Wes Anderson, Printed Pants & La Blogothèque: Why Life is Good

Life is really good.
There are countless reasons why, but I'm gonna sum it up for you in 3 big ways. 

1. Wes Anderson Movies

Have you guys seen Grand Budapest Hotel yet? If not, stop reading this immediately and go see it. Seriously. Go. Now. 
Wes Anderson has been one of my most favorite filmmakers for a long time, and after seeing Grand Budapest Jake and I went on a bender re-watching all of his movies, and I've fallen in love with him all over again. I developed a new appreciation for The Darjeeling Limited in particular. I love everything (literally everything) about his films. They're the best. 

2. Printed Pants

I did it. I bought my first pair of printed pants this week. 
And it makes me feel like I CAN DO ANYTHING!
I feel funky and fresh and hip and happenin.
Thank you, Target Juniors Section. 

3. La Blogothèque

Like a majority of cool things, I discovered this through my best friend. La Blogothèque is a web-based music video project done by French director Vincent Moon. It does take-away shows (music videos) with awesome artists in more beautiful, rare and intimate ways. I am crushing on these in a major way right now, and if you love music (or even like it) you should be too. 

Check out this one by Phoenix... At Versailles.

Notable Mentions:

- Blue Bottle Coffee Co. 

- This Comic about falling in Friend Love

- World Market

- Getting over a cold
- This Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Recipe
- Hot & Sour Soup
- These Life-Changing Hair Hacks
- Peanut Butter

And Also These:

 

What's making life good for you these days??

Concert Tickets, Second Christmas and Olivia Pope - Why Life is Good

Life is really good. 
There are countless reasons why, but I'm gonna sum it up for you in 3 big ways. 

1. Coachella Passes

I've had Coachella on my Bucket List for years. We've talked about going a couple times, but never committed.  Then last night my dad (being the insanely awesome dude he is) let me know that weekend 2 for this year were about to go on sale and we should look into it, and Jake and I impulsively and excitedly decided to go for it! And as of 11am today we are the proud owners of 2 General Admission passes and a Car Camping Spot for April 18th-20th! I am SO flippin stoked. It feels so good to be doing something we've been dying to do for forever AND have done something really spontaneous. LET'S DO THIS!!!

2. Second Christmas

Every year, in the weeks following the holiday season, Jake and I do what we call 'Second Christmas.' This is where we return gifts that didn't work out, exchange sizes, cash in gift cards, etc. We did all the buying last week online and everything's starting to come in! I used a gift card I've been saving since my birthday and went on a huge Vinyl-Buying binge on amazon and am the proud owner of 5 new albums, as well as a pair of Bass skimmers. Needless to say, I'm pretty happy. 

3. Scandal

I mentioned on my Heart List last week how obsessed I am with Scandal, but it needs to be reiterated. This show is SO cheesy and SO addictive and I love it. Olivia Pope has become not only a commonly used name in our household, but its own verb. My favorite thing in life right now is to come home from work, pour a giant Olivia Pope sized glass of wine, and sink into the steamy and seedy underbelly of DC Politics through the world of Pope and Associates. 

Notable Mentions: 

- Chocolate Cake with Haagendazs Coffee Ice Cream

- Bouffants

- James Blake

- A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

- Fake-Up by Benefit (LifeSaver!!)

- Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

- Wolf of Wall Street (SEE. IT.)

- Juevos Rancheros

Also This: 

And This

And this too

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!!

New New Wave, Bradley Cooper, and Home Movies: Why Life is Good

Life is really good.
There are countless reasons why, but I'm gonna sum it up for you in three big ways:

1. New Order's NEW album!

As you may or may not know, I effing LOVE New Wave music. The 80s were my jam. One band I love is New Order, and they just came out with a new album called "Lost Sirens" that I am digging on hard. The last real new album they came out with was in 2005, and I'm so stoked to have a new one. Full disclosure, I've only listened to the whole album once all the way through, but I'm loving getting my dose of their sound. Check it Out!

2. Bradley Cooper

I have loved Bradley Cooper since he and Amy Poehler were the drama counselors in Wet Hot American Summer, and when The Hangover came out it re-jumped my adoration. His smile, his swaggar, and his ability to be super likable or a douche is all fantastic. With Silver Linings Playbook (which I adoreeedddd) and his Oscar nomination for it, Brad is all over the place and I'm loving reading interviews with him and the things he has to say about his career and hollywood and life in general. Plus he is a ddreeeaammm bboooaaattt! 

1. iMovie

One of my (countless) New Years resolutions is to learn how to edit video, and I just started working with iMovie to start getting a handle on it. I LOVE it! I have been so pleasantly surprised about how much I intensely enjoy the actual process of editing! There's something so fun and focused about syncing everything up and splicing things together. I know there's a lot of fantastic programs out there that do a lot more, and I think I'll warm into those, but iMovie has been  a fantastic place to start - It's so easy and intuitive and accessible (I taught myself without finding directions!). You can check out my first project on this Saturday's post St. Martin Kingdom. (There's also an app for it for your iPhone that lets you edit videos from your phone right there! God, I love apple.)

Notable Mentions:
- Ted Talks
- Buttercream Frosting
- My 365 photo project (I'm loving it so far!!)
- Blog Lovin
- Trail Mix
- Fancy Home Made Cocktails 
- The Valentines Day Products at Target!
- Quesedillas
- Boot Shopping

Annnnndddd This:

Florence, Sock Buns and BFFs: Why Life is Good

Life is really good.
There are countless reasons why, but I'm gonna sum it up for you in three big ways:

1. Florence + the Machine

For Christmas, my incredibly thoughtful Jake got me both of Florence + the Machine's albums on vinyl, and they are effing awesome. I know you've heard me pretentiously drone on about how there's nothing like music on vinyl, and I maintain that, but this band itself is SOOO GOOD. I love you, Flo.

2. Sock Buns

(Pink Martini and a sock bun - perfection)

As you may or may not know, I have been desperately attempting sock buns for the last couple months, to absolutely no avail. But this week, a glorious thing happened - In my stocking from Jake's sweet mom, I got the sock bun donut - a thick mesh donut that you can roll your hair around! It makes all the difference, and I finally mastered it and I LOVE it! It's so easy and fun and you can add bows or flowers or anything! You can get them at most hair and accessory stores, or HERE on amazon. It's so silly and small, but makes me super happy!

3. Best Friends

There are few things in this world greater than spending time with your best girlfriend (Boys, I think you may understand this, but I'm not sure if it's quite the same.) My best friend is amazing and phenomenal and lovely. In fact her biggest flaw is that she lives in a different state. I have been going through serious bestie withdrawals (did you know it was spelled that way?!) lately, and one of the joys of the holiday season is that it brought her home to me for some solid and much needed gab time. 

Notable Mentions:
- Online Shopping
- Cake Balls
- Lavendar
- Sofia Champagne
- Breakfast Sandwiches
- Post-Holiday Sales
- Hair Cuts
- Lattes, Lattes, Lattes
- Boots

Chaplin, Peppermint Schnapps & Snazzy Shoes - Why Life is Good

Life is really good. 
There are countless reasons why, but I'm gonna sum it up for you in three big ways.

1. Charlie Chaplin

The local art house movie theatre is showing Charlie Chaplin movies here throughout December, and it started this week with The Gold Rush. It was awesome. Seeing something that original from such a different time period on a large scale was so exciting and inspiring. It was like a step back in time and made me realize what universal themes still exist and how humor transcends time.

2. Holiday Spiked Hot Drinks

I am loving my seasonal spirits lately. They're so easy and delicious. The perfect thing to warm your senses and soul (not to mention heighten the Christmas buzz you've got goin on!) Here's how to make my two favs:

Festive Coco:
- 8oz Milk
- Packet of Coco Mix
- Shot & a 1/2 of Peppermint Schnapps

1. Heat Milk on stove or Microwave
2. Mix in Coco powder, then pour in Schnapps
3. Enjoy!

Spiked Cider:
- 8oz Water
- Packet Cider Mix 
- Shot & a 1/2 of Fireball Whiskey

1. Heat water 
2. Mix in Cider (Or just heat up pre-made cider) and Whiskey
3. Enjoy!

3. Rachel Antonoff's Collection for Bass

I received my first Christmas gift of the season this week! A pair of fabulous blue & white floral saddle shoes (above) from a lovely friend of mine, and I adore them!! You can check the whole line out HERE. There's nothing happier than a snazzy new pair of shoes!

Notable Mentions:
- BuzzFeed
- Patterned Tights
- Swedish Fish
- Christmas Movies
- The IncrediBooth and Afterglow iPhone apps
- Almost-Burnt Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Blunt Bob Haircuts that work
- Hilariously Awkward Situations
- Winter Coats

Takeout, Polished Nails, & Races: Why Life is Good

Life is really good.
There are countless reasons why, but I'm gonna sum it up for you in 3 big ways.

1. Nail Art

Nail art may be considered juvenile by some, but to me, nothing completes an outfit like a perfectly artistically manicured set of nails. Not the big crazy acrylic ones (unless that's your thing then you rock it!), but the kind that have drawings or patterns or designs! Mini cartoons, flowers, polka-dots, tuxedos, anything you can think of! Nails are a new form of self expression - a blank canvas for girls of the 21st century! Further stylize every outfit and add some pizazz to every occasion! 

2. Chinese Takeout

Let's just be honest- there is nothing better than Chinese food takeout. Chicken Lo Mein, Veggie Fried Rice, Pot Stickers and Egg Rolls. Done. Table dinner or indoor picnic, beer or wine,  chopsticks or forks, no matter what different combinations, it's always the bomb. AND it makes THE BEST leftovers! Egg Rolls for breakfast? Yes Please.

3. 5Ks

As you may already know, I ran my first 5K a couple weeks ago and I am in love! I have another one this weekend and I'm so excited to see how it goes! There are so many cool different kinds! Costume Runs, Paint Runs, Holiday Runs, Group Runs, Obstacle Runs, and so many more! Running races is such a good reminder that there are so many different ways to have fun and that you can do anything you set your mind to. Plus yay endorphins!

Notable Mentions:

- Shoe Shopping

- Beer in Frosted Mugs

- OBAMA WINNING!!! F*CK. YES. Check out this lovely short essay on the importance of his historical win

- Denim Skirts

- Tom Waits

- Avocados

- Crazy, Stupid, Love
- Pinterest
- Chocolate Raspberry Cake

And These Three Pictures

Xoxoxo

Classic Movies, Breakfast Food and Satchels - Why Life Is Good

Life is really good.
There are countless reasons why, but I'm gonna sum it up for you in 3 big ways. 

1. Some Like it Hot

I am not remotely exaggerating when I say this may be THE best movie EVER. Perfect Cast. Perfect Script. Perfect Director (Billy Wilder, I love you for life!). This IS the perfect comedy. Upon my hundredth-plus viewing I still laugh out loud every time. If you haven't seen it, I'm jealous that you get to experience it for the first time. Rent it. Better yet - buy it. You won't be disappointed.

2. Pancakes

Let's just be honest here: Pancakes are one of the greatest inventions EVER. Any time of day, any occasion, pancakes do the trick. 

To satisfy my 1am craving last night, I found the most delicious pancake recipe ever and added some secret ingredients to make them amaazziiinnggggg. I have shared it here. Enjoy.

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 Tablespoon white sugar

- 1 1/4 cups milk

- 1 egg

- 3 Tablespoons butter, melted

* 1 teaspoon Vanilla

* 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

How to Make it:

1. Mix all ingredients together till smooth

2. Butter pan and heat it, then pour or scoop batter onto griddle, brown on both sides.

3. Serve and enjoy. 

3. Cambridge Satchel Company

Like any well-accessorized woman, I have spent YEARS hunting for the perfect purse. One that fits any occasion, can hold everything I need, is stylish and unique - preferably with a retro look. Then I found Cambridge Satchels. These stunning hand-made bags are of the best quality, use super nice leather, and come in almost any color you could want. They're vintage-inspired structured look is perfect AND you can get your initials embossed (To me, anything monogrammed is perfection.)

Notable Mentions:
- Getting things in the Mail
- Marie Antoinette
- Etsy
- Mocassins
- This List of radical margarita recipes
- Fall Fashion Magazines
- Yellow Irises
- Crafts Projects

Fried Food, Tubing and Bubbles - Why Life is Good

Life is really good. 
There are countless reasons why, but I'm gonna sum it up for you in 3 big ways.

1. Chicken and Waffles

O M freaking G. Waffle, Butter, Syrup, Fried Chicken, Hot Sauce - Mind. Blown. Arteries. Clogged. SO Worth it. 

2. River Tubing

I go tubing on the Salt River every summer at least once, and it's one of my favorite things. If you've never been river tubing, do it! It is SO MUCH fun! They call it 'The Floating Picnic" and thats exactly right! It's hard to say which is my favorite part - the floating, the tanning, the drinking, the swimming, the eating, the relaxing, the hanging out with friends, the new friends you meet as you float down the river, the scenery - who knows? It's all RAD. 

3. Champagne

Fact: Champagne is the greatest thing in the universe

Fact: I could drink bottles of champagne every day

Fact: Sometimes I do.

You know I adore champagne. I know I adore champagne. But sometimes, it just has to be said. Glamour in a glass.

Notable Mentions: 
- Menswear
- Instagram
- Little Kids in Costume
- Fresh Made Rice Krispy Treats
- The Changing of Season
- Massages
- Twinkle Lights
- Marlon Brando

Computers, Pants & Swedish Rock - Why Life is Good

Life is really good. 
There are lots of reasons why, but I'm gonna sum it up for you in 3 big ways. 

1. Apple Products

I don't want to freak you out by saying this, but I'm an apple-slut. If they make it, I want it. I'm embarrassed to tell you how many different iPods I have. (4... I have 4...) Everything they make is freakin awesome and amazing and rad. There is a true, deep, love that apple owners have that I just don't get from PC users. It's like a brotherhood. I freakin looovvee you, Apple. Every time a MacBook turns on, an angel gets it's wings.

2. High Waist Pants

O-M-freaking-G. I have been looking for the perfect pair of high-waisted pants FOR YEARS. YEARS! It's been a fashion phantom hanging over me, villainously laughing every time trends took pants waists' lower and lower. THEN, the clouds parted. I discovered that American Apparel has a whole line of freakin rad high-waisted pants. I dipped into savings, bought those suckers up and couldn't be happier. I feel like Katherine Hepburn or Amelia Earhart or Cary Grant... I can't wait to get them in black. They say that money can't buy happiness. They're full of it. It totally can.

3. Lykke Li 

I have to admit - I was super late on the Lykke Li bandwagon. But I have fully come to appreciate her recently, and lemme tell ya, that tiny little Swede can rock. Her music is fantastic, her videos are great and I just love her. She's making car rides better, workouts enjoyable, and overall putting a bop in my walk. She's also inspired some pretty bizarre clothing choices on my part lately, and for that I thank her. 

Notable Mentions for Why Life is Good:
- Parks & Rec
- The U of A sweatshirt-wearing sock monkey I found for sale at Circle K this weekend
- Tom Hardy
- Butter
- Booze Cruises
- Trader Joes' Frozen Section
- Caffeine
- Old Movie Screenings
- Floral Print Anything
- Flubber