Fabulous Birthday

My birthday on Friday was really wonderful. Although I always feel a little odd celebrating on September 11, and I usually dislike my birthday in general, a lot of people made it very special this year, and I feel really blessed.

The day started off wonderfully. I decided to make my own cupcakes. Red velvet is my favorite, and for it being my first time making cupcakes from scratch, I think I did pretty well. Plus, the batter is an amazingly fun color.

I had everything in order for the most part. Last week I made the place settings for ten with some buttons and twine.

Later, a friend brought me this, which just made my whole day.

The table was set with vintage fabrics and wildflowers.

Then after some frenzied cooking time, twilight was setting in and the candles and lanterns started glowing, and it was time to get the party started. A friend took over photography duties.

And although the frosting was temperamental (butter and cream cheese do not like hot kitchens), the cupcakes came together and were delicious.

And my most amazing friends got me the greatest birthday present, which, if you read this post, you will know how much it means to me.

Later, even though it was still fairly warm, we had a fire.

There was dancing, talking, drinking, laughing, eating, and just being with awesome friends. It was a very, very good time.

Picture-A-Day:

My most amazing birthday present. My kitchen, morning.

Birthday Break

I just got slammed and don't have time to post. Gr.

Also, I might take tomorrow off, as it is my birthday.
Have a great weekend!

Picture-A-Day + a bonus:

Got some flowers today. My office, afternoon.

Forward to Fall 2

More things I'm looking forward to this fall,

Braids

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Headbands

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Slouchy, big sleeved and ruffled Shirts

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Brown leather opera length gloves

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a lot of patterned tights

And continuing the search for the right drape jacket.

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Picture-A-Day:
Feet to the edge. My office, afternoon.

Listening to this song because it's making me happy:

Looking Forward to Fall

The heat wave seems to be ebbing, and I can definitely feel fall approaching. Although fall never really shows up in southern California, I still get excited by scarves and gloves and school supplies. These are some of the things I've been eying lately.




↑I love this tuxedo jacket, and I have to stop myself from buying it as a birthday present to myself
↑And this seems an odd thing to want for fall, but it I think tap pants go well with tights, and they're just so cute. Plus, I've wanted a pair forever.
↑This also seems like a summery purchase, but layered with scarves and jackets gypsy style, I think a sailor shirt would look perfect.
↑And these I just looove.
↑Must have.
↑I've been really attracted to drape jackets lately, and am on the lookout for a good one. I like this, but it's just a touch too 80s for me.
↑I have always wanted a brown leather briefcase.
And lockets, lot and lots of lockets.


Picture-A-Day:
Yes, I do have Strawberry Shortcake figures on my desk. Don't judge me. My office, afternoon.

Listening to Sonic Youth.

Have a Happy Holiday Weekend!

Have a happy Labor Day weekend! I'm going to indulge in a staycation and get some relaxing done. I also need to clean and prepare for a party I'm having next weekend...it should be a good few days.

Also, the San Pedro cactus in my yard bloomed randomly. One day there was barely a bud and then the other night it looked like this:
Crazy.

Picture-A-Day:
Lunch Time!

Listening to The Thermals! And hopefully I'll be seeing them Sunday! A lot of exclamation points!

Head's All A Blur

I have been feeling unfocused and hazy here lately. I know I have been busy, and when you don't have time to clear the clutter, things can accumulate, but it is as if my brain just does not want to get to the tasks at hand. It's possible that it has decided to stage a revolt because I've been prone to daydreaming, wandering thoughts, humming to myself. While perhaps I should give in and allow my brain a much-needed break, I also know it's time to refocus and map out a clear direction.
Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5.


Picture-A-Day:
I found this feather outside my office this morning and stopped to pick it up. Photo taken in my office, afternoon.

Listening to Deerhoof.

Where Has the Time Gone?

Whew! today got away from me.

Not looking forward to more of this: Getting on to the freeway, yesterday evening.

Picture-A-Day On my street, morning.

Random Weekday Weekend Recap

I had a really amazing time at the music festival this weekend. I barely took photos (it's not always easy at these types of events), but K took a few when he met up with me the second day. Although I liked having him there, I am a bit astonished to say I had a lot of fun by myself the first night. I wasn't alone for long because I was sporadically meeting up with friends, but the times I was alone I felt free to wander, and two amazing things happened.

First, Matt and Kim (who were delightfully energetic and engaging--possibly my favorite of the night) played my theme song.

And then Connor Oberst brought out "special guest," Jenny Lewis and I about lost it. Especially when she started playing one of my favorite Rilo Kiley songs. It was a good night. The next night was also amazing, but in a bigger, less personal, wow it's insane I'm seeing this right now kind of way. I mean, PUBLIC ENEMY! and Of Montreal with their crazy props and costumes,
We also saw an insane show by The Dead Weather, a very colorful, fun show by MIA and also the wonderful Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

I also went to the vintage sale. I didn't find any dresses, but I did get a few shirts and some amazing fabric (they had piles and piles for super cheap! I only wish I'd had my camera. Sometimes I swear I need to just strap it to myself).

The ModSwap was fun too!

And then K and I indulged in food that epitomizes the finest in American cuisine:


All in all, a really good, if exhausting (and HOT!! crossing my fingers this heat wave is done soon) weekend.

Picture-A-Day I'm trying not to just take pictures of flowers, but I can't help it, they're so pretty! Leaving my house, morning.

Listening to, because I didn't get enough, love, sigh.