snobertson

My (not really) New Vice

2011-11-12T13:35:00.001-08:00

I've been hitting Pinterest pretty hard for the last few months, actually, it's been one of my favorite pass times for the better part of this year, and frankly, it's probably why I haven't started blogging again more. Because with the ease of pinning straight to a pre-categorized pinboard, I have no need to make little categories here in the form of posts. If you use Pinterest, you already know how addictive it is. Especially the iPhone app. Oh the joy I get from pinning on my phone! It's so much better a fix than Facebook or Twitter and when there are new pins: it makes my heart skip ever so slightly.

So, here's what I love about it for the average person: It's a great way to remember all the semi-useful things we learn about on the internet. The type of bar soap someone recommended that would normally fall out of your head the moment it was digested, let's say. Or a flower arrangement for a party, or hell, even recipes if you are a super-visual-recipe-saver-type.

For a designer: It's crack. Pure and simple. I have categories I reference all the time for work. Down to windows and door, staircases, stove vent hoods, tile layouts. You name it. Whenever I need a little inspiration or clarification on something, I can reference all the photos of completed projects I love.

Try it, I really think it's life-changing (in an inflated, internet way) and if you're there, follow me. I've added a button right on the top of my page just to make it easy. And here are a few of the things I've been pinning lately:

Return to Me

2011-09-21T22:37:00.001-07:00

Here's the thing... Writing is pretty hard when you feel like you don't have anything to say.

I've spent the better part of two years feeling like I didn't really have anything to add, nothing to contribute. It was odd how going to school affected me and almost made me feel less human. And then... for the first time in two years, I took the summer off from school and started working part-time at a design firm and then... Like magic, I began to feel more like myself again. It was like amazing, like the color was back in my cheeks.

But the pitfall is that I'm not done. I have only a few classes, but with my luck it will take another year before I can walk away with a diploma. It's a three year program but I've been trying to jam through it. Maybe it's why I use felt so useless? The thing is, I thrive on work. Not school. I'm not programmed to be an adult student, I'm programmed to be a never-stop-real-world person, a worker bee.

Regardless, I'm vowing to not lose myself again. And with that, a re-newed interest in this blog.

Let's give it another shot.

Is it really December?

2010-12-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

And my last post was in August? Oh wow, I really have dropped the ball, haven't I?

Well, my new year's resolution will no doubt be to post more, but in the meantime, I've done a Christmas wishlist over at Trove Interiors for a little fun this holiday season.

Jump over and have a look if there is anyone out there and to all, have a great holiday.

I love a good before and after

2010-08-30T10:49:00.001-07:00

One of my daily reads is Erin Gates' blog "Elements of Style," the companion to her thriving design business in Boston. If only I were in Boston, we would be friends perhaps (I also feel that way about Erika Powell, but I digress... blogs somehow make me feel as though I'm creepy without ever intending to be).

This morning, I had to share her kitchen remodel for a client. I can't tell you what a fan I am of marble and white in a kitchen. And I also have a hard time letting people do anything other than white on a cabinet (painted is always fine, but wood makes me really want to grab them by the shoulders and shake them until they drop the subject).

So get a load of this baby:

I love how clean it is, without losing any amount of prettiness. I think that's a hard combination to pull off so kudos to Erin.

These were the befores, by the way:

Had to post this...

2010-08-30T10:37:00.001-07:00

Bringing my big whopping grand total for August to three posts. Shameful.

But regardless, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to post on this gem: LuAnn de Lesseps from Real Housewives of New York has published her new digs in NY Social Diary.

To be fair, I couldn't bring myself to read the whole article because I'm not interested in her enough (now if it was Bethenny...), and after seeing the photos, I still wasn't interested in reading it more closely. Maybe I missed something earth-shattering... but probably not.

(get a load of that hearth get-up... yuck)

I passed over the more boring images, but you can see the whole article here. Perhaps others like it, but it's not my cup of tea.

You're on my list.

2010-08-03T11:14:00.001-07:00

Caviar dreams, tuna fish budget.

Hearty Oats & Summer Fruit

2010-08-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, one of the things that really floats my boat is food. Not only is it something I've had a passion for since way back when, it's something that really makes me feel better -- and I'm not talking about the "eat my feelings" kind of way, I'm talking about how making something to share can make me feel like a better person. Also, there is nothing better than when a recipe either turns out perfectly, or when successfully cooking or baking without a recipe can feel like a complete and utter victory.

So get used it, there might be a lot more food posts. Right now, I'm channeling my creative energy into it rather than a house because it is so much cheaper than tearing down a wall or buying sets of glassware.

Yesterday I brought back one of my favorite breakfasts that has now become my lunch and probably quite soon, my dinner. Oats -- but let me say, these are anything but gluey and sticky. By cooking the oats like pasta for only a minute or so, it makes them much more grain-like. My next endeavor is a savory version of this, with probably mushrooms and other summer/fall veggies.

For the time being, here is how to make a quick breakfast -- everything done in the time it takes to boil water and cook them.

Quick Cook Oats with Summer Fruits

Add as many fruits and nuts as you desire, obviously, but I love combination including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mango, the list can go on. In winter, diced apple and dried cranberries make a great substitution for a lack of fresh fruit.

1/2 c. Old Fashioned/Steel Cut Oats
1 peach in a 1/2 dice
Small handful of nuts, like walnuts or pecans
Brown sugar or agave, to taste

Boil water in a medium size pot. While water is heating, prep fruit and nuts. Add them to your breakfast bowl and top with brown sugar/agave. Once the water has boiled, add the oats and wait for the water to resume boiling. At this point, you should see the oats almost dancing in the water, quickly replaced by the starches from the oats being released and creating foamy water that threatens to boil over -- pour the oats into a fine sieve and once drained, combine with fruits and nuts, about a minute.

For convenience, I usually let the oats cool for a bit in the time it takes me to wash my pot and sieve. For me, it's worth the minute it takes to do the dishes and know I never have to come back to a mess.

Happy Birthday Miggies

2010-07-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

...Don't say I never did anything for you.

Thanks for being my one loyal reader.

Herbal Housewarming

2010-07-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

I've always thought housewarming gifts were somewhat difficult to give. Knowing how particular I am about what I want in my home, I never want to impose my own taste on someone else if I don't know them super well. So when the opportunity arose to go outside with my gift, it felt right. And, it gives me the opportunity to get in on the action of choosing the perfect herbs for my friends.

This week my boyfriend gets a new roommate: His roommate's girlfriend. She moves up from Arizona to quit the long-distance relationship stuff, and as the by-product, I get more estrogen in the house and shows like "The City" on the DVR. Cooking hasn't been something she's spent a ton of time doing, but with a new climate and people to eat with, I think it's something we will both be doing together in a small apartment kitchen .

Choosing the right herbs is a little difficult because you have to get the right mix of things that will come in handy, but also aren't too boring. In the pots for this housewarming are Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, Greek Oregano, Curly Parsley (they were out of Italian, a real bummer), BBQ Rosemary and mature Mint (in its own pot). I wish I had chives in the mix, but maybe after we test their heartiness we can add another pot of additional plants.

Ask me what I did today?

2010-06-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

I dare you. I bet my answer is either a lot like yours, or not at all.

If you happened to have spent your day in line for the iPhone 4, well then, I guess we are soul mates. Today, however, the only people close to me were a bunch of nerds who I learned a whole lot about over the course of 7.5 hours. Yes, 7.5 hours.

There are times when I wish I was a quitter (Lisa, let me save you the trouble -- except for that time I quit working for you) because if I was, I would have told that line to eff off and somehow figured out how to get my phone without standing there for the entire day. But, being that I have a stubborn streak and an intense devotion to iPhones, there I was, for better or worse.

I don't know how I somehow got kicked to the "reserve" option on AT&T last week instead of the "ship to me and have it arrive a day early with no effort at all" option, but I was unlucky. And to make matters worst, my boyfriend was one of the lucky ones, so there was no way in hell I was going to let him lord that phone over me for days, weeks, or (gasp) months. Oh no, sir.

So all of the above means it was just me and some nerds for a day. I was one of the only girls in the line and as the only girl, I almost felt like it was my duty to tell the Apple programmer that he had BO and the Microsoft-y that he had a bad case of dandruff, but in the spirit of new technology, I embraced our differences and let them fly their freak flag... high.

And then, at 2:55pm, after hours together, they cheered me off as I was ushered in to the store. Together we waited, apart we bask in iPhone 4 glory.

(And sadly, my photos from the day were lost in the upgrade, but trust, there were some doozies.)

Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda

2010-06-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

Today has just been one of those days where I feel like I will go to sleep tonight regretting how I spent the day. Don't get me wrong, procrastinating with 9 by Design and various other OnDemand selections felt good at the time, but then you look back on it with regret. It's the to-do list's arch enemy, the equivalent of eating a bag of Cheetos -- so good at the time and then as soon as it's over, you know you did a bad, bad thing.

I did manage to walk to the bank today and also check email, where I found these lovely little $50 dollar items from Daily Candy.

The first is a linen shirt from Nordstrom that I won't be able to buy, because unfortunately, the title is too correct, my boyfriend really does have a shirt like this and the embarrasment of showing up someplace wearing the same thing is enough to make me skip it, even though I really do want it. In all honesty, I might end up getting it and then live a life forever spent phoning ahead to check that we aren't dressed like twins.

Chambray shorts from Gap, that honestly, I can't see looking good on real people, but the concept I love. And sometimes, loving something in theory is just as good as the real thing.

Lastly, in unrelated news, days are numbered for Martin + Osa, so stop by and pick up some of the best tanks I've found lately for cheap. God, I'll be sad to see them go. It's just not right.

Just Right, Right?

2010-05-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

That's not too big of a pour, right? I think it's just the glass that is deceiving but it definitely put a good dent in the bottle.

Regardless, it is past 5:00 and totally necessary after a hard day's work. Thank you to France for a wonderful $9 bottle (that today only serves 3).

Yes, I get GOOP

2010-05-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

This week's GOOP (Gwyneth Paltrow's personal hotlist) is actually kind of interesting. Don't get me wrong, I love the newsletters full of clothes and I even love the cooking segments, but I tend to snooze right through the editions dealing with the emotions. I have even read the weird ones on cleanses, but as soon as I see some type of doctor writing about feelings, I tend to hit "delete."

Not this one! This one is all about the good ol' material things and I love it! While shooting a movie in Nashville, GP found herself needing a house fit for the Paltrow-Martins in just 10 days. Enter Annette Joseph. She is actually a producer/photo stylist, but get a load of what she was able to accomplish in a mere week and a half. The befores are unreal. Then again, it wouldn't be hard to get things done if you could drop the line "This is for Gwyneth Paltrow!"

Before:

10 Days Later:

What I also love is that a lot of the apartment actually came from everyday places. Jump through to the newsletter to see more sources, but this is a taste of it:

Little Pieces of Heaven

2010-05-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

I haven't mentioned how much I miss Paris right now. It's something about spring in Seattle that immediately makes me long for spring in Paris. It undoubtably has something to do with the beauty that its there, as opposed to here (rainy and windy right now, what gives?).

Last week, I was so desperate for macarons that I almost made them myself. I had all the ingredients, save for eggs and somehow was too lazy to go to the store. I recognize that this is crazy on a number of levels - crazy that I had almond flour on hand, but no eggs; Crazy that I had the gumption to make a complicated little cookie, but nada for a 3 block trip to the store.

So imagine my happiness when Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle had a lovely little row of flavors available for purchase when I was there on Saturday. I was so happy I could have just cried. But unfortunately, it was short-lived. They just didn't do it for me like the ones I would by at Laduree. Something about the flavors -- just too much. I like the purity of just pistacio, or just strawberry. These were crazy combinations, and all just sooo sweet.

So from sad to happy to sad, and now, perhaps happy again when this tidbit came from DailyCandy yesterday: Macarons on your doorstep for $20 dollars.

I love this because I spent 18.50 on a meazly nine and because these seem pretty straigtforeward. Unadulterated macarons just the way I like them.

And I also think they make the perfect gift. That is, if you can't just send them to Paris.

What I've been reading...

2010-05-17T23:48:00.000-07:00

Last time I really sat down to write, I was heading off to Mexico, and then I quickly came back to AutoCAD and the most boring class ever, "Building Systems and Codes." Snooze.

But in the midst, I've kept up the guilty pleasures.

I literally stayed up all night to finish this book. It's no surprise since everyone is talking about it, but what's one more good review.

It takes a certain kind of nerd, but thankfully I am one of them. I'm an NPR girl through and through and this little nugget was like This American Life in my suitcase. If you never thought the assassinations of McKinley, Garfield and Lincoln could be entertaining, think again.

Not like she isn't a blog sensation, but Erin Gates has a blog I read almost everyday, happily. She mixes it up, her style is approachable and she is down to earth in a way that not many are. Plus, she is straight up dependable, not a weekday goes by without a post, she a force to be reckoned with with.

Tuned in about a week ago and I'm loving it. Sure, there is a gaping hole with no Decorno, but having some content out there that feels even the slightest bit different is ah-mazing. And she's got lots of wonderful pictures with a nice eye for editing -- content makes sense and you're not left on sensory overload.

Alright Already.

2010-05-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

As much as I've tried to ignore the fact that I haven't written, a few people haven't let me forget.

Last week, I received this email from my mother:

It's time you wrote a new post......the last one was in March before your trip. Surely you have an opinion on at least one subject. You can tell I miss reading your posts. I just logged on to Decorno, now even she is no longer posting.

Love you,

Mom

Sweet, but ignorable.

Then I got this less-than-subtle callout on my facebook wall from my less-than-subtle former boss, Lisa:

Would you take your blog down? I am tired of checking every day to see if it's been updated, only to have the Famke Janssen surly face girl in the green dress staring back at me. Blogs are for updating. And for entertaining me at lunch. Not for taking up valuable space with posts from March 22. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Love, me.

So, Lisa (and Mom), I will try to find a new lease on life and figure out something to say. Unfortunately, all my gusto comes at inconvenient times and I'm left with that pathetic feeling everytime I even come close to some interesting thought (interesting might be a stretch).

So here it goes, ramp up number I stopped counting.

Spring: It's Finally Here

2010-03-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Just in the nick of time, Spring is here, and more importantly -- Spring Break (capital "S," capital "B" because you don't realize how wonderful it is until you have it back again).

I mentioned that somehow, through a miracle, I managed to swing a week in Playa Del Carmen, and this time next week, I'll be boarding one of the most heinous plane rides (huge layover in the the Armpit (aka LAX)) and on my way to a week of books on the beach. If I had my way, I'd be doing a little pre-vacation shopping, but alas, it's the real world, so I've turned to the virtual and found the things that I would take in another life.

I love this dress from Parker - it's exactly what I would want for the hot weather and the ruffles shout vacation. Even better though is the racerback, because when you get down to it, I'm not really sweet enough for ruffles, so who am I kidding. It tones it down and adds some reality.

I've been wanting a strapless bikini because I've had way too many summers left sporting that bad tanline that comes with the halter top. There is nothing like going to a wedding and trying to some how cover the lines with self-tanner and make-up. Finally I just have to give up and wear the mark like a scarlet letter.

This suit from J.Crew wins me over with the strips and the light coral. I'm a sucker for the nautical influence and I love the color.

Shorts: so hard. So hard to find a pair that flatters the legs and so hard to find a pair that doesn't make you feel rediculous. I love this pair for some reason and with all these distressed denim trends going on, it's a nice way to pay homage to the trend, without feeling rediculous. These are from Current/Elliott.

I'm also bracing myself for the terrible flight on the way down (what I'll do for a deal...) so comfort is more of a factor than normal. Usually, I try not to dress down for flights, mostly because I like to contribute to the "This is not a bus!" movement, but also because I hate arriving to a new city looking like I just got off a plane, or rather, rolled out of bed. How did those two things become one and the same?

So in this case, I would try to combine two tasks and wear something like this, from my favorite, lululemon.

It's got a sidezip and awesome almost-motocross detail across the shoulder and back. I have the cocoon wrap already, which is similar, but how can you resist this? It's such a good combination of all that is good.

I would also try to pair it with lululemon Go Lightly pants.

I always end up feeling super self-conscious in things that fall in to the category of 4-way stretch or lycra, but sometimes, you've just got to have it. In this case, I love that the pants don't cling to the ankle, almost disguising themselves as ankle length black pants. Paired with a flat, could they look chicer than most? Especially with a jacket like the one above?

So there it is. What I would buy in a perfect world. Regardless, it's Mexico, so I'm a lucky girl.

What's wrong with this picture?

2010-03-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

I first flipped by this photo when browsing HouseBeautiful.com and then went back to it. For me, all I saw the first time through were the modified Windsor barstools, and it was SO distracting, that I overlooked what is really a beautiful kitchen.

Am I alone in this? Am I overlooking the statement that was trying to be made, but is really just lost on me? Something way better and much less distracting could have been chosen, and then maybe I would have seen the room for what it really is -- beautiful subway tiles, marble, amazing millwork.

Too bad about those barstools.

Ahoy Stripes

2010-02-25T08:32:00.001-08:00

I'm loving this dress from Maje. Perfect for late spring and summer. And I'm loving the price of $170 (refreshingly inexpensive compared to it's Net-a-Porter neighbors). It's also shown with Sigerson Morrison sandals that are to die for.

I've come around to (some) plaid shirts

2010-02-18T21:56:00.001-08:00

I can hear the grunge jokes already, but there is something about it that I like. I especially like the Shopbop/Madewell price of $68 bucks.

Although, as I write this I'm watching the snowboarding half-pipe and am noticing some similarities...

Tea or Coffee?

2010-02-17T23:06:00.000-08:00

I don't have too many vices, just the regulars - Bravo, Diet Coke, bulk candy, sales at Barney's, sales on cashmere, Salon shoes at sale prices, you get my drift...

And what's been getting my attention lately? Tea. Like a true addict, it's always within arms' reach and if I don't have it with me, I feel slightly unnerved. In late summer, I virtually abandoned coffee in favor of black tea, full-time. In the fall, the conditioned worsened and by what it now late winter, I'm a full-blown user.

What I have grown to also appreciate is the complex universe that accompanies tea. The varieties, the different cups and mugs, the different brewing techniques... Here are a few of the things that I'm either using, or have caught my addict eye.

Intelligentsia's 333: Introduced to me by some very special people in the know, this is amazingness. Herbal teas usually fall flat for me, but the flavors in this are amazing. The mix of tart rosehips and fresh peppermint is a really nice compliment to the chamomille.

Teavana's Thousand Mountain Jasmine: My Christmas present from my boyfriend (it's a long story), I underestimated how good it would be. With just a little agave, it quickly becomes a sweet treat, otherwise it's a solid black tea.

Hario's 15-oz. teapot, perfect for brewing loose tea for two or one. I love it's design and the glass makes judging strength so much easier. This is on the wishlist.

Breville's Variable-Temperature Kettle: While it's still a little bulky for my taste, I love that it has temperature settings for different varieties of tea. I have loved electric kettles since I used to spend weeks at a time with my cousins in Denmark. Europeans know how to do it with tea, always present and always quickly brewed in an electric kettle. It makes so much sense and it's so quick. While this one is the Rolls-Royce, any electric kettle makes me happy.

And to enjoy, two options for the home:

Crate and Barrel's Latte Mug makes for the most perfect "big cup." I had been on the hunt for the best big white mug for some time, and again, the best, most hip friends in NY opened my eyes to the bargain that was right in front of my eyes.

And for the more urbane, Bodum's tumbler. It looks so amazing when it's filled, and the technology lives up to it's reputation, you really can't feel the heat.

And for on the go:

From Summit Tea Company, a glass and stainless steel tumbler that lets you brew loose tea while not being limited to the pot. Ah, the convenience.

Just what the doctor ordered

2010-02-17T22:44:00.000-08:00

I know my last post was depressing, but what can I say, sometimes it just has to come out. Thankfully, sometimes the stars align and a window of opportunity opens. And this time, it's in the form of a cheaper than dirt vacation. And trust me, I really do mean cheap, nearly free, because otherwise it would NOT be happening.

But thankfully it is and I now have something to look forward to, helllooo Playa del Carmen.

Have you ever been there? I went to neighboring Akumal in college and it was heaven. We ventured in to Playa for one day and while it was more crowded and developed, I certainly won't turn it way since, to abuse the saying, it quite literally came knocking at my door.

Here's to sunny vacations and streetcart tacos.

"Present" (I think)

2010-02-11T00:49:00.000-08:00

Blogger roll call: I'm here, just barely hanging on.

While I'd like to get back to more interesting things like celebrity weight and prettiness, I'm in the midst of what has been the hardest week in what continues to be a really difficult time. When I left advertising in search of a more creative career, I knew it would be a long, hard road towards realizing my potential. I re-enrolled in school (something I never expected when I left undergrad) and now I find myself in a world that feels, well... uncomfortable.

I say uncomfortable because while I continually have to test my ability and talent (which in the end feels good) I also have wound up in a place where the next buck is a question mark and the next break is unknown. My emotion stems from a week of no sleep and constant homework (in a string of many), so yes, I'm exhausted and irrational, but in these moments it's possible to take a good hard look. I went from a "career" with direct deposit, a comfy desk, tech support and co-workers who made me laugh even when the job made me cry. Now I'm using my tax return to pay for school, buying art supplies on credit and turning down social functions because the money is just not there. On Sunday, my Superbowl contribution was Craisins (odd, I know), because I could spare them.

Get a job? I wish I even knew how to fit it in. The statistic for my program (if you believe it) is that 10% who start manage to finish within three years. I want to be one of the 10%. I want co-workers again, I want a life again, I want all these things. I know people do much more with much less time, but I'm struggling. And it's made me bitter. Hearing about a family friend of my boyfriend who will be arriving to the Olympic games on their jet this weekend makes me sick. While I've always thought private planes were extravagant, they never actually angered me. Now, the extravagance of it only serves as a real life example of how disproportionate wealth is - how clear the line is between the haves and the have nots. And while I have no right to say it's unfair, the fact that wealth like that is not put towards programs like scholarships and assistance -- it just seems misplaced. It's the fruit of their labor and one day, I should only hope to be so lucky. In the meantime, it serves as the tipping point for my frustration.

So tomorrow I wake up to more drawings and more assignments. And hopefully, having given my mind an outlet, I'll be able to sleep and the tightness in my throat that preludes tears will subside. Thanks for listening.

Rut City

2010-01-13T22:45:00.000-08:00

I'm in a rut, style wise.

I have no need to buy clothes anymore since at school, I would just get paint on them, or graphite from hours spent drafting, but also, I have no desire to put the money there. Money is for the aforemetnioned books and graphite.

But reading one of my favorite blogs, frugal fashonista, I realized "I can do this!"

I have all of the things I would need to pull this off! The sweater, the pants, the flats, and all of a sudden, a new lease on my look without dropping coin.

I love when that happens.

Thank You Healthcare!

2010-01-10T21:09:00.001-08:00

So my healthcare is changing due to the fact that I'm once again a student. December was filled with every doctor appointment I could think of and going over my existing benefits with a fine tooth comb, since who knows what the next plan will offer or how much it will cost me.

But one positive was making use of my $300 hardware credit on my vision plan. When I graduated from college, the only thing I wanted as a gift was freedom from contacts. Since the 5th grade I have worn contacts and before that, glasses (although those were shortlived, I'm not cut out for specs). By 22, my sight had gotten bad enough that I was nervous about losing a contact, the results would be too disastrous. So when the opportunity presented itself, one of the best surgeons in Seattle gave me the gift of sight, 17 seconds on one eye, 19 seconds on the other.

And voila, 20/15 vision for the girl who was almost legally blind. And now, I have a medical reason for still needing to take care of my eyes and it doesn't include coke-bottle lenses.

It includes these:

"Opthamological Grade" Fendi sunglasses. Brought to me by my favorite "preferred provider."

I didn't need another pair of sunglasses, but would you turn down the chance of getting your money back in the form of lightweight tortoise sunglasses that cover just enough of your face to feel mysterious, but not so much that you feel like a poser?

I didn't think so.

I know...

2010-01-07T11:59:00.001-08:00

I went on an unintentional break. I was MIA and I gotta say, I kind of loved it. But I'm back and hopefully better than ever. Probably not though, sorry. Can't dream too big.

I don't know what happened, but with the end of the year and a ton of holiday hooplah, I just checked out. It wasn't helped by my utter lack of inspiration and creativity. Is it just me, or is stuff not so interesting right now? The new House Beautiful? Blah. The new Elle Decor? Yeah, it was all right I guess... But here I am, attempting to make a go of 2010 and see the good.

But let's discuss some of the things that have taken place since we parted back in November (gosh that's hard to admit):

First, Jersey Shore.

Are you watching? I can't do it. I can do a lot of things when it comes to lowering my standards, but there is something about this show that absolutely disgusts me. I'm shocked about how big it is and that despite my protest, they still end up in the pages of my US and appearing on my talk shows. Disgusting, but if you disagree, by all means knock yourself out.

Tiger.

I don't have anything new to add to this topic, and mainly that's because after hearing about him and his dozen for nearly a MONTH AND A HALF, I'm surprised that ANYONE has anything else to say! Talk about running something to the ground. I do find it fascinating that the same people who made him in to the "Golf God, Can Do No Wrong, Athlete of the Decade" man, are the same people who are tearing him down and not covering the real issues, i.e., healthcare, wars (plural!), the economy, I can go on...

(But. I do have to add that these pictures are creepy. It's no wonder they weren't released until a sex/porn/stripper/cheating/drug scan-dahl).

Charlie Gibson.

The middle of December marked the end of Charlie Gibson in my everyday life, and yes, as I previously mentioned, it was marked with tears. I was a wreck that night and it's with sadness that I see Diane Sawyer at 5:30pm. I would abandon network world news in protest, but I'm a creature of habit, what can I say?

And finally. Movies.

What did you see over the holidays? Avatar broke a billion, Nancy Meyers released the same movie again, Twilight was still in theaters and 2009 was the best box-office year ever. With all the cutbacks and job losses, we didn't skimp on the movies. But I'm wondering what we all saw that really made us think "that was great." Personally, my favorite movie from the holiday season was The Young Victoria. It was beautiful and Emily Blunt was amazing. But call me crazy, I don't think many people are going to be lining up for a period drama...

So in summation, I'm back. Worse for the wear, as the holiday season/birthday/new year gauntlet always takes it out of me. It does, however, make me re-evaluate and take things in to consideration and hopefully, it gives us something to talk about.

Happy New Year.

Sign of the Times

2009-11-15T20:27:00.001-08:00

It's been a hell of a week - tons of homework that has had me up until the wee hours of the morning and choice signs from the universe that I'm not the kid I used to be, despite the glue that I can't get off my hands from hours spent gluing school projects.

Two things happened to me last week that are particularly telling. One, being that after sucking it up and deciding to spend the money on highlighting my hair (it had been nine months of nothing) my stylist informed me that I have a gray hair. A GRAY HAIR. It's kind of a big deal when you're in your twenties and it's almost the last thing you expect to sneak up on you. Being broke, fine. Career dilemmas, sure. But a gray hair? Never saw it coming.

Then, to add insult to injury. I have somehow been selected for the mailing list of this catalogue:

That's right. I guess my purchase history has somehow led me to this place where I receive tall girl magazines for 40-year-olds. Long Tall Sally. Even the name is demeaning. Maybe if the catalogue was decent, I wouldn't be so non-plussed, but the the styling is terrible and although they claim to carry good brands, it sure doesn't look it. Nothing is marked as such in the pages, it's just frump after frump. It's not good.

And neither is the gray hair.

Do you buy this?

2009-11-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

118 lbs & 5'9"?

In one of those internet searches that quickly gets off topic, I ran across this list of reported celebrity heights and weights. I know the camera adds 10 pounds and all that jazz, but it seems like if some of these women actually weighed what this list says, there would be public outcry. Some of the more startling weights are Gisele Bundchen, Katie Holmes and Taylor Swift. I just plain don't believe Naomi Campbell's. Am I crazy? I'm tall and I know that these weights would be positively scary on me.

Actresses
Blake Lively, 5'9", 123 lbs.
Calista Flockhart, 5'6", 97 lbs.
Cameron Diaz, 5'9", 120 lbs.
Cate Blanchett, 5'8", 120 lbs.
Catherine Zeta Jones, 5'8", 130 lbs.
Drew Barrymore, 5'4", 125 lbs.
Eva Longoria, 5'2", 104 lbs.
Gwyneth Paltrow, 5'9", 112 lbs.
Hillary Duff, 5'1", 105 lbs
Jennifer Aniston, 5'6", 110 lbs.
Jessica Alba, 5'7", 118 lbs.
Jessica Biel, 5'8", 110 lbs.
Julia Roberts, 5'10", 125 lbs.
Kate Beckinsdale, 5'8", 115 lbs.
Kate Hudson, 5'6", 115 lbs.
Katie Holmes, 5'9", 118 lbs.
Kirsten Dunst, 5'4", 100 lbs.
Lindsay Lohan, 5'5", 105 lbs.
Meghan Fox, 5'6", 114 lbs.
Miley Cyrus, 5'4", 104 lbs.
Nicole Kidman, 5'10", 120 lbs.
Nicole Richie, 5'1", 98 lbs
Pam Anderson, 5'7", 105 lbs.
Paris Hilton, 5'9", 110 lbs.
Penelope Cruz, 5'6", 109 lbs.
Reese Witherspoon, 5'6", 122 lbs.
Salma Hayek, 5'2", 115 lbs.
Sandra Bullock, 5'8", 110 lbs.
Scarlett Johansson, 5'4", 115 lbs.

Models
Adriana Lima, 5'10", 112 lbs.
Gisele Bundchen, 5'11", 115 lbs.
Heidi Klum, 5'9", 120 lbs.
Kate Moss, 5'7", 105 lbs.
Naomi Campbell, 5'10", 110 lbs.

Musicians
Beyonce Knowles, 5'5", 130 lbs.
Britney Spears, 5'5", 105 lbs.
Carrie Underwood, 5'3", 110 lbs.
Christina Aguilera, 5'2", 100 lbs.
Faith Hill, 5'8", 120 lbs.
Fergie, 5'2", 105 lbs.
Gwen Stefani, 5'6", 115 lbs.
Jennifer Lopez, 5'6", 125 lbs.
Jessica Simpson, 5'2", 120 lbs.
Madonna, 5'4", 100 lbs.
Mariah Carey, 5'9", 140 lbs.
Shakira, 5'2", 105 lbs.
Taylor Swift, 5'10", 120 lbs.

If you are in Seattle...

2009-11-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night (Nov. 6th), think about spending your evening at Benaroya Hall.

I'm happy to say that I'm lucky enough to go to a wonderful night of awesome music every year that benefits uncompensated care at Children's Hospital.

I know there are a lot of things pulling on heartstrings right now, and I'm not ashamed to use music and celebrity names to win yours over. Tomorrow, DJ Cut Chemist (best known for founding Jurassic 5), Mateo Messina and the Northwest Symphony Orchestra (all 280 members), 4 different choirs (and many more artists) are collaborating for an awesome night.

Every year's concert has a different theme, and this year, the kids were asked what special powers they would like to have if they were a superhero. The theme this year explores our fascination with superheros, and obviously, that hospital is full of real-life heros. (Even better, the kids made their own costumes to fully demonstrate their powers).

What's makes this night even cooler is that Mateo is a Seattle native who composes the symphony every year, and being that he is all Hollywood connected (just check out the original score to Juno), he gets his friends to come up and collaborate with him for the event. One year, Alice in Chains with the symphony, no joke (click to see the video).

Tomorrow is sure to be awesome. For more information, check out the Guild's site. And here's a little preview of one of the pieces Messina wrote for the event tomorrow, click here.

Let's all hold our breath

2009-11-05T20:56:00.000-08:00

I might have finally found a flat black boot to wear this winter. Right now, the odds on favorites are two unexpected players.

In one corner we have the Aigle of France "Start Riding Boot." It's a little unconventional because it's not leather, but hot damn, it looks good. And more importantly, it's an awesome brand known for quality, it's got a slim calf and it's super tall. AND I found them on sale for $103 bucks. I'll be trying them on tomorrow.

In the other corner, we have another unexpected competitor, an honest-to-god riding boot, straight from VictoryCanter.com.

I don't know why I never thought to look for the real McCoy, rather than the department store impostors? Every season, I strike out on finding boots for TWO REASONS. One being that I have a very skinny, Olive Oil calf. Two, is that I also have crazy-to-control legs. Long yes, but possessed I promise. SO, this leaves me with boots only coming up to mid-calf when they should be longer or swimming in boots made for normal-calved people.

But not so with real riding boots. Super long and FOUR different calf sizes. It's unheard of! Also, did I mention the price? $154 dollars. Try finding that at Nordstrom's.

Boo. Yah. (That is to say, if they fit, because thanks to the U.S. postal service, I won't be trying them on for 5-10 business days).

On to another holiday

2009-11-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas.

I know it's early, but you have to get on this stuff, otherwise it's just no fun. And I have to admit that I loved this post so much from my buddy WithStyle that I'm sharing/stealing the love.

I prefer personalized gifts. Usually, I try to make a list of the people I need to give to and then try to do something custom. Last year I gave personalized notepads that were affordable and showed the care that it takes to pre-plan a gift. No "Oh yeeeaaah, here is a present for you," while rustling around in their purse, only to retrieve a nail polish and roll of certs as your present. Hate that.

This year, I'm loving the idea of these little boxes of cupcake mix. It would be so easy to go to Packaging Specialties and do it yourself too, but honestly, I don't know that the price can be beat on these bad boys from Vintage Bake Shop - 6 bucks for everything and the custom label. All you need to supply is the ribbon of your choice.

New Years - So chic

I'm surprising myself, but I love the pink on this. It would be great for a birthday party or a shower favor. Love it.

Oh yeah, this is happening.

2009-10-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

As previously mentioned, I usually am superlame for halloween. Last year I got home from work late, had no costume or candy for trick-or-treaters and was expected at a party within hours. The situation left me with few options, save for stealing my boyfriends (very long) white button down and white socks and passing myself off as Tom Cruise in Risky Business. The Ray-Bans I borrowed from a friend helped, but I can admit it was a lame costume.

Well not this year, my friends, not this year. Are you ready? Because I (and every other gay man in America) am being Lady Gaga.

But not just any Gaga, I'm wearing my most favorite costume of hers, the bubble dress.

...with, ahem, a few more bubbles than that.

Similar to my hit "grapes" costume of 1996 I will be 4 feet wide and everyone's favorite. It is made with clear balloons, nude leotard, fake eyelashes with silver flair and the nastiest $4 bob wig from JoAnne's. IT WILL BE AWESOME!!!

So there it is, my extravaganza of a Halloween costume. I better win a prize.

Eh, it's you know, Halloween

2009-10-29T18:13:00.001-07:00

I can get a little passive about holidays and usually, Halloween is the one that leaves me a little cold.

But not this year. I've warmed up to the idea of Halloween (let's face it, probably because it's on a Saturday) and also, I'm loving some of the decorations that have come out.

These terra cotta gourds are from Wisteria:

As in this kick-ass skull candle:

And if I were the sort to ever throw a Halloween party, I would be all over this, from Potterybarn:

For your enjoyment

2009-10-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get the best emails from friends. They make my day, and because I was mid flu, I didn't give this one the attention it deserved, but overall, it was a hilarious note and I decided to share my friend's third point (yes, we organize by number)....

3 - And having nothing to do with your post directly (but you referenced Piperlime so I'll use that as a transition) tell me you watched the finale of the Rachel Zoe Project. There might not be another human being that I hate more on this planet. If I was given the power to go back in time and erase someone from existence, she would be my vote. Not Hitler, not Stalin, not Pol Pot, no, Rachel motherfucking Zoe. Key take-a-way, there's something about Taylor I find oddly attractive.

Clearly I disagree with his sentiment, as I feel RZ is here to make me laugh. But I do agree that sometimes Taylor is kind of attractive. When you can see her face without those damn bangs all up in there.

Oh man, too funny emails. May they keep coming.

Z to the Oh

2009-10-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help myself, I had to look through the Rachel Zoe collection on QVC. Here are my favorites. And btw, the price points are fantastic.

Glazed Multi ring tote - 129.50

Expandable travel tote with removable strap - 113

Faux fur pull through scarf - 29

Fashion ring - 35.96

Yo Tyra!

2009-10-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

Just a piece of my mind to Tyra Banks:

You can't have a show with the premise of making supermodels, but have a season devoted to girls who are 5'6" and under.

If you are 5'6" and under, you are not a supermodel, you are a pretty, pretty girl. Just like the millions of other really pretty girls who are average height.

Supermodels are supposed to be freaks, that's just the way it is. You just wasted a whole season of everyone's time. Kate Moss is an anomaly.

Argh, it frustrates me. Get it right.

Time for Tea

2009-10-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

It really feels like fall in Seattle and to me that means a few things: boots, cashmere and warm drinks. I'm a big tea drinker. I usually have black or green tea in the morning instead of coffee and with all the recent news about the health benefits of tea (specifically green) it's a good move, even if you have to have a cup of coffee to start your morning before switching over.

Sadly, my favorite warm drink has no health benefits, but fall warrants Russian Tea, aka, the most white trash and delicious version of tea that you can mix up. I love that it tastes so good it constitutes as dessert on many nights during the winter and that once it's made up, you can store it for use all season. It's a drink from my childhood and the first cup of the year is always momentous.

So really, don't be afraid to get in touch with something that doesn't do your body good. It's the best.

2 cups Tang (yes, Tang. I wasn't kidding about the WT factor...)
1/2 cup instant tea
5 ounces instant lemonade
1/2 sugar (can be reduced to taste)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves

Mix and store in a mason jar. To serve, mix 2-3 teaspoons with hot water.

To be clear, I have no idea why it's called "Russian Tea." Based on the ingredients, maybe it has something to do with food lines, communism and poverty... your guess is as good as mine.

The Universe Stepped Up!

2009-10-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

I think that the universe must have known about my lack of self-control because it got involved in my battle of the bulge and gave me the flu.

Despite the fever and cough, it paid off today when I got on the scale and found myself suddenly back at my pre-Europe weight. Sure I had gotten the ball rolling this summer, but without that flu who knows how long I would have continued to self-sabotage!

So thank you germs. Without you, I would not be able to consider my entire closet for the trip to New York. Without you I would still be dancing in to my pants, wiggle by wiggle, shimmy by awkward shimmy.

Hot Plates*

2009-10-22T17:56:00.001-07:00

I got to thinking this week about some of the best china patterns. I have no idea why, except that I have a few friends who are getting married and I like to play registry consultant, and also, china is something that really defines your tastes, I think because you make a committment to to your china pattern -- you have it your whole life, sometimes longer than the marriage!

One of my favorites that is just so beyond, it's a total pipedream. It will be one of the patterns that I spend my life collecting, hopefully finding them at a good price, piece by piece. It's Hermes' Balcons Du Guadalquivir. It's truly amazing. I love the way it looks on it's own, I love that each plate is different and I love the way it mixes and pops on the table. Swoon.

A more mainstream (and less budget busting) choice is by good ol' Vera Wang. I like two of her patterns, Imperial Scroll and Trellis. Personally, if I had to choose one it would be Imperial Scroll, just because I like the simplicity of it and it's not a pattern that I would see at a girlfriend's house. I like Trellis for the same reason, it's graphic but not in your face. One of the biggest mistakes people make is picking a china that is so trendy you're just asking to hate it in 10 years. I can't imagine hating either of these.

Imperial Scroll

Trellis

The last china that I love is one that is close to my heart. It's not mine yet, but I'd be lying if I said I haven't called dibs on it or have the heart for a battle royale with my sisters when the time comes for it to leave my mom's possession. I'm going to get in trouble for saying that. It's Flow Blue by Johnson Brothers of England and was produced in the 1880's. It's so pretty in person with amazing scalloped edges and crazing.

I keep coming across good patterns all the time, but these are a few of my all-time favorites. You can't go wrong with them.

*"Hot plate" is a little bit of a joke to myself because Mexican restaurants always say "hot plate, hot plate" when your food is delivered. It always makes me laugh, and I always watch to see if if makes anyone else giggle... alas, it's usually just me.

New York

2009-10-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

It's official, I'm going to NYC in November. Pretty exciting, considering that I have never been there. Here's the thing though, I want to make sure that I don't miss out on something that I really should see. I'm not much of the tourist type -- I will not be going to see the Statue of Liberty, I won't be going to see the Rockettes. What is on my list right now is the MoMA and a few home stores.

But what I would really love are some recommendations. So if there's anyone out there with some good design recommendations or restaurants that shouldn't be missed, please pipe up.

Thanks in advance, it's an interactive post!

Still Sick & Eddie Ross

2009-10-18T20:20:00.001-07:00

Today's the first day that I've really started to feel like myself again, thank goodness. While I don't think I had the bad swine, I do think I had the pleasure of meeting the seasonal flu. And last night, I choked down the Nyquil and had the first good sleep since Tuesday. Amazing. Although my eyes still look swollen and gross, but I'm not being choose-y.

What I have learned is that TLC airs the same commercials over. And over. And over. Also, I have learned that I can't get tired of Say Yes to the Dress and that Eddie Ross is on HGTV's Halloween Block Party. I really wish he wasn't since I grew so tired of his bitchy attitude on Top Design, but seeing as how it's HGTV, his 'competitors' have terrible designs, so I guess it's favoring the best of the worst.

I know that some will disagree, and I do think the guy's got talent and the ability to self-market. But all I'm sayin' is that if you think you're shit don't stink, someday you're going to step in it.

Sweaters on the Cheap

2009-10-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sweaters have been the topic of conversation lately now that it's cold in Seattle, but more than anything, it's the lack of thrill I have when looking at last years champs in my closet. The question this year is how to fill the void without creating another (in my wallet). I've been looking around and I'm not too discouraged by what's out there. All under $100 (some on promotion), all from mass retailers.

Ann Taylor. They've been getting SO much press this season, and rightly so. They have a collection that is much more stylish than usual an well priced. This sweater is on promotion for half price.

The sweater blazer, again from Ann Taylor. Worth a try and different from the usual cardigan. Also half price on promotion right now.

Splendid. One of my favorite brands. I love that this is like wrapping up in a pashmina, but with arm movement! One of the most annoying things about the pashminas I wore at the office all the time was the mobility and the fuss factor. Here, no muss, no fuss. It's available at Piperlime.

Banana Republic

Anne Taylor. Cashmere that is half price, got to love that. What is especially great about this one is that it's timeless. It's reminiscent of J.Crew's cashmere, but way less green.

It's official.

2009-10-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

I've been knocked on my ass with the flu. Unclear whether it's the swine, can you ever really tell? Regardless, the fever is going down and I'm somewhat functional. Well, functional enough to post, NOT functional enough to do more of that god-foresaken cutting and pasting that comprises my homework. Thankfully, my school is super paranoid about Swine Flu, so I think all it will take is an email to the profs letting them know I've taken to my bed with illness.

In actuality it was probably the world's way of saying that I needed to take a minute to post and that my glue covered hands needed to be rested.

So here I am, two down blankets that are being thrown off and then on, off and then on. Gotta love a fever.

I'm So Sorry.

2009-10-13T19:25:00.001-07:00

I never meant to make you look at Lindsey Lohan's boobs for so long. To subject anyone to that picture for as long as I did is criminal.

I'll never do it again.

Promise.

(but maybe if she does something stupid, then it's my obligation to report)

Who cares about Lindsay?

2009-10-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

I don't. And I know you don't either.

But I do care about how she mucks up Emanuel Ungaro. In what has to be a perfect example of celebrity gone wrong, they've made Lohan a muse for the fashion house and (surprise, surprise) it wasn't well received.

Maybe it's because she wears things like this:

I don't even know where to start.

Please notice the thong, you might have been distracted by the Daisy Dukes and cut-off shirt. I believe it is the "accessory" in this outfit.

"Hello my name is..."

My favorite quotes from the New York Times article included treasures like these:

"One retail chief said he had asked for a ticket only because he thought the show would be a spectacle. Another said he would not buy the line, but declined to identify himself “because I don’t want my name associated with that train wreck.”

“You know, if you don’t mind, I have to run out the door,” said Glenda Bailey, the editor of Bazaar, before a question was half asked.

And my favorite...

“But when you look at her own style, for me, she is not really relevant, first regarding fashion, and second regarding a couture house like Ungaro. Maybe she would be relevant for Kookai,” she said, referring to a label that is considered, among the fashion elite, as “not us.”

And it's because this girl is at Ungaro holding court, acting like the idiot that she is:

"The day before the show, Ms. Lohan was staring at herself in a mirror in Ungaro’s grand offices on the Avenue Montaigne, a stone’s throw from the ateliers of Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and other famous French labels. She picked up a black and white scarf and tied it around her head, then replaced it with a black one, and then clumsily stuck a red sequin-covered heart to the side of her head while a team of designers watched her.“This is just so cool,” Ms. Lohan said, turning her attention to a white minidress splattered with sequins. “It needs more rhinestones, just so it pops.” Off to the seamstress it went. Pointing to another white dress, she said: “I call it Michelle Pfeiffer in ‘Scarface.’ I was just in my office sketching for next season. I was here until, like, one o’clock last night.”

Please, if we lose another house, don't let it be because of stupid, stupid moves like this.

I know, I know...

2009-09-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

It was pointed out to me today that I have let my internet-self go. And trust me, I know.

I'm adjusting to this thing called school, and more importantly, homework. And really, it's not just homework, because I can read circles around a textbook, it's the mindless cutting and pasting and drawing that is accompanying my art classes. The project I handed in on Monday clocked in at 14 hours from start to finish. Just me, a stack of magazines, my exacto, and Bravo on in the background.

But, sitting in class, listening to teachers, has given me time to bring up a few things to myself. In no particular interest, they're gems like these:

1. Gossip Girl: Is anyone even watching? Because I know that I have made a point to tune in and then find myself wondering why I was duped again into thinking it was a good show.

2. People still smoke cigarettes out their car windows? Years of riding the bus to work deprived me of this anthropological study.

3. How did I get so much older than everyone else? I thought I was still in the "young" box, but not if you wear cashmere sweaters to school.

4. Kathy Lee and Hoda are retarded.

4a. Hoda might not have been retarded before working with Kathie-Lee, but now she's a lost cause.

4b. BUT, who saw Kathie-Lee almost lose her shit on Kathie Griffin when she compared her book to the bible? Priceless. Way to love all God's creatures, Kathie-Lee.

5. If I roll my eyes at someone's question in class, but no one sees me, is it the equivlilent of a tree falling in the woods and no one hears it... did it really happen?

6. Last time I went to school, Oprah had shows like makeovers and Julia Roberts interviews. Now it's stuff about prescription drug moms and incest. What the hell happened? Where's my warm fuzzy?

7. Popping a bag of popcorn and not eating the whole bag is a waste. Who honestly just eats a portion of the bag and then lets the rest go to waste? "I'll just have these few tiiiinnnyy kernels, mmm, filling..."

8. Sometimes I daydream about how good I would be at working for Jeff Lewis. Mostly because he loves the new girl based solely on her vibe and because he thinks she's cute (cough). This leaves me feeling jealous, thinking "Well I'm cute, and I think he'd like my vibe, and I wouldn't call him 'Jeffy,' so clearly I would be far more superior." Bat. Shit. Crazy. You don't have to tell me.

9. I left my rain coat at a party two weeks ago and it was identified by the mini bottle of Crown Royal in the pocket. Today, it started raining and I remembered I had neither my rain coat, or my Crown Royal to combat the weather.

10. I need to make some friends at school.

Back to School

2009-09-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

I remember walking back from class after my last day of undergrad and singing "no more homework, no more books. No more teacher's dirty looks."

Boy was I tempting fate. Because here I am, about to start my fourth day of school and it feels totally weird. Today, I stopped at my sister's house on my way home from class and had two chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk at her kitchen table as an after-school snack.

I've totally reverted.

Well, maybe not totally reverted yet, because to be honest, my real after-school snack back in the day was an entire box of Kraft mac and cheese and the Oprah show.

I'll let you know when I regress entirely.

More Pools Needed

2009-09-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

As excited as I am about Fall rolling around, I'm also really missing all of the lost opportunities for laying by the pool. Not that I've done much of it this summer (since getting back to the states that is), but just when I feel like I could really use that vitamin D and a good stupid book, it's yanked away. To mourn out loss, I've gathered a few of our friends together:

I wish it wasn't such a waste to have a pool in the Northwest due to rain and cold, but I almost feel like just having a really wonderful pool adds so much to a property that just by looking at it everyday the effects are felt.

Now where's my Zoloft?

"Shines like suntan oil on a gay man's ass"

2009-09-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

I have to thank Scented Glossy Magazines for posting this, but I'm passing on the joy. The combination of Miley Cyrus, a handful of gays and the coast is the perfect way to start the morning.

Thank goodness I decided to pass on the double latte, I would have been pissed that I spent $3.32 when I can have this mood-lifter for free.

One Pair Down

2009-09-14T23:23:00.000-07:00

Countless pairs to go. I fit back in to ONE pair of my matchstick jeans, just in time for fall boots. Thank god. My favorite pair, however, is still a good way from fitting like pre-Europe days.

This is the reaction I get from my boyfried (via text, because we are a 21st century couple appearantly) upon hearing of the small victory:

"Boo that you Kate Moss-ed your Kim Kardashian."

Nugget of wisdom that I'll choose to take from that: He knows who Kate Moss is... the Kim Kardashian remark is duly noted.

Flamant: Tres Chic

2009-09-14T17:29:00.001-07:00

It was painfully impossible to post pictures of my trips to various Flamant shops in Europe and then when I got home, well, I forgot that I had been hanging on to all of these sneaky pictures. I made it a priority to go to Flamant in any city that I could, which means primarily Paris and Rome. Sadly, I wasn't impressed by the Rome store, so it didn't make the cut, even though I spent an hour walking there (but hey, it's Rome, so no love lost). The thing about Flamant is that it's so beautiful, they generally frown on pictures being taken. Unless you have the cache of an elderly French woman begging permission for you (the case for me at the Saint-Honore shop) or at Rue Furstemberg, manage to exchange your phone number for the right to "discreetly" snap some pics. My lovely friend thankfully was just their type so she kept them distracted while I raced around taking pictures from the hip -- hence the lack of composition and focus. Net net, I'm not above whoring myself out to shopboys if it means bringing home some Flamant.

8 Rue Furstemberg, 8 Rue De L'Abbaye: two entrances, two addresses means twice the Flamant -- this is the biggest Paris store and it's conventiently close to Laduree. The entry to Rue Furstemberg shop is all greenery and flowers. Walking in, you almost think the store is a florist, but alas, it opens onto wonderful furnishings. Unfortunately, this is where I sold my soul to the French, so no pictures resulted of this area.

I would love to own this coffee table. The proportions and material are ideal, I just wish the photo wasn't so darn blurry. I remember almost being seen taking this particular photo...

I would love to someday own some of their glassware. It's all so beautiful -especially their stemware. It's also gorgeous.

Such a wonderful chair for a bedroom. It was the perfect size and the lines were so romantic in person, without being overly sweet.

Recognize this chair? It was in the other store in white, here it's in a child's bedroom.

They have the most amazing bookcases. This one only gives a taste of the ones that are all over the store. Everything about them is wonderful.

The downstairs of the Rue Saint-Honore shop has a kitchen vignette and again, it's wonderful. Thick Carrera marble on cabinents done in a warm gray. The photo just barely shows that the face of this island is composed of wide planks. Loves it.

I had to get a photo of this staircase for my files. I would love to do this staircase someday.

Such a great wingback, done in a warm taupe/gray linen. Is linen ever wrong? I submit that it is not.

Those branches and hurricanes - stop it! It's just too good. I love the height that branches give and I also love how modern they can make a space look. It's an added bonus that they are the chic version of fake flowers. You get all the ease and longevity without having to be my Aunt Sandie.

Oh I wish I had a better picture of this settee. It was truly awesome. I also love the jardinieres on the table.

If only my friend and I had actually gone out with the shopboys -- I keep thinking of a night that ended with me coercing them to let me back in the shop under the pretense of 'having a little fun.' Wouldn't they have been so disappointed to learn that my idea of fun would have consisted of sitting on all the roped off chairs and playing house in all the different rooms?

Different strokes...

Put a ring on it

2009-09-10T18:38:00.001-07:00

I've been in love with Northwest jewelry-designer Jamie Joseph for a few years now and I'm kicking myself for not buying one of her rings when I was still on my former career path and getting a paycheck. Such a stupid decision to go back to school when I like pretty (expensive) things. Damn this penchant for caviar dreams on a Chicken of the Sea budget.

The rings above (my favorite for anyone who cares - ahem) are rose quartz and white drusy (with diamond). The drusy is this amazing layered stone, so in the middle is an increasing amount of flecks and dimension. It's amazing.

For a better view, visit here.

Go Fly a Kite

2009-09-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I flew kites with a bunch of carnies. 121 of them (the kites, not the carnies), all for a PR stunt that I got roped in to due to my intense need for cash. At least it was honest money, which is more than I can say about some of the other schemes that have been dancing through my head. This story was inspiration enough...

But all in all, over 100 kites at Gas Works is a sight to see. Carnies and all.

And, a moment of silence

2009-09-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

For these shoes. I die. Click to enlarge if you can't see them in all their gold sparkly glory.

One more look...

Update: Upon seeing these shoes my boyfriend says, "Let's make those. Get in the car, we'll go to Pay-Less and buy some glitter and Elmers and red spray paint"

Jesus.

I wish I looked like this walking down the street.

2009-09-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Well, let me clarify that by "this" I don't necessarily mean waif-thin and craggy, but I do wish that the look of total empowerment was all over me like it is on SJP. She's just got that strut.

I think few women ever have a moment where they feel like they look this damn good walking down the street. It's easy to look this amazing when you can go somewhere and not also have to have a bag for a laptop, a pair of comfortable shoes on (because are you kidding me with those heels?) and an additional bag for the rest of your life, aka a purse. A clutch during the daytime? Where would I put my string cheese?

Regardless. You can almost hear the accompanying music to this scene, because it's the same thing that would be playing in my head if I were to ever have a moment where I knew I looked this good.

September

2009-09-08T01:12:00.001-07:00

I can hardly wait to see "The September Issue" when it comes out. How intimidating is Anna Wintour? Intimidating in a way that only a handful of people will ever truly experience.

Fall is in the air people. Boots, sweaters... I can't wait.

"Larger and Thicker"

2009-09-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

This article had me cracking up well into the day after reading it. It gets better as the story unfolds. God I love the WT -- if it weren't for stories like this I would maybe never smile.

Police: 'Chunky' escorts rip off intoxicated men

Posted by John de Leon -- From Times staff reporter Christine Clarridge:

Mountlake Terrace police are on the lookout for a trio of escorts who are alleged to have stolen about $440 from four customers who had invited them over for a weekend party. The cops have their work cut out for them since they're relying on four victims who were "incredibly" intoxicated and provided only the barest of descriptions.

According to police, the four victims decided, after a night of drinking at a Mountlake Terrace home, to pool their money and hire an escort from Craigslist early Saturday morning. "They found a woman whose picture they found appealing and called," said Det. Sgt. Doug Hansen.

But when the woman and two female friends arrived, the men later told police, they found that none of them looked like the woman in the ad. The women were described vaguely to police as being "larger and thicker" than the female pictured in the Craigslist ad.

"The men said they were not as advertised," said Hansen.

Nevertheless, the disappointed men -- who ranged in ages from 22 to 46 -- handed over their money while the women were still at the door, police said. One of the women then asked if she could use the bathroom, police said.

But instead of going into the bathroom, the women ducked into a bedroom and started rooting around for things to steal, including a Blackberry and some jewelry, Hansen said. The men saw her and tried to stop her, but the woman ran outside to her friends and all three raced back to their car, a maroon Ford hatchback.

The men chased after them, but one man was run over when he tried block the women from driving off. The man suffered injuries that required a two-day hospital stay, Hansen said. The men were unable to get a license plate number.

The suspects were all described as being about 5-feet-8, white and "chunky," in their late 20s, possibly from Tacoma. One had curly, wavy brown hair and called everyone "baby," the men told police. The second had lip piercings and stringy brown hair. The third had short, sandy blond hair, according to police.

While trying to describe the suspects to police, the men decided to rate the women on a scale of 1 to 10. Three said the women all rated a "2." But the man described by police as the most intoxicated disagreed and claimed they rated a "4."

Little touches, big impact

2009-09-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

I'm liking these rooms from designer Lori Graham. Pretty simple, but nice touches here and there make the rooms stand out.

It's probably the painted woodwork that is making me swoon, but I like the simplicity of this hall entry.

Don't you just want to wake up here? So white and serene - I love that bedside table.

The drapes that have just the slightest hint of pink in them is what stands out for me. The bookshelves that have been painted white with black insides, paired with unexpected pink is perfect.

I've really been liking the wool in weaves that remind me of felt. It's so masculine, but on chairs like this that have been painted white, it becomes very unisex and beautiful. I also love the box they've made to cover the radiators. They can be such a waste of space, but here they become extra seating.

To me this is a great version of a man's bedroom. It's masculine, but not in any way that borders on bachelor pad.

I've already made my love of bookcases clear, but I love the symmetry of these and the way they pop against the white of the living room and how the black shelves mirror the ebonized floor.

Charlie...

2009-09-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

News hit yesterday that my buddy Charlie Gibson is retiring. It's a sad day for my family when something happens to our news anchors -- Peter Jennings passing literally brought my parents to their knees. And for me, Charlie quite simply is the news. While growing up, Charlie hosted Good Morning America. Then, he "retired" and when ratings plummeted, ABC begged him to come back, and then with Peter's death, he moved to my evenings rather than my mornings. Moral of the story, I have virtually never been with out my Charlie.

Two stories illustrate his importance in my family:

1) I have ever only had ONE reoccurring dream: I wake up in the morning and turn on the television, but instead of finding my Charlie, sitting there like the schmuck that he is is George Stephanopoulos (not cool, because I've hated him ever sense he turned on Clinton back in the 90s). The dream concludes with finding out that Charlie has died in the night and Stephanopoulos is his permanent replacement. Cue me waking up in a cold sweat.

2) Yesterday when it was announced that Charlie was finally retiring at the end of the year on the evening news, the phone immediately rang at my house and on the other end was my sister, in despair. She had just heard it announced, whereas I had had a full 9-hours since NPR's Morning Edition to come to terms with it. We eventually hung up, but not before she proclaimed in a sad whimper that Charlie was like a father to her.

It's amazing how the loss of a face in a TV can send us reeling, but there is something about news anchors that makes my family cling on for dear life. Somehow we imprinted on Charlie Gibson and now, he's the news anchor that all others must surpass. Waking up to him each morning, and now ending my day watching him, has bookend-ed a long period of my life and to no longer have him delivering the news is truly an end of an era.

Happy retirement Charlie.

Case of the Tuesdays

2009-09-01T13:53:00.001-07:00

Today is just going to be one of those days, isn't it?

One of those crappy, nothing goes right, off-days. Gmail isn't working, things are way more complicated then they should be and I ate a grilled cheese sandwich that I totally regret.

I want to just close my eyes and either move 12-hours forward or 12-hours back. Right now. If I did go 12-hours back, though, I'd have to workout again today and that is so not happening.

Missing My Out-of-Towner

2009-08-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

A little bit ago, one of my good friends moved and it just hasn't been the same without her around. It's amazing how you can meet someone and realize that you were buying the same clothes, living with the same neuroses and loving the same things without even knowing each other. Then, you meet and it's a friend that fits like a glove because you were practically living beside each other without ever actually meeting.

Well, I miss her. Not only do we not work together anymore, so we can't compliment each other everyday on the clothes that we would have bought if the other hadn't, but we can't even find time to chat due to massively busy lives and the demands of our respective careers.

So, I'm reaching out to her in one of the best ways I can think of. And more importantly, wishing that it's all going well for her. Despite everything.

Open a bottle and share a phone line soon?
(photo courtesy of Heather Clawson)

Virtual Shopping Binge: Fall Edition

2009-08-31T22:13:00.001-07:00

Well. Not much has changed from the Spring, when I lamented about everything I wanted but couldn't afford. New season, new wonderful items, no money. BUT, what has surfaced is an immense pressure to look cool on my first day of school, and to do it, I might just have to splurge and buy a couple (well-priced) items. Why is it that things always look so much cuter when you can't shop? Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink...

The 'Minnie' from J.Crew. Pretty sure everyone will be wearing them, but why wouldn't they? It's a damn good pant that looks hot with flats. And baby needs flats, I function in flats.

This wool skirt, again from J.Crew. I want to wear it with riding boots and tights. I want to rock it like it doesn't piss with rain and get cold in Seattle. But point of clarification: in black, and never the hell in rust colored tights. Jesus.

So it might be a 'Jenna's Pick,' but when a coat it good, it's good. The 'double-cloth camino coat' (again from J.Crew) is solid. It's got a floating back belt, half-dome buttons and the best collar. Plus, putting on a coat from J.Crew is an experiece that no other coat under $500 dollars can give you. For the money, their coats have amazing liners and great finishings. Perfect.

I'll stop with the J.Crew soon, but I die for this vest. Alone or with a white extra-long sleeve tee under it. And for going out, it's just low enough to be sexy in an understated "I'm really not trying to be hot, shit just happens this way for me" way.

I'll admit, I went ahead and bought these boyfriend jeans from Gap. I broke my rule of no spending and did it for two reasons. One: have you seen how much this look is selling for? I mean well over $100 and that was the sale price of the lowest-priced jean at the Nordtrom Anniversary Sale. And two: When I found these at Gap for an additional $20 dollars off, they were mine for $39. I mean c'mon. They have, in fact, been an amazing purchase since I have barely taken them off due to sheer comfort, and the addition of a new pair of jeans into the fat rotation was a welcome change.

I don't even have the words to tell you how much I love this sweater. THAT is how hot it is. Cashmere from Theory. How can I have this sweater? HOW!?

So awesome, and even more awesome in person, are these zip suede platforms from Loeffler Randall. They're definitely on the virtual list since they are boo-koo bucks and as previously mentioned, I do not work heels. Unless of course they somehow ended up in my closet (then I would feel compelled to wear them).

And so the list ends. Not due to a lack of wanting, but more due to the fact that I'm not a total masochist. I can't put myself through this exercise anymore for the time being. I guess I'll go try to squeeze in to last season's matchstick jeans and make it work...

I do. THIS way.

2009-08-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

christy + christian from joel serrato on Vimeo.

It seems that I'm at the age where everyone is talking about weddings, and if they aren't talking about them, they're telling me they aren't free because they have one to attend. Well, let me tell you, nothing has really left an impression until this video of a Napa Valley wedding that was posted on 100 Layer Cake today.

Beautiful, from the dress and Louboutin's to the amazingly all white reception. Even the chairs are lovely, which let me tell you, is hard to do. Why is it that people always screw it up on the chairs? They pay out the ass for a dress and flowers and then make guests sit on the same chairs they had for confirmation class in their church basement? Stupid. Why not just use silk flowers and wear a denim skirt if you can't close the deal on the chairs?

The location was the Carneros Inn.

Yes. 'Yes' to Napa, 'yes' to Louboutin, 'yes' to peonies, 'yes' to white and apple green. 'No' to a wedding anytime soon.

Actually reading it for the article... I swear!

2009-08-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

And it's mostly because I've already seen the nudie pictures of Kelly Wearstler. Who hasn't?! In fact, I'm hoping that it's the second thing they put on the overhead after "Welcome to Intro to Interior Design" on the basis that it's paramount to the education. (Do they even still have overheads?)

BUT what I never actually had read was the accompanying article. I can't imagine why I never read it before? But now that I have, I feel so much closer to Miss September 1994... totally awesome.

Kelly Gallagher

Miss September 1994

BIRTHPLACE: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina USA

BUST: 34" C

WAIST: 24"

HIPS: 35"

HEIGHT: 5' 6"

WEIGHT: 105 lbs

AMBITIONS:

To own my own marvelous design and furnishings business.

TURN-ONS:

Fabulous, intense minds, honesty, huge smiles and a man with a colossal heart.

TURNOFFS:

Lack of communication, cruelty to animals, slackers, and bad design.

ROMANCING MY MAN:

Breakfast in the boudoir, a bit of physical activity, trip to the museum for some mental and visual stimulation, a nibble for two to satisfy the palate and a trip to the beach to see the sun set and the moon rise.

I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF:

Swap meets, blended coffees, Nicholson Baker novels & good loving.

(photo courtesy of Playboy)

Poor Design Girls

2009-08-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

Looks like even the greats are having to get down with the masses, and by masses, I mean people who can still afford designers of a royal scale but were maybe turned away when the going was better.

This article in the New York Times features Phoebe Howard and Celerie Kemble amongst others talking about how they are having to change their business plans and (ahem) lower their caliber of budgets and clientele in order to keep the business going.

All in all, it features a refreshing take on the industry and an encouraging perspective, since we've all known that in order for designers to stay relevant, the model needed to change.

How to feel like a kid again...

2009-08-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

In one of those wonderful acts of coming-togetherness, I found myself walking around Greenlake with my mom, sister, 4-year-old son of my other sister, and an 18-week old puppy. Aside from being the most haphazard walkers due to distractions caused by the puppy, distractions caused by the kid and occasional stops induced by Seattle puppy lovers, it was awesome. It reminds me of how lucky I am to have family nearby and how lucky I am to be around the kids in our family... and then thankfully bid adieu when the going gets tough and the screaming starts!

But more importantly, today I felt like a kid when my 4-year old nephew grabbed my hand and started skipping and for some reason, propably in an attempt to make him think I was cool, I started doing it too. And so, we skipped. Him in his little boy body, and me in my big girl body, skipping together & holding hands for good portions of our three miles together.

So if you want to feel young at heart and hopefully win adoration from a little one, skip. And if you really want to draw some attention, sing 'Skip to my loo' for two reasons alone: 1) Why not? And 2) to see if you remember the words.

You will.

Now Reading...

2009-08-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

I saw the movie (of course) and now I'm inspired to read the book she wrote with her grandnephew shortly before her death in 2004. Having never been privileged to see the "French Chef" side of Julia, I really only knew her from her stint on Good Morning America, where she lit up our TV beside Charlie Gibson.

What an amazing woman. I'm inspired by the fact that she truly turned her passion in to a profession and did it at a 'late' age. AND, her relationship with Paul - wow.

Can't wait to curl up with my book in this overcast Seattle weather.

The Best (As I Know Them)

2009-08-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't been buying many things lately, I've really started to appreciate the good purchases that I made back when I was rolling in dough and was not a student, living on leftovers and "borrowed" shelter magazines.

So here is the beginning of some of the best things I have ever had the pleasure of owning.

The Longchamp "Le Pliage Large" tote bag. I lived out of it for three months day in and day out and I'm still not sick of it. There's a reason that it's on the arm of every chic Parisian! It is a timeless bag. I've used it as a purse and and as an overnight bag and the quality can't be beat. I'm also waiting for the opportunity when folding it up and snapping it in a cute little bundle comes in handy, but mysteriously, it always seems to be full...

The Clarisonic. Looks like a vibrator, but cleans like a champ. I had wanted this little buddy for a good six months before I got it and it's lived up to the reputation. Clean face and according to my friend's mom, less wrinkles. It's like using a sonicare on your face and it feels FANTASTIC.

LuluLemon "Run: Tempo Crop" pants. With no picture available online, it's hard to convey just how amazing these are. I've never (I mean NEVER) felt comfortable wearing tight, clingy pants to the gym, but what I will say about these is that they actually suck you in. The tag boasts that the fabric is made to support muscles and joints while running, but what it actually does is lift the ass and hold all the squishy bits in. They're amazing. Seriously. I wouldn't go out in public if they weren't.

After I received the worst haircut known to man in April, the godsend who fixed it sprayed only this one product on my hair and it was amazing. All of a sudden, my hair stays straight if I flat iron it, doesn't frizz up if I air dry and it smells awesome. It might only be available locally, but it's from Seven, a salon in Seattle that I'm sure ships.

The hardest working little ballet flat. I took a similar pair to Europe and walked for days straight in Paris in them. The black is on my sale list at J.Crew, because I never pay full price there -- everything goes on sale eventually. Another reason I look like a walking catalog.

My Timbuk2 messenger bag. It's been with me for years of college, years of work, and now grad school and it's still going strong. Holds a laptop and my odds and ends and goes with anything, as long as you don't mind looking a little "dot com." Sure you wouldn't catch a Hepburn with it, but if they needed to carry a laptop, a lunch, school books and a change of clothes, they might consider it.

Bulgari 8008B's. The most glamorous pair of sunglasses - large and in charge with Swarovski crystals on the sides. Needless to say, I don't wear them boating, but I love them year after year.

I could have DIED when Nordstrom's put a similar Michael Kors watch on the Anniversary Sale (jerks), but I'll just take pleasure in knowing that my big gold watch elicited size envy from my old male co-workers in meetings and that it feels powerful on my girly wrist. I love the juxtaposition of a big gold watch with a feminine top. And if, occasionally, I am asked if I'm about to retire to Barbados, so be it.

And lastly, the Cole Haan "Fiona" boot. I ended up with two pairs last fall. It started with finally finding "The Boot." You know, the boot that we spend multiple falls looking for, one that fits our calves, zips (rather than uses that cheap stretch that never stays up), doesn't give us blisters, and makes us feel just the right amount of tall? Well, behold. It was just the black at first, until I met this little number. Brown/bronze snakeskin. They are a sight to see and kick so much ass. Wearing them to work over jeans made my cashmere sweaters feel more Angelina Jolie, less Ina Garten and with skirts and tights, come on.

So there might not be rain drops on roses and dresses made from curtains, but these are just a few of my favorite things, and if you have the means, I highly recommend them. They are so choice.

If only it were like this...

2009-08-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

I've been noticeably absent from all of my regular non-phone communication methods for a few days now and I was starting to raise some eyebrows amongst my usuals on the email/g-chat circuit.

In response to telling my friend that I was at the Design Center, this is what I get back. Hilarious.

"I don't even know what that is.

I choose, however, to believe that it is your schools version of Save By The Bell's "The Max." I imagine lots of stereotypical design students with turtlenecks and black rimmed glasses sitting around Herman Miller tables eating square burgers. Then the Dean walks in and delivers the news that the 27th annual design dance is canceled because your rival school stole your mascot (Squarie the T-Square) and everyone has lost their spirit and there's no way you can win the big state wide drawing competition. At that point you and your friends embark on a poorly designed (pun intended) scheme to set everything right and along the way you end up learning a little about design and a lot about yourself. Then for some reason you film a PSA with the head of NBC warning kids about the dangers of speed."

Yup, Still Fat

2009-08-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

It's official, I still have the Europe weight around the ol' hip region, but what I have gained is a new realization and it came to me like a bolt of lightning. Here is is: Nudists are just people who recently gained weight and have refused to go up a size.

I realized this when the best part of my day became unbuttoning my shorts, doing my first unrestricted deep bend and letting it all hang out. I'm pretty sure that nudists are people who had this moment and instead of taking it for what it is (fat smooshed in to clothes like a big human sausage), mistook it for a feeling of freedom from clothes and whatever hell else a nudist tries to sell their brand of crazy as.

So here's to all the nudists out there -- people who were one day just like you and I, but refused to listen to what their pants were telling them.

Here's my problem:

2009-07-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Why doesn't anyone warn you that getting in shape often means that you end up weighing more and that your pants won't fit?

If I wanted to buy a new wardrobe, I would have just gone out and done it, or oh yeah, not quit my job and decided to go back to school and rendered myself broke. Because let me tell you, this girl cannot afford new pants right now.

So listen up ass and thighs. Go back to the way you were. I'd rather be skinny and continue wearing my $200 dollar jeans. They aren't flash in the pan items and I intend to keep wearing them. Just as soon as I can button them, or honestly, get them over my thighs and around my ass.

But seriously, why is there no mention of this when people say they work out? Now I'm going to the gym but trying to do cardio that doesn't build muscle just so I can continue to wear my "investment pieces."

The things we do...

Ciao Italy

2009-06-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

I'm about to leave Italy and am now well in to the second half of my trip. Next up is Greece and after quite a bit of time in Rome, I can't say I'm super sad to be moving on. While I love so many things about this country, there are a few things that are starting to get on my nerves -- namely the men.

Never, never, have I felt so objectified and preyed upon by men in my entire life. Walking down the street is a drain and passing by groups of police officers makes me feel as safe as a little boy at Michael Jackson's Neverland. Making eye contact is like saying you'll sleep with them, and if you smile or say more than your order to a waiter, you might end up pregnant.

The girlfriend I'm traveling with gets it even worse than I do since she can speak Italian and is more they're 'type' than I am. And, generally I wear a face that say's 'fuck off' to men more naturally after lots of practice and teenage years spent being an undesirable, but my poor friend had to adopt it here, and more importantly, wear it convincingly.

A shining example: At lunch last week, neither of us were in the mood to do more than eat and make conversation with each other, but we always order in Italian and (maybe since we're American?) this is seen as an invitation to be hit on. During our time there, one waiter touched her back while taking our order and later, another waiter came up and stroked her face when she was looking down in what maybe appeared to be a contemplative moment.

He literally came up and stroked her entire face with the back of his hand and tried to hold it for a moment! Had we not been so shocked, he would have lost a finger right then and there.

We've been proposed to while buying sodas, touched while trying to eat meals, moaned at while walking down the street and felt up on buses. Another friend told of how it's not uncommon for a man to expose himself to you. Extreme, yes, and probably by a lunatic, but nonetheless, peen in public, no other way to look at it.

The Italian women obviously don't set themselves up for it the way tourists do, since they have the best 'fuck off' faces of all. They walk down the street with purpose, never making eye contact, and never acknowledging the men around them, but I still wonder if they get it as badly as a tourist does? I would think not, otherwise it would be hard to procreate with someone who's opening line consisted of, "Very nice, very nice, the body and the face is all good, very nice."

No matter how hard one can try to fit in here, it's always going to be obvious that we're not locals. I can appreciate that. But I'm looking forward to going someplace where that fact alone means it's open season on my ass.

Excuses

2009-05-13T09:17:00.001-07:00

I know they're lame, but here is another:

My computer broke. The sweet little laptop that I took with me has decided to only display a cryptic screen stating "NTLDR is Missing." So, after exploring Italian repair options, I expressed shipped it's lazy ass back to states and it's promptly being shipped back to me. So after almost 3 weeks with no free internet, I will be up and running and back in the spirit.

Thanks for checking in though, regular programming to resume as soon as I can get my hot little hands back on it.

Paris

2009-05-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

Jam packed exploring day -- get ready to be exhausted from the rundown.

The morning (well, let's say 11:00, because generally we don't get moving very quickly, but thankfully, neither does Europe):

Metro to Sacre Coeur - We use our best "don't eff with us" faces to ward off the swindlers & pickpockets at the gates of Sacre Coeur; the cathedral is beautiful, more for the view and because of the white Gypsum that it's made from than the actual interior
Montmartre - Awesome district of Paris that has roots as bohemian and artsy -- this is where the starving artists lived after the turn of the century because no one could afford the heart of Paris -- a really lovely neighborhood resulted; Think it's where I'll stay next time, as it's got cafe after cafe and great shops at reasonable prices
Moulin Rouge - Crap hole, but you figure "well, while I'm here, I should at least walk by..."
Lunch - Small outdoor cafe that was probably chosen more for the crepe stand rather than the sandwiches; Banana and Nutella crepes are introduced to us
Bus to Luxembourg Gardens (by way of Louvre (super long walk) and another long walk in search of a boat thinking that maybe now is the time to go down the Seine)

Luxembourg Gardens are amazing, even more amazing is the number of people in it; Paris, like Seattle, potentially consists of people that flee their offices at the first glimpse of sun in spring as the grounds are crawling with people (non-tourists) -- reading books, playing chess, bocci ball, kids having toy sailboat races, etc.

Plan to go down river is hijacked by my desire to go to Flamant on the left bank (endless buses and walking/getting lost necessary to find the store that doesn't exist on maps, phone calls to my sister for directions ensue, as well as a Google map from a hotel concierge)

Explored Saint Germain-des-Pres as a result of (being lost) looking for Flamant
Finally find it! Friend gets hit on by two shopboys (real phone numbers and everything) and we're invited to go dancing; I'm told I am "beautiful, like our paints" and other people in the store laugh at the stupid American girl who is trying to ask what kind of base they use - "Resin? Acrylic? Clay?" Things get massively twisted around in translation, conversation is a lost cause
Flamant bonus: Laduree is nearby, so I buy the famous macaroons for us under the guise that it's a thank you to friend for aimlessly wandering Paris due to home store fetish (really just wanted to stuff face with cookies...)

Evening:

Louve - Bus back to central downtown area and hit the Louvre after the Friday evening admission discount is in play; Power through the exhibits even though we're starting to feel the effects of the day; Highlight is not the Mona Lisa, but rather taking pervy pictures in a deserted wing of the Roman statue hall, wild schoolgirl giggling ensues
Close down the Louvre and catch metro to the Eiffel Tower area so we can get on a boat for the river tour

Disclaimer: Thought long and hard about this, but after being told to do it by several Parisians, we opted to follow-through -- especially thought it was a good way to see Paris at night since we were not staying in the thick of the city
Consensus: Nice way to see the city at night, but wouldn't make the same recommendation to anyone else, some Asian guy did take friend's picture though, potentially thought she was part of the tour, as people think she looks like Britney Spears

12:30 AM:

Exhausted and whiny, we catch three different metro trains to make it back to the 'burbs; oddly, apartment owner has left us a note saying she's not sure whether she'll be home for the night (shacking?) so we have the apartment to ourselves, not that we needed it, we both fell asleep immediately.

Big day. Did the tourist in us proud.

I'm the idiot who didn't know about Zara Home

2009-04-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

I'll say it. I didn't know there was Zara Home. How stupid does that make me on a relative scale?

While experiencing, spotted these goodies that will have to stay right there since there is no room for home goods in my bag:

Overall, I thought it would be a good place for accessory-type items in the states, but aside from that, I was a little underwhelmed. By all means, let me know if I'm missing something and there are major gems to be found on a large scale, but it really seemed like a glorified Pier One.

Sp-elgian?

2009-04-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

I saw this chair in a shop in Spain and kind of had to laugh. It is so Belgian upon first glance, but then you can see that the legs and arms have just a crazy amount of detail and engraving on them. I mean carvings out the wah-zoo.

Maybe it's the compromise the Spanish made with the Belgians when they agreed to import their style, like "we'll take your neutral fabrics and paints, but we won't give up our right to carving!"

Anyways. Musings on foreign policy and design.

Now that's a door

2009-04-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

A great door in Seville that I came across. Loved that is was massive and imposing, but you could still get a peek into what is a beautiful courtyard, and if you look hard enough, their dog that is watching from behind it.

Shameful...

2009-04-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

I am hanging my head in shame, but as my Parisian friends would say "eet eez so 'ard" to get some of this damn stuff up on the internet.

Empty promises, but I do promise, they aren't. I've been to Flamant and embarrassed myself with terrible French and a point and shoot camera, I've got some pictures of some walks around Spain and Paris, so sit tight. I'll get in gear with the proper internet and computer set up shortly.

Regular programming to continue as soon as possible.

London could teach us something

2009-04-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

While I've been to stressed and tired to take pictures of the people I've been watching during a two day stay in London airports, I have witnessed one of the most diverse populations. Granted it's an airport, so everyone is coming and going, but just based on the people helping us in restaurants, ticket counters, etc., there is way more diversity than what I get back in the states. Whether it's a gaggle of punk teens or just the general appearance that everyone is from somewhere else, it's really quite amazing.

Wish I had some pictures of the fashion that I've seen on the teenagers around here, so refreshing after being around teens that look no different than 30-year-olds due to whatever bug is going around in the USA making kids grow up too fast.

Mostly Hippie Bullshit

2009-04-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

Kate Moss's spring line at Top Shop offered only these two items in my opinion, but don't take my word for it, see for yourself here.

Housekeeping

2009-04-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

So here's the deal. My big trip has arrived and I'm going to be a little out of touch for a bit -- well, more like three months.

I've got grand plans of updating and posting about wonderful European things but at the same time, I've also got to get out and you know, see it.

SO.

Please continue to check in -- your persistence will be rewarded every now and then with an update on something wonderful from Rome or Spain, or perhaps the UK. I've got a few design related things on the itinerary as well and also hope to get ahead of the 8 ball on some fashion, so do come along for the ride.

Au revoir.

Girl, you cray-zy.

2009-04-01T23:41:00.000-07:00

While overcoming an evening dose of caffeine, I started killing time reading the recap of the most recent "Real Housewives of New York" episode in which Kelly Bensimon makes a fool out of herself (i know, more so that usual).

I typically don't read the comments, but I went one page too far and got sucked in.

Favorite comment left in response to the question of whether she went to college:

The real loser of last night's show was Columbia University, which apparently claims Kelly as a graduate.......the woman can't put a thought together, never mind a coherent sentence.

By mamiejane on 04/01/2009 at 4:41pm

My peeps at Daily Intel also included a wonderful line-by-line recap of her fight with Bethenny. Hilarious. Read it and maybe this comment will be funnier.

Listen Closely...

2009-04-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

And you can hear the whimper that has emanated out of me for the last 48 hours. 48 long hours since I realized that the haircut I got on Saturday was totally fucked. Yes, fucked.

I don't know what happened. I said "take some weight out so it dries fast and waves easily." She heard "make it look like I got drunk one night and passed out too close to a fan, I love that 'just cut gum out of my hair' look."

I'm so screwed. My easy-breezy Europe hair has now been massacred and I have no idea why. What is it with stylists being totally unreliable? It feels a little unacceptable. She was my normal girl! I say "was" also because after this (if it's salvageable) I don't think I'll be visiting again, which puts me at square one for a stylist.

Also, I called the salon and asked to see a senior person today when they try to repair the damage. Right now, the general consensus is that I'll have to do something drastic in order to fix this hot mess. And, I do mean 'general consensus,' because everyone from my old co-workers to my 7-year-old nephew have cringed upon viewing.

Awesome.

Carter Colonial

2009-03-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

An older issue of Traditional Home (May 2007) caught my eye when going through some tear sheets. This is a home Darryl Carter did in the DC area -- right across from Ted Kennedy -- for a young family. I love love love that they were willing to use neutrals in the company of kids. So many people are afraid of them, but in actuality they fill a space without adding clutter and in many ways is easier to maintain.

I love the moldings on the walls -- it trims out the rooms and adds that bit of architectural detail that would maybe make the room feel cold otherwise.

Up close, these photos are all of the family and I love it because it's an example of how family photos can be displayed as art and then become appropriate for more public areas of the home.

The chair. 'Nuf said.

Sharp lines on the lighting, over scale chairs at the table -- all playing nicely together.

Obviously a fantastic patio, but I love it more for the trim around the doors. Very dark trim against the white of the traditional Colonial home almost makes the backyard feel more like Sonoma than an upscale DC neighborhood. A respite from making centerpieces for the the junior league maybe...

(photos by Gordon Beall, Traditional Home, May 2007)

That's a tree. In his house.

2009-03-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

You're eyes aren't playing tricks.

Some cool photos of a house in the Hollywood Hills made interesting by the fact that they chose to add a second bedroom around an existing tree. I think it's noble that they recognized that the tree was there first and even though it substantially added to their renovation costs, it's what ended up making the house remarkable. There are some other photos here, as well as the full story.

I also love that the author of the article managed to work in the angle of "after his wife left him..." into a style feature. Brutal.

Off and Running

2009-03-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

This only represents part of my day I promise -- mainly the idea of bacon band-aids on my mangled carpenter hands just makes me laugh and cry.

But, asides aside, today was my first full day of unemployment. After being a little panicked about waking up and not having a routine to answer to, I tried to move on and started working on some furniture projects. My plan for today was this: get the first coat of paint on a desk that I'm going to use in my bedroom, while drying, go to an underwhelming estate sale, and then end the day ripping my hands to shreds deconstructing some bat-shit scary french armchairs.

Mission accomplished, the chairs are stripped and ready for more abuse tomorrow (or vice versa). Thank god they ended up having caning underneath the fabric and padding, otherwise it might not have taken so long and I would have had to panic about what to spend tomorrow on...

Something tells me I'll manage just fine though.

Making Whoopie

2009-03-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

I love that this was in the NYT this morning - a whole article on the resurgence of whoopie pies. It's true though, they really have come back and spread out. They're moving west and turning up everywhere when a good number of people know little more about them then what's obvious at first glance -- they look delightful. So for all of you who've never made whoopie, the Times has a history as well as recipes.

Before & After

2009-03-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

Had to share this before and after from Trove. A perfect example of seeing the potential in a dog of a chair.

Man-I-cures & Ped-I-cures

2009-03-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

Remember how I've mentioned that I'm going to be out of work soon? Remember how I've mentioned that I'm going on a wallet-depleting trip? And remember how I said I'd rather shop for clothes more than anything? Well I've had to make some choices and this is where I netted out:

Problem: I've 86'ed the seldom-used gym membership
Solution: Heeellllo "Bun Battle"

Realizing that I will not have the money to hire a personal trainer and learn how to work out, I've hired celebrity workout guru Gunnar Peterson. And the beauty? I can learn in the privacy and convenience of my very own home!*

Problem: Scraggly feet and raggedy nails
Solution: Long-forgotten DIY nail bag, elbow grease

Realizing that I really shouldn't be a prissy weenie, I sucked it up and touched my feet. This is a big deal for me since normally I will pay big money to have someone else touch them in a sanitized bowl garnished with fizzies and loveliness. 2 hours (2 hours!!!) later, I had painted hands and toes with only a few smudges to show for it.

*I should probably confess that I watched both workout DVD's while painting said nails and have yet to actually use them in the traditional sense. Just getting a feel for what would be expected of me... didn't want to jump in head first without adequate preparation...

4-day Jet-setter

2009-03-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

It really doesn't happen to me very often, but every once in awhile, the stars align and I have moments of feeling trendy and hip. After three days in Vegas, I roll-y suitcase-ed right in to work only to be given tickets to a sold out Lady Gaga concert. Wait, this get's even more obnoxious -- they were straight from her band. Don't hate me because I'm dumb lucky.

After the most painful 2.5 hours of watching long drawn out openers, she finally appeared in all her GaGa glory. RIP Madonna, get your hair buzzer Britney, because the girl has serious chops and a killer look. For being at a small, no-frills venue, she had 4 costume changes (none of which included pants), three man-dancers and an acrylic piano filled with bubbles. Did I mention she was wearing an outfit made of bubbles and played the piano with her foot while wearing 4" acrylic heels? Yeah, crazy, but wonderful.

Give a listen here, here & here. Her look in concert is more art house/high fashion than record lable popster -- I wish her videos showed that more.

Vegas Follow-up

2009-03-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

So here's my deal with Vegas. It's weird.

Only in Vegas do I feel guilty spending money to eat, but not drink. Only in Vegas do I have the sudden confidence to walk up to a bouncer at a club and without even exchanging words, know that he will let me in to the VIP area. Only in Vegas do people pay $500 dollars for a lousy bottle of Grey Goose and then give it away like water. Only in Vegas do I make idle chitchat with skeezeballs in return for booze.

Only in Vegas have I ever come close to thinking "Jesus, I'm a hop, skip and a jump from being a hooker."

Vegas baby! Vegas!

2009-03-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

I'm taking off this weekend for Vegas, a totally spur of the moment (for me that means 3 weeks in advance) trip with girlfriends from work and I couldn't be more excited. The last time I went, I figured I would not be back for a loooong time since the city as a whole is a little bit much for me and the maiden voyage was a bachelorette party that was totally over-the-top in a "this can't be duplicated" way. I figured I'd go out on a high note, but I couldn't pass up the chance to spend time with the friends I've made through my job and as the days count down to my new life, it's a little bit of a graduation party for me. I'm thinking it's all about the experiences right now and when I look back, I'm not going to wish that I hadn't spent the money. I would instead wish that I hadn't been afraid to let go of a little cash and say "screw it, I'm in."

lub dat tub

2009-03-13T12:55:00.001-07:00

Add to cart

2009-03-11T10:22:00.001-07:00

I won't purchase just yet, but someday soon, you'll be mine. Regardless of his tragic/foxy ex-wife being on Real Housewives of New York, I’ve liked Gilles Bensimon’s work for awhile, but didn’t realize he had a book. I don’t know why I didn’t think about it, since every famous photographer seems to have picked up a book option at some point in their lives, but it’s all good news to me.

Others I’m pining after, Mario Testino: Portraits, Herb Ritts: Notorious & Richard Avedon: Photographs 1946 – 2004.

See that bookcase?

2009-03-09T23:36:00.001-07:00

This is what I need. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I've got no place for all the books that I can't part with. It was suggested this weekend that I cram a bookcase into my bedroom and make it nice by choosing bamboo or something in a good material. I almost got in a real fight with them. One, because I have very strong convictions about where bookcases should be placed (not in the bedroom unless they're built-ins) and second, because if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it right. I want one that's wide and filled with horizontal lines, that "Billy" business they've got going on at Ikea is an assault on living rooms. If you don't devote the space to make it look intentional, it will end up being known only as a home for things purchased from the "Summer Reads" clearance table at Barnes and Noble. It's a viscious circle.

Color-phobe

2009-03-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

From looking at my closet, it would be no surprise that I'm not a huge fan of bright colors, more in rooms than my attire, but in general I prefer the flexibility of neutrals far more than those big bold colors that mother-in-laws tend to peddle.

I do, however, love the way that deep purple has been incorporated into the two rooms above (the second by designer Sarah Story). By using purple on the ceiling, it gives an element of the unexpected, while not interfering with the the tone-on tone dining room. Also notice the painted hardwoods with a metallic hexagon pattern.

*Photos courtesy of mynottinghill.blogspot.com

For King.

2009-03-04T20:22:00.001-08:00

Beautiful peonies with you in mind. Spring's almost here, go forth and prosper.

Like Switzerland

2009-03-04T20:06:00.001-08:00

Beautiful neutrals. I love the two chairs by the fireplace done in what appears to be a velvet?

*Photo courtesy of mynottinghill.blogspot.com

I've got an itch to shop

2009-03-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

I've been in major recession mode due to upcoming trips and impending unemployment, but right now my head is saying "but you really need those." And I can't help but agree with myself, there are some things out there that would be the perfect addition to the aforementioned trips. Plus I want to trash everything in my closet right now because I'm so sick of wearing it all with no new items to mix it up. This is the time of year where I would normally buy, buy, buy and then come home and roll around in all of my purchases. Not so, this year. And it is killing me.

So here is my virtual shopping binge. Maybe I can practice affirmations and by speaking it out loud, they will actualize in my closet by the grace of my own determination? Or odds are I will buy at least one of these items...

So cute - new from J.Crew, but I'm thinking orange if I can swing the tan.

Elizabeth & James, perfect for my upcoming girls weekend in Vegas. Please excuse the included tragic looking model.

NOW THIS. This is what I really want. It's hard to see it here, but it's the softest light gray cashmere lined with a shell pink. SO pretty. It's Theory.

More J.Crew, this will be a must for Europe. Throw it on with anything and be instatnly market-chic. Pair it with the longchamp tote I bought and maybe I'll start to fulfill one of my new years resolution of trying to be more chic.

I've been making my list...

2009-02-26T21:43:00.000-08:00

Oh I've got shit to do and it's overwhelming. I've got a limited amount of time to cram in all the things that the real world deems important before I take off for awhile and the clock is ticking.

I've got to seriously update my resume, but here's the rub, it's for a serious career change so how the hell do I apply what would be a successful resume in my current profession to an appealing resume for my new desired one? I have no idea?! Insult to injury, I just found out that my work has been nominated for a prestigious award, but hey, guess what? It means nothing to the new one, so big whoop. All of this means I have my work cut out for me with savvy resume writing. Did I mention I have very little experience with actually writing resumes? Serves me right for having the audacity to do what makes me happy.

I also have some interviews to set up and school to apply to. Don't envy me, I know you want to because my life seems so glamorous. I mean, who wouldn't want to be a soon-to-be-unemployed student in the worst economy in recent history? Saving grace is that I'm taking a kickass trip and that I'll hopefully enjoy the new job more than the old one.

This is me, jumping in head first.