I got a haircut...

Yeah, that's not me pictured above... but these were my inspiration photos that I brought to my hair dresser.  It's Nine d'Urso, the terribly chic daughter of French style icon Ines de la Fressange.  I have been contemplating going short for a few months and the morning of my appointment I printed these off "just in case".

I actually did it a couple of weeks ago but had to get used to it before sharing...I have my bangs to grow out (the hubster has never liked them) so I am not quite there yet, however, after getting used to it the cut I have to say it shows potential...

Ugh - not even sure why I am posting these... especially in the same post as some gorgeous young French model...but I am apparently feeling masochistic gutsy tonight.  :)  At least black and white is a bit more forgiving.

Yo-Yo Ma and Lil Buck

I found this incredibly moving - it's like Lil Buck is floating on sound...  And kudos to Mr. Ma for continuously exploring the boundaries of music and performance!  I can't wait to see him in 2012 with the TSO.  What do you think?

From YouTube:
The other day, I was lucky enough to be at an event to bring the arts back into schools and got to see an amazing collaboration between Yo-Yo Ma and a young dancer in LA, Lil Buck. Someone who knows Yo-Yo Ma had seen Lil Buck on YouTube and put them together. The dancing is Lil Buck's own creation and unlike anything I've seen. Hope you enjoy. --Spike Jonze

Thanks for the link David!

Interior moods

Cheerful/Playful

I just read an inspired post over on First Sense.  I have always thought that I was a bit split-personality when it came to decor preferences, how else can I explain my simultaneous attraction to brightly coloured rooms, minimalism, antiques and thrifting, and white, white, white?  Well Meera explains brilliantly in her post that interiors create moods, and just as we cycle through different moods on different days, so are we attracted to many styles of design.  She then positions her 12 great examples as on a clock, and asks which are your hour hand (more of a constant preference), your minute hand (less fixed) and second hand (a fleeting taste) at this moment?

Mine were soulful (below) for hour, cheerful (above) by the minute, and serene/calm (bottom) by the second.  What about you?

Soulful

Serene/Calm

Virtual Shopping at Zara

Ever have one of those days where you just feel like nothing is going your way, everything you touch falls apart, nobody likes you, you're fat and out-of-shape, you're pretty sure you are going to get fired, you never get to see your kids, and generally you want to go back to bed and try for a do-over (or maybe just stay there)?  No, I didn't think so.  Well when life gets me down like that, I do what any other responsible person would do - I go shopping (and then have a pint when I get home).  But since I really can't afford to shop (and I haven't the time because the husband is mountain biking after work and I have to go home to release the nanny - which let's be honest is the actual reason) I have to find solace in the internet.  Zara is the perfect choice beacuse they are hitting it out of the park this spring aaaaand they don't have online shopping so Mr. Credit Card doesn't get all cranky.

Ahhh... so much better (except for the nagging comments in the back of my mind about width of thighs and length of legs, etc...)

(I think I may have to add parenthesis to my long list of addictions...)

Modern Macrame

Macrame.  What does that word do for you?  I know for many it makes them shudder, imagining tasselled plant hangers of scratchy hemp and wooden beads.  Which of course leads to thought of centre parts, polyester high-waisted bellbottoms, lots of big daisy and sunflower patterns... and on down that hazy road... (depending on which movie you watch of course).  But really, it just means making a fabric by knotting it rather than knitting or weaving, and according to wikipedia, has been used by sailors for centuries (those fashionable lads).  And now that I have seen this jewelry made by etsy seller Amira Mednic, I have visions instead of big sunglasses, white t-shirts, and brightly-coloured skinny capris with flats; or sundresses and denim shirts and gladiator sandals.  OK... maybe not so different from the former vision, but fashion is cyclical, right?  And this is the perfect jewelry for summer.

Music I Like: Kimbra

Kimbra - "Plain Gold Ring" (Live at Sing Sing Studios) from Forum5 Recordings on Vimeo.

I found this video thanks to a link from Kate, and holy ga-MOLY I was blown away.  Of course, this is an amazing song, but this girl Kimbra sings the hell out of it.  What a voice - what a performer!  Her back-up ensemble is dynamite, and the videography is really well done.  The rest of her stuff is a bit poppy for my taste, but I would definitely go see her if she came to town.  She is from New Zealand and is... wait for it... 20 years old.  Sigh.

Spring Weekend

I think it really might be here this time...

Brooklyn Limestone DIY

I am so impressed with this lovely DIY window treatment from the oh-so-creative Mrs. Limestone.  I do love painting drop cloth projects, having done a few myself, and this one is simple and really effective.  It would be great for a bathroom, or a hallway window, and you could create any design you choose (although her letter is so perfect!).

PS. Besides being obviously gifted in the decor and crafty departments, she is also an amazing photographer, and was in the group I did that Photo Challenge with.  Check our her Flickr page here, or purchase a print here.