| Happiness isn't measured by height

May 5, 2013

The Details

With just seven days left until graduation, the nervousness of the unknown, the anxiety of finals and the stress of moving home just to turn around and move to a new city, are hard feelings to ignore. However, with the encouragement of good friends and family, I’ve been trying my hardest to focus on the positives that surround me and embrace the last moments of college that I (am repeatedly reminded by everyone I talk to who’s out of school) have left on campus. Because I’ve been spending a lot of time in (the oasis that is) my apartment doing phone interviews and studying for upcoming finals, I decided to capture some of the small details in my apartment that have honestly made it feel like home this past year. My roommate and I frequently share our excitement for moving forward with our post-grad plans but always stop to appreciate how lucky we feel to have lived in this large yet cozy loft for the short time we did. (She’s moving to Milwaukee with the Teach For America program, after which she’ll be attending medical school to become a surgeon! Ya, I know right? Who can follow that. . . but seriously, she is that awesome.)

I’m still interviewing and taking things day by day, but I’m hopeful and can’t wait to move to a city where new friends and new adventures await!

The reading corner complete with my idol, Audrey Hepburn, and the most recent issue of the on-campus publication I’ve been privileged to work on the past four years, Up Magazine.

The nook overlooking High St! This will be by far my most missed feature of our apartment. The large pillows and cases on the outside both came from Ikea and the striped pillows on the inside are from Target!

The large dresser in our room has a vintage charm I intend to re-create wherever I end up living. The vintage cut-out Reader’s Digest (the ‘C’ is currently on order!) letter books were a cool find at one of the uptown gift shops in Oxford, Paisley (formerly Ball of Oxford). The sun-flower mirror was a steal from One Kings Lane. I found the over-sized mason jar in my basement a couple years ago and filled it with green-glass marbles and fabric flowers from Ikea.

The prints over our (boarded up) fireplace were a (surprisingly) successful DIY project completed over a long weekend at home last fall. The project in total (all supplies—paint, canvases, brushes, painters tape) cost right around $14 at Hobby Lobby. The gold ‘K’ (conveniently) represents the first initial of both of our names and is also a Hobby Lobby purchase. I rescued the old books from our ‘donation pile’ in the garage several months ago. The large lamps were a vintage/ yard sale find from my roommate!

Definitely the most sentimental piece in my room is the vintage frame and photograph of my Nana in front of McGuffey Hall (an academic building on my campus) her sophomore year of college in 1940. Let’s just say that between my Nana (class of ’42), my mother (class of ’79) and me, the tears will be flowing next Sunday as I walk across the stage with the class of ’13 to become the third generation of Hirsch women to graduate from Miami University.

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April 23, 2013

Checklist Time.

As the last three weeks of my college career come to a close, I’m starting to feel a roller-coaster of emotions. I attribute this mainly to job searching which has ignited an emotional range I didn’t even know I had. Over the last week and a half alone (I kid you not) I have felt: anxious, excited, nervous, confident, poised, near the brink of insanity, calm, proud, disappointed, helpless, empowered and the basic—happy and sad. One thing I can say out of the entire experience so far is that I’ve never experienced such generosity and kindness like I have from the wonderful men and women I’ve been meeting. The name “network” doesn’t come close to a title fit for the type of people I’ve become privileged to know and gain industry advice from. While my meetings and interviews have been business-centered, I almost always walk away having connected with him/her on another level. Whether it be our love of alternative music, obsession with the dogs featured on BuzzFeed, Letterpress stationary, OCD habits, enthusiasm for kickball league, etc, I always relish the small commonalities we may find that makes our business relationship a little more meaningful personally.

Today I head to Chicago and I can honestly say that for the remainder of the school year and my job search I intend to take things as they come, keep an open mind and know that trying my hardest is the best that I can do. I’ll also be working on the above checklist over the next three weeks. (And yes I did print it off and intend to physically check it off as I go. One thing I’m too old school for is phone checklists—I never feel like I’ve really completed a task until the ink has hit the paper!)

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April 16, 2013

Bright Clothes, Big City

Photos by Jeremy Smetana

Blouse—Zara, Skirt—J.Crew, Pumps—Steve Madden, Shoulder Bag—J.Crew, Earrings—Bass, Sunglasses—Anthropologie, Gold Bow Ring—Tara Jarmon, Stackable gold rings—Stella & Dot

In preparation for a business trip to NYC, I’ve been running into the “nothing to wear” dilemma even more than usual. Like all people who claim to suffer from this anxiety-inducing problem each morning when they walk into their closets, I’m overwhelmed by the abundance of clothing items that are simply “unacceptable” to wear. I’m equally confused as to why I can stare at all of these shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, belts, shoes, handbags and jewelry and never find just the right combination that feels appropriate for my schedule that day. Why can’t I open my closet and have the perfect outfit hanging neatly in front each day so I don’t have to waste 20 extra minutes thumbing through all the rejects? Sometimes, I secretly wish my mom still played the part of the mythical creatures that influenced my youth including Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny and most importantly “closet elf”— life was a lot easier when my outfit was neatly laid out on my floor each morning in grade school. Having “nothing to wear” makes packing for a trip with several considerations including weather, office dress code and potential change of schedule especially daunting. Over the next 24 hours I’ll be laying out interview outfits, printing my resume/ references/ business cards, preparing my handwritten thank-yous with stamps and addresses, confirming my travel and trip itineraries and reviewing all my company research for up to date talking points that may come up in conversation. While it’s certain to be a whirlwind trip, I couldn’t be more excited to be heading back to the city I spent all last summer falling in love with. Fingers crossed that I’ll find an opportunity to continue my love affair with the city that never sleeps.

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March 19, 2013

Warmth

Photos By Jeremy Smetana

Shirt dress—Banana Republic, Studded Belt—Target, Rugby striped cardigan—Banana Republic, Camel coat—Zara, Scarf—stolen from my brother, Bag—J.Crew, Boots—London Fog

Living in the schizophrenic climate of the Midwestern Region I’ve been having trouble getting myself prepared to leave my apartment each morning. While southwestern Ohio isn’t quite so bad as say, Chicago, (I’m sorry but you guys got the weather shaft for sure, I’ve lived there, I know) it’s been hard for me to find an outfit that keeps me warm or cool enough throughout the day as the temperature fluctuates more than Jessica Simpson’s weight. My solution—layers—groundbreaking, I know. But I think most of us forget to embrace this clothing trick. Instead of sweating it out in a 300 person lecture hall wearing a chunky cable-knit sweater, I’ve become fond of v-necks or button-downs under cardigans or blazers. Of course this would be when I’m particularly motivated as I must admit I’ve fallen victim to wearing the Senior uniform: workout leggings (I refuse to call them yoga pants—I don’t do yoga?!), a tank, half-zip, baseball cap & neon Nikes. But there is hope—the job search has begun and spring break shopping in Fort Myers gave my sad worn out closet a much-needed facelift so it’s time to dress-up!

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February 10, 2013

Let Them Eat Cake

This past Friday good friends of mine took first place at an entrepreneurship competition and earned a fairly size-able cash prize (literally, the cardboard check was about 6×3 ft. . .) and recognition for their online start-up, Vendr.

After receiving a cake-saver for Christmas and having 0 friends with January birthdays, I was giddy with excitement for a reason to finally use it. Naturally, before baking my first double-layer cake I had to consult with the kitchen expert in my life—Mom. She was full of little tips and know-how’s that come with years of experience baking for all our family and friends. (Proof)

I grew up in a home where no matter the occasion: birthday, good report card, athletic achievement, or just-because, there was something sweet and homemade waiting for us after dinner. It wasn’t until I moved away to college and saw the reaction on people’s faces when I baked for them that it dawned on me—I was spoiled!

The cake itself was just a simple Duncan Hines yellow cake mix but I wouldn’t dream of using store-bought frosting. I mean, let’s be real, I’ve never heard someone take a bite of a frosted cake and exclaim “this is amazing, how did you make the CAKE part?” (For all you frosting haters out there, I don’t understand you, therefore, you’re excluded from this generalization.) I decided to give the renowned NYC-based (go figure) Magnolia Bakery vanilla butter-cream recipe a try and I have to say the reactions were pretty positive. That or my boyfriend’s friends are too scared to hurt my feelings. . . Either way, for my first try at a double-layer cake I was pretty happy!

Spreading a thin “base-layer” of frosting helped to smooth out and cover up crumbs so they wouldn’t get caught in the frosting.

After applying a “crumb coating” of frosting and covering the bottom layer with a thick coat to hold the layers together I plopped a generous amount on top and spread out from there. For me, over-compensating then smoothing off the excess works better than trying to ration frosting portions. The crumb coating ensures the second layer of frosting will keep its fluffy and smooth consistency without picking up excess crumbs. (Honestly, is there even such a thing as too much frosting?)

It’s much easier to fill piping/decorator bags using a wide glass to open them up.

While I clearly need to work on centering the writing, the final result turned out much better than anticipated!

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December 18, 2012

Yuletide

Apartment

Finally back home for the holidays and couldn’t be happier to catch up on the things I enjoy (like blogging)! All four years of college have always made Thanksgiving break the beginning of my finals nightmare. The first week of December I finally had time to put up the decorations my father brought to me in early November, along with a few of my own. The tree nestled in our reading nook is my childhood tree that mom lent to Kat and me for the season. Between the tree, Dad’s spare icicle lights and my home-made banner (Pinterest success!) we had a festive apartment to come home to between all-nighters at the library.

Most ornaments on my tree have sentimental value but none more than this one. My mom and Nana both graduated from my school and I couldn’t help but shed a few tears as I hung this one. I thought about walking across the stage this May and joining two of the most influential women in my life as an alumni. Although the graduating classes of 1942, 1979 and 2013 are decades apart, our education, ambition and memories gained from Miami are all equally a part of the strong women we are today.

(Hopefully the cheesiest thing I will ever say on this blog. . . but hey, it’s the holidays!)

I’ve always loved the “shabby chic” look. I get a lot of inspiration from a family friend’s home. Babysitting for her children over the years, I have watched her transform her idyllic red-brick home into a decorator’s dream with resourceful finds from our town’s antique market & DIY inspiration. This banner took a lot of time but was extremely low-cost and served as a good study break. Using natural colored and printed fabrics from Walmart, mini clothes pins from Hobby Lobby, natural twine, home-made stencils & a black paint pen (total cost <$8) I made a banner I plan to use in years to come.

Easy-to-make red velvet cake balls dipped in colored chocolate & decorated (below) make cheap/easy gifts for friends. Always a huge hit during the height of finals week.

Girls tend to forget their diets that week so I’m not turned away, rather hugged!

I’ve made these in the past and always love to start out making holiday-themed designs but when there are 80+ cake balls, somewhere around cake ball #10 I usually throw in the creativity towel and go for a simple yet elegant drizzle.

No sugar added hot cocoa made with almond milk, a dollop (or three) of fat free cool whip & a candy cane for a hint of peppermint makes the best sin-less holiday treat. **Guy approved.

The family tree at home sweet home. Apparently everyone in my family has been really good this year!

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November 29, 2012

Feeling Thrifty

Photos by Jeremy Smetana

Leather jacket—Zara, Button-down—Gap, Corduroy skirt—UO, Tights—Simply Vera, Shoes (Pictured below)—Thrifted (Bass)

A couple weeks ago I caught up with a close friend of mine and went thrifting in the Cincinnati area. I hadn’t been to a thrift shop or Goodwill in quite some time. I went through a huge eBay vintage/thrift shop wardrobe phase in high school, everything I wore was on its second or third time around and extremely over-sized. On this particular trip I scored a pair of emerald green velvet heels, never-been worn suede Bass saddle shoes and leather tassel loafers. Thanks to a store-wide extra 50% off sale, I got all three pairs for a grand total of $12!

During my final college Christmas party season I’ll be attending several “ugly christmas sweater” parties (or as my education major friends think of them: sweater parties ) I look forward to seeing everyone else’s thrifting finds. I, on the other hand, was lucky enough to look through my aunt’s sweater collection after she retired from teaching high school math. Let’s just say—festive doesn’t begin to cover it. Just in case you don’t have any educators in your family, a friend of mine shared with me the ultimate online ugly sweater website.

Here’s to egg nog & mistletoe! Happy Holidays!

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November 6, 2012

An evening in the kitchen

As a formerly inactive member of the Pinterest community, I decided to try a new recipe for turkey stuffed peppers I pinned a couple weeks ago. After speaking with some male friends of mine who had taken advantage of the inspirational social platform I thought it was high time I step up to the plate. I’ve been known for my sweet tooth and love of baking but due to its’ effects on my health (re: waistline) I’ve been making an effort to start cooking more creatively in order to get more excited about my meals and not just the dessert that follows.

I decided the best way to fully describe the experience was to simply write about it as I go. The following are my thoughts, musings, struggles and triumphs from a chilly Monday evening spent in my kitchen.

Scene: Monday evening. Roommate is in the library studying for big exam (pre-med majors still have those apparently…). All the rest of my friends had their array of excuses, “too cold” “work”, etc. Yes my friends, I know, I’m scared of my own cooking—I forgive you. Pandora station is set to Bill Withers & the red wine bottle has been uncorked. Yes, I’m alone, but Bill Withers is my drinking buddy tonight & there’s no way I’m getting through this without my Cabernet Sauvignon…

Reading through the recipe… “1 ½ cups cooked rice”… I can do that! My roommate has a rice cooker, golden.

Rice cooker instructions… brown rice = 40-42 minutes…. back into the cabinet it goes.

Microwave alternative—5 minutes—sold.

Now I must mince a clove of garlic and ¼ of an onion… mincing…yep, I got nothin.

S.O.S sent to my friend Chelsea. PRAISE GOD, her group meeting finished up early at the library, she’s on her way.

Chelsea has arrived and is mincing the garlic & onion… side of wooden spoon + knife. Got it.

I have taken the simpler task of chopping up the cilantro. Not too tough.

Pause—wine break.

Vegetables sautéed, now for the turkey meat.

5 minutes pass by. Wine time. Refill.

Pull rice from microwave, combine with meat & load the peppers up.

Perfect! Enough to fill 4 full peppers (8 halves) & leftovers for sandwiches, etc. Lunch & dinner for days—score.

Set for 35 & pass the time with (surprise!) more wine & conversation. (Wine tends to induce more chattiness . . . hard to imagine for those familiar with my outgoing nature.)

Time to hold my breath and hope for the best. Pull out first dish—beautiful, sprinkle a little Colby jack, pop it back in, pull out the second dish & repeat.

Two minutes later, we’re in business! Now just have to throw together a small spring salad . . . toasted almonds, check, balsamic vin, check.

In total: 30 mins mental prep, 25 mins actual prep, 35 mins to bake. An hour and a half for upwards of four days leftovers & a damn good time. Success.

The final product:

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October 21, 2012

Timeless

Photos by Jeremy Smetana

Blazer—Madewell, Plaid pull-over— Madewell, Jeans—JBrand, Earrings & pendant—vintage inheritance, (Pictured below) Shoes—Sperry Top-Sider, Bag—Tory Burch

My Nana has kindly given me a great amount of her costume jewelry recently, some from when she was my age. It amazes me how fashions recycle their way back into style. I know that pendants may not be all the rage, nor will clip-on earrings likely ever climb their way back to the top but in my mind, they are timeless. Pieces like these bring memories and nostalgia and are too special to keep stored away. Wearing this jewelry set made me wonder if she wore them to the very same places when she was on my campus as a student years ago. I wondered how the buildings looked, what the students wore & what she did on the weekends. A little black dress, pencil skirt & trench coat may be closet staples, however, the truly timeless items in my closet are the ones that came from my family.

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October 7, 2012

Feels like home

Navy stripe duvet cover—Target, Citron stripe duvet cover—West Elm, Window panels—Bed, Bath & Beyond, Papasan chair & cushion cover—Pier1, Dresser & bedroom suite—Drexel, thrifted back home in Illinois.

With my sights on NYC come May, it’s only bittersweet that I am completely, and perfectly, and incandescently happy with the apartment I currently share with my best friend Kat. Since taking a tour of the space last Fall I have been visualizing turning it into my dream apartment. While most are baffled that I take such interest in perfecting such a temporary situation I can only say that the aesthetic of my surroundings reflect on my mood, my behavior and my energy. I also know that I’ll never work with this amount of space in NYC (at least not for the next 10-15 years) so I’m unapologetically taking full advantage. After finally accepting the fact that I can’t move into the home section of an Anthropologie store, (let alone take it all home with me) Kat & I put together a space we truly love. On the horizon are a couple more embellishments to be shared in the future. . .

The nook—several novels finished here (with plenty of people-watching breaks).

Striped pillows—Target, Solid pillow cases—IKEA

Most utilized piece of furniture I own—the vanity.

Necklace holder—Etsy.

One of my favorite pieces in the entire apartment—One Kings Lane.

A punch of color & vintage photograph of my Nana (dated 1940) when she attended my university.

A successful (rare) DIY project done over a productive yet relaxing long-weekend back home provides much-needed color over our black marble fireplace.

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