Happy Weekend dear readers. I hope you all are off to a spectacular and fun-filled fall weekend. We are heading out to the Outstanding in the Field dinner at Alexandria’s Arcadia Farms this afternoon. I have been wanting to do this for a few years now and we finally decided to treat ourselves for our fifth anniversary. The guys from DC’s Birch and Barley (yum) are headlining the event with Chef Kyle Bailey and Pastry Chef Tiffany MacIsaac at the helm- we’ll be in good hands. This particular dinner features a craft beer pairing with each course. I cannot wait. We’ve got some serious foodie friends coming into town this weekend as well so we’ll meet them at DC’s Jefferson Hotel for brunch on Sunday with the bebes. I’m just hoping the clientele is cool with a couple of toddlers in the midst of utensil experimentation. Wish us luck. Meanwhile, we’re trying to figure out whether or not we should take the plunge and head out to the ‘burbs. Never having lived in more than 800 square feet as a grown adult since well, ever- it would be nice to have more space but tough to leave city living behind. What say you suburban folks? Good stuff?
My Weekend Wine: What I’ll be sipping this weekend to help me mull over our impending ‘burbiness- Bordeaux baby. It is back, in a big way. Not too long ago, somms and winos alike were turning up their noses at the stodgy blends of yore. 2nd growths and futures on those big Chateau brands became a snore. Not anymore kids. When Richard Betts (probably the smartest wine dude in the business) sets out to make a $20 dollar Bordeaux, you know times they are a-changing. Somms in the know are wild about his blends. I’ll be sipping his ’10 Carte Verte. It’s a game changer folks, and a perfect fall wine. Bordeaux is cool- who would have thought.
A little link love and a few things that caught my eye this week:
This is one of the funniest things I saw this week. We are a #hashtaghappy society. It’s getting a wee tad bit out of control. Thanks QuestLove for setting us straight. #enoughalready #ha
1. Anna Watson Carl’s advice on throwing a fall dinner party and she would know. Chef, food and travel writer and test kitchen cook extraordinaire, Anna is infamous for the dinner parties she throws at her Yellow Table in NYC’s Nolita.
2. Designer Digs. Karl Lagerfeld is one voracious reader. I love all of those books!
3. These booties. I don’t know where I would wear them being that my threshold for heels over 2 inches ceased at 30, but I totally want them.
4. Is this cute or what! I am newly in love with this little shop for its darling little girls’ clothes. Affordable too.
5. I love this print by Britt Bass- again it’s that frustrated abstract artist in me that’s dying to come out. In the meantime, I’ll just admire and patronize the work of those that are actually imbued with painterly talent. (I just bought this one- will look great in our maybe soon-to-be new space.)
6. Giant umbrella-toting cement people floating over a city in the Czech Republic- sign me up. I love this installation by artist Michal Trpak.
7. What a great idea. A plastic floor rug- perfect for the kitchen.
8. If Batman were a dad, it would be pretty awesome- this is hilarious. My favorite part is how annoyed his wife is with the whole thing.
And, I’m intrigued by One Fine Stay- a new vacation rental company that curates your stay in a local’s apartment complete with white fluffy towels and tiny shampoo for the taking. NYC, London, LA and Paris apartment rentals, these digs are pretty fabulous. Check out this minimalist apartment in Le Marais. Then there’s this oneandthis one in the Left Bank- those herringbone floors and those giant windows- I can’t stand it.
{Images: Fall Dinner Party Chalk Board and Cake- Signe Birck, Karl Lagerfeld’s Paris apartment- Elle Decor Japan, Trpak installation- My Modern Met, Kitchen with Throw Rug- Laure Joliet}
I love the painterly thing- maybe because deep down I’m really a frustrated and unrealized abstract painter. I don’t know, I’ve never shown any talent and I’m certainly not studied but I do love a brushstroke. I’m dreaming of my future garage/shed/artist’s studio that I”ll furnish with my giant easel and paints so pretty I’ll want to eat them. In the meantime, I’ll settle for a splotch or a drip from a more skilled hand, especially when it’s blotted on something other than a canvas. That wallpaper is killing me- it is duly noted and pinned to my bath board for my next abode.
1. How fun is this inky hand-painted sofa from ABC Home? I love it, what a statement piece. Not exactly kid-friendly but then again maybe the kiddos’ handiwork would blend in with this painterly look. At just under $4,000, I don’t think I’d risk it, but I like to look at it.
2. Like I said, this wallpaper by Hinson and Company is itching to be in my next powder room (or let’s be honest- my first powder room- city dwelling does not bestow you with such luxuries). What a great look for a small space.
How pretty is this little breakfast nook. Those doors and that fixture- so simple and pretty, I could manage my cup of coffee and morning emails at that table. Happy Weekend to you all, dear readers! I hope you are all off to some fun and festive fall activities. We going on a fall family vacation with friends to a Dirty Dancing-style resort in West Virginia. I CAN NOT wait. A full report and post to come. What’s in the planning for you all?
A little link love and a few things that caught my eye:
1. A D.J. school for babies- only in Brooklyn folks.
2. Eric Ripert bans e-cigarettes at Le Bernadin because they’re tacky. I love him.
4. Oversized portraiture is invading Pinterest. I don’t know, I’m on the fence about these, except for Dylan of course- I kind of love the way that looks. What do you think?
5. AND… Shark Tank’s back. I know, I’m a dork but I love that show.
6. Anna Nicole- the new opera presented by NYC Opera at BAM gets a rave.
{Images: Breakfast Nook- Design Within Reach, Anna Nicole- Sara Krulwich, e-cigarette- Reuters, Cameron Diaz’s apt and Bob Dylan oversize portrait- Elle Decor}
Back to School- I know lots of your littles headed back this past week. Seeing all the cute pics on Facebook, it brought back so many memories all of those first days back. Who will be in my classes, who will I eat lunch with, where will my locker be and what the heck do I wear- don’t we all wish we could have rocked the Stephanie Zinone look on our first day back. It doesn’t get much cooler than Michelle Pfeiffer as the Pink Lady singing Cool Rider (above)- bad. ass.
I hope you’re off to a fun-filled weekend. No big plans over here- just some swim time at the town pool and parks and playgrounds.
A little link love:
This week is a little shelter-centric. In my mind, I’m concocting my dream house. It may be a while before we see our dream home, but that’s ok- it’s fun just finding inspiration.
1. 26 Reasons Grease 2 is better than Grease. Basically, no one’s cooler than Stephanie Zinone. I just love how she doesn’t want no ordinary guy coming on strong with her. I know every single frame, word and lyric of this movie- it’s genius. Say what you will about the sequel, but for me Grease 2 reigns supreme.
2. How am I just now jumping on the Lulu & Georgia train? Thank you Pinterest for introducing me to this fine establishment.
3. This is an easy DIY entryway via Glitter Guide’s Instagram feed. The desk could be a thrifty find punched up with simple brass hardware. Target used to sell these cute little coral x benches but you can still get these for $79 and give them this makeover via Style Me Pretty Living- sounds pretty easy and Kelly-proof (I’m not the greatest DIYer).
4. I had to pick this up. A super cute color block denim dress with pockets and an exposed zipper in back. $59, cute and it hides my post-baby tummy that will not mind its owner and hibernate already.
5. Anna Wintour makes her debut appearance half-veiled by her magazine via Vogue’s instagram account. She’s officially been voguestagrammed. Slow to embrace social media, Wintour is purportedly making her appearance in the name of the infamous September Issue.
6. Georgia O’Keefe reveals her younger self via vintage documentary footage. Cool.
Could Rita be any cuter eating her sandwich in Santa Monica circa 1941- I love her.
Happy Weekend dear readers, I hope you are off to lots of fun. I’m traveling to NYC for some work and play, what are you up to?
Here are a few fun things I found this week:
1. In the mood for cake and a beer? Bake a craft beer cake- 2 birds with one stone.
2. Talk about portion control- these are hilarious.
3. This one’s on my wish list- a former W Magazine art director’s tales of renovation and inspiration in the Greek Isles. I’m thinking it’ll be my next Calgon Take Me Away read. I’m waiting for the paperback.
4. For those not a fan of Big Brother- The Off Pocket- makes your cell phone completely untraceable. Get off the map!
5. These ladies are actual mannequins in a Swedish H&M store, I love it.
6. Cameron’s cool glass house from Ferris Bueller is on the market with a price drop. Get it here.
7. The genius foodie site, Food 52, has just launched their own market- Provision. Pick up a cute kitch-y gift for your foodie friends.
8. I just bought these, aren’t they great! I’m a bootie fanatic- what can I say. Budget be damned.
Ha. For those of you living in a cave who haven’t seen this, it’s now clear that Colbert has the most fun job on the planet. Seriously. I want to be in that writer’s room when somebody said, “We’ve got to get Kissinger!”.
Paris in China- hmm, this is kind of creepy and not in an EPCOT-creepy kind of way (which I actually kind of love). Seems the Chinese aren’t exactly nuts for it either, it’s a ghost town.
I love this look for less, I really love that the pants have an elastic waistband. Cute.
If you need a screenful of color, check out this tumblr page. Constant color inspiration.
How fabulous are these bathers from LIFE magazine circa 1948. Tres gorge. I hope you’re off to a fun filled weekend. We’ll take in some fireworks here in Old Town Alexandria. Not about to be outdone by the nearby nation’s capital, this town celebrates its very own birthday on July 13th. This year Alexandria turns 264. Wow, that’s pretty old for America. What are you all up to?
Here are a few of my favorite things from this week and a little link love:
1. I love these illustrated posters for the kiddos- animals of the world by artist, Andy Ward.
2. Unplugging at Camp for Grown Ups. I always wanted to go to camp as a kid and now these grown-up camps are everywhere- although I don’t know if I can really classify the people in their Moonrise Kingdom‘d-out photo above, grown-ups. In any case, it’s never too late even if you do look a little ridiculous.
3. Looking to remodel, upgrade or update? Here’s a handy tool to price out costs in your area. Fun to look at- more fun if you live in Des Moines than if you live in Palo Alto.
4. The Newsroom is back baby. Yahoo. I love these characters, that Sorkin speak and the little lift you get from watching his shows- cue the anthemic West Wing-like theme- bring on season 2. P.S.: Jeff Daniels is totally a bad ass in this show. When have you ever seen Daniels as a bad ass. It’s kind of hot and a long way from Dumb and Dumber.
8. I love this floor tile- a collaboration between Carocin and Petit Pan. Blue and pink heaven.
9. Imogen and Asher edge out Charlotte and Finn as this year’s most popular baby names (as in: most viewed on nameberry). Really? Imogen? The only Imogen I know is the divine Ms. Coca and she’s an Imogene. Ok, there’s also Imogen Heap- she’s got to be the draw. I can’t imagine many young parents naming their little ones after Aunt Edna- although she was pretty fantastic.
P.S.: Blurred Lines as The Cosby Show opener- it kind of works. And speaking of the Cos, he’s launched a Cosby Sweater Tournament- how could we possibly pick the best Cosby sweater.
P.P.S.: This is funny- 24 hunky actors that will make you wish time travel was for real.
P.P.P.S.: I know this has gone viral and everyone’s probably already seen it, but it’s interesting. Tootsie- one of the greatest movies ever made- and Dustin Hoffman’s reaction to playing a woman has got to be one of the reasons it is so good.
And- heads up New Yorkers, Manhattanhenge touches down on the grid tonight and tomorrow.
Ok, one more: this is pretty crazy town. An impala dives into a tourist’s SUV as he flees a chasing cheetah. Whoa. When’s the last time you’ve seen this happen? Never.
Here’s a gal who is not afraid of color. I love that she makes such a bold statement with her palette- and in a rental, no less. You may have seen the Lonny spread back in April of interior designer Angie Hranowsky’s 1850s Charleston home. I drool over her personal design site and have not been able to get the images of her own home out of my brain, so I thought I would share.
Wow! That palette is so bold and pretty. A few details from her living room:
Those painterly Roman shades are killing it. They are pinned and ready to go for my next windows.
How cute is this eat-in kitchen? The purple in this room should really be a bit much, but somehow it’s not. I love it and I love how she uses her children’s art. This area is like a little nook of magic.
This bedroom is dreamy- feminine but her use of mixed metals in the room gives it an edge, and I love that bed!
How darling is this kids’ room- brass, wood, fur, bold color and there are those shades again.
Here are a few great tips from this talented designer on how to spruce up your rental space.
Doesn’t this look just like summer! I’m not usually a spritzer kind of girl but this looks delicious. Thanks Joy the Baker!
It’s been a crazy week. DOMA is repealed- hooray (this is a kind of funny 2 -word response), Brazil’s in an uproar, Wow Wendy Davis, and George Zimmerman’s lawyer is telling knock knock jokes- what is happening. Stephen Colbert’s mother passed away and he gave a loving tribute to her on his show. This is a Colbert we have not seen, so sweet.
In light of a big week, I hope you are all off to a big and fun-filled weekend. My momma is coming into town- double hooray- so we’ll head out to North Beach with the kiddos and check out the so-called “Jewel of Chesapeake Bay”. It’s only 45 minutes from our place so I’m crossing my fingers that it’s awesome- there’s nothing like a nearby beach on a hot summer day.
I’ve also started reading again. I know, I know- alert the media, right. It is kind of a biggie for me as I have been a little sleep deprived with work, travel and the bebes and I haven’t really read anything in months. I’m listening to Andre Agassi’s Open on audiobook- so well written- I know I’m a little late to the game (no pun intended) on this one, but it’s awesome. I just downloaded Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s Mo Meta Blues- so looking forward to that. Google Books review says, “You have to bear in mind that [Questlove] is one of the smartest motherfuckers on the planet. His musical knowledge, for all practical purposes, is limitless.” Nice. Anyone who references the episode of The Cosby Show where guest star Stevie Wonder samples the Cosby family’s voices in the recording studio as inspiration for 90s hip hop artists, is pretty much a must read for me. I’m also reading this book on parenting that my sister in law recently gave me (she’s an inspired preschool teacher so I basically read everything she tells me to). It’s great and really revealing. If you like a psych study, you’ll really enjoy this. And for all of us that believe constantly telling our kids that they’re smart is a good thing, this may change your mind.
A little link love:
1. Dora Maar’s house in Menerbes- Peter Mayle land. Love that town, love her and love this house. I would love this little setup in my backyard- throw up a sting of lights and voila- nirvana.
2. What to do with your bebes when you don’t have a backyard. This is so simple, it’s really a duh. I’m trying this today.
3. A girl after my own heart- just another reason to travel with your kiddos. How Anne Postic feels like a change of scenery improves her kids’ palates. Yes.
4. Add a little dash of Rome to your hot summer day. Espresso granitas with whipped cream- grazie mille Smitten Kitchen.
5. Another cool map- I do love a map. This one needs your help to get produced. Visit the Kickstarter campaign here if you feel we need this in the world.
Former showgirl, forever travel junkie, sometime sommelier, and mom to twin bebes. This little blog is a mixed bag of tasting notes, travels, tales of motherhood, and current musings. Thank you for stopping by. Cin Cin! (photo by Amy Dickerson for Anthology Magazine)
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