This was a week of milestones: My dad is back in the country after three long months in Saudi Arabia and Miss H's first tooth poked through to say hi. Before I head offline for a weekend of gardening and parental visits, here are some fun picks for the week. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Wooden Volkswagen Beetle
This is kinda the coolest thing ever made. A Bosnian man spent two years covering a Volkswagen Beetle in wood - 50,000 separate pieces of oak, to be exact. Holy awesome.
Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs: The Opera
This will only resonate for any planning nerds who may happen to be reading, but if you're out there, HOLY CRAP A ROBERT MOSES AND JANE JACOBS OPERA. I am there. Do you think the cast will sign my dusty graduate school thesis?
Black Jade Pencil
I recently lost one of my two favorite eye pencils. Grrrrr. I'd had it for years and had plenty left for another couple of years, too, so it was a no-brainer replacement. Green-eyed gals, get your hands on this standby for me: Chanel Le Crayon Kohl in Black Jade. It's pricey but as I said, lasts forever and makes eyes like mine pop like no one's business.
It's that time of year again... DC's Tidal Basin explodes into bloom, tourists descend, and just like that, the peak is over. But just as the craziness winds down a couple of miles west of our house, our very own cherry blossom trees - one in the front yard and one in the back - explode into bloom.
Thanks for your interesting comments on de-stressing this week, everyone - I loved reading how you turn off your brains and unwind. As a big first step, I did something crazy and new on Wednesday and Thursday of this week: I took a real lunch break! It turns out that eating anywhere but my office desk does great things for my brain, especially if that anywhere is a park bench next to a water feature. This is rocket science, I know. At any rate, we might be up to something fun and exciting this weekend - I'll 'fess up next week. In the meantime, some little tidbits from my world on the Web (outside of near-constant Todd Akin outrage, of course)... Have a wonderful weekend!
Time-Travel Photography
I'm obsessed with this photography project by Sergey Larenkov. Superimposing historical scenes (wartime action... wow) over today's images produces something eery and wondrous, all at once.
I love a good foreign film or depressing melodrama as much as the next film snob. You know what I also love, though? Well-cast comedy that's a lot smarter than you expect it to be. Enter 21 Jump Street, the couch with my guy, a big bowl of homemade popcorn, and the most enjoyable Friday night in recent history. Nope, not even kidding - this movie made me giggle. A lot.
This week was emotional on a lot of levels. We have loved ones going through breakups, tragedy striking people around us, and horrors like the shooting in Colorado last night making us realize even more than usual to stop and appreciate each moment. And so that's what I want to do this weekend - turn my brain off, breathe, and just be. On that note, here are three items that embody appreciating the small stuff:
I'm looking forward to a lazy weekend to gear up for a big week of travel. Some baseball, some gardening, some projects around the house... easy. What's on your weekend agenda?
Cutest girls ever.
I bookmarked this forever ago during my blogging hiatus, but I figured if it gives any of you half the pleasure it's given me since then, it's worth sharing. These girls slay me.
Funniest local blog ever.
DC residents, have you seen this blog yet? I'm sure you have, given the horrified looks on my friends' faces last weekend when they realized I hadn't. At any rate, the When In DC tumblr is just.so.good. What is it about a good gif that just kills me?
Best cauliflower ever.
We're obsessed with this recipe. It's just... luscious. succulent. [enter your favorite sexy food word here]. Make it.
Oh weekend, you tricky mistress, you. I've managed to schedule a Saturday so full of activities that I really only have a one-day weekend ahead of me. That, plus the chance of SNOW on Sunday (#$%&E^@^!!!), means I'm already looking forward to next weekend. At any rate, here are three finds that tickled my fancy this week. Enjoy, and try to have a more restful weekend than I will!
Guys and Doll
People are fascinating and weird and wonderful, you know? I read this piece about "The Digbys" and couldn't quite believe it. A couple "adopted" a doll twenty years and have been raising them as their "son" ever since... and oh, the places he's gone and the outfits he's worn! Please tell me there's film footage that someone's been recording all these years... this stuff is begging for a documentary.
Coralie Bickford-Smith
It's pretty easy for me to get swept away by great book cover design, and no one is doing that better these days than Coralie Bickford-Smith. Her designs for the Penguin clothbound classics series are renowned... and happen to be utter perfection in hardcover form. Her latest project takes us into the kitchen with Penguin's 'Great Food' series, which presents a dilemma... isn't it blasphemy to rip the covers off books, even if you're framing them in the kitchen as a large art piece?
I imagine that my brain looks like one of those really delicious yet ugly scrambles you throw together on the stove for breakfast, using everything in the fridge because it's all about to go bad. Or some other metaphor for ugly mishmash. Onward, then.
This is the painting I bought at the Fearrington Folk Art Show with my mom. It's by Jackie Haliburton, who did my favorite piece in the entire show - at a scale and price a tad out of reach for me right now. But this little guy, so fun and bright and happy, he fit the bill.
See all those nice houses? We do not own one of them. Another crash-and-burn offer yesterday, for a place we adored. (It was RED. And had a CLAWFOOT BATHTUB.) You know how some girls carry around the "Always a Bridesmaid" hangup? My new (unintentional) motto: "Always the Back-Up Offer." I mean really, how many times can we come in second? That is no consolation, people. Give us a house already! The details I could share about the market here would shock some of you, I have no doubt...
Anyway, I'm obsessed with tulips this week. Also: acorn squash.
Hey, remember my Calendar of Shame? I made it through the entire two-month calendar with long workouts at least three times a week. This doesn't earn me a Presidential Fitness medal or anything (remember those? yeah, I never got one then, either) - but after the previous two months of never once breaking a sweat, I feel good about it. Especially given how many weekends I traveled during those two months. I've actually even gotten to the point where I'm working out in order to release pent-up stress, because as you might imagine, I have a lot of it right now. And if you're wondering, having to face this calendar every time I leave my apartment really does work. Try it if you're having motivational issues.
This is all I've got right now that's bloggable. Now if publicly bitching were my thing (you thought this post was bitching? Not even close...), I could write for another hour. But I have a date at Zentan tonight with T, my sister-in-law, and Susur Lee's sushi and Singapore Slaw, so things are looking up. His signature slaw, by the way? Absolutely outrageous. And vegan, if you also have hard-to-feed (but lovable, not bitching!) folks in your life.
I'm headed back to NC for the weekend for an event I've been wanting to attend for years now: the Fearrington Folk Art Show. My mom's a regular there, but I've always lived too far away to attend easily... until now! We're going to the collector's preview tonight, which will feature a panel discussion on the storytelling power of art... right up my alley. Think of me this weekend while I lovingly gaze at folk art, pretending I have both the money to start building a real collection and a house suitable for displaying one. Sigh... I kid. It's going to be great. Some day, some day!
The Fearrington Barn: I think we all know where I would've had a reception had I gotten married at home in the Triangle instead of the Outer Banks...
My mom chatting with artist Danny Doughty at last year's show (the weird morphing happening here between my mom's black coat and her friend Mary's black pants makes me laugh). She owns three of Danny's pieces, which you can see in the background.
Plenty of inspiration in the Village for my fantasy beach house/farmhouse!
More snow falling outside right now.... wheeeeeeeeeeee! Other than that, just putting in an offer on a house tonight, no big deal. !!!!! Time will tell. Here's what I've got this week:
Brunette Belgian Praline Spread
Last Sunday we had a light lunch at Le Pain Quotidien and went to an Open House, all the while talking about the jar of deliciously nutty, chocolaty spread that had been on our table at lunch, served with fresh bread. Before long, we were circling back to Le Pain Quotidien to buy a jar to take home with us, along with a walnut boule. This is that spread. It's called Brunette, and slathering it onto warm bread while sipping coffee turns a regular morning into something absolutely decadent. I want to say it blows Nutella away, but this great post by a local blogger has led me to believe that I've never tasted true Italian Nutella. I believe a taste-off is in order...
The Decemberists: The King is Dead
I have a love-hate relationship with the Decemberists. I adored their '05 album Picaresque. I adored the single "O Valencia!" from the following album. But I actively disliked everything else they touched, for the next five years. That's a lot of songs and a lot of longwinded nerd mythologies to hate. Until now. The King is Dead is their new album, and it breathes new life into the Decemberists catalog for me. It's earthy and warm, gutsy and folksy, full of life and sound. It features Gillian Welch and REM's Peter Buck. Fewer pirate references, more Americana singalongs. Fewer allegories, more relatable moments. This is my kinda album. And I can't stop playing it.
Book-Printed Wallpaper
As I write this I'm staring at the wall in the home office/guest bedroom, which is completely lined with bookcases, which are spilling over with books. Trying to create the look of too many books is not a problem for me. But if it were, or if I decided the perfect accent in my perfect kitchen would be the look of books minus the flammable/keeping-them-clean concerns, I would own this wallpaper. And I would love it. Thanks, Remodelista - your post showcasing book-printed wallpaper made my dreamy morning eating Brunette, listening to the Decemberists, and watching the snow outside a little bit dreamier.
Triumphantly returning for the New Year, I bring you (finally!) a new installment of FC's original Friday I'm in Love series. Here are three fun favorites from my week that I'd like to share. Happy weekend, everyone!
Soda Stream
In addition to my fancy new food processor, one of my favorite kitchen-related Christmas gifts was a Soda Stream. I adore this thing. Every time I go to the grocery store I lug home bottles of seltzer - no more! Making seltzer fresh every day saves time, money, and hassle - win win win. I highly recommend one to my fellow seltzer-chuggers out there.
Arcimboldo at the National Gallery of Art
Last week I finally had the chance to see some of Arcimboldo's paintings - work that I find completely fascinating and have admired for ages. This 16th century surrealist uses individual items to compose human figures, ranging from vegetables that celebrate a particular season, to marine life, to library contents. The results are fantastic, clever, and mesmerizing (his reversible paintings aren't to be missed!). I'd hoped to see some of Arcimboldo's work when we were in Vienna (he was a court painter there and in Prague), but they were loaned out during our visit. Of course it took me nearly the full term of the DC exhibit to finally get over there. Which is to say - the exhibit ends tomorrow! Go go go. Anyone who cares about eating locally and seasonally must see Arcimboldo's Seasons paintings and smile. Who needs to buy Pollan's rules when you could simply eat according to a painting?!
Salmon Spread
I'm full-on obsessed with this salmon spread, the brainchild of a local food blogger. It's incredibly simple to throw together and unbelievably delicious if like me, you love a salty, savory breakfast (or brunch. or lunch. or snack.). Fans of stinky food, prepare yourselves: this stuff is incredible on a plain bagel, perfect on a sandwich, delicious on toast with a fried egg, and I can imagine would be outrageous folded into an omelet or frittata. Have this stuff on hand for your next brunch and I guarantee it'll be a hit among lox lovers (hint hint: it really calls out for a Bloody Mary accompaniment, too).
Is it just me, or was this a totally weird week? I'm ready to tune out for a while, personally. Let's go straight to my picks for the week, then, in hopes that it'll bring about the Friday-iest part of this Friday even sooner. Have a great weekend, folks!
Papercut Fingerprint Art
When I saw this papercut fingerprint art from artist Lori Danelle on Design*Sponge this week, I was totally blown away. Lori makes these papercuts directly from the fingerprints that you provide to her, and as you might imagine, that involves a lot of detailed work. I honestly can't decide which I like better... the couple fingerprints or the baby fingerprint. Either would make an amazing addition to any wall.
American Wartime Food Posters
I'm fascinated by American wartime food posters. This online exhibit from the National Agricultural Library does a fantastic job of walking readers through the ways in which food consumption and production were marketed during wartime. Wouldn't these posters make the coolest collection? If you dig this, here's a smaller Smithsonian collection that features some of the same posters in closer detail, along with some additional ones.
Pacey-Con!
My college girls and I watched 'Dawsons Creek' religiously, mainly to roll our eyes at Dawson and root unconditionally for Pacey. This video is nothing if not a tribute to the irresistible charm of Joshua Jackson. And c'mon, can someone please produce a Pacey-all-growns-up show? "I don't wanna wait...!"
THIS is how you look at your wife at a State Dinner, in case anyone was wondering:
And that is most certainly how you dress. Naeem Khan: stunning. And the arm full of bracelets? The perfect touch for an event honoring India.
I loved the decor. Our wedding florist was the runner-up to becoming the new White House Florist, and I wish her hands had been on this event! Really, really nicely done, however.
Did you see the menu? Forget the turkey... I'm craving chutney and lentils right now.
Menu
Potato and eggplant salad
White House arugula with onion seed vinaigrette
2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Modus Operandi, Napa Valley, California
Red lentil soup with fresh cheese
2006 Riesling Brooks "Ara" Willamette Valley, Oregon
Roasted potato dumplings with tomato chutney
chick peas and okra or green curry prawns
Caramelized salsify with smoked collard greens and coconut aged basmati
2007 Grenache, Beckmen Vineyards, Santa Ynez, California
Pumpkin pie tart
Pear tatin
whipped cream and caramel sauce
Sparkling Chardonnay, Thibaut Janisson Brut, Monticello, Virginia
Right now I'm in the middle of a huge work meeting that is rather unnecessary for 6:15 in the evening. So unnecessary, in fact, that I am blogging rather than participating in said meeting. I'm thinking about our early evening flight tomorrow for a weekend in Connecticut and New York. Have I packed? No. Do I even have clean laundry? No. Is our apartment presentable for the pet-sitter (why yes, our cats are spoiled)? No. Do I have time tonight to do all of this? No. Did I have to cancel my participation in Champagne Thursday? Yes. Do I have an overly full day tomorrow, too? Yes. Do I have any idea how I will get on the plane in an acceptable manner tomorrow with appropriate outfits for the weekend in tow? Nope!
But you know, it'll all work out.
And in the meantime, I'm pretending that when I finally do make it back to my apartment tonight, this bed will magically be there, in clean and beautiful surroundings:
Maybe with a packed suitcase full of fresh laundry waiting beside it?
Related: Have I ever been prepared for a trip? Even when we left town for our wedding, I was up packing and panicking until 3 a.m. And I'm pretty sure we had that one on the calendar for a while. Hopeless.
Please allow me to brag about two hometown heroes, the dynamic husband and wife duo known as Basashi-san and Mozza-san. On their brilliant blog Haiku Duel, my pals offer up competing haikus about topical news of the day in posts like Battle Karadzic War Crimes Trial and Battle Federer on the Grand Slam. Readers vote on their favorite haiku, and then tune in the next week for the outcome, along with a "glorious victory haiku" and "shameful defeat haiku." Think it can't get any better? Oh, it can: comments are accepted only in haiku form, and if they're good enough, you might find yourself spotlighted as the "extraordinary spectator haiku." Go get caught up the gloriousness of Haiku Duel, and get ready to vote in the new battle... I hear it's going to be posted tonight.
I'm still in denial that Mad Men is over for the season, and helping that cause is this fantastic composite of Roger Sterling one-liners from Season 3, courtesy of New York Magazine. Maybe NYM can do video tributes to every character for a while to help soothe the pain? While I wait breathlessly for the Peggy and Joan montages... long live the Silver Fox!
I'm a big fan of Americana and folk art, but it's a delicate balance. Go too far with Americana and your place ends up looking like that quaint country store you love to visit but whose apple pie candles give you a headache after thirty minutes. I've seen my share of overly country'd home decor, and while it works for some folks, it's definitely not my style. But a juxtaposition of folksy with modern... that I adore.
Take this piece, for example... how much fun is this?
I've been lusting after it for ages. It's from the Sundance catalog, so brace yourself for the price: a cool $3,895. (They also sell a colossal version for $25,000, which I've gotta admit, would look fantastic against the side of a barn next to my hypothetical rambling farmhouse.) Similarly, I stalked the original of this print on Etsy until it sold and have been kicking myself ever since. Pottery Barn had something similar last year, and while it was fine, it was Pottery Barn, thus taking the coolness out of any art piece (although I'm not going to lie... I'd snap this woodwork piece up in a heartbeat).
Political folk art is my favorite little corner of the folk art world, and an easy way to modernize a style that's old with a new twist. Our home has a great mix of political art (some modern, some folksy) set against fairly modern furniture, and I really like that contradiction. Political pieces work really well for who we are and what we care about, and is great fun to build as a collection.
The absolute best way to find these pieces is to stumble upon them or connect with an artist. That's how Trevor bought a fun piece we have that references Jessie Ventura and Granny D, marking a particular time in American politics:
...and it's how we decided we had to have the original sketches of a campaign-related print that ran with a New York Times op-ed on election rhetoric, to mark another distinct moment in American politics:
(It's also why it should come as no surprise that I've been coveting this piece for ages.)
The best place I've ever been for stumbling upon brilliant political folk art is Ed Larson's little gem of a studio on Canyon Road in Santa Fe. Here's the entrance:
And inside, you'll find brilliance like this Katrina-themed piece (you can't see it here, but the stick figure is labeled "Brownie"):
I last visited Ed's studio as a poor just-out-of-graduate-school shopper, so I wasn't in the market for any original pieces. Instead, I picked up this limited edition lithograph, marking, you got it... a distinct period in American politics:
Coming full circle, take a look at my mouse pad, which I nerdily adore. It combines my love of license plate art and the Constitution all at once... brilliant!
You remember how much we love the Constitution, don't you?
While we're at it, get a load of Senator Al Franken drawing a perfect map of the United States from scratch... in two minutes flat. The man is a genius.
Last Friday night we visited Dallas' Marty Walker Gallery with some friends. Marty was kind enough to host a private showing for the group, even greeting us at the front door with a bottle of wine. She's putting on a sale right now, and through this weekend, every painting is marked down. The first room is fantastic - were this not the summer of wedding recovery and a car purchase, we'd be all over this sale.
What really captivated me, though, was a painting framing the end of the hallway. I was too shy to take a photo of it, but days later, I still can't get it out of my head. The piece was one of Mark Flood's lace paintings. Flood is a Houston artist who shows his work everywhere from Texas to Greece. Using vintage textiles, Flood creates these dramatic pieces by applying lace to canvas, then painting, scrunching, folding, or tearing the lace, and finally peeling it back to reveal a print underneath. The pieces are intricate and bold at the same time. They're sexy as hell, too - a combustion of discreet lace and sometimes shocking color.
"My" piece, the one at the end of Marty's hallway, is probably five feet wide and ten feet tall. It's a cream canvas featuring dark green lace, and it's jaw-droppingly beautiful. It's also $15,000.
Unfortunately, we don't have an extra $15,000 to spare for green "lace" on canvas, nor do we have the appropriate showcase home/hitter apartment to be worthy of such gorgeousness on the wall. And since snapping photos seemed weird/touristy/out of place with our fellow wine drinkers/art minglers, I offer the following instead... a selection of Mark Flood's lace paintings that I found elsewhere on the web. I bet you haven't seen anything quite like them.
Sandcastle, 2004. Source. (This is the other Mark Flood piece at the Marty Walker Gallery - it's beautiful in person. Just not my green lace.)
Dallas folks, why not go visit my green lace in person? The Marty Walker Gallery is located just outside the Design District, and Marty's sale runs through Saturday. She's an excellent hostess.
