simon's cat

There's just something about the simplistic, New Yorker-esque animation paired with the totally spot-on cat sound-effects (the purring and chirps are so familiar) that warms my heart. I can't help but smile when watching Simon's Cat. enjoy.

#redthumbreminder

Image via redthumbreminder

I recently stumbled upon a story about Steve Babcock, whose idea to paint his right thumbnail red (#redthumbreminder) to remind him not to use his phone while driving has sparked conversation across the country. I love the simplicity of his idea, and I love that it's actively contributing to a solution, not just raising "awareness."The concept is that whenever you pick up your phone, the first thing you see is your screamin' red thumb, saying, "Not right now!" It's just brilliant. And like he says in this story, it's such a loud statement on your hand that it's bound to help other people be safer, too after you tell them what you're doing.

I could've used a red thumbnail back in September. I was stopped at a red light and picked up my phone to check my email. When I glanced up and saw the car in front of me moving, I took my foot off my brake, and just a second too soon, my eyes off the road. The car stopped again and I realized too late, so I rear-ended him. Neither of us was even slightly injured, but it was an upsetting wakeup call to see the crushed front end of my parents' Hyundai that I was driving.

To double the good you're doing with your red thumbnail, I recommend using a 3-free nail lacquer like the ones from Butter London (my go-to) to minimize the environmental impact and the impact on your health. Come to Bed Red is sexy and safe ;)

Image via Butter London

So while I'm no longer driving on a regular basis (mass transit is my jam), I will definitely be remembering this next time I know I'll be getting behind the wheel. Happy travels! xo

a little romance

Photos by Paul Schneggenburger via Amusing Planet

Disclaimer: Laura and Andre are getting married in three short days and I'm feeling saccharine. I find these photos of sleeping couples to be ever-so-romantic. There's so much to explore and admire.

also, on a evening not so long ago when I may or may not have been on a major hormonal kick and was feeling particularly maudlin, this BuzzFeed roundup inspired some serious bawling. enjoy :)

happy friday!

Image via Love Made Visible

Hey friends! Hope you've had a fun week and have an even more fun weekend ahead of you. I'll be helping my friend Katie celebrate her 23rd birthday (it's been seven years since Wesley and I baked her a "You're Adopted!" cake. Wow.) and serving some bar food and drinks. Also, I'm looking forward to hosting one of my childhood mother figures, Linda (in the middle in green), who'll be visiting from North Carolina. Here's some fun reading material.

cat falls 19 floors, lands purrrfectly

why doesn't Disney acknowledge boys' heroes more?

now I know where I'll be staying when I go to Las Vegas.

Answer "no" when Black Acre Brewing Company (of Indianapolis) asks you if you're 21.

Speaking of Hoosier pride, let's talk about fracking.

Johnny Depp becomes 1,000x cooler

I've always loved Lewis Hine's work, and to see Joe Manning taking it a step further is awesome.

Do you speak American?

Snow leopard cub cam.

happy friday!

Image source unknown


Welcome to summer. Because last summer was the summer of engagements, 2013 is the summer of weddings. Considering the volume of events I'm attending this summer, I've taken a sublet in the midwest to cut travel costs and enjoy a more laid-back season than NYC offers. (Love them I do, but sometimes even New Yorkers need to take the chill pill.) In addition to all the weddings, I'm also looking forward to eating lots of fresh garden vegetables like the ones above, campfires, lakes, pools, live music, boating and time with all my midwest friends and, of course, my awesome family.

Here are some delightful summery posts from the around the web...

Sangria recipes.

summertime. sexy as ever.

I've got my eye on this sunscreen.

A sticky talking point for anyone who loves quinoa.

what happened to boys and cars?

a friendly reminder (a) to cut up your six-pack rings and (b) of the amazingness of nature

& for anyone in the northern Kentucky/southern Indiana/southern Illinois area or for anyone who just really loves the blues, the WC Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival is happening this weekend and promises to be ah-mazing.

supporting actresses

 

Image via The Lab Magazine

Image via Pinterest

Image via BuzzFeed

Have you noticed how sometimes the best friend in movies can steal the whole show? I've had longtime love for Judy Greer, whose salty performances have graced movies and television for more than 15 years, from What Women Want and The Wedding Planner to Archer and Arrested Development. And Broadway. (BuzzFeed knows what's up.) The Lab Magazine quoted her last year saying, "I like to ground my characters. I really try to do that." (Also, I have to share— I actually had the thrill of seeing Ms. Greer out and about in a cafe in the West Village last year!)

My newest favorite supporting actress is Lake Bell. Girlfriend's got a fabulously lyrical name, she's gorgeous and she's super funny. I first saw her playing the supremely unlikable Agness in It's Complicated. More recently, she played the delightfully awkward potential girlfriend to Ashton Kutcher's leading man in No Strings Attached. (Noted: I found this to be a surprisingly honest movie, despite its chick-flick status. My favorite part was Ashton Kutcher's character making a period mix for Natalie Portman's character. Just adorable.) Back to Ms. Bell, though— the newlywed (to Scott Campbell) is also an animal rights activist. *applause*

Anyway, kudos to these women for their skill and ability to truly own their roles. Looking forward to their next projects!

Lake Bell with her dog, Margaret

Image via Stubbydog.org

Image via InspireMePlease

Image via Oracle Fox

Should I get a bicycle?

Jennifer Aniston, image source uknown

For years I've shaken my head at my cycling friends and kept to the sidewalks at a safe distance for judging bicycles as annoying and a lot of hassle.

But I'm really getting over the subway. It's not like it was ever charming, but after almost a year of rattling trains, it's just grating. I've spoken with New Yorkers who bicycle the city, and they love it. I'd love to feel the liberty of cycling wherever I go, no longer having to worry about crosstown busses or wait on platforms with no idea if a train is even coming.

My main hesitation point— in fact my only hesitation point— is safety. I love everything about the idea besides the fact that bicycles just aren't as safe as I'd like them to be. Sometimes I squirm when I see New Yorkers zipping down avenues among Manhattan traffic with no helmets and their eyes on their iPhones, texting without even a glance up, touching their handlebars casually with their left hands. Needless to say, I don't anticipate being that girl. I just need to practice being among traffic, wear my helmet and have faith. (Plus, Joanna offers heartening input to that conversation.)


Image source unknown

So here I am, reconsidering the bicycle with fresh eyes. I've realized that my first adult bike (from my freshman year of college) was way too small for me, which explains at least part of why it was so difficult for me to get into the groove of it. When I sat on a cruiser at Dan's Competition, it felt great. Now, because I am still 23, I'm shopping Craigslist. Do you have advice for finding a great used bike on Craigslist? Also, any particular advice for shorter people? My legs are not long, and that seems to be one of my major difficulties with bikes is finding big enough wheels that still allow me to balance on my toes when I'm not in motion.

Image source unknown