shop

Ancient aromas of Italy’s Santa Maria Novella

Posted on by elemonated

Little has changed in the pharmacy over the years. Compare this photograph to the next, taken several decades ago.

When I went on the American Music Abroad tour in Europe, we visited France, Belgium, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland and the beautiful cities I visited still haunt my stagnant legs and beg me to come back. I wouldn’t consider myself a Europhile, as I’m a tad too patriotic for that, but I do love the land and the history and the majesty within the old world and the people who walk on it, and I would like to join those people again one day soon.

Now unfortunately, my group did not get to visit Italy which with its sumptuous intellectual and creative history has had a little pining space inside of me since I started listening and playing Vivaldi and Paganini transposed for the piano. But now with another one of my interests illuminated in the destination (as if music, art, and chocolate weren’t enough), the waiting is going to be maddening.

Read More

Bee and Puppycat Sweater from WeLoveFine

Posted on by elemonated

I guess we’re going to call this a review because I’m going to be talking about one product that I purchased that I have opinions on.

So I bought this sweater:

a few months ago as a sort of final exam treat/Christmas present to myself. It’s adorable. The design is from the web cartoon Bee and Puppycat which I supported in a Kickstarter and wrote about back in September. It fits decently, a little baggy, but that’s what happens when your shoulders are randomly thick for your body. I paid like, $52.50 for that purchase, which I guess is within my willingness to pay, but I kind of wish I didn’t now. The sweater itself is pretty crap quality. It stretches with wear, and I’m sure if I snagged it on something, it would tear immediately. It’s not very warm either. I’ll still wear it, because the design is still adorable, but I’m feeling a little price gouged. I’ve only worn it three to four times since I’ve gotten it, and I’m always wary of sharp corners. I’ve purchased other thing from nerd-gear suppliers and I’ve always found that the stuff is always so hit-or-miss, and the quality inconsistent.

I’m still relatively happy with my purchase, but now that I’m about to graduate, I’m feeling a little more serious about my personal finance. I can’t partake in the support of some of my favorite nerd things if this continues to be an issue.