Where is the hombrellah?

2012-01-31T15:41:00.000-08:00

Nothing has ever been so true.

[source]

SOKO

2012-01-30T21:53:00.000-08:00

ZEBRA KATZ - IMA READ

2012-01-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

Addicted to this right now...

Zebra katz - Ima Read from Mad Decent on Vimeo.

GOTYE - SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW

2011-12-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

So good.

FIRST AID KIT

2011-11-22T01:21:00.001-08:00

First Aid Kit's cover of Tiger Mountain Peasant :)

THE LAUGHING HEART

2011-10-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

OUR OWN LITTLE BOATS

2011-10-20T00:13:00.000-07:00

It's this that makes me weary of growing up.

"The last time when we more or less went through the motions of change together, everyone excited by the same things, at the same time. I always found this comforting. We were all in the same boat -- or at least swimming nearby. Now, we're all in our own little boats, in our own little oceans. It seems so much harder to be collectively surprised, exhilarated." [pinepoint]

JAYME DEE

2011-10-18T19:21:00.001-07:00

Love this cover. Pumped Up Kicks (Foster The People Cover) by Jayme Dee

WICKED GAME

2011-10-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

MONTANA MANG

2011-10-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

We took a trip. Headed west toward Montana until we reached Whitefish at 1:30 am on a Friday morning. The rest of the trip can't really be described and photos can only say so much. We went to celebrate and came home enlightened.

2011-09-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats."
-Albert Schweitzer

SUMMER TEXTILES

2011-09-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

2011-09-10T20:41:00.001-07:00

One day everything you know will be gone and what's gone will be forgotten.

LANA DEL REY - VIDEO GAMES

2011-09-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

This has been circulating in the blogosphere for a few weeks now. I thought the song itself was amazing but the video is almost addictive. I'm also a big fan of harps.

Swinging in the backyard/Pull up in your fast car/Whistling my name
Open up a beer/And you take it over here/And play a video game
I'm in his favorite sun dress/Watching me get undressed/Take that body downtown
I say you the bestest/Lean in for a big kiss/Put his favorite perfume on/Go play a video game

It's you, it's you, it's all for you/Everything I do/I tell you all the time/Heaven is a place on earth with you/Tell me all the things you want to do/I heard that you like the bad girls/Honey, is that true?/It's better than I ever even knew/They say that the world was built for two/Only worth living if somebody is loving you/Baby now you do

Singing in the old bars/Swinging with the old stars/Living for the fame
Kissing in the blue dark/Playing pool and wild darts/Video games
He holds me in his big arms/Drunk and I am seeing stars/This is all I think of
Watching all our friends fall/In and out of Old Paul's/This is my idea of fun/Playing video games

It's you, it's you, it's all for you/Everything I do/I tell you all the time/Heaven is a place on earth with you/Tell me all the things you want to do/I heard that you like the bad girls/Honey, is that true?/It's better than I ever even knew/They say that the world was built for two/Only worth living if somebody is loving you/Baby now you do

(Now you do)

It's you, it's you, it's all for you/Everything I do/I tell you all the time/Heaven is a place on earth with you/Tell me all the things you want to do/I heard that you like the bad girls/Honey, is that true?/It's better than I ever even knew/They say that the world was built for two/Only worth living if somebody is loving you/Baby now you do

GEORGETOWN TRAILER PARK MALL

2011-09-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend I ventured to the deep South of Seattle to Georgetown where the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall commences each Saturday. I had heard of this place through the oracle that is the Internet but decided I had to check it out after reading about it in Seattle Magazine. As expected, it did not disappoint. It was full of weird trinkets, endless leather goods, and dusty textiles and made up entirely of old trailers, Airstreams, and vans.

ALANNAH MYLES - BLACK VELVET

2011-08-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

Just a few more nostalgic videos...

THE ANIMALS - HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN

2011-08-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday.

BUKOWSKI

2011-08-23T11:55:00.001-07:00

I've been on a Bukowski kick for the past few weeks so I felt the need to collect the words I've been giggling and reveling at.

"sometimes you climb out of bed in the morning and you think,
I'm not going to make it, but you laugh inside
remembering all the times you've felt that way..." [Gamblers All]

"For those who believe in God, most of the big questions are answered. But for those of us who can't readily accept the God formula, the big answers don't remain stone-written. We adjust to new conditions and discoveries. We are pliable. Love need not be a command nor faith a dictum. I am my own god. We are here to unlearn the teachings of the church, state, and our educational system. We are here to drink beer. We are here to kill war. We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us."

"How in the hell could a man enjoy being awakened at 8:30 a.m. by an alarm clock, leap out of bed, dress, force-feed, shit, piss, brush teeth and hair, and fight traffic to get to a place where essentially you made lots of money for somebody else and were asked to be grateful for the opportunity to do so? "

"The more crap you believe, the better off you are."

"I wasn't much of a petty thief. I wanted the whole world or nothing." [Post Office, 1971]

"Silly bitch. She called him 'Daddy Wally.' He wasn't her daddy." [Post Office, 1971]

BON IVER - HOLOCENE

2011-08-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

Crazy beautiful video.

PAINTY PAINT

2011-08-17T23:31:00.001-07:00

PINTEREST BOARDS

2011-08-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

I have a new obsession and her name is Pinterest. It's the bests of both tumblr and WeHeartIt.com but with categorizing and organization functionalities that I find essential. I've got five boards in process right now. Follow me here.

[winter]

I THINK WE LIKE TO COMPLICATE THINGS

2011-08-03T22:30:00.001-07:00

STUDIO LIVING

2011-08-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend I made the move to a studio apartment in Capitol Hill, Seattle. The new place is in a beautiful 1910's building that is full of weird smells, creaky doors, and an inherently rustic feeling that makes you think about all the lives that have been lived out in this tiny city space. Art still needs to be hung and some detail smoothing is still in order but here is a peak at my new—well, actually very old—place.

[The living area has two sets of bay windows which supply ample amounts of daylight since they are both West and South facing.]

[The little crevice that perfectly fits a bed.]

[I usually love waking up to sunshine but luckily there are blinds to banish the light on those certain mornings after late nights when darkness is necessary.]

[The creep in me fully appreciates the ability to people watch from my bed.]

[Rough city life.]

[The front door and hallway, bathroom on the right.]

[Neat old phone that used to be the intercom system throughout the apartment. Unfortunately it no longer works but the phone line hookup still dangles from it.]

[The kitchen may not look like much but the size of this thing is gigantic compared to some of competing apartments I looked at. This is, however, my first stab at life without dishwasher, microwave or garbage disposal. So far, so good.]

[Of all the rooms in the apartment, I'd have to say the bathroom is need of the most help.]

[And while there are no shiny facets or sleek porcelain fixings, I'm quite in love with the character that the old tub and shower hold.]

DAY TRIPPIN ON ORCAS

2011-07-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

This video was filmed and edited by my friend completely on his iPhone. Also posted are some of my photos from the trip. It was a rare beautiful day in this Northwest summer (or lack there of) we are having.

[Day Trippin On Orcas Island from Josh Archer on Vimeo.]

[Fairhaven Boat Launch, Bellingham, WA]

[Seaacres Dock, Orcas Island, WA]

[Driving in the Cutlass, Orcas Island, WA]

[Cascade Lake, Orcas Island, WA]

[Bellingham Bay, Bellingham, WA]

NOOKSACK RIVER

2011-07-17T17:01:00.001-07:00

HMMM...

2011-07-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

This sounds like fun right about now.

I MIGHT GO CAMPING

2011-06-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July weekend may be celebrated through a forest, by a river, in the middle of the a Pacific Northwest county. Here's what it looks like.

SASHA PIVOVAROVA'S LOFT

2011-06-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

This is old, but I have to repost this before I lose it again and think it's forever gone.

"As if being beautiful, smart and utterly in love weren’t enough, the Russian model is also a talented artist, for whom everything — even the walls of her bohemian Brooklyn loft — is a canvas." - NY Time article on Sasha Pivovarova

TOM SACHS, A SELBY FILM

2011-06-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Tom Sachs, A Selby Film from the selby

The raddest nursery would have Tom Sachs' drawings coving the walls...

2011-05-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

I just can't seem to get over how incredibly attractive Stalin was.

2011-04-26T15:54:00.001-07:00

Holy Ghost!

["Making parents understand the hard work and dedication it takes to become a rising disco-pop act in New York is likely a tall order. But Holy Ghost! found a solution: They put their parents to work. Hive’s proud to premiere the new video for “Wait & See,” wherein Nick Millhiser and Alex Frankel are played by none other than their respective fathers. There’s a joke to be made here about walking a mile in shoes or something but watch the video. It’s funnier."] here

GIZMO

2011-04-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

Miss your dirty beard, Giz.

KITCHEN KITCHEN

2011-04-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

The wood, the teal, the knives. I want it all.

[here]

DRAW CATS

2011-04-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

I'm lucky to have friends that can walk into a flea market and immediately think of me upon first glance of Draw Cats by David Brown--wouldn't have it any other way.

[This beautifully constructed book is no question a staple for any cat-loving artist.]

[The book was so meant to live with me it even contained my cat version doppelganger.]

2011-03-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

[here]

I WILL FIND THIS

2011-03-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

2011-03-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

MAPS OF PLACES

2011-03-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to have this thing for old maps - kinda played out, but their charm is just hitting me now. I had these wood frames made from some old barn wood my dad had lying around.

[The Columbian map is a 1940s war map that was tucked in the end pages of an atlas I scored at an estate sale for $5]

[A friend of mine found the Paris map on the street in Seattle. I knew it needed to be displayed and loved so who better to give it to then my Parisian-loving (in more ways then one) roommate.]

THE SELBY IS IN MY PLACE

2011-01-17T20:49:00.001-08:00

...thanks to my dear friend for the belated birthday/Christmas present :) [The Selby]

Although not in the printed book, this is one of my other favorite places featured on the site: [Pamela Love & Jordan Sullivan]. The plethora of cats and skulls may have something to do with that.

GRIMES - DREAM FORTRESS

2011-01-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

Grimes - Dream Fortress by ObscureSound

COBRA ROCK

2011-01-17T19:26:00.000-08:00

[Cobra Rock]

CATALOGS

2011-01-11T21:56:00.001-08:00

Anthropologie arrived today.

jj - "STILL"

2011-01-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

jj - "STILL"

DON'T TRY SO HARD.

2011-01-10T23:27:00.001-08:00

["Cats are quirky, independent thinkers. Some people don't like them for this very reason. But I find that quality enormously appealing. I respect each of my seven cats because they are so true to themselves and resistant to outside influences. In my opinion, it would be preferable for politicians, in particular, to behave more like cats, who just do their own thing, and less like dogs, who clamor for affection and acceptance."

- Betsy Alexander is a Philadelphia music teacher whose YouTube video of her piano-playing cat, Nora, has racked up more than 19 million views.]

NINE TIL NOON

2011-01-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

INTEL VISUAL LIFE THE SARTORIALIST

2011-01-10T22:27:00.000-08:00

The Satorialist

CEE LO GREEN'S BAND OF HORSES COVER

2011-01-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

MY FRIEND LIKES PRETTY THINGS

2010-12-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your brain collage, Brittany.

I'M ENJOYING THE WEATHER

2010-11-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

Thank god for fall and thank god for daylight savings' end.

GROOVY KITTY CATS

2010-10-18T00:43:00.000-07:00

SOUNDTRACKS ARE COOL

2010-10-17T23:26:00.000-07:00

I've heard of Grooveshark for quite some time but only now have I seen the beauty of this idea.

WARM WELCOMES

2010-10-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

I moved into my new place in Capitol Hill over three months ago but it took a while before I felt unpacked and at home. Even though the days are turning colder and wetter, the place is finally starting to feel warm and welcoming.

[The mirror ($70) was found two blocks away at a garage sale. Oddly enough, I have been a repeat customer at this family's home as they have hosted multiple garage sales throughout the summer.]

[A kitty cat piggy bank ($3) that guards all my pesky change.]

[Vintage landscape photographs ($10 for both) that were bought at the same yard sales as the giant gold mirror.]

[I have a nasty habit of ripping things out of magazines and hoarding them away in a dark drawer only to recycle them months later. Instead, I'm trying to display them with hopes of absorbing some inspiration.]

[Godfrey and Donovan had a brotherly love photoshoot--with slight homosexual undertones.]

SEPTEMBER LUSTS

2010-10-04T20:29:00.001-07:00

[Watching this video has been my daily routine for the last week. Although it's just a simple video montage, there's something about these images, and what happens when they are combined, that's really exciting.]

[so much to tell you]

[Poppytalk]

[so much to tell you]

[abigail brown]

SAN JUAN PLUSH

2010-07-15T22:09:00.001-07:00

Despite the fact Father's Day came and went a month ago, my dad received his handmade reward for being an outstanding fatherly figure last weekend. But worth the wait it was. As an avid boater and island explorer, my dad likes both maps and cozy adornments for his boat. Infuse these interests and obviously you get a felt San Juan Island throw pillow.

[First I printed out a map of the islands and then tediously cut each little land mass out of paper]

[Then the felt was cut out from the paper pattern]

[Then pinned to the background piece and stitched]

[And finally, Godfrey graced it with his good luck]

Woof.

PROJECT MOM & DAD

2010-05-16T22:25:00.001-07:00

I've always been fascinated with the raw edginess of the 1960s and 1970s. I find the musical and fashion culture in those decades created by the likes of Edie Sedgwick, Bridget Bardot, Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol far more iconic and relatable then the present celebrity options. So when I went through drawers of old photos my parents had stowed away, I felt it my prerogative to share these photos with others and expose the fact that yes, my parents were pretty cool at one time. Take a peek at the Flickr slideshow (for the maximum photo viewing experience I recommend playing the video at the end of this post while watching).

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Home

EDWARD SHARPE THE MAGNETIC ZEROS Music Videos
- Watch more Music Videos at Vodpod.

SPRING CHICKENS

2010-05-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

While it's well into Spring, today's weather is blustery and goosebump-inducing. About a month ago I made these little guys for Easter--a holiday which, for fellow religious-inactives, serves as a welcoming celebration for the Spring Equinox. I neglected to post these until now but I find today suitable in an attempt to at least provide a hint of color on such a dismal excuse for a Spring day.

These little chick nests were made with this recipe except I opted for egg-shaped M&Ms for the nesting inhabitants. The baby chickens were found at the grocery store as a box of six for $0.99.

BABY BABUSHKA

2010-04-28T22:25:00.000-07:00

[Baby Babushka Quilt Pattern, $8.99]

My immensely talented mother has finally taken her skills to the internet and opened an Etsy store. Actually, I opened it for her but at least it's a step in the web-savvy direction for an old women lost in the chaos of the internet. You can find her Baby Babushka Quilt Pattern at the Quilting Carrie Pattern store.

Here is the beautiful quilt she made her pattern from:

WHERE I COME FROM

2010-03-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

It wasn't until I moved out of my small town and into the big city that I truly learned to appreciate my upbringing. While my fellow cityfolk played in a yard about the size of a sandbox (if they were lucky) with a parent's watchful eye constantly worried about any number of crazies that are known to wander the city, I had 22 sprawling acres to explore and roam freely. And when we had a cougar scare when I was around ten I just had to be sure to bring along my Twin Star whistle to ward off any possible wild cat attack. However, with vast space comes an undeniable urge to fill it.

My sister's and I have always joked that my parents should be featured on one of those hoarders shows due to the volume of junk that has accumulated over the last 30+ years. It wasn't until I stumbled upon this Apartment Therapy house tour that I discovered the distinction between a classic hoarder and a collector. Both my parents are expert collectors. What at first glance may resemble chaos, is actually a pretty systematic process of organization. They seem to thoroughly enjoy finding things, lugging them home and then discovering the perfect spot for them to stay for eternity with like counterparts (whether that be fellow old doors, antique window frames or rubber balls).

Clockwise from top left:
[1] Our pet graveyard where are our much loved furry family members are laid to rest in the shade of evergreen trees.
[2] The iconic cat house that many of our cats and stray cats have called home. The cat house comes complete with heating lamps, scratching posts, and even my toddler bed.
[3] The wooden fence that lines the perimeter of a field that used to keep cows and horses.
[4] One example of organized chaos. Here you can see the old doors and windows that my dad has saved from his demolition jobs, as well as dusty old balls that grandchildren now have the pleasure of playing with.
[5] My dad's old work boot that my mom has turned into a flower pot--talk about recycling.
[6] While this may look like an outhouse, it is actually a smoke house. It hasn't been used for its true purpose in probably over 20 years but yet it still sits.
[7] Inside the barn that once housed our farm animals but now looks frozen in time since the last bunch of cattle we had years ago.
[8] A cement basketball court now used for as an annex patio.

[The back view of the barnwood-siding home my dad built in the 1970s]

[Left: Front view of the house and deck
Right: Work boots left next to an old car being stored in our garage]

[One of the tractors that is housed in the barn]

[Left: A lasting remnant of the baby calves we raised
Right: The weeping willow tree that was found overturned after a
windstorm the first year it was planted.]

[The interior of the garage shows the eclectic collection of bikes, mowers,
cars, four-wheelers, barbecues or anything else with wheels]

[The beginning roots of my animal activism]

[The boardwalk that my dad built for me. While the safety hazards are plenty,
at least the gator is fake]

[This final photo is a prime example of the type of orderly arrangment
that makes up all the junk that graces my family home]

COCONUT GINGER SOUP

2010-03-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

While the symptoms of spring are apparent in this wet city (birds warming up their vocals, sunbeams breaking through the cloud cover ever-so-often, a faint hint of chartreuse latching on to every living thing), our weather god realized that Seattlites wearing sunglasses in March was not acceptable and quickly put a stop to our sunny daydreams with a far more characteristic snowfall. Only a few surviving flakes made their way to the ground but the chill factor jolted everyone out of their warm weather fantasy.

What to do when the thermostat hasn't quite caught up with the temperature change? Why, eat soup of course. Coconut ginger soup did the trick and left me warm and full - which I believe is the optimal body state.

Probably the easiest thing you could ever make...

Coconut Ginger Soup

1 packet of coconut ginger soup mix
1 can of coconut milk
14 oz of vegetable broth
1/2 package of extra firm tofu (I pan-fried it but raw also works)
All the veggies your little heart desires. I opted for carrots, broccoli, water chestnuts and a little cilantro.

CAT FACES

2010-03-03T01:24:00.000-08:00

So I am pretty deeply in love with my two beautiful long-haired, bottom-of-the-barrel shelter cats. On paper, these two were considered "difficult to adopt" because they had three strikes against them. [1] They were a bonded pair that needed to be adopted out together since they are brothers and being together was all they had ever known; [2] They are FIV+ (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) which sounds harsh but generally means they live a happy, healthy life but are simply more prone to colds and respiratory infections. In reality they just sneeze every once in a while and sometimes snore at night, both of which I find adorable and endearing; [3] They are relatively older cats at almost eight spry years of age. Their 8th birthday happens to be their golden birthday on April 8th. Some may also throw in a [4]th strike since Godfrey is lacking a left eye and a tail but a true cat lover knows these inconveniences are just small details.

Now given everything these little guys have stacked up against them, you would expect a pair of decrepit fur mounds withering away in agony but this is far from the truth for Godfrey and Donovan. See for yourself.

The cutest, pinkest nose I have ever had the privilege to Eskimo kiss.

These wise, old eyes always communicate a subtle ever-knowing intelligence that makes me wonder just how much we underestimate them.

A fierce look of determination captures Godfrey's primitive instincts.

Happiness is a warm sun patch...? Donovan seeks out a beam of sun and lets out a final yawn before retiring to his 6th nap of the day.

Godfrey nestles in for a much needed nap.

UNICORN PREVIEW

2010-02-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

I have a new restoration project that I will be posting once my creation is ready for his close-up. In the meantime I wanted to prep everyone for the glory that this extraordinary little guy possesses. Curious? I'll give you a hint. Unicorns are involved.

And finally... my very first unicorn memory. Kenny Loggins' The Last Unicorn on his Return to Pooh Corner lullaby EP. This entire album is epic. Loggins can really throw down a solid lullaby track.

HOW I LIKE MY TYPE

2010-02-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I do love type. I like it simple and unpretentious and apparently I also like it when it resembles carbs [see toast and bread type below]. Here are some of the letter sets and font use that I have been crushing over lately. Plus, there is a link to Mueso Sans [the 700 weight is free!] that I use quite regularly now - it's almost my new Helvetica [not really, but close].

Museo [this is a freebe!]

EGGS BENNY

2010-02-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

Eggs Benedict was an integral part of my Valentine's Day. Every time I look at these crispy muffins with that velvety Hollandaise sauce I get hungry. I wish I could include an intricate recipe with lots of steps and necessary machinery like an immersion blender or maybe a Dutch Oven [that's a funny thought]. Instead, I'll describe something more my cooking level.

MAC'S EGGS BENNY
1. Take pre-cut English muffins out of bag.
2. Put in toaster.
3. Heat saucepan of water and plop eggs into it. Let cook for 4 minutes.
4. Heat butter and milk and add powered Hollandaise sauce packet.
5. Take English muffins out of toaster, throw eggs on, and spoon sauce on top.

Voilà! Wow, now that was hard work.

HOMEBODY

2010-02-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

I want to introduce you to my asylum. If social norms had no interference on my decisions, I would choose to very rarely venture into the real world and instead hide away in my little bungalow of dreams. But honestly, why would I leave? I have everything I want and need stored away in here - except for maybe an occasional trip to the Joann's Fabric super store. And so, here are some of my very favorite parts of my apartment palace high in the sky.

A shelf of my possessions. A box and necklace handmade by my ever-so-talented Aunt Bunny and dolls also made by her. I could devote an entire post to all the marvelous handmade gifts I have received from her. You can go ahead and acknowledge your jealousy for an aunt like mine now.

Oh and that little patchy, white furball? That was my Christmas present from Santa when I was around ten. As we went to eat our holiday brunch in the other room our dog, Gus, had alternative snacking plans. I found my Christmas kitten completely demolished. Oddly, my mom found it appropriate to keep it and display it in her glass doll cabinet for years until she decided my weirdness had matured enough that I would adore it as she has - even in its dismayed state. I now hold it near and dear to me.

Where I spend my days: my side of the couch. The coziness just oozes out thanks to a shenille throw [a Christmas present from my BFF, Brittany], a floral feather pillow, and a perched Donovan [my napping kitty in the back].

A framed version of the best photo in the world on my mantel. It's a photo taken by one of those cheap disposable underwater cameras. But regardless, it's one of my favorites. Ever.

My condensed collection of magazines. Unless it's a copy of People or Us which becomes obsolete in a matter of hours, I can't bear to throw out old magazines. I can spend entire days scavenging the pages of "outdated" periodicals and always seem to uncover something great that I hadn't noticed during the first look-through.

And finally, the most apparent reason that I adore being in my apartment: My soul mate is always here. Here Godfrey is meowing at me stop doing blog things so we can devote our eternal love to each other.

SOUNDTRACK
Miike Snow Black & Blue
[In celebration of the announcement that they will be part of the Sasquatch 2010 lineup]

THANKS, URBAN OUTFITTERS

2010-02-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

Last night I came across the pleasant discovery that the Urban Outfitters Blog had re-posted my Fudge Package post since I used their beautiful catalog as wrapping. Thanks UO! You can find their repost here.

INTERNET BEAUTIES: ROUND TWO

2010-02-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Zoe Claudia

Phwoar!

A Beautiful Mess

Zoe Claudia

Twentythree

SOUNDTRACK
Yeasayer Ambling Alp
And now a Presidents' Day present for you... an embedded video.

SEATTLE ETSY PICKS

2010-02-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

I do spend way too much of my time on Etsy. But in my defense it is addictive so there isn't much I can do about it. I've compiled some of my favorite Seattle-based Etsy stores because... well, just because I wanted to.

I absolutely love this camera bag from Ketti Handbags. I'm really into this old gold color. After inspecting the tidy little camera compartments it makes me feel like my camera will file for neglect because of the way I tote him around totally exposed and naked.

These intriguing little paintings can be found at Miss Bojambo. I think these would fit perfectly with the decor in my dressing chamber or perhaps my powder room.

This little twig bracelet by Amor Luxe stood out to me because it looks so familiar - like a little pendent or knickknack that survived 20 years in the bottom of a trunk or in the pocket of an old coat - completely forgotten but so ready for a revival.

Okay, enough personification of cameras and bracelets. Happy Friday!

SOUNDTRACK
Vampire Weekend Horchata

A DATED OUTING

2010-02-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

If I had a regal date night planned for Valentine's Day these are the articles I would be dressing myself in. Instead, I'm placing my bets on a sweats-and-TV-kind-of-night complete with a Papa Murphy's heart-shaped pizza and some quality ~~Halo 4~~ Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 watching (I was corrected) - which, don't get me wrong, I am completely content with.

Clockwise from left: [1] Parfait Striped Lace Cardigan, $57; [2] OU Tea Rose Necklace, $18; [3] Literature Noir 'Bugsy' Double Breasted Jacket, $231; [4] Helena De Natalio Foldover 'Marta' Clutch, $130; [5] Martinez Valero 'Vida' Pump, $149; [6] Wolford 'Robina' Tights, $68; [7] Tea Forté Café Cup, $20.

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The Pixies Here Comes Your Man

FUDGE PACKAGE

2010-02-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

I have always heard that fudge was unbelievably easy to make but this recipe was so simple that I thought I had missed some steps. I used this recipe but forwent the Christmas theme and instead sought the appropriate February propaganda of hearts and lovey dovey sentiments.

Godfrey was all in my business as I was trying to do something productive so I had to include him in the photoshoot. He was so pleased with himself when he got my attention and didn't mind that doing so entailed keeping a candy heart on his head.

After making, chilling, and decorating the fudge, each piece was placed in a tiny silver candy paper and placed inside a box ready for wrapping.

I put my old Urban Outfitters catalogs to good use and used the floral patterns and decorative images that cover the pages as wrapping paper.

The final product yields an inexpensive and heartfelt Valentine's package to send to anyone you happen to fancy.

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Grizzly Bear Two Weeks

NORTHWEST OUTSKIRTS

2010-02-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend was spent on an impromptu trip up North to attend Mount Baker's Legendary Banked Slalom. It had been roughly four years since I last strapped on a snowboard and to be entirely honest I was scared to rekindle my former boarder girl self [or the former self I had envisioned as a delusional teenager]. But after a case of Rainer and some much needed encouragement I slowly but surely strapped myself in and loaded the chairlift. Luckily, I wasn't quite as terrible as I remembered myself to be and the sunny weather was exactly my preferred riding conditions.

I'll warn everyone that there are a slew of photos in this post but I just had to include all the glorious sights and stops.

This little wooden wonder is the hospitable cabin we were lucky enough to stay in - complete with pup, Carlo.

Once the lifts closed we headed to the salmon feed and beer garden.

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The Dutchess & The Duke Reservoir Park

THE UNDERGROUND

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

I came across this underground Swiss home on Trendir and could not help but envision the rest of my quiet, fulfilled life in this Utopian cave [more photos of the mountain abode here].

And here is the marvelous type of shit I will put in my beautiful, underground Swiss home.

Clockwise from left: [1] Quixotic Reverie Rug, $298; [2] Portobella Mushroom Growing Kit, $50; [3] Songbird Chandelier, $798; [4] Royal Garden Pillow, $5; [5] Antoinette Fainting Sofa, $575; [6] Pottery Barn Wooden Horse, $99; [7] Ottoman Moss Pincushion, $30.

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The Blow True Affection

INTERNET BEAUTIES: ROUND ONE

2010-02-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

On my desktop I have a folder entitled Internet Beauties. This folder serves to house my favorite photos I come across on my journey through the vast world wide web or that have been sent to me by friends. Allowing them to sit in a dark desktop folder seems completely wasted so I have personally taken the liberty to expose these buried gems and give them the adoration they deserve.

Saga

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Paul & Price [featuring Todd Ivy] Little White Roses

MY FAVORITE THINGS: GLAMPIRE

2010-02-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

- - - - - WARNING: Twilight references in the following post - - - - -

Yeah, I jumped on the bandwagon and became completely infatuated with vampires. While some may view my obsession with a certain Edward Cullen as childish or petty, few can deny the charm and elegance that embodies the alluring immortals. Even when I snap myself back into reality I can't help but notice that lately all the lovely things that catch my eye seem to exude a cultured and urbane feel [how I personally interpret the Cullen family style]. I can only describe this identifiable theme as GLAMPIRE.

Clockwise from left: [1] Silence + Noise Strong Shoulder Dress, $58; [2] Hanky Panky Retro Bralette, $54; [3] Hanky Panky Retro High Waist Thong, $23; [4] Bird & Branch Decoupage Chandelier, $2,298; [5] Nanette Lepore Nanette Eau de Parfum Spray 2.5 oz, $68; [6] Circa 78 Wildflower Necklace, $38; [7] Silence + Noise Sequin Striped Tank, $32; [8] DuWop Lip Venom, $16; [9] KORS Michael Kors Olympia Flat, $165; [10] Anthropologie Alhambra Euro Sham, $58 .

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Bon Iver & St. Vincent Roslyn

GOOD MORNING, GOOD MORNING / GOOD MORNING, AH

2010-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Elderly cats are expected to sleep through roughly 70% of their day. I swear Godfrey and Donovan defy those statistics and manage to keep their eyes closed except for a few short, well-managed minutes when Turkey Dinner Pâté is placed on a little dish or for a poop sess immediately following a cleaned litter box or, of course, during the few hours when the diurnal animals in the house are sleeping [those would be the humans]. So around 1pm every afternoon I thoroughly enjoy waking the sleeping beauties from their afternoon slumber. These are the grumpy little faces that oppose me.

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Beach House Zebra

I'M FANCY

2010-02-02T10:02:00.000-08:00

Last week I was given the chance to experience some of the finest dining Seattle has to offer. The ability to enjoy the Chef’s seven course tasting menu at the renowned Canlis Restaurant was only made possible via a friend who cooks at the fine establishment. Let’s just say I experienced the epitome of being “hooked up”.

After a delectable fine dining feast I was inspired to take a little extra care when cooking my own food. A colorful Mexican omelette was what surfaced from my inspiration. I am by no means a foodie but when I do take the time to cook it better be worth its weight in nutrition and look beautiful. My creation was complete with black beans, feta cheese, asparagus, sweet onions and homemade guacamole. While sadly five-star dining will not be a routine occurrence for me, I am quite content with my makeshift version of artful food.

[Even Godfrey appreciated it]

MEXICAN ASPARAGUS OMELETTE
Ingredients:
- 3 egg whites
- ¼ cup of rinsed and drained canned black beans
- ¼ cup of fat-free crumbled feta cheese
- 3-4 stems of asparagus
- ¼ sweet onion [diced]
- ½ tbs of margarine
- 1 dollop of homemade guacamole [I used this recipe with the addition of 2 tbs of guacamole seasoning mix]

1. Heat butter in medium-high skillet and add diced sweet onion. Sauté until golden brown [about 5 minutes].
2. Steam stems of asparagus in covered dish with 2 tbs of water for 2-3 minutes in microwave.
3. Pour egg whites in medium heat skillet. Let cook on one side for a few minutes then flip.
4. Add black beans, feta cheese, asparagus and sweet onion on top of one side of cooking egg whites. Fold egg over to turn into an omelette.
5. Add guacamole on the side and enjoy.

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Flaming Lips Free Radicals

LOVE CATS

2010-02-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

So, I make cat pillows. No, not pillows for cats to lie on. No, I make pillows – throw-pillows if you will – that make-up a shape that slightly resembles a feline [and by slightly I do mean abstractly]. I think they are cute as hell and creating them helps tame my urge to establish a small kitty compound. As Valentine’s Day nears, I decided to design some little love cats.

[I ran out of black floss so I will display the final project as soon as I get in a trip to Jo-Ann's]

The mainstream imagery of Valentine’s Day makes me want to gag but I absolutely adore the rich colors of these silk, rayon and polyester fabrics I used to make these little guys. The names of these prints [paprika, claret, merlot, sorbet and roset] are far more romantic then the trite pink and red color scheme of the holiday.

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Tanlines Real Life

GRAY SKIES

2010-01-29T16:00:00.000-08:00

Despite contrary belief, gray skies make me happy. I would take clouds over a hot summer sky any day. And when it rains - thankfully this happens often - I finally feel relaxed and comforted. I snapped this photo from my apartment balcony as another spectacularly gloomy day was slowly fading away.

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Soap&Skin Fall Foliage