It’s been a ba-zonkers week over here- hence the radio silence. I got nothin’ today but a big happy weekend wish for you, dear readers.
In between time with the bebes and lots of work thrown in the mix, I did manage to squeeze in a viewing of one of my favorite documentaries, When We Were Kings- a chronicling of Ali vs. Foreman’s 1974 Rumble in the Jungle. Watching Ali completely psych out his superior opponent before the fight and win because of it, is pretty fantastic. The power of the spoken word- what a mastermind and a poet, I love watching him rhyme.
Speaking of rhyming, check out this Hip Hop Science rhyme. Yes, you read that right- Hip Hop & Science- they kind of make a magic combo. Newton and freestyle yo, check it.
I’m digging Mr. Connery’s swim trunks and according to Esquire, this is one of the two looks we women like to see our on our men- the other being Daniel Craig’s swimsuit from Casino Royale. But let’s be honest, we’re talking about the two greatest Bonds ever- what don’t they look good in. Still, they are some cute swim trunks.
I hope you all have fun weekend plans. I’m off to pick up one of my best friends who is in the States from Hong Kong. You all know her here as Amy Abroad. Can’t wait to see her and her little ones.
A little link love:
1. I can’t wait to read this book. Tales from the theater including verbatim notes from the rehearsal process of 1963′s The Cherry Orchard with Uta Hagen… this is bound to be fascinating.
2. And speaking of legends- I’m downloading this one too- My Lunches with Orson, can you even image the stories that are in this book.
3. There’s a new green Coke- green label, that is. But you can only get it in Argentina where Coke is doing a massive marketing blitz to test their new Stevia-based product.
4. I’m digging this video. It’s a graphic design wonderland. Watch it, your eyes will thank you if they’re not too tired.
5. These instagram and twitter highlights from journalist Miriam Elder who spent the past few years in Russia are eye-opening.
P.S.: For anyone with littles, this sanity saving list is pretty great. Thanks Natalia!
Hanks takes on Disney in the untold tale of the story behind Mary Poppins. It seems that Ms. Mary came to the Banks household not for the children but for Mr. Banks. Now it gets interesting. This is the story of the story behind Mary Poppins as well as the story behind Walt Disney convincing P.L. Travers to sell him the rights to her beloved tale.
I know the Disney blogosphere is blowing up right now over this- everyone’s got a point of view about what really happened. Who knows if this is really the accurate story, but it sure looks interesting and the cast is great- anytime Paul Giamatti shows up, I’m in. We’ll have to wait for Christmas to see it but you can watch the trailer here:
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.
I just love a good European movie poster or book cover. They really make me happy. I get why Hollywood can’t go all artsy on us, they need to show sweaty action shots of our superstars to bring in the Benjamins, but aren’t these just so much cooler.
I just spied this Spanish book cover of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, apparently picked up in a Barcelona flea market- I wish I had picked it up. And I’ve always LOVED this Polish poster of Shane by Wojciek Wenzel (1959), I would love to have him in my house.
And how pretty is this- so dreamy in a little girl’s bedroom, it’s a little Chagall-like don’t you think?
Sleeping Beauty circa 1962 by artist Hanna Bodnar
That’s all. Any artsy posters that you love? Do tell.
If this isn’t one of the greatest photos ever, I don’t know what is. It just doesn’t get better than these guys. Clooney and Pitt may be a close modern second to Redford and Newman but there’s just something about these two guys. I was so fortunate to meet Paul during the last year in his life, even in his old age he was as twinkly eyed as ever. He told me the story of how he met Joanne and how she taught him to dance backstage in the Broadway theater where they were doing Picnic. I wonder if he knew he made my year?
It’s been a big week over here. The bebes turned 13 months and my little man is waving and say night-night and bye-bye. He also loves to say Tiger. I love that so much. My little lassie is walking all over the joint- it’s amazing how so much can change in one week. I hope you’re off to an inspired weekend. No big plans for the 4th weekend over here, we’ll see what unfolds. It’s real hot, that’s for sure. I’m loving all this rain though- makes me nostalgic for my childhood summers in Florida.
A little link love and some things that inspire:
Parisians are given an etiquette manual to encourage friendliness. Interesting.
Fäviken: I gotta get here- somehow… someday. Apparently one of the best meals on the planet in the remote woods of Sweden. And- the chef’s name is Magnus, I mean come on.
My newest obsession, I would wear these things out.
I just saw this documentary- so inspiring. It really made me see our public defenders in a completely new light. I have so much admiration for the people that do this important work.
Also: It was so fun to read about my fab in-laws’ long lasting Showmance in this NY Times article.
You guys may have seen this book at your local Anthro- Paris Versus New York. I always thumb through it whenever I’m strolling through the store. This is my favorite illustration:
Here are a few others:
Fun, right. I love the illustrations. This would make a great little gift for any lover of the two cities.
Happy Weekend all. I hope you all have some fun summery plans. We are off to Montauk to join 6 of my best girls and their families for the weekend. Can not wait. There will be 15 kids there between all of us- should be super fun and crazy.
A little link love and a few things that really made me smile this week:
1. Audra McDonald drops the mike at the end of the always brilliant TONY award finale wrap up, with Neil Patrick Harris. Yes Audra McD!
2. An entire amusement park smushed up into a cube. This gives recycling a whole new meaning.
If you live in or are planning a trip to the greatest city on earth, you should run your fingers over to amazon.com right quick and get yourself a copy of The Analogue Guide to New York. My very talented friend Alana Stone is the co-writer and co-editor of the ingenious Analogue Guide book series along with her her husband Stefan Horn. They live a wanderlusty life currently residing in Barcelona with their next stop perhaps LA or Vancouver- whichever best floats their boat. They go where their dreams and inspirations take them and recently welcomed their baby girl while effortlessly hopping from NYC to Madrid during pregnancy. Landing in Barcelona with their young lass, with a few stops in Italy and England in between, these guys get around. They’re the perfect people to write your dream guide book as they travel like locals hitting up neighborhood hot spots and haunts in a concerted effort to garner an authentic travel experience.
In her words, “Analogue Guides is a series of compact, independently curated city guide books featuring high quality, unique, low key venues- distilled through the lens of the neighborhood.” The genius of the guides is the way they are organized- by neighborhood. The layout gives you permission to travel more specifically focusing your day on a few spots in a decided part of town, as opposed to subjecting yourself to the torture of running yourself uptown, downtown and sideways-town in order to hit the “must-see spots” that most guide books would have you believe is the only way see the city. Whew- I’m exhausted just typing that.
The Analogue Guides are your ticket to traveling like the cool kids. And by that I don’t mean 19-year-old hipsters, I mean people that know the inside dealio and how to spend a proper day kicking back and exploring like a local. Take in the other side as you relax on the back patio of a killer surf shop in the impossibly darling West Village while sipping the best coffee around or stand in line for hours on end waiting for the elevator at Rock Center. It’s a different way of seeing the city. Seriously, enough said.
Ok, just a few more things- I love how Alana and Stefan are championing the printed page. Yay- long live paper and the printed word. Let’s be honest, some things are just more fun when they’re tangible. They’ve layered their guides with smart photography and well-appointed and easy to navigate maps. Their book is the kind of thing you want in your hand when walking the mean streets- so much cooler than a smart phone. And, ok one more thing, no trees were harmed in the printing of these books. All are 100% recycled. Now a bit about Alana:
Alana and I met in the wine world. Just as she was finishing up a stint in the cellar at Balthazar, I was beginning mine. We later met working for a small French importer of lip-smacking wines led by a curious and entertaining Frenchman. We had a ball together. She speaks 5 languages fluently and was always running off to attend some Catalan film festival while simultaneously working on her PhD in Japanese Comparative Literature at Columbia. I was impressed. We’ve stayed chums as I continue to live vicariously through her globetrotting. I heartily recommend her guide books to any and everyone planning a trip to the locales they cover. With London and NY published, more cities are in the works.
She has been gracious to share 5 of her favorite finds from The Analogue Guide: New York. Drumroll please…
1. Surf Shop & Coffee Counter Saturdays Surf Saturdays Surf presents a unique concept with a distinctly Pacific vibe. The shabby-chic store offers a vast array of surfing paraphernalia including boards, wetsuits, books and artwork dedicated to the wave—while doubling as an excellent café serving La Colombe blends. Grab a flat white and browse the selection of books dedicated to Australian, Californian and South African tides. Then head back to the gloriously dishevelled garden courtyard to finish off your cup in the afternoon sun.
2. Philadelphia Coffee Import La Colombe
Philadelphia based roaster La Colombe serves some of the finest beans in NYC at its aesthetically pleasing trio of Manhattan locations. The cafés boast a cosmopolitan atmosphere forged by a strong local following and international mélange of creative types. Drop by the sun drenched Nolita location for a rich and creamy cappuccino seemingly melting into its Italian Majolica cup, and a sumptuous slice of olive oil loaf. Then borrow a section of the NY Times and relax on the solid wooden banquette.
3. South Williamsburg Glamour Dressler
From its baroque decor to its clad-in-black wait staff, a festive atmosphere predominates at Michelin-starred Dressler. Playful and sophisticated, the space is peppered with intricate pieces by Brooklyn Navy Yard artisan sculptors. This sumptuous backdrop contextualizes the menu, consisting of an intricate hotchpotch of locally sourced New American cuisine and an extensive international wine list. All in all, a decadently pleasurable experience.
4. Pinnacle of the Performing Arts BAM —Brooklyn Academy of Music
Inaugurated in 1861, when Brooklyn was still an independent city, the Brooklyn Academy of Music has served as a major cultural force ever since. Drawing on deep historical ties with several acclaimed European theatres, BAM hosts top-flight international productions, in addition to maintaining its status as the premier NYC venue for cutting edge new work by local artists. Performances are held at either the intricately restored Harvey Theater or the grandiose Gilman Opera House.
5. Sushi par Excellence Sushi Yasuda
Arguably the best purveyor of sushi in New York City, Yasuda settles for nothing short of excellence. From the imposing wooden sushi counter, where you can order an omakase nonstop succession of delights, to the resolutely minimalist yet warm interior, every detail is meticulously executed. The lunch and dinner sushi sets are particularly enjoyable, as the chef will point out the day’s freshest ingredients for you to select from. Wherever possible, fish is locally sourced. A top-notch comprehensive sake list complements the menu.
Happy Monday. Nothing like talk of cocktails and characters to start off the week. Ever wonder what your favorite characters of literature and film are drinking? Ever cementing his fate as the true black sheep of the Corleone family, Fredo prefers a banana daiquiri. With a drink like that, you can tell he’s toast. It’s altogether a new kind of character study- method acting to its cocktail core.
A fun little chart by the kids at Pop Chart Lab. If I had a bar, I might have to hang this up- a great conversation piece.
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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