resolutions

After a crazy year of music making, studying and lots of new friends and adventures, I am resolving to not be a delinquent blogger in 2011. Thanks for sticking around. xo

Image via We Heart It

artisanal la round-up

I'm a little tardy in posting this, but just couldn't let it pass by unacknowledged. After picking up all sorts of gifts and goodies at Unique, my fellow foodie friend Sherri and I made our way down the block to Artisanal LA's Holiday Pop Up Shop. Focused on boutique edibles, we happily sampled our way through the vendors.

Crust by Stephanie Jayne was a definite standout with killer apples pies and a divine Fleur de Sel Caramel Tart (pictured). As Stephanie and I said to each other in unison: pie is the new cupcake.

I also picked up some habanero and champagne garlic mustards by SoNo Trading Co and yummy preserved figs from Cottage Industry.

But my absolute favorite had to be the savory deliciousness being sampled by Cast Iron Gourmet. Two words for you: Bacon Chutney. Served up with pimento cheese, it was heaven on a cracker. I was devastated that they had run out before I had the chance to snap some up. But if you're in LA on Saturday, ease yourself into 2011 by popping by the Eagle Rock Brewery and picking up some bacon goodness.

Photo via The Huffington Post

black swan

Darren Aronosky's Black Swan was amazing as much as it terrified and unnerved me. I had a tough time looking in mirrors the night after I watched it. The British Design Studio LaBoca created four alternate key art looks inspired by Polish and Czech posters from the 60's and 70's. Aren't they striking? The first one is very A Clockwork Orange to me. See them all here.

Images by LaBoca via Jezebel

i learned the hard way

I have just been introduced to the warm soul style that is Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings. Their new album was a Christmas gift from my cousin Steve who's been helping cultivate my musical taste since introducing me to REM's Out of Time in 4th grade. I love it for a swinging New Year's Eve party.

marooned

Along with many many others I am at the mercy of the snow and airport and therefore will be in Connecticut four days longer than planned. Safe travels to all those out there.

Image via Kaleidoscope Eyes

signed sealed delivered

Kate Spade is the master of creating beautiful and stylish designs with just the right touch of whimsy. So I couldn't help snapping these up to use as my holiday cards this year. The perfect sentiment for the season.

PS Find loads of cute things in her Things We Love section of her site

sweetness follows

Willard: People think she's a hellraiser.

Ren: Is she?
Willard: I think she's been kissed a lot.

Footloose

I'm loving this sweet blog about love and men and women.

Images and quote by Kissssing found via A Cup of Jo

snowed in

I made my way east to spend Christmas in Connecticut with my family. And now we're bracing ourselves for the first big snowstorm of the season. I plan on passing the time with a good book, cookies and board games.

Image via We Heart It