When I went to upload my photos for this post, I felt rather like a sheep, following the shepherd of Design Sponge wherever it may lead. But, that's not really true. The vast majority of the things posted over there are very beautiful, but a bit too modern for my taste. I like a bit of modernity mixed in with my anachronistic aesthetic, though, which is why I was smitten with and subsequently had to order this adorable (and inexpensive!) cuckoo-less cuckoo clock from Urban Outfitters:
I'm sorry that the photos aren't A+, it is very grey and dim today (legitimately wintry weather in Georgia!).
Also recommended by D.S., Resist Today, which has this Punk/Victorian aesthetic that results in some really interesting/lovely designs. I had to have this mustard, "Octo-Tophat-Men" pillow for my living room-forest:
On a decidedly less...high-brow(?) note, Target currently has these very true-to-life melamine lunch trays which I am kind of...embarrassingly excited about. They are just like the real thing...and I had to buy a couple. Obviously, since I acquired some very faithfully reproduced lunch-trays, just like the one I used in 4th grade, it was important for me to make a suitable "school lunch"-themed dinner last night for me and the equally-excited (how did I get so lucky?) Josiah. I was going to make some "classy" chicken nuggets, ala Nigella, but then I decided...well...that just wouldn't be right. So we went to the grocery store and picked up some eerily uniform chicken nuggets, tater tots (!) and fake-y macaroni + cheese. As we were checking out, I kept exclaiming "I can't believe we're buying all of this crappy food"... The results:
I know. Kinda gross, but kinda, well, awesome. And a faithful tribute to the fourth grade.
I was really hoping to find some mini-milk cartons, but alas, we had to settle for regular ol' glasses. It was so fun, though, and I highly recommend if you have little people, or are a dork like me, getting yourself to Target and snapping up some cafeteria trays.
But maybe go with a few more veggies, and a few less 'tots.
xoxo
Comments (63)
Everytime I see cafeteria lunch trays at a store, I am so tempted to buy some. But you can't just buy one, you have to buy like 2 or even better 4. And I just don't have any more room for more kitchen stuff. . but your fakey school lunch looks perfect on those trays! how fun.
janelle · January 18, 2007 at 03:23 PM
This is my favorite Black Apple post yet! I love the cuckoo clock, totally covet the pillow, and (yum!) want to snarfle some tots.
We buy our high brow tots at Whole Foods (so they don't have trans fat) but no matter where you get them, they are tasty!
futuregirl · January 18, 2007 at 03:24 PM
I love this post. I also love that you love John Doe, X, and the Knitters. I spent so much of my slightly misspent (!) :) youth dancing on tables to X and later had a huge John Doe crush - so much so that I even bootleg taped one of the Knitters gatherings! Sigh...
jennifer | creatingfromscratch · January 18, 2007 at 03:30 PM
What a fun post! I love Urban Outfitters Apt line as well, they have the quirkiest stuff, --your tray dinner idea is adorable!
mk · January 18, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Oh, ugh ugh ugh, but hilarious at the same time. Theme nights are my favorite.
Cirilia · January 18, 2007 at 03:54 PM
Aren't lunch trays fun? I have red ones, and I just love them.
Miss T · January 18, 2007 at 04:00 PM
I'm a dork too, I gotta get me some of those! Would come in handy if you decided to eat your 5-a-day fruit and veg all in one sitting too!
cassie · January 18, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Your new cushion is very cool too :)
cassie · January 18, 2007 at 04:26 PM
love it all. but especially the lunch trays.
meg · January 18, 2007 at 04:31 PM
i have some white ceramic "lunch trays" from crate & barrel that are an elegant version of what you have, but they are pretty heavy and i don't use them as much as i thought i would. my boyfriend and i would have "microwavable dinner night" in college and so i had to get them when i saw them in the store, but the ones from target look much much cooler and easier to use (they also have more sections than mine which is always nice for extra tater tots!).
love your blog... you always have such pretty things to show off!
april · January 18, 2007 at 04:36 PM
When I got to the part about your love of these sassy dinner tray's I thought- YES! ME TOO! And almost feel out of my chair from a case of the vapors!
WHAT a Great find! I must buy some right away. Since we do not have a dish washer- other than me and my hands, I tend to have this thing about dishes. I have been trying the whole paper plate thing but HATE it. THIS is just the thing I need.
I am sure I will be buying some thing weekend- Along with hunting down some lovely delicate and dainty dishes for my kitties food and water dishes! I decided they needed something Uber shabby vintage to eat off of!
Thank you so much for sharing!
XoxoxoX
Jane
P.S. DID you SEE the GREAT Valentine's Measuring spoons in the shape of hearts and arrows at Target? AMAZING Little Things! It is located in their Dollar bin area...
Jane · January 18, 2007 at 04:48 PM
Oh, wow, we used to have that critter pillow when I was little. My mom embroidered it! I just noticed it's your banner, too, but didn't recognize it until I saw it in full.
I've been resisting the cuckoo clock all week, but it's the wood grain that's been calling my name.
Adrian · January 18, 2007 at 04:54 PM
Love the clock!
I have several of those trays I bought from Pottery Barn for Emma. She just loves them, and so do I. They really help with dinner for her, and well for me too. Kind of cuts down on portion size! LOL
Beth · January 18, 2007 at 05:23 PM
Wow... I was just at Target looking at these exact trays less than an hour ago!! FREAKY.
I stood there in the target isle beside all the super "pricey looking" things and recalled the joys of school lunches.
I almost bought one just for funnzies.
xoxo,
Jenna Lou
Jenna Lou · January 18, 2007 at 05:38 PM
I love those trays...is it bad that some of my fondest school memories are all swirled around hot lunch pizza fridays and "potato puffs"...
I am longing for a Friday School Lunch now.
xoxoxo
stilettoheights · January 18, 2007 at 06:44 PM
So fun the trays are. Starbuck's actually has little milk cartons (of Organic milk) that I buy for my little girl when we go there, just FYI. They're so fun to get for her!
Erika · January 18, 2007 at 06:54 PM
Oh man...I hope they have the little chili bowls that go in the round slot, too. That would just be the icing on the day-old cafeteria cake.
kiwi · January 18, 2007 at 07:25 PM
I didn't read all the comments ahead of mine, but your lunch kinda reminds me of Napolean Dynamite! Cute lunch trays though and the cutest ever dining set. I grew up with a mom who is nuts over red and we had a cherry red couch, red table, red light fixture.. tiffanyish in style... red flatware. It's a very happy color for me. :) Lovely as usual Emily, except your lunch...
tiffany · January 18, 2007 at 07:25 PM
crappy lunch school food definitely has an important place in my diet. i always say that real mac and cheese is awesome, but out of the box is good too. it's like two totally different dishes. they both have there place.
risa · January 18, 2007 at 08:25 PM
Tater tots aren't a vegetable?
Mama Urchin · January 18, 2007 at 09:07 PM
I am away from the studio and at home tonight, where little Cinderellasrevenge.blogspot inhabits the upstairs mole-hole, and I am saying, look at what Emily bought at Target (Cafeteria tray), I saw those.. Then she whips out the round version, from target and we just look at eachother and smile. Hugs, vanessa
Cinderella · January 18, 2007 at 11:32 PM
Oops, I posted from Cinderella's. Can't wait to here if the macaroni and cheese was good??? Now i officially crave, cherry pie, macaroni and cheese, tater-tots, nuggets..Sheesh...
Vanessa · January 18, 2007 at 11:35 PM
love it. you're too cool. dont be changing. fourth grade was awesome!!!
Laura · January 19, 2007 at 04:39 AM
Those pillows are amazing! I am so envious that you own that lovely octopus one. I hope you are doing well and we can chat soon about things!
Jessica · January 19, 2007 at 07:33 AM
i only ate school lunch on pancake day.
missy · January 19, 2007 at 08:38 AM
Oh I love how it looks authentically school lunch with the food you chose!
Jenny Rebecca · January 19, 2007 at 08:46 AM
That is AWESOME that he got excited about the lunch tray dinner! You are a lucky gal! =)
RAchelle · January 19, 2007 at 09:18 AM
Hi Emily,
I've been following your blog and shop updates for awhile now and while I enjoy both, I sometimes feel put-off by your snobby and self-righteous writing. Why are people over using the words dork and nerd to define their quirks? Does it seem humble and cooler? Sometimes I feel when people are lifestlye dressers and decorators they begin to narrow themselves into this one existence leaving out other ideas. This happens a lot with hipster types, they eventually become what they are trying to avoid, no?
Anna · January 19, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Love love love it all! Urban Outfitters is so awesome, and surprisingly affordable. I've added tons of stuff to my wish list already!
Caf. trays are so great, especially for folks who don't like their different foods to touch (raises hand). My 18-month-old daughter has kidlet sized trays and loves them, too.
Nichole · January 19, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Emily, Kristen(Cinderellasrevenge.blogspot)and Vanessa here...In reading your comments, we found it important to share these thoughts...We love that you are always you. You are real. You are not trying to sugar coat everything to appear perfect and flawless. In this PC society everyone has become so careful as to what they will and will not say in order to not offend, simply because sometimes people interpret things negatively due to their own tainted perceptions. Everyone is entightled to their own opinion true, but not everyone has to agree. We admire you for sharing so much of yourself publicly. We love you! Stay you. Be true to you always!!
Vanessa · January 19, 2007 at 11:36 AM
hi emily! i also wanted to tell you not to be upset by anna's comments. i love you and i love your blog! vanessa (see comment before mine) and i are always comparing notes on how cute you are and how much we love your art. and as a lifelong nerd who has come to embrace the title, i think it is a great word for y quirks! i don't know what is with this negative energy in the blogosphere lately. big big hugs to you. and kisses too.
risa · January 19, 2007 at 11:53 AM
I bought some vintage lunch trays at a yard sale 3 years ago and my oldest daughter has always enjoyed filling the squares for her meals.
I would LOVE to find some of that rectangular pizza we used to get!
Love that gold wall color too!
Merrill · January 19, 2007 at 12:47 PM
emily, you should be proud of who you are and what you are, whether you are deemed a hipster, or just a total darling, you know who you are and you're comfortable and loving yourself.
remember darling girl, geek chic has been around for many a year...hello Buddy Holly...
anyway, I digress...
you are a darling. now I am done.
stilettoheights · January 19, 2007 at 01:35 PM
I just love everything about your home!It has a fairytale like feeling about it!Boy you must be very proud.Enjoy!
Desirée · January 19, 2007 at 02:27 PM
OOOO,this is definitely one of my fave posts of yours ! Your home is adorable,and totally you!!!! I agree with Vanessa,Risa,Cinderella,and Stilletto heights,the whole reason we come back to read more and more is because you keep on being you.
jungle dream pagoda · January 19, 2007 at 02:43 PM
I absolutely love that pillow! We had tots last night with organic tomato soup. Does that mean they negate each other? ; )
Michele Annette · January 19, 2007 at 03:05 PM
I subscribe to dozens of blogs and cannot keep up with them all. However, your blog is the one I look for every day - to see if it's been upated. I love everything that you do - your artwork, clothing, etc. But I have a fondness for the posts where you show your apartment. You have impeccable taste.... and your personality does shine though your blog and artwork. Just right! Love the tone and how you seem to cherish your readers.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
sunny · January 19, 2007 at 04:05 PM
RAchelle, whoever you are...you are a poop.
:)
cece marie · January 19, 2007 at 04:57 PM
I absolutely love your cuckoo clock, I'm totally addicted to them and have already almost run out of wall space. Your site is fantastic and I can totally relate - Lula is great, Zooey is great - love everything, have to now check it out every day - have to thank a friend in Australia for sending me your link. BTW Urban Outfitters in London is not quite as good as America's - we seem to miss out on some great stuff and wish we had an Anthropologie here too (Target also). Have a fun weekend.
Lorraine · January 19, 2007 at 05:09 PM
e you trying to cover yours up or hide them or whatever the anna girl was attempting to say.
I agree with whoever it was above (sorry...so many comments!) that she probably felt just as horrible as you after she wrote it.
being a dork or a nerd is the best thing in the world. so are nostalgic lunches on trays with tots. :)
you know the rest of us love you, girl! and from one local to another (well, i'm in TN...close enough, right?)...stay just as sweet and open-minded and opinionated and thoughtful as you are! oh and keep making cute things for me to covet. haha.
hope you have a great weekend!
.♥.
Jenn (knittyJenn) · January 19, 2007 at 05:44 PM
Oh, Emily. I feel for you and know you're replaying that testy comment over & over. I know, as something similar but even nastier happened on my blog a couple weeks ago. I rec'd a very angry, mean comment after posting about trying to find a decently priced modern couch. Lots of bitter name calling, & reminding me to love my children better because I don't appreciate them now,and they'll hate me when I'm old because I made them sit on hard, "ugly" couches.
First I wrote a post like yours, sort of explaining myself & my intent, but then got so tired of thinking about it all that I just deleted the whole mess, including my post. I guess that means the bully won, but oh well. Anyway...you are so lovely and gentle and quirky and funny, and I love coming here and being inspired. I'm admittedly much older & sarcastic all around, and I guess that comes through in my blog writing. But you? Snotty? Never! So keep the faith, chica, and don't change a thing.
KellyS · January 19, 2007 at 06:22 PM
I just got my turq. clock 2 days ago...I fell in love too! We love you...move on little ones that don't love our Emily!
anne sheridan · January 19, 2007 at 07:41 PM
you're a shiny shiny star.
Laura · January 19, 2007 at 09:26 PM
I think little Miss Anna is a tad jealous of our dear Emily, "no?".
Sarah · January 20, 2007 at 01:14 AM
Emily you rock and we love you just as you are. My heart takes a little leap everytime I notice you've treated us to a new posting. I love your wonderful use of colour and sense of fun. Plus I love your wonderful artwork that adorns not just my walls but walls all over the world. Don't go changing one little bit. All I can say is thank you for sharing a little bit of your world with us.
Sezz · January 20, 2007 at 06:00 AM
Hi Emily, not sure what Anna is going on about! Not sure she does either, it doesn't really make sense. Just keep on being you and don't let it make you self conscious about what you share. xx
La Vie Arty · January 20, 2007 at 06:26 AM
I'm new to this whole "blog" thing, but my understanding is that a blog is a diary of sorts. A diary doesn't deserve critique, no? Don't be sad, Emily. Don't let this foolish person change your honesty and charm.
helen · January 20, 2007 at 08:17 AM
super finds. I love the corners of your home! :)
London Southern Belle · January 20, 2007 at 12:58 PM
Emily.
Anyone who does not love you and your crafty blog should not be allowed to enter your world..period. And banned from making snarky comments as well!
You are the only blog I check daily.. love you and your style that does not need a label, it is you.. xoxo
debbie · January 20, 2007 at 03:05 PM
I don't really get what the snarkiness is about...this is my first visit, and i just don't get why anyone would go and put put negative comments out there....it seems to me that if one does not LIKE a blog, one should just not read it and move on, rather than throw negativity around like that! :(
For what's its worth, i am liking your blog VERY much, and so on love with your decor! (that pillow made me totally swoon and THANK YOU for linking to the awesome artist that makes them! :) You posts are lovely, don't let the "snarkling" get you down!
Amanda Button · January 20, 2007 at 07:24 PM
I love this post! That cuckoo clock is amazingly adorable... I wish I could find one in Australia!
And that cushion... every time you post house-y pictures I'm so happy to see them, and wish I could convince my rental agent to let me paint!
Penny · January 20, 2007 at 08:41 PM
LOVE the Octoman Pillow designs
Lou Patrou · January 21, 2007 at 11:01 AM
I bought some of those lunch trays last year at Target. White, and yellow which is my fave. For some reason they make my life seem a bit more organized on those days when everything is whirl-windy.
Jess · January 21, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Emily,
I am so sorry that Anna felt the need to attack you like that. I enjoy reading your blog and seeing your lovely home. I may not agree with everything, but there is no need to post something like Anna did.
I also feel sad that people are now posting nasty comments unnecessarily on Rachelle's blog.
Keep up the awesomeness.
rachael · January 21, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Hi Emily -
I'm a first time commentor, but I should say that yours is my most favorite blog ever. It so inspires me and I really think that surely 'anna' was confused - how could she be talking about you? Anyway, you are simply fabulous and you shouldn't even give those kind of comments a second thought! You have a huge fan base, though some of us are a little shy:)
Mary · January 21, 2007 at 07:51 PM
i know it has been done and done, but your blog is amazing and wonderful! the art you make of your life is so inspiring and creative, yet your write in such a warm, personable way that it is impossible to do anything but admire you and aspire to see the world in the thrilling, wonder-filled way that it seems like you do. bravo to you for your fabulous artwork and the generous look you give us into the lovely bits of your life in this blog.
Nancy · January 21, 2007 at 08:29 PM
hi miss emily,
i just wanted you to know that i love your blog and etsy store! i think that you are a wonderful designer and have an amzing eye for magical things. thank you for all that you do to make the world a better place.
susan_randombutter · January 21, 2007 at 10:48 PM
i was saddened to read the negative stuff here, even though free speech is encouraged to some extent, it does not add up that somebody would follow your work and regularly read your blog if they did not like you.
this amounts to some weird obsession, and it likely boils down to plain old jealousy at the end of the day.
your success, and the support you are given by your friends (and admirers of your art) are enough to justify your value in the blogging/creative world.
you need not expose your deepest self here, that is nobodys business but your own, and im sure you and all of us have many more dimensions to our character than our blogs make known. we are merely human.
keep yer chin up, kid, your blog is a treat!
by lou, artandghosts:)
artandghosts · January 22, 2007 at 10:59 AM
just wanted to say that i enjoy reading your bloggings. you have a great writing style, it's so fun and interesting. you have great taste too. i love checking out what you've newly purchased or made. thanks for the peek into your neat world. :)
Meg · January 22, 2007 at 12:38 PM
Remember Popey: "I yam what I yam!" And godbless ya for all your idiosyncrises and "quirks", that's what keeps bringing us all back to visit you and your doings everyday. Someone said earlier that it basically boils down to some sort of jealousy that maybe you have a quality of life Rachelle could only dream of or whatever. Why else would any of us be reading your blog anyway?! Of course I envy you alittle, you're such an inspiring lady!!
Amy M · January 22, 2007 at 08:20 PM
your little ode to fourth grade lunch is so cute!
amandajean · January 22, 2007 at 08:32 PM
Hey there, Em. I got my first mean-spirited comment yesterday, so I'm feeling you. (I was told I wasn't "open-minded" enough because I posted a negative book review.) Her comment says more about her than it does about you.
JulieFrick · January 23, 2007 at 09:48 AM
Gasp! Days after this post, I found these: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladolcerita/368455892/
! Mine aren't really elementary school so much as diner, but compartments!!! Diner meal to follow soon...
rita · January 24, 2007 at 10:32 PM