I Love Lucy

Yesterday would have been Lucille Ball 's 99th birthday. I am lucky enough to have a mother who is obsessed, and I mean obsessed with I Love Lucy. She used to tape the re-runs off TV on our VCR and we ended up with nine or ten VHS tapes full of episodes. If we were bored and there was nothing good on TV, or during lunch time we'd pop in a tape and watch some Lucy. Thank god when the DVD sets started coming out cause those poor VHS tapes were getting worn out! Not only was Lucille Ball incredibley funny, she was also a television pioneer. She and Desi Arnaz were the first to use the 3 camera technique, filming scenes from different angles, which is now used in every TV show ever. She also came up with the concept of syndication (again, thank god) and she was the first woman to own her own film studio, Desilu which made such shows as The Dick Van Dyke Show, My Three Sons, The Untouchables, Make Room for Daddy, That Girl, and many many more. Lucille Ball was dubbed The Queen of Comedy, and rightfully so, 50 years after I Love Lucy, it is still played on TV and she still known by everyone everywhere. Some of my favorite episodes are Lucy Tells the Truth, Breaking the Lease, and Housewarming. The Lucy Desi Comedy Hour was also great with guest stars like Talulha Bankhead, Betty Grable and Harry James, and Danny Thomas. Happy Birthday Lucy, we're still watching!

Bored?

For those who are finding themselves bored with spending free time in front of the computer or television screen and feel like they need to spice things up, pick up this book. 52 Projects Random Acts of Everyday Creativity by Jeffery Yamaguchi is full of ideas to get you off the couch and into a more creative life (or at least a more creative couple of hours.) Some of his ideas include making a key lime pie, then make a box full of things to make a key lime pie, a recipe and mail it off to your friend, wake up, call in sick and use the day to do whatever it is you WANT to do. This does not include vacuuming, laundry, etc. this is a day for pure pleasure. Write some letters (your Grandmother will appreciate it!) Make a list of all the books you own and figure out which ones you haven't read. (my list would be really long.)  Check out the website first www.52projects.com. Another great website for creative ways to spend your time is this website by Keri Smith 

Vintage, Used, and Fabulous

Antique malls, flea markets, and second hand shops have the greatest finds. If you have any sort of taste for vintage style, these places will become your best friends. Find a great antique mall and it'll be your go to place if you want to find some inexpensive accessories and knickknacks for your home, if you need a place to spend a rainy or snowy day, or if you just want to go wander around for some inspiration or alone time. Good Juju is an amazing market full of great finds from all eras. Unfortunately, it's only open the first weekend of the month, Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 12pm-4pm. It is such a fun place but, since its only open for a short time, there is often a crowd so get there early! Located in the West Bottoms at 1412 W. 12th street, get there this weekend for some great finds! Vintage Market is located in Zona Rosa and is open seven days a week. Its a little more girly but also has great prices and amazing finds. Jewelry, clothing, furniture, pictures, tons of great stuff and girly fun! Parkville Antique Mall is a hidden treasure, located in English Landing Center, right by the park, you can spend a whole day in this place. Really great deals and tons of booths, if you haven't been there check it out. I found some great stuff to furnish my new apartment! River Market Antique Mall is another place you could get lost in. Four floors of stuff to rummage around in, you will be thoroughly worn out after a trip here. Shopping second hand is great. The stuff you find is higher quality than anything made today, you won't end up with the same stuff that all your friends have because its totally unique, and its a form of recycling, instead of buying new stuff made from new materials, you are finding great stuff that already has a story and life behind it. 

Happy Summer!

Its the first official day of summer. For me, and most of us who live in the United States, summer starts on Memorial Day. For ancient civilizations all over the world, today is the day! Here's a picture of Stonehenge, the ancient monument where people in England gather to celebrate summer and winter solstices. The longest day of the year, June 21st is the day for all kinds of festivals, bonfires, courting rituals, flower gathering, and other spiritual and fun activities. So go outside, strip down naked, and dance around the bonfire...or, just get together with some friends, make some sangria and toast to wonderful summer!

photo credit: Andrew Dunn

Vespa Obsessed

Since I went to Italy and saw everyone and their mom riding around on scooters, motorcycles, and the like, I've had Vespa on the brain. I really want one but, I'm a poor college student about to move into a new apartment so, I have to save my money for deposits and rent instead. So sad because I can imagine buzzing around Kansas City on one of these, saving money on gas, reducing my carbon emissions, and looking really freakin' cool. Don't you love the scene in Roman Holiday when Audrey Hepburn gets Gregory Peck on the back of that Vespa and they're zooming around Rome like crazy? Love it. Someday....someday.

Athleta

Maybe I've been living under a rock, but I didn't hear about this brand until today. I got this great catalog from Athleta in my mailbox for the first time (some people think their junk mail, I adore catalogs) and I've looked at it about seven times already. Created by the Gap Corporation, this sportswear is amazing! They have everything from dresses and skirts to yoga wear to runner's wear to bathing suites designed for surfers. Not only are their clothes really cute with great designs, their models make me want to get off my butt (which I've been sitting on way too much) and go running, or play tennis, or go swimming, or learn to surf, or go for a bike ride, or do some yoga, or hike a trail...the list goes on and on. No skinny models here, you can tell these chicks are active and they look genuinely happy. While I'm trying to curb my spending right now, I'm having a lot of fun looking through this catalog. 

correction 6/8/2010: It was brought to my attention that Athleta was not created by The Gap corporation but was bought by them about a year ago. Thanks for the info!

Vintage Inspired Swim Wear

I don't know what its like where you live but here in the middle of the country we're experiencing our first summer sweltering heat wave. It is unbearable already and all I can think about is laying by the pool, swimming in the lake, and sipping some tasty summer beverage (Gin and Tonics anyone?) I am so happy that these vintage inspired bathing suites are so easy to find now. I fell in love with this top one from Anthropologie , it reminds me of 1930s Atlantic City, the next one you can order from Mod Cloth and is so 1950s pin-up. The third is from J. Crew and i love the color, such a modern take on the vintage classic. You can find tons of high waisted two pieces, one piece suites with boy cut legs or hip-covering ruching. These suites are classic, modest yet sexy, and you'll be totally comfortable wearing them in front of your boyfriend's parents.

European Vacation

A week from today I will be on a plane to Rome. This is a trip I have dreamt about my whole life, it is coming up so fast now, it feels surreal. I cannot wait. My best friend and i will be going all over Italy as well as visiting Paris. Here are some pictures of the tourist attractions we will be going to see. The Colosseum, The Parthenon, a lovely view of the city of Florence, this awesome hide out on the Mediterranean my friend found, Cinque Terre, and of course the Arc de Triumph in Paris. Two glorious weeks of Europe. Can't wait!

One Wild and Crazy Guy

I have a little crush on Steve Martin, well Steven Martin from the '70's. He is goofy, witty, and seriously cool. His movies are awesome, from The Jerk, to Father of the Bride, even Cheaper by the Dozen. He is seriously multi-talented. He's not just a hilarious stand-up and sketch comedian, he's a writer, singer, and musician. In fact, he just put out a new album called The Crow, which is on sale now. He's actually touring for it and I am so excited to see him in Kansas City next Thursday. A Night of Banjo and Bluegrass. Check him out in your town, you won't regret it.

Happy Spring!

If you live in the midwest you can sympathize with me.  The first day of spring and we got something like 6 inches of snow. Sad. We've been waiting for spring for what seems like ever and Kansas City has had an especially snowy winter. It was just 60 degrees the other day, then it dropped off and we got lots more snow. Hopefully this is it for us but, if you really want it to feel like summer, here are some things you can do to trick yourself into for the day.  First, crank up the heat in your apartment, I know you're poor from the high heating bills already, but another few hours of extreme warmth won't hurt you. Second, go out and buy a nice big bottle of Tequila and Margarita mix, salt and some limes and make yourself a nice batch of margaritas. Then, put on your favorite sun dress, you know, the one you've been gazing at longingly in your closet, dying to wear it but it just hasn't been warm enough yet, put it on! Then, get out some great summer flicks like The Parent Trap with Haley Mills or the original Gidget. Who doesn't love a good old fashioned surf movie? It might not be as good as the real thing but hey, its not a bad substitute!