same fish, new pond

Huzzah!

2011-12-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

I've been oh-so-anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next issue of Kinfolk magazine. If you've never heard of it, please do yourself a GIGANTIC favor and go check it out. Hurry!

image via kinfolk

This Weekend

2011-12-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

Suki+Couch+Me= This weekend. Hope you all had a good one!

Mep...

2011-12-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

Howdy folks! Here's a cute little video to distract you from the fact that I haven't posted any new looks lately. I'm still a sickly child and will post something as soon as I'm all better! Enjoy the sweetness!

A tribute to our fuzzy friends

2011-12-02T06:22:00.000-08:00

Isn't that little guy getting snuggled just the cutest thing you've seen?
found via wit + delight

Il Vecchio

2011-11-30T06:16:00.000-08:00

My favorite restaurant and my new fave blog (Brooklyn to West) have something in common-- the fabulous Ariele. This blogger and artist extraordinaire designed the gorgeous interiors of Il Vecchio, and her blog has actually inspired me to do some interior decorating myself! My friend and I went to our local junk store and found a lovely little coffee table (for $10!) that we will be refurbishing in the next couple of weeks. I'll be sure to share the before and after photos!

images via brooklyn to west

The Silent Comedy

2011-11-28T06:14:00.000-08:00

I saw these guys last weekend-- incredible show. Enjoy!

Turkey!

2011-11-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

This picture makes me so excited about Thanksgiving I could just pee my pants. Food+Football+Friends=AWESOME. This year, I decided to stay in Monterey for the holiday so I'm missing Family from this equation, which would make it absolute perfection. Happy Thanksgiving all!

image via etymologie

LOTW- Miss S

2011-11-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling under the weather all week, so our star this week is little Miss Suki-- the most wonderful, cuddly, couch potato partner a girl could ever ask for. Isn't she the cutest thing EVER?

image by me

Sparkles

2011-11-19T13:54:00.000-08:00

These Oliphant lovelies are at the top of my X-mas Wishlist this year.

Sweater Weather

2011-11-16T16:50:00.000-08:00

Yes folks, there actually are penguins running around in sweaters. In New Zealand. The reason is not as cute as the result. There was an oil spill and the clean-up that ensued left a lot of little penguins wet and cold. Enter the local knitting shop with a brilliant solution-- penguin sweaters. So locals took to their knitting needles and donated a bunch of mini-sweaters to keep these guys nice and toasty. Head on over to Oceana for the full story and to take some action and help stop the nastiness that is offshore drilling.

image via oceana

Music!

2011-11-14T15:52:00.000-08:00

Such a fun song, and I want to just live in the video.

LOTW- Napa Valley

2011-11-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Went wine tasting in Napa Valley a couple of weeks ago. This was taken at the Chateau Montelena which was absolutely gorgeous! Happy weekend! (Shirt from Anthropologie; skirt, JCrew; shoes, Steve Madden)

image taken by roberto b.

Sea Turtle R & R

2011-11-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

Take a tour of a sea turtle hospital! Some of these stories are a little sad- turtles getting caught in fishing gear, swallowing trash, or getting injured by a boat propeller- but it's good to know there's a place (and lots of people) dedicated to helping them recover and hopefully getting them back out into the wild where they belong. Hands down my dream job.

video via oceana.org

Cuteness

2011-11-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

I've already got Christmas on the brain (yay!), and I'm loving these Honeycup prints for gifts. They're just so darn cute!

images via honeycup

LOTW- Halloween Edition

2011-11-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

Yup, I did it. Pregnant Rachel Zoe for Halloween. Buh-nanas!

photo taken by the lovely Daisy

Meghalaya Bridges

2011-10-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

What a cool picture huh? These are actual bridges that locals (sorta) built about 500 years ago in the Cherrapunji region of India. They guided the roots and vines across the rivers with hollow bamboo until they rooted on the other side. Bonus question: Who can guess what that creature is at the bottom of the picture? It looks like a dirty polar bear to me.

image via the telegraph

Photos from San Rafael & Bioneers

2011-10-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

Fine Dining in Napa Valley

Crazy Cool Chandeliers at Rotisserie & Wine Restaurant

Seriously delicious grub

Creepy Cow Feet at a Bodega in Downtown San Rafael

Candles at the Bodega

Hula Hoops at Bioneers

Imogen Heap at Bioneers!

Word! We ran into a few Occupy Wallstreet protests.

LOTW

2011-10-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend, little S went to work with me at Anthro. She totally stole the show from my cute Emersonmade shirt. (Jeans and shoes from Anthropologie; belt from Banana Republic).

picture of me taken by the gorgeous lisa (and I took the shot of suki)

S'il vous plait

2011-10-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

paris honeymoon from rachelchew on Vimeo.

Rachel's video of her vacay in Paris makes me want to go back there oh-so-badly! I remember standing in front of the Mona Lisa with all the pushing and shoving all around me and just being taken completely aback by how amazing it was to actually be standing in front of the Mona Lisa, in the Louvre, in Paris! I seriously need to get my patooty back there soon.

go and visit her gorgeous blog and shop here

Victoria Water Lily

2011-10-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

This picture reminded me of the water lilies back at Fairchild. I would always ask my students if anyone would be willing to stand on one (the rowdy little boy in the back always volunteered by jumping up and down ecstatically). I'm glad to know that a kid can actually stand on one of these puppies after all! Way cool.

image found here

Matilde

2011-10-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

Claire Cottrell on Vimeo.

Cake, clothes, bunnies, and bubbles-- exactly what I imagine heaven would be like.

found via sweet thing

LOTW

2011-10-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

This shot was taken at Bioneers this weekend, in between amazingly inspirational speakers and totally awesome workshops. I haven't been to too many conferences, but I must say that this was definitely my favorite thus far. Some highlights: I bought the lovely scarf I'm wearing in the picture from Rksa Soul (who partner with NGO's and Indian artisans themselves), I got to watch Philipe Cousteau speak (twice), and Imogen Heap performed an awesome impromptu song for us! Sweetness all around.

image taken by the lovely sandra, anthropologie shirt and earrings and rksa soul scarf.

No Chicken Wings!

2011-10-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

Well, ballet class is back in full swing and I'm loving it more than ever! We had to switch class times and teachers to accomodate everyone's schedules but I'm loving our new teacher, Gloria, more and more each week. She's everything a ballet teacher should be-- she's always telling me to "tuck in my tootsie," and she constantly warns us about our "chicken wings" (which result from being so focused on what your feet are trying to do that your arms take the non-ballerina shape of poultry). All of us in the class are total beginners, so each lesson is a new adventure where we try not to trip over ourselves (or each other) and die. Seriously fantastic.

image by arthur elgort via

Music for your Monday

2011-10-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

This video is so sweet I think it gave me a cavity. Seriously though, Sara rocks.

Look of the Week

2011-10-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

After reading (and loving) so many fashion blogs, I've finally been inspired to post some of my own looks. I'll post my favorite Look of the Week just to start with, and hopefully I can keep up! I was working at Anthro today so I wore something comfy, but the teal pants are one of my faves. I'm a bit camera shy, that's why the giggling in the picture. Hope you like!

image taken by the lovely Olyvia
top and necklace: Jcrew; pants and boots: Anthropologie

Funny for your Friday

2011-10-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

These illustrations made me giggle.

p.s. how do you like the new look? i felt like the blog needed an update-- a little face-lift if you will.

found via wit +delight

A Travel Journal with Oomph

2011-10-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

I may have to add this little gem to my library! Wouldn't it be great to just make a travel journal for the city that you live in? I find that sometimes we get caught up in our routines at home and don't really enjoy our very own home-base. It'll be like a mini-vacation (without the expensive plane ticket, of course).

The Reality Side

2011-09-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

My absolute favorite scene from 500 Days of Summer. It's been playing in my mind quite a bit lately, actually. And that's so completely what it feels like! It's as if you're on the wrong side, and you can feel it but there's no way to get back onto the other side- the one where you'd be happy. What makes it even harder is that the reality side can also be quite lonely at times. At first everyone has plenty of encouraging words- You deserve so much better; oh, it's totally his loss. And then the sympathy subsides and slowly turns into impatience- You need to get over it; just move on! And then you're trapped on the reality side, where you can't talk to the person that you loved because they've decided that they don't want you anymore, and you can't talk to the people around you because they've decided that they don't want to hear about him anymore. What a great scene. If you still haven't seen 500 Days of Summer, stop what you're doing this very moment and go watch it. And thanks for letting me rant a bit. ;)

Happy First Day of Autumn!

2011-09-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for this new fall season! Some of my favorite things happen in the fall- watching lots of football, planning for my Halloween costume, eating lots of candy in my awesome Halloween costume, and eating lots of everything for Thanksgiving! So much yumminess to look forward to, I can hardly wait.

image via the amazing danielle kroll

John & Mary

2011-09-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Dreaming about this lovely bag. It wants me too.

North Cackalacky!

2011-09-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend I made a short trip out to Wilmington, NC for a friend's wedding. The wedding itself was gorgeous and I must say that Wilmington is now one of my favorite places in NC. The weather was deliciously warm! Wilmington is a great mix of quirky, artsy and crazy college town. There was lots of dancing, plenty of eating and too much drinking. All together, it made for an awesome weekend. Hope you all had a lovely one too!

bird image via here; key image via here (I loved this fence that had tons of keys just hanging all over it...coolness)

Inspiration

2011-09-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

Bee, my newest style guru. How spectacular is her blog? If only I had the financial resources I would definitely dress like this gorgeous lady everyday. Buh-na-nas!

image via atlantic-pacific

My New Crush

2011-09-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

As of last week we have an exciting new visitor at the Aquarium! That's right, there's a great white shark in our midst! He's not too big (4'7" and about 50 lbs.) but he's definitely spectacular, and I must confess to stopping by and visiting him quite a bit already. Our previous white sharks have only stayed for a few months before being released back into the ocean, so let's hope Kevin (my unofficial name for him) sticks around for a good while!

image via monterey bay aquarium and see if you can spot him on the web cam!

In an old house in Paris...

2011-09-02T05:37:00.000-07:00

...lived twelve little girls...the smallest one was Madeline! I stumbled onto these little beauties on Katie's fantastic blog and luckily nobody had swipped them yet; so I did! Can't wait to get them in the mail (and send them in the mail too!).

images via leaseguin

I heart Zooey!

2011-08-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

Who else is totally stoked about Zooey Deschanel's new show? It's about a girl who catches her boyfriend with another woman, ends the relationship and moves in with three goofy guys who make it their job to re-introduce her to the dating world. All I'm missing is Zooey's fantabulous wardrobe and the three goofy roomates! Any takers?

i forgot where i found this video, but she is seriously the cutest thing EVER

Pretty views

2011-08-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

Last week I went hiking with a friend at Garrapata State Park. Now, as you know, I'm from Miami. And as you'll also know, there are no hills or mountains in Miami. So it's no surprise that at about three-quarters of the way up-hill I almost lost it (you know how kids do that thing where they just ~~sit~~ fling themselves on the ground and start sobbing?), but despite the near meltdown, I made it! Yes, I literally left a lung behind on this "hill" but the views were spectacular and totally worth it.

image by me taken via instagram

Butter beer!

2011-08-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

A few posts ago, I was bragging about an exciting adventure. Well, here it is finally. At the beginning of the summer I went to the most magical place on Earth. Nope, Disney doesn't even hold a candle to this place-- it was Harry Potter World. If you're a fan of Harry then I insist that you stop what you're doing right this second and plan a trip to Florida! Seriously, it's heaven and I'm still considering a career change so that I can walk through Hogwarts in robes all day, every day. So. friggin. AWESOME.

image of me drinking butter beer in my official gryffindor scarf via instagram (my new obsession)

Word to your mom, C.S.

2011-08-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

image via the lovely ellemenoh (she had a bunch of great ones) and quote by C.S. Lewis

Mind is here. Come on heart, pick up the pace!

2011-08-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

So I was browsing through ellemenoh (something I haven't done in much too long), and I found the picture above, and this quote:
Why don't you tell me that if the girl had been worth having she'd have waited for you? No, sir, the girl really worth having won't wait for anybody.

image via ellmenoh and quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This summer

2011-08-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Pardon my absence folks, but it's just been this crappy of a summer. I'll try to pick myself up and be back to my old, chipper self as soon as I can. In the meantime, please pardon me as I mope. Hope you are all well.

Lay like broccoli

2011-05-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been missing in action for so very long! I've been stuck in bed feeling completely crumby with a nasty case of bronchitis. Apparently a little known symptom of bronchitis causes you to shun computers for extended periods of time. This evening I've been catching up on blog reading, writing and some not as fun bill-paying. Hope you've all been well! I've got some great plans for the upcoming weekend that I'll reveal with pictures that will most definitely make many of you oh-so-jealous. See you then!

image of little S vegging out

I do love thee, Emerson

2011-05-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

So instead of Rosetta Stone (holy expensive Batman!), I used my income tax cash to buy this gorgeous-ness from EmersonMade (all time fave). I've been eagerly awaiting it's arrival ever since I hit the "submit" button on my computer. If you have been living under a rock and don't know about Emerson, (?!) her beautiful clothes, accessories, home goods, and every other gorgeous thing she makes, please be sure to stop by her shop (and be prepared to swoon).

image via emersonmade

i Heart Tart

2011-05-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

I sent these yummy treats to my girls (mom, g-ma and little sis) in Miami for Mother's Day and they were absolutely flabbergasted by the oh-so-delicious-ness. I'd definitely recommend them if you're looking to send someone a sweet something! My little sis said that the packaging was just as nice as the surprise inside. Two thumbs up for the folks at Tart Bakery!

image via ihearttart

Free & Pretty

2011-05-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

I love this woodsy number set. Download them for free on Amy's lovely blog and be sure to check out the DIY instructions on how to use them for pretty table numbers.

My future home

2011-05-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love this guesthouse in the Bahamas. I wish I had the financial resources to decorate my own little nest like this. I'll definitely be using it for inspiration though and possibly planning a future getaway. So gorgeous!

found via oh joy

Chance

2011-05-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

I'll take one of each please. Thank you.

found via matchbook

Oh, Audrey

2011-05-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today is Audrey Hepburn's birthday. She is just the most beautiful, graceful woman ever, in my book anyway. I may have to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's tonight in her honour.

art by nan lawson

Another day, another lesson...

2011-05-03T21:36:00.000-07:00

And I love ballet even more.

image via p.heartache by caiti borruso

Gettin' funky

2011-05-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

This should happen everytime one goes to the Apple store.

found via dash it all

Thank you Hollywood

2011-04-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

I'm counting down the days 'til July 29th.

Sylvia Earle!

2011-04-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

I had a brush with science royalty this afternoon and I simply had to brag a little. I am not only lucky to work at the Monterey Bay Aquarium but I'm also lucky to work right next door to the Hopkins Marine Lab (part of Stanford University) so you know there's always all kinds of big-wigs wandering through the 'hood. Well today, maybe one of the biggest wigs of marine science and conservation gave a lecture-- Sylvia Earle. Think of her as the female Jacques Cousteau. It was an epic opportunity to actually hear her speak in person (we were in the second row!) and I left the talk with a renewed sense of appreciation for what I do everyday and what I've dedicated my life to. One of the things that she said really struck me, "Heaven is doing what you love." Amen sistuh, amen. Go check out all the amazing things that Sylvia has done and her ridiculously inspiring TED talk.

Fresno? Fres-yes!

2011-04-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

I spent a lovely Easter holiday with friends in Fresno. I was expecting warm, sunny weather but the reality was just as nice. I took this picture while sitting on a great, big rock overlooking a piece of forest in King's Canyon (I think more specifically we were in Giant Sequoia National Park but don't quote me). This wasn't my first time seeing snow, but it was my first time going sledding (yes, I was without-a-doubt terrified). Hope you all had a spectacular holiday too!

Earth Day!

2011-04-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Well, this year Earth Day kinda crept up on me-- I actually almost forgot about it all together! But I found this website in the nick of time and I submitted my Earth Day pledge yesterday. So, starting tomorrow (Earth Day) I will not buy any plastic products for an entire week. Now, it may sound like I'm low-balling my pledge with just a measly week. But think about it, everything comes packaged in plastic these days. A few of my favorite products are guilty of this crime-- goat cheese, sour cream, cookies, taquitos (how random is this list?!). If you don't have any plans for this Earth Day (or even if you do), visit the One Billion Acts of Green website and you can pledge to keep away from plastic with me, or make a pledge of your own. Happy Earth Day!

Ten things I know to be true...

2011-04-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

My dog is definitely the most beautiful dog in the entire world.
Reading a good book makes me feel invisible.
Live music and poetry continuously restore my faith in humanity.
Even though it's just another organ, I've felt my heart break.
Nobody loves me more than my mom.
Cracking creme brulee makes me giggle.
Someday, someone I love will tell me, "In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
The more men I date, the more I love my dog.
My little sister has the sweetest voice I've ever heard.
For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it's always our self we find in the sea.

image via nikole's favorites

Music for your Monday

2011-04-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

The Kings of Convenience are my new fave band and this video is just too darn cute.

video via design is mine

A Worthy Adventure

2011-04-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

I can't help but feel supremely jealous of fellow blogger, Sara Bayles who is currently in Chile and about to embark on an exciting (and most worthy) mission. Sara and her hubbie have joined The 5 Gyres Institute on a research expedition from Chile to Tahiti (seriously, how awesome does that sound?!). They are studying the effects of plastic on plankton, and I'm sure that this study will shed some light on how truly serious this problem is becoming (or more likely, already is). You can follow their adventure (and see their fantastic photos) on Sara's blog and you can also donate to the mission (they still haven't reached their fundraising goal). What a ridiculously amazing thing to do!

images via the daily ocean

PartAY!

2011-04-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

I need an excuse to throw a party so that I can decorate my apartment with all these amazing banners from Confetti System. I mean, who wouldn't want to hang a giant, gold thingy from there ceiling?

images via the selby

Kindred Spirits

2011-04-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

I was expecting to look like this during ballet class this morning but I actually managed to stay upright most of the time. Even though my arabesque needs a lot more work, I wasn't half bad and I really really enjoyed the class. I'm going shopping this weekend for proper ballet attire. Huzzah!

uber cute video via dash it all

Going green!

2011-04-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

So my ultimate goal this weekend is to head on over to a local nursery and stock up on plants for my apartment. I'm not exactly known for my green thumb (it's more of a darkish-gray) but I'm going to give it a go. I'm getting indoor plants as well as some plants for my balcony. I have big plans for the forestification (I may have just made this word up) of my balcony so that Suki and I can spend warm afternoons lounging in the sun, sipping on margaritas (me, not Suki) and enjoying a good book or magazine. I know I'm terrible at this but I will try to post some pictures of my green project. Happy weekend to you all!

top images via elepantine (i love these ecoforms pots) and bottom image via inhabitat

A new endeavor

2011-04-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that I'm one of the clumsiest people on Earth, I lose my balance at the slightest touch, and I get dizzy when looking from the floor to the ceiling (seriously though, I have to look really slowly); I've decided to sign up for ballet classes. I haven't taken a ballet class since way back in Kinder, but after obsessively watching The Nutcracker ballet this past year (did you know that the Ovation channel shows The Nutcracker 24/7 during the holidays?!), I figured, Why the heck not? Hopefully my next post won't be describing how I broke a body part for the first time in my life. Wish me luck!

image via snippet and ink

Music for your Monday

2011-04-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

Good times.

Last night

2011-03-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

I stumbled onto the Ovation channel where they occasionally play really great, yet slightly obscure movies (Madame Bovary, Dr. Zhivago) and they were showing Jane Eyre. Since the new movie is coming out soon, I figured I'd watch this old one for comparison's sake and as a refresher because I read the book so very long ago. Well, I had plain forgotten how painful it was. That moment when everything unravels, and you see the despair on her face and you hear the extreme frustration in his voice. Sigh.

image via p.heartache

Braided Bun

2011-03-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

I actually pulled this one off over the weekend and I got lots of compliments!

image via cup of jo

Prettyness

2011-03-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

I'm totally loving everything from the new Filly collection. I wish it was warm enough in Monterey to wear these lovelies.

found via d.sharp (i think)

Lately...

2011-03-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

I've actually been doing this quite a lot these days. It's a tiny bit comforting that someone else is doing the very same thing too. Mep.

image via poetic heartache ( a new fave)

Post St. Patty's

2011-03-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Loving these green pants from the new Zara Lookbook. Did everyone sport their greenwares yesterday? Who's looking forward to a nice, long weekend to heal from the festivities? Cheers!

image found on seesaw

Gaga for your Thursday

2011-03-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

This video gave me goosebumps. I love Lady Gaga and all her cooky antics, but this might actually be better than the original.

found via d.Sharp journal

Vive la France!

2011-03-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

I am sooo looking forward to my income tax return! One of the many things on my wish list is the Rosetta Stone series for French. Yes my friends, this year I will master that lovely language. That way, when I move to Paris I will already know how to communicate with cute boys like the one in this video.

video via katie armour

Suki's Birthday

2011-03-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Today is Suki's 5th birthday. Last night we had dinner and cake to celebrate. Reading Julia Child for the last week or so has inspired me to improve my (seriously lacking) cooking skills. Now, baked mac and cheese is not necessarily a French culinary masterpiece, but it's definitely a good start. This recipe, from Elephantine, was amazingly easy to follow and seriously tasty. I forgot to take a before picture of the baked mac and cheese, but the after picture is on the left. The photo on the right shows Suki enjoying her carrot birthday cake. Happy Birthday Little S!

top image via elephantine

In addition to thoughts and prayers...

2011-03-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Please donate to the Japanese Red Cross.

A new love

2011-03-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

My current lover is, My Life in France by Julia Child. I've only just started it and am ready to buy a ticket to Paris tomorrow or at least go and eat some yummy French food.

image via deadmarch

Happy March!

2011-03-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a great little trip to Florida. I got to see my little sis for her birthday, got to see some college friends I hadn't seen in much-too-long, and I got a long over-due haircut. I'll try and post a pic of my new bangs sometime soon. I had bangs last year but I got lazy and let them grow out until a few months ago when I realized that I just didn't feel like myself without my bangs. They make me feel safe and pretty all at once. I always love to get a new look whenever things aren't going my way (read here boy-issues), it makes me feel ready to start over with a new, cute, clean slate. After being out of town, I spent a little while this morning catching up on some of my favorite blogs and found this lovely surprise. I always look forward to Rachel's mixes-- it's like Christmas every month! Yay!

mixtape & image via elephantine.

Linkin Park for your Thursday

2011-03-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

Last week I went to see Linkin Park in concert. Needless to say, I woke up the next day with a sore throat from all the ~~screaming~~ singing along . This is one of their lighter songs but after hearing it live, it may be my new fave. This guy does it justice.

check out the video here

Snow in Monterey!

2011-03-01T07:18:00.000-08:00

No, it didn't look like this (although how awesome would that be), but we did get a few teeny little snow flurries in the middle of the night on Friday. Sadly, I was tucked into bed cuddling with Suki for warmth. The next morning I found a handful of ice that had collected on the banister. I shot a quick photo with my iPhone and then ran inside to escape the frigid coldness (it's not supposed to be 30 degrees in California!). I thought this pic was prettier though.

image via Janoid

Bon Iver for your Wednesday

2011-02-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

I'll keep with the Glee-ish theme and pass on this great little vid. Fantastic things like this only happen in Paris. Hey, anyone want to head on over to Paris with me?

found via ellemenoh

And I'm back!

2011-02-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

So sorry for my prolonged absence my friends, I've been feeling uber-mopey lately! Whenever I feel the mean reds, I can't help but also feel utterly silly about it because I know that my teensy weensy troubles are nothing compared to everything that's going on around us all right now. So I thought it best to refrain from broadcasting my pity party on the blog-o-sphere, and return only when I was my grateful, cheery self again (I'm like 95% there, so humor me). And what can I attribute this stupendous recovery to? You guessed it people, Glee. Now I know that some of you just cringed at that last sentence, but I have to admit that those song and dance routines (especially the Journey and Madonna numbers) combined with the oh-so-wholesome goodness of the characters and story lines, was just the trick to make me perk up and count my blessings. Well, that and I seriously have made some pretty darn spectacular friends here in Monterey. So, to my friends and to Glee I say, Thank you with all my heart for yanking me out of my silly little slump. Here's wishing you all a lovely week!

go ahead and check out this fantastic blog (it's on my daily read list now) WWEPW

Alice + Me = Very much in common

2011-02-09T16:01:00.000-08:00

I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it. That explains the trouble that I'm always in...

beautiful Mary Blair illustration via the lovely black apple.

Weekend plans

2011-02-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

I'm definitley buying this poster from Sad Little Crown, as it is thus far my favorite take on the old Keep Calm version. I may squeeze a little retail therapy and the Super Bowl in between bouts of flinging and sobbing this weekend. Oh the many wonders of being single and having to rifle through all the toads. I very much admire all the single ladies (and some gents) that keep putting themselves out there; it's just not easy to lift yourself up and put yourself back together again. Dammit, it's friggin' hard!

A new hobby...

2011-02-03T06:12:00.000-08:00

This Heather Ross surfboard makes me want to learn how to surf! So gorgeous!

image via heather ross blog

Wet pup

2011-01-31T18:26:00.000-08:00

Suki was in desperate need of a bath, so I finally buckled down yesterday. When I came back from getting her towel I found her sweetly waiting, little head resting on the tub and all. Too cute for words.

I heart...

2011-01-26T07:30:00.000-08:00

This driftwood heart by HEARBLACK. Their oh-so-lovely blog is definitely worth a gander; I need friends that build sweet little teepees and have picnics on the beach. Sigh.

Road Trip!

2011-01-24T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I know it's been too long, but I just got back from an amazing road trip to L.A. and San Diego. It was a professional development outing with my department at the Aquarium and we were lucky enough to visit some spectacular places that are also doing wonderful things in education! The pictures above are not mine (I try but I just can't take decent photos), and they are only a small sample of the sights we saw and enjoyed. The Getty Museum on the upper left corner was stunning, not only the artowrk inside the museum (I gawked at the Degas for a good while) but also the Museum's architecture itself is just gorgeous. The bottom left corner is from Pacific Beah in San Diego, if you're ever in that neck of the woods I recommend staying at the Tower 23 hotel-- I felt uber trendy the moment I got there! And finally on the right is the Santa Monica Pier. We didn't get to ride the ferris wheel, but it was a great sight. Altogether, it was a great trip and I'm looking forward to going back and maybe camping on the beach in Malibu and soaking up the SoCal sun.

Images via flickr: Getty; Pacific Beach; Santa Monica

One day I'm gonna whistle...

2011-01-14T07:23:00.000-08:00

It just doesn't get much cuter than this.

found via heather ross

A little warmth

2011-01-12T06:31:00.000-08:00

I love all the prints in Katie Daisy's shop. They make me feel warm and cozy in this oh-so-cold weather.

found via vintage simple

Baby!

2011-01-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

There's a cute, new addition at the Aquarium. Just this weekend a baby African blackfooted penguin was born in one of our exhibits. It's the first time we've had a penguin birth here and needless to say, it's very exciting! It's hard to catch a glimpse of the little cutie because it's always snuggly tucked under papa. Here's a little peak of him/her (we won't know until later if it's a boy or a girl):

image and video via monterey bay aquarium

Taking a look...

2011-01-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

I hadn't really realized it until I got a Christmas update from a good friend describing all of his 2010 adventures, but I've had a BIG year! It feels like I've been in California for so very long, but I only moved here last March and it's been a tornado of craziness (and awesomeness, and just a teensy bit of sadness) ever since. Despite the major boughts of homesickness I experienced early on in my move (if you're curious about the cure= Grey's Anatomy marathons), I've absolutely enjoyed my cross-country move and I must give myself a proud little pat on the back for being brave enough to take this big step in my life. This year though, I'm allowing myself to be not-so-courageous and just take a moment to really enjoy everything (and everyone) around me. My New Year's Resolutions are few but they all fit one oh-so-important criterium: FUN. Number one on my list (the genius of this one blew me away): Spend New Year's Eve 2011 in New York. Now, this may seem kinda weird to many of you, but it's always been a dream of mine to watch the ball drop in NYC. So this year I'm just going to suck it up and go! Numero dos: Get to know this great state I now live in. Yup, I'm going to explore the heck out of California this year. And then...that's it! I always try to keep my Resolutions List short and sweet because who wants to start the year off with a stressful, mile-long list of things "to do." What about you? Any resloutions for this lovely upcoming year?

photo of suki and me on the 17-mile drive

Big Ups to 2011!

2011-01-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

I wish you all every happiness for the upcoming year. Big hugs and best wishes!

image by me at Flamingo Gardens (if you're in the South FLA 'hood, I definitely recommend stopping by!)

Warm Wishes

2010-12-24T10:01:00.000-08:00

Sending you all warm thoughts from sunny Florida! Hope your holidays are chock full of yummy goodness.

photo by teddo, inc.

Happy day!

2010-12-16T06:52:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward to all of the birthday shenanigans this weekend! Hope you enjoy your weekend too!

image via miss molly

Happy Monday!

2010-12-13T15:14:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, those two words (Monday + Happy) don't usually go together but I'm actually excited about this week for two specific reasons. First of all, it's the week before I go home for the holiday break (hooray!) and secondly, it's my birthday this week! I usually plan something for the big day, a fancy night out on the town or an ugly Christmas Sweater Party, but this year I'm feeling a little lazy so I'm just going with the flow and being spontaneous about the whole thing. Anywho, hope your Monday isn't too terribly dreary and if it is, I hope this little print makes your day like it did mine.

image via that's happy

A Hand-made Christmas

2010-12-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to go handmade for the holidays. My goal next year is to go toally handmade with not only my own wishlist, but all the presents I get for everyone. ~~Santa~~ Mum and I have developed a fabulous (and very efficient) Christmas system-- I submit my wishlist early in November and she gets to pick and chose whatever she likes. Number one on my wishlist was anything from Emerson Made. To narrow things down (and not insist on $300 jeans), I picked these gorgeous flower pins. I've been lusting after a Forest Bound bag since I stumbled onto their shop, which is like heaven because not only are things handmade but they're handmade from recycled materials (I just died a little). Everytime I send anything in the mail, I stop and think how much cuter it would look with a Primele stamp on it. And finally, I obviously need something ocean-themed to round out the list and I love this little sea star necklace by Starfish and the Sea.

So, what's on your wishlist this year?

Tenenbaum Tuesday

2010-12-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

Just a little tribute to one of my all time faves. Hope your week is going oh-so-well!

margot image courtesy of c.p. (unknown source); richie image by nan lawson

Friday Fun

2010-12-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

This kid totally rocks my face off. Who can resist busting a move when they hear this song? I friggin' love it!

found via another passenger

Holey Cow!

2010-12-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

Pardon me sir, I do believe there is a large hole in your tummy. Ha! This is one of the new art pieces at Fairchild. I haven't been a huge fan of the art collections they've had over the last couple of years (Lichtenstein just didn't tickle my pickle), but I must admit that I actually like this year's exhibit. This is one of the pieces by Claude & Francois-Xavier Lalanne. There are also sheep, bunnies, owls, stags, and other lovely creatures frolicking through the garden. Next time I'm in Miami I'll take a few more shots to share with you all or if you're in the neighborhood, stop by and take a gander for yourself!

image taken by teddo, inc.

Too often...

2010-12-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else suffer from this dilemma? I find that it happens a lot when I'm watching football on Sundays. My urge to eat simply cannot compete with the couch and my extreme laziness. I haven't turned into a skeleton and died yet. Let's keep our fingers crossed on that one.

image via the daitny squid

We're back!

2010-11-29T11:50:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a scrumptious Thanksgiving holiday! Mine was full of ridiculously delicious food, completely awesome friends and absolutely lovely family. Suki and I are both totally pooped after all that cross-country flying so we've been huddling together on the couch trying to keep warm. Next up, Christmas! I'm a sucker for the holidays, I know.

image via miss molly

And we're off!

2010-11-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

Suki and I are flying to Miami for Thanksgiving this weekend. I'm so very excited to be going home and visiting my family and friends. I'll try and post while I'm home, but I make no guarantees! Enjoy the weekend!

image via miss molly

Cute 'do

2010-11-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

I've been sporting this hairstyle for a couple of months now, but it's never come out as pretty as hers. I can't quite figure out what the heck she does here, but I'll give the curling iron, twisty move a go and see if it works.

image via artislovely

Sleepy Weekend

2010-11-15T07:01:00.000-08:00

I spent all weekend camped out on my couch with the sniffles and a sore throat {mep}. I just finished reading Harry Potter 7 in preparation for the movie-- I'm totally watching it at midnight this coming Thursday! After finishing a good book like this though, I can't help but feel a little sad because, what's next? Now I'm on the hunt for another good book. Any suggestions?

image via another passenger

Friday Fun

2010-11-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

Last Leaf

OK Go | Myspace Music Videos

Have you seen the new, super awesome Ok Go video? It makes me want a slice of toast real bad.

found via d.sharp journal