myan likes you. you like myan.

amazing.

2011-10-12T17:56:00.001-07:00

LØV from Vanessa Bruno on Vimeo.

Just something I needed to hear.... right now...

2011-09-12T22:53:00.001-07:00

AzN Pryde.

2011-09-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

The Dirty Third was featured in Yellow Magazine this month. :) Check it out. Page 8. KekEkeKeZzzzz.

Check out the latest and greatest...

2011-09-04T08:11:00.001-07:00

hi, again.

2011-09-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

Passport

2011-07-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

By the looks of the "26 things to do before I turn 26" list, I'll have to stretch that baby out into the "27 things to do before I turn 27," because I'm getting to scratch off Seattle on that list this year instead of last. Woot!

The ladies and I excitedly booked our tickets to city of perpetual rain yesterday for Lea's anti-Vegas bachelorette weekend. Very very excited. Seattle, in and of itself, excites me to no end, but to get to share that with some of my favorite ladies in the world is pretty amazing. On top of that, we're making a stop into Vancouver, a mere two hour drive away, which means I need my passport.

Instead of leaving my passport photo's fate in the scary hands of an apathetic Walgreen's photographer, who probably could care less if i had a giant boil on my face or my hair was on fire in the picture, I took matters into my own hands. Set up my trusty tripod and remote and took the damn thing myself. Why spend $10 on a picture that will make me well up with tears of regret, when I can make sure that pimple gets airbrushed off my face for free?

So today, I end up with 30 pictures of myself with slightly different smiles on my face. Fun, right? i know. (You never realize how weird your face is until you edit a whole folder of them.)

I got a lot of pointers from this guy. There's a good reason he's on the government website. Two words:

What We Ate This Week...

2011-07-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

This is one of those posts where you think, "Who the hell cares?" At least that's what I would think... but I'm posting it anyway, biatch!

Since we've moved into Walabama, I've had to become more accustomed to planning meals and magically producing food at rates I'm not used to. To my delight, I'm not that horrible at it. To J's delight, I'm not horrible at it (unless he's lying). I've actually become really fond of cooking and entertaining for that matter, however not surprisingly, my disdain for dirty dishes has grown exponentially. meh. From looking at these photos, you'd think we were living the good life... man. Don't get it twisted, though. I ate pizza rolls for breakfast yesterday. ;)

ps. I made deer loaf last week. DEER LOAF (meat loaf with deer meat). Sounds fancy, right? My mom would be so proud.

Took Nearly a Year...

2011-07-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

I posted nearly a year ago, how badly I wanted to make these Ace Hotel inspired shelves with galvanized pipes... but that never happened at the old apartment. Never enough time, and I don't believe the management would have appreciated the holes. :P So... the poor pipes sat out on the patio for a good 9 months.

Now that we're in our little duplex, any changes we make is an upgrade. Haha. Enter the rusty pipes. I gave a split second thought about refinishing and painting the thing proper black, but my laziness and appreciation for the weathered told me to leave it alone. So we did. Last night, at about 9 pm, something kicked in and J decided it was time to get this thing up and running. Our neighbor probably thought we were nuts for blazing up a circular saw at 10 in the evening outside her living room window. :) *shrug.

And voila. It's not completely finished... but it's almost there. And I must say, I do enjoy lookin' at it.

The Nest So Far....

2011-07-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Club...

2011-06-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

My beloved Tina turned a quarter of a century this weekend. We are all officially not children (in years) anymore. It's been a glorious 15 years of friendship, laughs, growth and unconditional love. Thanks for being awesome, Tina.

I gifted her with things that would continue to feed my addiction to ice cream. :) The gift that keeps on giving.

Baby Steps

2011-06-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

If you've talked to me within the last month or follow me on Pinterest, you're probably sick of hearing me talk about moving. I'm sick of hearing myself talk about it... but I'm so stoked about it. At least, I WAS stoked about it. Why past tense, you ask? As it turns out, the amount of work it is taking us to get everything up to code (our personal code) is more than I anticipated... mainly cleaning and sealing and replacing lots of little things to make the place feel new. (Not to mention abso-fucking-lutely unnecessary heat.)

I'm sure I could save myself a lot of pain and headache just letting some things be, like switch plates and toilet paper roll holders, but no. I simply cannot. So, to my slight disappointment, although we've had the place for a week, we have not started living there yet. But we will soon. The big furniture is getting moved in this week... and before you know it, we'll be partaying it up at the WALABAMA House. (that's my official name for it now.)

Changing handles was something I could NOT stop thinking about. It's not a dramatic change, but the details make all the difference. Oh, and the horrible edge of the paint near the ceiling was touched up too. Then, onto covering all the drawers and cabinets with contact paper.

I'll show you more, as things get more exciting! :)

Our first meal in the new place.

2011-06-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

I love my friends and fam. Today was the first day we officially had access to our new apartment and so many have reached out to help move and just visit. My cousin bravely faced the scathing sun with me today getting things for the move and dearest Fabiana came over with a picnic basket of goodies and beer to christen the place with it's first meal. Twasn't a bad day, aside from the heat.

***Note to self: never fucking move in June ever again. you will die.

lesson learned.

TWO MORE DAYS!

2011-06-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

Two more days till we pick up the keys! Can't freaking contain myself right now. I should probably be packing... more... but instead I'm making my tentative decoration plans via Illustrator. I also want J to see what the vision in my head looks like because he's been giving me weird looks when I verbally explain them. :)

On the Move Again....

2011-06-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

It doesn't seem like very long ago that I was blogging about moving out into my first apartment. And as much fun as I've had here at the APT, I'm so so so excited to announce the newest move. 3 days from today, J and I will be moving into an adorable little duplex right next to the Menil Museum! Pardon me for a second...

YAAaaaaaAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!

Ahem. Although, I can hardly contain my excitement.... I'm really going to miss this apartment. So much so that I compiled a list of things I will and will not miss from my first place:

I WILL MISS....
1. As much as we can butt heads, I'll definitely miss having my sister around. We both are out and about too much to see each other as often as we could, so it was comforting to know we at least lived in the same apartment. It was happy little family comprised of me, J, her and her BF. Dinner and movie nights were the best. Good times.

2. I never put it to good use, but I'll miss the gym and pool. I always liked the idea of having them around... the idea. :P

3. We live so stupid close to the best HEB ever created in the history of fine groceries. We probably could have walked.... the operative word being "could." I'll miss stopping by, just to stop by.

4. Great plumbing. You never realize how important that is until you don't have it. Our new place is older... and not quite as sparkly. I will absolutely miss great plumbing.

5. My triangle wall. I'll sadly have to paint over it soon... but it was wonderful to wake up to when I could. Hopefully in the new place, we'll create a lovely sister to that.

I WON'T MISS...
1. The obnoxious elephants upstairs. My neighbors were by far the most annoying group of hefty stompers. We'd talked to them a couple of times, reported them to the front desk, pounded on the ceiling with brooms, I've even broken a number of things by throwing them at the ceiling in frustration. (RIP sunglass case.) I hate them... can't wait to never ever see them again.

2. Terrible reception. Not a day goes by that my phone doesn't a call. It's the apartment's fault... but it never failed to drop calls here. boo.

3. I10 wasn't a horrible freeway... but once we move I can kiss freeways goodbye for the majority of my driving. woot!

4. Having to do four people's dishes. Granted because there were four of us.. I didn't have to do dishes too often, but when I did, it was redonkulous.

I'm so excited to start again. New chapter. New beginnings. If you're at all curious to see my inspiration for the Walabama Apartment, you can lurk here. ;) Stay tuned

My New Camera Strap is HERE!!!

2011-05-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

Today is an exciting day. A week ago, I ordered a camera strap from an amazing etsy shop, Harlex, based in Hong Kong. I was tired of looking at that hideous Canon strap that came with my camera (c'mon, Canon, make something cuter), so I scoured the internet via pinterest and etsy for the perfect strap and I'd say I found it. The added bonus is that they personalize your strap with anything you want... and my creative genius came up with, "Myan." I know. I'm brilliant.

Behold, the new camera strap...

DIY Terrarium

2011-05-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

So... word on the street is that we're moving again... and I must confirm it is true. :) Boyfriend and I found a little place next to the Menil Museum and its pretty exciting. I have lots and LOTS of projects for this little place, one of which I've let the eager beaver get the better of me and I couldn't wait til we moved in to do it.

I was inspired by this awesome terrarium by Wendiland on etsy. But rather than letting someone else have all the fun, I went out and bought the goodies to make it myself.

So here we go...

It wasn't rocket science, but I left out the new soil to replant the cactus in. So I'm going to make a buddy terrarium with a succulent and see how it goes. :) That's a sexy terrarium, if I do say so myself.

Died and Gone to Arizona...

2011-05-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

(via The Brick House)

Quartzsite, in western Arizona, just 20 miles east of the Colorado River on I-10, Quartzsite has been a rockhound's paradise since the 1960s. These days, it is also a mecca to well over a million visitors each year, most of whom converge on this small town in a wave of RVs during the months of January and February.

I'm thinking of taking a field trip to see Monica and driving my happy ass over to Quartzsite for some serious rock trolling. SO AMAZING. Why can't places like this exist in Texas?

Hello Define interviews The Dirty Third.

2011-05-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Last week we did an awesome interview with Jessica Define of Hellodefine.com, an ADORABLE blogger here in Houston. She's also a Barney's alum and she was nice enough to do a sweet post on D3 after she bought a piece at the Design Fair. Can't explain what a cool feeling it is to have someone else post about your work.

Thanks Jessica!

30 Pictures of Something Good

2011-04-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

I love blogs. No doubt. Am I good at blogging? After my attempt last year, I'd say no. But I wish I was. There are too many things I'd like to do to make this more interesting for you, but I always end up just posting videos I find whilst attempting to work. Where am I going with this? Nowhere... just thought I'd share that with you. teehee.

Anyway... like I said, I love blogs, and while stalking my dailies, I found this little exercise to be pretty awesome. So I shall attempt it myself. Enjoy.

01: Someone I spend a lot of time with:

02: A picture of myself:

03: A picture of someone in my family:

04: A picture of something that makes me happy:

05: An old picture of myself:

06: A picture of my sibling:

07: A picture I never posted on my blog before:

08: A picture of someone I miss:

09: A relative of mine:

10: A picture of my favorite place:

11: A person I can tell everything:

12: A picture from a place I love:

13: A picture that reminds me of old times:

14: A picture of friends from my childhood:

15: A picture of myself:

16: An unusual picture:

17: A picture of my spare time:

18: A picture I'm satisfied with:

19: A picture of my everyday life:

20: A picture of the people who are closest to me:

21: A person who is always there for me:

22: A picture from a time in life I miss:

23: A picture from last summer:

24: A picture that makes me sad:

25: A person who always makes me happy:

26: Someone I'm always having fun with:

27: A picture I always laugh about:

28: A crazy picture:

[ the only reason why I consider this crazy, is because it's me drawing on jeff halmos' arm. JEFF HALMOS. nuff said.]

29: The latest picture of myself:

30: Someone I will never let go of:

Before I Die...

2011-04-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

Candy Chang has great ideas. More things like this need to exist in the world. Then maybe my life's to do lists wouldn't be neglected.

Jessie J Boombox Series

2011-04-27T23:54:00.000-07:00

Major girl crush on Jessie J right now.

Everything.

2011-04-18T22:29:00.001-07:00

For Caroline

2011-04-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

Keep at it, little cousin. No matter what happens, the family is beyond proud of who you've become. <3

The Morning Benders "Virgins"

2011-04-12T18:35:00.001-07:00

There's something about this guy...

DESIGN FAIR 2011

2011-04-10T10:54:00.001-07:00

Design Fair last year was such a great experience. A lot of sweat, and stress, and awesome action biased living. I met so many people, that only brought me to believe that the design community in Houston is far from dead. It just needs a little love.

This year, suffice it to say, was amazing. Instead of presenting myself as a designer, I took the leap and showed The Dirty Third. A super personal and scary endeavor, showing the jewelry was a lot more nerve-wrecking and soul satisfying than I imagined it would be. The feedback was great and I was humbled by how vulnerable you feel selling pieces you love. It's only onward and forward from here. I'm excited to see where all this leads. Hope you are too.

It was a Good Day....

2011-04-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

I can't remember having quite the eventful Saturday. Is that sad? A day where there were an equal balance of leisure and events to make me feel like the city was alive. Today, we got to visit the Houston Modern Market at Winter Street. Had I not been unemployed... I would've dropped $250 on that Bertoia chair. *le sigh. Afterward, we got to swing by Griff's Pub for the Pretty Little Things Pop Up shop... something I wished would happen more often. Just a bunch of local vintage and aspiring designers getting together to drink and sell. My kind of event. :) Top it off with a rare occasion that me and my girls were simultaneously off work and I'd say it was a pretty glorious Saturday.

Good times.

NOVA: The Film

2011-03-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

NOVA the film from ROJO on Vimeo.

Someone is Inhabiting my future home....

2011-02-27T22:10:00.001-08:00

There's No Place Like Here: Hindsvik from Etsy on Vimeo.

okay... not my future home. it's actually their home... but i want it.

We're an American _____________.

2011-02-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

Remember that phantom night we got the pleasure of hanging out with Jeff and Sam of Shipley and Halmos, (I got to hold onto Jeff's arm for an extended period of time, whilst drawing a fake tattoo) well that little book they were photographing finally came out. And although its not my proudest instance of faux-modelling, I'm pretty happy to say I'm in Shipley and Halmos' book... twice. Kinda made my day. Tres chic.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-02-03T13:56:00.000-08:00

Cameo Lover

2011-02-01T17:29:00.000-08:00

Great Song for such a Gloomy Day

2011-01-24T10:06:00.001-08:00

Small Joy

2011-01-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

I've been intending to do a recap of 2010 for a while now... but I'm still going to put it off and pretend like I have other important things to do. Instead... I'm going to post this amazing gift from my lovely friend Smashleigh. It's mind boggling how something so small can make me so happy. :)

Influencers

2011-01-11T22:14:00.000-08:00

The Dirty Third presents "In For The Kill"

2011-01-08T22:14:00.000-08:00

OMFG.

2010-12-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

yes. yes. and yes.

Ugliest Christmas Ever...

2010-12-16T15:59:00.000-08:00

My Moon My Man

2010-12-02T16:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my hairy hunka man love. :) You are an amazing individual and I look forward to seeing all the crazy brilliant things come out of you in the coming years.

Big Girl Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

It was our first big girl thanksgiving this year... my sister and I hosted our families thanksgiving dinner at our humble little abode. :) She did all the cooking... I did all the cleaning. I know... I lose. Oh well. The food was coma worthy.

Fat. Pants. On.

How You Like Me Now....

2010-11-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

Slowly this house (apartment) becomes a home. A long time ago, I posted about these awesome posters I wanted to get for the living room... but I'm cheap and lazy, so I decided to design and print my own. (thanks vu.) Not too shabby, if i say so myself. Me likey.

Holla!

Tis' The Season...

2010-11-19T16:45:00.000-08:00

It's that time again. This year flew by like nothing I've ever experienced. I haven't done all the things on my list.. but i'll tell you now, that I'm not disappointed with my year. I feel very accomplished in the things that were born out of 2010 and I only have high hopes for 2011. To kick off these good feelings... we finally got around to getting our holiday decor for the tree together. This is our first holiday to be celebrated in the Donger Apartment and it's very exciting. Let's just hope we can get some presents under that there tree... ;) I was nice... mostly. No coal please.

My Adorable Friends Being Adorable.

2010-11-19T15:56:00.001-08:00

If you know me at all, you know I loves me a good wedding. I have the pleasure of being Ms. Lea's b-maid and I'm pretty stoked to say the least. She and Andrew are adorbs.. and Tenya and I were honored to take their engagement pictures the other night. I'm not gonna lie... they're fuckin' cute. ;) Here's a little sneaky peak.

This last one is a gif animation and it isn't working... so click on it. :(

love you guys. <3

Four-ever....

2010-11-15T11:49:00.000-08:00

Today my lovely BF and I celebrate FOUR glorious years. He's possible the most amazing person I've ever had the pleasure to know. :)

And... HE COOKS! Deeeelightful.

one more thing...

2010-11-02T00:24:00.000-07:00

I can't express in words how happy this makes me.

Good.

2010-11-02T00:19:00.000-07:00

I like the word "good." I like what it stands for. I like what it implies. I like that it inherently harbors potential to be "great." I like that it's important that the natural desire for all things is to be "good." To be a good man. To have a good time. To make good.

it's 2am. I can't sleep. and i can't get the word "good" out of my head.

I need a desk. ASAP

2010-10-23T10:54:00.001-07:00

Desk - Music and Sound Design from Aaron Trinder Film:Motion:Music on Vimeo.

On the Hunt For an Axe

2010-10-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

PACKING TIME from Peter Buchanan-Smith on Vimeo.

If I could afford to just buy an axe... I'd get a Best Made. Why do I need an axe, you ask? Why wouldn't I!? These things are beautimas. I may have to ghetto rig one for myself in the meantime.

Roman and Williams

2010-10-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

Roman and Williams is a genius interior design firm that brought the world Ace Hotel's amazing aesthetic, among other things. Being in an apartment that still needs major work, I can't help but weep tears of want when I look at their portfolio. (Little cousin, this one's for you. Absorb this goodness.) ;)

Generally, I'm super drawn to minimal, earthy, Scandinavian aesthetics (woods, porcelain, beveled legs, mixed with mid century stuff), even though my life attracts chaotic collections of everything under the sun. This makes it hard to commit to, since it means getting rid of every little knick knack I own.... so that scavenging, hunter-gatherer part of me loves what Roman and Williams does so well. Pulling together all sorts of found objects and well-loved things to generate warmth and history in every detail. It's no wonder people are dying to stay in their hotels. It's a far stretch from La Quinta. I'll say that much.

Candy Black

2010-10-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sweet Jesus... I am in butt crazy in love with this space. *sigh. Everything about it is perfection. We're about to start the buildout of our DSGNFRDG space and being one of two girls involved... I can't help but want to design (dare I say decorate) the space. Hahah. If my dreams were to come true... it'd look just like Candy Black's new studio. Major kudos.

The Dirty Third presents "Before You Wake."

2010-09-21T21:12:00.001-07:00

The Dirty Third Presents "Before You Wake" from The Dirty Third on Vimeo.

The Dirty Third Blog

2010-09-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

(Click and check out The Dirty Third Blog!)

Treats. No Tricks.

2010-09-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

Now.. my heart has always loved heels... but my feet won't let us be together. However, despite this love triangle, my heart won today because I scored Alexander Wang's T-strap heels for FIFTY BUCKS! (Originally 500 big ones.) Wooo... I win.

On top of that big score, I've been searching endlessly (maybe not endlessly, but more passionately than usual) to find a new fragrance. If you know me, you know I'm obsessed with perfumes. Lately though, I've grown tired of my usual scents. It wasn't until a coworker (male) came in smelling like freaking heaven blew through the store and I knew I had to have it. So yes... I used all the Sephora gift cards that were burning holes in my wallet on a bottle of Terre D'Hermes. So GOOD. The boyfriend is growing increasingly concerned with my tendency to like male things for myself... but I don't care. He's just jealous of how good I smell. :)

Again.. I win.

The Dirty Third

2010-09-09T22:48:00.000-07:00

I didn't open an Etsy, folks. I did ya one better. Come check out the SHOP! It's OPEN FOR BIZNASSSS!

Yours Truly

2010-09-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

Yours Truly Presents: The Morning Benders "Excuses" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

For quite some time now, I've been spoiled with a boyfriend who actively searches and gifts me with new music, which has only made me lazy and contented. However, he's a boy and still lacks the ear of a dreamy young teenage girl, who wants to hear chimes and other heart happy sounds. The sounds that make his heart happy sometimes differ often mine.

Anywho... I stumbled upon Yours Truly just now and I'm starting to find that teenage girl again. Check it out. Find some new artists and amazing mixes. It'll make your heart happy. I promise.

Holy Shizzzz

2010-09-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

Breakfast of Champions

2010-09-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

That's right, folks. Chicken and waffles. To commemorate my BFF, Tina's going back to Michigan, we ate at the Breakfast Klub and you know I had to order this treasure. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Miss you, Tina. Thanks for spoiling me this summer by hanging out with me. :)

#3. Learn Another Language (Dutch, French, Italian)

2010-09-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my brilliant BFF told me about something called Live Mocha, which is a free language learning website. Apparently it rivals the likes of Rosetta Stone aka "Gimme All Your Dough / Yen / Pesos / Euros / Dong." Too bad I'm poor and can't spend all my monies on ONE language. Such a commitment. Anyway... Live Mocha freaking owns. I love it. I can learn however many languages my brain can handle. Hopefully, by year's end I'll have a beginner's Dutch down.

Ik ben dik. (I am fat.) See? I'm learning already.

Feels Like Home.

2010-08-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hello. It's been a little while. This month has been a very eventful one. Lots of movin' and shakin' and it feels GOOD. There's been little time to think of much else, besides this and other awesome projects around the bend. I'll definitely keep you posted about them as they roll in (whether or not you're interested).

Intermittent with the creative juices a flowin', I've managed to finally put things on the walls and get ahold of random pieces of furniture lost in the move and it's made a world of difference. I am starting to finally feel like I'm home. Just lovely. Now if i could finally finish the living room and that damn shelf...

Wang's Gang in Motion

2010-08-12T20:20:00.001-07:00

Wang Gang in Motion from The Dirty Third on Vimeo.

August 7th was a great day.

2010-08-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Wang's Gang Shoot. So. Much. Fun.

i love my friends.

Oooooh Girl...

2010-07-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking I need to book an appointment to gets my nails did. Oh snap.

The Guild Shop

2010-07-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly enough, it has taken me this long to finally go check out the Guild Shop. Most thrift savvy people in Houston refer to it's endless treasures, but for whatever reason, I'd never made my way over there til yesterday. Me and ze ladies had a lovely morning of treasure hunting with a throng of old people. Delightful. I had to fight the urges to buy the most ridiculous little things, especially that briefcase business card holder and the kitty face brooch.

Luckily, self-control won over my super ridiculousness and I walked away this little gold hardware cosmetic case discovered by Miss Ashleigh. Nine dollars well spent. I'm going to use it for my jewelry tools. Wooo.

To end the night, the BF and I made a delish parmesan chicken and pasta dinner. I think I ate a third of it before I had to just stop. SO FILLING. Good times.

Overall it was a good day.

Shaggy Doo Doesn't Live Here Anymore.

2010-07-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

I gots my hurrr did last week. Out with the old, in with the not-so-terrible-looking. :) I was inspired by Leigh Lezark who is disgustingly beautiful and totally disarming. I heart her. I'm not gonna lie... I kinda wanna be her. (ewww. i just said that.)

My Mind is Blown

2010-07-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

Strata #2 (extract 1) from Quayola on Vimeo.

Strata #1 from Quayola on Vimeo.

Quayola

Value Village Wednesdays

2010-07-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

The greatest thing about a mid-week day off is Value Village Wednesdays. Everything's half-off and freaking crazy crowded, but it's so worth it. Got me a whole load of goodies to play with and create new things.

My own personal collection. :)

"Settle Down" - Kimbra

2010-07-19T10:17:00.001-07:00

Kimbra - Settle Down from Forum5 Recordings on Vimeo.

Why Hello, Lorimer.

2010-07-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

We haven't had the easiest time finding a couch we can agree on... but we finally found her. This is Lorimer from West Elm and she's perfect. Good size, good upholstery, good comfort, but a price we can't deal with right now. Boo. We'd agree on getting something more affordable... but she's too hard to replace in our minds, so here goes saving!

You'll soon be mine, Lorimer.

Making Due....

2010-07-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

We haven't had the time or funds to finish our Ace Hotel inspired book shelf / desk, so I've high-jacked the living room bookshelf until we finish. After I put them all on the shelf... I realized that it wasn't that cute, so I resorted to the color coding method and it didn't turn out too bad. Can't wait to finish that friggin shelf.....

Also, scored some minor gold at MAM on my day off with Ev. Found an awesome gingham whiskey bottle (a habit I will soon pick up, just so I can utilize my new treasure), an adorable white ashtray, and a wonderful book by Hugh Prather called Notes to Myself (It's kind of life changing). Best $2.71 I've spent in a long time.

Wham bam, thank you MAM.

My Mind is Churning.

2010-07-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

- Bruno Munari

it feels good to be inspired.

Acrimony

2010-07-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

(via Notcouture)

Ahhhh.... Acrimony. It brings me much joy and sadness to find so many things I love all in one place... but can't immediately have. Le sigh.

I'm Seeing Stripes....

2010-07-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

(via Minkette)

Noir Jewelry

Bouroullec = Love

2010-07-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

( via Black. White.Yellow )

Bouroullec genius.

Old Faithful

2010-07-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

Old Faithful Shop

"Oh My Life" Beth Rowley

2010-07-04T23:28:00.001-07:00

Beth Rowley - "Oh My Life" from Mikey Levelle on Vimeo.

Canoe

2010-07-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

Canoe

Happy Fourth Everyone!

2010-07-04T08:21:00.001-07:00

Um... Yes.

2010-07-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

All morning I've been on an internet goose chase for prints with very little results. (I'm sure I've mentioned this at least eight times). But today at work, as I was hustlin' my ass on the sales floor I thought to myself, "Everyday I'm hustlin'," and then remembered THESE from Paper Jam Press. I'm going to make these happen in the APT.

How you like me now.... ;)

Korean BBQ and Furniture for Dessert

2010-07-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

This last week of dreadful pre-hurricane storms has blown my oldest sister into town, which was a nice surprise. To celebrate her arrival we had some delish Korean barbeque at the APT. SO GOOD. It seems that eating dinner on an impromptu table made from large tupperware boxes evoked such pity from my sister, that the next day she decided to take us to Ikea to gift us with some needed furniture and other goodies.

Here is my dedicated BF putting together the dining table, which we'll stain later.

Okay.. for the record, Craigslist blows my mind. Not only do I find amazing things in my area for prices I don't have to dream about, but the last two transactions I've made have been with people I happen to know. Small freaking world. Anyway, the same night we had bbq at home, I happened to stumble upon an awesome set of coffee table and media console. Woot! They belonged to a friend, which kind of meant we got first dibs. Yay. Happy times. It's starting to feel more like home already. Now all we needs is a couch....

Ceramic House

2010-07-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Architect: Hector Ruiz-Velazquez

(via Contemporist)

Someone please explain to me why I don't already live here. Minus the Mau portrait, I'm romantically obsessed with the white washed room and the teak accents. *Le sigh.

I Think I Might Just Move to Austin

2010-07-01T07:28:00.001-07:00

Lake Travaganza from myan duong on Vimeo.

OMG

2010-06-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

(via Inside)

The wallpaper of my current dreams. Isn't it lovely? Pure delight.

Print Society

2010-06-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

Still scouring the net for more prints to purchase for our empty apartment. :) I discovered this little gem today and am excited about framing some of these bad boys for the entry hall and maybe the living room. I'm sure my sister will have some objection to my personal artistic tastes, but.... I don't really care. Hehe.

Big City Memories

2010-06-21T11:57:00.001-07:00

Big City Memories from myan duong on Vimeo.

Barney's... Why Do You Torture Me So?

2010-06-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

*sigh. If moving out wasn't draining my every dime... you would be mine, Millie. Damn you, Alexander Wang!

Love Me Tender

2010-06-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, when Marianne was in town, we spent a delightful Memorial Day on 19th St. Unfortunately, the only thing open was Grace Hart & Company, so we didn't get the full day of thrifting that we had hoped for... but good ol' Grace Hart didn't disappoint. I had to hold back on purchasing any ridiculous jewelry that my soul so ached for, but I did manage to find some more useful wooden trays, which I've got some daydreams of entertaining with.

Whilst shopping for "useful" treasures, I rummaged through the rubble to find a beautiful little canvas portrait of the King himself. I forced myself to ignore it, but a few weeks later I found myself still daydreaming about that beautiful face. So I went back and what do ya know? I now wake up to his lovely face every morning.

Another satisfying purchase, I must say. :)

Bedroom Wall a la Pink Floyd

2010-06-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't decided whether or not I want to actually put anything on this wall yet because I thoroughly enjoy staring at it from my bed. Decisions... decisions.

#6. Move Out!

2010-06-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

So we've officially moved in and I can't say that we're settled in yet... but I'm trying to get there as soon as we can. Last night my BF and I decided to start (and attempt to finish) painting my bedroom. I was inspired by the girls from Seesaw Designs. I loved the subtlety of the colors... and I'm completely obsessed with triangles right now. Match made in heaven. We reinterpreted the triangle pattern to our liking, which really meant we decided to make it more difficult... but it was so worth it. The results exceeded my expectations. :)

I'm in love. Now... onto the next project.

First Meal

2010-06-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

Oh the glorious days of moving in. We just had our first meal in style at our new APT. Pretty exciting stuff. I'm sure it'd be more exciting if we had furniture. :P

Daydreaming with Adeline Adeline

2010-06-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what my deal is... but I can't seem to keep my head out of the clouds these days. I guess because of all this change and being in the inbetween, I don't really want to deal with all that has to be done. Bike riding seems like a good way to get my mind right. Too bad I'm bikeless. I did find these beauties this morning, while packing. SO AMAZING. I may need to start a bicycle piggy bank pretty soon.

I'm dreaming of change....

Stone & Honey

2010-06-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

(via Kempt)

I think a little tear welled up in my eyes when I saw these. I want. I need.

Music Philosophy

2010-06-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

The big move is in a few days, and while frantically packing and daydreaming about my new nest, I've been scouring for some printed posters to put up. I stumbled upon these gems (via Seesawdesigns) by a person named Mico, who magically combines lyrics and typography. You can submit your favorite lyrics for him to design. I'm in love. They aren't printed, however, so I'm hoping to get them printed and framed myself for the new crib. :)

Leaving the Nest

2010-06-03T11:47:00.001-07:00

It's official. We signed our lease today.... I'm outta here!

Happy Halaladay

2010-05-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

DAY FOUR

Vacation day recap:

As our last full day in New York, we had a new addition to the travel bunch. Bff Tenya flew in the previous night to join the festivities, so we were in for a big big day. We managed to get up earlier that yesterday this time around and the first mission was dumplings. Tenya found this amazing little hole in the wall called Prosperity Dumpling, a ways off Canal. The trek was worth it. The shop was maybe the size of my closet (which is not saying much) and the line was well out the door. BEST TWO DOLLARS I EVER SPENT. We enjoyed our delectables in a Chinese school park full of families running around in the sun. Delight.

Being in Chinatown, we couldn't resist popping into a Chinese bakery for some egg tarts and other goods. They don't disappoint... except that the employees are heartless Nazi Chinese ladies who do not appreciate our appreciation of their goods via picture taking. They yelled at us quite a bit. So it was off to the Brooklyn Flea! Very very high on my list of things to do. I'll save that for a post of its own.

Once I was done rummaging and the girls were done eating all the goodies, we made our way to the High Line. I've never been to the Meat Packing District... but I did kinda feel more fabulous-er..? (yea i said it.) It was beautiful. I fear I might've conjured up some daydreams of getting married or being proposed to there. Le sigh. Very magical.

So... on our way to RIcky's (something on Tenya's list) we stumbled upon a random little exhibition that just about made my day. Still not sure what it was or who was responsible for it, but it was great to see. I'm dying for that fly wallpaper.

To end the night and for our last supper (aside from the most amazing halal cart on 53rd and 6th) we went to The Holy Basil. Thai food and mojitos made with love, and people whom I love love love is the best way I can think of spending our last night in the Big City. Oh! and more Stogo. :)

Thanks for a great visit New York. You've been good to us. See ya next time.

On the 6, Minus the J Lo

2010-05-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

DAY TRES

Vacation day recap:

We woke up late and starving today, so immediately the game plan was find food. Sushi turns out to be the perfect way to start the day. Not too full, but not unsatisfied. Then it was off to PS1 Moma. I have been dying to see Leandro Erlich's Swimming Pool, so I dragged my poor girls to Queens. It turned out to be a pretty day, even despite the slight heat. To my dismay... the exhibition was closed. The one and only reason we ventured to Queens and it was closed. Sadface. C'est la vie. On top of that, we got stuck in the subway for about an hour. Gooood times.

No worries. We did more shopping. That always fixes things. Now, I know Houston doesn't have everything that New York does, but there was never a time that I felt Houston lacked quality food places.... until we went to the Hummus Place. A restaurant that only serves various types of hummus? Are you shitting me? Hello, Houston? Why aren't you on this already!?

uhh... annywaaay. Sorry about that. It was magical. That's all I can say. Afterward, we went back to the BK apartment and decided to have a drunken fashion show with all our new duds. A bottle of bourbon and coke gone in ten minutes. :) Delightful. And then Tina and I had went to have a reunion of sorts with some friends from Houston, who happen to be in town. It was nice to have a little more Texas accents floating around.

Four drinks down. It was time to go home now. Good night NY.

Good morning, Brooklyn.

2010-05-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

DAY TWO

Kiosk

Momofuku: not the kind you find in a bag.

Texas Pride.

Stogo: Organic Dairy Free Ice Cream

My favorite purchase of the day.

Vacation day recap:

Woke up to a beautiful morning in Brooklyn on day two. Marianne's wonderfully nice roommate Colin, volunteered his room for us while he house-sat on the other side of town. I think I might've developed a major room crush on Colin. The books, the paintings, and little knick knacks. Love, love, love.

Anyhow, upon waking up I believe the main consensus was to do some major damage in Soho. I wouldn't feel content unless we went to Muji, H&M, Uniqlo, Topshop, Droog, Kiosk, and Opening Ceremony at Ace Hotel. And because I have such gracious travel buddies, they entertained every whim I had. Sadly, the only place I didn't get to visit was Droog because I got too caught up elsewhere and it closed early, however on the way there we stumbled upon a place called Evolution on Spring St. that sold amazing fossils and scientific artifacts. Super wonderful. I dropped a pretty penny at Muji. There was just more than I could take home with me there and it was hard to peel myself away.

Shopping is a sure fire way to work up an appetite, so it was off to Shake Shack. To our disappointment, everyone else had the same idea that day and there was a line longer than the freaking Wall of China when we got there. My stomach was not going to withstand that wait. So.... we went down the street to NY Burger Co. and walked it back to the Shake Shack and show em whose boss. Delish.

Back for more shopping, but first I HAD to see the Ace Hotel... and let me say that it lived up to my every expectation. Such a freaking adorably wonderful place. Every single detail was perfectly placed and charming. Before going to check out Opening Ceremony, we had to take advantage of the photobooth. Gooood times. :)

Then more eating. Momofuku Noodle Bar was an incredibly long wait, but the ramen was yummy. Not to mention they served Lone Star, which made me very happy. Afterward, we took our hilarious conversation to Stogo, where they serve gourmet dairy free ice cream. Tastes way better than it sounds.

All in all, another great day in the big city. :)

Why, Halal There.

2010-05-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

Just got home from a glorious trip to New York with my three favorite ladies in the Universe. I will dare to say that it epitomized the word "vacation." Good people, good shopping, good ass food. What more could a girl ask for? Not to mention the weather was a perfect gift from God the entire time we were there. :)

DAY ONE

BKLN Crepes

I couldn't be happier with this acquisition. Thanks Norbu.

Joe's Shanghai soup dumplings were definitely worth the wait.

Cannoli queries.

Cooper Union

Ending the night with the squirrel dance.

Vacation day recap:

We arrived at LaGuardia, pleasantly greeted by 50 degree weather and a familiar face named Marianne! Immediately, she whisked us away to Brooklyn (her hood) and we commenced in crepe eating, because the thought of moving beyond that corner without food was going to kill us. Once we dropped off our things, we went to wander the streets of Williamsburg, where we discovered some of the most adorable shops just waiting to take my money. I made out with a woodpecker head cast pendant and a pair of fork earrings I thought Marianne needed to have.

After our little shopping expedition, we had the pleasure of meeting Marianne's main squeeze, Ko. Cutest couple ever, might I add. Then, enter our beloved friend, Jonathan Wing, whom also met us as I was enjoying some awesome black milk tea.

Off to Chinatown for some soup dumplings, whose reputation preceded them as legendary and delicious. The service wasn't great, but the dumplings were outstanding. We followed that up with some Little Italy adventures and the quest for some measurable dessert. Oh boy, did we find it. I had the most satisfying white chocolate cheesecake with raspberries of my life. *sigh. I think we all left with a sufficient sugar high, which means we just needed to get drunk and the night would be complete. And that's what we did.

Perfect start to a perfect vacation.

La La La Life

2010-05-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

Happiness is a Day Off from myan duong on Vimeo.

StudioDesk

2010-05-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

(via SeeSaw)

No matter how beautiful this iMac may be... I can't escape the hideous cables. This desk by Blue Lounge would be nice. That and the 6 bills it costs to buy it.

Happiness is a Day Off

2010-05-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

A lovely day off with the my bearded fella today. Went to Empire for yummmmmy frittatas and chai tea. Then I dragged him antiquing with me all throughout the Heights. It's how I know he loves me. :)

In The Sun - She & Him

2010-05-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

She's so effing cute. He's so effing cool.