25 things You Don't Have to Justify to Anyone

A Gypsy Caravan

In my blog travels, I came across a link to a wonderful little article over on thought catalog. Chelsea Fagan gets it just right with a list of things that people in our mid twenties are constantly justifying. The fact that we have a job, or don't; are in a relationship or aren't; what we do with our free time; how much money we make/spend. How refreshing to read in a public domain all of the things that we worry about are none of anyone's beeswax. We're doing just fine.

I've long struggled with the question of whether to do the "responsible" thing, or what I really want. In reality, I took the job that I was offered instead of holding out for something I wanted, I signed a lease for an apartment that I could barely afford, I buy vegetables instead of chips at the grocery store. And the truth is, I'm not happy. It's not what I wanted. Perhaps I'd soon come to the same conclusion if I lived the life of a bohemian wanderer, but maybe it's worth a shot? I hardly think that the fear of living without health insurance keeps them from living the way they want. If I could find myself a fabulous gypsy caravan, I just might have to make the leap...

Paperman

I know there are quite a few people out there who are not the biggest fans of Valentine's Day. Out of respect for the majority, I will not dwell on the fact that the holiday is a mere 10 days away. Personally, I find it the best excuse to wear pink and red together, and make the construction paper crafts that you've never quite been able to justify the rest of the year. Disney's new (oscar nominated) short film, Paperman is the perfect compromise. It's magical and sweet, but feels grown up, and dare I say it--artsy? Bravo Disney, Bravo.

LA Living

As the boy and I plan our move to the west coast, I find myself looking at interior inspiration with a lighter feel. I've long been a fan of Freunde von Freunden for their unstyled and fresh photos of artists in their natural habitats, and one of their most recent spreads really hits the spot. Claire Cottrell's Mt. Washington home is just what the doctor ordered--a return to simple pleasures and bridging the gap between indoors and outdoors. (I could just as easily envy her career as a landscape architect or the fact that she now runs an online art book store).

As an East Coaster, I've spent my time making my home a refuge from the frigid 8 months of winter and stifling summers. It's usually layered with patterns and my eye has been trained to go to plaids and rich colors whenever possible. The new year has me craving something different. Claire's house manages to look finished and lived in even though she's only been there a few months. It's as though she'd rather spend her time arranging flowers than shopping for a bookcase. No matter. The floor is the largest shelf, after all! These photos are the interior design equivalent to a spa day. Don't they make you just want to run around your garden, tending to your pesticide-free tomatoes in your favorite yellow dress?

What if Money Was No Object?

Here is the inspirational video of the day. Is it a right of passage that the first job out of school is difficult and feels like a step backwards? Maybe the fact that we are working at all is what's important. My dad has always said that work is a four letter word for a reason. All of a sudden you graduate, and there is a world that hands you a laundry list of responsibilities and bills. Why do I feel like I started out behind? Perhaps, or most likely,  I'm the spoiled liberal arts graduate with too much time to lean on her philosophy degree and ask herself questions about her greater purpose. Is it really my right to be fulfilled intellectually and able to afford cleaning supplies? Why should I get to have it all? But then again, maybe wasting time is not the same as paying your dues. Starting from the bottom is admirable only when you like the view of the top. So what if just for argument's sake, I take the apartment and grocery shopping for granted? What if money really was no object?

Having spent the last few months mulling over this question, I've decided to dedicate my days off to digging up an answer. In the name of New Years Resolutions, I'll bridge the ever-widening gap of "free days" and "work days." What is it that I want to do every day when I get out of bed? How can I challenge myself to improve without the possibility of deferring the final say to a professor or boss? 

Here's what I've got so far:

1. save more than I spend

2. keep an ongoing list of strengths, weaknesses and tough questions

3. get rid of anything I don't need

4. make rather than buy 

Harper Poe's Charleston House

I seem to be on a roll with fabulous apartment posts so why stop now? freunde von freunden is the latest blog discovery that allows readers to take a peak into artists' homes. In most cases, they are casually thrown together with a European charm. One does not get the sense that the homes have been styled or edited from the way their owners live in them.  I happen to love textile designer, Harper Poe's place in Charleston because it feels welcoming, collected and functional. The southern cooking wouldn't be all that bad either.

Kyle DeWoody's Apartment

Additional apartment inspiration came while perusing vogue.com in the form of Kyle DeWoody's apartment. The founder of Grey Area, the alternative gallery website mixes pattern and zen neutrals in a way that feels funky and young. Admittedly, I'm not cool enough to attempt hanging a squiggly silver version of my last name over my bed. Traditional monograms are still my safety blanket. I do however, love the art casually leaning against the wall that says "I have too many fabulous pieces a too little time to hang them, admire them at your leisure."The space appears effortlessly thrown together but something tells me this woman knows what she's doing.

ba&sh

Even though I just returned from a little holiday in London and I'm planning an August in Italy, I can't stop thinking about Parisian style. Ba&sh is my latest discovery and they're homepage video has me smitten. The waif-like heroine manages to balance mermaid locks and sleeve tattoos. Gusty. Maybe it's the warm weather but I have the urge to throw on some loose dresses and slouchy boots. Unfortunately, I won't be able to afford any of these little beauties until the exchange rates change in my favor.