Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Cueva de los Cristales







Dumbfounded.

More about this monstrous wonder here.

The boy and I have been watching Nature's Great Events. For the most part they have been really amazing.

In last night's episode we learned about Africa's wildebeest migration. We watched mama predator after mama predator go after the babies in the herds to feed their own babies.

I am all for feeding predator cubs, they are really cute. However, I lost it when mama leopard took out a baby zebra.

No more food chain hierarchy for me.

Crystals and rock formations! More creation. Less baby zebra killing.

via: national geographic

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

PDX Spaces





Leah started a new photo blog filled with some favorite locals and their work spaces.

If you haven't seen PDX Spaces go on over and ch-ch-check it out.

The above images were from Leah's studio visit to Second Nature and the lovely ladies Emily Katz and Heather Treadway.

Well done.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Micaela Greg





This skirt is inspiring my to end my month long sewing hiatus.

Must make.

All her leggings are pretty great as well.

xoxo. micaela greg

Thursday, December 10, 2009

House Garden







Yes please!

How wonderful would it be to walk through your tropical garden on the way to the kitchen?

Or read by a palm tree and pretend you are laying on the beach in Sayulita again?

I'm just saying...

Beautiful.

Getting Spirited


Because I can.

Sorry for the sub-par video quality.

Really, the only thing that matters is that we all have this stuck in our heads for the next week or so.

Done.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

A Coat for Kelly







While getting drinks with a bestie tonight she lamented that she can't find a good hooded, wool coat.

So here kel-bel. Here are some perfectly lovely choices.

UO ($96) UO ($96) Ruche ($63) JCrew ($208) F21 ($45) Anthro ($178)

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Head over Heels



...for new to me blog Ascot Friday.

Her styling is impeccable. I guess that is what you would expect from a visual manager of Anthropologie.

Ugh. Jealousy!

image via: ascot friday

12 Beauties



Twelve Beauties, 1947 | Irving Penn
In 1947 Vogue asked Irving Penn to do a group portrait of the most photographed models of the decade. They were dressed by the American designers Claire McCardell, Hattie Carnegie, Traina-Norell, Nettie Rosenstein, and Charles James. From left to right, the models are Meg Mundy, Marilyn Ambrose, Helen Bennett, Dana Jenney, Betty McLauchlen (on stepladder), Lisa Fonssagrives, Lily Carlson, Dorian Leigh (reclining), Andrea Johnson, Elizabeth Gibons, Muriel Maxwell (on stepladder) and Kay Herman.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Song of the Day



El Perro Del Mar – Change of Heart

Ring



Fantastically in LOVE with this ring from Where The Lovely Things Are's holiday gift guide.

xoxo

Life as a Freelancer



Most days I love it.

Wake up when you want. Work your own hours. Choose your co-workers.

There are others with clients like this make me question my entire livelihood.

Anyone want to start an email advice group for freelance designers that have to deal with difficult clients?

I always feel too emotionally involved with the person and the work to think clearly.

I read the above article about 20 minutes before shit hit the fan and then proceeded to run through every comment looking for clarity.

Two of my favorite:

"When I do graphic design work, the clients who are willing to trust me are the ones I want to work with. Ones with parsimonious attitudes are rarely the ones happy with what you're doing. It's like they're so sure they're going to have to fight for what they want, they don't realize that all their vacillation and hesitation costs them more in the end."

&

"invariably it seems to happen that the amount of money they're willing to spend is in inverse proportion to their level of difficulty. i have had clients who gave me carte blanche, made quick and final decisions when presented with choices, loved the results and gladly paid to have the work implemented as well as for the many hours i billed them. then there are the ones who want to spend $200 for everything including my fee and want to make a drama about every little detail. i've learned to say no to these people from the first conversation. it's not worth the aggravation."

The thing that makes me crazy is I spent time pandering and stressing instead of using that energy towards totally amazing clients that deserve my love.

Done ranting. Back to being productive.

Today is going to be a lovely day.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Dear Madewell,









Please dress me everyday for the rest of winter.

Fondly,

Jess

(images half old / half new all madewell)

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Star Cartography





Working on my end of year client appreciation project.

It has something to do with the 17th century star atlas by Johannis Hevelius.

Don't you love the etchings? I do!

Can't wait to show you all.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Nice Package



Thinking of wrapping things.

Preparing everything to be put under the tree might be my favorite part of gift giving.

This kit would make them look especially cute.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Home.



Begrudgingly back from vacation and getting into the swing of things again.

I'll post more vacation picture next week.

I'm still acclimating to the cold, dark, rainy Portland weather and getting motivated to work.

Real life is hard.

Stillness is the Move



By Solange Knowles. NO really.

She covers the Dirty Projectors song with the addition of a slowed down Exxplosive Dr. Dre back-track.

Friday, November 13, 2009

four 30







A sustainable project by Lauren Nicloe photography.

30 photos each season.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Bike Envy







Wooden handle bars, weathered seat, white tires...

I am in love.

Domenica by Bertelli

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Raymond Biesinger







Inspired by the editorial illustrations of Raymond Biesinger.

xoxo.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Crochet-ed






A few pieces I wouldn't mind wearing from Muntedkowhai.

Monday, November 9, 2009

So Long...



...cold rainy Portland. I'm off to ten days of sunshine and heat.

Tell you all about it when I return.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Hartmann Luggage



Yesterday I went thrifting on a whim. While waiting for what felt like hours for my friend to finish trying on her goods, I spotted a gem.

A vintage Hartmann Tweed suitcase. Gorgeous and all mine.

I think it shall accompany me on my vacation to Peurto Vallarta starting Monday morning.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Two weeks too late.



On one of our weekend trips, Jacob and I found ourselves buying fresh chestnuts in Hood River. (Along with the egads of apples we picked. Yumm.)

I read a tutorial on how to peel them online and it was a little tricky. Plus, it included two more steps then this tutorial I found last night!

This would have been faster and easier! Future note to self.

The chestnut soup I made was delicious so it all worked out in the end.

Chestnut Soup

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
mirepoix
2 cups chestnuts, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 cup ruby port
1 thyme sprig
3 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Melt the butter in a medium sauce-pan. Add the mirepoix over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the chestnuts and cook for 5 minutes. Add the port and thyme and cook over moderately high heat until the port is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil.

Cover partially and simmer over low heat for about an hour or until the chestnuts are super soft. They have a tendency to be grainy if not cooked for long enough. This will throw off the soups texture in the end.

Discard the thyme sprig. Add the cream to the soup. Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender. Return the soup to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Eat. Love.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

+J





Jill Sander for Uniqlo.

Really? Only one Uniqlo in the states. No online shopping.

You're killing me.

I have been hunting for a sleek, long, winter, wool coat.
Nice Collar. Extra Details.

Someday. Someday.

Made For Me



Dirty Librarian Jewelry.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Sailing





We went sailing on the Columbia this weekend.

It was almost a perfect day for a sail. Sunny with light winds but utterly freezing. My fingers and toes were white from loss of circulation for an hour and a half after getting off the boat.

Geez Louise!

I think I need a heating suit.

Next time.

Baroque Shelves



I recently turned my second bedroom into my office.

These would be a great addition above my desk. I might just try to make them.

Mmm.

via: oh dee doh

Friday, October 30, 2009

Vintage Hankies



What could I do with these?

I have to do something!

Have a tea party and use these as invites a la Grace Bonney's wedding invites?

Maybe!
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