Things I Love Thursday

Will the Cougar Ace be saved?!

This week's been busy and a lot of fun. As usual, I've been glued to Google Reader (how did I survive before it?!) and have found lots of fun things to read, look at and think about. Here are some highlights of the week...

• This Wired article, about a group of total badasses who travel around the world saving huge ships from sinking, among them the Cougar Ace (above) which is loaded with $103 million worth of Mazdas. A riveting read that makes me wish my life had an element of danger. Well, weaving through downtown on my bike is pretty dangerous/stupid/exhilarating, but that's about it. [via Kottke.org]
• The news that my sis is going to MIT for grad school! Yippee! Oh wait...this means the bar is set high. Damn you, overachiever big sis!
• These ker-razy handmade trophy heads on etsy. Pricey but oh-so-cool. [via More Ways to Waste Time]
• These thought-provoking images of animals + opulent interiors. [via This is Glamorous]
• The sunshine and wonderful smells of blooming flowers...I can't walk or ride by bike anywhere without getting a whiff of something delicious.
• My new vintage reversible skirt from Ramona West Vintage. It's just different enough to give my wardrobe a shot of interest. I wore it out last night (aqua side showing) and got lots of compliments.
  
• This red, black and gray outfit worn by Ranna of Only Shallow. I love the mix of hard (leather jacket) and soft (feminine elements like the red dress). The cool structured bag and classic T-straps don't hurt, either.
• This arrangement of floral-inspired objects by Ez of Creature Comforts. I'm usually not a huge red/pink person, but...is that red trench to die for, or what?!
  

Things I Love Thursday

A scene from "The Business of Being Born"

Um, this is gonna be more like "THING I love Thursday." Because, well, this brand spankin' new Netflix subscription is AWESOME, and if you ever hear a news story about a woman becoming one with her couch, that woman will be me. Because Netflix is awesome.

So far I've only gotten one DVD in the mail ("Roger & Me"). Because, frankly, Netflix's unlimited streaming video service is enough to keep me sated. My favorite genre - documentaries - are especially well-represented in the insta-play lineup. First I watched "Word Wars," about the world of competitive Scrabble playing.

Then I watched "The Business of Being Born," in which Ricki Lake gives birth in her bathtub (just to pick one highlight). That film is chock-full of surreal moments, but all in all it left me thinking that giving birth is actually really badass, and nothing to fear. Which is a dramatic departure from my previous stance of, "push a baby through my what?!"

Then, I found that episodes of The Office are also available to watch instantly, so I'm happily working my way through episodes from Season 3 I haven't yet seen. They are quite amusing, though it's sort of weird to come home from work, eat some dinner, and then watch a TV show about...work.

Anyhoo, that is my life. Work is insanely busy, the weather here is perfect, my thighs are constantly sore from biking so much, and I am a happy camper. A happy camper who watched Ricki Lake give birth in her bathtub. Thanks, Netflix!

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Things I Love Thursday

Oh heavens...it's Thursday already?! This week's been flying by. Here are some things that put the cream in my coffee! Er...the lime on my salmon burger. Yes, that's more like it.

Style Bytes: A splenderrific fashion blog that I had not discovered til today! It's written by a gorgeous Scandinavian named Agathe who - get this - has an adorable petty piggy named Molvin! (Agathe and Molvin are in the pic above). Perhaps I will add a piggy to my brood when I have a home that allows them.

Flying Saucer: Another fashion blog that makes me squeal in glee. Written by a British university student. Oh hell, she puts the rest of us to shame. When I was in college, I was just discovering high heels, cell phones, and Forever 21, and I committed all sorts of fashion crimes.

Green nail polish: If Sally Bowles can rock it, so can I! For years, it seems, I've had this great polish that's somewhere between emerald green and teal. I don't wear it often, but I thought the other day, hey! I work at a place that will be completely accepting of whatever crazy nail polish, hair colors, or eye makeup colors I feel like wearing, so why don't I take advantage of that? Needless to say, I painted my nails green last night.

My new NYC blush in "Central Park Pink." I'd been using a truly ancient Wet 'n Wild blush that's fine, if a little dark (remember: keep your blush light and bright as possible!). I decided it was time for me to branch out and possible replace the Wet 'n Wild stuff. This NYC blush is muy bueno...it's really finely milled and such a gorgeous delicate pink color. Why yes, they do sell happiness at the drugstore! For only a couple bucks, no less!

This article in the New York Times: Basically it explains that science has finally found proof fort the existence of a runner's high. Ah, I knew there was a reason I flit around like a happy little butterfly after an intense run or bike ride!

And, so you all leave this post with the best possible impression, here's another wonderful shot of Agathe from Style Bytes Does it take you back in time or what?!

Things I Love Thursday

1. These bangin' pics of John Krasinki (one is above), via A Cup of Jo. He looks so dapper. Why don't guys ever look dapper anymore? LOOK DAPPER, DAMMIT.

2. My new Moleskine notebooks! I bought a small one and keep it in my purse for on-the-fly lists, thoughts, and notes. The big one is a private journal, and I've been writing stuff down like crazy before I go to bed. They instantly made me more organized - plus I can look back years from now and look at all the silly stuff I thought worthy of recording.

3. Farmer's market asparagus - mmmm. I bought a bunch on Sunday and was blown away about how flavorful, tender and delicious it was. When it was gone, I was so sad. Luckily, I can buy lots more! Yay for seasonal, local food!

4. This shot of Lindsay Lohan and gal pal Samantha Ronson. I luurve Lohan's expression of disgust and disdain, and the composition is very Hopper.

5. My blue scarf - it's such a pretty color, and great to have around in the cool, windy weather we've been having. And it was only $10 at Ghetto Ross!

6. This fabulous dining area on the Mid-Century Modernist. It makes me think about my wardrobe, actually, because I am not about prints, I am about textures: leather, lace, denim, patent, etc. And the picture is about the fabulous interplay of various textures.

7. This absolutely stunning woman, shot in Milan by the Sartorialist. Perrrfection.

Things I Love Thursday

Ok, I'm trying out this "Things I Love Thursdays" thing (as pioneered by Gala Darling), because I can't always be crabby (or can I?) So, without further ado, here are things that are revving my engine:

Farmer's markets and all the bounty of spring. I can't wait to hop down to Horton Plaza during lunch hour today and buy some fresh goodies! I especially love Plant Guy, who sells houseplants, herb plants, etc. He's really nice and sold me the coolest lipstick plant (which I haven't yet killed!).

My new leather jacket! That I haven't unpacked yet, but Jesus, if it works on me I'm gonna wear that baby everywhere.

"Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap - one of my very favorite songs. Rich with subtlety and electronic goodness. I listen to it many, many times each day.

Not dating! Yes, you heard that right. I gave up dating after realizing it was a waste of time and chipped away at my self-esteem. Who needs a guy, anyway? Between my friends, my neuroses and my adorable pet ratties, I'm all set! (Not to say that I would turn down Mr. Wonderful if he crossed my path...but I am just saying NO to awkward dates at Starbucks with boring guys I really don't connect with.)

Giving up coffee! It made me tired and cranky at first, but giving up coffee (like giving up TV) gives me the ability to lord it over others, and I enjoy that. Hee!

Biking to work! It leaves me joyfully exhausted, and I sleep like a baby. Also, my thighs/butt are already toning up nicely, and that's always a plus!

The Photoshop Disasters blog - Hilarious and scary at the same time. Since I work in media/advertising I've witnessed a few Photoshop Disasters firsthand.

Fashion Toast - A new blog discovery. Rumi is like the tall, gorgeous friend I don't have, and I love her totally unpredictable daily outfits.

Ooh, I'm in a better mood already!