Monday Memos // 20

Listening:

"Sinnerman" by Nina Simone.

This song played in a movie I recently watched (see below) and I felt invigorated by it. Nina always finds a way to get my shoulders shaking and body moving. 

Some historical facts:

"Sinnerman" (spelled as one word) is one of Nina Simone's most famous songs and she recorded her definitive 10-minute-plus version on her 1965 album Pastel Blues. Simone learned the lyrics of this English song in her childhood when it was used at revival meetings by her mother, a Methodist minister, to help people confess their sins. In the early days of her career during the early sixties... Simone often used the long piece to end her live performances.

Reading:

Some favorite quick reads from The New Yorker lately:

A SELECTION OF THE 30 MOST DISAPPOINTING UNDER 30

TATTOO IDEAS FOR THE CREATIVE MILLENNIAL

THE KING’S NEW YEAR’S FITNESS JOURNAL

A Picture of Patti Smith with Her Lightning-Bolt Tattoo (By Blythe Roberson and Jason Adam Katzenstein)

Craving:

Nut butters!

Favorites: peanut and almond butter, crunchy or creamy.

Interested in trying more of: sunflower and cashew butter.

Frequent methods of eating: paired with bananas, apples and Alyssa's cookies or with a spoon straight out of the jar or in a smoothie. 

Nut party! (Illustrations by Max Dower of Unfortunate Portrait via manrepeller.com)

Wearing:

Sweatshirts.

Unfortunately, it's barely been cool enough for any kind of outerwear, but I still find times for going through my growing collection of sweatshirts. They are a hug of clothing. I've acquired a lot of really good ones lately and of course go back to tried-and-true oldies. 

A favorite lately is this vintage piece: bright turquoise torso with bright blue sleeves (couldn't find a good picture). Also, a preppy-sporty grey J.crew pullover with a big collar and shortened sleeves (got it at a consignment shop, and couldn't find a similar one online). 

I got this at Molly Moon's ice cream in Seattle. It smelled like waffle cones for a week (heaven!) (via Molly Moon's)

This picture is from 2011, when my hair was so much blonder (RIP). I found this jacket in MA and haven't stopped wearing it since. (American Apparel Unisex Flex Fleece Zip Hoodie in lapis)

Watching:

"Hunt for the Wilderpeople."

A 2016 New Zealand adventure comedy-drama film written and directed by Taika Waititi, whose screenplay was based on the book "Wild Pork and Watercress" by Barry Crump.

This movie is incredibly good. I laughed, I teared up, I felt nervous and sad and humored. Ultimately, I was entertained and my heart was warmed. It was just what I needed. The scenery is beautiful and the soundtrack is spot on (felt a little Wes Anderson goes to New Zealand).

Now I want to go watch all of Waititi's movies (I knew there was something familiar and lovable about him, as I just noticed he wrote and directed a couple of episodes of "Flight of the Conchords.")

Julian Dennison, left, and Sam Neill killing it. (via The Orchard)

Wanting:

An essential oil diffuser. 

I'd love for my home to smell really amazing all the time. This seems like a fun and relaxing way to spruce up one's space. 

There are so many options, I don't know where to begin! 

Young Living Aria Diffuser

Pure Zen Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier Essential Oils Diffuser

Bear Cartoon Mini Aroma Diffuser

Monday Memos // 19

Listening:

"How I Built This" an NPR podcast hosted by Guy Raz.

Long car rides are perfect for this (or cleaning or showering or walking): "innovators, entrepreneurs, and idealists, and the stories behind the movements they built."

My favorites so far include: Alli Webb of Drybar, Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia and Jane Wurwand of Dermalogica. Inspiring. 

I have some serious respect for Patagonia now. (image via npr.org)

Reading:

"The Mothers" by Brit Bennett.

One of my many book gifts from the holidays, I am just beginning and already entranced. The writing is beautiful. 

"A dazzling debut novel from an exciting new voice, The Mothers is a surprising story about young love, a big secret in a small community—and the things that ultimately haunt us most." 

The characters are rich. (image via Refinery29.com)

Craving:

Sometimes you get a craving by way of proximity. Last week I won a six-pack of Suja "drinking vinegars." They are apple cider vinegar and juice concoctions, and have kind of been perfect to end a week and a half of sickness. 

So I've been craving the tart and tangy liquids. 

I've tried strawberry balsamic and peach ginger. (image via sujajuice.com)

Wearing:

Tees!

The weather has been up and down, hot and cold, but without fail I always find time to wear a t-shirts or two. My favorites of late are newly acquired and follow a personal black and pink trend. 

Keith Haring forever and always. (via uniqlo.com)

Can't and won't stop. (via uniqlo.com)

Ban.do always nails it. (via bando.com)

Watching:

"The OA" on Netflix. 

All of a sudden, it seemed the world was abuzz with talk of this show. Mystery, science fiction, fantasy... a mixture of genres and themes. So, last week, I gave it a go. I was quickly hooked. 

I have two episodes left (I hear mixed reviews about the ending) and I am really enjoying it. I'm curious to check out more from the main actor and co-creator Brit Marling. 

I'm sure I'll be reading plenty of written disections of the show when I'm done. (image via insider.com)

Wanting:

A duvet cover. 

I really like the look of a crisp, clean white bed. Though, gross fact: if I don't have something covering my nice, big king-sized comforter, one of my cats will inevitably cough up a hairball on it and leave a spot. It's helpful to have that extra barrier and something easier to wash. 

But quality bedding can be pricy! So, here I'll pick out some dream duvets. For now I just have random, lightweight, decorative blankets I throw across the bed. 

I want my whole house outfitted in Dusen Dusen. (Cutouts Duvet Set via dusendusen.com) 

So simple and so good. (Alphabet Duvet Set via dusendusen.com)

They mix and match so well. (Objects Duvet Set via dusendusen.com)

Monday Memos // 18

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Listening:

"Golden Brown" by the Stranglers.

I cannot stop listening to this song. I love the '60s harpsichord riff---it reminds me of a scene from a Wes Anderson movie---and how it combines some jazziness, some waltziness and simple rock and roll. 

Reading:

"Eat Pretty Every Day" by Jolene Hart.

I came across this book and author on one of my favorite podcasts, the One Part Podcast. 

Jolene, a beauty and health coach, focuses on teaching women about the connection between nutrition and beauty. This book is great for creating small daily routines and finding easy inspiration. I just started it for the new year and already feel like I am learning some great nourishing tips. 

“Organized by the four seasons, the readings explore every aspect of what it means to eat pretty, offering simplified nutritional science, seasonal recipes, motivating goals and challenges, self-care exercises, and uplifting ‘mealtime mantras.’”

My tip for today: eat more cinnamon. (via jolenehart.com)

Craving:

Lemons!

This holiday was particularly indulgent. I think butter was the overarching theme. So, let's just say I am easing back into health and smaller portions. 

In my quest for returning back to fighting form, I have been craving lemony things. Salmon with lemon slices, probiotic lemon drinks, hot water with lemon... It feels soothing to my insides. 

Why not go for designer lemons? Dolce & Gabbana. (via dolcegabbana.livejournal.com)

Wearing:

I got so many good wearables for my birthday (winter solstice!) and Christmas. 

One of my favorite items is an IT'S-IT ice cream sandwich sweatshirt. I even wore it out for my New Year's Eve celebrating. I figured if I wasn't in the mood to get sparkly, it was appropriate to express my true self: dessert lover and comfort seeker. 

A San Fransisco legend: a scoop of creamy ice cream between two freshly baked large old-fashioned oatmeal cookies, and then dipped into fine dark chocolate. (image via IT'S-IT Instagram)

Watching:

"The Great American Baking Show." 

I really miss The Great British Bake Off, but this American holiday version is a close substitute. I love how nice everyone is. No one is conniving and horrible, it's just baking and joyfulness. And though I especially miss the British hosts Mel and Sue, Nia Vardalos and Ian Gomez are pretty sweet and silly.

If you need a break from drama, this is perfect.

I love Mary Berry. (image via bt.com)

Wanting:

I think I got everything I wanted and more in December, so it's hard to fathom what else I could want. I did see some beautiful kitchen storage on a Food52 newsletter this morning, so perhaps that'll be in my future aspirations: a chic and usable kitchen. I have such little counter and cabinet space, so it'd be nice to have that in my next home---then I'll need a few of these things. 

Steel & Wood Magnetic Refrigerator Rack (via Food52)

Steel & Wood Dish Organizer (via Food52)

Hanging Two-Tiered Ceramic Fruit Basket (via Food52)

Monday Memos // 17

Listening:

"My Favorite Murder" A true crime/murder mystery podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. 

I'm not usually someone interested in horror and gore, creepiness and death. BUT this podcast is amazing and makes me enjoy the darkness. It probably helps that it is hosted by two hilarious, unapologetic ladies--I would listen to whatever subject they presented to me. 

Sometimes I question listening to this podcast when I am alone at home, in the shower. However, it never gets to me in a way that makes it hard to sleep. If anything, I feel more informed about history and empowered by the catchphrases like "stay sexy and don't get murdered."

You might just become a Murderino too. (via themajorie.com)

Reading:

"From Syria, With Love" by Amanda Avutu.

I always read The New York Times' Modern Love series (that's another good podcast). This past weekend, I had tears welling in my eyes while reading. They were of the happiness variety, though.

In this time of heartache and chaos and horrible actions, it was so nice to read about decent people doing decent things. Humanity is always appreciated. Everyone should read this. It's a perfect holiday time story. 

By Brian Rea (via nytimes.com)

Craving:

Oats.

That would be the general way to describe this craving. Today, specifically, it came in the form of granola: soft-baked peanut butter and jelly granola from Lucky's Market.

This stuff is kind of like a peanut butter oatmeal cookie fell apart in a bag. Moist clumps of nuts and oats, a dried strawberry and cherry here and there. Delicious. I accidentally ate the whole bag in one sitting.

More please. (via snackville.com)

Wearing:

Girlfriend Collective leggings.

These leggings are high-waisted, so soft, really durable and I want to put them on every single day. Plus, their site and social media accounts are beautiful and inspiring. 

If that's not all, to introduce the world to their brand THE LEGGINGS ARE FREE!

"We are doing this free campaign because we believe the best way to fall in love with a product is to try it yourself. Our experience in the fashion world developing premium denim lines inspired us to make something of our own that spoke to our values."

Those who want them just have to pay for shipping (roughly $20). It is worth it. (Do it!) They are incredible and I cannot wait to see the rest of the collection set to debut early 2017. 

Photography by Sisilia Piring and modeling by Tavia Bonetti (via hypebae.com)

Watching:

"Blue Jay" A movie written by Mark Duplass. 

I sat down to watch a little bit of something Saturday night and came across this film on Netflix. I love all things Duplass (Togetherness, The Overnight, The One I Love, Animals, roles in Transparent and The Mindy Project, etc.), so I was pretty certain I would be satisfied with my choice. 

I laughed and I cried and I felt so many feelings. It was like a play, short and simple (80 minutes, two main characters, black and white). I loved it and I kind of want to watch it again. 

Sarah Paulson's outfit is perfect, too. Along with the score and Waynie and everything else.

"Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson play high school sweethearts who have a chance encounter decades later in “Blue Jay,” directed by Alex Lehmann." CreditThe Orchard (via nytimes.com)

Wanting:

Perhaps because of all the planning of my future and new paths and new destinies, I've been wanting a tarot deck.

I came across this animal spirit deck months ago on one of my favorite blogs and the idea has been in the back of my mind ever since. I like the idea of pulling a card each day to awaken some magic. 

"Use the deck for self-reflection, as an oracle, for inspiration." (via thewildunknown.com)

"Open your mind, draw a card, and have fun on your journey…" (via thewildunknown.com)

The Golden Universal deck looks pretty dreamy. (via shopspring.com)