Stair Gazing

I've got a bit of a thing for winding staircases. There is something mesmerizing about venturing through helical passageways -- the spiraling twists and turns, the escalating anticipation as you ascend, and the vertigo of acceleration as you descend. Grand entrances, kisses, arguments, fights, chases, final farewells... everything just seems more dramatic and intense within a stairwell.

I've been collecting photos of staircases and stairwells to frame or compile into a coffee table book someday. Here are a few of my favorites.

{Image Credits: Carey Primeau, K. Stuke, Randy Faris, Richard Cummins, Ed Eckstein, Michelle Falzone, Bo Zaunders}

Diary of a Wannabe Gardener

Spring is here in full effect! I've been hearing lots of buzz about people planting carrots, strawberries, radishes, corn (?!?), and herbs this year, and have been itching to start an urban garden of my own.

Since I'm not known for my botany skills, I figured a terrarium garden would be a good place to start. Terrariums are a fun and practical way to create a miniature landscape inside your home. They don't require a lot of sunlight, and are ideal for people who are too busy to spend a lot of time caring for plants -- perfect for serial plant killers with black thumbs. Ahem.

I made this tiny terrarium at Anthopologie's Earth Day workshop. We used Ball canning jars and topped them off with tealight holders to allow optimum sunlight through. I had so much fun arranging the plants, and even carved a C+J inside a heart on the "tree". Once the plants become fully established within the enclosed environment, the terrarium will begin to function as a self-sustaining ecosystem. The plants transpire moisture, which then condensates on the glass and flows back down into the soil. Often, a closed terrarium can survive a month or more between waterings.

My jar terrarium has been sitting on our kitchen windowsill for two weeks. I've already witnessed tremendous plant growth as well as several water cycles. Now that I know how to create a viable terrarium, I'm looking forward to experimenting with different containers, plants, and designs. More later!

April 26th

Today marks our two-year wedding anniversary! I don't know a lot about marriage yet, but so far, we have grown remarkably through great lessons in love, respect, communication, commitment, and grace.

Chris, thank you for standing by me as my best friend, leader, cheerleader, personal stand-up comedian, and sweetheart. I am so thankful to have a husband who is honest, devoted, unwaveringly supportive, and generous beyond words. I love you more than ever.

Lyrics from our first dance {Image credit - Kishani Perera}