
Still don't have pierced ears, though. 31 / 101
32. Freeze jeans inside a plastic bag for two days to zap odor without running them through the washing machine.
Handy! 32 / 101
31. Looking for an easy trick to make your bare legs look longer? Try pumps the same color of your skin, which gives give the illusion that your legs extend a few extra inches.
Looking for an easy trick to make my bare legs look longer? No. 32 / 101
30. Wrap an empty bottle of your favorite perfume in a handkerchief and tuck it into your underwear drawer for a subtle scent.
Still no perfume. 32 / 101
29. Heat can warp your glasses frames, so always keep them in a hard case and never wear them on your head on a hot day.
Well, considering I have to wear my glasses all the time, it's good to know but I can't do much about it. 33 / 101
28. Spray shirts prone to sweat stains with lemon juice before washing. The natural acid dissolves alkaline sweat residue that could cause yellow discoloration.
Science! 34 / 101
27. “It’s a myth that loose styles flatter a large bust or a plus-size woman. The area just under the bust is a woman’s smallest torso measurement, so emphasizing it with a structured waistband that hits higher than your natural waist will make you look a size smaller. —BG Krishnan, President, eShakti.com
Belts under the boobs is my favorite trick, but I already knew that. 34 / 101
26. Use shaving cream and a washcloth to remove liquid makeup from shirt collars.
Still don't wear makeup. 34 / 101
25. A modern trick to looking like the most effortlessly stylish girl in the room: Pair dressy bottoms (a velvet maxi, a leather or beaded skirt, silk pants) with a worn gray crew-neck sweatshirt or T-shirt.
Also make sure you are the skinniest girl in the room, with professionally done-up hair and makeup. 34 / 101
24. When it doubt, always choose the smaller denim size, since jeans stretch with wear.
True! 35 / 101
23. “Never dry a wet shoe with heat. Let it dry naturally in open air. Heat will dry out leather and the lifespan of the shoe will be cut in half.” —Jordan Adoni, Designer, Modern Vice
More leather tricks are always useful. 36 / 101
22. The easiest way to make your closet look organized: Buy all the same hangers for everything–same color, same shape.
It's a fucking closet. 36 / 101
21. Before bed, pour two or three tablespoons of baking soda into sweaty workout sneakers and tilt the shoe to distribute the soda evenly. This will eat any odor and absorb perspiration.
I douse and douse my sneakers with baking soda but they always seem to be gross and smelly. Maybe I just wasn't using enough? 37 / 101
20. “For guaranteed weight loss, I advise people to follow my A, B, C’s – no Alcohol, Bread or processed Carbs.”—David Kirsch, celebrity trainer and fitness guru.
"Guaranteed" weight loss, okay there buddy. 37 / 101
19. To prevent clothing from wrinkling in a suitcase, fold everything in plastic dry cleaning bags.
If my clothes are coming from a suitcase, I've resigned myself to them being a least a little wrinkly. 37 / 101
18. If you can’t fit two fingers underneath your bra band comfortably, it’s probably too tight.
Bra fitting tips are always good! 38 / 101
17. Pile on good accessories—scarves, sunglasses, hats, statement jewelry—to instantly transform even the most basic outfit.
Another file for the "No Shit, Sherlock" category. 38 / 101
16. Confused about laundry settings? Remember this: The hotter the water, the cleaner the clothing will be. While warm water is fine for most clothes, linens and dirty white clothing are best washed in hot water to remove germs and heavy soil. Cold water is usually used for delicates.
But this is good to know! 39 / 101
15. A structured hat should rest about 1/8 to a 1/2-inch above the ears.
Fitting tips are also good to know! 40 / 101
14. After a shower, use your hairdryer to de-mist bathroom mirrors in seconds.
My hairdryer. Hahaha. 40 / 101
13. A good tip when cleaning out your closet: Ask a friend whose style you admire to come over and help. She/he might offer new insight on how to wear certain items before you toss them.
Cleaning out the closet is a private time. 40 / 101
12. It might sound “budget,” but a hot glue gun works amazingly well to hem skirts, pants and even jeans in a pinch.
It definitely does sound "budget." I can't imagine this would turn out looking so well. I'd rather go with the double-sided tape or the iron-on hem tape. 40 / 101
11. Looking for uses for all the single socks you’ve amassed while doing laundry? When you’ve got aches or pains, fill a sock with dry beans or rice and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Voila, an instant (and free) heating pad.
I don't use heating pads. But I do wear mismatched socks! 40 / 101
10. Wear your new real leather jacket in the rain to break it in. Water will soften up the leather and allow it to stretch and crease at specific points on your body.
More leather! 41 / 101
9. Who has the time to hand wash bras? Machine wash them in cold water in a mesh zipper bag and drape them over a hanger to air dry.
Already do that. 41 / 101
8. Use a lemon wedge to remove excess or streaky self-tanner.
Never self-tanner. Ever. 41 / 101
7. Track lighting is possible even for the tiniest closet: Buy a track kit, screw it into the ceiling, run the wire down the wall and plug it into the nearest outlet. Not only will you see all your clothes better, but you’ll feel like you have a more luxurious closet.
A closet is a place where my clothes live. That's it. It doesn't need to be spacious or luxurious or anything, just where my clothes live. 41 / 101
6. Invest in silk or satin pillowcases to keep your hair from breaking during the night. (They also keep your skin looking smoother than rough cotton cases!)
Isn't this a repeat of #42? 41 / 101
5. If you’re unsure about an impulse or sale purchase, leave it at the store. If you’re still thinking about it when you wake up the next day, buy it.
Good advice for anything, not just clothes. Namely books. And beads. 42 / 101
4. Have a sequin garment you don’t wear anymore? Remove the sequins and sprinkle them into a vase of flowers. Gorgeous!
Have a sequin garment I don't wear anymore? Nope! 42 / 101
3. A good shoemaker can fully rebuild your favorite pair, even if the arch is cracked.
That's kind of what's implied by their job description. 42 / 101
2. To coax a loose thread back into place, gently tug at the stitches to the sides of the pull as well as above and below.
I should probably do this but I just snap the thread and hope for the best. 43 / 101
1. There’s nothing cooler than sticking to a signature style you know looks good on you. Slaves to fashion are never chic!
And of course the tackiest piece of non-advice is saved for the end. 43 / 101
43 out of 101 is more than I was expecting, to be honest. How many from the list could you use?
I pinned this without a second glance a while ago. "Cartoon representation of the elements, that's cool. Repin. Oh look, a funny meme!"
Periodically (PUN FULLY INTENDED DON'T YOU WORRY), I like to revisit my boards and actually visit the links I've collected. I often (re)pin on my phone or in a time crunch, so I think of Pinterest as a better way to bookmark stuff for later, when I'm at home or not partciularly busy. These cartoon representations of the elements were one such pin.
The cartoon art style is fun and modern, and most of the facts the artist chose to include with the character were interesting or at least memorable. (Is there nothing else to share about Einsteinium except that it was named for Albert Einstein?) What really blew me away, though, was the true diversity of the art across race, gender, size, and shape. For example, check out chlorine:
She has a butt! And thighs! Well, all humanoid cartoon characters do, but not quite so pear-shaped. Here are a few of my other favorites:
What I particularly like about the last two are the visual references to the code names for the bombs made from these respective elements ("Little Boy" and "Fat Man").
The greatest part is that the artist, Kaycie, has an Etsy shop where you can buy flashcards of these guys! She is looking into poster prints, too. I eagerly await the day I can have a framed print of antimony over my workspace!
Well, today wasn't quite rainy, but I had the day off from work and I felt gross (my allergies tend to explode into proper illness if I don't drug myself up enough), so I gave it a shot. It looked simple enough, after all.
Here's what I came up with:
Easy enough. This was my second try; the first I had greatly overestimated how much wire I'd need and the prongs practically met in the center.
The steps are generally pretty clear, though when you're doing structural stuff towards the end the photos could have benefited from a bit of a Photoshop touch and the writing from a bit of clarity. Both would have been ideal. Eventually, I ended up kind of faking it. I'll spend another afternoon going over that part in detail so I can get a better grasp on it.
This is perfect for all of my over-sized foreign currency. I have some smaller coins that are destined to meet a Dremel and become charms or links, but I like the idea of making larger ones a focal piece all on their own.
First of all, I have found a new blog I like: NoDon'tPinThat. I am hooked on Pinterest, and while it's great for finding recipes, drink ideas, and funny pictures, it's not always so great for life advice or DIY tips involving chemicals or science. ("Science.") I've never been one to pin too many items from that last category anyway, since they're usually beauty tips and here are all the craps I give about beauty:
Most of the time I love Pinterest. In fact, I love it so much (and, to be fair, have filtered my boards and the people I follow so well) that I actually have a really hard time finding stuff that makes me look like this:
But because that's exactly how I feel right now, having sent my boyfriend on a flight back to Stockholm, I am going to indulge.
GRUMPY CAT MODE, ENGAGE!
To be fair, I also got the idea for this post from a sad-making pin, on a board which I then promptly unfollowed. That's why I can spend so much time on Pinterest with so little rage; I filter out any board the instant a terrible pin appears. Here it is:
This one chafes me on multiple levels. I don't know if I've ever mentioned this before, but I hate weddings. The cultural mythos of "every little girl dreams about her wedding" never really applied to me, and now that I'm at an age where my peers are starting to tie the knot, my apathy has turned into some kind of allergy. It won't be long now until an ad for David's sends me into hives. It doesn't help that, because I've started taking feminism ~seriously~ and read stuff and pondered stuff, all I can see in wedding photos is a misogynist money-grubbing industry that serves to reinforce an outmoded patriarchal tradition, which in turn gets marketed to women as "the best day of your life," as a distraction from the fact they/we get the shit end of the stick in almost every other regard.
Yeah, I have a lot of feelings about weddings.
Then pair that with The Beauty Myth and our culture of thin-worshiping (because the implied sweating is happening because the owner of the tank, presumably, wants to lose weight) and it just makes me sad. I guess there's a cute-sy ha-ha funny idea in there, but I just don't see it. "Sweating" and "wedding" are (slant) rhymes? Ha-ha?
I don't think I'm going to be a bridesmaid again any time soon; at least the few people I can think of who would ask that of me have the good sense not to get me something like this as a gift. Though you can always get one for yourself, or as a passive-aggressive dig at the bride-to-be, if you want:
That said, RufflesWithLove has other stuff that I would wear if I ever worked out in a public place. It's private yoga, calisthenics, and DDR for me, thanks. I've tried gyms and I just can't feel comfortable.
Judging by the DIY stuff that shows up on Pinterest, everyone has approximately a thousand unused Mason jars cluttering up the place. And also glitter. I'm reminded of a TV show I've never seen, Portlandia. Just replace "bird" with "glitter."
This next one is a representative of what seems to be the sum total of nearly every other woman's post on Pinterest. It is also the kind I hate the most.
TRUST ME LADIES YOU ARE FINE JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. YOUR BUTT NEED NOT RESEMBLE THE ONE ON THE UNDERWEAR MODEL.
And the last one is another representative pin. This is the only kind of pin I see regularly, as it isn't quite as rage-inducing (normally) as the above example so I can never bring myself to unfollow the boards they're pinned on.
The concept of "fake geek girls" deserves a post on its own, but this pin is another one that bugs me for multiple reasons:
"I'm better than those 'some girls' because I idolize Doctor Who, not a prince."
"OMG I'm such a geek because I love Doctor Who~!!"
"I still want to be subservient and secondary to the male genius hero."
To which I say:
Good job on being such a ~speshul snoflaek~.
Wow, you're a geek because you're a fan of one of the most popular TV dramas of all time?
Fuck running with the doctor, why not be the doctor?
This weekend is our church's annual Christmas cookie sale. Having nothing else to do during the day (minus a custom order I just received), I have been baking up a storm. Here are some recipes I've found—all off of Pinterest—that are stress-free in the kitchen and flaw-free in your mouth.
Oh, you heard correctly! Nutella cookies. Two ingredient Nutella cookies.
One cup Nutella + one egg + 375 F for 8 to 10 minutes =
Bonus points: these are (obviously) gluten-free! If you are trying to bake around someone with special dietary needs this holiday season, put these cookies at the top of your list. And make a few batches because everyone will want these. Unless they are a weirdo who hates Nutella, like Lawyer Mom.
"My kids are HUGE fans of mint chocolate ice cream." writes Crafty Girl. What a coincidence, so am I! As soon as I saw this photo on Pinterest, I knew I had to try them:
The green food coloring is just perfection; the mint extract in the dough is a nice touch that makes it very minty. Here, for the link phobic, is Crafty Girl's (sister's) Mint Chocolate Cookie recipe (it's a bit more involved than the Nutella cookies):
Ingredients.
2 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature) (Ed. note: I use salted and they came out just as fine)
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp mint extract
15-20 drops green food coloring
1 bag of Andes mints (chopped)
Directions
Preheat oven 375 degrees.
Sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt) together and set aside.
Solicit your kids to unwrap the Andes mints...or, for the childless, do it yourself. Then, chop them up.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
Beat in egg and mint extract.
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Add green food coloring and mix until even colored.
Last, but not least, fold in the chopped Andes mints.
Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, flatten, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let stand on cookie sheet for 2 minutes before moving them to wire racks to cool.
Much as I love chocolate, I figured the next batch should should be a touch less so. Just for variety's sake. Nothing can stop my incurable sweet tooth, however. NOTHING! So these snickerdoodles from Jen's Favorite Cookies are the next on my agenda today:
Ingredients
¾ cup shortening
1 cup sugar
¼ cup molasses
1 egg
2 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. cloves
½ tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
2 cups flour
Directions
Cream shortening, sugar, molasses and egg.
Sift dry ingredients together, then add to sugar mixture and mix until combined.
Form into balls and roll in sugar. Place on baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes.
So there you have it! These are going to be my cookies for the season. What are yours?
This came to me via Pinterest; I suspect it was one of those many, many pins that people repin without going back to the original source, because I don't think the woman I follow would be so vapid as to actually like or recommend the books listed. Anyway, here it is:
The comments are hilarious, but I decided to take one half of the flame war's advice to heart and write my own list. So here it is!
I thought about the criteria for a moment, probably more than I should: what life lessons do I think women my age "should" be learning? Why should you read any book at all? Is the purpose of a list like this entertain, to educate, or both? Neither? What makes a book of particular interest to women, as opposed to everyone? I think the list ended up kind of schizophrenic in that regard, but I think it's nonetheless an improvement.
(At Least) 10 Books Every Woman Should Read in Her Twenties, by Kokoba
For the coming-of-age tale, I'd have to choose either Martha Quest or The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. Both have female protagonists approaching, or eventually in, their twenties; they are both well-drawn and complex characters that I think (hope?) most women can relate to, despite both books being published over fifty years ago.
The Beauty Myth, by Naomi Wolf. While I think criticisms of her (lack of) intersectionality are fair (it's more than middle class white women in feminism), The Beauty Myth was incredibly eye-opening for me. Wolf articulated so many things that I felt but couldn't adequately express. You'll never look at a magazine the same way again.
Likewise, Betty Friedan's seminal The Feminine Mystique, the other big feminist text of the 20th century.
Much as I hate money, we live in a world where managing finances is important. The two names I see tossed around a lot when it comes to money and saving are Suze Orman and Dave Ramsey. So either Orman's The Money Book For the Young, Fabulous, and Broke or Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. Preferably both.
On the flip side of money, I'd also recommend Bill McKibben's Deep Economy. You can agree or disagree with his solution (I don't think turning everything over to local communities is any kind of magic bullet cure), but the problem he outlines is compelling and worth serious consideration at a point in your life when you're laying the foundations for everything else: growth for the sake of growth doesn't make us happy.
What's being in your twenties without ridiculous shenanigans? Not as fun (or dangerous) as it could be. But if that's not your bag, don't worry: the characters in Iris Murdoch's Under the Net get up to extremely hilarious mischief for you. Likewise, when you're down and out, watching someone else's life go to shambles is perversely comforting. This is the perfect book for that occasional morning-after moment: "My God, what did I do last night?!" Confession: this book has definitely provided that kind of comfort for me.
Perhaps the only item from the original list that I'd keep is 20-Something, 20-Everything by Christine Hassler. I'm not normally one for woo-sounding self-help books, but we all need moments of introspection and over the course of the book Hassler forces you into just that.
If I'm allowed to skew my list towards my nerdy pursuits (and I am, because it's my damn list!), then this slot goes to either Carl Sagan's Cosmos or Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time. Not only our world, but our universe is an immeasurably vast and spectacular place; to go through life without that epiphany is a sad life indeed.
Your mother's (or mother-substitute's) favorite book. Lawyer Mom was also a fiendish bookworm growing up, and when I turned ten she gave me her favorite book of all time, A Wrinkle in Time. Sharing favorite books deepens relationships, and maintaining strong relationships with positive female role models is important when you're young and directionless. Even if you hate the book, you've still learned something about her you didn't know before.
And, finally, allow me one piece of cheese on this list: Paulo Coehlo's Veronika Decides to Die. You can summarize the whole book as "carpe diem," honestly, but it really resonated with me when I read it at age 23.
And that, after days of deliberation, would be my list of "10 books every woman in her twenties should read."
On a whim I decided to Google Pantone's projected color palettes for this winter. Not because I am any fashionista, mind you; anyone who dresses like this is not someone who cares:
Promotional Jameson t-shirt? Thrift-store capris? Five dollar bag?
I'm good to go!
Rather, I have a very limited idea of what colors go together, or (for that matter) what colors even exist. I thought browsing next season's color palettes would be, if nothing else, good inspiration for future projects.
I got all of these from the Redo It Design blog. I've pinned the palettes (and some other things) to a new Pinterest board, Crafty Inspiration. Here are my favorites:
Considering my love affair with mookaite, is it any surprise that I love this palette? Love love love. Five or six of the colors here you can find in just one sixteen inch strand! For the dark green, forest or fancy jasper would do; for that blue, sodalite or dumortierite would probably work. Charoite or amethyst would be good if you needed your purple to be extra purple-y (as opposed to mauve). Anything in any of these colors = I will wear it. Now.
This one is nice, too, though I would be less inclined to wear it myself. I don't wear a lot of blue unless it's with another, brighter color. But as for mineral matching: blue lace agate, blue chalcedony, sodalite, lapis, and dumortierite would all be good color choices for this one. Mother-of-pearl would work for the light cream color at the top, and you could use hematite (or, again, mookaite!) for the gray.
This one is less to my personal tastes, but it's good to get out of your comfort zone, right? I think this will the first of these I experiment with once I have the time and space to start beading again. Rhodochrosite, rhodonite, rose quartz, or cherry quartz would be good for that stand-out pink at the top, and a nice dark jade would be perfect for that green at the bottom. Citrine would work well for the yellow in the middle, and then round out the purples (of all hues) with amethyst. Throw in some sodalite or dumotierite for the darkest blue. The lighter blue still eludes me: too light for the aforementioned blue minerals, but too dark for blue lace agate or blue chalcedony.
Which color palette will you be rocking this winter?
Oh my God, I just realized what a fantastic pun I just made up there. Rocking? I blog about rocks? Get it?
Also make sure you are the skinniest girl in the room, with professionally done-up hair and makeup. 34 / 101
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