Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • Saving our Kitchen

    When we first saw the interior of our home we fell in love with it. The original plaster walls, nearly unblemished wood work and wood floors in practically every room sold us on this little 1925 bungalow. Once we moved in, we weren’t quick to rush into furnishing it or painting it. We took our…

  • Amy Butler Fringed Hobo Bag No. 2

    I made another Amy Butler Fringed Hobo Bag, after doing all but swearing I wouldn’t touch the pattern again with my current sewing machine. Round number two wasn’t nearly as bad as the first. Perhaps it was a better experience because it was for Maryann, one of my dearest friends, and not for myself. There’s…

  • Photogenic Notions

    I have a co-worker who grew up primarily in Pakistan, moving back to the states when he was in high school and staying here for college. Only recently has he been able to start going back to Pakistan with some regularity. After his last trip he came back talking about the food, the weather, the…

  • Quinoa Salad

    Each week Green B.E.A.N. Delivery brings a bin-full of freshness to our front door. I really really love that we use their service. Coming home to a bin filled to the brim each Thursday is one of my favorite things. I never cease to become giddy when I unload our container and arrange everything in…

  • Summer Drinks

    In the summer of 2009 our drink of choice was the Mojito. 2010 was the summer of the Gin & Tonic. This summer? I think I’ll have an Americano and the mister will have a Negroni. As always, when it begins to warm up outside and the sun sets later, we stretch out our evenings…

  • Carrot Cake

    You know what perks up a bad day? Cake. Any type really will do, but I’m especially fond of a rich carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting. I really wish I weren’t such an emotional foodie, but I am. Some days I can eat an apple and some almonds and call it a treat,…

  • Leather Cuff

    Lately, summer catalogs with richly printed dresses, bangles and bold accessories have been grabbing my attention. While flipping through these catalogs, I’ve been dreaming of making one of the dresses. But since big projects like that intimidate me, I decided to try making a bold leather cuff instead. Materials: * These instructions and materials will…

  • Rosemary Bread

    This Sunday was Regan’s 32nd birthday and we initially had a weekend of celebration planned. Lovely dinner date somewhere fancy on Friday, a Saturday of movie-going, mini-adventures and watching the Pacquiao v Mosley fight with friends on TV, and then hosting a Sunday cookout with our parents so that we could celebrate Mother’s Day as…

  • Amy Butler’s Fringed Hobo Bag

    I’m not fond of sewing instructions and so if I can find a way around using a pattern I will. But I realize I can’t avoid things I dislike forever so last week I decided to make a real deal bag from a pattern. Sadly, well after cutting all the pieces and begining to put…

  • With Our Hands

    Friday night we enjoyed a quick getaway to French Lick and West Baden, IN with our friends. Since the mid 1800s this area has been known for its mineral springs and their restorative healing powers. Luxurious resorts were built up around the springs and the hotels there hosted such notables as Al Capone and Diamond…

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