Web Sites »Bleubird Vintage

Lovely

Some industry people make huge bucks with manufactured “lifestyle” branding (those of you who don’t know about this – don’t worry, your life is fine without knowing) but in the blog world others give us the same enviably romantic and beautiful lifestyle themselves with personal photos, gobs of natural style and a charming voice.

One such blog is Bleubird Vintage.

In a world where there’s black lash to everything, a few things are particularly maligned: photos of your children (not sure why but this even makes the most reasonable person burn with anger), food porn, and vanity photos of one’s outfits.

The blog has all three, yet I bet even the most cynical and critical of you would be swayed by the shear magic of the everyday moments she captures so beautifully. She may even inspire you to have four children and homeschool them!

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Posted on July 28, 2012

Style Icons: Male »Paul Rand, Sparkle and Spin

Graphic Designer

While classic graphic design just isn’t my bag (tweaning and font obsession? No thank you) I appreciate the talent of those that do it. Few artistic jobs have as much command over the world, as everyone is familiar and influenced (whether acutely aware of it or not) by graphic design.

One of the heavies in the industry is Paul Rand, who is as brilliant at logo design for major corporations (Enron and IBM are just a couple) as he is at riveting, lovely children’s books. Might as well add a recommendation for the colorful book Sparkle and Spin that Van and I have been enjoying that he made with his wife.

While Rand himself, who not only created lasting designs, but wrote several books on the subject is a huge inspiration to subsequent designers, he himself drew from Modernist artists and art philosophy.

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Posted on July 25, 2012

Drinks,Recipes »Watermelon Lemonade

Summer Perfection

While I wait to make this myself, I’d like to share this refreshing concoction of Watermelon Lemonade while the days are still so steamy.

Thanks to Chloe who made this for a recent party. It’s really a pregnant woman’s dream but, of course, delicious for everybody:

I used one of those mini watermelons. In 2 or 3 batches in my food processor i blended up the watermelon then put it through a sieve. Once it was all processed I put the whole batch trough the sieve again to take out more of the solids.

Juice of 5 or so lemons and a lime or two. Add to the watermelon juice.

Then I added maybe 1 part water and some simple syrup to taste (not necessary if you like it less sweet of course)- the turbinado sugar gives it a slightly more caramel flavor.

I like it diluted with seltzer too.

The photo comes from Smitten Kitchen, which has a similar recipe.

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Posted on July 25, 2012

TV Shows »Flight of the Conchords

on HBO

I’m pretty late getting caught up with the charming musical comedy series Flight of the Conchords, but HBO Go has allowed me to watch all the episodes I missed.

I didn’t realize it lasted only two seasons, and was a little crestfallen when the I played the finale.

Kiwis Jermaine and Bret are lovable, but I might just adore their manager Murray the most.

Sometimes comedian musical interludes can fall flat but here the songs are witty and catchy mimicking everything from modern R&B to David Bowie. There are several songs I would happily listen to in all seriousness.

If you too missed this gem the first time around, it’s great fun summertime viewing.

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Posted on July 23, 2012

Desserts »Baskin Robbins Mini Ice Cream Cakes

Unexpectedly Yummy

Little kids’ ice cream cake isn’t the most high brow pregnancy craving request, but Jim found that Baskin Robbins classes things up a bit when he surprised me with their mini cake.

Vanilla on vanilla ice cream and cake inside is coated in a thin, pleasant shell of white chocolate.

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Posted on July 21, 2012

Style Icons: Female »Carol Kaye

Unsung Queen of Bass

Rock and Roll, particularly the actual playing of musical instruments part, particularly in the 1950’s, was considered a man’s world.

Carol Kaye, who is self taught and came from poverty, defied stereotypes and the odds, and is one of the most prolific and admired studio musicians.

Her bass can be heard in La Bamba, Pet Sounds, These Boots Are Made For Walking, I’m a Believer, the Dirty Harry and Bullit scores, Then He Kissed Me, Danke Shen, and You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling.

She’s the most recorded bassists of all time.

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Posted on July 21, 2012

Hunks,Songs »Lost in the Paradise, Caetano Veloso

by Caetano Veloso (1969)

Lost in the Paradise is the perfect way to say “hello summer!” – much more comfortable than a half dozen heat waves, like a caipirinha in music form.

I’m learning more about Brazilian tropicalia artist Caetano Veloso, (so far I’ve learned he was/is quite handsome) but this mellow tune is the perfect first step into his world.