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This week I was the sickest I've been in about 9 years which is why I've been a little MIA. I can finally get off the couch but I think I'll just take the week off anyway. Have a great holiday!

93.

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Weekend! I went out dancing last night and my body needs two days to recover. I'm collecting leaves and twigs for my Thanksgiving table. What are your plans?

More stripes. This time with some sunshine!


Chic and cozy Our childhood favorites in French!

Nature-inspired supermarket bouquet


I totally did this for a of weeks until I realized I was packing on the pounds from eating cake every Monday!

Cute kids.

Cool Parents.

My Love is XL

I want to live inside this roomy bag!

{via lolalina}

Vogue Vid

Great video describing the making of the December 2009 issue of British Vogue with my favorite lady and some yummy looking cakes! {source}

Small Bar

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Last night I had drinks with this hilarious lady at the new(ish) Small Bar. It's run by the same folks who run my beloved Hamiltons so you know it has to have good beer. Unlike Hammies, though, they serve booze. A lot of it. The place is, as you might have guessed, small and was packed when we got there. The music was a little louder than I would have liked and Erin and I had to yell at each other to have a conversation. That didn't really matter after the third Ginger Rogers (so yummy delicious!). They serve food as well and if it is as good as my Blind Tiger Grilled Cheese at Hammies then it must be good. We'll be back for Bloody Mary Brunch, for sure.

So Touching

I know I've been on a bit of a posting kick this morning but I had to add this one last thing. I was so moved by this story A Los Angeles Love heard at the Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (of Once) concert.

"'A few weeks ago, Glen was in Chicago for the tour. As he came down the elevator in the morning, an older woman, perhaps 70, in a bright blue coat joined him. He described her face thusly: "You know how you have the face you were born with until you're 25, then from 25 to 40 you have the face that earn, and from 40 to death you have the face you deserve? Well, this woman was beautiful at 70, just one of the most beautiful faces, she definitely had one of those faces you earn." And as he looked over at her, he felt the need to compliment her coat, and so he did. And she got so excited and touched, responding, "Thank you for noticing my coat. This coat means so much to me, thank you for noticing. I bought this coat when I decided to live again. I loved the color and wanted to live. I didn't leave my apartment for two years, and when I did, when I decided to live, I bought this blue coat." Glen was a little surprised and a little touched, and he helped her with her bag to the taxi. As they got to the taxi, she started to tear up and the words started rushing out like when you've had a moment of kindness that unlocks all the emotions that have been sitting around for ages. And she said, "My son died in that tower. He quit on September 10 and went back the next day to pick up some last things. I meant to call him and tell him not to bother going back, but I slept late. And then I didn't leave my apartment for two years. And then I finally decided to buy this coat and live, and you noticed it.'"

Antlers & Enemark in Antler Magazine

Remember this great apartment tour? Well, Michelle is a contributing writer in the new issue of Antler Magazine. And her amazing photo (above) was featured! The entire issue is full of fantastic features on artists, designers, and unique places so click through and read her article.

Can You Guess Which Color I Want???

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Mismatched Chairs & Leather

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Trade

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I would also trade something for a wedding makeup/hair lesson! I am a failure when it comes to my hair and makeup!

Place I Like Around the House Part 1

I took these photos awhile back when we first moved into our "new" apartment. They were little corners I liked in the crazy mess that was unpacked boxes and not enough furniture. Sadly not much has changed but as I slowly organize things I hope to add onto this collection of places I like around the house.

too bad i killed this little guy. :(

You Are My Fave Faves are My Fave

I just read this post over at You Are My Fav and I love love love love this idea. I'm the queen of trade so I can't believe I never thought of this before!

I really would love to learn basic graphic designs or maybe the basic skills of starting and running a business?

I can teach you how to

• bake a cake (or anything else for that matter)
• handstamp metal
• make jewelry
• sew (I'll have to reteach myself first though and then buy a sewing machine)
• make a dance
• build a database in Access

OR I could

• bake you some cakes, cupcakes, pies, cookies, etc.
• decorate your holiday table
• make you jewelry for Christmas presents
• wrap your christmas presents (i love wrapping presents)
• sew you something (see above reference to needing a machine)
• babysit (and teach your kids ballet at the same time - I was a dance teacher and a nanny)
• build you a custom Access database for your business (I got mad skillz)

Style Statement???

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I had heard of the book Style Statement by Carrie McCarthy but Coco + Kelley's recent post on her and the philosophy of Style Statement made me take a closer look at what it's all about. Through McCarthy's service, you can supposedly discover your two-word style statement. This in turn will allow you to be more creative and find "direction, peace and confidence."

Um.

I'm all about finding direction, peace and confidence but I'm not sure how two words are going to get me there. So we talk for 45 minutes, take a break (so that a thesaurus can be referenced?), and then I get a call back with my two words. Bam. Life.changed.forever. I mean, couldn't she just make up a couple of words? Trashy Chic. Crusty Boho. I'm sure the words can be jazzed up a bit to make me feel better about myself. Let's just say I'm a little skeptical of this process.

I do like Coco + Kelley's take on it though - "Your Style Statement is your personal brand and that is a very empowering thing."

Sometimes I do have a hard time focusing my vision since I'm so eclectic (just ask my wedding vendors...yikes) and it would be interesting to see what Carrie comes up with. Dang. And 20% off. I might just have to try this out ($400...just kidding).

If you could make a guess, what would your two word Style Statement be?

Palm Springs Woes

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The Ace Hotel has broken my heart. They have completely jacked up their prices and now I can't afford to go there for my birthday. Does anyone have a secret Palm Springs hideaway that they are willing to tell me about???

Foundations and Paperwhites

Recently, I've been intrigued by the idea of wabi-sabi - "the aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience" with characteristics of "asymmetry, asperity, simplicity, modesty, intimacy, and the suggestion of natural processes." I've been working on bringing that idea more into my everyday life. These photos from Sibella Court's website - The Society - create a feeling of serenity and calm that I wish my current space had {via the follow studio}.

Weekend

How was your weekend? I got some gift ideas from the Girls Day In and had a productive craft shopping day. I also whipped up this yummy pumpkin cake for a potluck. I have never had such great food in one place. A big hug and thanks to the hosts.

{image by me...see more treats here}

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I am so pleased it is the weekend. I need it. I also need to quit my job and be my own boss but I'll save that for a future date (anyone want to invest in a bakery/event design firm...k thanks!). Have a good one, folks! xoxo.

• I need to impress by big head (of hair).


• speaking of (fabulous) hair...i hate her too.


• perfect b&w striped pillows


• Tree bed (and breakfast)


• Check out these studs!


• Divine leather and lace

PS: I have 200 followers! woohoo! thanks, guys!

Girl's Day In San Diego

So tomorrow I am heading over to the Lafayette Hotel for Girl's Day In event. It's basically an expo for women featuring local, independent vendors or as they call it an "indie shopping mall." The title doesn't really make sense since I have to leave my house (preferably not in my pajamas, I suppose) but I'm excited to meet some local San Diego business folk. There are a bunch of etsy sellers on the list. Oh, and there's SWAG!!!