Cabin in the City

Books, cats and midwestern charm.

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The Best Way to Valentine’s Day (IMO)

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I’m going to out myself here as a Valentine’s Day fan. Attached or single, I’ve always been a Valentine’s person: I love wearing all the pink, red and purple I can find, I’m all about candy and I like showing people that I love them with silly cards and gifts.

I am not a fan, however, of traditional Valentine’s Day dates. Going out to dinner on February 14 is just about the last thing I’d want to do. That’s why Michael and I circumvent the whole thing.

Instead, we do Valentine’s Day breakfast. There aren’t a lot of people, it’s slow-paced, it’s charming and it’s low pressure. We’re geniuses, I know.

But Valentine’s Day breakfast is a great idea if you can swing it and you have somewhere special to go. For Michael and me it’s La Reve, a charming little French cafe, in Wauwatosa.

We get there early, order good coffee, all the breakfast things we want—yes, that means a regular breakfast and a chocolate croissant. We relax, enjoy the atmosphere, people watch and—before we leave—order more desserts to take home.

Sure, our major celebrations are done before noon, but that’s fine by me. That’s more time to spend unwinding and enjoying small gifts. And at night we still open a bottle of champagne.

Also, I had to show off the gift I made Michael this year. This hilarious and sweet Baby Yoda hoop. You can get the pattern from Made by Caitlin Shop on Etsy.

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Small Goals // February 2020

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It’s always hard getting back on the horse in January with goals, but I think I managed pretty well. Check it out!

  1. Hit the gym eight times. I did it!
  2. Finish a book. Done. I actually finished two.
  3. Get everything returned. Done. This is actually such a huge relief.
  4. New curtains? New bedding? Done. I got some plain white curtains. I’m kind of a maximalist, but I have to admit going basic here looks really clean and soothing. Also giving myself a pat on the back because I touched up the paint around our windows, too, which also makes things look nicer.
  5. Spend a day not going anywhere. I did this twice. Snowy days are good for something. I watched the entire second season of You, put together a puzzle and generally was lazy. These days felt great.

5/5. I’m happy to have checked off all my goals (yes, even though one of them was to do nothing). But now the dust has settled on the new year and I think it’s time to ramp up my goals for February.

This month, I’ll be selling at my first craft fair since Black Friday weekend. It’s time to get back into production mode. I’m not sure if this is the sort of workflow I want to have (though it’s worked in the past), so this month will be a good test. And it’s also a good month to stay busy (gotta stave off those seasonal affective feelings!).

  1. Host the first Crafterhours of 2020. I took a hiatus from this idea for the holidays (and the post-holiday slump). Time to make this happen again and try to get into a groove.
  2. Make 25 new hoops. The Walker’s Point Makers Market is coming up on February 29. Time to get working on some new ideas (and a few classics).
  3. Go to La Reve. Last year, Michael and I enjoyed breakfast at LaReve in Wauwatosa for the first time. It was such a relaxing Valentine’s Day treat. I’m hoping for a repeat. Also, Valentine’s Day breakfast > Valentine’s Day dinner.
  4. Take as much as possible to Goodwill. During the hustle and bustle of the holidays (and recouping in January) a lot of our donation-ready stuff just got pushed to boxes in the basement. Time to give all that stuff a new home.
  5. Tidy up surfaces in our bedroom. Our bedroom doesn’t have the chair (you know, where catchall stuff and semi-clean laundry lives). Instead, it has the dresser and the bookshelf. All our odds and ends wind up cluttering up these surfaces and obscuring all the actually nice stuff we try to display there. Will this be the month I get a handle on it?

Wish me luck! Locals, hope to see you at the fair!

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Small Goals // January 2020

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Welcome to 2020, folks! I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions (I know I can’t keep them), so I’ll just be sticking to these small goals for the coming year. But before we get into January aspirations, let’s see how December went.

  1. Break out the plastic canvas. All I did was think about this craft while I was stitching up a storm this past November, but by the time December hit, I just wasn’t in the mood. I fell back in love with cross-stitch instead.
  2. Make my chocolate babka. Done. We ate one Christmas morning and I brought the other loaf to my aunt Pat.
  3. Have a cozy, seasonal day home with Michael. Done! We decorated our trees and watched a few episodes of Nailed It: Holiday.
  4. Don a fancy Christmasy getup. YES! I got a hot pink dress and silver glitter boots from J.Crew. I felt awesome wearing this getup on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
  5. Make my “Spirits of Christmas” hoops. Swing and a miss two years running. I feel like I really needed an embroidery break, so I’m OK with leaving this as a WIP.

3/5. December wasn’t a five-for-five month for goals, but that’s fine by me. I spent the month doing what made me happy and satisfied. And I managed to do it all without having one of my trademark holiday meltdowns. What a win!

As for January, I’m not going to go too hard with goals. The past few months have been super busy, so a month of taking it slow and getting into normal habits is what I need.

  1. Hit the gym eight times. Classic New Year’s-style goal here! But going to the gym does make me feel good, and it’s the sort of thing that I can manage when my schedule is a bit more open. Kind of looking forward to this one!
  2. Finish a book. Last January I read something like three or four books. I’m not sure if I can top that, but I’d like to work through at least one novel this month. I am participating in the Goodreads Challenge again this year (you can follow me here).
  3. Get everything returned. I bought a lot of extras around the holidays—spare sizes for gifts, sale-priced linens and other odds and ends. I need to get all those things out of the house (and get those purchases off my credit card statement).
  4. New curtains? New bedding? This is such a small thing, but our curtains and bedding are almost the same design and it drives my eyes nuts. Swapping one out is an easy fix, right?
  5. Spend a day not going anywhere. Typically I squeeze a day or two like this in over the holiday break, but I didn’t make that happen this year. So this month I’m hoping to just wake up and stay in for an entire day.

These goals are a bit mellow (and boring), but I’m happy about that. A month of rest is exactly what I need.

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Seeing 2010 with 20/20

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A lot of folks are recapping the past decade and it’s interesting to see how far my friends and folks I admire have come in the past ten years. While I’m tempted to break down the decade by year, I thought I’d just reflect on where I was ten years ago, because 2010 was a hell of a year, and it really turned me into the person I am now.

I feel like it’s not the brightest spot in my life, yet it’s a time I think about with some fondness. But I’m nothing if not nostalgic—even for bad times. Let’s just get into it.

Picture It… Madison, Wisconsin, 2010

Let me set the scene for you: In January 2010, I was returning to school after winter break. I was friendless, thanks to a huge falling out with all my college friends, and living alone (my roommate moved out after the aforementioned disaster). I was straight up not having a good time.

But I didn’t really process these emotions in any effective way. Instead, I just threw myself into the new semester, a new job and a new project, hoping that they’d fix how I was feeling.

Trying to Fix Problems with Pizza

The first thing I did was get a job at a pizza joint. This filled my evenings and weekends so I didn’t feel so painfully lonely (though I’d never tell you that’s how I was feeling at the time—I’m not even sure I knew that’s what I was feeling).

…and by Just Spending a Lot of Time Alone

I also threw myself into my classes this semester. I took film photography, drawing and journalism (and surely a few others I can’t recall).

Photography and drawing were the perfect classes for me at this time. I could sink a lot of time into a project and say it was for the sake of my art. I could walk into the darkroom on a Saturday morning and not leave until it was time to sling pizzas at night. It was perfect. I was alone, but I was productive—not sad or lonely or in a high-functioning depression (I was all of those things)!

The Unexpected Highlight

But outside of my college’s art wing, I was heading into my first (and truthfully only) journalism class. I remember this class more than any other. I remember how the professor wore a vest every day, where I sat by the door and the beguilingly handsome dude in the VANS sweatshirt that sat at the head of the table (that was Michael!).

I remember the day our first assignments were due. The professor asked for someone to volunteer their piece to critique on the projector. No one wanted to do this, but I was the kind of student who could not stand a lengthy silence, so I just volunteered my piece so we could get on with it.

I was stunned when the professor said it was good.

When I received good marks on my next assignment, I started to gain a bit of confidence. When my professor talked about reviving the school newspaper, I volunteered to copy edit.

Living On the Edge

On assignment trying to see Barack Obama speak in Madison. I didn’t end up seeing his speech (but I heard it well enough to write an article).

When the time came to kickstart the paper (On the Edge), there was only one other student who offered to help, and we became defacto editors-in-chief.

I was instantly hooked on the job. When I came back for the fall semester, I was more excited than ever about the paper. I had a new co-editor and was thrilled about our new staff writer (Michael!).

I loved spending time in our office. There was always a member of our staff there (OK, that person was me) and it was right in the thick of campus. I felt like hot shit as an editor (over-confident as always) and felt like I was reestablishing myself a bit socially (emphasis on “a bit”).

That semester, I felt like the best version of myself working on the paper. I loved calling the shots, working on the layout and seeing my work in print. And getting a shoutout (positive or negative) always pepped me up. I mean, if the dean of students isn’t throwing your paper at you calling a story lies, what kind of editor are you? (This happened and the story was fact.)

The Grand Finale (of 2010, at Least)

In December 2010, I graduated. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. I felt proud, accomplished and like I had a mission.

In the end, 2010 showed me where I wanted to go. Falling into that deep hole sucked. But pulling myself up with food (Pizza Brutta is the best pizza place in Wisconsin—try it), art and, most especially, writing saved me. And by the end of the year and the semester, I knew what I wanted after graduation and for my life ahead: to write.

2010 changed me—I had an inkling then, but I can say definitively that it really has. So here’s to 2020. May it be better than 2010, but perhaps just as clarifying and transformative.

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A Heartwarming Christmas Story

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I’ve written about my favorite Christmas albums in the past. I’m a big fan of records from Elvis, Sharon Jones and She & Him. I’m also the biggest fan of It’s My Favorite Time of Year—a CD sold at the cash registers at Boston Store (and Carson’s) back in like 1996.

I truly thought my mom and I were the only people who liked this CD so much. I mean, who else would remember a regional department store-branded Christmas CD from 25 years ago?

Well, someone else did.

This summer I got an email from a woman asking me about this CD. She found my blog post and told me all about how she and her family loved this CD when she was younger, but unfortunately, it got lost and she’d been trying to find a copy ever since.

So through the magic of the internet, I sent this lovely gal (with amazing taste) all the songs. It felt good to know that someone else would be enjoying them this season.

And then this sweet girl sent me truly the most heartwarming thank you note I’ve ever received. Like ever. I teared up. It was really touching.

So, if you’re reading this It’s My Favorite Time of Year fan, know once again that you warmed my heart and lifted my spirits. I hope you and your family have a happy holiday (and same to the rest of you readers).

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Small Goals // December 2019

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November was a crazy busy month! Lots and lots going on the last few weeks, but I managed to sail through.

  1. Bump up my inventory to 75 hoops. I did it! This was a big stretch but I managed to hit 75 a full week before my first show of the season and ended up with more than 80. Patting myself on the back for that one!
  2. Create 5 new designs. I did it! I honestly was a bit worried about managing this one since it’s hard to think about new concepts when you’re in production mode, but I managed to create six new designs. Whew!
  3. Host my inaugural Craft Club. Done! Hoping to regroup after the holidays.
  4. Schedule my last days of PTO. Done!
  5. Try a new podcast. I’ve been listening to Dolly Parton’s America the last few weeks and loving it.
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5/5. I truly can’t believe I knocked all these out! And I didn’t even have a meltdown doing it. High fiving a million angels.

December is one of my favorite months, but every year I seem to ride the line between holiday FOMO and burnout a bit too closely. This year, I’m keeping these goals light so I can just enjoy.

  1. Break out the plastic canvas. It sounds so silly but making little plastic canvas villages is so fun and relaxing to me. It’s part LEGO, part stitching and part old lady craft.
  2. Make my chocolate babka. Did you hear? It’s on the cover of Taste of Home, and it’s just the thing for the holidays.
  3. Have a cozy, seasonal day home with Michael. We’ve got a day slated to stay home and enjoy the season together. I’m looking forward to it!
  4. Don a fancy Christmasy getup. I found my perfect blue velvet dress last year, but I’m always open to something else over the top!
  5. Make my “Spirits of Christmas” hoops. Last year, at the eleventh hour, I had this great idea to make a series of ornament-sized hoops inspired by my favorite Bob’s Burgers Christmas song. I didn’t get very far, but I really want these on my tree. Gotta make them a priority!

Alright, December. I’m ready for you!

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What I Read // Fall 2019

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I did a lot of reading this summer—enough to warrant individual reading updates for July and August—but slowed a bit for the fall. No big shake for me because some of these books were worth savoring.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was my book club’s pick for September, and it’s probably my favorite read all year.

This book was so wonderfully soothing and atmospheric, plus it tapped into my interest in Russian history. Some of my friends thought it was a bit slow-paced, but that’s precisely what I loved so much about A Gentleman in Moscow. Well, that and the wonderful protagonist. I highly recommend this one.

The Witches of New York by Ami McKay • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s almost absurd to say, but this is the third time I’ve picked up this book (I’ve rented it from the library several Octobers in a row with great intentions).

I’m glad I kept returning to The Witches of New York. This book was really satisfying especially reading it close to Halloween. It follows three women with unique witchy talents in 1890s New York. It’s one of my favorite time periods for fiction, so it was right on the mark.

The Toll by Cherie Priest • ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the third book I’ve read by Cherie Priest. I didn’t really gel with Maplecroft but absolutely loved The Family Plot. The Toll fell somewhere in the middle for me.

If you’re a fan of Priest’s, read this one right away. If you’re looking for a really good scary story, I wouldn’t put this southern Georgia-based tale at the top of the list.

The Beast from the East by R.L. Stine • 👹👹👹

Yes, I read a Goosebumps book. Michael and I bought a few for our nephew and it had us feeling nostalgic. I snagged this one off eBay and we’ve been reading it out loud before bed for a few weeks. This is, of course, ridiculous.

I’ll say it was not my favorite Goosebumps book (I preferred ones like How I Got My Shrunken Head and Say Cheese and Die!), but it was fun to flashback to the ’90s for a bit.

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Covergirl // My Babka Is a Star!

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I hinted to this a few weeks back, but now I can officially make this announcement: My babka recipe is on the cover of Taste of Home!

I am so proud of this! I made this bread back in February for a regular work assignment, thinking it would just live on the internet (that was good enough for me), but I learned a few months back that it would be on the cover of Taste of Home—and the holiday issue no less!

I won’t lie to you: This is a darn good recipe. It does take a little bit of work since it’s a yeasted bread, but it’s nothing a normal home baker can’t accomplish.

Plus, the flavors here are so good. Who doesn’t love dark chocolate, orange and a bit of cinnamon? It’s just the thing to slice up and enjoy while opening gifts or for snacking on the day after Christmas.

You can get the whole how-to (and watch me make this bread) right here.

You can find the December/January issue of Taste of Home on newsstands now! I encourage you to pick up a copy.

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30 Days of Thanks // Week 3

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Welcome back to another week of gratitude! November has been a crazy busy month, but I like slowing down to say thanks with these posts. A brief centering like this keeps the wheels from coming off.

Day 16: Magic

It’d be a shame not to go literal on this one! I’m truly so grateful that I got to visit Salem this past fall. My mom and I had an amazing time, and this witchy city helped me reconnect with the ghoulish, magical things I love.

Day 17: Seasons

Working in publishing, I spend a lot of time thinking about and even living for the upcoming season. But I’m grateful to come home to someone that keeps me grounded in the here and now. There’s no one else I’d rather watch Thanksgiving episodes of Bob’s Burgers with.

Day 18: Books

It sounds so silly, but I’m still so happy and thankful that I bought a Kindle. Having it at the ready in my bag helps me reduce my absent-minded screen time and helps me squeeze in a bit more reading. I’m actually two books ahead on my Goodreads challenge for the year.

Day 19: Kindness

I am truly thankful for all the little acts of kindness from strangers. These little just-becauses are so sweet and really lift my day.

So, to the barista this week who let me add vanilla syrup to my latte after I ordered (and for free), thank you. To the girl who complimented my eyeshadow while I was handing out hot chocolate for work, even though I looked silly in my rubber gloves, thanks! And to Mary Elizabeth Burt of Half-Caff Designs for giving me a shout out on Instagram, I appreciate you!

Day 20: Health

I’m so thankful that I’ve found a new doctor that I gel with. I’m not a big fan of the doctor, but my new one really put me at ease and helped me find a solution to a problem that’s been plaguing me.

Day 21: Inspiration

I draw a lot of inspiration from where I call home. Wisconsin, thanks for keeping supper clubs relevant (and consequently tasty ice cream drinks like the Grasshopper above), serving beer chasers with your Bloody Marys and making your Old Fashioned with brandy.

Day 22: Home

Every day I am thankful for my little home. It is strange, it is imperfect, it is occasionally frustrating, but it is so dear to me. What it lacks in space it makes up for in warmth and good memories.

I’m also so grateful to my great-aunt Mary who saw the potential in this little home so many years ago. Mary, you knew a good thing when you saw it.

• • •

I’ll be back next week for the last edition of this year’s gratitude challenge.

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30 Days of Thanks // Week 2

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Welcome back to another week of this 30 Days of Thanks. Let’s dive right in!

Day 9: Change

This is my house back in the ’60s and while so much hasn’t changed, I feel like Michael and I have made so many alterations. But every update we’ve made has been to honor this house and keep it the special place that it is to us. I’m thankful that we’re able to keep all its charms (while making sure it’s still standing).

Day 10: Peace

This photo just makes me feel peaceful. This is the Baileys Harbor Range Light in Door County. Visiting Door County is calming and familiar. I’m thankful I get to do it once in a while.

Day 11: Freedom

This photo was taken on the lake where my family vacations every summer. Being out on the water is really freeing and relaxing. It’s nice to just paddle out to the middle and float. There’s no time tables, no agendas, no cell service, just total freedom.

Day 12: Beauty

Two lighthouses in one post? You bet. This is the Portland Head Light in Portland, Maine. It’s the most photographed lighthouse in the world and for good reason. As we sailed past, it really was breathtaking. This alone was worth the trip to the East Coast.

Day 13: Color

This building isn’t a landmark (to me at least), but it still stopped me in my tracks in Kennebunkport, Maine (more on that soon). The colors of New England, particularly this house, were really inspiring and cozy to me. Still pinching myself that I got to visit. Thanks to Maine for being so wonderful (and to my Mom for going with me).

Day 14: Time

I am nothing if not an impatient person, but somehow I love a craft that takes all the patience in the world (and a good amount of time). I’m thankful to have this hobby that helps me slow down when all I want to do is go.

Day 15: Friendship

I’m pretty darn lucky to have picked up so many great friends at work over the years. Above are some newer additions to my circle and I’m so grateful for them! I’m so thankful to have a bunch of creative gal pals that encourage some of my out-of-the-box and over-the-top ideas. And I’m really thankful to have a handful of friends at work I can shoot the breeze, vent or just snag a coffee with.

• • •

See you next week for more on this gratitude challenge.