Introducing 52 Weeks of Downtown Lancaster

I've been trying to think of something I could do on a weekly basis that didn't require a ton of thought or time. Not because I'm lazy, but because I want something I can do with some semblance of consistency despite my busy schedule. And because part of my mission with this blog is to spread the word that there's more going on in Lancaster than Amish buggies and outlet shopping. So, I came up with the idea to combine those two goals into this project.

This idea stems from the other creative ideas out there in blogging land. There's an e-book out there in the indie design/handmade blogging world called 52 Weeks of Blogging your Passion. It's a great book and a great project, but not one that I'm ready to take on. Not yet. Not this year.

But there are some other bloggers out there who are starting their own 52 Weeks type of projects and after reading them, I got inspired. Do you need inspiration, too? May I suggest starting here with Brandi and her 52 Colors project. It's a lovely idea and I love that she's combining color and photography (two of my favorite things!). When exposed to those two things in tandem, I turn into the likes of a 2-year-old on the loose in a candy shop - pretty colors, pretty pictures! Can I have some more, please?

So, back to my own project. Whether I take photos with my Canon DSLR, my little point and shoot or my favoritest (yes, favoritest) iPhone app ever, Hipstamatic, I'm ready to document the places, spaces and faces I encounter here in downtown Lancaster, Pa.

Ready? Let's go!

52 Weeks of Downtown Lancaster, Week 1
It's snowing here tonight and this is the view of the snowy rooftops from my 3rd floor studio space.

Inspired by:: Paris in winter

I'm all moved in to my new house. Big YAY! I'm so excited to start the renovating and decorating process. This will probably keep me busy for the next decade or so.

We're planning to start with the third floor, which will be my studio, and I have a very clear picture of what I want there - lots of greys, creams and taupes with dark wood and antique white wood accents (and this Pottery Barn workstation). My inspiration for the entire room is Paris in Winter.

I poked around on Flickr and found some wonderful pics to help get me in the redecorating mood (as if buying a new house didn't already make me want to direct deposit half of my paycheck to Home Depot):


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PS- Yes, I'll post some before and after shots (and maybe some during shots, too, since the idea of me renovating anything just seems like it could produce some pretty hilarious photo opps).

Things that suck:: packing and moving

I found this picture on Flickr and the photographer's description was, "There are no words which adequately convey how much I hate moving house." I'll throw back a beer or three to that sentiment.

I say this in the midst of hastily posting a this post while surrounded by boxes and packing up my life. We're not moving far. Just a few blocks, actually. We bought a house (our first house- yay!) and I really am excited. But mostly right now, I just feel exhaustion from the past few weeks (holidays, wedding, etc) and dread for the next few days (moving). I'll be a happy camper (home owner?) on Sunday morning when I can kick back and relax with a cup of coffee in my new house (if I can find the coffee maker amongst the boxes).

But until then, I'll have limited internet access. I'll be posting on Twitter and Facebook, though, so catch up with me there. And also, you should check out this hilarious post about how dogs don't understand moving. My dogs are a drooling, freaking-out testament to that. Fortunately, they'll be at the pet resort for the bulk of the move.

So, have a good weekend, all! I'll catch you next week.

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