In poor taste

After yesterday's rant, I just wanted to send a laugh. I love the Sedaris's (well at least Amy and David). You can't help but chuckle when reading this "advice" given by Amy Sedaris on Nerve.com, (on the bottom but you can read advice from other comedians like Jim Gaffigan of the hysterical hot pocket jokes). I'll repost the contents here, but stop reading if you are a sensitive sissy. But come back tomorrow!

Amy Sedaris

Dear Amy:
They say that the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. More specifically, what do you think is the best meal to serve my man to make sure he’ll never, ever leave me?
Dani Kando- Kaiser
Sacramento, CA

Dear Dani:
First of all, I’m a bit of an amateur coroner. Let’s just say I like to poke around. The fastest way to a man’s heart is definitely through the chest cavity. Yeah, it’s a bit of a bother sawing through all that bone, but trust me, it’s a straight shot.

To answer your question about serving a dish that will keep your man happy, I suggest a Honey Baked west vagina ham, or turkey cordon blow him. Or how about chicken snatchatori?
Amy

And since I know you are curious, here's the hot pocket stand-up.

PS. In bizarre news, my coworker knows the advice-seeker. Small world.

Branching Out & the Quarterlife Crisis

Have you read this article "Welcome to Your Quarterlife Crisis" by Kate Carraway? No? Well don't. (I mean, fine, but, do it at your own risk)

I read it this weekend and now it's Wednesday and I'm still thinking about it. In some ways, it nails the way I feel about my life in a hideous way. The article addresses, in depressing detail, why a lot of young people ask themselves this question ‘Why haven’t I made more progress?’ and in conclusion, eloquently proposes that we "grow the fuck up." And you know, that makes sense.

In what I assume should be meant to comfort you, young, attractive twenty-something, the article points out that it's not just you that feels this way. There's a pervasive amount of well-educated young people who thought they should have accomplished certain things or done something incredible by the ripe old age of 25. Why? Other people have. Tons of them. Starting when we were young. It's an idea that is constantly reinforced: "so-and-so did blah-blah-blah by now". Really? Awesome.

Furthermore, the article cites the rise of social media and the constant barrage of information of people we only moderately care about as a factor that exacerbates this. Best quote: "All these people you couldn’t give a shit about a couple of years ago are now these omnipresent benchmarks and counterpoints to measure against whatever you have or haven’t got going on in your life." Thanks Mark Zuckerberg, another one of those young persons who conquered the world before even graduating from the Ivy League.

Truth be told, I'm awfully lucky. For better (or arguably worse) I've been gainfully employed at a "cutting-edge" start-up company since I was 21. Others have fared far worse. My particular situation has allowed me to say "I want to do [this thing ] at work" and someone else would say "Go for it." I've learned a vast amount in 4 years here. But that begs the question, what next? Please, tell me there is something newer and shinier with a faster trajectory for growth and success. I'm hell-bent on finding it.

In an effort to combat the pull of sulking on my couch Facebook stalking people I don't miss at all, I'm forging my own path. I started a blog as a creative outlet because my other artistic skills are pretty dismal. Arestia and I are shopping our services as event planners throughout town and putting ourselves on a crash course with self-created destiny.

But what really bothers me is; of course this is all true. Who doesn't want to call the shots & be a self-made, self-reliant, independent person? I don't know a single person who wouldn't rather pursue a life that answers to one's own demands, schedules, and dreams first rather than someone else's. Do you?

Dream Big. And Breathe.

Nostalgia & Missed Memories

My baby sister decided she wanted to grow up despite my better intentions. And, as it happens when you are a junior in highschool, she attended her school prom. In fact, girlfriend is attending an additional prom on Saturday. Hot damn!

Here's the sad news: I missed the festivities. Mama Squit was good enough to send me the pictures of my beautiful little lady. Can we pause for one second and discuss how stunning she is?!?! She is such a gorgeous young woman. Also, mom went all out on the prom dress, too, right? I know.

And though this is in celebration of Allegra's day, I can't help but admit that it makes me the tiniest bit nostalgic. My junior prom was without a question the best day of highschool. Better than graduating and heading in my white dress straight out of there. The truth is, 8 years later, I don't remember details about what we did before or after. I know Stephanie came over and we got ready, the boys came over, one with a balloon in tow. I vividly remember one of my straps breaking and Mrs. R fixing it.

I just remember euphoria on that day. That boy I loved was on his best behavior; we danced and laughed. Certainly, with the passion that accompanies young love, one day the tables would turn. There would a stretch where the emphasis was on the painful and the dramatic. But the pain of all that has dulled as well.

It's almost embarrassing how often I feel a twinge of nostalgia for him or how quickly something can trigger a memory from those 4+ years we spent together. He remains one my favorite men on earth. It's been years since we've seen each other, and overtime, a new friendship has developed between us.

For posterity's sake, here's two from my own junior prom:

*Please check out baby Allegra.

Is part of this a romanticized view of young love? Absolutely. Do some of those memories reflect a time of more than my share of vulnerable, tender and loving moments? I know it does.

Music City - The Other NashVegas

Just arrived back from Music City (Nashville) from the Country Music Half-Marathon. It was a whirlwind trip, but super enjoyable.

The Marathon was called early due to the crazy storm that hit the south this weekend. Luckily, nearly everyone finished before the skies opened. When we weren't waking up at 4:30 am, we ate, danced, listened to music, window shopped, and had some family time with the Gauchat clan. PS Congrats to the runners!

Personal highlight: A BANJO and Mandolin demonstration at the Country Music Hall of Fame. I took notes (not even joking).

Here's what I learned: the banjo we have today in bluegrass and country music originally came from Africa in the 1500s on slave ships. Banjos were incredibly bare-bones at first, constructed out of a hollow object, covered in a animal hyde (ie you could construct a banjo out of a pumpkin and a cat). At the time, it was a drum.

Eventually, strings were added. The slave owners saw the slaves rocking out at night and decided to join the fun. What we hear today in music was essentially created by Earl Scruggs. He added the claw picks and created the modern country music/bluegrassy style. And now you know!

(*Please excuse that enormous man)

More highlights in photo form:

Wall murals abound.

Love this display at Abernathy Road. Loved it here. Tried to move in. More on this later.

Look at Dolly—so beautiful. At her little store.

Wall of boots. Dive in.
Zzzooooommmm! In the immortal words of Allegra, "There goes him!" But in this case, it's a her.

Storm's a-comin'. Just before the Marathon was called off.

Bike racks behind the symphony. Darling!

Flight home.

Dare I admit...I'm a romantic?

I suppose I've fancied myself "edgy" all my life.

Turns out, at least in my design sensibility, I'm sweet as sugar. Something about romantic styling, curvy lines, whimsical details, detailed mirrors and a pop of bright color makes me want to curl up with a book and stay in on a Friday night. Partly, a tremendously "girly" place to unwind sounds so comfortable: my Aunt Barb had a "dressing" room in her former Chicago apartment which seemed to characterize this space for which I'm searching.

I learned this lesson firsthand when designing my newest bedroom. While my roommates were drawn to masculine colors, lines, and themes, I stayed with a girlier palette. My furniture is white accented by black and white art and sheer, purple curtains. But it's not just small spaces.

I find myself more and more drawn to romantic themes in art and even in big pieces, like the love-inspired Philadelphia murals.

Here are some images that make me swoon:



Dream room. Where do I sign up? Currently, I'm drooling over gray combinations like gray & pink, or gray & purple with a pop of yellow. This is subject to change at any minute, but I'm feeling the calming influence of gray right now.


Dream tub. Fill it up for me.


Entry way. Found this on my first favorite blog, Elements of Style. Wholly inspired by the lovely Erin Gates.



Dainty blue-tiled washroom. Love that mirror.


Look at that pop of color. So intriguing.


Totally moved by these murals around Philly. See more around the city here.


Romantic art. See, I told you. She has a great full shop Kiss her. It's British. Pounds make me sad.

Ok, off to Nashville tomorrow--I'll post all the great scenes from the city next week.

Marathon Monday: Christmas in April

Buckle down kids. This is gonna be a long one.

You should know, I'm not one who is easily inspired, though I envy those who are. It's a quality some of my closest friends have (like E who has been known to literally stop and smell flowers.) But, a better kept secret is I'm a totally softie. Give me a good human interest story (particularly sports related, who knows why) and I'll show you a good cry.

And the Boston Marathon provides just that. Thousands of human interest stories. More than that, we, as Bostonians, put on our very best face. It's one day we are incredibly kind, supportive, and welcoming to the masses (even if drunk while doing it). And it's a day I'm proud to live here.

Some highlights from yesterday & then a few pictures:

1. We took a crowded, pre-baseball game T. My body reacted by going into FULL-ON panic mode. It wasn't pretty.
2. Cleveland circle party to see the handicapped-elites and then the men and women front runners.
3. Congrats to Lauren, Molly, Kevin, Krysta, and the pilates girls. Also, all the other runners.
4. Brian and I used a stranger's restroom and rode in Boston's most terrifying elevator.
5. A bunny! On the street! Plus, tubas, children & old men serving hot dogs. Cue tears.
6. Waterworks ensued: Blind runners & guides, 'In memory of' shirts, 'Cheer for [insert name]' shirt, ultra-marathoners, general overwhelming kindness.

But I guess the highlight would be just passed mile 25 where a young man was walking alone. "Do you want me to run with you?" I said. "Fuck yea," he replied. So I handed my purse off to Rach and headed out upon the final stretch with him. We were pretty quiet, but we attempted some conversation. "I'd be walking right now if you weren't here," he said. "You're doing great," I said back. "Are you excited?" I asked as we turned onto Boylston, just yards from the Finish Line. "I am," he puffed. And there I left him, one stoplight from the end of his 26 mile journey. I ran into him a little later to say good job again. We exchanged numbers and he texted me this: "[It was] Nothing to you maybe...but in reality it was pretty awesome."

2010 Boston Marathon. Done right.

Maybe you've heard...

...2009 was a bit rough for magazines. Probably one you liked didn't make it: Gourmet, Blender, Domino. This list goes on. In fact, in a quick Google check I read 367 magazines shut their publishing doors last year.

What this creates is an opportunity. There is a new market opening for online magazines. And Lonny jumped right in to fill that gap for decor and design magazines. The third issue came out last week.

It's strange to read a magazine online, but the layout is fairly user friendly. Conveniently, if you fall in love with something on one of the pages, chances are it's linked and you can find both the source (+) and the price (-). Also, it's almost impossible to not find new sources of inspiration on Lonny's pages since it's packed.

Here are a taste of my favorites:
This teal wingback caught my attention. It must be the lines. Or the color.

This blue settee is gorgeous. Then, BAM! you see the back. What a delightful pop!

This dining room, with it's deep shade of blue and casual charm, is such a departure from my dining room growing up. And yet, I love it.

This floral headboard juxtaposed with glossy black paint makes me want to jump up and say "YESSS!!!" But then, I return to my headboard-less, white-walled room and I realize there's nary a headboard around these days to which I would say "no".

And, one last one for good measure, this sweet scalloped side table. It was snatched up and resuscitated at a flea market. (This is an area in which I do not excel).

The variety of rooms (decor styles, colors, and layout) I stumble upon and think "I could live there" makes me a little nervous for the day I'm tasked with designing a cohesive place to live. But, I guess I have time to explore & discover my favorites now.

*All images courtesy of Lonny, issue 3.

Busy Bee

Today, delight in this etsy store littlebrownpen. Ponder what would look most lovely upon my white walls. Hint: It's a set of 6 pink Parisian pictures.


Have a great humpday evening!

The Journey

August 28th, 2003 my skyline changed from this:


to this:


Visiting some other decent ones along the way these last 7 (sheesh!) years.

And along the way, I met some people. And then on May 20, 2007 some things changed.

E moved to Colorado, conquered the outdoors (and love) and sees this:


F (short for Fishie) is about to start the next chapter, leaving this skyline behind for a while:


S packed up and headed west. She got a gig and is now a journalist looking out over this:


Rie thankfully left this behind and returned to Boston, taming domesticated animals across the country and putting them on tv.


K shares my skyline, but she goes to school and recently started a new job (woot!).


And, R, well, I'm pretty sure she's about to change skylines again, to this one:


And what I love about each of these skylines is that I learned through them the Journey goes on, quite often, together. Our lives have managed to stay intertwined and interconnected. I get to experience all these parts of the country with you and for you. And it's exciting every day.

Love you ladies and I'm proud of your journeys. Excited by all your adventures!


*Full disclosure: Inspired by E's newest pictures.

I Shall too Covet

Despite owing a large chunk of my personal savings to the government this year, I still feel the pull of the spring shopping season. Here's what I would purchase if I had the extra funds (or in some cases, plan to purchase anyway). *Not an exhaustive list.


Chanel Murano Quad


Sperry Southport Wedge in bone



iPhone Case Art from "I make my Case" Artist Hannah Stouffer



Statement Necklace like this one from the Doloris Petunia etsy shop.

Summer robe because winter one just won't do in the heat. (From Victoria's Secret. Denise Richards not included)

Big blue rose from Emerson Made

Please send funds.