Early birthday bouquet

Look at these lovelies! They arrived today and took me completely by surprise. They're actually more vibrant than this photo would have you believe and really fragrant, too. I'm enjoying them now before I head out of town on Friday. My birthday is on Saturday, August 29th, and I am really looking forward to celebrating a long birthday weekend!

Twin love

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of entertaining two little visitors, my twin nieces, Alexa and Stephanie. They're not quite four years of age, but you'd think they were fourteen by what comes out of their mouths sometimes. Upon arriving, Stephanie immediately asked to see my shoe collection and requested I paint her fingernails after seeing my own lacquered nails. Then after spotting my four-year-old Apple powerbook computer, Alexa asked me if I thought about getting a new one, as if she were a computer sales rep trying to sell me the latest model. Ironically, T has been spending the last week or so trying to convince me that I need a new one, so I wonder if they're in cahoots with each other?? The girls came bearing the best gifts for my upcoming birthday: two mini potted roses, a bottle of nail polish (OPI Siberian Nights, excellent choice), a nail file, and a hand cream with SPF from nail guru Deborah Lippmann. What more could a girl ask for?

While I was taking a quick snap of the lovely rose bushes, Stephanie stuck her little head in the frame at the last second. Clearly, she doesn't have a problem with the limelight.

Post-gifts, we had lunch and went to a local park so the girls could run around and enjoy the summer sun. Alexa especially showed off some pretty enviable monkey bar skills. It was a great day.

Lights, Camera, Action!

The boyfriend wrote a script with his best friend recently and shooting has commenced at my apartment of all places. This could potentially be a trying, albeit exciting, experience for me, the apartment dweller, but I tend to make myself scarce while they're shooting because it's just easier that way (although I couldn't resist watching a few takes). And when I get home everything is miraculously put back in its place, as if no filming had been done at all. Can you believe that it's just the two of them doing this all on their own? Impressive, right? T is co-writer, actor, director, cinematographer, camera operator, and film editor (whew). Yeah, I think he's wildly talented, too.

T doing his thing while his friend Marco mentally prepares himself for the scene ahead.

Fall with J.Crew

Each piece in J. Crew's new fall collection is "meant to be affectionately weathered and worn--much like your favorite paperback." Oh, J.Crew, you had me at "paperback".

How gorgeous are the colors in this photo? I love the blue-gray tones of the sea and cardigan (I am cardigan-obsessed; they are my weakness as shoes are for most women). Makes me want to go to Big Sur, which I've never actually had the pleasure to visit. But that will change. I've been politely pestering T about it.

How cute is this model's curls? I hope it inspires curly-haired girls everywhere to go more natural instead of playing slave to the flat iron. I stopped straightening my hair years ago because, quite frankly, I don't need the hassle. Plus, I think my wavy/curly hair rather suits me. I'm all for embracing what you've got! And I'm a little lazy.

I want this girl's life. That is all.

Happiness is a blank notecard

Hello! I'm just sitting here at my writing desk, penning a note to my grandmother, à la Edith Wharton. The citrus-infused zigzag design of Linda + Harriet, my new favorite letterpress company, totally brightens my day. What brightens yours?

C is for cookie, that's good enough for me

I find that the simplest and sanest way to face another work week is to bake chocolate chip cookies. Don't you agree? He does.

P.S. I adore my new apple green mixer; tonight was my first experience with this magical machine and already I'm in love.