New Cloth-Bound Classic Penguin Books

I was really excited to see in my inbox this morning that Penguin had added several books to their beautiful cloth-bound classics series. It makes me hope that they continue to expand their collection. Someday I'd love a whole bookshelf filled with these books. You can pre-order now, as they are released March 10th. Also they are $7 cheaper on Amazon compared to Anthropologie/Bookstores.

Alice's Adventure in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass

Emma

Treasure Island

The Odyssey

Its going to snow.....again

Ok maybe I'm being a brat here, but seriously! Another 16-24 inches of snow this weekend in DC! There is a reason I live in the somewhat south! Anyways looks like we will be stuck inside for another weekend. Orrrrr we could try one of the winter activities below. I'm seriously digging the idea of a huge group sled being pulled by a car. I think this would be the perfect way to end snowball fight part two (hopefully not as epic this time) at 14th and U on Saturday.

Pictures from the Dutch Nationaal Archief

Blog Crush: Unhappy Hipsters

Stumbled across this amazing blog last week and I've been meaning to share. I know it is making its rounds about the web, but in case you haven't seen it yet: Unhappy Hipsters. Basically most of the pictures are taken from Dwell with snarky commentary added on to it. Read through for a good laugh. Because its a lonely place in the modern world.

"The octopus was full of judgement."

"Everyone always leaves."

"Maybe naming him Rimbaud wasn't such a good idea."

"Even in your company, I feel so alone." (Thats right, that's DC's own Taylor's Deli owners on H street, NE)

"You can come out when you properly explain the differences between Modernist architecture and postmodern ornamentation."

Pictures of Mars

These pictures taken by NASA's HiRISE camera are like works of art. Its amazing how beautiful the shades of colors and patterns are. Sometimes I forget that so many patterns of art originate from nature.

The HiRISE camera is the most powerful camera ever sent into space. The ability to capture detail is really stunning as they are able to measure topography down to a .25 meter. The camera has been dubbed the "People's Camera" as soon people will be able to request sites for the HiRISE camera to capture. Which in my opinion is very cool that they are including the community in this project.

{via Huff Post}

The Making of Fantastic Mr. Fox

I didn't have very many favorite movies in 2009. Maybe its because I didn't see very many, or maybe I was just underwhelmed by what was out there. Nevertheless one of the few movies that I absolutely loved last year was Fantastic Mr. Fox. I'd go as far as to say it was one of my favorites for 2009. Then again anything that Wes Anderson touches is gold.

I just loved how colorful it was, the amazing soundtrack (which in my opinion can make or break a movie) as well as the whimsical nature of it. And it was just different from everything else out there.

I recently stumbled upon a book that shows behind the scenes how the movie was made. And from the few pages I've seen I think I have to get my hands on this book. If it is half as creative, bright and eclectic as the movie then I know I will enjoy skimming through it. Just the sketches and color swatches look like they'd be good inspiration for when I'm in a design funk. If nothing else at least it will bring me back to the magical world of Mr. Fox and his friends.

{via for me, for you}

Beginning of the Holiday Season

Happy Black Friday!  Hope you are recovering well from your food coma and not getting swallowed alive by the shopping crowds.  I'm headed out with the family but wanted to share this little video.

Since it is officially the beginning of the holiday season....it also means its time to watch Elf!  I caught part of it last night with my family and thought I'd share one of the best scenes.  Buddy discovering New York City.  Enjoy! 

Creepy Santa

Ok I know its technically not the Christmas season yet. And we still have Thanksgiving later this week. But I just couldn't hold onto this gold mine for that long when my friend Jasmine sent this to me this morning. And I'm pretty sure Santa is already taking up his post at the malls.

So now that I've justified that....take a look at these amazingly creepy Santas. I too would be disturbed and crying if I had to sit on the lap of one of these guys. Enjoy more here as well as entertaining commentary.

Where the Dirty Hipsters Are

Absolutely dying laughing on this video Where the Dirty Hipsters Are, a spoof on Where the Wild Things Are. Which I have yet to see in theaters but from all the good things I've heard its definitely on the top of my list!



{via Oh?}

Halloween Entertainment

Happy almost Halloween. For my final Halloween post of the day, I thought I would share one of my favorite tv show halloween clips. Werewolf Bar Mitzvah on 30 Rock.

Also thanks to my friend Jasmine, drunk Ewok's on the Today show this morning. Oh the joys of live television.



And if you need more, here is a post of SNL's top 10 halloween skits. Enjoy!

Themed Parties

It is barely the beginning of fall and I am already fretting the winter blues. One way to combat the lame cold weather though is to throw themed parties! It is a great and inexpensive way (if you don't go over the top) to get together with a group of friends, especially on super cold nights.

This past weekend I went to a friend's mustache party. It ended up being one of the most perfect themes. I'm not very big on intensely themed parties. Aka parties I have to go out and buy a whole outfit or dress up like its halloween. Not really my deal. This theme was brilliant because all you needed was a fake mustache. And of course tons of laughs and hilarious pictures ensued. It was also a great ice breaker with people you didn't know because all you had to do was laugh and make fun of each other. And you were instantly friends!

Yes I realize I screwed up the sorority popped leg pose.....which I have absolutely no excuse except that its been a few years since college.

So I started brainstorming on some other themed parties to throw during the fall and winter months. Below are a few ideas for when it gets cold and you want the party to come to you. If you have any other great themed party ideas put them in the comments!

Game Night

Not really a unique theme at all, but I have to tell you I've been to so many fun game nights with friends. Whether it is a small get together where you have one competitive game going or a larger shindig with several competitions happening at once, it is always a good time. And a great way to bring different groups together. I mean nothing breaks the ice of "nice to meet you" like "I'm going to kick your ass in Scategories" Have everyone bring a snack and a bottle of wine or beer.

Teacher Sweater Party

This is a variation on the ugly christmas sweater party, which I feel like has become a little overplayed. Instead you open the playing field to all ridiculous holiday themed sweaters. You know the sweaters I'm talking about. The ones with stitched pictures, wooden buttons, and pom poms/lots of bedazzle.

Prohibition Party

Basically a 1920's flapper party, but it sounds cooler calling it a prohibition party. It slightly breaks my rule of costume but I figure you can find something in your closet to make it stretch. And all guys really need is a white button-up, black pants, and possibly suspenders and a hat. When I was visiting a friend in New York we went to one of these parties and it was a blast. Basically you just play flapper music and drink but if everyone dresses the part it creates a really fun vibe.

Karaoke Party

I'll be the first to admit I would never stand up in a karaoke bar and belt it out in front of mostly strangers. But how much fun would it be to have a hilarious karaoke party in the comfort of your home with friends. Suddenly everyone gets a little braver, especially as the night wears on. Don't forget to take video for blackmail....I mean so you don't forget your fun times.

Dress Like Your Host

I've never been to a themed party like this before but stumbled upon this idea online and thought it would be hilarious. It would be so funny to see how all your friends interpret your style or think you dress. Or a great way for your friends to make fun of your style...if you can have a sense of humor about it.

Thanksgiving Feast

This isn't exactly a themed party, but it is a tradition that started when I was in college. Before going home for Thanksgiving with our families a group of my friends would cook a big thanksgiving feast together. It was a great way to bring different traditions and family recipes together. I also discovered most people don't do Thanksgiving like my family does. Who knew! We continued the theme in DC with a different group of friends, but unfortunately for some reason we skipped it last year. I'm definitely bringing this tradition back though.

Lego Classics

Mike Stimpson's title is Photographer of Plastic. Who knew? There is apparently a whole field of photography out there dedicated solely to shooting plastic! Mind boggling I know. But his pictures of recreating classic photographs with legos makes me smile. It reminds me of the childhood classic toy and of so many great pictures. I feel like no matter your age, everybody loves and can relate to legos.

It also reminds me of Lego New York. Where a guy who was homesick for New York created iconic items out of legos. So many possibilities with lego, if only I knew where my old set was.

Check out Mike Stimpson's Portfolio here.

{via HOW}

Parents say the darndest things

mightykenny

While creating my weekend in pictures post, I completely forgot to include the most hilarious conversation I had with my parents over the weekend. The topic of Facebook came up a lot as my Mom recently joined and is having a ball with all her friends. I thought I’d share since thinking back to the conversation still makes me laugh and I find as I get older that parents say the darndest things. I figured many of you can relate.

Me: Mom, why won’t you be my friend on Facebook?
Mom: Because I don’t want to know what you are up to and I don’t want you to know what I am up to.
Me: Dad would you ever join Facebook?
Dad: Hmm maybe, I’ve thought about it.
Me: (egging on the conversation) Ohhhhh Mom then you guys could be married on Facebook!
Mom: (Her face drops) WHAT?! You can’t join Facebook! If you join facebook I won’t be friends with you. I don’t want you to know what me and my friends are up to!
Dad: Fine I don’t want to be your friend on Facebook anyways. Besides, I just want to join but not be friends with anybody.
Me: (again egging them on) Oh so you just want to be one of those silent creepy stalkers in the background who isn’t friends with anyone but looks at peoples profiles.
Dad: Exactly.

(*A disclaimer for my Mom's sake so she doesn't ring my neck next time I'm home. She has nothing to hide from my Dad on facebook....that I know of. Then again she won't be my friend on Facebook so I guess I can't truly vouch for her can I. Sorry Mom.)

Puppies Dressed As Cats

This doesn't really have anything to do with anything. Except that it makes me really happy. Puppies dressed as cats. I really wish I could have one of my own.

{via for me, for you}

Don and Betty's Paradise Lost

I caught the Mad Men bug a little bit late in the game, but after the first episode I was hooked. I actually need to hurry up and get through the second season before the third premieres this week! These photographs shot by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair are just too amazing; capturing both the glam and edge of the show. Though I have to admit every time I see Jon Hamm, I can't help but think of his goofy character on 30 Rock. Where he played the good looking guy who was awful at everything and didn't know it/wouldn't acknowledge it. But its ok, I still love him. And as Tina Fey once joked his beauty burns so bright, she had to "poke a hole in a paper plate and look at him like an eclipse." Well put Tina.

Excited for the Weekend

polaroidjesus

It is almost the end of the day and I am so excited for the weekend. Three of my girlfriends from high school are visiting this weekend to celebrate my one friend's engagement. It is going to be a total girly weekend filled with shopping and cocktails and tons of catching up. It has been way too long since we were all together. Have an inspired weekend!

Swoon Worthy Robert Redford

My mom has always had a crush on Robert Redford (and Paul Newman). When I was young I'm pretty sure I would roll my eyes at her swooning. Now I understand. And boy could he rock a pea coat and blazer. So this one is for you mom, feel free to swoon away. (You can tell Dad I gave you permission)

Robert Redford smoking his pipe.

Robert Redford in "Three Days of the Condor"

Amazing Wedding Entrance

I love that this couple had fun with their special day and made it their own.  

{thanks Katie!}

Will Arnett's Book Reading

I'm in love with Will Arnett (especially in Arrested Development) and this video of him reading Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me Margaret is just too funny.  Its a good afternoon pick-up.  

{via for me, for you}

Illustrated Missed Connections

When I first moved to Washington, DC I used to look at Missed Connections all the time.  I thought it was so entertaining, sad, funny, and hopeless to read desperate reaches to strangers that they had never met.  Ok and to be completely honest, a small small part of me was hoping I would come across a post to myself as well.  Eventually I lost interest though and some of them got to be a little too creepy to be entertaining.  

I actually completely forgot about Missed Connections until I stumbled across this blog where artist Sophie Blackall illustrates people's posts.    They are so whimsical and fun and they make me love Missed Connections all over again.  See more illustrations on her blog.