Smash it up!

Blood Suckers vs. Brain Eaters

2010-11-17T14:45:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you guys, but I am OVER vampires. O.V.E.R. I still love and always will love Buffy the Vampire Slayer and as far as I'm concerned that is the only vampire universe that I need. I don't need Twilight (a vampire that gets all glittery in the sunlight instead of immediately bursting into flames? that is just stupid) or The Vampire Diaries. I've seen the first season of True Blood and I'm looking forward to the next one, but it still pales in comparison (no pun intended) to my girl Buffy.

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It seems that the newest trend is zombies. I saw 28 Days Later when it came out in the theater and thought it was pretty good. Now The Walking Dead is on AMC and I am loving it! I was wondering how they would be able to make a continuing series about brain-eating dead people, but so far it is holding my interest and leaving me wanting more. Not to mention the special effects are incredible...and disgusting.

This chick has definitely seen better days.

But in light of this zombie phenom that we are currently experiencing, I am enthralled with these beautifully grotesque creations from Jessica Harrison. At first glance they look like figurines that my grandmother may have kept in her curio cabinet, but upon closer inspection they are seriously disturbing and Grandma would have nothing to do with them.

She has many more creations on her website. Check them out here!

I'm a pepper, are you a pepper?

2010-11-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

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I have a great love for Dr. Pepper. It started as a child when I used to drink the glass bottle version at my grandparents store. There was nothing better on a hot summer day than a cold bottle right out of the icebox. With a moon pie, of course.

The commercial was super catchy too and always made me want a drink.

Then when Bonne Bell started making the jumbo Lip Smacker I was hooked. Anyone that knows me is aware that I ALWAYS have a Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker on hand. And for years now, I have been buying them in bulk for fear that would stop making it.

I don't drink Dr. Pepper anymore. Now that I'm older, I try to pay a bit more attention to the types of sugary substances I put in my body (it's typically limited to my daily iced coffees). BUT, while researching for this blog post, I found this:

Link

WHAT?!?!?! It's only sold in the UK as far as I can tell. DAMN. I would possibly drink nothing else if I could get my hands on this. Anyone want to start a petition to get it stateside?

Home is a state of mind...

2010-11-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

It's early November and the time has come for me to start the daunting task of finding holiday gifts for all of my loved ones. I am trying to be a bit more organized this year and am using a great website called Wishpot. I started using it for a online wish list that I send to family on my birthday and Christmas, but they also have a great gift idea section where you can save anything that you come across online that you think will be the perfect something for that special someone. During my "window shopping", I've discovered a theme that is striking a chord with me. States. Your home state, your lover's state, the state you live in. All can be found in a variety of crafty items.

Like these adorable pillows by Love, California:

my home state, represent!

my honey's home state

and where our hearts are

And I just love these colorful prints from {q.a.}Design:

These are actually on my wish list for any family that might be reading this (wink wink).

If you think you might like something a little more understated, these necklaces from Truche are beautiful.

This shop doesn't seem to have an Alabama necklace which is probably a gross oversight, but I still love them anyway!

I suppose I could get this one from Wooden Nickels. It's pretty darn cute, too.

So there are a few ideas, if you are far from home and want to feel a little bit closer or you are home and want to celebrate it!

Friendly's wants to make you fat...or possibly kill you.

2010-10-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

I walk past Friendly's everyday on my way to pick up my daily coffee. And I am consistently amazed by the posters that they have in the window showcasing unbelievable and unmanageably large sandwiches. I can only imagine that they are tasty, but I could never bring myself to eat one.

Here is a sampling for you:

Soft Pretzel Bacon Burger

I love a soft pretzel (not as much as my boo does, but I come in close second), but this seems excessive. Have one or the other, you know?

Grilled Cheeseburger Melt

Now, let's talk about this beast. This is not one, not two, but THREE sandwiches in one. Two grilled cheeses and a burger. For all things gluttonous and greasy, share this with a family of four but don't eat it all by yourself! This should come with a side of embalming fluids because if you eat if, you are going to DIE.

Maybe you aren't convinced that Friendly's wants to make you fat, so let's take a peek at their breakfast menu.

Apple Caramel Walnut Pancakes

It's not enough to have pancakes slathered in butter, caramel and syrup so it is imperative that you have a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream to top it off.

Caramel Cinnamon Swirl French Toast

The description right off of the Friendly's website:

"A cinnamon roll split in half and prepared like French toast. Served with sweetened Philadelphia® whipped cream cheese, warm caramel topping, our new Maple Syrup ice cream, and whipped topping."

Yep, cream cheese, caramel and, you guessed it, ICE CREAM. I get it. You are an ice cream parlor, but save it for dessert.

This leads me to the coup de grâce of the Friendly's menu:

Giant Crowd Pleaser

This is only 12 scoops of ice cream with your choice of 6 toppings. I know they mean to have you share it with at least one other person, but why not go for the gold? Dig in, fatties.

Ok, ok, I'm not some crazy hippie that is going to tell you to eat only organic, home grown veggies washed down with wheatgrass juice, but just take care of yourself people. Eat pancakes with syrup and blueberries, but hold the caramel and ice cream. Moderation, kiddies. For realz.

(All pictures courtesy of Friendly's informative website)

Come on, get happy!

2010-10-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

image credit: Gregory Gibbons

This is the Dymaxion, a concept car developed in 1933 by a US inventor and architect named Buckminster Fuller who is best known for designing the geodesic dome. Well, actually this is the newest version of the Dymaxion car that has been re-worked by Fuller protégé, Norman Foster.

I totally love it because it reminds me of my favorite camping vehicle (says the woman who never goes camping), the Airstream. If I owned the Dymaxion I would feel obliged to have 8 kids and tour the country singing songs about love and happiness and all things mod. Or maybe I would turn it into a traveling pop up shop and sell all kinds of nifty gift items. Who wants to contribute to my newest business venture? Silent partners with fat wallets need apply.

Facebook killed the blogging star....

2010-10-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a year since my last blog entry and that is just ridiculous! What have I been doing, you may ask? Well, I have been enjoying married life and working like a crazy woman and, oh yeah, I joined Facebook. Maybe you've heard of it? I tried my damnedest not to conform to the ways of over 307 million people worldwide, but alas I did.

At first, it was fun. Seeing how many people I could "friend". How many old high school pals I could track down (not as many as I would have liked for only have 42 people in my graduating class). How many old boyfriends I could find. Not to mention having a contest with my husband to see who could get the most friends the fastest. He totally creamed me. He is one popular dude. Anyway, once I had accomplished all of these incredibly important goals, I found my free time being sucked dry by the endless stream of updates about a bunch of nothing. I will admit, it can be entertaining and I find out about the latest celebrity death faster than ever before, but honestly it isn't enhancing my life. And I've stopped blogging. Now when I find some interesting tidbit, I immediately post it on Facebook and anxiously await someone to "like" it or even better actually comment on it! It is such a thrill to have someone acknowledge the useless bit of information I just plugged into their brain. Even worse, now when I see friends that I haven't seen in a few weeks, I can't tell them anything that they haven't already heard about through FB. Damn, this social network! (Speaking of, the movie is brilliant and I totally recommend it.)

So what is my point? I'm not sure really, since I'm a little rusty with the blogging bit, but I think I'm going to try to Facebook less and write more. I hope you will follow me and feel free to comment (I need your approval, obvi!) and I promise, more pictures and less text next time!

Rockabye baby!

2009-10-27T15:07:00.001-07:00

Lately, many of my friends have been jumping on the baby wagon and I couldn't be happier or more excited for them! I have also been buying lots of little tiny clothes and loving every minute of it, but for the first time just last week I actually bought from a baby registry. Maybe most people would think of this first, but I just love looking a baby-sized clothing, so I usually get pulled into Baby Gap before I ever even think to ask my friends what they might want or NEED. Point being, I was looking my friend's baby registry through Amazon and came across these:

And there are SO MANY MORE! You can buy lullaby renditions of Coldplay, Bjork, Radiohead and even Metallica! So for all of you folks out there with little people and taste that surpasses "Twinkle, twinkle little star..." these just might be for you. Check out all the options here.

Online magazine crush...

2009-10-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I have missed Domino Magazine. I used to love opening my mailbox and finding the newest issue, full of fabulous design and inspirational ideas. Well, today I happened upon Lonny:

This is 195 pages of gorgeous homes and great fashion. I still miss being able to actually flip the pages, but Lonny makes up for it by hyperlinking to various items on each page. For example, in their article featuring Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge (another one of my favorite design sites), they have 16 pages dedicated to her and on each of these you see artwork, furniture and fabric. If you like something, click on it and it links to where you can buy it! It is genius really. And I am hooked. Check it out and I'm sure you will be too!

New online obsession...

2009-10-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

I just discovered this online boutique called Ruche. It is like a less expensive version of Anthropologie and who doesn't love that?!

Here are a few of my favorite items:

eggplant ruffle sweater dress $42.99

modern victorian sweater dress $54.99

twisted rope stretch belt in mustard $14.99

Once I have recovered from all of my nuptial spending, I will be making some purchasing from here, without a doubt!

Well, hellooo there!

2009-09-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

Wow. I can't believe it has been 4 months since I posted to this blog. I will say that I have been a little busy getting ready for the biggest day of my life thus far, October 3rd, at which time I will officially become Mrs. Ashley Reader. Whoa! And October 4th will be the party to celebrate the name change. I have to give major props to my dear friend, Brad, who made us the most amazing wedding favors and for this I will be forever in his debt. (So please contact him and give him lots of money to make awesome things for you!) Just look at the invite he did for us:

He is truly amazing, right? There is more, but I can't figure out for the life of me how to make a PDF into a JPG so I can upload it. For now, this small taste of his greatness will have to do. I promise not to be gone so long next time and will put up loads of pics from the party of the century, aka my wedding.

Biscuit may be getting a new present!

2009-05-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Nobody likes cleaning out a litter box. Nobody. But I might not mind it as much, if I had one of these:

It is the ModKat Litter Box and it is kind of revolutionizing kitty poop boxes everywhere. The price is a little steep, but with all the money I will save on litter liners I should make my money back by the time Biscuit joins Nestor in that big litter box in the sky.

Available in a variety of colors, too. You can pre-order now and start saving your pennies!

Weapons of destruction...

2009-04-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, two of my best friends, Heath and Lindsay, gave me this awesome grenade oil lamp for my birthday.

(the gold one!)

And now I think I want to pick up one of these beautiful bomb flower vases.

What do you think this says about my design aesthetic?

No, no, no....just...no.

2009-04-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, I love bacon. I do. It is so delicious and breakfast just isn't the same without it. Do you know what IS good without it, though? Vodka. I'm sure of it. But if you aren't as convinced as I am, then this is for you:

That's right. Bacon flavored vodka. You can make cocktails with names as enticing as "Irish boar". Who wouldn't want to drink that? Oh yeah, me. And people with a gag reflex.

Nesting is fun!

2009-04-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

I have been buying new furniture, hanging pictures and organizing. Did I move again, you ask?!? No! I just decided to start making my house a home. I think I am so used to moving ever year and a half or so that I always set up house (paint, buy a few new items, but no big ticket purchases), but never actually settle in. Now that I own my own condo, I'm completely making it mine.

So what have I purchased? A new, lucite (or invisible, as my friend Ara likes to say) coffee table that looks super fab in my living room. By the way, this is not my living room, but I will be posting pictures of all my new purchases in their natural habitat very soon.

peekaboo coffee table

But buyer beware, if you have a super rambunctious kitty, you may want to equip him or her with protective headgear before introducing this coffee table. My cat almost knocked herself out after running through the living room at top speed!

I also bought a great shag rug that goes underneath my new coffee table. This replaces the flokati rug that my sweet Biscuit mistook as her litter box after she lost her lady parts.

And I got this awesome mirror for my bedroom. It is HUGE and I love it!

And then and THEN and THEN I finally bought a new duvet cover!

pintuck duvet

I'm not sure if you can tell from this picture just how beautiful it is, but trust me...it is beautiful!

I also finally framed some great prints that I have been keeping in a drawer for way too long. My mom bought me this awesome owl print for Christmas that has been desperately waiting to be hung.
I ordered my frames online from American Frame and I have to recommend them. I was a little nervous about it at first because you have to assemble them yourself, but it is so easy and inexpensive that I may never buy frames from a walk-in store again!

I'll update with more pics soon and I may have an online poll to decide what wallpaper I'm going to put in my foyer!

How do you cut your pizza?

2009-02-18T17:15:00.001-08:00

I kind of love power tools. I put together almost an entire apartment's worth of IKEA furniture with a simple screwdriver and then a friend of mine lent me his power screwdriver and my life changed!

So, perhaps this should be my next purchase:

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After all, a table saw would probably be overkill.

Mmmmm....donuts.....

2009-02-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

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I love donuts. I don't eat them as much as I would like because I also like my pants to fit, but if they didn't have an immediate impact on my thighs I would eat them religiously. Since moving to Boston, I have been a regular patron at Dunkin' Donuts. Every morning and every afternoon I have my usual coffee: medium iced French Vanilla with milk and one sugar. Yum. And if I'm feeling just pre-menstrual enough I may indulge in a chocolate frosted donut. It's good, but not great. The coffee is great, the donut is mediocre. But I love donuts (not to mention chocolate), so I eat it and it's good.

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I grew up in the south where Krispy Kreme is the donut king. There is nothing better than driving past a Krispy Kreme late-night and seeing the "hot donuts now" neon sign illuminated. Melt in your mouth deliciousness. I'm still surprised that every Krispy Kreme that was opened in Boston went out of business within a year. One thing I can say for the Bostonians, is that they are loyal. I respect that, but Krispy Kreme will always be my number one donut.

That being said, this is unacceptable:

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What you are looking at is a sloppy joe sandwiched between a delicious Krispy Kreme donut. What a waste.

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And these are bacon cheddar cheeseburgers on, you guessed it, glazed Krispy Kreme donuts. Tragic.

Someone, somewhere eats this. This someone has a problem. It may be this: This is why you are fat.

New design crush...Henry Road

2009-02-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

I was just introduced to the beautiful work of Paula Smail/Henry Road via Design Milk. She is based out of Los Angeles and designs the most gorgeous pillows, furniture, bags and textiles. My favorite item, that I am putting on my wishlist is this gorgeous chandelier (the largest one in the pic):

I hope this economic crisis ends soon so I can start buying more STUFF!

Can I cry for just a minute?

2009-02-11T18:00:00.001-08:00

I just found some devastating news. Ok, no one died, I still have my job and my wonderful fiance, so I suppose I am being melodramatic, but WAHHH! My favorite of all favorite magazines is going kaput! Domino magazine is no longer. I have every issue! And, just because I'm whining...why did they just send me a renewal letter for 2 more years?! What a tease! I guess I should cancel my check, huh? Last time this happened, Blueprint magazine went under before my subscription was up and I was stuck with Martha Stewart Living for 9 months. Who knows what I will get in place of my beloved Domino. Sigh.

R.I.P.

Little things are cuter than big things

2009-02-11T17:10:00.000-08:00

I'm back from my vacation and it was such a nice, relaxing break from the cold Boston winter. I had the good fortune to arrive in Arizona one week after my mom's miniature horse had her baby! A baby miniature horse! A tiny, tiny horse! Do you understand what I am telling you? No? Take a looksie:

So you can get a bit of perspective, I am 5'3". Not tall at all, but look at me compared to my mom:

It's like I'm a giant! So as you can tell from the previous video, my mom is taller than the momma horse who is taller than the teeny baby horse! Now check this out (and make sure your volume is up):

Can you believe how cute and tiny little Apache Tear is? I thought my head was going to explode on several different encounters, which explains this protective headgear:

After visiting with my mom, I got to spend some quality time with my sweet sister. We stayed at the super hip Mondrian hotel in Scottsdale for 2 nights.

We had such a great time and I definitely recommend the Mondrian (they have one in LA, too) if you are in the area and want to pamper yourself a bit.

Then I met up with my boo in sunny California where we spent time with his lovely family. Including his brand new niece, Laurel:

Again with the tiny!

And of course, we got to spend time with Joel's incredibly adorable nephew, Isaac, who is less tiny than last time I saw him, but still little and so, so cute!

All in all, it was a truly wonderful vacation and I loved getting to spend so much time with the ones that I love and don't get to see enough.

Hello stranger

2009-01-25T13:09:00.000-08:00

Where have I been?! Well, let's see. The holidays happened. I went to Alabama to visit the Southern side of my family for Thanksgiving. We went to a great flea market where I saw many unique, special and, at times, disturbing items...

...like these beautiful pheasant pelts, although I think they would have been prettier on the pheasant.

...and this poor turkey that is collecting dust. Just look at that face...

...only a mother turkey could love it, but doesn't he look so sad (and dusty!)?

But my dad found some preserves that he loved...

And I found a booth that appealed to the Elle Woods in me.

Then Christmas happened...

and I got engaged!

(yes this is my ring!!!)

Then New Year's, which brought about a nasty upper respiratory infection that has lasted until today. I am finally feeling better and am heading to the warm weather of the West tomorrow. When I return I will be back to posting and planning my future with my boo!

Ain't love grand?

Rock-afire Explosion!

2008-11-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl I spent many Friday nights at Showbiz Pizza Place. I played lots of Ms. Pac Man, Spy Hunter and Whac-a-Mole. I played these games very poorly, mind you, but I loved to play, sweat, get angry when I lost and then gorge on pizza in the dining room. Not only would I eat pizza, but I would be soothed by the sounds of Billy Bob and the Rock-afire Explosion.

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I loved that animatronic band! And now I love them even more...a very clever man, named Chris Thrash, grew up watching the same band as a young boy in Columbus GA. Fast forward 25 years to the present day and he actually has a Rock-afire Explosion band of his very own! Not only does he have all the members, but he has programmed them to perform such hits as MGMT's "Electric Feel", the White Stripe's "Conquest" and Madonna's "4 Minutes". He has posted many of these videos on YouTube and is causing quite a sensation. It is truly amazing and I really think I want the Rock-afire Explosion to play my next birthday party! You can read more about Chris and his hip, robotic band in the newest issue of Spin magazine. The article is online here and now, enjoy a few of the following masterpieces:

What a concept!

2008-11-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

Strangely enough, I found a French website, ViaComIT, that has an amazing article on American concept cars from the 50's and 60's. I don't really know what the article says (the French that I remember from high school is only good enough for me to know if cheese (fromage) comes on my ham (jambon) croissant (croissant). But the pictures tell it all! I must admit that I actually love car shows and the concept cars are typically my favorite part. I am also a huge fan of the aesthetic from the 50's and 60's, so this article, at the least the pictures anyway, was right up my alley!

Here are some of my faves:

The GM Firebird, II from 1954 and III and from 1958, looks like a jet on wheels!

This is the Oldsmobile Golden Rocket from 1956. Appropriately named.

This the Pontiac Club De Mer (1956) and if my French serves me correctly, I believe that can be translated as the Pontiac Club of the Sea. Very torpedo-esque.

This is the Ford X 2000. I guess in 1958 they thought, in the future, all cars would come with rudders.

I think this Cadillac Cyclone (1959) is my favorite. It reminds me of Wonder Woman's invisible jet...

This crazy Ford Gyron looks INSANE! It is like a car-cycle. Does it really only have 2 wheels???

There are so many more! Check them out, plus some rad video, here. I wonder what happened to all of these?

Where have you been all my life?

2008-10-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

I love having get-togethers...clothing swaps, game nights, whathaveyou. And of course, being the good hostess that I I try to be, I always have snacks and drinks for all of my guests. A problem that I have run into on more than one occasion is not having a way to differentiate one person's wine glass from another's. From time to time, I will see wine glass charms sold, but they are typically tacky beaded ones or have some sort of silly animated character on them. Until now!

They are called VinoTagz, are super stylish and can be purchased right here. Only 12 dollars for 6 of them and they come in 4 different styles. These being my favorites:

I'm seriously so excited to buy these! I'm trying to curb my spending habit, but I'm doing this not just for myself, but for my PEOPLE! You are welcome.

The future is goofy...

2008-10-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

Ever since their grand unveiling, I have thought that the Segway is super dorky.

Just look at it in action:

It doesn't matter who you are, there is NO way you can look cool riding one of these things. I don't care if you have one made by Ferrari or not.

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Not to mention, it has got to be THE laziest possible way to get from one place to another. I mean, ride a bike, for pete's sake!

But, believe it or not it actually can get dorkier (and just as lazy). Check it:

Yep, that's a man on a hover scooter. And while the technology may be cool, this gentleman is decidedly NOT. With his tie blowing in the wind, I am embarrassed for him. But, hey, if you think that this might be your thing and you have an extra 17 G's lying around, buy one here.

Or perhaps you would like to sit, since standing can be so very exhausting.

What is that, you ask? It is none other than a motorized monocycle. You can try to be as hip as this guy, but I wouldn't get your hopes up.

Oh future, what other ghastly, technologically awe-inspiring, inventions will you deliver to us next?

I won, I won!

2008-10-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

I entered a contest last week through one of my favorite websites Apartment Therapy and one of my favorite stores, Target (maybe you've heard of it?). I was randomly selected from over 650 entries and I won all of these super cool items!

The prize package consists of a DIY Cube Clock, Gama Throw Pillows (I LOVE these!), Gummy Light, and Grobal Self-Watering Flower Pot (I hope to never kill a plant again). Thank you to Apartment Therapy and to Target!

Muppets and mice and pigs, oh my!

2008-10-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up I was considered one thing. A nerd. Thick glasses, bad perm and an insatiable need to read. I read anything I could get my hands on and loved going to the library every chance I could get. I turned many pages, but I thought I would share some of my most beloved childhood reads with you.

One of my all-time favorites was The Monster at the End of This Book.

It was SO suspenseful, but then had such a happy ending! And who doesn't love Grover (Elmo is overrated, people).

As I got older my tastes changed and I wasn't much interested in Sesame Street anymore. I was given a book called Alexander and the Magic Mouse and this became my new favorite for quite some time.

The illustrations were gorgeous and would get my imagination running for hours at a time. If only there had been a magic mouse living in my house, my life would have been filled with adventure!

As I entered into early adolescence, my literary tastes changed yet again (as did my hair...enter the bad perm I mentioned earlier) and my favorite go to guide for style and beauty tips was none other than Miss Piggy's Guide to Life.

(Isn't she lovely?)

Within these pages, Miss Piggy gave advice on fashion, love and makeup application (isn't there a saying about lipstick on a pig?.... but I digress). There were great pictures inside and this handy guide went with me everywhere.

Once I went to junior high, innocence was lost. I started reading Stephen King novels and lots of True Crime stories, but the books that will always hold a place in my heart are the ones of my youth.

P.S. Hannah Montana has NOTHING on Miss Piggy.

Your favorite 80's videos...literally...

2008-10-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

Well, these may not be your favorites, but they are definitely literal.

I want more!

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-10-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I talked about my online love affair with Etsy, but in case you were wondering, it is still going strong. Here are just a few of my newest obsessions:

This gorgeous painting by Shelby Healy. If I buy this from her, I think I'll pick it up myself since this is where she lives.

I'm in love with this plaque by The Runny Bunny. I think it will look perfect in my navy bathroom!

This bag from Cha Cha is beyond perfection. The color, the size, the shape. I must have it, meaning...someone who loves me should buy it for me!

So, in the midst of our country's economic crisis, I encourage all of you to go shopping. I'm simply trying to help.

It's a Wold, Wold World

2008-10-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

While reading one of my favorite websites, Design Milk, I discovered the amazing work of Thomas Wold. He writes a column for Ready Made magazine where he actually tells you how to re-create some of his gorgeous projects, like this one:

This is called Fractured Fairy Tales and I LOVE it! One day, when I am really rich, I will commission him to make a Fractured Fairy Tale of my very own.

He also made this totally radical cobalt blue entertainment center:

It's even cooler when you see the before pics. Yeesh!

And last, but not least, is his BlockParty bookcase:

Isn't it so retro cool?

I'm saving up!

2008-10-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

I think I have found the headboard that I have been searching for. Picture this on my eggplant wall:

I found this on a great website called Room Service. They have some awesome stuff AND they deliver!

Baby on the brain

2008-10-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

Seriously? Am I the one writing this post? I am, but I am shocking even myself with this whole fascination of all things little, human and smelling of baby powder. I suppose it makes sense. One of my best friends, Renee, just had a beautiful baby almost 2 months ago and my best friend, Julie is having a little bambino next month and Joel's sister, Nicole, is having baby number 2 sometime in January. Babies, babies everywhere!

Needless to say, I have been shopping for baby clothes and accessories a good bit lately, but it goes farther than that. My daily blog reading typically consists of one of my favorite sites, Apartment Therapy, but as of late I have been spending as much time (if not a little bit more) on their site dedicated to all things baby, Ohdeedoh.

I am finding lots of cute baby things and bookmarking them for the future. My future, someone else's future. Who knows? And I thought I would share some of my findings with you, in case there is a baby in your future.

I love this nightlight from White Rabbit England. And of course, you don't have to be a child to enjoy this.

I love this modern bassinet from fawn&forest, although for $799 I could probably buy a baby on the black market for less.

And my favorite item, by far (and I may buy it for myself whether I end up with a child or not) is...
The Rocking Sheep by Crafts Collection. Here are a few more shots of these guys for your viewing pleasure!

Aren't they ridiculously cute? I may want one of each. Too much, do you think?

My lease is up in 2010!

2008-10-08T14:58:00.001-07:00

And I think this is the car that I want when it is...

This is the Mini Crossover, the new SUV from the makers of the Mini Cooper. When the new Mini came on the scene in the US in 2001 I wanted one SOOO badly, but as a real estate agent their small size just didn't cut it. I definitely need room for at least 3 other people aside from myself, so I was suoer excited to see this Mini concept car. With any luck they will be hitting the cars lots in 2010 and I sure would love to have one. It is all the things I want out of a Mini Cooper (the sweet design) plus the space of a larger car (but no Escalades, please...hybrid or no). Just look at the dashboard on these babies...

Check out the crazy 3-D globe thing-y off to the right:

Displays are "stratified" in different levels and highlighted to varying degrees, depending on what's needed at the time. The view can look entirely different from the drive and passenger's perspectives, allowing the passenger, for instance, to check e-mail while the driver sees navigation information.
The driver and passenger can interact with the globe using its touch-sensitive surface, a seperate trackball or controls on the steering wheel.

Totally radical.

I heart Domino magazine!

2008-10-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was reading my friend Leah's awesomely inspiring blog, House Obsession and she mentioned how she had discovered the My Deco File feature on their website. It is a great tool for collecting all those awesome images and ideas that you find online. I don't know about you, but I always have a ton of bookmarked images saved on my computer. This makes it super easy to save them all in one place (and you won't lose them if your computer crashes!). You can even download an image grabber link so it is a easy to save any piece of irresistable eye candy that you come across.

Well, I immediately signed up for my very own deco file and was completely flattered and floored when I received an e-mail from Domino magazine saying that the deco file that I had created for my new condo was going to be featured in their best deco books gallery! (I'm number 7!) So super cool! Thank you, Domino!

If you don't have a subscription to this magazine, I highly recommend it. I am like a giddy child on Christmas morning when I open my mailbox each month and see a brand new issue waiting for me! And it makes a great gift, too! (I swear I am not getting a kickback from Conde Nast for this glowing endorsement.)

Hello again...

2008-09-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I have been incommunicado lately. I haven't been compelled to write much since Nestor's passing, but we got something recently that has helped ease the pain a little.

Introducing Biscuit!

Isn't she pretty? Joel and I are quite smitten with her. I still miss Nestor and she will never be replaced, but our house felt kind of empty without a sweet, furry kitty running around. Now we are starting to feel a little normal again. I promise not to make this blog all about kitties, but you probably will see more pictures of our little Biscuit. I felt like Annie Leibovitz last night when I was taking photos. I was on the ground, on my back, almost upside down. I was really working for these shots, let me tell you!

I do want to thank all of you for your kinds words and cards and flowers. I know Nestor touched alot of people and I love that you all loved her. I'll be back with new posts about happy things soon! In the meantime, here is one last photo of Nestor for you to enjoy.

Crushed.

2008-09-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

My precious Nestor died today. It looks so strange...that sentence. I'm in shock and will update you on the details later. I miss my sweet kitty so much.

Welcome to the neighbohood...

2008-09-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

It only took a month and a half, but I am been officially welcomed to my new home by a bat wielding neighbor. Maybe it wasn't a bat, but whatever it was it totally busted out my passenger side window. If you are a potential thief/welcome wagon and are reading my blog (assuming that you are literate), I would appreciate a nice bottle of red wine next time. Now I have to buy one for myself in order to help deal with the stress of this violation.

In case you are wondering, I had NOTHING in my car to steal. No Ipod, no CDs, nothing of value. Not even an umbrella in the back seat. So my new friend smashed my window and opened the glove compartment to find my registration and about 20 Dunkin' Donut napkins (I'm always prepared for a spill). That's it. What a waste of a perfectly good window. And I was parked on a main street..my street...right across from my bedroom window UNDER A STREET LAMP. I don't know how I could have done anything more to keep this from happening. So now my question is do I buy The Club for my car? Or do I just leave my glove compartment open and a note on the dash that says "There is nothing in here worth stealing. Please don't break my window"? I'm just bummed because I love my new condo and, up until now, my new neighborhood. Any suggestions?

My favorite movie is on!

2008-09-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

I must have watched this movie 100 times when I was a kid.

I LOVE the montage during Rainey's "I Can Fly". I want my life to have a montage like that. Where I just start breaking into dance with a Joey Lawrence look-alike. Seriously, I want this.
I just wanna...

And the dance off. The Dance OFF!!!

Those crazy kids...

2008-09-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

Joel and I spent a good part of Thursday evening looking at hysterical and super-cute videos on YouTube. I feel inclined to share our findings with you. Enjoy!

This kid is my hero:

I love her Michael Jackson impressions....Ooh! Oooh!

Blood is NOT funny.

Haven't we all felt this way at some time or another?

Kitties and doggies and bunnies, oh my!

2008-09-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

Today I went to visit the MSPCA. It is located right across the street from my new place, so I've been meaning to get over there for awhile. I was there for at least an hour and had such a great time, although I did get choked up once or twice. There are so many adorable kitties and dogs that need good homes. If only I could have rescued them all! As sad as it made me, I was glad to know that several kitties had already been adopted today and a couple that I was talking to ended up adopting a beautiful adult kitty just as I was leaving. She was all black and super sweet. I fell in love with a beautiful calico named Glory. I spent alot of time petting her and trying to figure out how I could convince Joel that Nestor REALLY needs a feline companion.

I was in the cat adoption center for most of the time (I tried to pet each and every kitty if I could), but I didn't want to neglect the pups. They had a smaller selection, but those dogs were so sweet and promptly broke my heart each time I stopped at a new cage. My absolute favorite was a black hunting dog (I think?) named Brady. He had these beautiful white and black mottled markings on his coat and he would sit as close to the cage (and me) as possible when I was visiting. It makes me sad just thinking about him in that cage tonight. Next time I go I'll bring my camera and post pictures. If you are in the Boston area you should really stop by and give those guys some love. Even if you can't take one home, just spending time petting and holding them can be really rewarding...for you and for them. If stop by, let me know...I'll try to join you!

Ménage à trois, anyone?

2008-08-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

Just you, me and the love rug.

via Frostfirezoo

A shower fit for a queen...

2008-08-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

A really tacky queen.

via Apartment Therapy

I mean, I love a chandelier and I love a shower, but this might be a bit much. Plus, is this even safe?

Like, wow...

2008-08-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is truly unbelievable. A super-genius, named Amit Goffer, has invented the ReWalk. This is a device that actually allows paraplegics to walk! Observe:

via Geekologie

The system, which requires crutches to help with balance, consists of motorized leg supports, body sensors and a back pack containing a computerized control box and rechargeable batteries.

The user picks a setting with a remote control wrist band -- stand, sit, walk, descend or climb -- and then leans forward, activating the body sensors and setting the robotic legs in motion.

This makes me so happy to be alive in the 21st century. It is amazing that someone who thought that they could never walk again, can actually have the opportunity to do just that. Thank you, science, thank you.

What in the hair?

2008-08-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

It seems to be that time of year again when I start to get bored with my hair. This leads to me peruse the web and look for the "perfect" new style. Typically, I don't find much which is why I have had a variation on the same style for about 6 years now. I did manage to find a great resource for new inspiration at the Hairdresser's Journal website. There are thousands of photos to browse through and you can narrow your search by length, color and even decade. Some of the styles from past decades are insane! Check out this updo from the 50's:

Yikes! And this updo from 1969 is no better!

Hilarious!!! And the 70's did hair no favors...

and then...

Holy moly. All of this makes me start to think that my hair looks pretty good.

But just to show you that current styles can be just as out of control, take a look at the "striped series":

Although, I must admit that I think there is something kind of cool about this look. But these next ones take it to a whole other level:

I could seriously do this all night. I suggest you check out the gallery yourself and if you find a look you think I might like, please e-mail it to me!

What a difference 2 months can make.

2008-08-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

I don't typically talk about celebrities on this blog (although I must admit "celebrity" is a bit of a stretch in these particular cases), but when I realized that Ali Lohan and Dakota Fanning are only 2 months apart in age I had to share this shocking news.

Observe how 14 years can look so dramatically different:

Dakota - February 23, 1994

Ali - December 22, 1993

All I can say is wow. Oh, and what's wrong with Ali's face?

Toasty!

2008-08-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

I love toast. It's a simple breakfast, but so satisfying. My favorite is peanut butter and honey. Yum! If you love toast, too, then you may be interested in checking out the Toaster Museum . I had no idea there were so many ways to heat up a piece of bread! And so stylishly at that. Here are some of my favs:

This the Clem in yellow. He's British and about 80 years old!

This is the T22. His name isn't nearly as cute as Clem's, but I like his lines. And he looks pretty good for a 68 year old Canadian.

This is the Maybaum, and it reminds less of a toaster and more of one of those old school microphones....
I wonder if this microphone was made in Germany, too?

Anyway, enjoy the museum and save an egg ... Eat Toast!

God Bless You!

2008-08-18T18:48:00.001-07:00

I just realized that one of my favorite blogs, The Sneeze, is back after a long hiatus. I laughed out loud in the first 60 seconds. He is a comic genius! Check it out!

I'm mad...

2008-08-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Not angry, just a bit crazed. Well, you know I had my condo warming and you would think that I would be done looking for ways to improve on my new home, but I seriously have a problem because I CAN'T STOP! Every store I pass by, every website I browse and every television show I watch is keeping my brain spinning around what I can do next. Maybe this is what it means to be a home owner, but I am becoming (or have become) quite obsessed. So the latest and greatest search is based on my new found love for the AMC original show "Mad Men" (on Sundays at 10/9 central).

This show is based in the 60's in Manhattan and the set design is incredible. I love everything from the clothing to the draperies, but most recently I am in love with this:

Not the half-naked man or the smoking blonde, but the turquoise blue velvet tufted headboard. Every scene that involves this headboard, goes in one ear and out the other. I can't focus, people! I must have the headboard. Or one in it's likeness. And believe it or not, this is something I legitimately need. Look at my sad bed all alone without a headboard...

Just imagine a velvet tufted headboard in white or possibly mustard? Beautiful, right? So, my OCD mind has been searching the internet and have come up with several less than perfect options, but I want to share them with you nevertheless.

So, this one is close, but the color may not be quite right. It is from Horchow
and the price is a bit steep at $750 after shipping.

Then there is this one from Urban Outfitters:

It's about half the price, but does it look tacky?

And speaking of tacky, check out this monstrosity:

Via So Haute

I'm all for art deco/nouveaux, but this is a little over the top. It's no surprise that this bedroom belongs to none other than sister of the queen of all things tacky, Miss Nicky Hilton.

Anyway, wish me luck in my search and let me know if you think of any places I should check out. I'll be sure to let you know once I find something suitable.

I somehow doubt this...

2008-08-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

Let's take a closer look, shall we?

That's right...microwave pancakes that are "better than homemade!". Who are they trying to kid? I think they may be in cahoots with the makers of the batter blaster.

It's been a really long time...

2008-08-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

I know, I know! And I'm sorry! But I have moved into my new condo and I LOVE IT! There is still alot to do, but here are some pictures of my new place. Keep in mind, I've only been here for 3 weeks which is why there is no artwork hung on the bedroom walls. This will change...eventually...

Here is Nestor, welcoming you to her new home.

The living room.

My kitchen and my sweet Joel.

More kitchen.

Foyer.

My tiny, navy bathroom. I love it!

Bedroom, part one. I really need to hang my curtains.

Bedroom, part 2. I really need a comforter.

Bedroom, part 3. I REALLY need to hang my artwork.

I'm so happy about my mirrored end table.

Thanks for stopping by and you are welcome at our house any time.

Dinner it up!

2008-07-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

I was perusing PAGES (and I mean 241 pages) of wallpaper online last night, preparing for the painting/wallpapering prep work that is going to take place in my new condo one week from today. YAY! I came across this wallpaper...

I don't know that I would ever use it, unless I had a huge walk-in closet that I wanted to decorate, but it reminded me of my childhood. This will most definitely age me, but does anyone else remember when Wendy's (the hamburger chain) had their tables made of old newsprint similar to this? I remember the tables and the glass beads that hung around the line that you would wait in to order. Boy, did I love Wendy's. It is actually still my favorite fast food burger joint.

Anyway, if you don't remember, here is a chance for you to step back in time. Enjoy.

I feel stimulated!

2008-07-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

I got my stimulus check today and I must say, it feels good to get $600 in the mail that I wasn't necessarily expecting. I was thinking though...how many of us, as Americans, would have been willing to forfeit our stimulus checks in order to end the war? Not that one really has anything to do with the other, but I'm just supposing. I know I would have. I mean, I'm happy to spend the money decorating my new apartment and all, but I would be happier knowing that all of those soldiers could come home to their friends and family.

But since talking politics is B-O-R-I-N-G, look at this kitty...

Happy 4th! (a day late)

2008-07-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I had a fantastic 4th of July this year. I went to, not one but, TWO bbqs, spent time with great friends and ate lots of delicious food.

At the afternoon barbeque, I was relaxing in a lawn chair taking in the sights...dogs frolicking, friends playing horseshoes and one of the cutest little boys I've ever seen...

Meet Cole.

As I was taking all of this in, I noticed this...

Meet Deb and Jay.

Notice the concentration of their faces. I had to go in for a closer look...
(if you are a vegetarian or have a weak stomach, I would think twice before watching this clip)

Jay's smile at the end of the video says it all.

I am IN LOVE!

2008-06-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

I need a bigger home with room for 3 sofas. The one I currently own and these:

Look how cute the back is!!

And this yellow one is too adorable...

Doshi Levien is a design team based out of the UK and I must reiterate how the Brits just do everything better.

Tip toe through the tulips...

2008-06-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

via Apartment Therapy

Look at these beautiful fields of tulips in Holland! What a lovely image for a gray day. By the way, why it is only 60 degrees in the middle of June in Boston? I am not pleased.

Forever Twenty-how much?

2008-06-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

This is Makayla and Sage modeling in the window of Forever 21:

Is it wrong that I shop at the same store as my 10 year old niece (the blondie on the left)? And because of her I also happen to have a soft spot for Miss Miley Cyrus and her hit song See You Again. Sure the intro sounds like Corey Hart's Sunglasses at Night but it's still freakin' catchy. Thanks, Kay Kay!

I need your opinion...

2008-06-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

I have been dedicating all of my free time lately to browsing the web for condo decorating options. I have found the chairs that I want for the kitchen (even though I don't have a table yet!), but I'm having trouble deciding on what color to choose. These are the options:

Now my choice, for the time being, is between the green and the orange chairs. I was originally thinking of painting my kitchen orange, but I can't have orange walls AND orange chairs. So, then I thought I could have orange walls and green chairs, but I'm not sure that I love the shade of green. Perhaps, I could paint the kitchen yellow and buy the orange chairs? What should I do?!

Look how cute it is from the front!

Jam Dining Chair

Too much?

2008-06-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

via Deeply Madly Living

yes.

Jerk.

2008-06-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

Earmark Invitations makes cards and invitations for many different occasions, but this is one of my favorites:

They are business card sized and perfect for sticking under the windshield of that annoying shopper in the mall parking lot. Love it, buy it here.

I've been looking for a cure for my gout...

2008-05-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

I'm definitely getting one of these for my new place. Brightening of the mind? Yes, please. Stimulating the liver? Huh? What does that mean exactly?

via Frost Fire Zoo

Don't get it twisted...

2008-05-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Or do.

Oh Johnny Egg, you tease me so.
(not to be confused with Johnny Cupcakes, whose mere existence confuses me.)

I don't even own an umbrella...

2008-05-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

but if I did, I would want this...

Owl umbrella stand

How cute is that little guy? This would make such a nice housewarming gift for my new condo. *wink*wink*

Pop it like it's hot

2008-05-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

Remember Jiffy Pop?

I used to love cooking it up on the stove when I was a kid. It was so fun to watch the flat pan full of popcorn kernels turn into an aluminum foil balloon full of popped deliciousness.

Obviously, the people at Rojas clothing line are also fans of this stove top sensation. Observe:

What would happen if this butt got too close to an open flame? If you would like to find out, you can buy them here. Is it any wonder that they're on sale?

Cat fancy

2008-04-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know I love cats. This one in particular...

But then there is this one:

I can barely contain myself it's so cute.

And then, the musical cats are the best:

Make sure you watch it until the very end. The cat cameo is truly genius.

Dear God, thank you for kitties. Amen.

I see a trend starting...

2008-04-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

Today I got an e-mail from Jose Canseco. No joke. Looking for a 2 bedroom in Brighton. He is sort of a criminal. I mean, not Son of Sam level, but steroid rages are a strong possibility.

This is not a man I would feel comfortable being alone in my car with. Definitely not without a shirt. And I think I will ask him to leave the baseball bat at home.

Fyi...Jose Canseco did e-mail me, but I highly doubt it was the same Jose Canseco that did this:

God bless you...

2008-04-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

While being completely lazy this weekend, I stumbled across a website that made me laugh so hard that my stomach hurt afterwards. Seriously funny. Check it out...

The Sneeze

My favorite section is

He eats some pretty interesting things, all of which you can purchase in your local grocery store, as long as there is an international foods section. Ok, I don't want to say anymore. Just go, read, and laugh, laugh, laugh: Steve, Don't Eat It! You're welcome.

Marathon Monday

2008-04-21T06:42:00.003-07:00

I don't have too long to post today because I have to get ready to run for 5 straight hours.

HA! No freakin' way. Are you kidding me? I have so much admiration for the people that can do this, but honestly I only run if something is chasing me and even then it better not chase me for more than two blocks or I'm in big trouble. (I should really spend more time at the gym).

But I do love Marathon Monday. It is the one day where I physically can't go into work, even if I wanted to, and it is a nice feeling. So I am spending much of my day relaxing and mentally decorating my new condo (less than 2 weeks to closing!). I was doing alot of online research last night, specifically for wall paper (I am a bit obsessed at the moment), and came across a link for none other than Target. They sell wallpaper! And cool, hip wallpaper at that. And it's cheap, relatively speaking of course. They carry Graham & Brown, which is a great company based out of England. Their designer collections are awesome, including Dwell Studio, Umbra and Thomas Paul, but my favorite group is the Young British Talent collection. And guess what Target carries? The Young British Talent collection! Why and how is Target so cool?!? Here is one of my favorites (along with its young, British designer):

Swirls

If only they had it in a variety of colors. I'm afraid black and white isn't going to work in my new place. Nevertheless, I'm so happy to know that I can get cool wallpaper for a reasonable price from one of my favorite stores. Yay!

Just in case...

2008-04-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

I sometimes think about how my job could be potentially dangerous. I speak to complete strangers on the phone, make appointments with them, meet them at my office and then drive them in my car to various places throughout the city that may or may not be occupied. I do a pretty good job of screening people and if they seem to be in the least bit suspect, I will have a co-worker come along for the ride. Do you think that I should be concerned about an e-mail that I received from David Berkowitz (see Son of Sam )? He's currently in prison in NY and, well, that isn't too far from Boston. I suppose he could come in town just for the weekend. Just in case...I love you all. : )

Boris Yeltsin...who knew?

2008-04-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

Who knew that the President of the Russian Federation (from '91 - '99) could bring me such joy in the form of pure pop bliss?

My new favorite band: Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin

And as close second in my new faves: Islands

Check 'em out!

Child of the 70's

2008-04-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

First of all, I want to say that I am so sorry that I haven't been gracing you guys with my witty and awe-inspiring blog posts, but my day job is cutting into my creative time. The nerve! Even though this is the craziest time of the year for me, as far as my job is concerned, I promise to, over the next 5 months or so, post as often as I possibly can. And know that if I'm not posting for you fine people, I am thinking about it!

Ok, on with the post...My friend Jon Ginoli, is the lead singer of my all-time favorite gay band, Pansy Division. Years ago, I was lucky enough to meet him and the other Pansy members when my band, Servotron, hit the road with them. We did many shows together and had a ton of fun, but during all that time, Jon never told me about the amazing awesome-ness that he was fortunate enough to grow up with in Peoria , Illinois. Behold The Groovy 70's Basement:

Here is a description of this retro time capsule, written by Jon:

This basement was decorated during 1970 and early 1971 in Peoria, Illinois, in the house I grew up in, and where my parents still live. It was that period where '60s hippie and countercultural concepts had filtered down to people like my open-minded Republican mom. She picked out everything--wallpaper, furniture, light fixtures. Her decorator had a field day, because it was so far out. As a kid, I thought it was really cool, and so did my friends. My parents used to entertain a lot, and I had parties there in grade school and high school. It's also where I did my homework!
It became outdated rather quickly, but except for the fabulous red shag carpet (later damaged and replaced) it has remained intact for almost 40 years.
Now it's a period piece, and if this basement was in Sherman Oaks or Brentwood it would probably be used for authentic location filming.

I can't believe that they have never changed it! Everything is so groovy I can barely stand it.

I love this sofa.

And I actually want these chairs! Also, the foil wallpaper is just too amazing.

Here is Jon in the bar, looking adorable I must say.

If you want to see more pictures (and Jon's mom, the creator of this step back in time), go to the Groovy 70's Basement's myspace page right here.

Flashback...

2008-03-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

I used to love the Rubik's Cube. How about you?

I had them in a variety of shapes and sizes, including a super cool pastel version from McDonald's that had a different item from their menu on each little square. (I can't seem to find a picture of it, poop!) I loved my Rubik's cube keychain, too!

It was so cute and went with me everywhere. Now, I wasn't one of those people that peeled the stickers off in order to win...no sir! I managed to solve it a few times the correct (non-cheating) way, but I felt pretty smart when I learned that I could take it apart and put it back to together with all the colors in place...

I know it was kind of cheating, but at least there was SOME effort involved.

Anyway, the point of all of this is two-fold. I found a gentleman, aka NERD, online who actually wrote a step-by-step tutorial of how to solve a Rubik's cube, on college ruled, spiral bound paper no less. He did this at the height of the craze in 1986 and it is 14 pages long! It is amazing, funny and kind of sad all at the same time. But my favorite part is his quote at the top of his webpage:

My record time for using this method was 2 minutes 13 seconds. Just memorize the following formula (it's easy!)

Now don't forget...it's 14 pages long! Super Nerd

And to drive the point of my obsession with the Cube home even further, here is a video by my old band, The Plastic Plan. Introducing "The Cube Beat Me":

Baby Idol, anyone?

2008-03-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

Could it get any "beh'ra"?

Hmmm...

2008-03-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

It would seem as though people in 1936 didn't really love their pets. The proof:

Source: Modern Mechanix

This is an actual article from Popular Mechanics, June 1936:

Dog Rides Comfortably in Sack on Running Board
When you take your dog along for a ride, but prefer not having it inside the car, it can ride safely and comfortably in this sack, which is carried on the running board. The bottom of the sack is clamped to the running board and the top is fastened to the lower part of an open window with hooks, covered with small rubber tubing to prevent marring the car.

Seriously?! Did people actually do this? How was this not considered completely inhumane? Poor, poor puppy. I'm glad we have at least progressed in this department in the last 70 odd years. Check out Fido now:

Source: Dog Safety Belt

Now isn't that better?

This Saturday!

2008-03-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

If you live in or around the Boston area, then this post is primarily for you (although I would venture to say that this event would be worth traveling far and wide for!). My sweet and wonderful boyfriend, Joel Reader, moved to cold, snowy Boston from sunny San Francisco this past summer to be with little ole me. He had (and still has to some extent) a thriving music career on the West Coast, so his move here kind of put a kink in his life as a musician. But not for long! He joined up with some fantastic guys here in Boston and they formed The Fatal Flaw.

All of this is to say that their debut performance will be at T.T. the Bear's in Cambridge this Saturday night. They go on around 10:00, so get there early and hang out with me! Plus, I will be doing a little cameo at some point during the show and you certainly don't want to miss that, now do you? Plus, there are other great bands playing that night such as The Great Bandini and Emergency Music. You must come!! So I will see you there? Good, I'm glad that's settled.

Garfield minus Garfield

2008-03-11T17:38:00.001-07:00

My friend Max introduced me to this website and it is possibly one of the funniest things I've seen in a long, long time.

I'm not going to try and explain...just read and laugh and laugh and laugh.

New favorite designer...Benjamin Hubert

2008-03-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know much about him other than that he is based out of the UK and from what I can tell from his none-too-helpful website, he has won many awards. What I do know, is I like what I see. I don't know how to buy any of it, so if you know or find out, please fill me in! Here are some of my favorites:

I don't really like birds (not real ones anyway), but I LOVE these little houses. They are too cute!
If you know me, you know I have a black thumb and I kill all of my plants. I wonder if the hugs from these adorable pots could save them?

These little guys are called Yumbrellas, will hold delicious fruits and look super cute doing it.

Just look where you're going!

2008-03-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

Seriously. Has it come to this? There is a street in London that supposedly has the most "texting while walking accidents" and therefore a charity called Living Streets has done this:

That's right. They are wrapping their lamp posts in padding to try and prevent the idiots that can't stop texting long enough to get to their destination safely from bumping their poor noggins. For Pete's sake people...nothing is that important! Or you know what? Just CALL the person that you are texting. That way you can walk and talk at the same time. But please don't try to chew gum while walking and talking, otherwise this charity is going to have to pay people to stand around giving out Heimlich maneuvers.

Not your grandmother's rocking chair

2008-03-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

But it's pretty cool, don't you think? I've never been a huge fan of the rocking chair, but I could envision myself on a cold night, wrapped up in a super, soft blanket and sipping hot chocolate while watching some embarrassing television programming (like America's Next Top Model, Rock of Love 2 or Celebrity Rehab, perhaps) and rocking until my modern heart is content. Oh, to have $850 extra dollars lying around. If you are more financial frivolous than I, you can pick one up right here.

Decor-able!

2008-03-05T17:24:00.000-08:00

I love these pieces from Pop Ink and French Paper.

They are called Decor-a-boards and are made out of recycled wood, so they are not only super cute, but are environmentally conscious as well!

Offer accepted!

2008-03-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

I am on my way to being a full-fledged "home" owner! After several days of going back and forth, the seller and I finally came to a mutual agreement and I am now on to the next phase...the home inspection! Fingers crossed, there will be nothing seriously wrong and we can go forward with the "purchase and sale". Wow, these are all such big terms that I have heard for so long, but never really knew the meaning of. It truly makes me feel like an adult. S-C-A-R-Y.

Wanna see pictures? Oh alright, stop pressuring me!

The outside of my new place. My home is on first floor, to the left of the adorable blue door!!

My foyer. Fyi...the yellow is not staying!

My bedroom. A bedroom!! I haven't had a bedroom in over 2 years. I have some serious furniture shopping to do.

My living room, with my favorite feature...the glass door to my private balcony.

My EAT. IN. KITCHEN! I haven't had that in over 2 years either!

My balcony. I can't WAIT for summer and you are all invited over to drink sweet tea with me on my porch.

Keep in mind, it will look totally different after I get my hands on it, but isn't it awesome? I'm really so excited. Now I am spending all my free time tearing out pages of Metropolitan Home, so I can decide how to renovate my kitchen and my bath.

Jumping in...

2008-03-02T14:12:00.001-08:00

I've been talking for awhile now about venturing into the adult world of home ownership or, in my case, condo ownership. Last week, despite a nauseous stomach and heart palpitations, I made my very first offer on a condo. It was a low-ball offer in an attempt to buy something that was realistically out of my reach. They countered and I bailed, with my tail between my legs. I realized that the price that I thought I could afford was actually about $20,000 higher than my bank account will allow. So, I started again.

Today Joel and I went to an open house and I'm afraid I have fallen in love....for the second time in one week. Although this go 'round, I am more within my league. Unfortunately, so are 2 other people who are putting in offers on MY new home. Needless to say, I am a stress case at the moment. I won't know what my chances are until tomorrow, so wish me luck. I don't want to jinx anything by giving away too much information, but when (and if) the time comes, there will be pictures galore and polls aplenty regarding paint colors and decorating plans. For now I am going try to distract myself with the newest episode of Rock of Love 2. Oh Bret Michaels, what is under that bandana anyway?

This is seriously creepy.

2008-02-28T16:56:00.001-08:00

I couldn't even watch the whole thing, but I just had to share...

Craig's List....oh how I love thee...

2008-02-25T14:08:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite daily blogs is Apartment Therapy. They have a "Scavenger" section for each of the cities that they cover in their blog: Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. In this section, they give links to amazing finds for used furniture and accessories. It got me to thinking that I really wish there were a comparable Boston site (or that Apartment Therapy had a Boston section) that would show me the BEST finds on Craig's List.

So I decided to stop complaining and take action! I actually did a little searching and came up with some great items. If you are in the Boston area, feel free to snatch up these awesome pieces! I live in a studio and just can't buy them all!

This retro sofa is so gorgeous...if my apartment were any bigger I would be seriously tempted.

Buy it here for $225.

I love big, gaudy mirrors, but I already have one, so this gem could be yours for only $35 ...

Buy it here.

And last, but certainly not least, is a chair that I found and couldn't pass up...

Isn't it precious? I got it for $20 and I'm going to recover it. I have a few ideas. Possibly in a deep pink velvet or maybe like this...

Photo from Apartment Therapy

What do you think?

Chance of rain 80%

2008-02-25T13:43:00.000-08:00

If you are a Boston resident, you know that the weather here is incredibly unpredictable. It is a beautiful day today, but tomorrow the rain/snow combination, that we are becoming all too familiar with, will be back. Not to mention, how cumbersome your trusty umbrella can be during a downpour when you have coffee in one hand and your Blackberry ringing in the other. Introducing Nubrella...

Look how space-age cool you will be...HANDS FREE.

Ok, seriously, I'm alright with using my hands. This is possibly one of the dorkiest things I have ever seen. It's right up there with the Bluetooth, in my book. I don't want to walk around looking like a crazy person, talking to myself OR being eaten by a transparent Pac-Man. God gave us hands for a reason!

But just in case you don't mind the sneers of your peers, you can buy the Nubrella here.

Make a little birdhouse in your bedroom...

2008-02-25T12:56:00.000-08:00

While going through my daily blogs, I came across the CUTEST bedside table.

I have been looking for one small enough to fit into the alcove where I have my bed. I think this would totally work AND it's adorable. The only problem is that you can't get it here in the US. It will eventually be sold here, so if you are in the UK you are in luck. Otherwise, I will need someone handy to build one for me (Brad I am looking at you!).

Some things just aren't meant to be cute...

2008-02-19T16:15:00.000-08:00

I am not a fan of guns. I just know that if I had one I would shoot myself. Without a doubt. Accidentally, of course, but I'd lose a toe or shoot off my pinky. It would not be pretty. But there is a whole world out there, that has a complete fascination with guns of all types. If you are one of these people and also happen to love everything Sanrio, then this is the gun for you:

This gun was designed by a rifle-loving man for his shot-gun loving wife. How sweet, right? I'd rather have a new pair of shoes or a fancy dinner, but different strokes and all that. And if you are thinking that this is photoshopped, think again:

For details on how this cute little killer came to be, go here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-13T20:07:00.001-08:00

And guess what? I have an Etsy store now! It is in the early stages, but check back soon for more prints from yours truly.

Simply Smashing

Much love to you all!

Get your grill on...

2008-02-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

Most of my friends live in apartment buildings with little, to no, space for a grill. Introducing Bruce....

It looks like a flower box, but instead of growing flowers you can cook steak! or chicken! or kielbasa!

Wow, I'm hungry. Get one here.

Mmmmm...cake....

2008-02-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

I love cake. Who doesn't? Crazy people, that's who. But for those sane people out there, you may run into the following problem: A freshly baked cake sits before you and you are preparing to serve several friends, each with a specific request. "I'll take a small slice", "Make mine a big one!", etc. Now try to cut those pieces and keep the cake from turning into a complete mess. Can't be done. At least I can't do it.

So instead buy this: It's a cake mold that pre-"cuts" slices into small, medium, large and extra large sizes.

Like so:
Genius. Cake Mold

Or, for those of you who love the chewy goodness that can only be found on the edge of that dish of brownies, try out the "Edge Lover's" baking pan.

Now EVERY bite is a delicious, chewy edge bite! Genius-er. Baker's Edge

If all of this talk of baked goods is getting your mouth watering, but it doesn't jive with your New Year's Resolutions, definitely whip up a batch of these:

They are so delicious and FAT FREE! Just add fat free yogurt and bake. It's so easy, even I can do it and, if you know me, you know that is really saying something. Find out where you can pick some up here. And then invite me over.

For a rainy day...

2008-02-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

I just came across a new artist whose designs I have fallen in love with. Her name is Petra Boase and she lives in Norfolk, England. Something about her work reminds me of my childhood. Everything is so whimsical and colorful and I think I may want one of everything.

Just look:

(Image via Print & Pattern )

Check out all of her beautiful things at her online shop here: Petra Boase

I'd rather eat smores.

2008-01-30T12:39:00.000-08:00

I'm not a big fan of camping, although I am a big fan of fashionable camping gear (see my previous camping post). One of several reasons that I am not the outdoorsy type is the lack of good food options that you can take with you into the wilderness (not to mention the absence of indoor plumbing and my pillow top bed). Well, there is a company that is trying to change all that, but to be honest, I'm not sold. Katadyn is based in Switzerland and has developed 3 unique food items that can be thrown in your Patagonia backpack for a fine dining experience at 3000 feet. For the main course, how about a cheeseburger? OUT OF A CAN!!!

Just add the can to boiling water and voila...who's the Burger King now?

Then for dessert, how about a little chocolate mousse?

Delicious, right?

And to wash it all down? A glass of powdered red wine.

Classy.

Since these items won't take up much room in your pack, you should have space for the fine china. If you're gonna do it, you oughta do it right. Right?

Those were the days...

2008-01-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

I love old photos...people, places...anything that is a reminder of days gone by. Now that I have a scanner (which I promise to stop talking about soon), I thought I would share some pictures of my family. These were taken before I was even a glimmer in my mom's eye...

Speaking of mom...here she is playing the one song she knows on the guitar...but doesn't she look awesome doing it?

Mom again...look at the sofa, the lamp, her slippers! The 60's were awesome.

This is my grandmother (my mom's mom), my dad and my mom. I swear my dad got that sweater from Urban Outfitters!

And last, but certainly not least, my grandma again. How cool is she? Seriously. I think we would have been friends...if I were hip enough...I would have WANTED to be friends with her anyway.

Artsy fartsy

2008-01-28T14:41:00.000-08:00

I've always enjoyed creating things, whether it be music, art or photography. Drawing has been something that I have loved for years, although I've never thought that I am particularly good at it. Lately, I've been trying my hand at creating objects on paper that may or may not be considered art (depending on who you ask!). I am certainly no Monet or Van Gogh, but I am beginning to think that art is in the eye of the beholder anyway. I am happy with what I am creating and feel like other people may find something that they like about it as well. Eventually, I am going to set up an Etsy store where I can display what I have been working on. For now, here is a bit of a sneak preview.

These are from my "Circles" collection:

And these are my 'birdies". I just love them!

None of these pieces are completely finished yet, but I am so excited to have a scanner. Now I can share my progress with you!

Coast to coast

2008-01-22T19:20:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

I've made it back from my vacation and had a wonderful time. Here are a few pictures from my get away.

First, we spent a beautiful day in Watsonville, where Joel grew up.

Can you imagine growing up with this view?

Then I got to spend lots of time with the world's cutest 2 year old.

I spent a couple of evenings with the fine gentlemen of Pansy Division.

Later in the week, I got to see the sights of the city with my Mom and Step-dad.

It was wonderful. If you haven't been to San Fran, book your trip now! In the meantime, you can see my other photos here...

San Francisco pics

Paper, paper on the wall...

2008-01-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

Most of you may not know this, but I have had a love-hate relationship with wall paper for many years. When I was a young child, my maternal grandparents had a really cool, Frank Lloyd Wright-type house that my grandfather designed and built. I loved this house for many reasons...1) it was octagonal (!), 2) the entire back side of the house was glass and looked out over a gorgeous tree-lined bluff and 3) the bathrooms had beautiful foil wallpaper.

(It was something like this, but MUCH more stunning)

I was young and it was the 70's, but I honestly thought it was the most gorgeous thing I had ever seen. Unbeknownst to me at the time, my love affair with interior design was beginning.

When I became a teenager and a little boy crazy (ok, a LOT boy crazy), the paper on my walls was made up of the centerfolds from BOP and Tiger Beat magazines. John Taylor of Duran Duran, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Rob Lowe. There may have even been a Ricky Schroder in there somewhere.

But as far as actual wallpaper in our home, it was an unfortunate combination of culinary utensils in the kitchen and frightful floral patterns in the bathrooms. Thus beginning the "hate" portion of our program.

For example:

or...

Soon, it became clear that wallpaper was a dated trend and for all of the homeowners that had super-glued obnoxious patterns to their drywall, it became a serious no-no for the future.

But we are in a new era of wall decor. Wallpaper is back in a big way and I must admit I really like some of it. I am sure there is still a plethora of chicken and grape borders out there, but for the design-minded there are some truly gorgeous options.

For your viewing pleasure:

This wallpaper studio is based out of North Adams, MA and all of their papers are hand painted and absolutely gorgeous. You can buy this paper by the sheet, which is great for framing and also more reasonably priced for the budget conscious.

Nama Rococo

There is a great studio out of New Orleans, that not only creates visually stunning wallpapers, but some of them are even scratch-n-sniff. For real!

The cherry flavor and the tutti-frutti remind me of something you would see in one of Betsey Johnson's boutiques, don't cha think? But as delicious as I'm sure these smell, there are several other options that I find a bit more enticing (in small doses, mind you)...

Check out all of their great options at Flavor Paper

I really need to buy that condo!

The Japanese think of everything....

2008-01-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

and make it super cute, too!

This is an autonomous snowplow named Yuki-taro.

He will scoop up your snow...

And make it into tidy blocks of ice for easy removal.

Isn't that so adorable? and handy? I would much rather see these little guys tooling around the streets of Boston after a snowstorm than those grumpy plow drivers. I vote yay for Yuki-taro!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

Today has been a really great Christmas. For the first time, I didn't spend Christmas with family...but I actually did. My small little family of me, Joel and Nestor. We opened presents and ate Chinese takeout and went to a movie. Not the traditional Christmas, but a most relaxing and enjoyable one anyway.

I also found a great website for those holiday gifts that you may have gotten from someone who loves your dearly, but doesn't quite realize that you aren't into New Kids on the Block anymore...

The Bad Gift Emporium

You can even buy someone's trash that could be your treasure. Happy re-gifting!

Let it snow, let it snow...

2007-12-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

A lifetime ago, I had a snow globe collection. It was tacky and kitschy and well, looked kind of like this:

(courtesy of my uber-talented friend, Brad Kayal)

But today I stumbled across the work of Walter Martin and Paloma Munoz and I am absolutely mesmerized. These globes are not only full of snow, but also tell enchanting stories. Some sweet, some morbid, but all equally captivating. I think they are exquisite and if I were to ever venture into the collectible world of snowglobes again, these are the only way I would go.

These are just a few of their beautiful creations. I highly recommend checking out their website:

Walter Martin & Paloma Munoz

Make your kitty pretty

2007-12-18T13:08:00.000-08:00

I don't know about your cat, but mine is not into dressing up. She will not stand being adorned with anything. She doesn't even wear a collar (she's an indoor cat only), so I know for a fact that she would have a feline freakout if I tried to get her to wear this:

But I must say, this kitty is quite fetching. She is a "silver fox" to be exact. If this isn't your cats style, perhaps "bashful blonde" is more appropriate.

Check out their website if you would like to see "pink passion" or "electric blue". For a mere $50 you can have one of these and your cats undying hatred. What a bargain!

kitty wigs

Merry, Merry Christmas!

2007-12-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

Normally, I go visit family during the coldest of holidays, but this year Joel and I are staying put. We will be missing our families immensely, but not the traveling part (which almost always temporarily ruins my Christmas spirit). So, for the first time in at least 10 years, I actually have a Christmas tree. Joel picked it out and I think it is perfect! We live in a pretty small place, so the tree is proportionate to our apartment and absolutely adorable. It has put me in quite a festive mood.

To rent or own, that is the question...

2007-12-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

As most of you know I am real estate agent, but I do not own any property. I rent my apartment and love it. I love the fact that if something breaks all I have to do is call my landlord and in 24 hours or less, problem solved. But, on the flip side, I can't tear out my kitchen and put in a new one or remodel my bathroom. Of course, I don't have to pay a high mortgage payment or any condo fees, but I am also throwing thousands of dollars away every year by not owning. Anyway, this is an ongoing debate within myself and instead of actually making some sort of adult decision, I choose to decorate and renovate my non-existent home. For instance, if I were redoing my kitchen, this is the oven I would buy:

And I don't even cook! But look at how cool it is. It comes in a variety of colors and is from the company that makes the ovens for Subway (what a selling feature, eh?)

Turbo Chef

And if I were to get a new refrigerator, I would definitely get one from this company:

Smeg

I mean, just look at these!

If the Union Jack is a bit much, they offer 15 other colors. Something for everyone.

Oh, and then, while I am playing pretend, I would install this floating fireplace.

balance fireplace

Just so you know, my imaginary home is awesome.