Search Engine Awesomeness

This is one of the best posts I've come across. I love it and I love the person who typed those words into the search engine.

R.E.M., The National & Modest Mouse...Oh My!

R.E.M. announced new tour with The National and Modest Mouse. Unfortunately they aren't coming to Texas, but R.E.M. will warm up for the run with a showcase set March 12 at Stubb's Bar-B-Q in Austin during SXSW.

2008 Tour Dates [for everyone else outside of The Lone Star State]...
May 23: Vancouver, BC - Deer Lake Park
May 29: Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
May 31: Berkeley, CA - The Greek Theatre
June 03: Denver, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 06: Chicago, IL -United Center
June 08: Toronto, ON - Molson Amphitheatre
June 10: Raleigh, NC - Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
June 11: Washington, DC - Merriweather Post Pavilion
June 13: Boston, MA - Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts
June 14: Long Island, NY - Jones Beach Theater
June 18: Philadelphia, PA - Mann Center for the Performing Arts
June 19: New York, NY - TBA
June 21: Atlanta, GA - Lakewood Amphitheatre

Click.

I am in desperate need of a new digital camera. Last Christmas I was given the Nikon Coolpix and it's been nothing but a disappointment. The camera takes awful night shots, I incessantly get weird fuzzy circles sporadically placed in each photo, and everyone's eyes appear blurry [even when we haven't been drinking]. While I am fully aware these issues may be operator induced, I've had everyone play with the settings in attempt to find a better picture mode.

I am not a photographer by any means, but I love taking pictures and would really love it if they turned out semi-decent in the end. Not hazy and ill-defined. Does anyone have a good suggestion for a point-and-shoot camera?


[photo courtesy of Flickr member Idle Type]

25th Street Mix, Vol. 6

Kate Spade's 25th Street Mix, Volume 6 is here. Fun tunes from Cloud Cult, The Blue Jackets, The Clientele, The Cave Singers, and more.

DwellStudio

If I had a little bundle of joy, it'd be surrounded by DwellStudio for Target's baby line. Such a great collection of bedding, clothing, furniture, and accessories - and at incredible prices! I could actually outfit a nursery that looks stylish without robbing a bank.

Spring Fever

Loving these laid back looks from Dolan, a Los Angeles based label designed by Jodie Dolan. You can shop their collection at Barney's, Ron Herman, Fred Segal, Big Drop NYC and Anthropologie, among others. Also available here in Houston at Tootsies.

Meet Mrs. Perez

One of the best perks of being a part of the blogging community is the connection to some incredibly talented and creative individuals. I whole-heartedly believe in six degrees of separation, and it’s been crazy to see some of the relationships I have to people through a computer screen.

Enter Paige of I *Heart* You, a witty and whimsical blog that has replaced my habitual People.com fix. Her short quips are always spot-on and punchy; the perfect recipe for an instant pick-me-up. Paige and I are connected through Emily Warren and any friend of Emily’s is most certainly a friend of mine! After a few back and forth emails, I have a complete sense of her personality and this girl is a riot!

Paige’s lifelong dream is to become a professional blogger, a nice Perez Hilton as she puts it. And I can’t get over how she and her husband are the epitome of Jim and Pam. She is the marketing guru for a design firm where her husband is one of the partners and design directors. Talented family, eh? I look forward to following her daily posts, especially as she and her husband embark on their bungalow remodel. Be sure to add I *Heart* You to your Feeder because Paige updates several times throughout the day, always giving her spin of the most up-to-date Hollywood gossip.

Oh, What A Night

I saw this last night. Lots of fun...and lots of funny people in the audience! Will be here in Houston until Feb. 9th.

Look-Alikes

In honor of The Real Housewives of Orange Country Season 3 Finale and yesterday's look-alike observation, I thought I'd point out another obvious. Quinn Fry is the older and more cougar-like version of Trista Sutter.

Wola Nani

Wola Nani, Xhosa for “we embrace and develop one another”, is a non-profit organization that helps South African communities hit by the HIV crisis. Wola Nani Crafts emerged in response to the need for unemployed, HIV-positive women to generate an income. Through a developmental, self help approach the project’s members have been enabled to take greater control of their lives and achieve a better quality of life. The various crafts are distributed extensively throughout the world and their colorful designs have been granted a Proudly South African endorsement.


I found these affordable handmade Wola Noni papier mache bowls on a recent jaunt to Anthropologie. Constructed from recycled materials like sardine can labels and matchbook covers, each bowl comes with an illustrated storybook depicting their commitment to this vital project.

Super Bowl

Months ago Mom and I were in Installations and couldn't quit staring at the cats' water bowl. Of course it wasn't for sale, but Becki went on to tell us about it's history and how she discovered it at Salvation Army for less than $3! Resembling a vintage crock or old-school mixing bowl, it was adorned on the inside with the most adorable dog face. I loved that she used it for water so you could see the image clearly.

Since then I've been on a mad eBay hunt for a similar bowl. I was browsing BB's blog today and came across these funny bowls by George. They have an uncanny resemblance to the one at Installations!

One Good Looking Party

I would have loved to have been at the The Sartorialist's art opening at Danziger Projects last night. 600 people, 8 cases of champagne, 5 cases of Pellegrino. Lines were formed around the block with fashionable people trying to catch a glimpse of the installation and most likely, Scott Schuman himself.


The project began only six months ago and has already received an overwhelmingly positive response. With his notorious street shots, he's garnering $1200 a picture. People with no knowledge of The Sartorialist and his 50,000-visitors-a-day blog have walked in off the street and bought pictures; seasoned collectors have bought groups. With only ten prints being released of each image two have already sold half their editions! Museums are interested. New projects are brewing. Amazing and much deserved.



P.S. I've always thought Scott looks like Mr. Incredible. Do you see the resemblance?

Desktop Profile

I love the Desktop Profile section on Kate Spade's Behind the Curtain site. Following Abby Clawson Low is Ruth Parsons, Director of Visual Display. I love her collection of whimsy flea market finds and inspirational photos.

Want More?

If you're still itching to see more desktop peeks, check out Erika's Urban Grace Interiors office. Yes, office. This entire space of beauty is her work place. I drooled a little on the keyboard looking at these...

One talented girl. And husband.

Anticipation

I'm eagerly awaiting Alyson's shop update! Pretty things come to those who wait.

Ralph Lauren: American Living

Just in case Ralph Lauren's empire wasn't quite large enough [Polo, Ralph Lauren, Club Monaco, Rugby, Purple Label, Black Label, and Blue Label], his company will be launching a major partnership initiative with J.C. Penney this February. American Living is a new lifestyle brand that will be sold exclusively to JCPenney and will offer men’s, women’s, kid’s, handbags, accessories, intimate apparel, shoes, home, and luggage. All of the product has the traditional feel of Ralph Lauren, but at a much more affordable price point. American Living is the first brand created by Global Brand Concepts, a group formed within the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation this year.

My friend, Jen, has been traveling back and forth between Dallas and New York working on the initial store set ups, and she can't stop raving about the merchandise! If the Academy Awards are still a go, keep your eyes out for the launch of American Living's commercial campaign.

Zip It.

I sometimes wish I had the guts to pass these out.

Build Me Up

Loving these custom modular wall systems by Atlas Industries. Stunning!

MGMT

I'm often asked, "What's the one thing you miss most about NYC?," which is difficult to sum up in just one answer. Contrary to most 20-something year olds, I was not out partying [I’m a disgrace to the reputation of LSU] or boozing with the frat boys during my college days. I spent insane hours in the design lab or at home drawing, creating, and sewing in order to secure a decent first job.

I moved to the city immediately after college, leaving behind my hometown, family, and J. The group of friends I made in New York was, and remains, invaluable. I grew more as a person in those few years than my entire life, and my new cronies watched me go from job to job searching for my niche. They supported me as I adjusted to living with strangers from all walks of life: French, Gay, Lesbian, Bipolar, and even Bisexual roommates. It was one of the first times I knew what it truly meant to have a circle of friends; a group of people constantly teaching you and cheering you on.

Another missed memory is the city’s topnotch restaurant repertoire. It was in NY that I learned the concept of portion control [in Louisiana you are served enough food for 24 on a plate] and vastly expanded my food vocabulary. Charcuterie, confit, taleggio, arugula, mizuna, frisee, tomme, dosa, and uttapa all mean something to me now; these food terms were never mentioned in etoufees, gumbos, or jambalayas.

My third answer always revolves around the music. After work my friend and I would frequent Bowery Ballroom to stake out that night’s gig. Some concerts I don’t remember too well and others I’ll never forget. But most importantly, seeing fantastic live music by up-and-coming artists with wonderful friends is a paramount experience.

Last night I attended a fantastic show and it brought back many happy memories. I saw Yeasayer and MGMT at Walter’s on Washington, and I couldn’t wait to wake up this morning and listen to their music all over again. Specifically, I can’t quit singing Electric Feel and Kids. MGMT’s album is available on iTunes or in stores tomorrow! Definitely a great purchase and I hope it’s the start of numerous music memories for me and my friends in Houston.

Electric Feel from their debut album Oracular Spectacular. To create your own version of the video, download MGMT's interactive music video and start jamming.



Kids from their debut album Oracular Spectacular:

Be Nice to the Trees

I am not a paper cup. I am so much better.

Gimme a Gimlet

Lately I can't get enough of the tasty Gimlet. I continue to find myself going back to this perfection of a drink, and was thrilled when a friend offered to whip some up during a Friday get together.

The Gimlet was originally the health drink of the British Royal Navy. The Merchant Shipping Act of 1867 required ships to carry lime juice and ration it to sailors in order to stave off scurvy. The same year this law was passed, Lauchlin Rose patented a method of preserving lime juice without the addition of alcohol. In order to make the lime juice more palatable, the sailors added gin. There are two legends on how the name Gimlet came to be; one states it originated from the gimlet tool that was used to open the casks of lime juice, the other from a ship's surgeon named Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette.

Whichever story you go with and whether you prefer gin or vodka, you'll love the Gimlet. It has just enough sweetness, but with a kick of tangy tarty goodness [god bless you lime]. Here are a few variations on my of-the-moment cocktail:

Dale DeGroff's Classic Gimlet
2 ½ oz. gin
½ oz. preserved lime juice [Rose's or Angostura]
Lime wedge, for garnish

Shake the ingredients well with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass or serve over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with the lime wedge.

Tip: Be careful about switching fresh lime juice for Rose's lime juice; real Gimlet drinks want the taste of the preserved lime juice. When the drink is made with fresh lime juice and sugar, it is a sweet Gin Rickey, not a Gimlet.

Bourbon & Branch's Cucumber Gimlet
1 ¾ oz. Cucumber-Infused vodka*
¾ oz. Lime Juice
¼ oz. Elderflower syrup
1 dash Orange bitters
Float of Champagne

In an ice filled mixing glass, combine ingredients [except Champagne]. Shake and strain into cocktail or Martini glass. Add float of Champagne and garnish with three cucumber slices.

*Cucumber Vodka
1 Cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
Zest of 1 lemon or orange
1 750-ml. bottle unflavored vodka

Combine the cucumber, zest and vodka in sterile glass jar; let stand for 48 hours before serving.

Rye's Basil Gimlet
2 ounces No. 209 gin
Half a lime
½ oz. simple syrup
5 basil leaves

To make simple syrup, bring 2 cups water and 1 cup sugar to a boil in a saucepan. Simmer for roughly 15 minutes. Keep refrigerated.

Gently muddle basil, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a mixing glass with a wooden muddler. Add ice and gin. Shake vigorously, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a basil leaf or lime wedge.

Tip: You could make it with vodka, but it’s far more interesting with gin. Also, if the basil sits around for a day or so, it doesn’t have the crisp freshness critical to the drink’s success.

Hangar One Vodka's Kaffir Lime Gimlet
2 oz. Hangar One Kaffir Lime Vodka
Juice of half a lime
½ oz. or less simple syrup [or Velvet Falernum Liqueur]
Lime slice, for garnish

Pour ingredients into an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lime slice.

Farmer Brown's Grapefruit Gimlet
1 ½ oz. Grapefruit-Infused vodka**
Juice of 1 medium lime [about 2 tablespoons]
Dash simple syrup
Grapefruit twist for garnish

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist and serve.

**Grapefruit Vodka [delicious in a number of drinks, especially a vodka tonic.]
Rinds of 2 large grapefruits
1 750-milliliter bottle unflavored vodka

Combine grapefruit rinds and vodka in an airtight container. Allow to infuse 24 hours in a cool, dark place.
Remove grapefruit rinds, and store in the airtight container at room temperature indefinitely.

Splish, Splash

Fall of 2006 it was handbags. Fall of 2007, clothing. This season shoe designer extraordinaire, Loeffler Randall, takes the plunge!

Their newest collection of swimwear will include four bikini bottoms, three tops, and two one-pieces, each adorned with colorblocking, crystals, or ruffles. Keeping in sync with their clothing line, the color palette will consist of soft pink, charcoal, black, and bright yellow. All pieces will retail in the $90-200 range. Available at various boutiques and online at Shopbop in March.

I, for one, am really looking forward to the classic silhouettes and clean designs. I so want to marry this brand.

Drool Worthy

I'm in love with Karta thanks to the fashionable Robin Goetz Chwatko. Right now I'm lusting after this top...it would be perfect for a stay-at-home Valentine's dinner.


I'd happily take this dress too. Adorable back detail and would look super cute with tights while it's still cold!

Frankly, My Dear

I am constantly stopped by girls asking about my lipgloss...weird, I know. For years, I've happily worn Tarte's double-ended Rhett & Scarlett [a la Gone With the Wind] lipgloss. It's not sticky or goopy and, most importantly, it doesn't smell like strawberries, vanilla bean or any other food. It's just lipgloss. Great lipgloss.

I like using just the goldish-clear side for everyday use. When it's a special night, I'll sport the sheer red, but I never wear them together...weird, I know.

Everyone is a Star

I'm looking forward to the February launch of the Converse One Star for Target! The line will include their iconic shoes, as well as clothing for men, women, and children. I don't think Target could have chosen another brand that would have been a more perfect following to the grandeur of Loeffler Randall.