My Valentino

My little goldfish Valentino (pictured on the lefthand side) died today. This post is in commemoration to him, since he was very dear to me and Ted (pictured on the right) as well. May you rest in peace in little fishy heaven.


The weather was absolutely fantastic and I have the day off. I haven't done much with it yet (finding Valentino floating in the tank was quite a shock and I'm still recovering - I spent the morning crafting him a casket) but I do plan on taking a walk later and then snuggling down to watch Andy Griffith with the boyfriend! Both of those things can usually cheer me up quite a bit! Now, speaking of the boyfriend....



He took all the photos for my blog today! He's such a sweet, I'm lucky to have him.

On Sunday, the boy and I went to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to catch the Edo Pop exhibit that was closing. On the way out, we ran over to Blacklist Vintage, which is an absolutely lovely little store located just a few blocks from the museum. If you live in the area, check it out! Their prices are reasonable and they have a nice selection of clothing, accessories, and even some home decor. I found this lovely skirt there, which the boyfriend fell in love with even more than me. He's a sucker for a girl in a skirt and I suppose this one completes all of his school teacher fantasies. Either way, it's super lovely, great for winter, and the best part is that I don't have to hem it! When it comes to vintage (or, well, anything) I usually end up hemming several inches. This one needs no hemming and is beautifully hand constructed!


I also bought this too cute parrot pin! I had been eyeing it the last time I was at Blacklist and luckily for me, it was still there! I love this little guy, I named him Loulou after the parrot in "Un Coeur Simple" by Flaubert, which I read last semester in the French Lit class where I met my boyfriend. We collaborated for a speech over the chapter where Loulou flies away.


Oh! I almost forgot - this jacket! I found this yesterday (booo, I do too much shopping on my days off!) at a consignment shop in Highland Village. It was slightly overpriced, but my size, faux fur, and ridiculously soft and Teddy Bear-like. I bought it and decided to give it a try...I always have 7 days to return it. What do you guys think? Should I keep it?



I do quite like it for its vintage appeal, without it being real fur. Real fur is too much for me, even if it's vintage! I think it reflects the 1950's-winter look that I was going for, even if the weather isn't quite in style with the look...


It also makes me feel sort of superior and movie-star-like... So what do you guys all think about the jacket? To keep, or not to keep? Input, please!



I have another DIY project coming up soon (I'm the next Martha Stewart, or so I'd like to think). School starts next week, and the textbooks slowly trickling onto my front step is a constant reminder. I also now need to decide whether to return the 20 gallon tank that I bought for the fish (Ted doesn't need that much to himself!) or if I should buy a Valentino II? Hmmm big decisions are ahead, for 2012!