mix tape

see you soon

2011-11-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

sad mac

2011-10-06T05:01:00.000-07:00

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

-Steve Jobs

what i did on my summer vacation part 2

2011-08-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Been well traveled and well caffeinated. Sorry to disappear for so long. xo

Image by Perris Drey Petrozzi via A Well Traveled Woman

sweet summer lovin'

2011-07-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

Off to see Dolly Parton at the Hollywood Bowl tonight. Truly an extraordinary songwriter and story teller, I can't wait to see her live. As she likes to say about I Will Always Love You, "Whitney is more famous for singing that song, but I make more money from it." Love you Dolly.

Image by a l'allure garconniere

day after a long weekend

2011-07-05T06:03:00.000-07:00

happy 4th!

2011-07-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

Image by Clayton Austin via Ruffled

what i did on my summer vacation

2011-07-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Becoming reacquainted with this old friend in my time off from school. Hopefully new music to come.

Image by Favim

summer school

2011-06-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Image by Reuben Miller

photobooth

2011-06-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

Elvis and Sophia

Image by Bob Willoughby via Awesome People Hanging Out Together

rave on

2011-06-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

Rave On Buddy Holly comes out today and I was lucky enough to get an early preview. Some of the tribute covers are better than others, but True Love Ways by My Morning Jacket and Dearest by The Black Keys are definite standouts.

You can listen to the whole album here.

Image by HJT Blog

matthew & the atlas

2011-06-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Discovered these guys at pilates of all places yesterday, when mid-plank I asked my instructor who she was playing. One part Fleet Foxes, another Ray LaMontagne mixed with a little Mumford & Sons. Love.

Image by This Music Wins

cleaning house on a sunday morning

2011-06-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

...with Radiohead.

Image by The Big Harumph

abbey road

2011-06-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

Totally mesmerized people watching on the webcam at Abbey Road Studios.

Image via LastFM

mix tape: jenny lewis edition

2011-06-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

Went to see Jenny and Johnny at the Music Box on Saturday night and since then my Jenny Lewis favorites have been in heavy rotation.

Image by KevChino

heartstrings

2011-06-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I couldn't love Eddie Vedder more, he drops Ukulele Songs on me.

Image by Fresh Ditties Daily

sunday chores

2011-06-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

Photo by Awesome People Hanging Out Together

more than a pinch

2011-06-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

I spent a good amount of time perusing the selections at The Meadow when I was up in Portland a few months back. It's the most lovely little shop that sells salt, bitters, chocolate and flowers. What else do you need? I'm coveting one of their Himalayan salt blocks that you can use to cook on directly your stovetop.

Photo by The Meadow

this time last year

2011-05-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

My favorite summer driving song from last year.

Image by Love is Not a Competition

under the stars

2011-05-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

So I know I say it every year, but I really want to go camping this summer.

Image by Groundwork

travel daydreams

2011-05-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

Just booked my trip to Asia in October. Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok and Koh Samui. Can't wait!

Photo by Insatiably Curious

silverlake, take note

2011-05-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

I love the tumblr Dads Are the Original Hipsters so much. Dads were rocking beards, wearing cut offs and playing guitar all before we were even born. They invented hipster.

Images by Dads Are The Original Hipsters via A Cup of Jo

song of the summer

2011-05-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

Still searching for what will be that great windows rolled down, BBQ cooking, night swimming song of the summer. It'll surface. It's only a matter of time.

Image by Just A Day Dreamx

bossypants

2011-05-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

"The show doesn't go on because its ready. It goes on because it's 11:30."

I tore through Tina Fey's hilariously funny, smart and self-deprecating memoir in two days and could not recommend it more. Anywhere she is, I want to go to there.

Image via Frank White

happy derby day!

2011-05-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

Between this and the royal wedding, it's been a big couple weeks for hats.

Image: Clara Bow at the Kentucky Derby, 1937 by Clara Bow Archive

on my way

2011-05-05T19:20:00.001-07:00

Image by LolasRoom

yes, yes i do

2011-04-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

Image by Judy Kaufman

eggy fun

2011-04-23T08:25:00.001-07:00

Did you know that you can color eggs with silk scarves or ties? Martha does. All you need is some silk scraps, some plain cotton and twist ties. Or you can be lazy like me and order a kit from The June Bride on Etsy. Just wrap your silk scrap around your egg, cover with the plain cotton and tie it tight with a twist tie. Then put them in a pot and boil them for twenty minutes or so until hard boiled. So your eggs are cooked and colored all in one step and they don't even need to dry. Plus you're recycling and creating great unique designs you could never get out of a box of Paas. Pretty great right?

happy friday

2011-04-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

Image by Caroline Royce Design

my favorite little corner

2011-04-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

I've been spending a lot of time writing and studying at my new favorite coffee shop, Coffee Commissary. And now they have put in the gastropub The Fat Dog next door, which not only has a great beer list and chicken pot pie, but it's dog friendly so you get to relax out on a patio full of pooches. And did I mention amazing butcher shop Lindy & Grundy on the other side? It's the best little slice of Fairfax. If I moved into the apartment building upstairs I would never leave.

Image by Eater

never let me go

2011-04-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

I watched this over the weekend and am still thinking about the haunting performances of Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley. Watching these three friends coming of age so aware of the little time they have is thought provoking, sad, and moving. Highly recommend.

Image by Fox Searchlight

i want to be a part of it

2011-04-18T06:20:00.000-07:00

Off to New York for the week!

Pillow by Magpie Lovely

dear ipad2

2011-04-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

You took a long time to get here, but I love you already.

Image by How About Orange

weekend dreaming

2011-04-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

This song makes me want to roll the windows down and drive out to the beach this weekend.

mind your own beeswax

2011-04-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

I picked up a set of these beeswax candles from pollenArts on etsy today. This sweet couple hand makes all their candles in a stove in their 1975 winnebago. How fun is that?

Image by pollenArts

where the wild things are

2011-04-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Image by Dear Colleen

little joy

2011-04-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

This is making me anxious for summertime adventures

song of the day: leftover cuties

2011-04-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

Image by Songs for Film and TV

small batches

2011-04-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

First there were microbreweries, now it's the cocktail that's becoming homegrown. Such terrific small batch distilleries and liquors are popping up everywhere. While more challenging to get your hands on, when you're looking to make a good drink, go local.

I first tried Root by Art in the Age at the Unique LA show back in December and it's become my go-to host gift. Certified organic with a rich root beer flavor, it's tasty with bourbon and a little ginger beer.

While up in Portland, we had delicious drinks at Grüner all made with local infusions from Clear Creek Distillery. The Kirschwasser's crisp, clear cherry flavor is not overly sweet and I will be shaking their Douglas Fir eau de vie into drinks come Christmastime.

Finally, the warm LA weather this weekend means margarita season and you can get an extra kick from Tanteo's jalapeno tequila.

Your local happy hour starts now. Mix away!

Image by Art In The Age

school supplies

2011-03-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

I love having the excuse to buy school supplies again. These are the latest acquisition.

Image by and available at Reform School

happy first day of spring

2011-03-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Image by PennyWeight via FieldGuided

cheese please

2011-03-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

I just picked up this fun print for my kitchen on Etsy. I think it's excellent advice.

Image by Funnel Cloud

pouf! it's gone

2011-03-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

I really, really want this fantastic pouf from Urban Outfitters for my living room yet, alas, they won't deliver to California. Someone else should snap it up.

Image by Urban Outfitters

more adele love

2011-03-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Recorded at home. Sigh.

happy st. patrick's day

2011-03-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

Image by Dirty From The Rain

portlandia

2011-03-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm off to my first trip ever to Portland this weekend. This is my vision of what it will be like. Plus Voodoo Donuts.

the smile

2011-03-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

Had an amazing dinner at The Smile here in NYC last night, catching up with one of my most favorite old friends.

Image by Wool and The Gang who also happen to sell their supercute kits there

the thrill of the fight

2011-03-14T20:47:00.002-07:00

This weekend my accounting professor played a little "Eye of the Tiger" to motivate us before a big quiz. Nothing like an 80s power jam to get you ready to take on opportunity costs. I love my classes so much.

By Neighborhood Studio via DesignLoveFest

mix tape: the second coming

2011-03-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

Who says the mix tape is dead? NPR just ran a piece on Matthew David and Mark McNeil who run a label called Leaving Records which releases albums on cassette tapes. It's just one of many small labels popping up with the same model. McNeil says says the format also fosters a natural sense of community: its followers rummage through dusty old shops and garage sales, talking to people and sometimes making new music out of the old stuff they find. Hear hear!

Listen to the full NPR story here.

Image by MixTape

reunited

2011-03-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite ladies is in town from London for a few days. So excited to catch up and have a raucous good time!

Image by Life Magazine via 13bees

bacon jam

2011-03-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

I made this savory treat by Not Quite Nigella over the weekend. And it was all gobbled up before I could take a photo. Mix yourself up a batch and eat it on crusty bread with some goat cheese or (like I was lucky enough to be given) some homemade ricotta. It's bacon. It's jam. It's delicious.

a caveat

2011-02-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

Headed back to LA, I stumbled across this print on Etsy and thought it summed things up just perfectly.

Image available here

winter in new york

2011-02-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

I'm all bundled up for a blustery week in NYC. Look how pretty and peaceful Central Park was yesterday.

pop of color

2011-02-17T06:18:00.000-08:00

After gloss dominating for years, I'm so excited for the triumphant return of bright bold lipstick. Definitively girly and an accessory all on it's own. I've been rotating Clinique Red Red Red and Christian Dior Star Fuchsia.

Image via We Heart It

friends will be friends

2011-02-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just a great photo of Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury to start your morning.

Image via United Monkee

we just clicked

2011-02-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a little side project for school exploring the world of online dating. Have you ever done it? I'd love to hear what you think. It's short and sweet and anonymous. xo

Click here to take survey

Image via ffffound

happy valentine's day

2011-02-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

Image by SparklePower

grey gardens

2011-02-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

I know I'm way behind, but I finally watched Grey Gardens the other night. Completely fascinating and alternately sad and sweet story of Jackie Kennedy's aunt and cousin (both named Edie) living in squalor in the Hamptons while singing, dancing and reliving what could have been.

Image via here

love is not fruitless

2011-02-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

How cute are these Valentine's Day fruit stickers as a lunchbox surprise? You can download and print them here.

Image by Twig and Thistle

mix tape: valentine's day edition

2011-02-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

Songs to dance to on February 14th and every day.

PS here's last year's too.

Image via Bijou and Boheme

to do list

2011-02-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

Image by Anthony Burrill at Reform School

thirty one-derful

2011-02-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday and I am lucky enough to be spending it with some of my nearest and dearest at a homegrown dinner party. Feeling happy and loved and ready for a glass of bubbly.

Image via We Heart It

who's counting?

2011-02-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

On the eve of my 31st birthday, these are making me smile.

Via here

helplessness blues

2011-02-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues by subpop

Heard this on KCRW the other morning and fell in love. Shazam couldn't match it so after some creative googling of the lyrics I could remember, I found out it was the brand new single from Fleet Foxes. And even better, you can download it for free here! Happy Friday!

big wave

2011-02-03T15:47:00.000-08:00

Spin Magazine premiered the video for Jenny and Johnny's recession anthem Big Wave today. Pop on over and check it out.

Image from here

here i am

2011-01-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

One of my biggest resolutions for 2011 (and hopefully forever) is to be present. To enjoy the place I'm in and the people I am with without distraction, devices, or diversions.

Image by Farouche

florida keys

2011-01-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

Did you hear about the mysterious grand piano that has appeared on a sandbar in Biscayne Bay? No one knows how it got there. (Editorial note: this is not a photo of the piano in question, but it's what I was imagining.) See the full story on CNN.

Image via We Heart It

turn around bright eyes

2011-01-26T19:34:00.000-08:00

"Total Eclipse of The Heart"-A Visual Guide. Love.

From here via Jezebel

turning pages

2011-01-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

"Woke up this morning with a terrific urge to lie in bed all day and read."

-Raymond Carver

Image via We Heart It

let there be light

2011-01-21T07:15:00.000-08:00

Edison lamps give off such a soft pretty light and I think it's about time I have one of my very own. Been eyeing this one of late.

rolling in the deep

2011-01-20T06:01:00.000-08:00

Song of the day. From the fabulous Adele.

pho sure

2011-01-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

Being sickedy sick sick for the last few days I keep turning to the healing powers of pho. The delicious Vietnamese noodle soup that I get to customize with lots of lime, basil, jalapenos, and enough sriracha to make your eyes water. I swear it can heal all the ails you. (Well, not quite as much as Carnegie Deli matzo ball soup, but a very close second.) A round-up:

Pho Cafe-My all time favorite and worth the pilgrimage to Silver Lake

Absolutely Phobulous-best for take out

Pho Saigon-Good no-nonsense spot close to home

9021pho-convenient spot to pop in for a weekend lunch

without a hitch

2011-01-18T06:22:00.000-08:00

Tying the knot anytime soon? Some of my favorite ladies are putting on this bridal shindig out at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs in two weeks. It's going to be total wedding porn gorgeousness.

preemptive strike

2011-01-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

Check out this sweetness. This guy is sending out notes to his future wife, whoever she may be. Some of my favorites:

AT THE MOVIES You can share my peanut M&M’s, but you better act fast.

USUAL If I’m coming to meet you or pick you up and I happen to stop for coffee, I’ll pick up your usual…with some extra of that stuff you put in it.

I CAN’T Time my airport pickup so you see me standing like an emo statue at the top of the escalator but I’ll be there, somewhere. Airports confuse me.

IT JUST SNOWED Walk in my footprints.

To My Wife via A Cup of Jo

ahem

2011-01-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

I have that cold that everyone has so I'm not feeling so great. But I do kind of love what it's doing to my voice. There a nice grit to it, kind of like Phoebe had on "Friends" when she was singing her gravelly voiced version of Smelly Cat.

Hot Water Bottle Cover by Prudent Baby

sad days

2011-01-10T21:47:00.000-08:00

On KCRW this morning they told the story of one of the victims of the terrible tragedy in Arizona, Dorwin Stoddard, and it moved me to tears. Mr. Stoddard was 76 years old and had married his wife when they were in their 60s after a lifetime of friendship. He died shielding her from the gunfire. My thoughts and heart go out to all the victims of this senseless act and their grieving families.

Image via Minnie Chan

old friends

2011-01-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Image via Nerd Boyfriend

a lyric a day

2011-01-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

Love A Lyric a Day where every day artist Lukes Beard creates a new piece inspired by music.

Damien Rice, Radiohead and Pink Floyd images by Lukes Beard

this one has the magic

2011-01-04T08:14:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading Patti Smith's memoir, "Just Kids", about her time living in Manhattan with Robert Mapplethorpe. Its a lyrical tale of their love and friendship, bohemian life at the Hotel Chelsea and the steps that led to their emergence as artists. Tender and honest, I tore through the book in a weekend and finished it with tears streaming down my face.

We used to laugh at our small selves, saying that I was a bad girl trying to be good and that he was a good boy trying to be bad. Through the years these roles would reverse, then reverse again, until we came to accept our dual natures. We contained opposing principles, light and dark.

-Patti Smith

Image via Darla Teagarden

the world spins madly on

2011-01-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a lovely Christmas gift from my parents, I am the proud owner of a new record player. I went out yesterday to scour for albums at Amoeba and picked out some basics to get me started: Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, Patsy Cline, The Beach Boys, Belle and Sebastian and Willie Nelson. There is something so comforting about putting a record on and just letting it play, not frantically shuffling through songs to get to what you are looking for. My ipod is going to take a break for awhile.

Image via We Heart It

rip kodachrome

2011-01-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

Image by The Kodachrome Project

happy new year!

2011-01-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

Cheers to 2011, lovelies!

resolutions

2010-12-31T18:42:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-31T08:09:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-29T09:31:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-29T06:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-28T14:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-28T10:58:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

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

pearl jam morning

2010-10-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

"He who forgets will be destined to remember."

Need some advice?

2010-10-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to report that my dear friend Jaime's book Prudent Advice is finally here! I've mentioned it before, but it is such a sweet, thoughtful and smart collection of lessons for moms and daughters everywhere. If you're in LA, come on down to the launch party at The Little Seed on Friday. You can RSVP to jaime@prudentbaby.com. So proud of you J!

falling slowly

2010-10-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Missing New England this time of year.

Image via We Heart It

turn it up

2010-09-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

A friend posted Little Lion Man by Mumford & Sons on Facebook and now I can't stop listening to it. I recommend you crank this one up real loud. You won't be disappointed.

back to school

2010-09-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

I'm going back to school this fall to get my MBA. I have to say, I am loving being back in the classroom. First test today, wish me luck!

thanks for that

2010-09-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

I was just reunited with this site that I love called thxthxthx. It's a thank you note a day. Some big, some small. This one seemed appropriate to me as I ponder having people over for dinner this weekend.

Image by Leah Dieterich

god willin' & the creek don't rise

2010-09-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

Off to see Ray LaMontagne at the Greek Theater tonight. One of my favorite artists in one of my favorite venues. If you haven't heard the new album yet, get started with the tune below.

mad men

2010-09-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

God I love this show. And this week's episode made me cry, closed out by the perfectly melancholy Simon and Garfunkel.

Image via AMC

repeat

2010-09-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

As my dear friend Jaime says, "Sometimes you need to listen to the same song over and over." For me right now it's this. I just can't get enough of it.

eastbound and up

2010-09-06T18:20:00.001-07:00

After a crazy and tiring (yet exhilarating) week, I escaped to my family's home in Clinton, CT for the long weekend. Earl's bark was bigger than his bite and the weather was absolutely beautiful. I got to spend my needed time with family and friends and meet my cousin's new munchkin. I also managed to eat my way across all of the Connecticut shoreline. Lobster rolls at Lobster Landing (above) were definitely the standout.

philosophically speaking

2010-08-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Plato, Nietzche...Dylan. A friend sent me this site and I can't decide which is my favorite. You can find them all and buy posters here.

Images by Music Philosophy