Buzzzzzzzzzzz

How cute is this bee pendant light from French store Serendipity?

Say Cheese!

Check out these gorgeous vintage enameled metal Kodak cameras from 1936. They are like little works of art in themselves! If you are a camera collector or are just interested in taking up the hobby of photography like moi, you can purchase one at Depression Modern in NYC for $685....not really that much $$ in the camera world.

I'll Take Two Please

I *heart* Anya Hindmarch like it's nobody's business. I am currently coveting the Cooper bag in grey, the Lautner bag in cream and the the Faustine clutch in natural – among about 50 others. As a Valentine's Day Special, AH is offering the personalization of their adorable leather pouches. These routinely come embossed with cute saying like "Fun Money" "Cruise Fund" and "Euros" but you can now order one embossed with the saying or name of your choice. I totally want a silver one with my name on it.

Now You Don't Have To Watch The Superbowl

Here is Justin Timberlake's Superbowl Pepsi Commercial. Pretty funny.

Song Of The Day

January in Houston means one thing – rain. Days are grey and rainy and fluctuate between windy and cold and humid and miserable in a hot second. So, in honor of the tornado watch we are currently under and the buckets that are pouring outside, the song today is Here Comes The Rain Again by the Eurythmics.

ps- how funny are 80's music videos?

Does He Not Have A Dry Erase Board?

5 fun facts about Clooney and this is the one they lead with?

Cutie Flats

Check out the adorable Lovable Flat by Nine West. I must say that ol' Angela from Project Runway Season 3 must be kicking herself for jump starting the return of the rosette and yet, still managing to be one of the worst designers in the history of the show. These flats are so cute and fun. I am all over the Aqua ones!

Song Of The Day

Angels and Airwaves- The Gift. Today's song is for Laura who always extracts the best songs from episodes of Gossip Girl. Perhaps I would pay more attention to the music if I wasn't so damn hypnotized by Dan Humphrey and his awkward hotness.

Swoon Of The Day – Retro Edition

There was a time when I thought there was no specimen on the planet more gorgeous than Luke Perry. In junior high school I even slept on 90210 sheets complete with a Dylan pillowcase. I remember the summer that Brenda went of to Paris and charmed "Reeck" with her fake Parisian accent and came home to find Dylan all cozy with Kelly in a cabana at the Beverly Hills Beach Club and feeling the slightest twinge of jealousy towards K. Taylor. If anyone was going to steal him away from Brenda "Big Bangs" Walsh it was going to be me! Anyway, I look at this picture of him now and realize he was like 35 playing a 17 year old, his forehead is so big it is a sixhead and that Baja sweater thing he always wore that could be purchased at any Yaga store back in the early 90's was indeed not cool but totally hideous. Oh, well. We had some good times Luke, and I shall cherish them always. XOXO

I Really Want A Womb

You know a chair called the "Womb Chair" has got to be hella comfortable. My husband and I wander into Design Within Reach every now and again and usually walk out realizing that some design is very much out of reach. Have you seen what they charge for a chair?!!! I know my husband has his heart set on owning a classic Eames Palisander one day but if you ask me the Womb is where it's at! Sleek and sophisticated in design, soft and luxurious fabric. It just speaks to me. For the money though, I am sure we could feed several small nations for a few years so it may never happen. I will just admire from afar.

A Bloody Good Rita

Last Friday, I met my girls at Benjy's for happy hour. I had three, yes three, Blood Orange Margaritas and they were divine. If you are looking for a kickin' new cocktail, check out this recipe.

Frozen Blood Orange Margarita:

1/2 cup fresh blood orange juice
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 cups ice
1 cup Triple Sec
1 cup white tequila
4 frozen margarita glasses

Combine the blood orange juice, lemon juice, Triple Sec, and ice in a blender and puree until completely blended. Add the tequila and puree for 2 seconds more.
Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake hard to form ice crystals.
Pour or strain into a prepared frozen margarita glasses or glasses filled with ice and serve.

Makes 4 drinks.

Lingerie To Appreciate Everyday

I had a lingerie shower when I got married. I got some really pretty things as well as stuff like a pink mesh thong with fluffy pink poodle balls that dangle from a bow on the ass. I kept every last slutty piece....however I do tend to only wear only my most favoritest, most comfortablest things on a daily basis. This consists of Victoria's Secret wireless IPEX bras and Gap Body underwear. Here is the kind of lingerie lazy cotton wearing ladies, such as myself, can appreciate everyday. It won't bind, or bunch or creep up your ass. Nope, it sits beautifully on the wall to be admired.




This 3 piece set of prints is by artist Leigh Wells, a talented artist my husband has worked with before from San Francisco. Wouldn't these look cute framed above a dressing table or a lady like vanity? And at $375, it's cheaper than a trip to La Perla!

Might As Well Jump

Last night my husband and his boyz went to see Van Halen. Today all he can talk about is the amazing shape David Lee Roth is in for a total crackhead and how convinced he is that DLR is gay based on his stage antics. Anyway, they had 8th row seats so I guess that close up any male in that much spandex must understand his sexuality will be questioned. The only real Van Halen song I know is Jump and it is the one song that my husband and his friends hate. "That song is for chicks and p*ssies!!" they say I guess not realizing that I indeed fall into the former of the two categories. Anyway, I am proud of him for going and realizing a 25 year goal to see Van Halen live and fronted by the gloriousness that is Diamond Dave.

Cakesicles

Cake has been served in many different ways, but never on a stick....till now. Introducing Cakesicles. Basically, these are balls of cake that have been baked, stuck with lollipop sticks, chilled and then dipped in chocolate or (sometimes colored) white chocolate. Pretty creative if you ask me! Think how cute these would be served at the next baby shower you got talked into hosting or as a cutesy dessert at your next dinner party. Me, I'm thinking about serving them up at my next bunco group! Here are directions and a recipe for this dessert using red velvet cake, but you can use whatever kind you like!

Red Velvet Cake Lollipops
1 box red velvet cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can cream cheese frosting
1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)
wax paper

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)
3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)
4. Stick with lollipop sticks
5. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)
6. Melt chocolate (or white chocolate) in microwave per directions on package.
7. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)
8. Enjoy!!!

Is Everyone Secretly Pregnant?

UK Newspaper The Sun is reporting that Gwen Stefani is pregnant with her second child. She and Gavin Rossdale make some cute babies so more power to them! It seems that the Hollywood baby boom is continuing! So help me God if Britney turns up pregnant with #3!!!!

UPDATE: Gwen has confirmed she is pregnant with #2!

Song Of The Day

Ray Lamontagne is a singer/songwriter from backwoods New Hampshire. He has an amazing voice and has quietly put forth a few fantastic albums. I really love this song, his version of Gnarls Barkley's Crazy. My friend Jonathan works in the music biz and has hung out with this guy and said while he is f*cking weird as hell, he is so insanely talented. Enjoy!

Swoon Of The Day

Channing Tatum first became known to me via a little movie called Step Up. If you didn't see it, you totally should have. It is like the Flashdance of the generation about 2 generations below mine. Anyway, still some enjoyable cinema. He is starring with Ryan Phillipe in the soon to be released Stop Loss and has just signed on for the G.I. Joe movie and is one huge slice of swooncake. Go Joe!

Natalie Portman Is Positively Perfection

Natalie Portman is not like other starlets her age. She isn't out partying without her panties on and she isn't bouncing from actor to actor all over the pages of my US Weekly. Nope, she's off supporting FINCA International, a non-profit that provides financial services to the world's lowest-income entrepreneurs so they can create jobs, build assets and improve their standard of living and designing vegan footwear for luxury brand te casan. The shoes are designed to give great quality and style to those who wish to wear shoes made with alternative materials. Here are a few of her designs that I am loving and visualizing on my feet as I type this:

Jonathan Adler for Barnes & Noble

I can always find something to buy no matter where I am. Those little kiosks near the cash register filled with pretty stuff you really don't need were designed with suckers like me in mind. Yesterday I was at Barnes & Noble with my mom. She wanted to get a cookbook and I was along for the Starbucks. But while waiting in line with her to pay for her item, I became entranced with a kiosk sporting some of the cutest desk supplies I had ever seen and lo and behold, they were by Jonathan "See you later decorator" Adler. Now, I abstained from purchasing them but have been kicking myself ever since and will mostly likely drive over there after work and acquire a few of the items, all under $15!! Here some of my favorite pieces from the collection:

Song Of The Day

Enjoy one of my favorite songs, Nobody Knows Me At All by The Weepies. Cute video too, huh?

My Colors Are Blush And Bashful

Anyone remember that iconic line from Steel Magnolias? Essie's Spring 2008 collection is compromised of several gorgeous shades of pink with names that are equally as fun.







I *heart* Secret Affair and Hi Maintenance. I think they will usher my fingers and toesies into Spring quite nicely.

An Open Letter To Jane Krakowski

Dearest Jane,

Let's start off with a few positives. Your hair has never looked better – blonde and big and the epitome of understated elegance. I am intrigued by that lovely tangle of gold bracelets on your wrist. They look very fun. Unfortunately, that is where the good news stops. I have to say, I am currently pondering what it is exactly that made you think,

"Multi-colored crocheted ball trim....and lots of it!! That is what I want! I want to look like pollen spores are growing all over me, like I am wearing a Holly Hobby version of a Gladiator's chest plate, like my boobs have gone and sprouted 10,000 mini boobs with jeweled nipples. Yes!!! Cojo be damned! I shall be the woman who brings back ball trim!!!!!"

Anyway, whatever it was that made you think that, I am here to tell you, that while I applaud your fashion forward thinking notion, ball trim of any kind will never ever EVER be red carpet appropriate.

No hard feelings! Loved you in National Lampoon's Vacation!

Love,
Me

Swoon Of The Day

Holy Mother of God!! Vintage Paul Newman....shirtless.

Fave SAG Awards Dresses

Amanda Bynes Marchesa gown is so gorgeous. I love the detail and pops of color from the stones on the bodice and the way it falls into long, swishy layers at the bottom. It looks flattering, fresh and fun. I am really feeling jewel tones lately and this dress really delivers some beautiful rich color. I also like the way she styled the dress with the center part and braids. Very Heidi Klum!!!


Kate Hudson always looks fantastic in my opinion. I have always loved her rocker/bohemian approach to style and think that this dress looks not only so her, but fantastic on her as well. I mean, she's not at the Oscars so she can afford to have a little fun on the red carpet and be a little more casual. She just looks gorgeous and so much like Goldie!

I'm Calling It Now

She's totally preggers.

This Little Piggy

Here is a picture of Kristen Cavallari out and about in Vegas a few weeks ago celebrating her 21st birthday. Cute, right?

Here is a picture of her feet:


Not so cute, right? I mean, that shoe is busting at the seams and has already forced two little piggies overboard!! Iiiiiick!!!

En Vogue

Sylvana Soto-Ward is a Princeton grad, ex-assistant to Anna Wintour and current Vogue Accessories Editor. Here she is photographed at a dinner hosted by Banana Republic to honor their new creative director, Simon Kneen (will Banana get a makeover??). I absolutely love her style at this event. Understated in a basic color palette, but with personal style oozing out all over the place. I love her necklace and the detail on the waistline of her skirt is so cute. I just might have to do my best to recreate this look for my trip to the theatre tomorrow.

Song Of The Day

I love this song. Nelly Furtado- All Good Things (Come to an End)

Swoon Of The Day

Will Ferrell as Chaz Michael Michaels in Blades of Glory

Posters For Grown Ups

I'll admit to some embarrasing posters on my bedroom walls as a kid. Debbie Gibson, the cast of 90210, a movie poster for The Little Rascals and lifesize cardboard cut out of the entire group of New Kids on the Block that my mom talked a music store employee into giving her when the promotion was over. My mom's a bad ass. Anyway, I am still all about posters, but of a more grown up nature. I came across a poster in Domino Magazine, my style Bible, a few years back and had to have it:


Designed as part of a Yale design student's MFA thesis in 2004, the designer chose a simple phrase she has always loved, and by magnifying it on paper she hoped to change its meaning from a sometimes throwaway saying to a larger hopeful statement.

After the first of the year, I eagerly anticipated the new poster from Village:


I think the poster is super sweet and can't wait to hang it on the wall in my master bedroom in my new house. The poster was inspired by the desire to make something that would represent that sweet time when a couple might be inclined to carve their names into a tree, a desk, or maybe a telephone pole...

How cute is that???

Air Mail

The new MacBook Air is about the coolest thing ever. It compromises neither form nor function and really raised the bar as far as compactness goes for laptops in the future. If you plan on purchasing a MacBook Air, you need something equally stealth and bad ass to carry it (effortlessly...it weighs like 3 lbs!) around in. Might I suggest the AirMail ManilaMac. So cute and fun! Imagine pulling your laptop out of one these at Starbucks or on a plane or in a meeting. People would totally envy you! And isn't that what having cool stuff is all about? I kid. I kid.

An Open Letter To Jessica Biel

Dearest Jessica,

It might be wise to lay off the Bowflex. I'm just saying.

Love,
Me

I Now Pronounce You Mr. & Mrs

Congratulations to my dear friends, Natalie and Jeff, who got engaged last night. The proposal involved tying the ring around their new puppy's neck. When she came home from work, her little lab greeted her along with a HUGE surprise! How cute is that proposal? Major points, Jeff!!! I am so happy for you guys and cannot wait for the wedding!! Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness!!!!

I'm Confused

Carrie Bradshaw introduced us to flower pins, made Manolo Blahnik a household name and resurrected the name plate necklace to cult status .....but a body scrunchie? I just don't think the world is ready for that.

Let Them Eat King Cake

For the 2nd year in a row, the Whole Foods Market stores in Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina will donate one dollar for every king cake sold to the White Boot Brigade, a group of commercial fishing families that is working to rebuild the Louisiana shrimper community. In the Company’s Southwest region stores in Louisiana and Texas, the promotion begins January 5th and concludes Mardi Gras Day, February 5th.

Eat some cake! If it for a good cause, do the calories just melt away?

The Hive Is Alive

After temporarily going blonde, everyone's favorite crackhead, Amy Winehouse, is now back to rockin' her brunette beehive. I can't even believe I am about to say this...but... she actually looks good. I mean, I know she is like meth skinny and has the wonkiest grill to ever come out of the UK, but in this picture she doesn't look....well...like this:

It's A Small World After All

I grew up in the fourth largest city in the US, went to the college with the largest student population in the country and can still maintain the belief that the world is a tiny, tiny place. Recently I was introduced to a blog, In(side) The Loop by Courtney Barton, by a good friend of a best friend. I love her blog and am in awe of her resume which boasts the likes of Hollywould, Jill Stuart and Ralph Rucci. A visit to her blog and a quick perusing of her posts makes me feel worldy, arty and chic. But come to find out, we have so much more in common than blogging and our friend, Emily. We both are residents of The Heights, a lovely little inner loop community in Houston chock full of 100 year old craftsman bungalows, have a strong affinity for all things Anthropologie, a dire love for John Derian plates and a passion for anything demontrating great design. The duration of our friendship has not quite yet reached the 24 hour mark, but I think Courtney and her point of view is something worth sharing with all of you. So, I am pimping her blog to all those out there who love things that are awesome, because her blog surely is. It is so funny. We probably live blocks from each other, shop at the same grocery store, drink at the same local bar, scavage the same Target and I had to go all the way to NYC to hear of her. Crazyness!!!!!!


Go visit insideloop.blogspot.com RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!

The Best Online E-Cards Ever

My bestie Laura sent me a link to view some of the most HI-LARIOUS e-cards I have ever seen. They are from someecards and their tagline is "When you care enough to hit send." This is not your mother's Hallmark store! In fact, most mothers I know wouldn't make it past the second card before being totally disgusted. Some of the more mild ones include:






The one about the billing code is sooooooooo me.
Make someone laugh tomorrow with that TGIF one.
www.someecards.com