Sugar & Spice

Happy November!

2009-11-01T08:46:00.002-05:00

good morning everyone!

my my how its been so long! i know i've taken an extra long hiatus (umm last post...april?) but i've decided to revive this dusty ol' thing. its nov. 1. new month. new things to do. new adventures to be had. i'm excited! weeee! anyway, i'm cutting it short for now because i have to make some paper, but guess what today is...

ING NEW YORK CITY MARATHON!!!!

i LOVE marathon day! its so inspiring! good luck to all you runners out there. some day soon, i'll be joining you!

Guilty Pleasure Gifts

2009-04-27T21:30:00.003-04:00

i know i said if dreamers can dream, i would dream up the cartier love bracelet as a graduation gift. but i mean, i wouldn't be opposed to these either...

keeping up with the kardashians, season 1

californication, seasons 1 & 2

i've always loved californication, but keeping up with the kardashians is my new obsession.

what?!

Cartier

2009-04-21T19:50:00.007-04:00

if dreamers can dream, this is what i would dream up for a graduation gift...

cartier 18k love bracelet

though the photo is of the version with the alternating diamonds, i would much rather have the solid gold one. oh, if only.

there is also a Chloe bag that i find to be rather beautiful, but i think this is more fitting.

however, i would be just fine with my rent being paid.

first things first, i guess.

until then, the dream lives on.

Chris Botti

2009-03-31T21:32:00.002-04:00

apparently hottie mchotpants is going to be playing a free show at borders on friday.

and you can bet that my 40 year old, hotflash-having self will be there.

oh you betcha.

St. Sebastian, Exquisite Pain

2009-03-31T20:55:00.003-04:00

Damien Hirst, St. Sebastian, Exquisite Pain

wild. absolutely wild.

Not Oprah, But...

2009-03-30T15:31:00.003-04:00

her bff Gayle! yeah, i saw her at lunch today. i was so excited i almost spilt soy sauce on myself.

i'm taking this as a sign from the magazine publishing gods that i should be working for her. end of story.

AMTV?

2009-03-30T12:35:00.005-04:00

i read in the NY Times this morning that MTV is bringing back music vidjas...yet they'll be playing them in the morning from 3 AM to 9AM. they will also be bringing back MTV Unplugged (YES!), but alas, will also be showing it in the AM (boo).

now tell me MTV, what makes you think this is a smart idea? what about the people who are excited that you are bringing Unplugged back, but don't want to watch it online because you tell them to since they can't watch it in the morning? what if i actually hate watching tv in general on my computer? yeah, you're just chuck full of ideas MTV. brilliant ones. just like the one when you decided to give Whitney Port her own show. yeah, look how well that turned out.

PSA

2009-03-29T22:15:00.003-04:00

to those couples that like to make out in the elevators when its just me, you and your significant other...

please don't ever do it. again. ever.

unless you want me to vom on your shoes.

thanks.

Domino's Book of Decorating

2009-03-29T18:38:00.004-04:00

another book i had in my hands and failed to leave the store with...

Domino's The Book of Decorating

i don't just want. i need.

Caravaggio's Lost Painting

2009-03-29T18:35:00.000-04:00

i saw this today and i am a little mad at myself for opting to wait on it.

its jonathan harr's book, the lost painting, chronicling the search for a lost Caravaggio called the taking of christ...

oh Caravaggio, the things you do to me.

Buzzed

2009-03-29T18:19:00.000-04:00

so i just got back from barnes and noble looking for books on damien hirst for my final art paper. i was sadly defeated and retreated to the health/beauty section (or at least that is where i wanted to go) when i came upon this gem...

let's just say i taught myself a lot about drugs today. i didn't end up buying it, but i may have to go back for it. however, i did sit down to read it for a while and the area i was in was SUPER crowded. then i was looking at what isles were drawing these people...

...that's when i realized i wasn't in the "health" section, but in the "self improvement" section...mixed with "wicca and witchcraft".

i closed the book and left after that.

Konk

2009-03-29T14:02:00.000-04:00

this has been on rotation today and i forgot how much i really enjoy this album

the kooks - konk

get it.

got it.

good.

Hugh Grant

2009-03-28T19:42:00.002-04:00

i'm watching Bridget Jones with Bana and, well...

Hugh Grant, why are you so hot?

Operation: Black 'til Graduation

2009-03-27T20:10:00.000-04:00

"shayne, you look like the uni bomber!" - maria

"what is this? all this space and clean air?...i'm allergic to things like picnics and Frisbee throwing and the like!" - shayne and maria

quotes from our class venture to Fordham-Rose Hill that became catalysts to the proposed vow (which i have taken) to wear nothing but black until graduation. yeah, if we didn't scream "city" by the way we already looked, i don't know what else could.

Kim and Complex

2009-03-25T15:21:00.004-04:00

i mean, i intern in the photo department of a magazine but...

oh kimmy. i just love it when magazines eff up and get caught with things like this.

speaking of...did anyone watch keeping up with the kardashians on sunday? SO funny

Terry Richardson for Rolling Stone

2009-03-20T23:16:00.000-04:00

god, terry.

in the words of justin timberlake: "you're freaky, but i like it."

Spring Break

2009-03-14T10:06:00.003-04:00

happy spring break everyone!

ew.

For All This, Nature Is Never Spent

2009-03-13T13:38:00.003-04:00

banerjee - caribou migration

this is one of the works that will be in the art show (opening tonight) which i have been helping curate for my class. i'm pretty sure this is my favorite piece in the entire show.

weee!! happy opening!!

maybe now i can have some of my life back!

Kathy Griffin

2009-03-09T19:34:00.004-04:00

after practically pulling an all-nighter, an early presentation in my modern latin american art class and then being put through a day of work, it is safe to say i was delusional by 5:30 pm when my boss said i could go home early.

in my haze, i made my way out of the office and as i was going down the escalator, i looked outside to see a bunch of cameras and lights. that was when i started praying to the infantile jesus that they weren't filming "running in heels", because i really couldn't be bothered. i attempted to ignore what was going on as i made my way out the rotating door, but as soon as i hit the pole barricade... well, i was practically jumped by this beautiful woman...

yes. that's right. kathy griffin. except i didn't know it was kathy griffin because i was just trying to exit the building so i could go home and sleep.

girlfriend was filming an episode of my life on the D list and she was asking me if i worked for O, The Oprah Magazine and telling me how she just wanted to find Gayle so she could be her friend. the funny thing about this is how she was shoving flyers at me and i was apprehensive on taking one (as all people in new york are with things like that), yet trying to read it at the same time. and it didn't click in my head that it was kathy griffin until i walked five feet away.

and then i was chased down by a man to sign a release form.

so look for me on the new season, i guess? hah!

god i'm such a moron. i love kathy griffin. i wish i was actually a functioning human today because i would have chatted girlfriend up.

U2 at FORDHAM

2009-03-06T11:02:00.000-05:00

yeah. that's right. be jealous. U2 performed at Fordham at the ass crack of dawn this morning for Good Morning America and it was unrealllllll...

mike suppe for brooklyn vegan

my own photos suck. (i think it was because i was too excited).

anyway, if you missed it...well, you really missed it.

Tomorrow...

2009-03-05T19:30:00.001-05:00

Fordham will be pandemonium. and i'm not tellin' whyyyyy...

hint: just turn on Good Morning America

Sperry Top-Siders

2009-02-26T14:56:00.005-05:00

when i got dressed this morning, i realized how much better my outfit would have been with these...

Sperry Top-Sider women's authentic original metallic boat shoe

i've been coveting them for some time now and believe they will be my "shoe to sport" in the spring. or all year long. because i love them...that much. they are so much more exciting than the vans i had picked out a while ago. (even though, i still wouldn't mind having a pair in white).

i also enjoy how when you go to the opening page of Sperry's website, you are greeted with A PASSION FOR THE SEA in large, obnoxious lettering and how there is a category in women's shoes called, "nautical casuals."

i'm such a yup today. if only you could see what i'm wearing.

oh, and i usually take a 7.5 just in case you're wondering.

Anthropologie

2009-02-26T14:52:00.004-05:00

rectangle mantadia pillow

please?

Monograming & Initialing

2009-02-26T14:37:00.003-05:00

as i was online shopping at anthropologie for my boss yesterday, i came across these items that reminded me of my secret (yet selective) adoration for personalized objects and trinkets...

monogrammed folder files

scriptorium paperweights

initial pocket mirror

Quote of the Day

2009-02-25T21:45:00.003-05:00

"every time i think 'yes, maybe i do! maybe i do love him!'...he decides to wet the bed."

-past & future roommate extraordinaire and favorite jew, Allison Lebowitz

today

2009-02-25T16:43:00.001-05:00

i pretty much feel like this today...yeah.

Quote of the Day

2009-02-25T15:55:00.003-05:00

"I think all women should be on a pedestal."

- the digital imaging specialist at work while i was using the step stool in the archives

Coffee Table

2009-02-24T20:23:00.003-05:00

i randomly found this on google. it is a coffee table shaped like a paper plane. i kind of want it for my currently non-existent/future apt. thoughts? allison?

death by life

2009-02-24T19:24:00.005-05:00

why is it that all of a sudden, i feel like my life is trying to attack me and kill me from 20 different angles? someone just shoot me in the foot, please.

or least just hose me down with one of these...

this came up when i searched "squirt gun" in google. remember when these babies were the thing to have in the summer? take me back to the days of super soakers. preferably the ones with the "extra ammo backpack."

times were much simpler then.

Journalism & Jesus...

2009-02-24T19:00:00.003-05:00

...do not mix as made evident today in my newspaper meeting. apparently, someone is writing a piece about indulgences "returning" to the catholic church, as it was reported in the NYTimes on Feb. 10. basically, the workshopping of the story revealed that the writer failed miserably at their research. (someone on the paper is a major religion buff and proceeded to call them out on everything). surprisingly, they are still going to run this (on the front page) of the issue on stands thursday.

so my point is...there is no point. except that i was impressed with the writer (who ripped the story to shreds) and her wealth of religious knowledge.

and that it made me think of this little trinket i found on saturday night...

i found it. i love little religious trinkets as i believe them to be neat. i also did not STEAL it like my beloved allison lebowitz* will try to tell you.

but if it makes you feel better alli, maybe i'll go to confession to ask forgiveness for my sins. or better yet, i'll get an indulgence since it is all the rage these days!

*i don't even know why this bothers her so much seeing that she's jewish. kidding! love you alli!

Tom Brokaw

2009-02-23T15:43:00.003-05:00

i just found out T-bone is going to be my commencement speaker.
i just got unnecessarily excited in my cubicle.

keep in mind, this is also on the condition that i do actually graduate.

To: Kato

2009-02-23T00:45:00.005-05:00

my brother is starting tryouts for his high school golf team today. i really hope he makes it.

good luck kato. i know you'll kick some UNI ass.

Lost

2009-02-22T22:03:00.002-05:00

name: ejd

last possible whereabouts: in the boondocks of wisconsin

if found, please return to: me

thank you.

Red Carpet Trainwreck

2009-02-22T20:12:00.002-05:00

i'm seeing a lot of ugly on the red carpet right now. so much, that i'm feeling nauseous - too nauseous to even try to post photos. i'll do it tomorrow. but i'll leave you with this - sjp, you always get it right.

Alice Tully Hall

2009-02-22T17:34:00.004-05:00

i forgot to make a post when they took the scaffolding off, but that is neither here nor there.

the point is... its amazing!

i live just five blocks down and i am so excited that it is finally finished. snaps to diller scofidio + renfro on the design. the first time i walked by and saw it without the scaffolding, i could barely contain myself. i'm really going to miss living in the area come may.

Drugstore.com

2009-02-22T16:26:00.005-05:00

drugstore.com is probably one of the greatest things to grace the TINTernet* these days. i sadly spent half of my morning on it. what i bought? i have no idea.

i really need to stop this madness and write some papers.

*TINTernet -> how my british roommate says "internet"

Louis Vuitton

2009-02-22T15:38:00.000-05:00

shoot me in the foot for saying it, but I'm not much of a Louis Vuitton fan.

I almost think of it as the "big name label" for people who know nothing about fashion.

(I also think it is quite unfair that Marc Jacobs is the head of the brand as well as having his own - domination of both the french and american markets? hello? can we say fashion monopoly? (but did you also hear the nasty rumor that the Marc brand is going bankrupt? whatttt???))

however, I have been caught debating with myself about "if I ever were to own Vuitton, what would be the bag?" *

and I think I finally decided on...

the monogram palermo pm

although, I would be accepting of the damier canvas speedy 30 if it were given to me.

and, in terms of luggage, I don't think I could ever say no to the monogram keepall 60 with the shoulder strap...

*obviously, I give a nod to the seasonal bags when a good bunch comes out.

Mexico, 1989

2009-02-22T15:30:00.000-05:00

the author's first time crossing the border with Nana & Mother.

i don't think it gets any better.

Francis Bacon

2009-02-21T19:39:00.006-05:00

i saw this at MOMA today and i had totally forgotten how amazingly psychotic Francis Bacon is...

"Painting 1946"

he's so horrifying that he's exciting - and i love it! here's another one of his more famous works...

"Study After Velazquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X" 1953

oh Francis, you're such a creep.

Terry Richardson

2009-02-21T19:21:00.004-05:00

after getting shit on my way to MoMA, i worked on my project and then headed to the book section on my way out. i decided to flip through the terry richardson book. i still don't know if that was such a good idea. here, one of his more "modest" photographs from (i believe) a tom ford campaign...

Pigeon Poop

2009-02-21T16:34:00.003-05:00

on my way to work on a project at MOMA, i was pooped on. by a pigeon. right on my forehead. therefore i empathize with and, needless to say, felt much like the small child in the photo below...

i was on the phone with my brother when i felt this little wet "plop." that was when i said to myself (and my brother), "ohmygod. did i just get shit on?" i wiped my forehead with my sleeve and sure enough, pigeon poop. not only on my forehead/in my hair, but now on my sleeve. i told my brother i had to call him back, made a mad dash to the MOMA to check in, all the while hoping there wasn't more poop in my hair or on any other visible area (especially while speaking to the front desk.)

has this ever happened to anyone? because this marked the second time i've had this happen. (in my life and also in a two year span.) and now that i think about it, i was on the phone with my brother the last time it happened. they say that getting pooped on is good luck, but now i'm just starting to think my brother is bad luck.

in total, this is just another reason why i hate pigeons.

1770 House

2009-02-20T16:53:00.004-05:00

i read about 1770 House in the NYTimes today and i decided to check it out online.

and now, i want to go.

if not to stay, to eat at their tavern at least - everything about it is just so charming.

Nina Garcia

2009-02-18T18:40:00.004-05:00

on my way back into my place of work after getting a venti iced coffee this morning, i had a sighting...

of (now) Marie Claire's Nina Garcia.

having worked in the building for some time, i'm surprised i have never seen her before. but today, i was graced with her presence as she was leaving the building, probably headed toward The Tents. she is very petite and normal looking and it was like a ray of light from the heavens was shining down upon her with angels singing "Hallelujah" in the background. (not to mention, i wanted to jump tackle her for her shoes - i think they were either Jimmy or Manolo.)

anyway, Nina, you made my day.

Milk

2009-02-17T00:42:00.002-05:00

i just saw Milk with my bf here in Chicago and i loved it. so take my word for it when i tell you to go check it out and that sean penn is still sexy...even when batting for the other team.

M.I.A.

2009-02-09T12:45:00.000-05:00

a goddess among mere mortals.

Farewell, Domino

2009-01-28T20:39:00.004-05:00

i'm crying. this sucks just as much as House & Garden

R.I.P.

Indian Princesses

2008-12-05T12:17:00.000-05:00

the author, circa 1992

Britney: For The Record

2008-12-04T20:12:00.000-05:00

I, along with (undoubtedly) a million other people, watched Britney: For The Record.

And all I can say is that as much as I was waining being on the Britney "Comeback" Wagon, my faith in her has been restored.

Especially after she said she was like The Karate Kid.

You go, B.

You go.

I've Found Jesus.

2008-12-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

A while ago, I was involved in a conversation concerning Ryan Adams. I admitted to only having a few of his songs, so my friend gave me copies of "Love is Hell" and "Rock n Roll." Today of all days I finally got to sit down and give a good listen to "Love is Hell" and, well...

this shit is like taking a bullet.

It is so good that its frightening.

I honestly cannot remember the last time I heard an album that is so raw and real that you can actually feel something.

Kudos, Ryan. I wish there were more real artists like you that can successfully evoke the same emotion in your audience as you had when you recorded it.

(Key track: "This House Is Not For Sale")

Now, please excuse me while I try to pry myself off the floor and get to class...

Tegan & Sara

2008-09-29T21:41:00.000-04:00

Tegan & Sara are, hands down, one of my top favorite artists of all time.

I love everything about them.

From them being twin sisters and both being lesbians; From their depth in their latest album, "The Con," to their shows that will blow any other artist that you've seen...out of the water.

Everything. I love everything.

I can't wait to see them on Sunday at Terminal 5 and dance the night away with all the lezzies.

Woot Woot!

And if you haven't listened to "The Con" or any of their other albums for that matter,

I suggest you do so...

now.

Frida Kahlo

2008-09-29T21:10:00.000-04:00

As an art history major, I am consistently inundated with different artists and their work.

But Frida Kahlo has always remained a favorite with me.

Not just of her work, but of her as a person and everything she embodied.

Through all of her physical and emotional strife, she remained a strong, brave and beautiful woman - and also knew how to rock the unibrow.

In my opinion, her work is far superior than that of her husband, Diego Rivera, and it is a shame how she was overshadowed by him for so long while she was alive.

Powerful, painful and hopeful - I'm glad her work is finally getting the credit it deserves.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces that I have been fortunate enough to see in person.

If you missed the show that traveled to San Fran, Philly and Minneapolis...

well, you really really missed out.

"The Two Fridas" 1939

The scale of this is absolutely incredible and I cannot even begin to explain it.

"Self-Portrait with Chopped Hair" 1940

The inscription reads: "Look, if I loved you it was because of your hair. Now that you are without hair, I don't love you anymore."

They are lyrics from a Mexican folk song - I absolutely love it.

"The Dream" 1940

I have been trying to find a print of this for my room. I had never seen it up until attending the show in Philly. And though I love all her work, I may go as far in saying this is my favorite thing she's done.

Sweet Ups

2008-09-29T04:17:00.000-04:00

During my Friday night drunken stooper, I ended up in Brooklyn.

And I ended up here.

Sweet Ups (277 Graham Ave)

The funny part is that we meant to go to Royal Oak, which is actually owned by the same people,

but my sense of memory and direction failed me.

Oh well. Close enough.

It was pretty slammin' though and the people were rather good looking.

I'm sure I'll be back again soon.

After I actually make it to Royal Oak, that is.

Hot Chip

2008-09-29T04:03:00.000-04:00

I've been listening to this all weekend and it is goooooood...

Hot Chip - Made in the Dark

Yeah, it came out in February, but better late than never right?

I know they are the calmer tracks on the album, but I can't stop listening to "We're Looking For a Lot of Love" and "Made in the Dark."

They are playing this weekend at Terminal 5 and I am highly considering going.

Even though when I saw them last year, their system was so loud my insides were rattling and I thought my organs were going to explode.

But I think that is worth overlooking.

Louise Bourgeois

2008-09-29T03:48:00.000-04:00

On Friday, I went to the Louise Bourgeois show at the Guggenheim for my Advanced Seminar in Modern Art class.

I was...errrr...shall I say...uneasy about it?

I have a pretty darn open mind when it comes to art, but I don't know...

I have never seen Ms. Bourgeois' work before and I can't say that I enjoyed it very much.

I found it to be rather violent, overtly sexual and at many times, grotesque.

Which is funny because now that I look at images online, it might be growing on me.

Maybe not.

I was going to say something,

and now I am not even going to go there.

David Duchovny, why don't you love me?

2008-09-29T03:37:00.000-04:00

If you don't already watch Californication on Showtime, I really think you should.

I finished watching Season 1 this afternoon just in time for Season 2, which premiered tonight.

Sweet holy hell.

David Duchovny can

call.

me.

Fur

2008-09-29T01:58:00.000-04:00

I don't care if PETA decides to stalk me after this post,

but I just thought I should mention (since it is getting colder)

how much I love fur.

Especially lynx fur.

I found this beauty on Ebay tonight and I cry on the inside because I lack the $cash moneyz$ to drop on this baby.

And I'm really into the fur vest thing lately too.

I also enjoy stoles, scarves and coats with big fur collars.

Oooo and hats!

Maybe when I'm 70 and don fabulous white hair will I rock the full length coat,

but right now I am the more simple fur girl.

Poop.

Knowing that I cannot have this in my wardrobe makes me very sad just looking at it.

However, there is a lynx stole I found at a boutique out in Brooklyn that is in my price range.

Birthday present? Oh boy, do I hope so.

Currently Reading...

2008-09-23T12:44:00.000-04:00

I finished my Brooklyn street book, It's How You Play the Game - A Novel by Jimmy Gleacher, in practically 3 days and it was fantastic.

I could have ripped through it quicker if I had a little more "me" time, but oh well.

I have now moved on to this guy...

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

I've attempted to read it I don't know how many times and unfortunately always seem to put it down at a certain point,

only to never pick it up again.

I'm determined to actually finish it this time around.

The film is one of my favorites and already the book is riveting and chock-full of fantastic description.

Mmmm yessss.

Wish me luck.

Central Park Lovers

2008-09-21T18:19:00.000-04:00

As I strolled through Central Park today on my way to and from the Met,

I realized how much I love the lovers of the Park.

I know you've seen them.

And yeah, you've probably been one of them too

(because I know I have.)

But there is something to be said about these love birds:

how they are absolutely and completely oblivious to the fact that even though they are laying in the grass...every passer-by CAN STILL SEE THEM.

I love it.

It makes me laugh a lot.

However, the couples that I enjoy the most are the ones who engage in heavy petting in plain view.

They are by far the more courageous of the Park lovers.

And for that, I give you horn balls major snaps.

Like Father, Like Son

2008-09-14T21:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to two of the most ridiculous men I have ever had the privilege of knowing.

And loving, for that matter.

Happy Belated to my Faja (9.11)

and Happy 16th to my bro (today)

Love you both

Street Books

2008-09-14T21:30:00.000-04:00

I found this sucker on the street today in Brooklyn for $5.

It's How You Play the Game - A Novel by Jimmy Gleacher

I finally finished Love the One You're With, (in one day), and I'm totally pumped to read this one.

catbird

2008-09-14T20:40:00.000-04:00

I had the greatest thrill of going here today and thought you all should know about it...

It's called Catbird and it is full of trinkets.

I found the most incredible ring there, (among many other things), by the New York based design duo, Bing Bang.

The label was started by jewelry designer Anna Sheffield and her brother.

The ring looks like a belt buckle and comes in silver, 14k and 24k gold.

I'm after the 14k.

I've been having issues finding a picture, but when I do I'll make sure to post it.

But anyway, if you're ever in the area, check this place out.

It's right off of Bedford Avenue and N. 5th Street next to Fabiane's. (Hit them up while you're at it too.)

Modern Wing

2008-09-08T10:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I hit up the Modern wing of the Met for my Advanced Seminar in Modern Art class that I'm taking.

I have never really gone through the Modern wing and I'm really glad I did.

I finally got to see some things I've been meaning to see.

Like this...

Jeff Koons "On the Roof" show

This picture doesn't really do the colors of the pieces justice.

His work is just so fun and playful to see.

And if I had a rooftop apt, I totally would want a "Balloon Dog" to go on it.

Damien Hirst "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living"

I am obsessed with sharks.

So obsessed that I basically live for Shark Week on the Discovery Channel and I have told my parents to not be surprised if I call them one day, at 45 years old, and tell them, "Family, I am quitting my job and leaving for the Caribbean to study sharks in their natural state."

So naturally, the Hirst shark has been something on my list of things to see.

And MAN, shit is WILD!

My mouth literally dropped when I walked into the room where it was installed.

It is SO cool, yet SO creepy that I felt as excited as a 5 year old on Christmas day mixed with the hee-bee-gee-bees.

I really didn't know what to do with myself.

I finally looked more into his work last night and it is just...out there.

So eerie. And I'm fascinated by it.

Tara Donovan's Untitled (Mylar) Installation

I really enjoyed this.

Donovan is known for using ordinary products to make something, well, extraordinary.

Here, she used silver Mylar tape that she made into connecting ringlets.

It reminds me of a pattern you see on crisp, clean, white, modern linens.

Yeah yeah, I know this isn't ultra Modern, but its Manet - who's work is said to mark the beginning of the Modern period.

This hangs in the 19th Century galleries of the Met.

Its called, "Mademoiselle V...in the costume of an espada"

It dawned on me yesterday how much I enjoy Manet and large scale 19th cen. paintings.

Especially portraiture.

The day I can have a house full of these...

boy, that will be the day.

Dislike Post #2

2008-09-04T12:43:00.000-04:00

After sweating all the booze out of my system via my 7 am run in the park, I went to Whole Foods to do a bit of grocery shopping.

And much to my dismay, one of my biggest pet peeves occurred while waiting to order my Jamba Juice...

having someone stand too close behind me in line.

I HATE this.

To the point where sometimes I feel like asking, "will standing unnecessarily close to me REALLY make the line move all that much quicker?"

Because as far as I have been informed,

IT DOESN'T.

It just makes me crazy.

And its an even better experience when the person who does this to me is a Manhattan Mom.*

Why are you in such a rush?

You don't have kids to pick up.

You don't have a job to go to.

Unless your rush is your mission to find out if your husband is cheating on you with his secretary.

THEN, I will understand.

Bahhhhh.

*Note: I actually LOVE Manhattan Moms and the mythical, magical creatures that they are. Really, I do.

Hot New York Dads

2008-09-04T11:33:00.000-04:00

What makes me break out in a sweat faster than sitting on Sheep's Meadow on a humid New York summer day, you ask?

Hot New York dads.

Or just hot dads in general.

I don't know what it is about them, but...DAMN!

Here, I leave you with a picture of Aidan a la Sex and the City.

Because does anyone remember the episode when Carrie runs into him and he turns around and has a kid strapped on the front of him?

And the first thing out of your mouth was, "O.M.G."?

Because not only was he even sexier than when she dated him, but he transformed into a hot dad?

Yeah. Hot dads. Snaps for you.

Mental Vacay

2008-09-04T11:14:00.000-04:00

For the few of you who check this for updated witty banter, I apologize for the obvious gap in my posts. I was too busy drinking, smoking, straight west coasting, etc.

(And I can say that because I am from California and that is actually where I have been.)

But now I am back in New York and back from my mental holiday, ready to whip myself into a verbal frenzy.

And I hope you are ready too.

Enjoy.

xoxo

Crash

2008-08-23T14:12:00.000-04:00

Congrats to this sasquatch...

Yes, that would be my 6' kid brother who just got his permit.

He looks like he took a roundhouse kick to the face in his photo.

Mother was pleased.

We are one step closer to him being able to pick up my inebriated ass in the middle of the night.

Weeeee!

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

2008-08-15T17:26:00.000-04:00

Woody Allen films are usually a hit or miss with me,

but this looks soooo good.

If I weren't going to the Padre game again tonight, I'd be having a date with myself.

Kicks

2008-08-15T15:05:00.000-04:00

I really want a pair of these bad boys...

Zapato del Barco by Vans

They are like Top-Sider boat shoes, but the west coast Vans version.

I just can't decide...navy or white?

I kind of want my brother to get a pair with me so we can match. Hahaha

Dislike Post #1

2008-08-14T04:22:00.000-04:00

I just finished watching this with my brother and I am not okay with it AT ALL...

I never saw it in theaters and now I know why everyone who did, was cursing its name and telling me to stay away from it.

For those of you who haven't seen it, I'll give you the snub of it:

Its about "growing up"/leaving your 20s, emotions/emotional breakdowns and ultimately... forgiveness.

Right now, I can't even forgive myself for not turning it off after 30 minutes because I knew where it was going, let alone forgive myself for renting the damn thing.

The only reason I kept watching was because Casey Affleck makes for some amazing eye candy.

It leaves you with that heavy feeling in your throat, as if you are about to cry, but you don't because secretly...your blood is boiling.

All I can say is: if you still really want to see it, just make sure you are mentally prepared.

Book Lovers Never Go To Bed Alone

2008-08-14T00:38:00.000-04:00

I just got back from Barnes & Noble - one of my favorite places on the planet.

I love books. I love bookstores. And I am a really big nerd.

The problem is that I don't set aside enough time to read, but I'm working on it.

Anyway, I saw these two and they looked like some winners.

My Sister, My Love by Joyce Carol Oates

Schooled by Anisha Lakhani

(apparently a good read if you are fan of Gossip Girl, like your's truly)

But I'm hoping to get to them after I finish up these babies...

The Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem

(recommended by my friend Larry and I must say it was a good call)

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

(totally in love with it and got Mother into it. we are now in a race to see who finishes first)

Love The One You're With by Emily Giffin

(so predictable, nauseating, causing me to hate my life and tempts me to set it on fire...yet I still keep reading it)

Azn

2008-08-13T14:35:00.000-04:00

One of my really good friends left for Tokyo and Beijing/Shanghai yesterday

and well,

I'm super jealous.

I'm really fascinated by Japan and have always wanted to go.

Another friend of mine, Caitlin, has been their all summer as a swim instructor to the kids on the Navy bases.

I seriously considered going there for semester to study abroad, but unfortunately, things just didn't turn out.

I really want to venture to China as well.

I had a friend from high school who randomly went with her grandma a few years ago and the pictures she brought back were ridiculous.

This is the Donghuamen Night Market in Beijing.

They sell the strangest foods you can find on a skewer

and it sounds like a total adventure to me!

Seahorse or scorpion, anyone? Haha!

Padres

2008-08-13T14:17:00.000-04:00

Last night, I went to the Padre game with Ellen and new friend, Shadi, and three things I have always wanted to have happen/witness occurred:

1. Seeing three shirtless guys leap over the left field wall and run across the field. (One actually slid into home plate, the crowd went nuts.)

2. Making it onto the jumbo tron.

3. (ALMOST) catching the ball.

I love baseball games and even though we lost to the Brewers last night, I believed it to be a perfect Tuesday evening.

Death

2008-08-13T14:10:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning and mother told me that there was a dead crow in our backyard...

I called the bird people and they are supposed to come take it away and test it for West Nile Virus.

I just hope my cat doesn't get to it before they do.

That, and I can't really figure out if my cat brought it down,

or if it just keeled over.

Girly Girl

2008-08-12T01:55:00.000-04:00

When I was in grade/middle school, there was this stupid rule that forbid the wearing of nail polish.

But being the smart ass 8th grader that I was, I refused to believe this rule applied to me.

So every day, without fail, my P.E. teacher would send me to the nurse to remove it.

And day in and day out, I would still apply it only to take it off around 9 AM the next day.

Even my old boyfriend from 8th/9th grade, (who is now one of my great friends), freaked out recently,

"Oh my God! Ali King! Are you NOT wearing nail polish? But you ALWAYS wear nail polish!"

Response: "Oh, don't worry, I have some on my toes."

O.P.I "Bubble Bath" is a staple.

Yet, ironically enough, it just flew off my bathroom counter and smashed/splattered all over my legs and not to mention on mother's tile.

Let's just say, mother was not pleased.

(Hey, at least it wasn't black like last time...)

O.P.I "Vodka & Caviar" is another staple.

I like to call it my "Tranny Red."

These last three are some other favorites, but maybe not staples.

Well, maybe the black is...

(And if you haven't guessed, O.P.I is the favorite brand)

O.P.I "Russian Navy"

O.P.I "Lincoln Park After Dark"

O.P.I "Onyx"

Besties

2008-08-11T23:42:00.000-04:00

When I think about it,

(even though I don't really have to think about it),

I have some really amazing friends.

One of them is Miss Ellen Maureen Marks.

Ellen Maureen Marks was born on September 6, 1987.

We met in Spanish class with Señora Jonés 7 years ago, were on the swim team together and got yelled at together by the Dean of Students when our first published "Flip Side" article was deemed offensive.

We've pulled a lot of crazy stunts.

We've encountered a lot of awkward things.

And sometimes people say she looks like Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Which I don't think is a bad thing.

But what I love about Ellen is her humor.

And she humored me greatly today at lunch with this...

"You know what you say to people asking you out via Facebook?

No.

Sure, I've tried it. But try it once and then never again.

Once a boy asked if he could cook me dinner.

I told him, 'My stove is broken.'

When in reality, it was only one burner.

Another boy said, 'Hey you could stick an envelope of anthrax under my door, or you could just come by to hang out.'

Now that one, he was asking for it.

So, I got an envelope, filled it with baby powder, and, well..."

Basically this girl is amazing

and I doubt that you need any further explanation since you now have the real Ellen M. Marks above.

I love her greatly and am really glad she is my friend.

And not just a friend, but a best friend.

Bathrobes

2008-08-11T23:19:00.000-04:00

Anyone who knows me, lived with me, dated me...

knows how much I love my bathrobe.

And not only do I love my bathrobe and being in my bathrobe,

I love passing out in my bathrobe.

Saturday night was no exception.

Sure, I had a hell of a time at The Faint, but what I forgot to mention in that story was how I came home feeling not so hot.

After I vomed (even though I was sober), I decided to take a shower to cleanse myself from the sweaty dance party and also in effort to make me feel better and maybe even relax my headache.

As you can now guess, post-shower, I passed out* sideways on my bed in my beloved bathrobe.

(*Lights still on and hair still in a towel turban of course)

Too much drinkin', smokin', straight west coastin' I guess.

But if you had either one of these beauts below, you would be passing out in your bathrobe too.

This one by Frette is similar to the ones my mom has at the house.

And this one by Coyuchi is the one I have at my apt. in the city.

Its 100% organic cotton and I got it for free when I worked at Bazaar. Sweet deal, huh?

Mmm, bathrobes. You make everything better.

The Faint

2008-08-10T13:20:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite bands to see live, The Faint, played last night down at SOMA

and man! was it exciting!

I tell you, these guys never disappoint when it comes to a live show.

I feel it can be compared to what raves were like in the 90s (even though I have never experienced an actual rave.)

EVERYONE, and I really do mean everyone, dances and the venue turns into a giant sweaty dance party.

Their newest album was released on Tuesday, and though I haven't really cracked into it yet, by the way things were sounding last night,

its packed with even more dance fever.

Perrrrrfect.

Oh and did I mention the crowd was beyond attractive?

Yeah. Yeah...

The Dove Parlor

2008-08-09T17:24:00.000-04:00

I really want to check this out...

Its called The Dove Parlor,

located on Thompson between W. 3rd and Bleecker Streets.

I've read about it in a few places and it looks rather jazzy...

Maybe if I like it enough, it will become a staple hangout.

Oh boy, I can't wait!

Summer Jams

2008-08-09T16:40:00.000-04:00

I have a big crush on the band below...

They are called Los Campesinos!

and (in the words of my friend Laurel)

they are so neat I can't stand it.

And even though they met while studying at Cardiff University in the UK,

I like to think their story goes something like they were bored one day and just decided to play their instruments and make a lot of noise and then by some crazy chance,

it happened to sound fantastic.

Like "My Year in Lists."

Who thinks of an opening line like,

"She said, 'Send me stationary to make me horny!'"

They also look like they're a bunch of kids.

Which makes me love them even more.

Its happy dance party music.

And if you know me, you know I'm ALL about a happy dance party.

This lady here is Brooklyn darling Santogold.

And though my vote has yet to be officially cast on how I feel about her album,

I must commend her for her single, "L.E.S. Artisties."

Its got a sweet beat, and for me, that's good enough.

Behold! Tan in a Bottle

2008-08-09T15:11:00.000-04:00

When I was in either 5th or 6th grade,

my mother slapped on latex gloves one night and slathered me with self tanner in our hall bathroom.

I remember it was right before going on an end-of-the-year class trip to either the pool or the beach and I was embarrassed of being so pale.

So leave it to me and my mother to race to Macy's on a school night, right before they closed,

to buy some Estee Lauder self tanner.

Mind you, this was when self tanners were a new embark on the beauty frontier.

And though I commend my mother in her efforts,

me and my 12 year-0ld self vowed to never do it again

in response to the horrid stench and risk of orange streaks.

Unless, however, it was for emergency reasons...

...Like the summer when I was in a Quinceanera

and my tan lines were so distinct that I looked like I was wearing a white halter top under my canary yellow dress.

Or those four out of God knows how many high school dances I attended when I felt the need to dabble in air brush tanning, instead of burning myself in a tanning bed like everyone else.

(And I somehow ended up starting a trend.)

But this summer, I decided to give my old friend another shot.

I figured,

"Hey, a lot has happened in the ways of self tanning since I was 12."

So with an acquaintance's recommendation,

I found and fell in love with this baby...

Its the True Blue Spa Bronze Bombshell line

found at good ol' Bath & Body Works.

I've tried both the Shade to Order and Strike Gold tanners,

but would recommend the latter if you are looking for more bang for your buck.

And knowing Bath & Body Works, they always have some kind of deal going on.

So if you're feeling a little pasty today and you don't have the time to lay out (in the true Californian way,)

go ahead and check it out for yourself.

I promise it won't disappoint.