school's out

Laguna Beach...where I wish I was right now.

Today was the last day of school where I work and despite the fact that I will continue working over the summer (at a different school) it was fun to be around the kids as their excitement abounded. Do you have fond last-day-of-school memories?

Relaxation and Rompers

Anderson Valley, CA

Hello friends! It's definitely been a stressful last few days, with the impending end-of-school-year at work, trying to figure out what I'm going to do with myself in life, and Dusty's car getting bashed in yesterday by my neighbor. Anyway, I've been trying to find ways to relax. So far these things have included (many of which I've discussed in previous blogs):


1. Drinking copious amounts of ice tea.
2. Reading a novel.
3. Thinking about how sooner rather than later I'll be up in the Redwoods/Anderson Valley with Dusty, drinking tons of wine and forgetting about  my troubles.
4. Drinking tons of wine. 
5. Yoga (which I'm actually sore from!).
6. Taking naps. 
7. Petting my cat. 
8. Eating small quantities of Nutella on a spoon when all else fails.


Have you been stressed out lately? How do you unwind?

romper madness

Also, as some of you may already know, I decided to get a romper last weekend, which ONLY turned into a disaster. I've come to the conclusion that I simply don't have the right body type for one. I really wish I did though because they are so adorable! How do you feel about the trend? 

Off Color Rant

A Matisse Sketch

This is definitely off topic of what I would normally write about on my blog (I try to stay away from anything political/offensive in any way). That said--I never realized how many well known and renowned writers have been featured in Playboy. I decided to research the subject after I found out that the author of the book I'm currently reading had been featured there... and I think I have a new found respect for the magazine, especially old school (as opposed to "The Girl's Next Door") Playboy. Fahrenheit 451 was serialized in Playboy before being published as a novel--WHAAA'??? You're probably more learned than me and already knew that but WOW! What do you think? Is it simply chauvinistic idolatry of a narrow minded interpretation of attractive women or a smart and symbollic middle finger to the censorship gods? Both?

Big Family, Pretty Houses

lovelovelove

As anyone who knows me knows, I am obsessed with pretty much any show that Bravo puts out. Which is why it should come as no surprise that I freaking loved (the season just wrapped up a week or two ago) their new show, 9 by Design. The show chronicles the lives of a the Novogratz family, Mom and Dad have a home design business (Sixx Design) as well as seven children together. AMAZINGNESS. Did you tune in? What do you think of their design aesthetic?

bleary eyed and bridal gowns

Yaaaaaaawwwwwn. I am super tired today for no reason, happy Monday and all that. Earlier today I was on glamour.com (I like the blogs), and I happened upon this slideshow of wedding dresses. Normally I'm not the sort of girl to get giddy about wedding crap, honestly I plan on having a VERY low profile wedding, but I fell in love with the first dress featured (the lace Angel Sanchez one).  Thoughts? Hope you're having a good day!

French Toast

I have a question for you-- what are your feelings on French toast? I used to think it was sort of gross and that it just tasted soggy, however last Sunday my dad made some on sourdough bread (maybe that was the difference) and it was divine. What's your favorite breakfast treat?

Wine Find

If you're having a dinner party, or just looking to get tipsy off of something that doesn't taste like sour grapes, an oak tree, or as Dusty and I experienced a few weeks ago---the far from pleasing taste of what could only be described as a mixture cat pee and grapefruit, I would highly recommend this wine (available at Vons and Pavillions as well). It may not be the cutest of bottles, and at nearly twenty dollars a bottle it has a less than cute price, but for an occasional treat it's certainly worth it. Have you tried any good wines lately?

Summer Reading and Diuretics

Hello darlings! I hope that your weeks are off to a fabulous start. I've spent the majority of my day eating excessive amounts of watermelon and guiltily reading Amy Sohn's new novel, Prospect Park West. It's certainly not Dickens but it's also more than a few steps up from Danielle Steel. I've really just started the novel, but so far I would definitely recommend it if you're looking for light summer reading and are the sort of person who can't stand bad writing. What books have you read lately? P.S. If you're feeling bloated watermelon is a natural diuretic---it really works; I've been peeing all day! (Sorry if that was TMI) :-/

"Earth laughs in flowers." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Last weeked Dusty surprised me with a vase full of roses from his backyard. The gesture was incredibly charming, and the flowers were better than store-bought. What sweet things have your "honeys" done for you? Also, don't you just love the above painting by Picasso. I love how simple it is (so much so that I have a framed print of it in my bedroom). :-)

The Smell of Summer

If any of you enjoy summer as much as I do I'm sure you'll love the breezy scent of Pacifica's Malibu Lemon Blossom solid perfume. It smells like happiness. You'll also be pleased to know that it's a 100% cruelty-free product.

The Daring Book for Girls

Have any of you ever read or flipped through The Daring Book for Girls? In a world where girls are frequently exposed to frankly a lot of crap I found this book to be a real breath of fresh air. Inside: Instructions on how to be a spy, how to whistle well, a multitude of uses for vinegar, and so much more! Buy it for any girl you love.

Sunday at the Park

Photographs of Irvine regional Park

Dear everyone (anyone) who reads (read) my blog. I'm sorry for not updating it ever (lately). Life had been somewhat stressful but now I'm back, and it's summer and I sure am glad. Happy Sunday everyone! I spent the afternoon at Irvine Park walking my dog and pedaling a surrey with my family. It was really lovely and a wonderful ending to a relatively stress-free weekend.