Happy Birthday Cam!

My baby brother Cameron turns 17-years-old today. Yikes... I cannot believe it. There's nothing I can say that doesn't fall along the lines of extrememly cliche ( they grow up so fast, he makes me feel old...). It's been awesome to see him more often now that I am home. Here's to a fabulous birthday!

Have a Seat

Surprisingly, I did very little shopping while in Paris. One place I did pop into was Printemps, a relatively young department store (1865) where I couldn't afford much, but enjoyed all the amazing interiors. There was nothing about this place that wasn't fresh, gorgeous and unique. I can't even explain how unconventional it is.

Here are a few cool chairs from the store. I should have taken more pictures but I was starting to look like a crazy person. I think the black one is awesome, sweet and kickass while the red and creme kind of ugly but definitely interesting.

Koons Kitsch

One of my biggest surprises was stumbling upon Jeff Koons's work in Paris. I don't stay up-to-date on the latest "it" guy, but this man must have some bitchin PR people because I've come across his name in at least five magazines over the past few months. I couldn't get the shiny, blow-up images out of my head forever and the next thing I know, I arrive to Versailles in Paris and find a gold balloon flower greeting me. There were a few more pieces throughout the palace, some of them covered up..(WHY!?!??!). They couldn't hide the hanging heart though :)

Check out more of his stuff at his website. His "Celebration" collection will have you aching to be back at your best friend's 7th birthday party.

The Menger Hotel

My favorite stop in San Antonio was the Menger Hotel (1859) located downtown, next to the Alamo. In 1898, Teddy Roosevelt used the bar to recruit Rough Riders which fought in Cuba in the Spanish-American War.

The first picture is from the bar, an exact replica of the House of Lords Pub in London. We had a couple of drinks there and chatted with the bartender, who dispelled the rumors we had heard about bullet holes in the wall from Teddy Roosevelt. The hotel also holds the unofficial title of "The Most Haunted Hotel in Texas" and claims to host 32 different spirits including Richard King of the King Ranch.

The second two pictures are of the lobby:

1.My feets and the tile.
2.My pixelated face and the lobby. Kinda creepy, right?

Click on the lobby picture and you might get an idea of how fabulous the wallpaper is. Reminded me of the movie Atonement.

An Nyung, Rob Job!

One of my dear, old friends Robert is headed to Seoul, Korea for a year to teach English. He's a very talented writer and the least bored person you will ever meet. Follow his restless adventures at his blog Across The Pond.

I hope he doesn't mind that I completely jacked this image from his facebook...Thanks!

Colors of San Antonio

Just when I thought I jinxed myself to a weekend without air conditioning and power , I had the opportunity to head toward San Antonio for the weekend with my Dad (+Jon). We shamelessly hit all the major touristy spots:








1. puppets in El Mercado
2. pastries at Mi Tierra-- the most awesome 24-hour Mexican Restaurant EVER!
3. lasers on the Riverwalk
4. umbrellas in El Mercado
5. pinatas at Mi Tierra
6. little girl and her fuzzy friend on a mechanic bull

Let's Blaze

Ashleigh
Wendy
Sartorialist

The weekend is here, finally. As much as I want to get away from this hurricane mess, it's just not in the cards. We're heading to Austin next weekend for sure and I cannot wait!

I'm hoping that the thrift stores in Montrose didn't suffer too much damage, as I am planning on hitting some up tomorrow in search of some blazers. I love the mixed blazer/tank look. It seems to work for anyone over the age of 20 (and that I am!). I got a navy blazer on my last thrifting adventure but it's a tad too small for me. It looks like a very fitted 3/4 sleeved jacket, but it really is a little boy's sportcoat. When I wear it it reminds me of Chris Farley:


Here's to a better weekend than last.