I'm sure I'm a bit behind on the Polyvore bandwagon, but I'm currently hooked! It's an easy way to play fashion stylist and an easy way to give your mama Christmas ideas (with links!). Here is my practical wishlist... next my totally impractical one (which will obviously be way more fun)! BTW: I'm usually more colorful than this, but I don't trust anyone to buy me colors or patterns.
la la land: the tidal wave
I walk into a 2story building at night that overlooks a busy street. The lower level of the building is a retail store carrying mostly fabric. I notice 2 girls that I know in line as I pass. One that I’m friends with and one who I used to be friends with. My friend comes up to me as I’m walking up the stairs and we exchange awkward small talk, she’s got the "I’m caught being a phony" look all over her face and I’m just like "uh, huh, whatever" (see petty girl shit, even in my dreams). She asks me what I’m doing there and I reply that I’m about to take a sewing workshop class. I say see ya later and continue to walk upstairs. I walk through the room pass the sewing machines to join the rest of the class waiting for the instructor. They are all on the balcony, which spans the width of the building and is pretty deep. There are 2 levels to the balcony, a lower ground level seating about 10 people and a swing above, that seats another 10. The swing is set up amusement style, there is a very wide/glittery/candy apple red/vinyl bar that sits in your lap. No wind-so it’s not swinging at the moment. I take a seat on the swing and listen to the conversations below. After a minute or two, I turn around to view the back of the room. Starting at the top of the steps, is a huge swell of water. Kinda like when Indiana Jones opens a hatch he shouldn’t have and has to run or swim for his life. Seeing this tidal wave of water headed our way, I scream to the others to brace for impact. I squeeze my eyes shut and wrap my arms around the abnormally wide/vinyl bar. I squeeze my eyes tighter and tighter as I hear the blood-curdling screams from the others who can’t hold on and are plunging to their death over the balcony. The waves of water keep coming and my arms are starting to slip. I dig my nails in and puncture the vinyl, I grab onto the stuffing and then onto the interior metal bar... Still refusing to open my eyes.
I wake up in a hospital in Delaware. Bruised and swollen, the doctors tell me that I am the only survivor. My sister picks me up and we drive back to the building. It’s early morning as I walk up the stairs to the 2nd level. The room is barren from everything being washed up and out, over the balcony. The light is blinding and almost all white. I’m in shock, quiet, and numb. I kneel down and put my ear to the ground. I’m listening for water... next time I’ll be better prepared.
I wake up in a hospital in Delaware. Bruised and swollen, the doctors tell me that I am the only survivor. My sister picks me up and we drive back to the building. It’s early morning as I walk up the stairs to the 2nd level. The room is barren from everything being washed up and out, over the balcony. The light is blinding and almost all white. I’m in shock, quiet, and numb. I kneel down and put my ear to the ground. I’m listening for water... next time I’ll be better prepared.
Only 1 Regret...
Frankly, I’ve had difficulties putting it all into words. Prior to my trip, Barcelona and the things I would do or see were all I could talk about (especially on cloudy days). But on my return I couldn’t find the words to do it justice, so I really didn’t say much (besides that the American dollar is a total joke). I cringe saying Great & Amazing because they don’t even come close to summarizing Barcelona for me. For a while now the city has been my mini escape when shit was hitting the fan, providing zen moments when I’d much rather be throwing a shoe at someone (hypothetically speaking). So drooling over this city for months prior and then coming face to face with all its grandeur was an emotional experience for me. And, I’m not necessarily a sappy chic. I’d much rather see Freddy Krueger snap someone’s spine and use it as dental floss than, watch Sandra Bullock conveniently trip and fall in the crotch of Mr. Right. It was truly beautiful and I loved Gaudi prior, but have an unhealthy obsession now.
Some randomness: wine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner • no flesh! (I wore a skirt and boots one day and was looked at like a 2cent hooker) • the 60’s and over male crowd are horny, but harmless (I think I was even flattered at one point) • no one is from Barcelona • they really don’t “party” till 2am • no dancing in bars (I was reprimanded for this) • they love NYC • they are proud of “us” for voting Obama into office • they smoke like chimneys and have no qualms about blowing it in your face (hence the need for me to run to the pharmacy for sinus meds) • my broken Spanish got me by everywhere (Yes!) • time stands still for futbol • a croissant and café con leche is a typical breakfast • the chics wear tights with everything even shorts and sandals • no condiments (really no need) • oh and the American dollar is poo poo
At the end of the week, when I had accomplished all my intended pursuits, my sister and I did a bit of bar hopping. Not that we didn’t split bottles of wine every night, but I refused to be hungover for Gaudi... I do have to preface this with also being a little hopped up on sinus (so sexy) meds I was able to score from the pharmacy (at least I think they were sinus meds). So, feeling no pain :) we stumbled upon a bar off La Rambla that happened to be an Argentinian hang out. At least this is what I gathered from the cute, scruffy Argentinian sitting next to me at the bar. I got to talkin’ to Juan Pablo who just happened to be in advertising (hello light bulb), of course I tried to “sell myself” and get a job eventually in our convo. Anyways, I had reached the point in the night where all I want to do is dance. But the look of horror in Juan Pablo’s face when I suggested dancing in the bar, kept my cheeks planted. Although, I did get up to make him show me his limp (not that one)... He had been explaining to me that he had a slipped disc from playing rugby and was on some meds himself, oh and dancing would be difficult. I called bullshit to this and walked across the bar to make him prove it. As he hobbled over to me, his Argentinian buddies watched and laughed (Ok, bonus for being a good sport). Eventually, and prob after enough of my whining, we relocated to a larger establishment where dancing was appropriate (and I swear it was behind a hidden door and a velvet curtain). Yeah! A dancefloor, I grabbed my crippled friend and dragged him on. Danced a bit and then came closing time... Juan Pablo and his gentlemen friends volunteered to walk my sis and I back to our hostal. On the walk back he asked me to spend the night at his place. Hmmm... Prior to leaving my mother had said, “Don’t leave your sister, no matter how cute he looks,” (really mom, not necessary!). Honestly, the wine and meds were making me feel tingly and all I wanted to do was pass out. So I replied, “I’ll go over your place, but I’m not having sex with you,” (What? Does he think American girls are easy?). He was seriously taken aback by my comment... “Why??? I’ll use a condom.” “No buddy, sorry, not gonna happen.” So I kissed Juan Pablo goodbye and passed out face first into “my bed”. In the morning, I began to recount the nights events with my sister. I told her about our conversation on the walk back to the hostal and how JP offered to make passionate love to me (no, not at all-very dry and to the point actually). So my lil sis, the ying to my yang, the one that makes me look like a damn rebel, says “You should of told him you couldn’t, cuz you’d break his back!” Ugh!!! Why didn’t I think of that? I pride myself on the one-liners and I totally slacked. Arg! So, that’s the only thing I would do differently on my (Amazing) and (Great) trip: is tell Juan Pablo, “I’d break your back.”
BTW: Currently accepting applications for a travel buddy for a Spring trip, cuz with nothing to look forward to-shoes might start flying.
Some randomness: wine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner • no flesh! (I wore a skirt and boots one day and was looked at like a 2cent hooker) • the 60’s and over male crowd are horny, but harmless (I think I was even flattered at one point) • no one is from Barcelona • they really don’t “party” till 2am • no dancing in bars (I was reprimanded for this) • they love NYC • they are proud of “us” for voting Obama into office • they smoke like chimneys and have no qualms about blowing it in your face (hence the need for me to run to the pharmacy for sinus meds) • my broken Spanish got me by everywhere (Yes!) • time stands still for futbol • a croissant and café con leche is a typical breakfast • the chics wear tights with everything even shorts and sandals • no condiments (really no need) • oh and the American dollar is poo poo
At the end of the week, when I had accomplished all my intended pursuits, my sister and I did a bit of bar hopping. Not that we didn’t split bottles of wine every night, but I refused to be hungover for Gaudi... I do have to preface this with also being a little hopped up on sinus (so sexy) meds I was able to score from the pharmacy (at least I think they were sinus meds). So, feeling no pain :) we stumbled upon a bar off La Rambla that happened to be an Argentinian hang out. At least this is what I gathered from the cute, scruffy Argentinian sitting next to me at the bar. I got to talkin’ to Juan Pablo who just happened to be in advertising (hello light bulb), of course I tried to “sell myself” and get a job eventually in our convo. Anyways, I had reached the point in the night where all I want to do is dance. But the look of horror in Juan Pablo’s face when I suggested dancing in the bar, kept my cheeks planted. Although, I did get up to make him show me his limp (not that one)... He had been explaining to me that he had a slipped disc from playing rugby and was on some meds himself, oh and dancing would be difficult. I called bullshit to this and walked across the bar to make him prove it. As he hobbled over to me, his Argentinian buddies watched and laughed (Ok, bonus for being a good sport). Eventually, and prob after enough of my whining, we relocated to a larger establishment where dancing was appropriate (and I swear it was behind a hidden door and a velvet curtain). Yeah! A dancefloor, I grabbed my crippled friend and dragged him on. Danced a bit and then came closing time... Juan Pablo and his gentlemen friends volunteered to walk my sis and I back to our hostal. On the walk back he asked me to spend the night at his place. Hmmm... Prior to leaving my mother had said, “Don’t leave your sister, no matter how cute he looks,” (really mom, not necessary!). Honestly, the wine and meds were making me feel tingly and all I wanted to do was pass out. So I replied, “I’ll go over your place, but I’m not having sex with you,” (What? Does he think American girls are easy?). He was seriously taken aback by my comment... “Why??? I’ll use a condom.” “No buddy, sorry, not gonna happen.” So I kissed Juan Pablo goodbye and passed out face first into “my bed”. In the morning, I began to recount the nights events with my sister. I told her about our conversation on the walk back to the hostal and how JP offered to make passionate love to me (no, not at all-very dry and to the point actually). So my lil sis, the ying to my yang, the one that makes me look like a damn rebel, says “You should of told him you couldn’t, cuz you’d break his back!” Ugh!!! Why didn’t I think of that? I pride myself on the one-liners and I totally slacked. Arg! So, that’s the only thing I would do differently on my (Amazing) and (Great) trip: is tell Juan Pablo, “I’d break your back.”
BTW: Currently accepting applications for a travel buddy for a Spring trip, cuz with nothing to look forward to-shoes might start flying.
Lovely Spines
Love the simple graphic patterns/colors of these classic book cover redesigns.
Designs by Coralie Bickford-Smith, Interview on Design Sponge on how the pattern relates to the text, Available on Amazon
Barcelona Baby!
Finally! I feel like I've been dreaming of this trip all year (just a couple months!). Although only a week, my agenda is jamm packed with some pretty AMAZING sites, sounds and tastes! I plan on documenting every minute and providing vivid stories and reviews on my return.
Creepy thoughts
I'm supposed to cook 2 impress tonight, but I have 1/2 a mind to make this :
Love the use of an onion as a bone!
Inspiration for Halloween costumes... Friday/Saturday???
Love the use of an onion as a bone!
Inspiration for Halloween costumes... Friday/Saturday???
My eggs are fresh-according to my gyn
new 2nd hand purses
Online dating of the good variety
So, I went on a total blind date with a book club last night! Well... not totally blind (I have been following the blog of one of the members), but this was our first meeting and I had some major butterflies. I actually welcomed this feeling with open arms, since any recent dates have left me totally apathetic. These days, dates are lucky if I shower and apply lipgloss-but last night I sprayed the good perfume and even plucked a couple eyebrow hairs. I also stopped by my neighbor's house to have a warm-up drink and so they could make fun of what a dork I was. Being that I hadn’t read the book (only knew about it days prior), I showed up late to try and avoid the discussion that I couldn’t contribute to. I arrived to a boat full of sushi and bottles of white wine (already my kind of girls!). The conversation revolved around work, idiot boys, movies, past events/future events, boardgames, and yeah some book talk... It was a breathe of fresh air-a nice change of pace from oohing and aahing over kitchen utensils and the ins and outs of breast feeding. Initially I was afraid I would be put on the spot, ignored, judged, etc. But, none of that took place. It was pretty darn effortless and wonderful. I left giddy with the possibility of new friends, maybe it sounds silly-but it has always been hard as hell for me to meet women with similar interests and at similar points in life. BEST OF ALL-my new lady blogger friend didn’t make me wait! I received a confirmation text shortly after I arrived home-that feelings were mutual. No waiting games, no mixed signals-just honesty... Now that is something to ooh and ahh over!
Oh this? it's custom.
I dig this trend! Making accessories and apparel "your own". I have a strong affinity for watches... leather, metal, chunky, feminine, old school, modern (I think I need one of each). At La Mer's site you can create your own eclectic vibe, mixing metal faceplates with different color leather bands and adding whatever charms your into. Below are some combinations I came up with, I like the idea of mixing the types of metals and I always gravitate towards gold. Great prices BTW (customized watches are approx. $118).
More customization at Ralph Lauren, specifically with their Rugby Collection. Here you can pick from polos, cardigans, rugbys, hats, etc. and add a variety of preppy themed patches, numeric patches or specific text. Some of this is silly because it's pretty simple to iron on or sew most of this stuff, but I do dig the opportunity to tag your name–you know, just in case your cardigan or rugby gets misplaced with your girlfriends or somesuch. And I really dig this rugby-esque dress, I picture it pairing nicely with some tights and leather boots. Rugby dress approx. $128.
More customization at Ralph Lauren, specifically with their Rugby Collection. Here you can pick from polos, cardigans, rugbys, hats, etc. and add a variety of preppy themed patches, numeric patches or specific text. Some of this is silly because it's pretty simple to iron on or sew most of this stuff, but I do dig the opportunity to tag your name–you know, just in case your cardigan or rugby gets misplaced with your girlfriends or somesuch. And I really dig this rugby-esque dress, I picture it pairing nicely with some tights and leather boots. Rugby dress approx. $128.
Ray all day, everyday
Friday night I saw Ray LaMontagne at the Meyerhoff in Bmore, backed by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra... phenomenal! The show far exceeded all my expectations. His voice was even sweeter and more deliciously raspy in person. I'd like to have at least one of his bastard children, is this too much to ask?! Here is a quickie review of the show by the Sun. The show's arranger and conductor was David Campbell (Beck's Daddy), picked out by my friend Sharkey.
Gaudi vs. Nissan Cube
No competition of course... but do you think that Gaudi inspired this car creation? Maybe I've been looking at Gaudi too much lately... And, don't get me wrong–I think this vehicle is pretty ugg, but I will be getting up-close-and-personal with Gaudi's beautiful masterpieces (Casa Batlló and La Pedrera above) in about 20 days! Can't wait!!!
Women are silly.
So I awoke early Saturday morning to attend a Nordstrom’s Trend show with some of the sweet ladies in my family. They had gone to them in the past and recommended getting there at 6:30am to secure a seat up front. I said a “hells no” to this and volunteered to bring the Starbucks in exchange for rolling up right before start time (8am). I should’ve put some Bailey’s in my coffee to prepare me for the SCREAMING/clearly-not-in-their-right-mind women that I had to deal with for the next 2hours. Wow, I like fashion and beauty products just as much as any other woman, but apparently not enough to be spontaneously jumping from my seat with joy and hysteria. The premise of this is: the louder more over-the-top you got, the greater possibility of you scoring free shit (I mean products). Yeah, free stuff is nice, but frankly from what I could tell (and judging the cars in the parking lot) none of these woman were hurting for the nicer beauty products in life. The greatest cringe-worthy moment were the tweens doing their best to get the attention of the host... in hopes of what? A free Clarisonic (battery operated device used to reduce the appearance of your pores). Upon one of these tweens actually winning one of these ($200) contraptions (through raffle), the Clarisonic rep assures the audience that the device can be used from ages 8-80. Excuse me? I don’t think 8 year olds need to be worried about their pores! They have all their late-20’s and up to be doing that.
Some online pic Do's and Dont's
DON'T
-No pics of you and your pimp ride. I don't care how pimp it is!
-No pics with babies, toddlers, etc. I don't care how cute they are-this is not a turn on.
-Have ALL your pics taken by yourself in your mirror. Makes me think you have no friends.
-No glamour shots if you are not a paid model or realtor. Vain.
-No flexing or semi-nude shots. Please leave something to the imagination, plus it makes me think you're overcompensating for other areas.
-No cats! Suspect.
-Forget to label yourself in group shots. I could be looking at your much cuter friend and be wasting time.
-Get so close I can count your nose hairs.
-No before&after shots. Why am I interested in the you that was 5, 10 years ago(thinner/more hair)?
-No blurry pics. Blurry pics imply you are only attractive from afar.
DO
-Have pics of yourself in exotic locations. Says your adventurous/cultured.
-Have pics in boats that are possibly yours. Girls like boats, well at least this one.
-Have pics with dogs. They are a bonus, unless they are girly dogs-in that case: Suspect
-Have pics with mom or family. Men with good family relationships are usually well-rounded.
-Have full-frontal face shots. So I know your not hiding a hairy mole.
Love those lines
Came across these lovely illustrations by Garance Doré...
She has recently collaborated with the Gap, find out more here .
She has recently collaborated with the Gap, find out more here .
Crafty bastard highlights
This weekend, I attended Crafty Bastards in Adams Morgan. The vendors at this arts & crafts festival can be primarily described as quirky and kitch, with a sizeable dash of dark humor. There was also an amazing Bboy competition, which mesmerized me for a large part of the day... especially the dude with a prosthetic leg who didn't skip a beat and continued to "battle" after removing his leg... truly inspiring. Below are some bastards that stood out:
Also, I can't leave out the cuddly soft penis' with sarcastic inscriptions:
Art links: Berkley Illustration, Brainstorm, Rar Rar Press, Tugboat Printshop, The Black Spot Books, and last but not least The Prick Cushion
Also, I can't leave out the cuddly soft penis' with sarcastic inscriptions:
Art links: Berkley Illustration, Brainstorm, Rar Rar Press, Tugboat Printshop, The Black Spot Books, and last but not least The Prick Cushion
Adios Melt-in-your-mouth sliders (tear/tear)
the fall lineup
the straw that broke my back or made me cancel my eharmony account
I was not only matched with this gentleman, but after your matched you have the opportunity to review each others profiles... apparently after reviewing my profile he thought we had enough in common to contact me and attempt to open the lines of communication or maybe he was captivated by my smile... who knows.
The 5 things this potential suitor can't live without (typed word4word): 1. a good laugh & morning coffee 2. Passion/Phisical Contact 3. My pillow 4. My Cats 5. Toilet Paper-Think about it!
The not-so-highs and lows of eharmony
The questionaire is pretty intense and I made sure to emphasis the qualities that I thought were important. Adventurous, open-minded, creative, family values, confidence, ability to use power tools, oh & Hotness. Ok, so maybe there were alot of men that i passed up that might of had most of those qualities, but i couldn't get over their not remote attractiveness. I'm not totally superficial, just a wee bit and it's much easier to dismiss a guy when I'm instantly judging on his sad/sad picture. Oh well.
The process of getting to know someone was kinda drawn out, which could be a plus or minus. If you choose to go through the "guided process"(which most people do), Step1: send a set of 5 multiple choice questions that you pick. Some examples: What is your theory on travel? How much alone-time do you need? What's your idea of romance? Step 2: send your "must-have's" and "can't stand's". These you pick from an extensive list and range from: must want a family, must be ambitious, must have a sense of humor or can't be obese, can't have addictions, can't be a bitch (more or less). Step 3: you choose 3 questions that the other person can write a short answer to. Example: What are you looking for in a partner? If you were a movie, what type of movie would you be? what would be the name of the movie? and who would play you? (I never got asked this question... but eventually I'd like to answer
this for myself ;)
So this process can take a couple of days or weeks, depending on your interest or schedule. You do have the ability to "fast track" and skip all this non-sense, but usually if a guy did this, I was hesitant and thought him a weirdo.
All-in-all eHarmony is a semi-decent option for someone really valuing their privacy, which was me at 1st. But obviously I have no problem throwing myself under the bus at the moment or shouting from the rooftops, "Yup, I'm an online dater!"
Declarations of Love
A Love Letter For You=Stephen Powers and the City of Philly Mural Program
I think Bmore could use some love!
Bring on Jacket Weather
This chill is making me nauseous... my only comfort is the fact that soon if not now (which is way too soon) I will be able to wear jackets... ooh lovely jackets!
One, 2, Three, 4... I declare Text War!
Ok, I'm not proud of this, but here is how it goes (or went):
My high hopes of meeting (let's call him Rico-because his name was equally as obnoxious) were quickly diminished upon 1st sight. Mainly because he looked nothing like the blurry pictures he had submitted for review (yes, blurry pics should've been my 1st clue) and carried himself with an undignified air of my-shit-don't-stink. This in combination with his friend resembling a slimier version of Craterface from Grease-made me want to run. We had a very short meeting that night because after the 2nd bar, he disappeared. I mean I was planning on slipping out with my GF, but damn he beat me to it. Anywayz, I was pretty irritated at the wasted effort on my part, so here it goes (or went):
MC: so you weren't what I expected you to be...
Rico: is that so... thats too bad for me I guess
MC: thanks of leaving jackass (several cocktails later)
Rico: your welcome... thanks for showing up late n being rude (lie... kinda)
MC: Yr mother!
Rico: lose my number psycho!
MC: proactive
My high hopes of meeting (let's call him Rico-because his name was equally as obnoxious) were quickly diminished upon 1st sight. Mainly because he looked nothing like the blurry pictures he had submitted for review (yes, blurry pics should've been my 1st clue) and carried himself with an undignified air of my-shit-don't-stink. This in combination with his friend resembling a slimier version of Craterface from Grease-made me want to run. We had a very short meeting that night because after the 2nd bar, he disappeared. I mean I was planning on slipping out with my GF, but damn he beat me to it. Anywayz, I was pretty irritated at the wasted effort on my part, so here it goes (or went):MC: so you weren't what I expected you to be...
Rico: is that so... thats too bad for me I guess
MC: thanks of leaving jackass (several cocktails later)
Rico: your welcome... thanks for showing up late n being rude (lie... kinda)
MC: Yr mother!
Rico: lose my number psycho!
MC: proactive
Fifi Lapin and LeSportsac Unite
Super big fan of that fashion-conscious bunny know as Fifi Lapin. You can see her illustrations NOW on LeSportsac Sacs... My personal fave: the Compulsive Shopper tote with "Dress Up" print.
great passage
Ok, I know I'm a little behind in discovering this book, but I want to share a great passage I read this morning:
"The search for contentment is, therefore, not merely a self-preserving and self-benefiting act, but also a generous gift to the world. Clearing out all your misery gets you out of the way. You cease being an obstacle, not only to yourself but to anyone else. Only then are you free to serve and enjoy other people."
...so true. How many times have you been bummed by someone's negativity? I'm sure I've bummed people out myself... with my worry, regret, bitterness. It's contagious!
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