These Things

As always, dreaming of travel and spending money on beauty products. Here are a few of my recent thoughts and inspirations:

[Clockwise]
+Hitlist App — If I'm not planning a trip, I'm not happy. This new-to-me app is amazing, it searches for cheap flights from your home airport and also gives great inspiration for new places to travel. (I also loved this article on the best approach to booking Airbnbs.)

+Luna Night Oil — I've been dying to try this cult favorite, so when Sephora offered a deluxe sample I jumped on it. I can easily see why people love it, it's blue, which is fascinating, and it feels luxurious. It's already been happily added to my nightly routine.

+Glossier Coconut Balm Dotcom — I adore all of Glossier's products and their new addition is no exception. It smells like summer and it lasts a long time, which is necessary for a lip balm addict like me.

+Everlane Ryan Muscle Tank — This tank has a great tomboy cut and is made from the softest rayon fabric. I just wish they had more colors...

+Land of Nod Llama-a-Rama Sham — Loving this whimsical llama print from Land of Nod. It would be a fun addition to the bedding collection and so cozy for this F/W.

O'ahu, Hawaii

Since I haven't posted in awhile, I have a few trips to catch up on. Here are some of the highlights from my birthday trip to Hawaii:

+Stayed in downtown Waikiki.

+Hiked to Makapu’u Point.

+Catamaran TradeWind Sailing Trip.
+Obsessed with the palm trees.
+My favorite Ban Mi - lemongrass tofu.

These Things

I've missed blogging, but there are so many other mediums that are much easier for tracking inspirations [Pinterest] and goods to purchase [Keep]. However, I still wanted to pull together a little sneak into my stream of consciousness each week. So here are a few things occupying space in my mind:

[Clockwise]
+Rosehip Oil — After reading about Miranda Kerr using rosehip oil, I decided to grab a bottle and try it out. I plan to massage it in while my skin is still damp after bathing.

+Lisbon, Portugal — I've been loosely planning a trip to Spain/Portugal for next spring. This hostel was featured on Refinery29 and has further piqued my interest in Lisbon. I hear Portugal is magical with great beaches, food, and cities.

+Madewell Silk Paisley Picnic Dress — I've had my eye on this dress and picked it up on sale a couple of days ago for a wedding this Saturday in Laguna Beach. J is working as a videographer and I'm attempting to be his production assistant again...

+Tibi 'Denni' Loafers — After reading this article, I have developed a slight obsession. I need to find a pair to try on before my lust spirals out. (Also: how to style a mule loafer)

+Medicine Cabinets — I love peaking into people's medicine cabinets, whether on Instagram or in real life. I'm itching to move into a house next year and I'm obsessed with having a medicine cabinet of my own to 'curate'.

Recommended Articles

Traveling and creativity are endlessly fascinating topics; particularly traveling alone (which I have come to have a love/hate relationship with) and the dynamics of creativity on an interpersonal level.

Here are snippets from a few articles that have caught my eye recently:

1. O'Hagan, Andrew. "Yes, Please | Party of One." The New York Times 09 May. 2013

The first rule of travel is that you should always go with someone you love, which is why I travel alone. The writer’s life is more openly narcissistic than most, yet it takes a true connoisseur of self-involvement, a grand master in the art of selfishness, to experience the world’s delights as they are meant to be enjoyed: through one pair of eyes, via one set of ears, with the perfect use of your own nostrils, tongue and touch. I believe that traveling alone is the last great test of who you are in a world where everyone aches to be the same.
I mean, you meet people. But you also meet yourself. That is the beauty of going it alone.

2. Shenk, Joshua Wolf. "The Power of Two." The Atlantic 25 Jun. 2014

For centuries, the myth of the lone genius has towered over us, its shadow obscuring the way creative work really gets done. The attempts to pick apart the Lennon-McCartney partnership reveal just how misleading that myth can be, because John and Paul were so obviously more creative as a pair than as individuals, even if at times they appeared to work in opposition to each other. The lone-genius myth prevents us from grappling with a series of paradoxes about creative pairs: that distance doesn’t impede intimacy, and is often a crucial ingredient of it; that competition and collaboration are often entwined.

3. Andreasen, Nancy. "Secrets of the Creative Brain." The Atlantic 25 Jun. 2014

I’ve been struck by how many of these people refer to their most creative ideas as “obvious.” Since these ideas are almost always the opposite of obvious to other people, creative luminaries can face doubt and resistance when advocating for them. As one artist told me, “The funny thing about [one’s own] talent is that you are blind to it. You just can’t see what it is when you have it … When you have talent and see things in a particular way, you are amazed that other people can’t see it.” Persisting in the face of doubt or rejection, for artists or for scientists, can be a lonely path—one that may also partially explain why some of these people experience mental illness.

Currently No. 5

After my trip earlier this month, I'm looking to embrace a sort of European minimalism. Here are a few things that have caught my eye recently: a small leather tray for jewelry, a travel bag properly sized for a weekend, Davines Volu conditioner, and anything and everything Sézane.

(1) Canoe Leather Tray (2) Herschel Supply Co. 'Strand' Duffel Bag

(3) Davines Volu Conditioner (4) Sézane Rio Heels

Travel List: Chicago

I've been wanting to go to Chicago for a long weekend for a few years now and I'm hoping to make it there this fall. The birthplace of skyscrapers and Second City, the city also boasts some serious options for culture.

A few stops on my list are The Loop, Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill, The Art Institute of Chicago, and John Hancock's Signature Lounge for a drink and incredible views...

Do you have any can't miss spots in Chicago?

(Packing List: Chicago)

Davis Cup San Diego

After going to the Davis Cup tie in Boise last year, I couldn't wait to go to another tie. Well, the tennis gods were kind and the 1st round this year is in San Diego. USA versus Great Britain, with Andy Murray headlining. I can't wait for the first rubber!

Court is ready. We're ready. Who's coming to be our home field advantage? pic.twitter.com/NhWBegfinB

— US Davis Cup Team (@USDavisCupTeam) January 27, 2014

Holga Camera: NYC Trip

I thought it would be fun to experiment with an analog camera again. I haven't used one since I was a kid and am already nostalgic in my mid 20's for pre-digital cameras. Actually having to put an effort into deciding the subject and counting down the exposures left on the roll, carefully loading and unloading the camera, and having the film developed.  Society has become so dependent on instant technology. It's incredible how fast times change, now when I take pictures of my nieces and nephews they immediately ask to see the pictures.

I finally developed my roll of 120 from my August trip to New York. I only took one picture at the US Open and then on my last night I walked from the UN to midtown chasing the light. Only about half of the roll turned out, but I can't wait to shoot my next roll.

Joie Spring 2014 RTW

The Joie Spring 2014 RTW collection, inspired by Serge Azria's recent trip to Ponza, an island off the Amalfi Coast, is the perfect simplicity we all crave in vacation mode. Simple, chic, and vintage Italiana.

via style.com

New York Trip Essentials

My taxi is arriving in less than an hour so I can catch the red-eye to New York City. I'll be ready to hit the town early Thursday morning. In preparing for my trip, here are a few things I thought might be helpful. You can follow me on Twitter to see how my NYC trip goes down. Wish me luck!

1. Grid-It Organizer: Organizer for all my chargers and whatnot

2. Clare Vivier Fannypack: Hands free and tourist chic

3. Vapur Collapsible Water Bottle: How to get free water at the US Open

4. Holga Camera: You can actually get 120 film developed in NYC

5. Cuyana Panama Hat: Essential for tennis watching

Happy Friday!

I've been feeling a little uninspired lately, although I've still been pinning and now keeping. I'm trying not to stress myself out about my trip next week and definitely looking forward to some serious New York shopping. Sometimes I just need to remind myself that I'm already accomplishing things on my Mighty Life List and that we overestimate what we can do in a day and underestimate what we can do in our whole lives.
Here are a few links from the week:

A playlist for your weekend

Federer v. Nadal always makes for a good day

Can't wait to go to this Utah Heritage Foundation tour tomorrow

I heart this idea for a manicure, hokey as it is

This Pineapple Mint Whiskey Sour looks intriguing

Love this tassel key chain from Clare Vivier

Adding a chiminea to my dream house wishlist

Georgia O'Keeffe's Hawaii, one of my favorite travel articles


(Untitled, William Eggleston | C. 1971-1974)

Happy Friday!

It's been a long week, but it's finally Friday. I can't wait for a relaxing weekend making waffles with my new Belgium waffle maker and working on my latest knitting project.
Here are a few links from the week:

A playlist for your weekend

Fluffy Vegan Coconut Oil Banana Muffins

8 Great Color Combinations via House Beautiful

From Walter White to Heisenberg in 30 clips | Breaking Bad starts Sunday!

This Blueberry Cucumber Gimlet looks simple and refreshing for summer

36 Hours in Lecce, Italy via The New York Times


(Come Sail Away)

August Resolutions

It's finally August and I can't wait to go to the US Open. To distract myself until the end of the month, I thought it might be nice to do a few projects like hanging hooks by my entry, printing a large scale photo on Kinko's large format blueprint printer, and maybe get started meditating with this 28-day meditation program from Yoga Journal. I also have a pretty hefty budget for some SoHo shopping, but I'll have to let you know how successful I am in the overwhelmingly busy stores of NYC!

Do you have any exciting plans for August?

Have a lovely weekend!

It's amazing all the thoughts that can roll through your head within the week. I've gone through several alternative career plans, talked myself into 'getting into the game' at work, and thought of ways to distract myself from work altogether.  Thank goodness for weekends to clear the mind!
Here are a few links from the week:

A playlist for your weekend

The entire second season of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is up now

A Cuyana Panama hat or a J.Crew Panama hat, decisions, decisions. . .

Roger Federer is testing a larger racket, proving he's still in it to win it

This collapsible water bottle from Vapur will be perfect for toting around the US Open

42 perfect summer trips: Yosemite, Sawtooth Mountains, Lake Tahoe, San Diego. . .

Soludos is having a summer sale, if you're looking for a pair of espadrilles


(Claude Monet's house in Giverny, France)

Colonial Williamsburg

I hadn't thought of visiting Colonial Williamsburg until I saw the gorgeous pictures from Jenny Komenda's weekend trip. The living-history museum is a 301-acre Historic Area including buildings dating from 1699 to 1780, showcasing and preserving Colonial and Colonial Revival architecture. The vibrant colors, stunning wallpapers, and bold combinations are highlighted by the high ceilings and decorative moldings. The rich, authentic paint palette is currently available through Benjamin Moore's Williamsburg Color Collection. I think a little classic Americana is ideal for inspiration.

via Little Green Notebook and Benjamin Moore Williamsburg Color Collection

Happy Friday!

I have a serious case of wanderlust and would love to be strolling along the streets of Paris, but it's only 6 weeks until my trip to NYC and the US Open.  I can't wait. . .

Here are a few links from the week:

A playlist for your weekend

Jelena Ristic, Djokovic's girlfriend, in Oscar de la Renta, love

I could go for a Summer Breeze or a Cucumber Gimlet this weekend

Finally got to watch HBO's McEnroe/Borg: Fire & Ice, it was perfection!

I'm a huge list person. Have you tried a 1-3-5 To-Do List?

The Le Sirenuse hotel in Positano, Italy looks divine

Some lovely summer drink and summer salad ideas

(via Branco Prata)

Clare Vivier Fannypack

A bit obsessed with these bum bags from Clare Vivier.  I can already see myself traveling, wandering the US Open grounds this August, or exploring the Rose Bowl Flea Market looking über chic with a fannypack, ha!
Which color would you pick?  This is a serious investment. . .

via Clare Vivier

Kate Bosworth x Coachella

Coachella fashion can either be amazing or downright terrible, but nobody does it better than Kate Bosworth.

1, 2, 3, 4

Davis Cup Weekend!

@Bryanbrothers put on a show during open practice in Boise as Captain Courier looks on.

I'm in Boise, Idaho today to watch Novak Djokovic v. John Isner and Sam Querrey v. Viktor Troicki. Never thought I would say that.  I can't wait for the Bryan Brothers to play tomorrow.  It's not every weekend that you get to cross something off your Mighty Life List.  Hope you have a great weekend!
Here are a few links from the week:

A playlist for your weekend

The US Davis Cup Team in the best group shot via BryanBros

Taylor Townsend learning to embrace being different

How To: Look Like a Madewell Girl This Spring

Matchbook Magazine Checklists available to download

DIY: Concrete Planters

Spitballing Indy via The New Yorker


via USDavisCupTeam

April Resolutions

When you hear that the next Davis Cup tie is less than a 4-hour drive away, and know the No. 1 tennis player and No. 1 doubles tennis players are going to be there, you buy the tickets ASAP.  I can't wait to head to Boise this weekend and experience the energy of the Davis Cup.

I always feel like doing projects when the weather finally warms up.  I'm planning to attempt a crepe cake for my birthday and construct a light box to capture some prettier photos.  I'm also itching to start a sewing project of some sort.  Do you have any projects up your sleeve?