Drop the Ball

Along with millions from all over the world, I tune in each year to watch the New Year's Eve ball drop at 11:59PM. In 1907, a seven-hundred-pound iron and wood ball covered in 100 25-watt bulbs made its first descent from a flagpole atop One Times Square in New York City. I bet it was quite the show-stopper!


This 1950's photo of New Year's Eve revellers reminds me of my Dad's childhood antics. Looks like they're having one heck of a time!

[Photos via The New York Times and here.]

Knit Wit

For me, the ideal child's toy has three qualities: it's handmade, sparks imagination and is special enough to be passed down for generations to come. These products by Dwelling fit the bill perfectly! Not only are they adorable, but each is knitted by women from rural Kenya who are involved with the East Africa Hub, a non-profit comprised of socially responsible businesses committed to respecting the environment and practicing fair trade ethics.


I immediately scooped up Dwelling's super-fuzzy owl backpack at Anthropologie for my godchild. Made from natural wool yarn and vegetable-based dyes, it's the perfect size for her sleepover goodies!

All That Jazz

In the 1930s and 40s, photographer and columnist William Paul Gottlieb photographed prominent musicians and personalities of the "Golden Age" of American jazz. I adore these classic, iconic shots and the charisma they possess.

Louis Armstrong.

Billie Holiday and Mister Downbeat, 1947.

Nat King Cole, 1940.

Doris Day.

John Coltrane.

Houston Profile: Urban Embellishments

As a designer and silversmith, Marcela Castillo spends every possible weekend traveling throughout Texas to discover the best flea market finds for her jewelry line, Urban Embellishments. Marcela's pieces are a study in contrast as she mixes color, texture, old and new, and meticulously selects elements from found objects, semi-precious stones, beads, and custom-made silver pieces.

While I've long been a fan of Urban Embellishments, many women are avid collectors. Houstonian Shawn Davis loves Marcela's pieces because they're "delicate and unique, easy to wear and never fail to garner compliments...providing that extra special finish to any outfit." One look at her statement-worthy jewels, and it's no wonder they're a hot commodity!


What inspired your first piece?
Purchasing a necklace and thinking I needed to add something to make it more my style. So, I took it apart and embellished it! The metalwork comes from my brother, who made metal jewelry when I was a teenager.

Favorite piece you've designed?
Recently I made these gorgeous “fan” earrings from a piece of antique Hematite I found during one of my day trips in Texas. Neither I or the seller [and her 5 friends] could tell what it was in the past, so I said "I’ll take it!"


Main source of inspiration?
I draw inspiration from the latest haute couture collections, 1930’s and 40’s Old Hollywood glamour, and 18th century French court. But really it can be anything—a beautiful pair of shoes, an exquisite handbag, a gorgeous hat, etc…

Your day job is...
an IT Business Analyst consultant for JP Morgan Chase. However, in the past two years Urban Embellishments has become a full-time side job!

The most difficult part of the design process?
Sketching a piece before actually creating it. I try my best, but usually mock up the piece before finalizing the design.

Do you have a favorite client experience?
There are many, but my favorite has to be a ring purchase. The husband of one of my clients was sent to buy a ring that I had exhibited in a show. I got a call at home from the owner of The Homestretch asking about this ring that I had shown the night before and after a few questions I knew the exact ring and which client wanted it. So, I rushed up to The Homestretch to deliver it just as the store was closing.

Currently working on...
Expanding my 14kt collection. I have simpler pieces, but want to incorporate found objects as well.

Whose artistic works do you covet?

John Galliano. His creativity is inspirational!

What is your most treasured belonging?
My Mom’s wedding band.

What are your favorites websites?

Style.com, Kate Spade's Behind the Curtain, Blushing Apples and Decor8.

Favorite aspect of living in Houston?

I love the energy that one finds living inside the loop!

Favorite place in Houston to shop, eat, etc?
Highland Village because I love Anthropologie; it has a little of everything! Rice Village comes in second, with Nordstrom rounding out the day. After a long day of shopping/running errands, I love going to Spaghetti Western—they have the best Spaghetti Meat Sauce in the WORLD!! OK, for sure in Houston!

Blue-Eyed

My eyes have been stuck on all things navy blue and white.

Snap

Right before Christmas, J surprised me with a Lomo Diana F+ camera and I haven't quit snapping since! I just picked up my first set of prints and while there's a lot of room for improvement, I'm completely enamored with the raw and unedited outcome.

High Five

According to my favorite Houston bartenders, there are five classic American whiskey cocktails that you must try at least once in your lifetime:

• Sazerac: Rye, Absinthe, Peychaud’s Bitters
• Old-Fashioned: Rye, Angostura Bitters
• Mint Julep: Bourbon, Mint
• Whiskey Daisy: Bourbon, Yellow Chartreuse, Lemon, Lime
• Manhattan: Rye, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters

While each of these cocktails should be added to your Bucket List, I'm partial to the Whiskey Daisy. This drink was widely popular before Prohibition, but died out during The Volstead Act. It deserves a re-birth and I'm thinking New Year's Eve is just the right night.

Whiskey Daisy

2 oz. Bourbon
½ oz. Yellow Chartreuse
A scant ½ oz Lemon Juice
1 Dash Lime Juice
1½ tsp. Caster Sugar

Shake with ice and strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda.

Dirty Work

In 2005, photographer and friend Will Steacy documented abandoned buildings throughout America. I'm absolutely in love with the oversized windows and great industrial bones of this Philadelphia office.

One for the Road

Our bags are packed, presents wrapped and Burkly's beyond excited for the drive to Louisiana. It's my favorite time of year, so I'm taking a few days to soak in all the red and green goodness. Wishing everyone the most wonderful Christmas full of joyful memories and spirited cheer. Happy Holidays sweet friends! 

[photo for Macy's by Marisa Crawford Indri via Under A Paper Moon]

Souped-Up

I love how Amanda of Every Little Thing scalloped sour cream to soup-up a bowl of Butternut Squash soup. Looks delish!

Santa Baby

Some things have changed since 1982—such as my attitude towards Christmas [...and Santa]. To learn more about my old and new holiday traditions, head over to Under A Paper Moon. Thanks Courtney!

Fine and Dandy

Pade Vavra epitomizes my taste in fine jewelry. Delicate and organic, yet strong and opulent. Nature is the underlying influence in both the 18 carat "Fine Jewelry" and 22 carat gold-plated "PADE by Pade Vavra" collections. But it's her juxtaposition of materials like diamonds mixed with rare 50 million-year-old shark teeth that has me in fine fettle.


I've been smitten with these mother-of-pearl, ruby and gold Prince-In-Waiting earrings for a while now. Since I'm not a diamond stud type of girl, these would be my everyday go tos.

Straight Shooter

I love straight shooters and I need this one in my life. For my wall's sake, of course.

Along for the Ride

Captivating Equestrian editorial shots by stylist Marisa Crawford Indri.

Baby on Board

Construction is constant in any city, and Houston is no exception. And while improvement is a good thing, the eyesore throughout the process is anything but exciting. Leave it to Principle to design clever, tongue-and-cheek barricade graphics for the new Maternity Center at Texas Children’s Hospital. The combination of construction references with maternity-speak certainly creates a stop-and-stare moment for passerby's! 

Jolly Old St. Nicholas

Can you imagine heading to the New York Post Office at 10AM only to see 5,000 Santas embarking on an all-day bar hopping convention? I guess Santa needs his fix too!

Boston Profile: Nathaniel Woodward

Nathaniel Woodward has been mixing music for the past twenty years. Technical illustrator for a computer network routing company by day, Nathaniel still finds time and inspiration for his mixes that will keep you rocking and rolling no matter what the occasion [my favorite being favors at his wedding].

With the experience of recording over 100 tapes, CD-Rs and iPod playlists, Nathaniel effortlessly blends new songs and artists alongside old favorites. His vision is to create an album that will remind him of a certain time and place—even twenty years down the road. Grabbing inspiration from anywhere and everywhere—ad campaigns, a golden oldie playing over the speakers in Krispy Kreme or his favorite TV show—this is one talented mix-master that never misses a beat.


Tell us your music lover's story...
My earliest music memories are the records Mom played: The Beatles, Peter Paul & Mary, Ricky Nelson, Barbara Mandrell, The Carpenters, and the Oak Ridge Boys [that guy with the deep baritone fascinated me!]. I loved Don't Turn My Brown Eyes Blue from Crystal Gayle and BJ Thomas' Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song. By the time I was 12, I was listening to music on the radio—it was the summer of 1984 and Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Van Halen, Madonna and Cyndi Lauper ruled the airwaves.

What led to your first mix?
I still have one I made for a school trip from Boston to New York in 1988. It may not be a great success by my current standard, but the tape records a chapter of my history. Some of these songs are from CDs [Traveling Wilburys, Tracy Chapman] and 45s [Adam Ant, The Beastie Boys]. I was getting to know classic rock, but I was also trying out new music [R.E.M.]. I was collecting remixes on 12-inch singles [Peter Gabriel, Simply Red] and I had raided Mom and Dad's LPs [Harry Belafonte].

I joined my high school's radio station, WBMT 88.3 FM, when I was a sophomore and played the 45 of Say It Isn't So by Hall & Oates as my first song; I was hooked. At the time we had a 740-watt transmitter, so the whole North Shore of Boston could hear us. I would occasionally begin my show with "Mister Rogers Neighborhood" theme song, only to "blow up" the record into "Panama" from Van Halen: WBMT Playlist, Saturday, Feburary 2, 1990.

Do you have a ritual that inspires your creations?
In ye olden days, creating the mix was an event. I recorded the music live to cassette and listened to every song as the tape was recording. The entire mix was a one-day affair, with no edits or revisions. I would load a pile of CDs, LPs, 45s, and cassettes in a bag, and head to the recording studio at school or work.

Since 2000, I assemble playlists on my PC, burn a "first draft" to CD-R, and drive around with it for a few days to hear how it works. I usually make a few changes and the second draft is final. The trick is to recreate the spontaneous "snapshot/day in the life" feel of the old cassettes, but still give the mix enough polish that I want to listen to it more than once.

Favorite mix?
I listen to #72: Brevity is the Soul of Wit: "All Songs Three Minutes Or Less...Guaranteed!" the most. With 29 songs on an 80-minute CD-R, this is a good mix for the car if you're taking lots of short trips. This mix is also notable for my habit of including instrumental tracks to open and close a mix. I like to do that: it's kind of like a movie with opening and closing title themes.

Your go-to artist that's perfect for any occasion?
The Beatles. But the challenge is to find Beatles songs which haven't been played to death. One of the ways I make their music fresh is by collecting covers of Beatles' songs. Whenever I go yard sale-ing, and I find a carton of LPs, I scan track lists for Beatles titles.

Currently working on...
My latest mix was for our annual friends and family Yankee swap. This year's theme was THE FUTURE and I was very pleased when this mix got "swapped" several times around!

What's playing on your iPod?
A mix of songs which only have one thing in common: 2 minutes, 42 seconds long. There's this internet "meme" which says 2:42 is a "magic number" for great songs, so I'm putting it to the test, and not surprisingly, the mix leans heavily on the early 1960s.

Favorite activity on a lazy Saturday?
Any spare Saturday summer morning, I cruise the neighborhood for yard sales. I am always on the lookout for crates of LPs, but try not to pay more than a dollar or two per record. My entire collection of AC/DC and Led Zeppelin was bought at yard sales.

Favorites websites?
Smart: Kottke
Weird: The New Shelton Wet/Dry
Photos: This Isn't Happiness

Funniest comment threads [warning: mostly crude and rude]: Fark
Boston.com is a very sloppy, shoddy web site, but their full-res news photo blog is fantastic.

Favorite aspect of living in Boston?
I have lived in Boston almost my whole life. I love the intellectual culture, although I don't always love the college students. I am thankful that my gay friends can get married here. It's the best walking city in America. Everyone you meet can talk at length about the Red Sox, even in the winter. And I walk [or drive] in the footsteps of history every day passing the likes of Walden Pond and the homes of Emerson and Alcott.

Favorite place in Boston to shop, eat, ...
Crafts: I just attended the Bizarre Bazaar and it's an alternative/hipster craft paradise.

Books: Either the Harvard Book Store, independently owned since 1932 or the New England Mobile Book Fair, a remaindered book warehouse.

Music and movies: When I am not buying music and movies online or at yard sales, the only place I go is Newbury Comics, a big locally owned chain with great prices and selections. One of the few "record stores" left now that Best Buy and Target own most of the market share.

Food: Burgers from Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage in Harvard Square; pancakes at Watertown's Deluxe Town Diner; Blue Ribbon BBQ in Arlington; and desserts from Cabot's Ice Cream & Restuarant.

Cure-All

National Geographic's interactive Hangover Helper features worldly cures for those nights of one too many. And since the parties aren't stopping any time soon, neither will you!

[via Splendora]

Do Your Share

If your diehard-rocker friend’s iPod leaves you with playlist envy then fret no more. MiShare is a smart handheld gadget that allows music buffs to swap tunes on the fly!


The tiny device serves as a bridge between two iPods and once mounted, a push of the center button shares songs, videos and photos. Getting the files onto your computer will be the toughest part [hint: you'll want to enable manual library management], but instructions are included to guide you along. So go ahead and have your share of something [responsibly, of course] because what's mine is yours and what's yours is mine. 

Hear Another Peep?

Whoever thought Peeps were just for Easter was highly mistaken. Their festive holiday lineup includes Peppermint Stars, Trees, Snowmen, Cookie Flavored Gingerbread Men, and for the first time letters spelling J-O-Y. They sure put fruit cake in its place.

Shoo-In

Because it's heating back up, these sandals are a shoo-in for running the streets as I wrap up my Christmas shopping.

Three-Ring Circus

Steven Shein's mini stacked rings would make a shiny addition tied to any holiday package or just a fun pick-me-up at only $16 each.

Making Spirits Bright

Holiday soirées are in full swing—from casual cocktails with the girls to late night dinners and dancing. I'm dreaming of the ultimate party attire to make my spirits bright.