Is It Still a Picnic If It's Indoors?

My very lovely friend Jehan invited Ben & I to join himself and his friends to a picnic at Boordy Vineyards, just outside the city. It's nice to be able to escape to the country for an afternoon, especially when it's only half an hour away.



The rain did not cooperate, but it was still romantic.



For about 2 seconds.

America the Beautiful, and Drunk

Over the weekend, Ben and I went up to Delaware to visit our friends Sarah and Scott, who hosted an excellent Independence Day shindig.

Some highlights:


Scott made some delish kabobs.


We set off some roman candles in the parking lot.



The fountain was pretty.

UDFRW2010

Last weekend was the second annual University of Delaware Forum & Reunion Weekend. It's basically just a huge drinkfest and excellent excuse to get all your old college buddies together and pretend to be back in undergrad. I loved every minute of it.







You definitely do not want to miss this next year.

Purple Nurple?

I think I've developed an obsession with lilac:

• O.P.I.'s Do You Lilac It? in constant rotation

• Blackberry Curve 8530 Smoky Violet (with matching silicone case, natch)

• Ray-Ban Original Aviator in Purple/Lilac/Grey fade (on their way from Nordstrom)

• Limited Edition Lilac PSP 3000

• Barney's NY Editions de Parfums En Passant (not actually lilac-colored, but the scent is pure Lilac)

I didn't go out of my way to match everything,
it just kind of happened.

What's your current color?

Fringe, It's Not Just a TV Show

disclaimer: I'm not the biggest Coach fan in the world...
yes, i have a few pieces (my favorite is my mom's City Bag from the 80's, but digress) and i really appreciate their leather quality...
but most of their products just scream "white trash luxury" to me - you know the ones I'm talking about (as seen in suburban American high schools).

however, this one really caught my eye:





$498 @ Coach.com [pre-order for june delivery]

not only is it a super-stylish bag, (not too hippied-out, but definitely laid back), it's inspired by the very talented Ms. Krystal Simpson from hipster blog What Is Reality Anyway? Definitely adds some serious cool points to even your most casual summer outfit.

not familiar? her blog is worth a browse.
let me know what you think.
about the bag, the blog, life in general.


{images stolen from What Is Reality Anyway? and Coach.com}

Do You Lilac My Mad Black Onyx?

i've been pretty obsessed with O.P.I. nail polishes recently, with the most random assortment of colors:


Do You Lilac It?


Mad as a Hatter (from the Alice in Wonderland Collection)


Black Onyx

and occasionally i take it to the next level with Essie Matte About You matte topcoat.

and as any beauty queen can tell you, O.P.I. really is the best.
the new Shrek collection is way too tempting.

what's your favorite nail color?

Kinetic Sculpture Race 2010

The Kinetic Sculpture Race, hosted by the Visionary Arts Museum, is one of my favorite annual Baltimore events. It's a bit tricky to explain, so definitely check out the website for a better explanation that I could ever offer.

There were some great sculptures this year, a few favorites are below:




Fifi went as a clown this year


Nemo!

The XX xxxxxxx

On Friday night, Ben, Nick and I went to Sonar to see The XX, hosted by Taxlo. Mike and Whit met us there too :)

I'm a big fan of The XX and Taxlo always puts on a good party.

Nick & I had a little photoshoot before The XX's set (there's plenty more where these came from):





The XX definitely gave good show. Not a ton of improvisation, but with only one album I suppose the material is limited.

I particularly liked the use of varying lights throughout the sets. Color and lighting have so, so much influence on atmosphere. Plus, I just love color.

Why Hallmark Holidays Are Awesome

One of the great things about gifting holidays (xmas, father's day, etc.) is the beauty gift set deals at upscale department stores.

I've been coveting YSL's Parisienne for a while, and managed to hold out until the Mother's Day season for the gift set (perfume, travel spray + lotion).

$85 for all three items, compared to $85 for the 3.0 oz bottle solo.
(available at Nordstrom)

Loves it. Now I just need to find something lovely for the moms.

Who says you can't buy yourself presents?
Bought any for yourself recently?

OOOOOOpening Day!

The very awesome Jeff Schiffman hooked up Ben and I with Orioles Opening Day tickets!

The weather was gorgeous, and the hot dogs were delicious, but as usual the O's lost . . .







Hopefully the season gets better from here. Can't possibly get any worse!