Eeny-Meeny-Miny-Moe

I have a very minimalist set up in my living room. I've got walnut floors, dark wood furniture, and a choco-gray couch. All this said, my rug selection is a very big deal! These are the four babies in the running. From top to bottom:

(1) cowhide flower white: click HERE to see it in a room
(2) chiesa yellow: click HERE to see it in a room
(3) overleaf: click HERE to see it in a room
(4) berber: click HERE to see it in a room

The Rug Company is sending over one of their employees over next week with the rugs so that I can "try them on"...

Thoughts? Your opinions matter...

Shiny Happy People

While in SF, I bought these charming rubber stamps by The Small Object. So simple. So sweet.

Honorable Mention

Forgot to give my BFF, Pammy, a shout out for completing her first series of courses towards becoming a yogi (is that what they call yoga experts?)...

I get awfully stressed out when performing yoga moves. I swear, I'm always doing something wrong. Being surrounded by intimidatingly beautiful women with perfectly-formed bods, doesn't help either. See the sketch of the roly-poly above? That'd be me. Only, I actually do pluck out all my pit hairs. Pit hairs scare me. Eew.

You Don't Say

"Inertia accounts for two-thirds of marriages. But love accounts for the other third." - Woody Allen

I dig this running Lanvin-donning bride. She looks like she'd be fun to party with.
Her wedding song would be... "It Takes Two" by DJ Eazy Rock & Rob Base.
So I imagine.

More sketches to come. I just haven't unpacked my scanner just yet.

Oh, Marni

I have been searching high and low for the perfect rug for my new apartment. Carrie's Marni masterpiece-of-a-rug by The Rug Company (as seen in "The Sex & the City Movie" is in the running.

It's a tad bold... but I think it could be fun against all my drab, er, "minimalist" furniture :o) Thoughts?!

Team Reid

With neither internet nor cable connection at the new home, I was denied the finale to this season's Bachelorette last night. But nothing can stop this rabid fan. I am, at this very moment, holed up at my neighborhood Starbucks, watching the episode off abc.com. Sucker for a romance...

Suburbanite

It's official. I'm officially out in the 'burbs. Kinda. Sorta. Made the move from Westwood to Burbank yesterday, and am surprisingly loving the new crib. Just to give you an idea as to how life has changed...

1) Ghetto grub. I'm a foodie, and well, the nearest gourmet eateries are Subway, Panda Express, The Olive Garden, and Outback. Hmm. On the plus side, the nearest Starbucks is a hop-skip away.
2) Retail for the masses. I used to live in the vicinity of Century City, The Grove, Rodeo Drive, and the charming boutiques of Abbott Kinney. Now I live near Lowes, Marshalls, David's Bridal and Staples. Hmm. Don't be surprised if I start dressing in mom jeans and become a permanent fixture at Lowes.
3) Space. I have so much more space now. I've got guest roomS - yes, rooms with an "s" - yet little furniture to fill the rooms with. Beans' toys have their own room...

Overall, I'm a happy camper. The commute to UCLA is going to be killer, but the smile on Beans' face every evening when I walk him to the park right down the hill is priceless. Photos of our new home to come. I've got a crap-load of unpacking to do.

Staggering Genius

Last post before I get back to packing up my apartment. I'm moving TOMORROW!

Pictured above: More shots from San Diego Comic-Con. Power couple, Miyazaki and Lasseter; Alexis, Courtney, Kathy and me dressed as Ninja Turtles for Comic-Con. Do you believe me?

Girl's First Con

Back from San Diego. My first Comic-Con geek-fest was, as Jennifer Connelly (who was present at the Con) would put it, "delightful."

Highlights:

1) Being in the same room as John Lasseter, Miyazaki-san and Tim Burton.
2) Meeting Pixar artist Enrico Casarosa. I told him that I'm a huge fan of his work and that I think his daughter is adorable. (He posts photos of her on his blog.) Purchased a copy of his book, The Venice Chronicles, and had him sign it. Yay!
3) Paul Bettany sighting in the lobby of the Omni Hotel. Love...
4) Enjoyed some much-needed girl time with Kathy, Courtney, Yvette and Alexis.

Some photos of our adventure posted above :)
Looking forward to next year's!!!

Once in a Long While

One gets to witness a solar eclipse. Le cub witnessed today's eclipse from Shanghai. (I was really worried that he'd stare straight at it and go blind, but he assured me that he wouldn't stare.) These fellas witnessed the same eclipse from elsewhere. I'd like to know where :)

Photo source: The Wall Street Journal

Geek Fest

Headed for Comic-Con this Friday (accompanied by my gals, Alexis, Kathy and Courtney), and I'm incredibly PSYCHED! Does that make me a geekette?!? *Woot-Woot!* In addition to all the exciting panels I'm going to be seeing, I can't wait to attend the uber-fun parties that are being thrown... ie the IHEARTCOMIX PAPER HEART official Comic-Con party @ Voyeur in San Diego!!! It's being hosted by the stars & director of the movie Paper Heart: Charlene Yi, Jake Johnson, Nick Jasenovic... and ooh, there's going to be a photo booth. As Lemon (of 30 Rock) would put it, "I want to go to there!"

Twinkle Toes

Can't wait to introduce these sparkly happy babies to Sydney.

Feeling Japanesey

Japanese Harry Potter fan beats out 10,000 contestants to interview the cast. Watch her drip with sincerity HERE. Rupert Grint is adorable!!!

Fear Factor

Everyone dreads trips to the dentist, but no one fears them the way I do. Yesterday, I went to see Mr. Dentist for a check-up. I wanted to know what he though of my three unwelcome teeth. He took an x-ray of them and told me he'd soon have an answer for me. And until then, he'd dig around and drill within the interior of my mouth until I tear. *sniffles*

In order to avoid future encounters with Mr. Dentist, I vow to devote more time each day to flossing. Apparently, I haven't been doing a good enough job :(

Bright Shining Bulb

I'e been commissioned to complete two paintings before summer's end, and up until yesterday, I was completely uninspired. But while driving across the Bay Bridge with Will this past Saturday, I experienced a rare but cherished light bulb moment. *fist-pump* I am so-very excited that I've finally sought out direction and am looking forward to seeing the end-product. I wonder if I can complete one piece before heading off to Comic-Con? Yes, you heard me. Comic-Con. Headed for the San Diego Geek-Fest on Friday. Alas, I'm shameless.

Far and Away

Fifteen days til le cub returns from Shanghai. I don't like being apart. Beans' vocabulary is limited to "cookie" and "hungry", and I'm tiring of our depth-less conversation.

Minimalist

Lookie here. Jordan's Vandercook press and stacks of Crane paper were caught KISSING this past weekend, and wah-lah! The by-product of the make-out session are faboosh new calling cards for yours truly to hand out when asked about commissioned pieces. These cards were printed + cut with love at Jordan Ferney's studio in the Mission - mere blocks away from my fav SF carbicide haunt, Tartine. *swoon* Jordan runs these workshops fairly regularly, so if y'all are ever planning to be in the neighborhood, I highly-recommend signing up for her class.

As this was my first time interacting with a letterpress printer, I was a tad nervous that I'd fudge up. But the actual act of printing turned out to be really relaxing. Whir-whir-click! Whir-whir-click! A pregnant Jordan hosted six students in her charming loft, and each of us took turns cranking her handsome Vandercook. While others were busy printing, I enjoyed a grapefruit Izze (they're as tasty as they look) and enjoyed Jordan's show-and-tell of imported crafts supplies she's collected over the years. And then there were the gorgeous landscape paintings by her husband, artist Paul Ferney. Marvelous! Oh, how I admire the talent these two "creatives" hoard...

Le Petit Voyage

This past weekend spent in the Bay was much needed. I hadn't been back since last November, when le cub took me for my 29th *gasp* birthday.

I was particularly productive this time around. The trip wasn't all about wining and dining. *shock*

Highlights:

1. Lunch at the Ferry Building. I used to live in the SoMa district and would walk to the Ferry Building on weekends - with Beans, no less, to buy freshly-picked fruit and flowers. This time around, minus the pup, I was able to sit and enjoy a nice meal with birthday boy Will at Hog Island Oysters. The weather was beautiful, and the meal was marvelous! There's nothing like slurping down a fresh, sweet Kumamoto under a clear blue sky!

2. SF MoMA. It's hard to believe that I used to be a member as I feel like I haven't been there in 2+ years! Pieces have been rearranged since my last museum outing, and I was uber-excited that we were able to catch a special exhibition of Richard Avedon, Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keefe's works. I'm not really a fan of the latter two (the south west just doesn't appeal to me) but my oh my... what I'd give to get my hands on an Avedon portraiture. I particularly liked one he took of a young Kareem Abdul Jabar (aka Lew Alcindor) and a series of shots he took of his own father.

3. Letterpress Class with Jordan Ferney. Adorable gal with an absolutely charming studio. Her Vandercook printer, sooo handsome. This experience deserves its own post.

4. Plumping it up with friends. I had flown up for two main reasons. Jordan's letterpress class and Will's birthday. Turning 30, Will did not want to celebrate. But I think we did a good job of turning what could've been ordinary weekend into one of great gluttony. Hog Island, Maki, Horatu, Hopkins Street Bakery, China Bee, Chef Woo's, Fantasia and Potsticker King... Our tummies never stopped smiling. See photos of our intake HERE.

Pictured: Shady. My BFF's adorable pup.

Check-Up

Brought in the MINI for its yearly check-up. Beans tagged along, and as you can see, he had a jolly good time. He's smiling.

Hot Dog

Took the pup to Runyon Canyon yesterday, and boy, was it hot. T'was an awful day to be black and furry.

Thank You For Being a Friend

Gosh, I miss watching "The Golden Girls." Betty White reminds me of my Puo-Puo (grams).

Looking forward to reuniting with my Bay Area friends when I fly up this weekend. I've got a letterpress class to attend - one being taught by Jordan Ferney. Shweeeeet!

Happily Ever After?

I think not.
I'm unable to understand relationships in the press lately.

Jon & Kate Plus a Date. See HERE. WTF.

Jillian denies her "Honey Bear," Reid, a rose. See HERE. Disappointment.

Tony Romo dumps Jessica Simpson. See HERE. *sigh*

Swoon

Gabe Bondoc of YouTube fame has an amazing voice. I first heard him sing after clicking on a post on my friend, Larry's blog (see HERE). After watching one video, I watched ten more. How amazing would it be to have him perform at a wedding? :)

T - 13

The apartment. 90% packed. Believe it or not, I can't wait to move.

Hot Dog

Taking a cue from Zoolander, Beans thinks to himself, "I'm pretty sure there's a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking. And I plan on finding out what that is."

Le cub is in Shanghai and is missing Beans. In case he's forgotten just how cute our puppy is, I'm posting Beans' latest and greatest.

Sunny Day

Holga photos taken by yours truly this past Monday while strolling along Venice's Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The jeep full o' Barbies running over Ken? Day after Independence Day fun!

Too Much of a Good Thing

I look at this photo and I want to eat chicken. Photo courtesy of Nicole Richie via People.

Unbelievable

THREE unwelcome wisdom teeth growing in at the same time. I think God is punishing me for laughing at the Beijing Olympics greeters who showed too many teeth.

Choices

I've always enjoyed watching The Bachelorette, but this season is particularly juicy. Jillian's really likeable (except when she squeals), and her final three picks aren't too shabby. I used to be an Ed fan, but as of this week's showing (the man never makes eye-contact, and is a tad boring *yawn*), I'm rooting for Reid. He's funny and gives her piggy-back rides. A keeper!

Improv

This is how we do. (My puppet is the one below the "purist" puppet.)

Must Have

A place for everything and everything in its place.

A drool-worthy piece of furniture available at School Outfitters. Pity that it costs two arms and a leg. Anyone know where I can thrift one?!?

Gush

Boy-Meets-Girl

Really looking forward to catching the not-a-love-story film, (500) Days of Summer starring yummy Joseph Gordon Levitt and adorable Zooey Deschanel. Not to name-drop or anything, but JGL sat in the same lecture hall as yours truly back at Columbia. It was an Anthropology course taught by a quirky professor who always came to class wearing a single dangly earring. Just thought you might like to know.

Miss Independent

The morning after our country's birthday was spent picking picking blinds for the Burbank apartment. Nothing fancy. Blinds are blinds. Beans accompanied me, and I think he likes his new home. Well, he definitely enjoyed the park down the street. In fact, he left it, the park, a gift. *See photo* My handsome puppy managed to find the one lone patch of green grass and promptly made a poo-poo. That's my boy.

After checking out the apartment, I indulged myself and spent an hour strolling about Abbot Kinney in Venice. All by my lonesome self. A discovery was made. A well-curated gem-of-a-boutique called Heist. Talk about dream closets! Isabel Marant, Jerome Dreyfuss, K Jacques... who needs Paris when you can shop in Venice? I brought home a pair of Pedro Garcia suede lace up booties in the color, smog. Who knew that smog could be so beautiful?

Where I'd Like to Live: Week 1

I'm really into environments. Yet one wouldn't know that from looking at my doodles. The backgrounds are always solid colors! Seeing that I need to step beyond my comfort zone, I'm challenging myself with "Where I'd Like to Live" entries. I'm thinking one environment doodle per week.

This week, le cub, Beans and I are living in an igloo.

Why?
Why not?!
According to Wikipedia, "On the outside," (of an igloo), "temperatures may be as low as −45 °C (−49.0 °F), but on the inside the temperature may range from −7 °C (19 °F) to 16 °C (61 °F) when warmed by body heat alone." Hmm, how nice to know there's a possibility of it being warmer inside our igloo than it was the last time I visited le cub's home state of Minnesota...

And hey, being in a cold environment will give me more of an excuse to snuggle with my favorite boys.

L-O-V-E

Listening to Nat King Cole's "L-O-V-E" with Beans. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, click HERE to listen.)
L, is for the way you look at me...
O, is for the way only one I see...
V, is very very... extra-ordinary...
E, is even more than anyone that you adore...
Love was made for me and yooooooooooooooou... *cue Beans... howl, puppy, HOWL!*

Pup and went hiking at Runyon Canyon today. It was fun - only it wasn't the same because le cub wasn't around to witness the Beans smile. (Beans smiles when he goes to the park. He also smiles when he goes hiking.)

P.S. No, I don't smoke. Never have, never will. I do, however, feel that the presence of a ciggy makes for a moodier composition. Still don't approve? Dude, give us a break! The pup and I are grieving!

P.P.S. Yes, that is a ban.do headband.

P.P.P.S. Joss Stone's rendition ain't bad either. Listen HERE.

Come back home, cub.

C is For Cookie

Cookie is for me...

A good friend once bought me this exquisite Cookie Monster cupcake from Bristol Farms. Not only was the cupcake good, the cookie was good! Craving one right now...

Overcompensating

Beans likes to go to the park. We leave the house with one tennis ball, yet we return with two. Beans steals them from kids practicing their back swings against a wall near the park's tennis courts. Beans knows when to make the mad dash. The moment a tot loses control of his/her ball, it's over. I always return the slobber-covered balls, but the parents of the children usually tell me to keep them.

I think I know why Beans has been doing this. He's trying to make up for his pair of lost balls. (He's neutered.) My bad.

Chuckles.

My friend Alexis, a fellow animator, is working as a camp counselor this summer. The kids under her watch range from age 5 to 10, and boy, they say and do the goofiest things. My favorite? The one kid (whose identity shall remain anonymous) who goes up to her, *sniffs*, and then announces, "I smelled you." AWESOME.

M-I-C...K-E-Y...

I would never wear this.

Happy Birthday, America!

Pork & Beans

Someday, le cub and I will get Beans a friend.
Beans seems to enjoy the company of pugs.
Wouldn't a lil' pug named "Pork" be adorable?
Pork & Beans!

Bright Lights, Big City

Kinda. Sorta. Apartment renovation is coming along great. The walnut floors (see photo) are nearly finished and look pretty spectacular! The new flooring paired with my new Noguchi lamp (to be lighting up one of the lucky guest rooms) and new Heath ceramic mugs filled with hot tea will make for a cozy, clean home, no?