NessaMarie

Recently graduated from college and living with my boyfriend in our new apartment in Kansas City. We have a beautiful Pit mix named Sasha, whom no one in our apartment complex knows she is here until they see her- she is super quiet and loves to cuddle. In my free time I love to read, craft and cook. If I can do all three, then I am in heaven.

We are in the midst of decorating our place and finding out what keeps us entertained/happy. I feel like I can learn a lot about those things with these swaps.

My kitchen colors so far are green (think lime or kiwi) and turquoise, with splashes of orange- I know, its a little crazy. I love it though.

Other general living areas are green, black and white.

Bedroom is chocolate and pale green. (Seeing a general theme here, hehe!)

I want to learn more about refinishing furniture (love finding thrift store treasures) and sewing. Also, any new recipes to test out on my boyfriend would be great (Either 4x6 cards or full pages).

Cookbooks with pictures (it helps to know what the finished product is supposed to look like).

Anything by Palahniuk- he has a wonderful way of combining real life situations with creepy dialogue.

Plath- The Bell Jar was the inspiration for my senior thesis and reason for my English degree.

Novels about other cultures and people helping each other out- Reading Lolita in Tehran, Three Cups of Tea, Eat Pray Love, etc.

Stories about teaching, reading or learning- working on my certification right now and any additional information really helps.

True Blood

Its Always Sunny

Law and Order: Special Victims Unit

Anything on the Food Network

Top Chef

Anthony Bourdain No Reservations

House

Office materials

"Ugly Dolls"- look it up, very cute!

All colors, but green especially

Wonder Woman

Candles

Nautical inspired housewares/clothing- tasteful

Kitchen gadgets and matching hand towel sets

Tote bags and wristlets

Pretty (not glittery) lip glosses and nail polishes- OPI is a favorite brand

Modern or interesting fabric for personal projects

Quality chocolate, sour gummy bears, caramel, combination of sweet and salty

Reading materials- bookmarks, post it page markers, book plates, etc.

Plaid

Watermelon, banana, or apple flavored candy/chapstick

Black licorice or jelly beans

Chocolate and mint combos

Anything smelling like smoke

Food smelling candles- pumpkin or pear types

Coconut, tarragon, and green olives

I really enjoy coloring- crayons are my favorite. I am constantly searching for interesting coloring books, especially the artistic types.

I also love making collages. I recently came across a few years worth of National Geographics from the 80s and I have been exploring all the different possibilities. :)

Since I spend a lot of time cooking, I have been making many different types of recipe cards. The upcoming Halloween and Fall seasons have given way to some great design ideas.