Entries from 30 April 2011
Apr
29
Tomorrow, I’m taking a trip to Los Angeles and having a lovely little picnic brunch with these two ladies. I can’t begin to tell you how much these little trips rejuvenate me. I leave all my schoolwork behind and get to spend a day wandering and dreaming and brainstorming with some pretty incredible people. There aren’t many more of these trips left for me, and that breaks my heart a little bit.
Is it picnic weather where you are yet? I’m seriously dreaming of scones and long conversations in the sun.
Moments of gratitude this week:
- Feeling revitalized after a good long conversation with Lillian, Piper, and Janie
- Drinking morning tea
- Running intervals at the gym and realizing I’m getting faster
- Celebrating my flatmate’s birthday with burgers, fries, and ice cream topped with bananas foster — oh, and Glee
- Taking all of Thursday off from appointments
- Reading the most incredible comments on my Vanity post (I seriously want to hug you all)
And a few fantastic links for you to discover:
- You asked for the recipe for that gorgeous avocado dish at my Easter Brunch so here it is!
- This beautiful video I don’t have enough words for (and I’m so glad Uncle Beefy is back)
- I’m planning to make this chocolate hazelnut torte and this blueberry pull apart bread
- And while we’re on the subject of food, check out this incredible vegan food blog
- This Pictory collaboration on all things handmade is just incredible (so glad Plantmade posted about it)
- I’m dreaming of some yogurt, fruit, and granola in these pretty parfait cups
- For some reason, I can’t get this bracelet from Studio Surface off my mind
- And I got schooled in some name rules
Have a delicious weekend, my dear friends!
{photos by Tinywater; styling and design by BASH, PLEASE; discovered via Design Sponge}
Apr
28
I use that phrase a lot in agreement: “Word.” It’s terribly 80s or 90s (I’m not really sure) and I always get strange looks when I say it. I think that’s exactly why I use it, because it’s not hip the way it once used to be. Do you have words like that? (I’m also heavy handed with “y’all” most of the time, which makes everyone think I’m from the South, except I grew up in New Jersey.)
Anyway, I may have overused it yesterday, to the point of being unable to ever use it again. Possibly. Every single one of your comments on my post elicited that phrase. And a head nod. Yeah, you’re all that amazing.
I need a moment to breathe today and get back to all of you so you may see another post, you may not. I haven’t decided yet. I’m just going to let the inspiration strike me as it happens.
Let’s all be awesome today, yes? If there’s one thing I know for sure about you, it’s that you’re awesome.
{print by Lucius Art}
Apr
27
My flatmate and I celebrated her birthday a day early last night with a delicious dinner, some bananas foster over vanilla ice cream, and an episode of Glee. I was prepared to write a different post for today, but something about that episode really struck a chord with me.
In January, I said my New Year’s resolution was to love myself, and while I have been doing that in many ways, in some ways I haven’t. Last week I found out that I’d gained some weight since January, and I was really hard on myself. I couldn’t believe I had let that happen: all the weight I lost over the summer, back again.
Clothing doesn’t feel the same anymore and I find myself more self-conscious of my body than ever before. I’ve struggled with my weight for years, and while I’ve never been technically overweight, I’ve never achieved the “ideal” body I was after. It’s never been about being something that I’m not — I don’t want to look like models in magazines. I don’t have that body. I have mine. I just want my body to be the best it can be, so I can be healthy and confident and strong.
So I’ve been struggling with the question: how do I simultaneously accept and love myself while trying to make myself better?
I don’t have an answer, but I’m working on things. I suspect many of you out there can relate. There are things we all love about ourselves and things we want to change. How do you find a balance? How do you begin to embrace all the wonderful unique things that make you you, while perhaps looking to transform some things too? I’d really love to hear your thoughts on this.
{all photographs by the talented Valeria Heine}
Apr
26
Alice Waters’ kitchen table make me think a lot about how important the right dining table is. And as I was drifting off to sleep one night recently, I had a realization: I need a dining table that sings. Warm wood but still a statement piece. Something like this one from designer and RISD grad Asher Israelow.
Best part: he’s based in Brooklyn. It’s like all the pieces are falling into place.
What do you think? What do you look for in a dining table? Do you prefer rectangle or round? Wood or glass?
{images from Asher Israelow’s website; discovered via Design Milk}
Apr
26
Recently, the book Great Kitchens found its way into my hands. I spent an evening daydreaming as I flipped through the pages and trying to imagine what my ideal kitchen would be. Alice Waters, I discovered, though it’s no surprise, has a fantastic kitchen. The focal point? The kitchen table. Or at least, that’s where I felt the heart of her kitchen was situated. I know you can’t see the rest of it in the image above, but trust me. She also has a fireplace and pizza oven in her kitchen, as if you thought it couldn’t get better.
So I’ve more to add to my kitchen wish list now: fireplace, pizza oven, incredible table, and a set up like Alice has. What about you?
{image from Vanity Fair October 2010}
Apr
25
Easter has always been a time when my family gathers together and is thankful for each other. Last year, my brother and I went out for brunch together in San Diego. But this Easter was my first year without any family around. It seemed only natural that I host a brunch and invite UCSD friends that had no where to go for the holiday.
And I really couldn’t have imagined anything more perfect. The food was fantastic, the company the best, and the mimosas abundant.
We all managed to find ourselves in happy little food comas by the end of the meal.
Doesn’t it all look splendid? My friend Mindy took care of the table while I was in the kitchen making french toast, and I must say, she did a truly spectacular job. (I also handed her my camera, so she’s responsible for these photos as well.)
After things were cleaned up and everyone was gone, I drove up north to have Easter dinner with Heather and her family. They were so welcoming and warm. And they let me hunt for Easter eggs. How could things get any better?
I don’t really have words for how lucky I am to have spent my day with these people.
Did you have a lovely weekend? Did anyone else find themselves in sugar shock from all that Easter candy? Hope you’re recovering well on this beautiful Monday!
Apr
22
A little meal on a balcony overlooking a gorgeous city.
Ideal way to start the day, don’t you think?
Lately I’ve been starting my day with two things: a bowl of cereal and some exercise. It’s my zen time. I’ve been thinking a lot, like “What do I want to do with these Friday posts?” “Where am I going to drive on my road trip?” “What’s the meaning of life?” You know. The usual.
Let’s try something this week. Since I’m so addicted to lists lately, here are two for you.
First, my moments of gratitude:
- a cute 9-week old puppy nuzzling into her owner’s arm on the bus
- an unexpected caramel latte delivery from a student during my office hour
- some advice from three good friends
- a phone call with a good friend who reminded me that I can accomplish anything
- dinner at one of my favorite restaurants with this lovely lady
- getting to the gym at 6am for a morning run
- plans for Easter brunch on Sunday
And some of the most lovely links I’ve discovered over the last five days:
- how to naturally dye those Easter eggs
- a gorgeous description of Forage, a Los Angeles restaurant that Allyn and I went to two weeks ago
- impossible art ideas
- some delicious bread pudding with a Southern flair
- I’m working on my six, are you?
- and if you’re ever in the San Diego, you need to try this turkey burger (they have an awesome veggie burger too)
Whatever your weekend has in store for you, I hope it’s wonderful and filled with loved ones and some warm spring sunshine!
(And what do you think? Do you like the lists? Want more on future Fridays?)
{image by Elfas}
Apr
21
I’ve been a big admirer of Shanna Murray‘s work for some time now, since I first saw her “You are my sunshine” decal. Immediately I imagined a picture of my grandmother in place of the one there, the one where she’s in a bathing suit, the one that made me realize I have the same legs she did. I love that little connection.
And then Shanna made this decal to help those in Japan. It was exactly how I felt: anything we do with great love becomes great, even if it’s small. Even if it’s only a smile.
Soon, she’ll be premiering her line of greeting cards. And I’ll be sending them to you. Because there’s nothing I love more than sending handwritten letters. It’s a lovely little way to let people know how much you appreciate them.
And I so appreciate you.
{images from Shanna’s blog; you can buy her beautiful work on big cartel}
