Downward Spiral

Oh shit. My fingers googled "Robert Pattinson" yesterday.
No good can come of this.

Pictured: Bella Swan and Edward Cullen are like this balloon and cactus duo (as illustrated by Nedko Solokov). They want to be together, but they can't...

The Food Matters

Food matters. Even wedding food. Earlier this evening, le cub and I had the pleasure of attending a tasting at our caterer's downtown loft. It was the first time I'd ever had such an experience - dining within the gorgeous home of Jerry and Chris of "The Food Matters" - and it was just incredible. Their edible creations were not only exquisite to look at, they were delicious!

More tastings with Jerry and Chris to come.
We can't wait.

Pictured: Panel from my second-year film animatic. The animatic is nearly done. Will post that on Vimeo when it is.

It's Better to Give Than to Receive

But getting is still fun!
Ta-da! Monkey mittens from Dr. Lin. Mittens in LA?! I think not. Hmm. This calls for a trip to the East coast... :o)

Oldie but Goodie

It's official. I'm THIRTY!

Rather than partying it up this past Friday the 13th, I opted to take it easy *bones creak* and spent the day doing what I do best: shop and eat. In good company, no less! My dearest cousin, "Dr. Lin", flew in from Philly, and together, we browsed one of Los Angeles' most fabulous vintage shops, The Way we Wore. It was our first time there, and definitely not our last. Jen scored a Donna Karan hobo in black leather (circa DK's early years) that was in impeccable condition with its original dust cover. And me? I made out with a vintage necklace that I may actually wear on my wedding day! It cost me $95, but considering the price of the other pieces I've been ogling over, it was a bargain :o)

The night came to a luscious end after Jen and I picked up Josh from Burbank airport and headed downtown for a late-night grub fest. With my belly filled with chill-cheese fries, mac n' cheese, and cupcake, I would later sashay down an imaginary runway back at my apartment for Jen. I modeled the magnificent little black Balenciaga dress I plan on wearing for le cub and cougar engagement photo shoot and then changed into an ivory-colored towel (in place of a wedding gown) paired with what else? The ghetto gold pansy (?) necklace!

Photo doesn't do it justice (it hangs perfectly), but I wanted to share my find with y'all anyway...

First Dance

We've decided on our first dance song.

Le cub digs Dean Martin (le cub is an old soul), and I smile every time i hear "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You".

Posts about my 30th birthday to come!

If You Like it Then You Shoulda' Put a Hat on It!

I have a big head, so I avoid hats. But THIS video featuring a gentleman named Albertus, tempts me so.

Confession

I may not be dead inside after all. Because... I'M IN LOVE!

With my wedding planner... Rebecca Stone of Duet Weddings. Sorry, cub. I "heart" you too. "Miu." And er, Rebecca, if you happen to stumble-upon this blog which I purposely did not tell you about *facepalm* I'm really not psycho. You're really just that magnificent that it warrants a public display of affection in the blogosphere.

Met up with her last night at Nickel Diner downtown. Like any good event planner, she's done her R&D. She's dined out everywhere delicious in LA! However, until last night, she had yet to dine at Nickel. Over a meal of "everything", we talked weddings... such fun. For me, at least.

Le cub and I seriously lucked out landing her. Event planning talent aside, Rebecca's just a super sweet person who anyone would want to be friends with. She's a true foodie (eats everything) and is a dog-lover. She's also got a cute pug named Chester. *collective awwww...*

Just to give you an idea as to what she's cooked up in the past, click HERE, HERE and HERE. Ooh. Here's more. Click HERE!

I told you so.

Photo: Candy bar styled by Rebecca for one of her brides. Shot taken by Jose Villa.

Tell It To My Heart

Oh Taylor (Dayne)... where have you gone?

So uh, I spent last weekend back in San Francisco. Over lunch at Taylor Refresher's at the Ferry Building, it was brought to my attention that I am neither a sentimental nor sensitive person. I am dead inside. Yeah, you heard me. I'm DEAD INSIDE. I have no feelings. Well, not NO feelings. But I possess very few feelings. Although the contents of this blog would suggest otherwise (I'm always gushing about le cub), I am incapable of conveying real emotion. I hide behind a wall of sarcasm, and well, I don't know what's wrong with me. When complimented, I get red and awkward, and am unable to shoot a compliment in return the way one's supposed to. When folks say, "I miss you, Debs!" I laugh it off and sarcastically mutter, "Er, me too?" "I love you, Debs!" will get you a "Thanks!" When folks pass away, I go, "That sucks, but that's life." And ooh, when folks link arms with me or hug me, I actually get stiff. It's the bubble. I walk around with an invisible Lady Gaga bubble. I don't know why I wear one... but I do. I don't know why. I suppose it's easier living as I do - being dead inside.

Le cub insists that he also isn't a "feeler", but ranks above me in the spectrum of feelings. Which led me to think, if even le cub ranks above me, who ranks beneath me? Larry David. The cast of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Chelsea Handler. Hmm. Is there anyone I know who ranks below me?!?

ALEXIS! My workshop compadre, Alexis! Thank you, woman, for being feeling-less with me. Even those of us who are dead inside appreciate some good company.

Like a Museum

I may not have enough seating for my relatives when they arrive for the holidays next Thursday (two chairs at my dining table, a couch, and a desk chair is all I've got to offer), but I will surely have enough art for them to ooh-and-ahh over. Latest addition is a vintage Alexander Calder Black Sun Lithograph, signed in stone, circa 1968. Yummmmeh.

Hot Wheels

Saw this vintage Schwinn and my jaw dropped. Gorgeous. Stunning. Breath-taking. No longer available *sniffle* HERE.

Not Worthy

Imma let you finish, but Conan o' Brien is the best late-night show host EVER!
Headed for a live-taping of the show...
I'm so not worthy of these tickets, but am so-incredibly psyched!

It's Wednesday, November 10th.
What are YOU doing today?

Bad Romance

New Gaga. Very catchy.

I Heart These

These shades have got to make an appearance at le cub and cougar wedding...

Left My Heart in San Francisco...

Back from the Bay Area. While happy to be back because of Beans, I'd much rather be back in SF with le cub. T'was a lovely weekend spent with some of my most beloved friends...

Highlights:
- Pinkberry has arrived at LAX!
- Strange turkey cravings due to a glossy issue of Martha Stewart Thanksgiving. Thank you, le cub, for rushing me to Safeway.
- Quality doggie time with Emily and Seal.
- Shopping with the BFF and Jen for one last bridesmaid's dress. Jenny, we hope you like it!
- Romantic dinner with le cub at Top Chef participant, Jamie Lauren's restaurant, Absinthe. The scallops were perfection!
- My first UFC fight.
- Brunch with old friends in my old hood.

Pictured: Unfinished, temporarily-bald, Sculpey-head granny character in my second-year film.

Cover Up

This isn't the dress I ended up picking out, so le cub, if you're looking, no worries, it's still going to be a surprise :) But this Monique Lhuillier Kennedy strapless is quite similar to what I ended up picking out. (Minus the lace obi belt!) With the gown down, I'm on the hunt for a fun necklace that would make me feel less naked on top. Strapless gowns aren't my thing, but there are very few pretty halter options available. That said, a bib necklace would be an easy solution. Thoughts on this Rebecca Koven number? Too bad I'm not blonde... it'd look so nice on a gal with lighter-colored hair...

Mr. Brightside

Le cub and I are in the market for one last lamp for our home.
One for the living room.
I'm loving this Noguchi masterpiece.

Your Place or Mine?

Thanksgiving is being celebrated at my home this year. Le cub and I are cohosting with my aunt Su-su. She is THE best cook. No joke! Her food makes my tummy SMILE. Anyhow, this got me thinking that I should probably set aside some time to finish unpacking all my crap (I moved in mid-July, yet I'm still living out of boxes) AND that I should probably start hanging artwork on the walls - lest my grandparents make a comment about my unintentionally minimalist space.

Photo: Plucked from Apartment Therapy's recent posting about IKEA's Muddus table. I'm drawn to the homemade artwork in the background that's totally channeling Alex Katz or ooh, Marie Laurencin. I love her. What the heck. I'm going to post a a painting by her as well. A portraiture of Coco Chanel, no less :)

Behind

Watching "The September Issue" with Alexis at noon. YAY! Yes, we're a little behind on our movie-watching, but such is the life of a student. Muahahahaha. Who am I kidding? I don't have class until 4pm on Thursdays! Life is very good.

I Knead You

Running some tests. In order to do so, I've got to complete at least one character - armature and all... Fun, fun, fun.

Dream a Little Dream

Wedding this, wedding that. I can't help it. The planning process is so much fun.

Wish I would had taken photos of the assorted dresses I'd picked out for my bridesmaids before sending them out. But because they're no longer in my possession, you've got to do some imagining. The dresses selected are mismatched in texture and cuts, but all come in an ultra-flattering black. As I pulled the collection together, I thought to myself, this is "Chanel gone wrong!" Yay...

As bridesmaids gifts, I'm considering pieces from Elva Fields. The designs incorporate vintage pieces and would look just as good with a plain white tee as they would with little black bridesmaid dresses. See above. Incredibly beautiful. Incredibly fun.

Le cub has yet to formally invite his entourage, but I've already begun to brainstorm "outfits" for them. *teehee* Rather than have the boys rent their attire, if our budget allows for it, we're thinking, perhaps we can buy their attire. We'll see. But boy, oh boy, the boys would look dashing in the above-pictured charcoal grey vest, no? The seemingly-grey, but actually herringbone print tie would be the perfect touch.

Satisfaction

I can't get no... satisfaction.

Stop-motion is much more difficult than it looks.

After trying, and failing to get into a free screening of Fantastic Mr. Fox with my classmate, Alexis, I sadly wandered on back to Burbank to work on my models. I tried to build a wire armature for "Henry," one of the supporting-actors in my film, but was unsatisfied with the final outcome. *scream into pillow* I also began to form Henry's head by wrapping FIMO clay around a ball of foil, but was unsatisfied with that final outcome as well. *more screaming into pillow* Instead of leaving Henry be, I ripped his "skin" off of the foil ball, and well, the above-photo speaks for itself.

I'm a creep.

In Virgin Territory

My first group gallery exhibition. Please stop by if you're in the neighborhood!

Surreal

Yes, le cub and I stepped into a Pavillions on Halloween night. I was thirsty.

Go banana!

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

Before getting into my sexaaaay Nick Jonas costume yesterday, I honored my wedding dress appointment at Monique Lhuillier's. Needless to say, I left ML's triumphant... :)

With the help of my ML bridal consultant, Megan, and one my bridesmaids, Kathy, we decided on a traditional ivory, lace, sheath gown with an understated lace obi belt. Spring 2010's Bernadette. It was a tad difficult finding a dress that didn't make me look like a cream puff as I'm a mere five-feet tall, but I think we did it! If I were just four inches taller, I would've considered the more editorial, "exciting" dresses, but because I'm teeny, I refrained. But this doesn't mean I won't be changing into something quirkier when the dancing begins :) Wedding gown? Check!!!

And le cub? Wedding suit? Check!!! We were able to take advantage of Bloomingdale's annual men's designer suit sale this past weekend, and after trying on a few "outfits" (that's so not a male word), we decided on a dark gray Theory suit paired with a crisp white shirt and a black skinny tie. Very Mad Men. See HERE. Hehe. The alteration lady couldn't stop ogling my cub. Aww...

BOO!

Le cub and I are, at the moment, devouring pork & napa-cabbage dumpings (yuuum). And when our bellies are filled, we shall head off to West Hollywood (Boys town...) to admire some mind-blowingingly inappropriate costumes! We, ourselves, will be donning less-extravagant costumes. Le cub is heading into public as a banana (again!) and I'm dressing up as the youngest Jonas brother, Nick. Alexis and Jeff are dressing up as Joe and Kevin... sexaaaay! Hope my hunk wig will score me some sweets!

Hope y'all are enjoying your Halloween :)

Boo.

My cousin and her man dressed up as Hall & Oates for Halloween. She tells me she's still in the market for shoulder pads...

I Spy

An eye. Er, EYES!

Been on the hunt for artwork to hang in the guest room, and ooooooh, lookeee what I found. A box o' prosthetic eyes! Okay. Maybe not. This piece is a tad creepy. Am curious to see this box in a home setting though....

Available at 1stdibs.

Oink.

I am a walking bubonic plague. Muah-ha-ha-ha-ha! Dammit, I think I've caught the flu. Don't think it's swine flu, but I'm taking Tamiflu anyway...

Have quarantined myself at home in Burbank in order to avoid infecting others. But I'm clearly on the road towards recovery as there's an abudance of spring green mucus running down my nostrils as I type. Alas, I sit around the apartment with Kleenex shoved up my nose as a test of le cub's love for me... And you know what? He hasn't run away yet!!! I knew he's the one...

And Beans? He doesn't treat me like an Outbreak victim either...
Think he wants to eat my mucus.
Eew.

Diseased

I'm unwell. Feeling sick. Don't think I've caught the swine thang, but ugh........ I hate being diseased.

Perhaps if I watch enough of THIS, I will feel better...

Gobble, Gobble

My classmate, Kevin, is my stop-motion mentor. I have no idea what I'm doing and am lucky to have someone to harass a mere phone call away. Kevin's currently working on a short titled "You're My Ghoul", and above is my contribution to his film... a turkey lawn ornament :) Made out of white Sculpey and then painted with acrylic paint...

Shwanky.

Paper submitted. Midterm taken. Alongside Alexis, Jeff and Christina ("We are Lego!"), we dropped by Celebrity Vault, a gallery in Beverly Hills, to attend Jeff's boss' book launch party. Photos from her book, RARE were on display. My fav was her pairing of Cindy Crawford with a lion. Fierce. More about Nicole (a super nice lady) HERE.

But ooh, there were other photographers' works on display as well. There was a to-die-for shot of a young Mick Jagger with pillowy lips by Gered Mankowitz. Click HERE to see. Available for a whopping $12,400. And ooh, there was a shot of Audrey Hepburn with her doe, "Ip" by Bob Willoughby. Pictured above. Available for $10,000+... both sooooo lovely.

What a wonderful evening. I even spotted some stars! An actor from Nip Tuck was present - as was Aunt Becky from Full House aka Lori Loughlin... :)

Much thanks to Jeff and Nicole for all the fun...

Trial and Error

... will eventually result in trial and success. I'm hoping.

Turning in a paper and taking a midterm for my Disney Imagineering class in a few hours. Ahh...

Pictured: A test head for one of my senior citizens in "Til Death do Us Part" - my second-year film. Made with Sculpey.

1-2-3

1. Caught up with old friends at Osteria la Buca last night. It's an unfussy, unpretentious Italian restaurant on Melrose that's owned by my good friend's friend. Delicious. Funny thing is, I opened my gmail inbox this morning to find a GOOP newsletter recommending the joint. Apparently Gwyneth likes the place too! A must-try. Loved the decor. And the prices are kind as well...

2. Attended an ASIFA screening of Summit & Imagi's Astroboy the night before. Somewhat disappointed. I give it a C+. Luckily I didn't have to pay to see it. At least the complimentary poster handed out was cute.

3. Conan o' Brien. I'm finally going! My friend got tix, and she's taking moi!!! We're soooo painting portraits of him and bringing them to set. Gosh, can't wait for November 3rd. Wonder who's going to be on...

Picture source: Elisabeth (finelittleday) and her son decided to host a lil' tribe war. Too cute.

Modest Tree

I've "clothed" him.
Decided to leave the tree green because I like the texture of the floral tape and did not want to mess up what I'd created thus far by introducing the unknown element, paint. Used a glue gun to get all the lil' leaves on, and am still contemplating whether or not he (the tree), needs more. Thoughts?

OMG, this film is going to be so much fun to make...

Ooh-Ooh-Ooh!

Are you ready for this? OMG, I'm not... but... *drum-roll please* Come December 6th, I'm going to be participating in my very first group art exhibition!!! My friend, Yuan-Yuan lives in San Mateo (yep, the Bay Area) and recently came across a charming chibi taiyaki shop called Sweet Breams. Their website can be accessed HERE. They've been around for two years now, and are not only known for their yummy desserts, but fun small-scaled artwork as well. Anyhow, Yuan-Yuan took it upon herself to set up a meeting between me and their management, and WOO-HOO... I'm going to be showcasing my work in a public arena for the very first time! Specs will be sent to me sometime this week (theme, size and price constraints)... I'm so happy. Week's improving rapidly :)

Pictured: Storyboard panel from my second-year film... a happy heart-attack.

This is EPIC

Hello Kitty's 35, and I'm going to her birthday party!
Read more about this epic event HERE.

My excitement has no bounds!

P.S. No, I do not own a Hello Kitty toaster, but YES, I will be begging for one in our (me and le cub's) wedding registry.

Poetic Justice

There is none. At least not in the "script" that I've been concocting for my second-year film. Since the issues at hand are a tad heavy (think: lonely senior citizens, death of a spouse, suicide...), I thought I'd lighten the film up with rhythmic narration. Big mistake!

I'm so not a poet...
and dammit, I know it.

Pictured: Soviet Bear available HERE.

Like a Virgin

Stop-motion set building is hard-work, but boy, is it fun. Tah-dah! My very first prop. A miniature tree. He stands about 13 inches tall... Will post more photos of him once I cover the tree trunk and branches in paint and clothe him with leaves.

Would love to know if floral tape is receptive to acrylic paint... I'm going to find out soon :)

Rainy Days and Mondays

"... always get me down..."

But a bulldog on a skateboard in Santa Monica? *smile*

P.S. It's not raining here in Burbank, but it sure is dreary.
P.P.S. Lyrics from Rainy Days and Mondays by The Carpenters

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

"... he's going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw..."

It's incredibly uncharacteristic of me to be a pushover, but lately I've been giving in to other people's requests and demands contrary to my gut warnings. I walk about with a lump in my throat and a heavy heart, and am disappointed that I have allowed the actions of others to dictate how I feel. Must rid myself of the bad "chi"... UGH.

Quote source: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe

Sketchy

Sketches from last week's life-drawing session... he was a tad flabby. And ooh, he did have family jewels. I just chose not to include them in the sketch. Yes, I'm mean.

CANNOT WAIT.

Eagerly anticipating Wes Anderson's latest project, the stop-motion feature, Fantastic Mr. Fox. Watch the trailer HERE. There's just something about stop-motion animation that's so incredibly magical (more so than 2D and 3D animation, if you ask me)... and it certainly doesn't hurt when a director is able to attract a cast as star-studded as the one this feature's got. George Clooney, Bill Murray, Meryl Streep, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Anjelica Huston, Mario Batali?!? And ooh, read that Anderson directed the entire flick REMOTELY via email... What the.........

Still excited. Coming stateside on November 13th. My birthday!!!

Beauty and the Beast

I heart Disney, and I heart Kristin Wiig. And while I'm at it, I might as well shed some love for Gerard Butler. Wasn't a fan but became a convert when I saw how incredibly sincere and charming he was while getting interviewed by Bonnie Hunt (I attended a live-taping with my classmates a week ago). The episode featuring his interview aired this past Friday...

Finders Keepers

It's been a long-time dream of mine to own a used Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair. This one in caramel (available at www.1stdibs.com) is perfection and would work beautifully with our living room rug. Now if only it came at the perfect price...

Also fun... duck feet lamps. Surrealist, no?! Available here. Too expensive for my home, but I had to post it.

And ooh... a vintage rug for my studio. Was available at Etsy until a cub and cougar snatched it up...

One-of-a-Kind

Man Shops Globe. Have you guys seen this?!? Keith Johnson, the "Buyer-at-Large" at Anthropologie just might possess the coolest job in the world...

Pictured: Shot of the Champs-Elysee from www.sundancechannel.com

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Tis that time of the year, my friends... FALL! It's the most wonderful time of the year, for I'm finally able to bust out my treasure trove of snuggly sweaters, opaque tights (I detest my freakishly pale and imperfectly-formed legs) and ooh, I can finally walk around sipping on hot hazelnut soy lattes without having to break out in sweat. (I live in LA, y'all... I actually crave "crispy" weather...)

In celebration of the new season, I indulged in a lick of Kate Spade (see the Bisous Lips Noelle blouse above), How cute is her latest collection?!? Paired with a skinny belt (black or red patent), this silk top is bananas.

Peepshow

Presented storyboards for my second-year film today. The star of the film will be a lil' suicidal granny named Ethel. Can't wait to build the stop-motion version of her!

Mine.

Imma let you finish, but my cougar cub is the best sig-o (significant other) in the whole-wide-world! (Or at very least, Burbank.)

Yup, yup, yup, he's back in town, spreading joy. After picking him up from LAX earlier today, we grubbed at one of our fav cheap-eat joints, The Beach Hut at Manhattan Beach. And once our bellies were happy and full, we stopped by Single Stone in downtown LA to picked up the ring!

Better photos to come. In the meantime, enjoy these. One of "the ring" and one of "Pon de Lion," the mascot for a popular Japanese donut chain. The spheres that make up his mane are supposed to be donut holes. My vintage engagement ring looks like this donut lion. I love that.

Yard Sale

Lehman Brother's art for under $2,000. You don't have to be a master of the universe to snag works by Hockney, Lichtenstein, and Rauschenberg. Bankers looking for an elegant office decoration - and one with a conversation-starting provenance - should check out the catalogue HERE.

Pick Your Nose

*Tee-Hee* Too adorable not to post. Available at Cox & Cox.

Beam Me Up

Lamp for the guest room is on its way. Doesn't he (yes, it's a boy!) look warm?

Calling Back-Up

Gabe Bondoc's management (yes, even YouTube stars have representation) got back to me and le cub, and we were told that it's too early to say whether or not Gabe would be free to perform for our guests on the big day. Not wanting to be left hanging, I did some research online, and no worries, y'all! Le cub and I have found another soulful crooner in Tini Grey. Click HERE to listen. Of the samples provided, I dig "On and On" :)

Pictured: Doodles of some old ladies. My second-year stop-motion film is going to feature a couple of them.

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S

Whereas some folks start their mornings with a cup of jo, others (ME!) start their mornings with wedding gown fittings at Monique Lhuillier. *Jillian shriek* Okay, okay, my mornings don't always start like so. I, like you, am a Muggle, so my mornings start with *drumroll please* morning breath. (TMI!) But hey, today was a special day. I awoke to a sea of to-die-for, ivory perfecetion. After stripping down to a thong for Megan, my really helpful bridal consultant, I tried on a bevy of amazing dresses in silk organza, satin, chantilly lace... With much effort, I was able to narrow their wide selection down to two very different gowns. Looking forward to stopping by Monique's atelier a second-time in a week or two to make my final decision. Only this time, I'll be armed with my fashionable sidekicks, Pam and/or Kathy.

Not going to divulge much more - le cub sometimes reads le cougar's blog - but I just can't stop gushing about my lovely experience. Work on your storyboards, Debra. Do it. Meh! I think I'm going to continue obsessing over silk mousseline chiffon for five minutes more... It feels too good.

Pictured: Monique's frothy, ethereal, non-bridal collection from 2007. *swoon*

Mama-maya!

Evening classes for Maya are OOC. Out-of-control. *sigh*