Spirit Animal

Image via modernjune on Etsy
There is a running joke at my house about our spirit animals. Okay, so what is that, you ask? Well it's just the animal that best embodies you. I'm sure there's more to it, but c'mon, let's just keep it lighthearted. My spirit animal? The squirrel! They are busy, they love to dance and prance about, they scare easily and they like to fill their chubby cheeks with treats. I love them so much, I get distracted when I see them. I even like to watch silly squirrel videos on YouTube. I was thinking that I might like a new bag for my trip and this is what I want. It says, "I like squirrels, but not in a weird, girls who like ponies, sort of way."

Mug For the Camera

Image via BELLAVIOLETTAVINTAGE on Etsy

Image via olderthanyouare on Etsy

Image via SeasideVintage on Etsy
Image via DandelionGirl on Etsy

I am a serious coffee drinker, but that doesn't mean my mugs have to be so sedate. If I had my way, I would fill my cabinets with old milk glass or funky pattern mugs. On a normal work day, I take a travel mug (totally different post, for a later date) to work and either gulp it in the car or sit angrily at my desk until I finish it. There is just something so luxurious about getting to sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, whatever does it for ya', and enjoying it from an adorable mug. These vintage mugs from Etsy are very nice and maybe I already have two orange ones like the green ones above. I believe the orange mugs have even made guest appearances on Weekend Plans.

Music To Your Ears

In honor of my upcoming trip to Las Vegas, here's a good little Elvis song. I'm not some huge Elvis fan and actually this is only a recent favorite (thanks, RL). I especially love the white jump suit, cut down to there. Enjoy the mid song breakdown with the flashing lights and check out those moves. I just hope I see a show that's half as good!

Bond. Anna Bond.

All images via Anna Bond
Last week when the Rifle Paper Company was featured on Cup of Jo, I was reminded that I had bookmarked Anna's blog a few months ago. Her work is really just so pretty and it sort of reminds me of my sister B's drawing style. While I was sad I didn't win the giveaway for her note cards, I'm just thinking I may snatch up one of her little prints. I especially enjoy her "Uh Oh" print with the bear for all the little details like the stray red book and the little tree squirrel. If only I were rich... I'd have them all!

Weekend Plans

Yoinks! Small panic attacks over the amount of work to be done abounded all around. I panicked over our trip to Vegas next weekend (yay!), overtime work I needed to get done for my job, thesis stuff beyond my control, and even cleaning. It is my nature though and I tried to move past it. Friday night we had dinner with our friends Ayan and Ian because Ayan was getting ready to fly back home to L.A. It was bbq delight, followed up by the best darn basil pineapple gelato that Whole Foods could muster. Saturday we all woke up early to meet our normally overseas landlord, who we've never met. I tried to brush my hair and look presentable, so I hope it worked. After that we all went to breakfast and later I had coffee/window shopping with a friend. Yeah, I know that bear threw you off... No I did not venture into the great outdoors! Sunday was pretty low key, with my Jello Mold (Thanks! Great Gift) keeping me occupied. This week will be mega busy trying to get all my work stuff wrapped up before my trip, but I don't mind because I'm thinking, I'm going to get to see Dita Von Teese at The Crazy Horse while I'm in Vegas. Viva Las Vegas!

Black Belt in... Design?

Image via New York Times
Image via Stereogum

Image via Stereogum

Has anyone else seen these pictures of Wayne Coyne's sweet new pad? It's bizarre that this house is in Oklahoma City, but I love that Wayne wanted to live in his old neighborhood because he could make as much noise as wanted. His inspiration he says was largely built around 1950's Sci-Fi movies and it is so largely visible in the colors he's chosen in that foyer. We all know I can't get enough harvest gold,pea green, and burnt orange. Read the story about the house here and then I bet you'll start looking at broken down homes in a new way.

Rob Gordon Style

In the past few years, since moving to NOVA/DC, I've been lucky enough to go to about a zillion and one shows. Seeing live music is a luxury I try to always afford and it's something I always look forward to. While the past few months have been a little slow on shows, I'm looking forward to seeing My Morning Jacket, Titus Andronicus, and Lucero. While I love a good band shirt and can often be found in one, I must admit that I also really enjoy the posters that come with these shows. It's a nice way to pay homage to your favorite bands, while decorating your home with original art works. Remember this Pavement poster from High Fidelity?

Image via Screwball Press
Here are a few more I like (Some may be for show's I've been to):

Image Via Aesthetic Apparatus

Image via El Jefe

Music To Your Ears

Here's a little kick in your pants on this Wednesday morning. I've been listening to Those Darlins for weeks now and am hoping to see them in Baltimore at the end of the month. I hope you like them.

Etsy Love

Sometimes, I just have to say it: I love silly stuff. I mean, it's not like I'm watching Duck Soup everyday or anything, but I really enjoy small things that make you sort of smile and cheer up your day. While these things are not always consumer driven goods, sometimes they are and that's okay too. I think Joanna mentioned these on Smitten and that's actually where I saw them first, but aren't this little state necklaces by Truche so charming? I'm partial to the WV, but would also like a VA.
Image via Truche on Etsy

I'm also really mad for these Twin Peaks cross stitches. I mean, who wouldn't want to hang this in their kitchen if they really love David Lynch or Agent Cooper?
Image via The Great Northern on Etsy

Weekend Plans

Sorry that Weekend Plans wasn't updated until Tuesday. After two weekends of having guests, I was totally wiped out on Sunday and basically crashed when I got home last night. It was totally worth it though to have our friends come visit and we had a really nice time. We just hung out, watched The Room (if you haven't seen it, just come over, we'll MAKE you watch it), went out for some great food, and had a super low key, but good time. Normally, I don't include too many pictures from my Friday afternoon, but I did get to see President Obama while I was at work, so that was rad enough to get included. Saturday, we went to the Dogfish Head Brewery and Bombay Cafe, so I'm sorry that the post is a little food heavy. I got a new haircut on Sunday and hope I look more Amelie than Roseanne Roseannadanna. We, umm, maybe, also went to get Jelly Beans, but I swear that was not my idea. After our friends left, our roommate, R.L., and I watched out own mini Breaking Bad marathon, which was really good. All I know is, I didn't learn anything from my Chemistry classes. It was a really pleasant weekend.

P.S. I normally don't post pictures of people, so when we have guests I really try to focus on them. My weekend plans pictures may be sort of scant when I have guests. Sad for the blog, but better for my friends.

Let the Whistle Blow

Image via Dave van Hulsteyn on Flickr

Have a lovely weekend. Our friends are visiting from Cinncinnati, OH and Christiansburg, VA and I'm sure we'll be doing plenty of carousing. I have a haircut scheduled for Sunday and am feeling sorely tempted to go back to my sweet bob of 'yore. Based on the picture above, take one guess as to the only thing I hope to squeeze in... Yes, it's bowling. Okay, so maybe I'm not in a league, maybe I'm not even good, but I think it's a swell game. I'm looking forward to breaking in my new sandals from Target and catching up with our friends. Have a lovely weekend. Oh, and try to eat some eggs. They are incredible and edible.

Fear and Clothing

Image via Anthropology

I'll be off to Las Vegas in a few weeks and I must admit that I'm not sure what to wear. I mean, can I just bust out my tourist fanny pack as soon as I get there or would that be impolite? I'm not really one for warm weather clothing anyway and I am really not looking forward to buying summer clothes. The only real aspect of summer clothing I like are the sandals, but who doesn't like toe freedom? I'm going to the wedding of two friends and of course will be getting dressed up. I have been looking at some pretty dresses online, but this has been my favorite. If only my wallet agreed with me... So I guess, I'll just have to go with plan B: Rent a Showgirl costume (a very modest one, if they exist). Do you think those come with cardigans?

Music To Your Ears

Video via YouTube

Sometimes R.L. puts things on my IPOD and it takes me months to really listen to them. This week, I've been listening to Phrazes for the Young by Julian Casablancas from The Strokes. I must admit, that I used to listen to Is This It non-stop, so I guess I should have been more willing to listen to this. Who knows why I was being such a musical loser? Well either way, my win is now your win. I'm really loving it and 4 Chords for the Apocalypse is my favorite song on the album. I like that it sort of remind me of an Otis Redding song. I hope you like it too. Let's listen to it and let it take us right on into Friday.

P.S. Sorry about the video and incorrect text. It was the best this little Quindome could come up with!

Fridge Envy

Image via Habit
Do you ever find yourself feeling envious of strange things? I often find myself feeling envious of the contents of blog/magazine refrigerators. Yes, I'm an odd bird, but let me explain. I have been working on learning how to cook over the past year or so and now realize the importance of a well stocked kitchen and refrigerator. I'm cheap and buy plastic Tupperware, however I really do know that glass will last longer/look better. It also seems to me everyone else in the world has healthier food in their refrigerator than me. I try to be a healthy eater, but I must admit that there are times when you will find more cold cuts than cold veggies. How do they always have San Pellegrino and delicious hard cheeses? Apperently, I'm not alone in this, as there is a website entirely devoted to other peoples fridge's, called Fridgewatcher. Maybe I'll get crazy and even post a picture of mine. Above is the picture of the fridge that set me off... I blame it on those smug deli pickles.

Squeezy! Cute!

Image via The Sartorialist

Does this woman not look so great!? I know if I tried a similar look, I would look like I had just grabbed my clothes from the rag bag, but I'm really loving this look on her. Double fun points for her because she's just hanging out, eating some lunch and read a magazine. Wish I was doing the same! Question: Should I, of the the giant head tribe, but still hailing from the hills of super fair skin, rethink this hat situation? Things to ponder.

No Francophiles Here

Image via LittleBrownPen

Confession: I have never been to France. Truth: I would like to go.

On this note, however, I want to clarify that I am not some Francophile who eats, sleeps, and dreams of Paris. Just occasionally I think of things I would like to see there and sometimes, maybe, just maybe, I look up last minute tickets and suggest them to R.L. (previously R., but he felt that seemed ominous and after thought, I concurred). Did you know that you can get a round trip ticket from Washington to Paris for about $700 dollars if you are willing to fly out on a random Wednesday with less than two hours notice? Well I did! Maybe when I finish my thesis... Or when I when the lottery, whichever comes first. Until then, maybe I'll just buy the sweet Perpetual Paris calendar. I've been really pressed for time as of late and this calendar is so lovely and such a great idea. Check out that blog to read more about the making. Maybe I'll make a Perpetual D.C., but that sounds so much less charming. Until then, we'll always have... Paris.

What is your type?

Image via Pentagram.com

No, barf, not "What is your type?"... What is your type, as in font type! We all know I'm mad for wacky little web tidbits and love to look at a good font, so when this little baby came along, I had to find out. Using a hilarious Freudian analysis of my personality, I found out that I'm emotional, assertive, progressive and disciplined. This means, I'm, (drummmmmmmm rolllll): Architype Van Doesburg. Apparently so are 13% of the other people who are interested.
So, what is your type?

Weekend Plans

I wish I had better pictures to share from this weekend, as I had lots of fun, but I really don't. We spent the weekend having a bachelor party for our friend and I am not big on harassing my friend's with a camera, nor am I particularly interested in posting our silly pictures. We spent Friday night Flavor Tripping with magic berries( totally legal and only slightly bizarre) in DC and Saturday hanging about the house and enjoying a late dinner. In case you were wondering the berry is called Synsepalum dulcificum and it rewires the brain's ability to perceive bitter or sour as sweet flavors. While we had a lovely time, we stayed up way too late and now I'm more exhausted. After our guests left, I spent some time with my new gift (Thanks, R.) subscription to the Sunday edition of the Washington Post. I haven't clipped the coupons yet, but you know, I'm a pleasure delayer. As an avid fan of getting mail, I know that I have to also put things back into the system, so I also spent Sunday evening working on some cards and a tiny package to mail out. I hope we made it a memorable bachelor party and in honor of the bachelor, here's a picture of him, with the chattiest metro rider we've ever met, who was really pumped about a bachelor party he wasn't even invited to. He swore that was only Coke in that can... Cheers!

P.S. The Cherry Bomb is now all healed up, safe and sound.

Dior Done Good

Is anyone else blown away by the new Dior ads with Karlie Kloss? In case you haven't seen them, here is the picture I'm referring to:
Image via Dior

She looks just like Lauren Bacall! You are now saying, "Yeah, duh, Quindome, that was their intention"... Well, then, great job I say! They made good on their intentions! It's always been really amazing to me that makeup and lighting can work such magic. Remember when Kevyn Aucoin made Winona Ryder look like this:

Image via Kevin Aucoin

Lovely, just lovely.

Film Friday

I've been sick, thus the Monday to Friday delay. Sorry, blame my sinuses. Anyway, I think we should start the weekend with Film Friday. This is a time not just to watch a movie, but a film. A film to me is something more memorable and thought producing that just a movie. I say this not not to be an elitist, as I've seen, and enjoyed, my fair share of movies. In watching films, you really get to enjoy the artistic process. Movies are fun, but you can't always say you took something away from them. Anyway kids, Film Friday is better alliteration. Get your popcorn ready! Here are some recent Film Friday picks from my house:

Mariachi Monday

Image via LA Times

In LA, there is a place called Mariachi Plaza where the local Mariachi's gather in the morning and wait for people to come hire them to play parties and events. I first heard about this on No Reservations and have been thinking about it ever since. I have always thought that if I ever throw a big party, I'd like to have Mariachi's play. Why? Because they would be great! Because it would be fun! And if I lived near Mariachi Plaza because they would be easily accessible. If I'm ever in LA, I'm gonna head down there, drop some dough, and have 3 Mariachi's follow me around all day, just to play music. We would make dramatic entrances into everyday places, like 7-11's or Starbucks. It would be rad.

Weekend Plans

The weekend was so lovely. On Saturday, R. and I went to Luckett's and did a lot of browsing. Though we didn't buy much, we saw tons of things we wish we could have. I especially wanted those blue lockers, which were extra rad because of the hysterical names on them. I did buy a sweet kitchen scale, which I promptly used to weigh some kumquats. I bought four of them to try with R. because we've never had them before. Did you know you eat the skin and all? Delish Delight... Maybe. I've been working on my knitting as you can see and am actually getting better. Don't make fun of the yarn, okay? My friend gave me the multi-colored so I could see my errors better. And as usual, I overdid it on eating eggs and made myself an egg sandwich for the road. Because it was so lovely, you would think I would have spent some time outside, but I didn't. I did go outside to take the picture of my new carnations... Outdoor time? Check. Busy week ahead full of thesis revisions and prepping for a fun bachelor party.