Creating Beauty

Last year, I oohed and aahed over Anthropologie's store decor. 

Here is a behind the scenes look at the team and creative process behind those inspiring and surprising windows. I LOVE the hanger dress.

Behind the Glass - The Feast


I haven't been to good old Anthro in some time. I bet they miss me.

The Waiting Game

Fort Tryon - NYC

Come mid April, this tree will be magnificent. I plan to have a picnic beneath it once it is abloom. All are invited to join me.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrring

Time Warner Cable is a tricky little entity.

I need to install a land line in order to secure the best internet/cable deal. A LAND LINE. That's almost an equivalent of two soup cans strung across the alley with string. OK, I'm exaggerating, but that's what it feels like. A LAND LINE.

If I'm required to get a land line, I might as well have a phone to make it useful. If I might as well have a phone to make it useful, I want one with some whimsy to make it fun. Something straight out of a 40s black and white movie.

Crosley Blue Kettle Classic Desk Phone - Amazon

Crosley Kettle Classic Desk Phone - Target

I'm picturing myself donning a silk robe with perfectly bouncy & teased locks, lots of mascara, perched bedside or on the corner of the study desk, my head slightly atilt, looking either surprised, dazed, or smiling away. Nothing in between. My life instantly glamorized.

My inspiration:

 Ava Gardner

 Brigitte Bardot

 Hedy Lamarr

 Clara Bow

 Elizabeth Taylor

 Judy Garland

 Can't forget Lucy!

 Ingrid Bergman

Mae West & Creepy DollMan

Call me.

Cheap NY

View from the Brooklyn Promenade (another Lucy "like")


New York City gets a bad rap for being expensive (because it is), but there are a few things that I find to be less pricey in NYC than in any other city.

Mani/Pedis:

I can score a cheap chip-proof $17-22 weekday mani/pedi in most parts of town. Take that, Peoria (nothing against Peoria). Man, try saying cheap chip-proof ten times fast...

Fake Accessories:

The fake pashmina is a life saver for all of the weddings I've been attending. They come in every color, but be warned - if it rains, said pashmina could disintegrate before you can say 2 for $10.

Pizza:

No more than $2 for a slice that could easily sustain you through three daily meals. Yes, that is pasta on my pizza. I obviously don't have a fear of carbs.

Entertainment:
All you need is a place to perch (see above photo) and you have yourself a guaranteed show. Sometimes, with pizza!

Taxis:

OK, not exactly cheap...but cheaper than in other cities. Plus, now they take credit cards!

Before moving here, I had a romantic ideal of what New York City would be. A starving artist's life that somehow was artistic but not really starving. It was pretty much based on the 70s West Village portion of the movie Beaches. Lots of market shopping with friends and crocheted outfits. Sort of like this:

Urban Outfitters Ad


That didn't turn out to be reality, but I still have a dream that I can capture a little of that romance in real life.
I've been pondering the idea of starting a NYC To Do page. Lists and links of restaurant, event, sightseeing, and activity recommendations all categorized (cheap options, touristy, by neighborhood, etc). Thoughts? Yes?

If Happy Little Bluebirds Fly

Who likes Etsy?

(me)

Who likes rainbows?

(me)

Who likes rainbow curated Etsy pages?

Rainbow Fun - Etsy

This gal:

LuRuSo and Gran

Hey, Up There!

My Mom gave me a good travel tip during my time in Europe: Always look up, there is a whole other world to discover. Sure enough, it worked. I was surprised by what I could learn from seeing what was happening above eye level.

I put the tip to use yesterday walking to my day job:

Roosevelt Island Tram - NYC

Yikes! Right above my head! Not exactly the most secure place to stand. Turns out the look up advice is more essential than I original thought.

They'll See You To Shore

My junior year of college, I came upon some dusty VHS tapes in Minnesota and decided to transport them to Ithaca. I figured there would be some laughable 80s commercials to view. One video cassette contained a handful of favorite childhood cartoons: Thundercats (ho!), the Smurfs and the Magic Flute, a Rainbow Brite movie that had tons of slavery undertones, and the My Little Pony Movie. 

The latter's most memorable scene entailed the main character and her my little pony being rescued by the 50s doo-wopping sea ponies.

My girlfriends and I had a lot of laughs imitating the sugary sweet vocals of those sea ponies but the truth is, the message rings true. We all have our own sea ponies in life that will rescue us from shock and despair (or in the song's case, kelp). Sure, the help might not come with a three part harmony song (although in my circle of friends, it probably will), but it will be steadfast and always there when most needed. Who knew 80s cartoons could be so thought-provoking?

All Sea Ponies:

Shoop-bee-doo-shoop-shoop-bee-doo

Call upon the Sea Ponies when you're in distress

Helpful as can be ponies - simply signal SOS

If you find you're past the drift and haven't got an oar (oar)

Count upon the Sea Ponies - they'll see you to shore

Shoop-bee-doo-shoop-shoop-bee-doo

Seawinkle:

Are you sinking fast?

Wavedancer:

Had some nasty shocks?

Sealight:

Feeling like all hope is gone and washed up on the rocks?

All Sea Ponies:

Washed up on the rocks

Shoop-bee-doo-shoop-shoop-bee-doo

Call upon the Sea Ponies when you're in distress

Helpful as can be ponies - simply signal SOS

If your rudder runs aground or seeweed holds a grip (kelp)

Count upon the Sea Ponies - they'll see you get help

Sea Ponies, Sea Ponies

Simply signal SOS, simply signal SOS

Sea Ponies, Sea Ponies

Simply signal SOS, simply signal SOS

Oh, yes!

As a bonus, good old YouTube provided me with the Spanish version:

Remember gals, if you need anything - just call! (said in sing-songy sea pony voice)

Puffins and Lager and Bread, Oh My!

Sometimes I get very excited by a trip to the grocery store, especially if it is sample day. Here are some items that made it into my cart:

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Puffins

For those who don't know me well, I've been a Puffins Cereal freak for quite some time. So crunchy, yet semi-healthy! Mmm! Now they have a new combo flavor. Too excited.

Cinnabon Cinnamon Bread

OK, I'm usually all "artisanal" and fiber-oriented when it comes to bread, but this stuff is tasty. You know that aroma that tempts you in malls and airports? It comes in loaf form! And no yucky raisins ruining the goodness.

Spring Seasonal Lager - Magic Hat Brewery

The past couple of days, we New Yorkers have been treated to some unseasonal Spring weather. It's been a wonder and so uplifting. I couldn't resist buying some Magic Hat Spring Lager (Vinyl). It reminds me of the warmth to come and one of my favorite states/vacations (oh that odd video at Magic Hat, Mom and Rosemary??). Plus, I needed a beer. I'm assembling IKEA furniture, remember?

The Way

Sorry for the blogging absence. I've had an apartment renaissance and am in the midst of moving rugs, switching up artwork, and dreading the assembly of IKEA furniture. Don't get me started about the West Elm towel ring that would NOT cooperate.

Mean Towel Ring - West Elm

Anyway, sometimes riding the subway produces inspiration. I stared at this quote featured in a Manhattan Storage ad for my 20 minute commute.

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”

-Lao Tzu

Thank you, Mr. Tzu, and the A train. I think I will take this Tao learning and go warm up my allen wrench.

Headed Uptown

Mamma Mia

Oh, Mom. You are just glorious. 

Growing up was full of joy when you had Maureen R Sorensen (Mrs. MRS) as a Mom. We would take neighborhood friends, classmates, and cousins to fly kites in open fields followed by blackberry picking, launch water balloons on farmland, tube down rivers, hunt for a Winter Medallion (we so almost found it thrice!), have picnics with the best fixins (and the best relatives), learn Danish on road trips (boo-boo), camp across the Midwest (floods and tornados be-damned!), and attend the theatre and art museums dressed like our dolls.

You will do anything and everything for those you love, especially your family. Everyone knows they can count on "Auntie M". Even past family! Those ancestors of old are thanking you from their graves (most of which you found) for all of your interest and research into our family's genealogy. So many tombstones, so many puzzle pieces. Poor James Rafferty, perhaps you will be the one to solve his Wild West mystery.
You certainly are a problem solver. You know how to fix anything, whether it be a mirror wall shelf or a broken heart. All it takes is some patience and Maury innovation. How does that brain contain so many ideas?? No one can tell a story like you. No one.

You are more creative than ANY person I know and you use that talent in so many ways. Ukrainian eggs? Check. Charcoal drawings? Check. A rose garden to rival Queen Mary's? Check. How about casserole #238? Yum...You come up with quirky and lovely designs for jewelry before Anthro has figured out what's cool and trendy. You sing with soul and taught me how to sing with so many fun "camp songs" that I've passed on to many a friend. Of course, there is your magic with stained glass. Thousands of unique stained glass art pieces have homes across the country to be admired.
You are the best travel partner. Never crabby and always open to trying something new. You continue to conquer any past fears, and now you can laugh at most heights, closed spaces, and deep waters. Maybe not that outdoor spiral tower in Denmark quite yet...
You know how to create and give the perfect gift, even grandpup gifts! Speaking of pups, you've given a loving home to a handful of pets too human to describe. Who could forget Boris Deloris, Meowie, Ramona Geraldine Quimby, the Cork, Pita, B, and Tom the Turtle!?

To top it all off, you are becoming a stunning photog:

Kona - January 2011

I hope this year is gifted with ups, time with family, satisfaction and tons of travel. The tropics, Iowa, Austin, Maine, Vermont, New York City, Vegas, Long Island, Hawaii, Arizona, Bolinas, and Ireland are just some of the possibilities. You are such a gift to all of us. I love you - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Slings and Arrows

I'm not a fan of this holiday, but I do believe in the power of love (thank you, Huey Lewis).

NYC

Love big, people.

2D

Due to my wily ways and obsessive behavior regarding frequent flyer programs, I sometimes fly first class.

Sign of Airline Nobility: Free booze, pepper packet, and non plastic utensil.

However, it is such a facade. A total game of "which of these things is not like the others". Wide-eyed and childlike, I play with every gadget and setting, unable to sit still until a meal is served. When it is served, one of everything, thank you very much. I couldn't be more amused and pleased by warm nuts and an offer to take my coat.

It's reminiscent of how I act when I get to grocery shop in a suburban grocery store or Target after a long period of New York City grocery shopping. The aisle space! The selection! The english language!

The only downside is that sometimes you end up sitting by Jesse Ventura, but that's another story.

Jesse Ventura Man Of Action 12" Action Figure

And while the Suze Orman lookalike next to me in 2C is reading her Wall Street Journal and politely turning down the hot towelette and requesting some ice water, I'm saying "Oh sure, why not" (was there ever any doubt?) to my third drink at 11am and chuckling out loud over the Sky Mall wares. Maybe it was that third drink that got me giggling, but c'mon...

Toilet train your possessed cat!

I don't want to know why there is a pocket there.

Just what every household needs: A fecal ficus.

Lamp or woman, lamp or woman?

I mean...REALLY?!

It all makes a two and a half hour flight...well, fly by...

I do know someone who was happy to have landed. No booze for him.

Frequent Flyer Boog

I Will Automatically Like You If...

...you wear this shirt.

I will. Truly.

By the way, it is...

Creepy & Wonderful

I somehow avoided the mid to late 80s perm. Not sure how since all of the cool kids were doing it and I was a cool kid (riiiiiiight). 

20 years later, the perm is back...in eyelash form.

http://www.lavilash.com/Eyelash-perm-.html

I came across this procedure in a daily email deal. Even with a discount, no thanks.

Creepy!

You know what is not creepy, but "super" cool? MAC's new Wonder Woman collection.

Wonder Woman - MAC

I might have to make a purchase for the packaging and cases alone. How fun would it be to whip this out of your purse. Pow!

Wonder Woman Lipstick - MAC

I'm seeing sparkly blue, primary red, and yellowy gold in my crusading future. After all, I have had to fight a certain villain as of late. Might as well look good doing it.

Their NYC Wonder Pop Up shop looks like a kitschy good time.

MAC Wonder Woman Pop Up Shop - NYC

I might not have had the 80s perm, but I did indeed have the 80s Wonder Woman Underoos!

Dear Dad

They say it's your Birthday (da-na-na-na-nah-ah)

 Happy Birthday to you!

Though you are no longer a kidlet,

you still have a youthful side for fun!

In this next milestone year make sure you:

Keep in touch with friends near and far.

Make time for family

and Grandpups.

Stay warm

or escape to warmth.

Keep up to date with the latest trends and fads.

Work hard,

but not too hard!

Eat well

and dive into any new adventure.

Travel the world,

but always visit your daughter first!

Most of all, keep on livin' the good life!

Love you, Dad!!!