Highlights

Posted in Life, Series by C.

Highlights Header ATG FINAL {A Saturday well spent at the museum.}

Though it’s still very much summer, I can feel the subtle shift to fall – well, as much of a “fall” as LA can muster. While we’re still about 3 weeks out according to the calendar, I can feel a more gentle breeze in the evenings, my A/C doesn’t need to be on every time I’m home, and those damn flowers are starting to fall off the tree and stick to my freshly washed car that’s just minding its own business in the parking lot at home. I’m not at all getting prepared for a complete change in season anytime soon though. LA typically channels summer until late October into early November (no joke). My boots and scarves will have to collect a bit more dust before I can find a legitimate excuse to break them out.

Until then, I’m more than happy to soak up the rest of summer. My summer bucket list is coming along, but I’m finding that I’m only at about 40% through it. The goal is to knock this up to 60% by the end of the holiday weekend!

Overall, a good week on my end. I spent most of it prepping a film shoot that we’re heading up to San Francisco for later this fall, then unwinding with a more nights than I care to share of “why am I watching this?” reality tv.

The highlights of life since we last caught up involved breaking the rules when it comes to yogurt, spending a relaxing Saturday at the LACMA, and heading over to the Sundance Theater in West Hollywood to check-out Mark Duplass’s new film “The One I Love.”

The One I LOVE ATG FINAL {“The One I Love” at the The Sundance Sunset 5.}

I’m a huge fan of independent cinema. It’s my absolute favorite type of film, behind a well-made feature-length documentary film, of course. I must say, “The One I Love” is…unique. It plays on what is likely to be a trend in relationship-based or genre-specific films, by not falling into one particular category at all. “The One I Love” is part comedy, part drama, and part sci-fi. This hybrid approach breeds a narrative that’s inherently interesting because you can’t quite place where the story is going. In some cases, this works, in others it doesn’t. This is a case where it worked…I think. I’ll admit, it took such an unexpected turn that you’re not entirely sure what actually happened, and it certainly didn’t help that it was left completely open to interpretation. This would be a case where I’d watch the film again with a more critical eye after the first pass to come to a firm conclusion. It’s available on VOD if you’re not in an area where the film is screening at your local cineplex. If you happen to catch it, let me know what you think…and what the hell happened!?!

So, onto the biggest highlight of my week! Let me preface that living in LA makes seeing a celeb around town a dime a dozen and because of the business I’m in and the all of the screenings/events surrounding the industry – there are few people that I actually get giddy over. This is not to brag, it’s just how it is. It’s actually frowned upon to freak out around celebrities when you’re just a “regular” (like myself) working in the biz. However, the big draw for seeing the film was that Mindy Kaling was moderating the Q&A along with Mark Duplass after the film! I would (and did) get a little giddy for her.

I, like almost every other normal 20-30 something gal in America, feel some sort of weird connection to her. It’s like you can actually picture yourself hanging out with her because she seems so authentic, funny, and down to earth. I’ve often stated on the blog pretty emphatically that we’re really BFFs…she just doesn’t know that. 🙂

Unfortunately, my camera died (what is it with me about not keeping my battery charged!?!) so I didn’t get any shots of her (except the exterior marquee and dinner that night), but trust me – it really happened! And p.s. she’s pretty damn cool in person.

harvest salad ATG FINAL {Taking myself to dinner before the screening – the yummiest salad ever from the Veggie Grill. Note the grilled peaches and pecans!}

With that, it seems this weekend will find me working on my summer bucket list some, and giving myself a much-needed mani/pedi. Oh, and I’m really starting to push it and need to tackle my laundry. Since it’s likely everyone will be out and about for Labor Day and not in front of their computers (if they’re smart), I’m not posting on Monday, but can’t wait to catch up with you again on Wednesday.

I look forward to a relaxing holiday weekend ahead. I wish you the same. See you in September! x

Yogurtland ATG FINAL {That time I totally just ate Yogurtland for dinner. Hey, it kills two birds with one stone: dinner & dessert in one! Less guilt.}

Words_ ATG FINAL {A gem I spotted on the walk to grab my Sunday latte. And they say LA is full of negativity.}

Blog Signature Official_FINAL

Stay in Touch: Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin‘

24Apr2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Breakfast, Fashion, Food, Handbags, Inspiration, Shoes by C.

Midnight-Ballerina-28-650x433

I saw this photograph on Wendy Nguyen’s blog last week and instantly fell in love. The composition, the lighting, the location of her petite frame and full skirt inside the celebrated Urban Light instillation at the LACMA grabbed me immediately. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this instillation photographed or featured in films. It’s to the point of being over-exposed. This was done in such a sophisticated and unassuming manner – it was a breath of fresh air. To be completely honest, I was so drawn to it, I would even have this blown up and framed for my apartment if I could. I suppose aside from a purely artistic position, the photograph represents how I envision what an ideal life might be: whimsical, adventurous, quiet, massive, and bright; while dressed like a modern day princess.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

157782_01 || Finger Bling // MAWI Flower Gemstone Ring in Pink. If you know anyone that has an extra $400 lying around. ||

|| My new motto every weekend until Fall 2013. ||

44c46062e348b7d275ffa607cbcdd024

|| Hand Candy // Brown Leather Clutches.||

|| Good Morning! // Bacon Wrapped California Omelet Bites. ||

043feed9f3070cf37e5e6c2611ff5ea4

|| Hello Lover! // Paging Carrie Bradshaw // Manolo Blahnik “Kioko” Jeweled Sandals. ||

1311020562_RLLZ_1

|| An Uncomplicated Life. ||

|| Where I wouldn’t mind having dinner tonight with 15 of my closet friends. ||

5Apr2013

Highlights

Posted in Explore, Film, Food, Fun, Shoes by C.

Boy, did this week go by fast. So fast, in fact, that some of my things to do…went seemingly undone. I managed at the very least to give myself a spring pedi before rocking my new sandals and finally stopped talking the talk and joined the Brita family (yes, I was a slave to bottled water). No worries though, sometimes you just need to take it easy. Something that doesn’t come naturally to my slightly O.C.D., perfectionist-driven personality. I have to say, one of my favorite nights this week was simply coming home making my famous (Pinterest stolen) baked garlic chicken with a chopped side salad for dinner and settling in to watch Lolita, one of Stanley Kubrick’s films that I wanted to catch-up on after checking out the current exhibition at the LACMA a few weeks ago.

1-Blend

While the week went by fast, it halted altogether when I heard the sad news of Roger Ebert’s passing. My heart raced as I absorbed the headline and was instantly transported to when I used to sit and watch him agree to disagree (or agree to agree) with Gene Siskel and later Richard Roeper on Sunday nights “At the Movies.” With much bias, I tended to trust his judgement whenever he gave a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” in his film analysis. I was deeply saddened when I realized the balcony really is closed. Rest in peace, Mr. Ebert. From one film enthusiast to another, I always enjoyed being “At the Movies” with you.

22Mar2013

Highlights

Posted in Books, Documentary, Explore, Film, Food, Fun, Lunch, Shoes by C.

My life has been filled with so many stories and so much storytelling this week. Aside from the amazing Stanley Kubrick exhibition that I saw recently, I’ve been immersed in three other narratives that have not only entertained, but brought out my deeply contemplative personality.

I‘ve been delving into “The Up Series,” a documentary that checks in with a group of British people once every seven years (beginning at age 7). I’m just now catching up on the other parts of the series in order to see the most recent installment at age 56. Meanwhile, any time I’ve spent sitting in traffic has been accompanied by an audio book, Iyanla Vanzant’s autobiography “Peace From Broken Pieces.” I’ve been on such an emotional roller coaster listening to her story and it’s made me really stop and think about my own life and how my experiences have shaped how I now am as an adult. And finally, because I love a good fiction read to satisfy my imaginative side, I’ve been spending lots of down time absorbed into Stephenie Meyer’s, “The Host.” I’m halfway through and should make it just in time for the film’s release next weekend.

Interestingly, as I absorbed these narratives this week – ranging from autobiographical to purely science fictional, they all somehow intertwine in theme. What I’m learning is that it’s amazing how we grow and change, yet remain the same at our core. As a result, it’s those demons we struggle with as we move about our day-to-day because of those established core characteristics.

While I spent a lot of time engaged in stories, I managed to come up for air to have a very productive week. Taxes are done, I took a more challenging yoga class (for which I’m now feeling the sore effects), my goal to incorporate more fresh fruits and veggies into my diet is going well, and a few spring inspired happenings paid off in small ways.

Have a great weekend.

This week’s highlights…

SIP| coffee & milk

1-2013-03-16_12-55-18_390

Prior to checking out the Stanley Kubrick exhibition, it was a nice treat to grab an iced mocha from the LACMA’s on-campus coffee shop, Coffee & Milk, and sit outside in the sunshine for awhile. I had my reservations about the place when I was told they don’t offer vanilla/flavored syrup so as to “not affect the flavor of the coffee” but I could order a mocha instead – which in my mind is still considered flavoring so I didn’t quite see their argument. Anywho, after doctoring it up some myself (more sugar and milk was needed) – I forgot all about that nonsense and got ready for an exciting day ahead – caffeine fix in place.

SHOP| farmer’s market

1-Candi

A stop at the farmer’s market yielded great rewards on the produce front that I’ve been happily enjoying all week.

EAT| tavern ham & vegetable salad

1-2013-03-18_13-07-48_282

A memorable lunch earlier this week. The best part? The champagne vinaigrette dressing. Yum!

GIFT| flowers

1-IMG_20130321_123635

The gift of Spring from a friend that brightened my day.

19Mar2013

Stanley Kubrick at the LACMA

Posted in Documentary, Explore, Film, Fun by C.

1-2013-03-16_12-45-016

Location: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Mid-City West

1-2013-03-16_12-43-013

Of all the museum banners currently lining the streets of L.A., the infamous face of Jack Nicholson crazily gazing to his left from a scene in the cult classic, The Shining; and the still of a young Michael McDowell as Alex in A Clockwork Orange, catches your eye immediately. Admittedly, I’ve seen only the very basics of Kubrick’s famed filmography – where oftentimes I found myself very visually stimulated, but had some trouble grasping and melting into the narrative when studying him in film school. What I appreciated about what the LACMA did through their current special exhibition, was introduce me to the other facets of Stanley Kubrick and, even better, it gave me a renewed sense to delve further into his catalog and explore it once again.

1-2013-03-16_12-58-23_187

Stanley Kubrick, regarded as a pure auteur, started out as photographer, then documentary filmmaker, before taking the reigns of scripted storytelling with his first feature film. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art did a phenomenal job capturing the career of a legend.

1-2013-03-16_12-52-51_285

{Gallery entrance.}

You’re welcomed into the exhibition with a large montage of his films precisely edited together on a loop before heading into the main gallery to learn of his early beginnings and take (what took us) the nearly 2.5 hour journey through 16 different projects. The space is more than adequately filled with photos, cameras, lenses, posters, archival footage, costumes, props, set models, notebooks, scripts, sketches, and even his research materials.

1-2013-03-16_14-13-02_354

{Production photo slide – Lolita.}

I thought the LACMA’s approach of creating a flow as you moved around the galleries was appropriate and added a mood to the experience that brought the visitor directly into the exhibition. During the exploration of his earlier war and noir based films, the galleries were dark and somber. As we moved toward the future in 2001: A Space Odyssey everything suddenly became overwhelmingly stark and bright. When we hit the galleries exploring horror themes, the carpet turned red. In essence, the attention to detail was not missed.

1-2013-03-16_14-48-14_221

{Typewriter, The Shining.}

There are two main things I’ll take away from the Stanley Kubrick exhibition: One, an elevated appreciation for him as a filmmaker who undoubtedly took his craft very seriously. This was seen in the extensive notes marked up on various scripts presented throughout the entire show. It was seen in his dedication to an unaccomplished film project, Napoleon, where the LACMA exhibits mounds of research materials Kubrick culminated during the development stages of the project. And two, because of the spotlight brightly shining on his career achievements (and failures) through this wonderful retrospective, my hope is to be able to re-visit those films with more educated, older, and now wiser eyes. Perhaps this time, I can melt into them a little deeper.

I encourage you to visit soon if you can, and take in Kubrick in a way that you likely never have before. The exhibition runs until June 30th.

COSTUMES // Spartacus, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining

1-2013-03-16_14-06-39_884 1-2013-03-16_14-45-17_597