Cosas Pequenas Felices

cherry blossoms

2009-08-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

Still have some of these for sale at mon petit peche. <3

another update

2009-08-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I was going to start selling vintage clothes (I've collected too much lately...) but again, I haven't found the time to get things started. So, who am I kidding? I'm not going to half-heatedly start something I can't finish.

I miss blogging a bit, so I am jumping back in, starting fresh. I Will probably make my first post after my roadtrip to Chicago next week! If you want the new link send me a comment with your blog or email and I'll send it to ya! I'm trying to be a little less public... xoxo

back.. barely.

2009-06-03T09:00:00.001-07:00

I know I said I'm DONE blogging here. (And that's true!) Just a heads up, I will be starting something new at a different blog, with a completely different focus- stay with me. I'll let you guys know soon. xx

thanks thanks thanks!

2009-04-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

Welp, I've decided to stop blogging cosas pequenas felices. Over the past few months I simply haven't had the time write, scour and edit over all the things I want to share with people and the blog has suffered as a result. Thanks to anyone who's subscribed, commented and read all my ramblings. I'm still reading and enjoying all your blogs....

xxkisssses

Silo House

2009-04-07T14:01:00.001-07:00

Check out this reformed silo set up in Gruene, Texas...

You can stay in it! Summertime is a'commin and I want some river. If I have work off this Friday, I'm headed to San Marcos with BF. I dream of visiting the Root Cellar, Zen's pizza and the Tap Room.

For My Tweeps...

2009-04-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Amazing. Found this when I Google-searched fail whale! What's been up with twitter these days?

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

2009-04-07T04:45:00.000-07:00

love the pleats, bows, finger curls...

all images from shorpy.com

Play Time!

2009-04-03T08:19:00.001-07:00

We've had rainy mornings and gorgeous, sunny afternoons in Houston. There's talk of a picnic at the Menil lawn that will include cheese, wine and the boyfriend's homemade chicken salad.. which involves cranberry sauce and brie. Life is good-- I have no complaints.

As these long summer days approach us, I fantasize about play clothes, sandals and sunburns.... hope your weekend is sunny, funny and happy.

Zimmermann Babushka floral playsuit
TOMS-Classic Plain Canvas Shoe
H81 Giraffe Tee
Converse Chuck Taylor® Garment Dyed Sneaker
J.Crew chino short
Sass & Bide tee
Tory Burch grass green flats
Black Stripe Beach Short
Missoni Fortaleza woven jumpsuit
Bottega Veneta Gladiator flat sandals

Pink Reunion

2009-04-02T04:10:00.000-07:00

pink by explauren featuring Givenchy flat shoes

For the past four years I've HATED the color pink in my wardrobe. I think it has something to do with my Mom or Paris Hilton or hardcore Victoria Secret Pink princess types. It's not that I judge anyone who wears it, pink always looks precious on little girls and women in moderation. Hell, I'd go for an all-pink dress if the occasion was right. I've slowly started to introduce the color back into my outfits. I tried to put together a few items I would like and wear as a little challenge for myself. It was hard, and almost made me start hating pink again :)

Alice + Olivia Ombré strapless maxi dress
Lilly Pulitzer Bangle
Givenchy Flat thong sandal
Mia Fuchsia Hydra
Top Shop Kameryn Oxford Shoe
J.Crew Merino Lili ruffle-chiffon cardigan
Forever 21 floral earings
Lacoste - Solid Pique Headband
TopShop Zip Skirt by Alice MCCall

Westheimer Block Party

2009-03-30T16:59:00.001-07:00

The Westheimer Block Party was so much fun! It's basically seven to eight venues, usually former houses, set up with bands on every floor or parking lot, playing all day. Bring your own beer, paint your own face, enjoy the wonderful Houston weather. for the record, everyone's favorite band of the day was Ringo Deathstar, a pop band from Austin.

I loved all the cute families that came out-- my favorite was the little boy who proudly wore his wolf hat. It doesn't get any cuter than that. (And he kind of looks like what I imagine my boyfriend looked like when he was little. I have a adorable photo of him dressed up as a bunny to prove it; will save it for an Easter post). The colors, clear skies and action of the block party set up the perfect opportunity for me to play around with my camera for the first time.

Pollen Break

2009-03-30T07:53:00.001-07:00

Busy weekend, busy start.. will post lots of pictures soon. For now, enjoy my allergies!

Photo by Paige Newton Photography

Scroll Down for Swacket Fun!

2009-03-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

Sweater + Jacket from HarputsOWN

Anvil Bar & Refuge

2009-03-27T04:01:00.000-07:00

So last night I headed out to Montrose's Anvil Bar & Refuge, a cocktail bar run by Robert Heugel, Kevin Floyd, and Steve Flippo-- a couple of cocktail freaks who also manage Drink Dogma, a cocktail blog dedicated to art and seduction of quality spirits.

My first drink was adorable and delicious. Gin, honey and lemon. Named for something related to a bee. I don't remember, but it was good. Didn't want to drink it too fast good. My second drink was a drink that involved egg whites and tequila. It was okay. Kinda frothy and didn't sit right knowing the two were mixed. The atmosphere was great, the clientele was a little more upscale than one would expect, but I think that will balance out as time goes on.

Jacked pictures from Drink Dogma and someone's flickr account, who obviously has some stake in the bar. Both sites provide lots of neat photos and information about how the the bar came to be.

Sidenote: I hate that I ended two sentences on this post with prepositions.

..the end user

2009-03-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

My friend, Nick, whom I mentioned before about his LifeHacker fame, is starting a new blog about how to put your computer to work for you. He says, "We don't create software or computer hardware we simply use it...we are the end users."

Take a look!

... the end user

Woah! Guerilla Knitting.

2009-03-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

Haven't seen any in real life, but I'm willing to bet it would turn a frown upside-down. The lost shot is of First Street in Austin, Texas.

THIS WEEKEND. WESTHEIMER.

2009-03-24T07:28:00.001-07:00

So excited. Having one of my favorites in town for the Westheimer Block Party (which I can now walk to thanks to my new location) and the weather looks promising.

Small Houses X9

2009-03-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Rice Design Alliance Architecture Tour will highlight innovative examples of small houses, under 2,000 square feet. This year's tour will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m

Easter Threads

2009-03-23T07:45:00.001-07:00

Uploaded a few baby chicks at our Etsy Shop: mon petit peche

weekend of gluttony

2009-03-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

- went to Maria Selma Mexican in Montrose. a little over-priced, but good.

- stocked up on desserts from Thierry Anre Tellier Cafe & Pastry Shop. ohmygoshsoyummy.

-went to Texas Junk Co. for the first time. Wow, if you need, want a pair of fabulous vintage leather boots, this is THE place to go. Huge selection prices from $30-60.

-BF brought me three time world champion gumbo from Lafayette, LA. Delicious.

-Tokyohana Sushi in River Oaks has the best drink and sushi specials. We made out like bandits.

-Saw I Love You, Man. Paul Rudd is dreamy as always. He and Jason Siegal are funny. I laughed. Out Loud. A lot.

- met with BF's family for dinner at Goode Co. Taqueria. My so filling. I woke up full and still taste the grilled onions in my mouth.

I envision vegetables for the rest of the week....

Coolest Wedding s/l/a/s/h Cocktail Dress Ever

2009-03-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

not that I'm looking... Holly Stadler at Etsy. and, only $175? I do!

Birth of Cool

2009-03-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

Anyone in Austin for SXSW? I wish I was, too. If you've got time to fit The Blanton Museum of Art's Birth of the Cool: California Art, Design, and Culture at Midcentury, do it.

February 22 – May 17, 2009

The Blanton

Lavender Blonde Cupcake

2009-03-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

My Lady Gaga Cupcakes

Don't say it. it's silly and I know it. Since I won't be bleaching the life out of my hair to achieve the most adorable color combination in the world, I will express my desires in the form of sugar, flour and eggs.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T04:57:00.001-07:00

I made some St. Patty's Cupcakes to bring to work. It's yellow cake miz with buttercream icing. I tried my best to saturate the cake with green green green! It came out sort of lime, but that didn't stop me from playing with the icing, sprinkles and a little bit of chocolate. I realize the brown icing looks like a turd, haha I tried to recover with some sprinkles. They taste yummy, that's all that matters.

Cy Twombly Weekend/ Melty Rainy Days

2009-03-17T04:57:00.000-07:00

As promised, I finally got a new camera, a Nikon D60. Hooray!

That kind of thing will do me no good when taking inconspicuous pictures in the Cy Twombly Gallery of the Menil Collection in Houston last weekend. Thanks iPhone. BF and I hit up three different museums because the weather was so crummy and we were dying to do something.

P.S. the gift shop at the Contemporary Arts Museum is incredible.

All photos taken be me except for the one with CT in it. NY Times.

Reminders for the Lazy

2009-03-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

Austinite Erin over at Recovering Lazyholic has taken some fun pictures and turned them into magnets. They're all little reminders to go out and enjoy life. Such a cute idea and great web site!

things, updates, thoughts

2009-03-12T04:42:00.000-07:00

1. Got my contract extended for a couple more months! what's a recession?

2. Enjoyed a couple recession sales-- got a Chris Benz tuxedo jacket a la for 93& off the original price. Kid you not. Also, a pair of gold shoes that are so incredibly comfortable and are the butt of grandma, cruise and shuffleboard jokes. I'm so proud.

3.Just started watching Summer Heights High, the best new comedy, guaranteed. If you like the Office, Arrested Development, 30 Rock, you will LOVE this. It's a character-driven, satirical mockumentary of the lives of high school students, powered by the hilarious Chris Lilley (remember this name) playing three parts perfectly. The DVDs were just released in the States this month so get it before Netflix puts you on the waiting list.

4. We're definitely getting a puppy this weekend. I have no idea what kind though? We will adopt from this place that utilizes vacant retail space in Highland Village to show of sweet little animals to hot, rich River Oaks mamas. So, it just depends on what is available.

5. I love being a short walk from a cupcake bakery. It's just rare that I get home from work before they sell out!

.. and that's it. I'm off to a commercial shoot for work. sounds glamorous doesn't it? It's for a plumbing company!

Moss y Mas

2009-03-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

Bright green moss has to be one of my favorite plants in the world-- it just always looks so 'secret garden' to me. Most of the moss I see in Texas is that nasty, gray curly stuff that my Dad would put on his head (he's bald) and pretend he had a full head of wiry, curly hair. Love that man. Anyways, what I love about this particular green moss is that it gorgeous, but you can grow it any way you want!

Here's a recipe for moss graffiti:

1 can of beer
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Several clumps garden moss

You will also need a plastic container (with lid),
a blender and a paintbrush
_________________________________________________

To begin the recipe, first of all gather together several clumps of moss (moss can usually be found in moist, shady places) and crumble them into a blender. Then add the beer and sugar and blend just long enough to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Now pour the mixture into a plastic container.

Find a suitable damp and shady wall on to which you can apply your moss milkshake. Paint your chosen design onto the wall (either free-hand or using a stencil). If possible try to return to the area over the following weeks to ensure that the mixture is kept moist. Soon the bits of blended moss should begin to re-couperate into a whole rooted plant – maintaining your chosen design before eventually colonizing the whole area.

From storiesfromspace.co.uk

Electric Swirls

2009-03-09T04:49:00.000-07:00

How great is this for a home office? I saw this awesome multi outlet at High Fashion Home in Houston last weekend. I was there just for giggles and was so amazed by everything that I immediately became depressed.

Design by Joris Laarman.

Pupz be Breaking Me Down.

2009-03-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

I'm *this* close to adopting a dog...

it was so hard to walk away from this adorable, sleeping puppy showing off hiz grilllll at the Highland Village Pet Adoption store. Sad face.

Liz Claiborne Re-Do

2009-03-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

Liz Claiborne may be down 830 million dollars (ouch!), but their Fall 2008 line looks so cute. Not your mother's clothes anymore...

Lavender Blonde

2009-03-05T04:13:00.000-08:00

I'm loving Lady GaGa right now. I saw this picture of her on Perez Hilton (guilty) the other day and totally fell in love with her lavender streaks in her platinum blond hair... then I stalked her tour and twitter, to find that A: she is not coming to Texas :( and B: she realizes how awesome her hair is too!

Via twitter: getting my hair done. lavender blond is my newest obsession. 7 days till the fame ball. ill begin vomiting with creative anxiety on the 9th.

In 2002, I absolutely swore to myself that I would never have blond hair again, but this women temps me to go all the way.

Rosette Love

2009-03-04T04:32:00.000-08:00

So excited for spring, and yearning for longer hair...

House of Telsa headband. Layers!

Gorgeous headband from Miss Ruby Sue's Etsy Shop.

A textured bib/necklace from MissRubySue.

Girly/Tomboy Moschino tee

J. Crew Pink, preppy & sweet.

True Blue French Bakery in Houston

2009-03-03T04:04:00.000-08:00

Thierry Andre Tellier Cafe & Pastry Shop

Can I tell you how thrilled I was when we found this place last weekend? Well, I was VERY thrilled. Especially since the amazingly delicious pastries were LESS THAN the price of cupcakes. I love me some boutique cupcakes, but knowing that they are more expensive than a gourmet mango mousse cake and a hazelnut cocoa pyramid, I pretty much will be going here every weekend for my sweets fix.

And I know I continuously apologize for crummy iPhone pictures. Too lazy to bust out my old digi. One day I will have a real blog with clear photos. I'm seriously considering spending some of my tax refund on a digital SLR. Probably going to buy a used one from Craigslist. If you know anyone selling, let me know!

Cook-Off!

2009-03-02T04:20:00.000-08:00

So, cook-off was a total blast. Boyfriend's uncle had a tent, so we started off there which was great, we got to hang out with his family, sip on some margaritas.. and then we checked out the Channel 2 tent which was large, in-charge and very crowded.

The best had to be the Texas Monthly/Red Bull tent.. they had a regular bar, a coffee bar and a GREAT band, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears. I was fortunate enough to know someone in the band, so he hooked me and my entourage up (boyfriend, his mom, plus two of our friends from school). If it wasn't for him, we would have not got into that tent. It was a blast, we danced, drank, ate BBQ. Overall great night. So cold though!

I highly recommend seeing Black Joe Lewis if they ever come around your area-- I'm not just trying to support a friend's band. They really are one of the best band I've seen live. Jim Eno of the band SPOON just finished producing their record which was released Jan. 27 on Lost Highway. CHECK IT OUT!

Rodeo Time!

2009-02-28T04:39:00.000-08:00

-

Sergio Rossi Boots, Topshop denim dress, Joseph Griffin sandals, Elizabeth & James top, sprinkled with some awesome Marni necklaces.

Sand, Water, Light

2009-02-27T16:49:00.000-08:00

I don't know about your parts, but in Houston Summer is creeping upon us.

Photo from Bueller Photography Etsy Shop.

Have a good weekend!

Yeeee-HAW!

2009-02-27T04:22:00.000-08:00

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Cook-Off is this weekend! ( The world's biggest rodeo, biggest BBQ cook-off..biggest deal in Houston). One of the perks of my job is free passes to the cook-off from various radio and TV stations. Also, Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears are playing tomorrow night at one of the big tents! Double bonus points.

Wish I could have a reason to buy these cherry blossom boots from caboots.com and wear them more than once a year. So pretty and not cheesy cowgirl style--which always is in abundance at Rodeo.

CC Band Camp

2009-02-27T04:18:00.000-08:00

If you are a graphic designer, PR practitioner, writer, web developer or creative professional and want to help out Houstonians going to SXSW:

GO TO CAROLINE COLLECTIVE BAND CAMP!

Cappy Pics

2009-02-26T04:37:00.000-08:00

Austin, Texas was hot hot hot yesterday. I actually got a sun burn. Here's the PINK Capitol building from the lawn, and another from the underground basement.

The trip was fun and informative. Sixth Street was INSANE because it was Fat Tuesday. I did not see any college students--mostly thugs with tattoos on their face, which surprised and scared me.

Got to get back to work... xo

Off to the Capitol...(of TX)

2009-02-24T04:31:00.000-08:00

-

...and this is the money-is-no-object version of what I'll be wearing. I'll probably look more like Liz Lemon from the first episode of 30 Rock: frumpy, stains, toothpaste on the face. Kidding, kidding.

Our agenda is nuts! here's just a taste of what we'll be doing:

-touring the capitol, meeting with Gov. Rick Perry
-eating at Stubbs BBQ (yummm)
-eating and staying at The Driskill (!!)
-watching a film at Bob Bullock Texas State Museum
-meeting the Attorney General, some senators and commissioners
-going to a cemetery (!?!?)
-6th Street (for any non-Texans, it is similar to Bourbon Street)

Sounds like lots of walking! We're all leaving on a bus at 5:30 am and we were slightly encouraged to bring alcohol on the bus. I don't think I will partake, and I can't imagine who would want to drink that early.

I hate that I'm going to a city where I have so many friends, but I literally won't have a moment to see any of them. It's okay though, the group I am going with is very diverse and a ton of fun and I love any excuse to go to Austin.

Yellow Before, Purple After

2009-02-23T04:36:00.000-08:00

I've had this yellow buffet for awhile, and I had been wanting to paint it for sometime. I was inspired by these pretty little purple flowers to paint it purple. It was definitely an impulse thing, but 'm happy I did it. I went to Anthropologie and found these gaudy drawer pulls on sale! Thank goodness because I had to buy eight of them.

I love how it turned out.. . it's not forever, but it's fun for now.

VOTE!!

2009-02-23T04:17:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who entered in a logo contest... HERE. Vote for the best, which is probably F ;)

Print, Print, Print

2009-02-23T04:02:00.000-08:00

Also thanks to Krista at Miss Mack Design who gave us some etsy love on her blog.

She has a great shop here where you can buy her fabulously designed PDF's and print as much stationery as you want. I have to hand it to her, great move in this craptastic economy.

aw, thanks

2009-02-20T04:23:00.000-08:00

image by photographer alix malka.

Thanks to everyone who has been so kind and warm about passing along the news of our shop.

My mom, boyfriend's dad, and jacci sent a lot of people our way and I'm very grateful!

Here's a fun video if you're hankering for some Europe.. it's of Chelsey and her boyfriend (and our friend!), Josh in Spain.

I realize that I mention Chelsey AT LEAST once a week. I should start paying her for being so bloggable. No, we're not dating. And I totally realize I didn't give her a birthday shout on the blog.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHELZ FROM COSAS!

You guys have a great weekend!! I'm looking forward to eating & shopping in the new hood.

mon petit pêche

2009-02-19T04:02:00.000-08:00

Okay.. so Chelsey and I are very excited to announce that we've opened up an Etsy shop!

We've been working on it for the past four months and it's launching today. It's called mon petit pêche (my little peach) and it offers adorable casual baby clothes. Go on... check it out and let us know what you think.

P.S. please share this with your friends, blog about it, dream about it... :) xoxo merci.

Travel Shoes!

2009-02-18T04:41:00.000-08:00

These are the shoes I ended up getting. They're made by Clark's. Initially I got some cute Cole Haan shoes with Nike Air technology, thinking they would bring me the most comfort, but then I tried these on and I was blown away.

I wanted to get some super comfy shoes because when we were in Paris I wore crappy Ann Taylor flats and I wanted to end my life by the second day.

I'll be walking several miles a day around Austin (next week) and Washington D.C. (in May) with a group of people and we have to dress professional, meet with politicians and represent Good ol' Fort Bend County. I don't know who we're meeting in D.C., but we'll be meeting with Texas Governor Rick Perry next Tuesday.

.. and i think I'm done posting about shoes for awhile.

iGoodies

2009-02-18T04:36:00.000-08:00

SoundClip directs sound from iPhone toward you to increase the clarity and volume for movies and music.

A tuned conical deflection chamber designed to make the audio from your iPhone clearer and also slightly louder. Sound waves are reflected toward you, instead of away, so you feel more involved in your game, movie, or music.

.. and for less than $8. Loves it.

iPhone Coasters! How funny is that?

Weekend..

2009-02-16T04:16:00.000-08:00

Breakfast I made for my Valentine:) (he got me flowers, replenished my my tea & chocolate stash! perfect.)

Abandoned Cupcakes from Aerosol Warfare Gallery :(

h.e.a.r.t.s.

2009-02-13T04:31:00.000-08:00

sweet. love. fuzzy. sparkle. sugar....

I'm not even going to pretend that I'll make anything that looks this good.

Sighs, Martha Stewart and her team of perfectionists have done it again..... have a lovely weekend. Don't believe the HYPE. Just enjoy your loved ones. xoxo

... all photos from martha, obvs.

Heart Clips

2009-02-11T04:45:00.000-08:00

Had to re-post this simple, cute Valentine's paper clip. Just bend!

Saw it first on designspongeonline.com

Glass & Ice(ing)

2009-02-11T04:31:00.000-08:00

As Valentine's Day approaches (and three February birthdays in my immediate family), I have cupcakes on the brain.

The hand-blown cupcake stand from fredflare.com in two words or less...

precious, useless

I still want it!

NEED HELP! Shoe Advice!

2009-02-11T04:01:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was my mama's birthday! I wore heels for six hours straight and am still paying the price for it! My feet STILL HURT.

I'm just coming to realize that all my shoes are cheap, archless and terrible for me. I'm committed to finding some ergonomic, comfortable shoes. There's Sofft and Naturalizer...looking kind of similar. But, I really fell in love with these Clarks, although a way too casual for my purposes.

I'm going to Austin and DC in the next few months for a thing and have to dress up and walk around the city. Yikes. I have yet to find cute, comfortable heels under $200. Do they exist? Please tell me!

Paper Pillow

2009-02-10T04:01:00.000-08:00

This origami pillow from Urban Outfitters really strikes my paper-loving chord. I'm update the new home's look with some pillows, but it's just not in the cards at the moment.

We're all settled in, except for the massive amount of junk I have to throw out. Isn't it embarrassing/depressing to physically see how much JUNK you own? I keep repeating the Tyler Durden mantra in my head, "The things you own end up owning you." Not this girl!

That Scent

2009-02-09T04:26:00.000-08:00

Limited edition handcrafted scent by NY artist Anicka Yi and architect Maggie Peng. The fragrance is inspired by the Fusako Shigenobu, former leader of the Japanese Red Army, who was believed to be in exile in Lebanon for many years after orchestrating some of the group's most political statements. Yi and Peng have chosen cedar wood as a central theme of this fragrance's narrative, as cedar is highly regarded in Lebanon as a national emblem. The scent uses three different kinds of cedar wood as its base note, along with violet leaf and nutty heart notes, and top notes of yuzu, shiso leaf, and black pepper.

Paper Flowers

2009-02-09T04:20:00.000-08:00

Chanel couture show. just lovely.

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-06T04:47:00.000-08:00

To My Wonderful Boyfriend.

!!!

2009-02-06T04:39:00.000-08:00

Today's the big moving day. You kiddos have a good weekend. I'll be back.

Mad Mod Fashion

2009-02-04T04:20:00.000-08:00

- by on
As a little reward to myself for all the packing I've done, I began watching Mad Men Season One. It's all a little dreamy, minus the cigarettes.

1. Fendi Crepe Silk Dress with Marc by Marc Jacobs Mint Green Pumps

2. Alice + Olivia pleated belted dress with Lanvin felt and velvet open toe pumps

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs baby stripe gorgette dress with Olivia Morris patent bicolor pumps

Our Place

2009-02-02T04:01:00.000-08:00

Pictures are from realtor web site... I'll have better ones in a few weeks.

Okay, so we signed a lease for a cute four-plex in Houston. My amazing BF found the place last week and within 24 hours it was ours. We move in on Friday and I cannot wait. We'll be out of Sugar Land in right between River Oaks and Montrose, two great Houston neighborhoods that have amazing restaurants, shopping, parks, you name it!

I look forward to visiting these places and sharing them with all of you :)

Adios.

2009-01-30T04:07:00.000-08:00

highlights, thoughts...

-BF got the job that he's been chasing after since before college graduation. I'm so proud of him!

-We signed a lease in an area that we *love.* Already have pretend dinner and cocktail party plans at our new place.

-So close to launching project with Chelsey. Tieing up loose ends.

-My old friend Nick Espinosa (check out he & his cute wife's blog here) was featured on life hacker for easing up the pain of tracking finances.

-Probably not going to be blogging too much next week, as I'll be packing. :( slash :)

-I've been enjoying reading all my favorite blogs especially since Domino is in the can. I bet we'll see a bunch of new, fabulous design blogs coming out of the woodwork from all the former CondeNast'ers.

Have a great weekend!

photo by Scott Bush

Bleeding Type

2009-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

Alberto Seveso.

saw it first at apartment therapy.

Song & Dance

2009-01-29T04:53:00.000-08:00

No doubt you've seen this video today....

but here it is, just in case you hadn't.

Her Morning elegance by Oren Lavie

Your Funny Valentine

2009-01-29T04:48:00.000-08:00

I got a good chuckle out of this litter press card. From messenger bird press.
There's a good amount of handpicked ValenTIMES day items here.

Forgive..

2009-01-28T17:27:00.000-08:00

....Me for being a bad blogger. I had a great weekend in Austin. Chelsey and I are super close to launching our stuff. I don't know what is more exciting, that or watching LOST at the Alamo Drafthouse RIGHT NOW. Seeee ya.

Noooooooo..

2009-01-28T04:57:00.000-08:00

DOMINO Magazine is folding. whaaa...?

She's Got Face

2009-01-28T04:30:00.000-08:00

How crazy is that? Margaux Lange's Barbie Doll jewelry on etsy.

Balloons

2009-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

I, like everyone else these days, loves what a big bunch of balloons can do for a picture.

1. http://www.joshgoleman.com/blog/
2. Vogue Feb. 2009
3. Miss Dior Cherie AD (this video is the cutest, too)

Today I'm off to Austin to hang out with old friends and work on the project. It will launch soon. I know it's kind of lame of me to keep mentioning it.. but life gets in the way of life.

Be cool and safe and happy.

Fast/Slow Small/Cool

2009-01-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a hectic, crazy real-life week, therefore it's been a slow blogging week. Which is OKAY.

BF and I are in the middle of looking for a new apartment. Somewhere inside the loop. That's Houston-speak for cool. We're also downsizing--not by much, but.... here's a few inspiring, very small apartments that work (all from apartment therapy).

First one, 412-square feet in LA, California:

400-Square feet in Chelsea, New York:

595-square feet from Dallas, Texas:

Green Gloves

2009-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

I liked them with the yellow.

Obama Cupcakes

2009-01-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

Wish I could have eaten some of these today...

from Whole Foods blog.

Lawndale Art Center

2009-01-20T16:56:00.000-08:00

In the space of absence | Kathy Kelley

John M. O'Quinn Gallery

“This project is composed of a series of visual explorations toying with the ideas of continuous consumption, the stunting of growth via unending wanting, the never ending suckling of consumer goods without fulfillment, in conjunction with some of Melanie Klein's object relations theory on personality development, envy and gratitude or lack thereof, her referencing of the experience of breast feeding as being determinant in much about who a person becomes (old theory coming on the heals of Freud but interesting). The work is a visceral response to this dissection of the incessant wanting of consumer culture on the self with each element becoming referential of the shadow self.” – Kathy Kelley

found sound (Public Music Reconnaissance) | Patrick Renner
January 23 – February 28, 2009

Mezzanine Gallery

Patrick Renner will present an installation consisting of found telephone poles with attached sound-harvesting devices. These mechanisms, based on the function of the standard music box, will be activated by all the leftover nails, staples, and hardware used to hang public notices of garage sales, lost pets, property listings, et al. The random melody the devices produce is the reinterpretation of imbedded information that we see all the time as we pass through the urban landscape.

The President

2009-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama

Photography by Calle Shell

Book Covers I Love

2009-01-19T19:23:00.000-08:00

http://bookcoverarchive.com/

Happy Commercial...

2009-01-17T07:54:00.000-08:00

Ta Ta

2009-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

AND Exhale.....

This week has been nuts. I now know what it's like to have zero time. The new job has kept me very busy. I pretty much pass out as soon as I get home!

Hope your weekend brings fabulosity. We're going to stick around Sugar Land and hang out with family and friends.

Best of luck to Alice who is running a half marathon in Phoenix this weekend!

Frock Your Closet

2009-01-15T07:21:00.000-08:00

When I was in college, I came home one summer and worked at Frock Boutique in Houston. Frock carried pieces from smaller, foreign designers that became a huge hit with River Oaks ladies (both young and old). I LOVED working in such a calm space with the most friendly customers.

This past year, Frock closed it's doors but its owner, Marianne Mayeux has come up with a brilliant "GO GREEN!" idea for anyone who wants to keep up their look without spending a fortune.

Here's her new plan, straight from the horse's mouth:

Who says your wardrobe has to be in a recession, too?

Not I! Times are tough but we still want to look and feel great without breaking the bank. And those who really understand fashion know that a lot of money is not necessary for great style or an enviable closet.

Most of you know me from my boutique, Frock, which I closed recently. I am happy to announce that I'm venturing into personal styling and wardrobe/closet consulting. Although I'm no longer buying for a store, I'm now available to you personally and at an affordable hourly rate.

I started my first fashion business over 7 years ago, importing up-and-coming designer's creations from Milan and then in 2005 I opened Frock. These valuable endeavors, which taught me so much, along with my fashion expertise and organizational skills make this a natural fit.

In times like these it is ideal to optimize what you already own by repairing, altering or remaking garments, or by simply filling in some pieces to make your look current. Even adding a statement piece of jewelry may be all that's needed for a lift. You will be amazed at how far your wardrobe (and dollar) can stretch! But the absolute best thing about getting organized is how your mind also becomes clean; our closets and drawers can be symbolic of what's going on in our heads and in our lives.

I am pleased to offer the following services:

* Closet cleansing/wardrobe consultation
* Personal shopping
* Travel wardrobe shopping and/or packing
* Special event outfit coordination and/or shopping
* Outfit coordination

My fee for closet/drawer reorganization is $50 per hour with a 2 hour minimum. For all other services the fee is $40 per hour with a 1 hour minimum. I am flexible, with availability during the week and on weekends. Please feel free to pass this on to your friends and family.

Happy New Year-

Marianne Mayeux
Mobile: 713-412-7623
Email: mariannemayeux@yahoo.com

Reject, repair, recycle, renew!

Cool huh? I can tell you personally that she has a phenomenal sense of style and will make you flourish with your own.

Prospect 1: New Orleans

2009-01-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

I couldn't think of the proper way to describe Prospect 1 New Orleans so I'll just copy/paste from their website:

Prospect.1 New Orleans [P.1], the largest biennial of international contemporary art ever organized in the United States, opened to the public on November 1, 2008 in museums, historic buildings, and found sites throughout New Orleans.

During our visit in NOLA, we visited several of the P1 locations and my favorite was the one at the Contemporary Art Center. Three stories of large, New Orleans-inspired art. Much of it was a response to Katrina, but none of it felt exploitative.

From top to bottom:

Skylar Fein's Remember the Upstairs Lounge, a multimedia installation paying tribute to lives lost at the Upstairs Lounge Fire of 1973.

Tony Feher's (re:place), a placement several two-liter plastic bottles of orange soda in strategic places in the rafters of the Contemporary Arts Center atrium. That's it.
Apparently, it has become quite a puzzling conversation piece upon walking inside the building.

Shawne Major's War Channel and Eating Cake. I don't know where to start with these... the first one is a whole picture of one of her pieces, from afar. The size of the tapestries are 9 x 14 feet. The close-up shows that the tapestries are a collection of trinkets and toys, hand sewn onto layers and layers of fabrics.

BF in front of a piece I cannot remember who did it. It was really cool though, layers and layers of blueprint-y buildings.

Me in front of some pretend street art. Again, can't remember who I should give credit to for that one.

NOLA Eats + Drinks

2009-01-13T06:08:00.000-08:00

Before we got to NOLA, BF was very adamant about eating tons of boudin, oysters, etc. And that we did. It wasn't part of our New Years Cleanse, but it was worth it.

Amazing oysters and boudin at both Desire & ACME Oysters. Different, famous and delicious. Desire allows you to sit on adorably 40's-style diner and watch the Bourbon St. Madness. (picture of dining room above)

Absinthe from Old Absinthe House Bar, or last stop on the Ghost Tour and super cute, authentic and not too touristy. The tour by the way, was hilarious and entertaining way to see the city. Highly recommended by me and the Travel Channel.

I had my first Louisiana Salty Dog at Herbsaint (gin & grapefruit juice, rimmed with sugar and salt). This place was right across from our hotel in the central business district, and was a trendy spot for the locals. Fantastic food, ambiance, etc.

Totally excited to find French Macarons at the cafe inside the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center! Mission Accomplished.

Irony

2009-01-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

Thought I Would Share:

So I have had this blog for about nine months and never post pictures of the BF. I felt it was a little personal. I warmed up last week and posted a picture of him in a blog about Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique and low and behold, a random blog picks it up and calls it a "breakthrough" that a male was in this girly bakery. Sorry for exploiting you.

Nadine Blake

2009-01-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

My absolute favorite shop in New Orleans was Nadine Blake's design shop. There is a good mix of local art, letterpress stationery, home textiles, etc. She also had an awesome Union Jack inspiration board.

I stocked-up on some cute letterpress cards, of which I cannot show because some of my readers might be receiving them soon.

The interesting thing about New Orleans was that EVERY SINGLE TIME I bought something, the owner sincerely thanked me for buying local and supporting New Orleans. I've got to admit, all the southern charm they laid on me made me not feel guilty about spending.

New Orleans, LA

2009-01-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm back. New Orleans was awesome. Even though it's a tourist-driven city, there's an overwhelming amount of local art, richly flavored food, Zydaco music and Quarter characters. We ate, drank, toured, shopped.. you name it. I'll be posting several highlights from our trip throughout the week.

I strongly urge you to visit New Orleans. Especially if you're a Texan. It's an easy, cheap weekend trip. They're hurting from Katrina and of course, the economy, but it's back. You won't get die from drinking the water or staying in the hotels. The shops, restaurants and museums are up-and-running and GREAT.

Sunday Catch Up

2009-01-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

Well look at that. I haven't completely abandoned the Every Day Matters project. It's Sunday afternoon, I'm catching up with Google reader (which, I highly recommend to anyone who doesn't have it yet. Shameless plug: add me to your reader), and drinking espresso, a dangerous and rare event.

Here's a little bit about what's going on with me: no, I'm not moving to Mexico. I hate that I was "that person" who says all this stuff and didn't follow through. I hate those people! Although we had a fabulous time in Mexico it wasn't practical to move there. The plans that have not changed is that I am still inspired to follow my dreams and be happy. For the past two months I have been job-searching like a mad woman and turned down several not-so-enticing-but-decent positions to ensure that I would chose something that would ultimately lead me down a satisfying path.

I snatched a two-month contract position at an ad agency in Houston. I start tomorrow and am both nervous and excited about the next two months. They told me they would love the bring me on as a permanent employee later as long as they can survive in the economy. If it works out, great, if not, okay. I'm just excited to get a little more relevant experience under my belt.

How was your weekend? Mine was fab-u-lous. Lots of New Orleans stuff to come...

P.S. Photo is from San Miguel, not NOLA.

Always In Great Taste

2009-01-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

While BF and I were apartment hunting last weekend (Houston, Seattle, Chicago? Where am I going to live in six weeks????), we came across the adorable Sugar Babies Cupcake Boutique. Okay, so the uber-girly decor may nauseate your male companion, but you can get the cupcakes to-go!

You must check it out if you're in the Kirby/Montrose Area. It's also next to a fantastic design shop with plenty of stationery goodies that will tug on your letterpressed heart strings.

Sugar Babies Cupcake Boutique
3310 S. Shepherd
Houston, TX 77098

Paper Jellies

2009-01-07T07:03:00.000-08:00

The talented woman behind The Butter Flying found me via Oh Joy, and I'm happy she did. Her paper jellyfish made my black heart melt just a little bit. Sylvie B. is a Montreal-based artist who cuts paper with the best of them. Lucky for you, you don't have the be in Canada to get a hold of her work. Visit her Etsy shop for her latest nature-inspired creations.

Sick Excitement

2009-01-06T05:22:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 5:00 am today. This is unusual because I've been sleeping in until 10:30'ish on days that I do not work. The early rise is a mix of excitement for New Orleans (we leave tonight, stay overnight at the BF's grandparent's Lake house, leave for NO tomorrow, arrive in early afternoon) and the Theraflu I drank last night that made me pass out at 9:00 PM (I'm feeling all sore-throaty).

Even though our destination is only five hours away, I feel like it's a different country because come on, it is. CAJUN COUNTRY. Yes, good jokes in the a.m.

Thanks to the New Orleans D*S guide (+ reader comments) and the Domino Magazine Shopping Guide, I'm in good hands.

P.S. If you're traveling anywhere, a good up-to-date resource for delicious eats, and trendy, unique shopping is the Design*Sponge guides. I look at the Houston one all the time, and I live here. Check out the full list here.

New Orleans photo from David Paul Ohmer.

Magic Moment

2009-01-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

How amazing is the SELF-PORTRAIT?? The first thing I noticed was the yellow-to-yellow/green-to-green-to-blue chromatic luck in the landscape. The sun on the tree and perfect swing position is just serendipitous.

I can't reduce the value of this image on luck alone, the photographer Pia Jane Bijkerk has a fantastic eye for this sort of thing (her blog is a daily read for me).

It was Just a Paper Bag

2009-01-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

I know the holidays are over, but here's a simple wrapping idea that can be used all year. I found it on the always inspring blog, An Apple A Day.

See Ya.

2009-01-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

Today is my last day at the current temp job. It's been real...stupid. Ha, no.. I'm thankful that I got a nice little five-weeker in so that I don't have to tap into my savings (said savings only exists because of my dear Suze Orman).

I'm spending my day researching for our trip to New Orleans (which we may take next weekend?). The BF's parents gave it to us for Christmas and we're super-pumped. Maybe we'll go see Benjamin Button to build the NOLA anticipation. And finish A Confederacy of Dunces(I'm the worst).

Anyway, we have Very New Orleans: A Celebration of History, Culture, and Cajun Country Charm, the beautifully illusrated guidebook by Diana Hollingsworth Gessler to bring us to the best food, shopping and sights. Are there any off-the-beaten-path places that are the bee's knees??

P.S. Be Cool.

Pixel Bathroom

2009-01-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

Bisazza Pixelized Bathroom from The New Museum in NYC. Bisazza makes all the tiles for the New York subway system. Cha-Ching.

Happy New Year, Lovers.

2008-12-31T12:41:00.000-08:00

BE SAFE AND AWESOME IN 2k9.

from Confetti Systems via Oh Joy!

AND KISS:

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Always short of time? Not enough moments in the day? Tonight you'll get an extra second to enjoy 2008. Use it wisely; perhaps an extra long smooch is called for.

An extra second will be added to 2008 to align clocks with variations in the Earth's time.

Immediately before midnight a leap second -- the first for three years -- will be added to atomic clocks around the world by official timekeepers.

Peter Whibberley, a senior research scientist at Britain's National Physical Laboratory, said the Earth's erratic rotation meant an extra second needed to be added.

"The difference between atomic time and Earth time has now built up to the point where it needs to be corrected, so this New Year's Eve we will experience a rare 61 second minute at the very end of 2008 and revelers... will have an extra second to celebrate."

Traditionally time has been based on the passage of the Sun across the sky -- a modern version of this is still used by astronomers to track distant stars and spacecraft.

However, since 1967, an atomic timescale -- the extremely accurate Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -- has been the world's official clock and is used for broadcasting time signals across the world.

The accuracy of UTC is essential for the smooth running of GPS and the Internet.

By comparison, the Earth is far less reliable. It does not rotate at a constant speed -- it can even wobble -- and disruptions to its core, extreme weather, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes can influence the length of a day.

Therefore, leap seconds are occasionally added to align atomic time with astronomical time and ensure that the Sun remains overhead at noon.

Whibberley told British media anyone sober enough and who had a digital clock that picked up leap second information from a reliable source, would see the final seconds of 2008 as 57, 58, 59, 60, 00 -- with 60 being the extra second

If I Was A Rich Girl..

2008-12-31T08:35:00.001-08:00

and a girl with fabulous NYE plans, I would be wearing Balmain tonight.

My 2008

2008-12-31T06:31:00.000-08:00

2008 by explauren

FAVORITES:

Of Montreal- Skeletal Lamping. (might be the only album I gave any attention).

LOST. I watched my first episode this past September, I'm obsessed and so very happy I jumped on the bandwagon.

Tina Fey/Kristin Wiig. These ladies make me want to take improv classes.

Suze Orman. Kicks Ass. Makes me feel confident I can retire with millions someday.

Brazilian Food. Fried plantains & guacamole.

ZARA. Affordable clothes that look amazing. And are complete runway rip-offs. Sorry Prada and Gucci, but the truth of the matter is I would have never bought your clothes anyway.

French Macarons. Where can I find some in Houston? Other than the shoddy ones I make?

Getting Laid Off. I got to go Mexico and start a new job search. (Mexico here, here, here, here, and here.)

30 Rock. Again, Love Tina Fey. Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan and Jack McBrayer are hilarious too.

Eames Loung Chair In the words of Wayne Campbell, "It will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine."

iPhone. Clearly the best thing since sliced bread.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Financial Independence. I pay for everything, and it's made my relationship with my parents much more easy going.

Eating Healthier. It's become second nature (with the exception of the holidays, which, thank goodness are over.)

Learning to Sew. Took boring-but-helpful classes. Can hem a skirt no time flat.

Learning Adobe CS3. Frustrating but fun. I'm still learning, but the worst part is over.

FAILURES:

Working Out. Literally happened less than eight times all year.

GOALS:

Working Out. I want to run more than two miles without stopping. Not run out of breath when I walk upstairs, etc.

Give More. Of my time and energy to people. I can be selfish.

Invest My Savings. Because Suze would want it that way.

Find a job I like. Period.

Sin Agua

2008-12-30T06:24:00.000-08:00

These photos are from a series named Absence of Water. I can't imagine why in the World (or London) anyone would stop visiting these decadent pools. They look as if they should be in a Wes Anderson film.

Daily Mugshot

2008-12-29T16:56:00.001-08:00

Daily Mugshot

DailyMugshot -- my favorite iPhone application.

It starts out real lame. I tried to keep the same face for seamless transitions, but that got boring so it's gets a little more spicy as the show goes on...

Update For My Shoe Friends:

2008-12-26T14:02:00.000-08:00

My search for a great black winter shoe ended in the purchase of these puppies:
shown in brown for your (and my) inconvenience!

Love them or hate them, they make me almost average height.

Wrap it Up

2008-12-26T12:50:00.001-08:00

Hey-O. Christmas is over. Was yours good? Mine was great. Did the three Christmases thing and it went smoothly. Got to see tons of family, eat tons of goodies and get home at a decent hour so I could chill the eff out.

Just wanted to make a quick post about this bow-thing -- I saw it on some blog (don't remember) but it's obviously a recycled Target bag. Fun and silly.. just like my nephew Carter.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T12:30:00.000-08:00

& all the best.

Screen Diddly

2008-12-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

Um...neato. Target is selling screen printing kits as a part of their Red Hot Shop series.

It's basically a collection of cool, quirky stuff you would find at smaller shops.
This would be such a cool gift idea! For me. Oh, hey how's it going?

Whismy Whim Pic

2008-12-19T12:29:00.000-08:00

Just too pretty to not post... Happy Friday!

Cold Weather Music

2008-12-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

The grey skies and cold weather has me jonesin for some John Vanderslice. Pixel Revolt was the soundtrack of my 2005/2006 winter season.

What are you winter songs?