Happy Weekend! ...

No real reason for posting this photo other than I love that Kirsten Dunst looks cute and is being silly in it. I've always liked her casual style, it always manages to look so effortless. Who knew the little permed vampire who kissed Brad Pitt would turn out to be so cool and stylish?

Speaking of cool and stylish, if all goes well I will be meeting up with a few cool and stylish blogger friends from the San Diego area tomorrow–some of whom I've never met! I'm really looking forward to it! But my weekend starts tonight really as I watch my beloved Lakers try and eliminate OKC in this first round NBA playoff series. Go Lakers!!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Group hug:)

Photo: Here

Hand Signals ...

I like this one. Love goes well with her striped top.

Photo: Here

Money Green Leather Sofa ...

When I saw this photo over at The Selby, the words on this couch caught my eye. And then it started to bug me that I knew where they were from, but I could not put my finger on it. Then it hit me! Can you guess where they're from? Scroll down for the answer. Don't cheat! ....................................................................................................................................................................................................

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They're the lyrics to Biggie Smalls' "Juicy." If you don't know, now you know. I'm so hip hop it's crazy! (add strong sarcastic tone here)

Where She Is ...

For the record, whenever I've been on a boat my hair never looked this cute and tousled while hanging out in it. I'd say it looked more like I got in a fight with a wet rat. Regardless, I want to be where she is. Look at that water would you? You know how I feel about glistening water. Beautiful.

Photo: Here

Good Old Fashioned Rant ...

In a word, yes. Can I just tell you how unbelievably annoying it's been not having an internet connection for two whole days?! For the last two mornings in a row my internet connection has failed just after publishing my morning post ... for the entire day! Talk about feeling disconnected from the world! I know I could've used my phone for email but I hate trying to send clear and concise emails that require more than two sentences through my phone. And then after all that, I got annoyed that I was annoyed at not having internet connection because it somehow seemed so futile. But is it?

P.S. A special high five to Eric for fixing our internet fiasco. He now feels like he can work at the Apple Genius Bar.

Image: Here

Natural Style ...

If I saw this girl walking down the street I'd have to stare. Only because I think she looks really cute. Never in a million years would I try to pull this off myself. But this look works for her. I find it interesting and daring. I actually get inspired by girls like this to push the envelope a little. That's what makes fashion fun for me. What inspires your style choices?

Photo: Here

100% Recommend ...

Have you heard of the 99% Conference? It's a conference aimed at helping creatives (you, you and you) gather their ideas and actually make them happen. They just had their conference last week but they do have an interesting session coming up on May 11, if you're lucky enough to be in NYC. The session will be led by the author of the book Making Ideas Happen, Scott Belsky. Scott will be touching on the three crucial components of creative execution ... organization, communal forces, and leadership capability. Ugh, I wish this was more local. Sounds so interesting doesn't it? And the best part? It's free!

The 99% website itself is an excellent tool for all you small, creative business owners. If you click on the "articles" tab there's an endless list of interesting topics. Including this q & a with the Gilt Groupe founders.

Found (via)

Super Shirts ...

I keep running into this lumber twill shirt by UK brand Superdry. I love the labeling on them and they come in great, great color ways. They feel good on too–they can be worn as lightweight jackets.

Good Monday To You ...

I know, it's Monday and sometimes you do feel like wearing one of these signs around your neck. Particularly around the boss when he asks if your TPS reports are done, right?

But then again ... it is Monday which also signifies a new week with brand new days ahead of us. The day to start your brand new "to do" list for the week. Mine is already taking shape via various colored sticky notes that I always end up finding in jacket pockets weeks down the road. But oh sweet victory when I can actually cross something off! Do you do lists? How do you set your goals for the week?

Photo: Here

Happy Weekend! ...

After enduring the last couple days of winds and rain, this is how I feel today. It's sunny and beautiful:) I know I say "endure" like we live in the Arctic but still. I'm a So. Cal girl, I can't help it. And it's supposed to stay this way all weekend ... happy, happy, joy, joy!

What's going on this weekend? My weekend is starting off tonight with friends I haven't seen in a while + drinks = good times. And the rest will be family filled, which I love:) There's always something funny waiting to be spilled from the mouth of a pre-schooler–this morning as we backed out of the driveway she wanted to know (gasp!) why her Ni Hao Kai-Lan house was in the recycling bin (you have some explaining to do dad). I explained that since it's made out of cardboard, her little brother kind of tore it apart. She had some words for him and declared him to be in BIG trouble as he stared at her from his carseat with clueless love in his eyes for his big sister. Priceless.

Have a great weekend everyone! Group hug:)

Photo: Here

Panda Love ...

I like her cute red hair against the blue of her dress. I like her simple little bouquet of flowers. But more importantly it reminded me that my 3 year old keeps asking if we can go to China to get a pet panda. She's so into panda's lately.

Photo: Here

Power Of Letters ...

Oooh ... good one, isn't it?

Image: Here

Drummer Girl ...

Super cute Tennessee Thomas ...

And even cuter with the rest of the band, The Like.

I first saw the top photo of Tennessee on Garance Dore's blog and fell in love with her cute style immediately. Then I slowly but surely learned that she is the drummer for the band, The Like and I was really sold. When I was younger, about 11, I remember my friend Jackie and I started a band in the few minutes we waited to be picked up from soccer practice. She was going to sing and I was going to be the drummer. I was so excited! The band never took shape, in fact it was a memory by next day's recess. I'll just live vicariously through Tennessee for now and admire how she and her bandmates color coordinated their color-blocked outfits. Love them.

Photo: Here

Band: Here

Book It ...

Putting old books to new use as a chandelier. Not exactly sure how the pages work with the hot lights but the design is stunning.

Photo: Here

Earth Day ...

Earth's axis, 23.4 degrees.

(But you already knew that, right?)

Things we do in our household ...

• We re-use our bath towels 2-3 times before washing. (You are, after all, clean when you use it)
• We stopped buying water bottles and invested in a water filtration system about three years ago. We don't miss the water bottles!
• Every family member has his/her own BPA free water bottle
• I'd say about 90% of the t-shirts/sweaters I buy my 3 year old daughter are unisex so that our 15 mo. old son can wear it too (she's petite, he's a linebacker:)
• We recycle and/or re-use all paper and unavoidable plastics
• Our 3 year old has known where the recyclables go since she could walk
• She also takes showers instead of baths

Things we vow to do ...

• If/when we buy a new car it will be diesel
• Start composting!
• Have a rain collection system (this would've come in handy the last couple days as it has been raining like crazy!)
• Grow a vegetable garden
• Take my own shopper bags to grocery stores (no excuse for this one really, it's too easy)

Ugh, there's so much more we can do, I know! On that note, I would love to hear some of the things you do to stay on the green track. I know there's some clever things going on out there that we might not otherwise be thinking of ...

Image: Here

Roommates ...

Shhhhhh ...

I had the eggs! Where's the coffee?

Is it my turn to rinse?

Good night room.

This brilliant photo concept is by amazing photographer Tim MacPherson. I can't even imagine how long it took to coordinate this shoot. I kind of feel like this is what world peace might look like. Everyone carrying about, doing their thing. Together, in harmony.

Sweet & Linear ...

Something really sweet and pure about this photo. It's very linear too with the white street line, the sidewalk, the water line, the stretch of land and clouds. And then you have your subjects smack dab in the middle. It's perfect. I do wonder if shots like this just happen or if there are painstaking measures taken to accomplish something like this? Photogs? I know you're out there ...

Photo: Here (via)

Pretty In Pink ...

Isn't it?

I've never really thought of owning a pink bag. I'm always considering its ability to "go with everything" so I tend toward darker colors. This could be just the thing to inspire a pink purchase.

Photo: Here

Guru Moment ...

When I worked at American Rag Cie. in L.A. we had a lot of celebrities and musicians coming through all the time. One day Guru came in and I was so excited because I was really into the Jazzmatazz album at the time. Normally I wouldn't fan out but he just had to know that I knew "Guru" was an acronym. So I went up to him and said "Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal." He was pleasantly surprised and said "dang girl, how'd you know?" That was my proud hip hop moment. RIP Guru, you will be missed.

P.S. This really is a great album. There are a couple of tracks with N'Dea Davenport from The Brand New Heavies (another great group) on there which are really good. Definitely worth a listen.

Happy (early) Mother's Day ...

Your host.

Your musical guest.

Who knew I'd be getting such an early Mother's Day gift?! They just announced yesterday that Jay-Z will be Betty White's musical guest when she hosts SNL Mother's Day weekend! This is all sorts of funny and brilliant, I can't stand it. And to top it off Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Molly Shannon, Maya Rudolph, Ana Gasteyer, and Rachel Dratch will be paying a visit that episode as well. The skit possibilities are endless. I'm hoping Betty and the ladies might try out to be back up dancers for Jay (the opposite of Beyonce's skit w/JT and Andy). And maybe it results in Tina and Betty doing a dance off for the last spot. Or maybe Jay and Betty can do a duet of "Run This Town." Oh the possibilities!

Betty Photo: Here

Jay Z Photo: Here

Luxury On Its Best Behavior ...

Taylor Momsen and the "Mister" (my personal fave).

When Mary started her luxury handbag line Novella Royale last summer I knew it was going to be a hit. Not only because her great style was so evident when I first met her (she's the better half to a good friend of mine–sorry Kingman;), but also because her handbags are made purely out of vintage leather jackets, lined in organic fabric and handmade in L.A. Not sure if luxury items get any better (or more responsible) than that! The stylish Mary and her great new line of handbags will be featured on the Daily 10 on the E! channel tonight at 7:30pm. Tune in, won't you?

Willie & Larry ...

Willie, the epitome of cool. Saw the best interview with Willie Nelson on Larry King Friday night. I have some serious Willie Nelson memories from growing up. My dad was a big fan and I remember him playing along with the songs on his guitar all the time. This, along with my mom constantly playing Motown and hearing my older cousins play Rush and Judas Priest, I attest to my eccentric choice in musical playlists today. But that's another post. It's amazing to think that Willie will be 77 at the end of this month and is still touring (in a bio-diesel bus, nice) and apparently having the time of his life–good for him! Plus, it was funny to watch Larry act like an overly excited goofy, teenager after asking Willie if he had smoked pot that day to which Willie responded "yeah."

Quick Willie Nelson top three songs/covers (in no particular order) ... "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain," "Georgia On My Mind," and "All Of Me." And don't forget he wrote the ace song "Crazy" for the amazing Patsy Cline.

Overall the weekend was great and ended with me eating about 1/3 of Brownie Batter from the carton. Ever since my friend Heather introduced me to it years ago I've been addicted! How about you? Any memorable moments this weekend?

Photo: Here

Musical Weekend ...

How awesome is Bob's style on this cover?

Tomorrow's Record Store Day. Indie record shops everywhere will be celebrating like it's 1999–so support if you can. I'm hoping we can make it to Lou's, a very cool record store if you're ever in the Encinitas area. To be musically apropos, Coachella is also happening this weekend. TONS of great performances in store ... Thom Yorke to The Specials, to Jay-Z and Pavement? Pretty incredible line ups. However, I got music festivals out of my system after I accidentally got swept up in some mosh pit for what seemed like an eternity at Lollapalooza. Plus, as I heard a radio DJ comment today, it gets sort of Mad Max by day three. "Everyone's sunburned, malnourished, and dehydrated." I thought that was funny. So if you're going to Coachella have fun and drink your water. If not, have a great weekend and I'll post you soon. Group hug:)

Photo: Here

Journals I Met And Liked ...

"Artists I Met And Liked" journal.

Great titles ...

Always love a fun, creative, inspiring journal. All of these Archie Grand journals have the best titles. "Secret Agents I Met And Liked" is one of my favorites. But you know what's missing? "Bloggers I Met And Liked." I have to admit though I haven't written in a journal in quite some time. The last time I did was to jot down notes from some finance books I was reading ... nerd alert! (Please don't judge me). I think I need an Archie journal to inspire fun writing pronto!

(Via)

Mexican Bedspreads ...

How absolutely adorable are these Mexican bedspreads? I've been eyeing these for so long but they're a little on the pricey side ... of course they are! The website also suggests them as tablecloths with their 5.5'x6' size. How festive would these look with white dinnerware, candles and lots of hot pink roses?

Photo: Here

The Green Chicken ...

Cute alternative to the rocking horse, isn't it? I especially like the color and glossy finish

Photo: Here

Stamp Of Approval ...

Who doesn't need a badminton stamp set? I thought these would look so cute stamped on white note cards with green or blue ink. Yellow Owl Workshop has a whole slew of new things including more stamp sets and ceramics. Fun times!

Lonny Love ...

Loving this blue, yellow, white and green palette.

I think this glossy door and high gloss finish on the door frame are great pop elements. Especially against wallpaper.

I finally found some time to make it all the way through the latest issue of Lonny and of course it did not disappoint. Here are just two of my "keep in mind" saves.

Sharpied Birkin? ...

Remember my utter confusion in my "Bedazzled Birkin?" post last month? Well, apparently it's a trend–this defacing of the beloved Birkin bag. Lady Gaga has now taken a Sharpie to hers and according to insiders it says "I love little monster, Tokyo love." I like you, but really Gaga? You couldn't simply have written it on a t-shirt or your face (obviously, you couldn't keep it to just your arm)? I know you're akin to outrageous fashion but this is almost a crime. Can you imagine writing on your Birkin with a Sharpie? Even if someone was holding a gun to my head insisting that I write something on it I would probably pass out just trying to think of what to write! Stay cool? Help?! I love my Birkin?

I'm trying to think of what's next in this world of money trees. Taking a Sharpie to the Range Rover? Although now that I think about it Flea, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, already beat you to that. I used to see him cruising around LA in his spray painted Mercedes sedan. Maybe this defacing of high-priced property is an attempt at salvaging street cred? Who knows.

Photo: Here (via)

Ludget Delcy ...

I know we've all seen the blazer and bow tie before. But as I scrolled further down I was so excited to see that he had made this look his own. Tucking his trousers into those boots is just not something I can see even Brad getting away with. Preppy meets military, with a genuine smile ... nice touch Ludget!

Photo: Here

Avalon Dreamer ...

The Avalon pillow.

The Giant Avalon blanket.

The Avalon pillow?! First Hermès dangles the blanket in front of me like a carrot and now they've added a matching pillow! Well, since I'm already dreaming I may as well add the pillows (yes plural, I'd need at least two) to my "dreamer" list. It'll go right next to the medium sized Goyard St. Louis tote I decided I really want–I'm currently trying to choose which color I won't get and whether or not I would get my initials on a bag I may never get. Although as I type I'm reminded of what Robert Kiyosaki says ... saying "can't afford it" shuts down the brain. Saying "how can I afford it" opens up the brain. I think I'm going to try and open up my brain. What's currently on your dreamer list?

Pattern Fun ...

"Alpha-Tiles" based on the Helvetica D. Who doesn't love that?

This one's called "Meat." Kinda gross, but I like it.

Aptly titled "Crossed Legs."

These patterns are by graphic designer, illustrator, bookmaker (he does it all really) Chris Sebastian. Chris made the leap at Notre Dame from pre-med to graphic design because of the importance of pursuing his real passion in life. Thanks Chris, your passion is our gain. I can see all of these patterns on various skirt styles. Especially the helvetica D!

Breakfast With James ...

First of all ... you're welcome. How great is this photo? Right down to his striped sweater, the glass of milk and what seem to be cinnamon rolls. The lighting is amazing ... what a mood. What could he possibly be thinking here?

P.S. Is it me, or could this be a J.Crew ad?

Photo: Here

Pouf!

How colorfully amazing are these Urchin Poufs?! Giant hand-knit poufs! So much more conducive to a household with kids than the leather Moroccan one we have in white. I still don't know what possessed me to get white with kids, but that's another story. These poufs are from a London concept store called Darkroom. They have such great things ... definitely worth taking a look.

Some Cuteness For You ...

Even though it rained this morning I've found my sunny disposition again thanks to Lauren Moffatt's spring collection. Funny what doses of red, a little black dress, cute styling and great design can do to a girl! Really liking these hats and shoes too.

Monday No Go ...

Something tells me that all the kids going back to school today after spring break last week would love this one. If only! Especially since it's super rainy and stormy out right now. I'm pretty sure the Monday morning commuters would be ready to hit the cancel button too.

As I mentioned on Friday, we raised the roof on two kiddie parties this weekend. Saturday's was at this giant, netted, multi-level play structure of craziness! Even I went in and felt like I could compete in The Amazing Race afterwards–it was a lot of work getting through it. Sunday's was at a fun park and wouldn't you know, it had a skatepark right beside it. Eric just happened to have his board in the car so needless to say he had fun too. Oh and yes, I had my fair share of sugary frosting cake! What about you? Do anything fun, interesting?

Photo: Here

Balloons & Frosting Weekend ...

Balloons are definitely in our future this weekend since we have not one, but two kiddie birthday parties to attend. Who knew the life of a 3 year old could be so fabulous? I don't mind though since it's these parties where the cake frosting is the super sugary kind that I love. Know what I'm talking about? What about you, any fun plans?

Have a great weekend everyone! Group hug:)

Photo: Here