May 7th, 2013
At some point in college, karaoke became a regular social outing with friends, which is around the same time I became intensely self conscious about my voice. I have a good ear, but that just means that when I hit the wrong note, I’m acutely aware of it. My first time, I chose a song I knew, but really only at parts. Then, a few seconds in (Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer”), I realized that I wasn’t going to come close to hitting the high notes. The rest of the experience was a panicked blur, but it involved calling all of my friends to help and avoiding the microphone at the chorus.
Don’t get me wrong – it’s not like I’m now some sort of a karaoke aficionado, but I’ve learned a couple of things over the years. Pick a song you know, like really know and something that’s fun and upbeat, one in which you’ll sound halfway decent belting out. It’s also made me realize that being slightly prepared will make the whole experience much more enjoyable, so I have a go-to song that I always choose when I do karaoke. Mine is Tom Petty’s “American Girl.” Everyone knows it (a bonus since the crowd will sing along and potentially drown me out), and Tom and I both stick to a similar range. It’s a win-win.
I’d love to know: do you have a go-to song when you sing karaoke or just wing it on stage?
April 19th, 2013
{Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies always make the best gift}
I never used to understand the importance of actual vacations – instead, I’d convince myself that taking a Friday off every once in a while would suffice. But there’s something so different about leaving town for a few days, exploring new places, and doing no work at all (a constant struggle for someone who runs her own business). It felt strange to be so far from home when such a tragic event occurred on our own soil, and served a reminder of just how precious our time is. Here’s to a weekend of spreading love, strength, and positivity to all.
{Invitation for my 30th birthday from Walnut Paperie - I love the gold leafing detail}
{Color blocked perfection in dress form (Opening Ceremony) for my cousin’s wedding}
{Homemade almond milk- making my morning smoothies even more delicious}
{A figurine from Mexico that now adds some color to our bar cart}
April 12th, 2013
{A nervous walk before the ceremony}
This Sunday is our one-year anniversary. I’d always heard about how hard the first year of marriage can be and I’ve gotta say – it was really fun. This year was about focusing on our relationship, without the stress of children (that’ll come eventually) or making any other big life decisions. It was about savoring the simple things – quiet Sunday night dinners, exploring new interests (we finally became members at LACMA), and breakfast in bed on Saturdays (a new tradition I put into place). It comes down to a mutual respect and admiration for each other, always saying ‘thank you’ when little tasks are completed, and truly being excited to see one another each morning. It saddens me that the memories of our wedding day gradually fade over time, but what we’re left with – a truly wonderful partnership – is far more rewarding. We’re off celebrating in Mexico, but posting will remain as scheduled. Have a great weekend!
P.S. You can see our week of wedding-related posts, including our look, the ceremony, the reception, details and decor, and my favorite five moments.
{A slice of Susie Cakes’ red velvet cake}
{My place card from our wedding dinner with my new name – it still gives me chills}
{Most touching gift: our friend Cristina’s speech that she had framed}
{Rule of thumb: always keep a bottle of champagne chilling for spontaneous celebrations}
First shot by Max Wanger
March 1st, 2013
{New favorite treat: fancy red velvet ding-dongs from Essential Chocolate Desserts}
This year is going by so quickly that I find myself floored at the beginning of each new month. And yet March couldn’t have come soon enough. I’m so excited for the time change – just that extra bit of daylight makes the biggest difference in how I spend my evenings (ie not always curled up on the couch). But tonight we’re making an exception to see live comedy with friends and the rest of the weekend will be spent outdoors, since warm weather should always be celebrated appropriately. Here are a few of the things currently making me happy.
{I love the look of individual palm fronds in simple white vases}
{My three-month-long search for a thin gold belt finally paid off}
{The cutest flash drive with the rest of our wedding pictures from Max}
{Kumquats are now in season – aka my favorite addition to a gin cocktails}
