C-a-l-i-f-o-r-n-i-a

Jeff and I just got back from a fun trip to California. On this particular day, we rented a car (The rental car place only had an 8-passenger car, or a convertible; we opted for the convertible.) and headed up the coast. It was a very fun day.

I love the beach.

Father's Day 2009

Did you have a nice father's day? We definitely did; it was busy but so nice to be with both of our fathers and families.

Here are some of the sights from our day. And luckily, I always have a willing niece who wants to get their picture taken:

Aren't they cute? I'm one lucky aunt.

Streaming "Far"

I've been listening to Regina Spektor's new album "Far" this afternoon and really like it. There are so many different identities that the record takes- so many different sounds. It's kept me guessing, and I've already listened through twice.

Listen at NPR's First Listen here.

"The Time Traveler's Wife"

I totally fell in love with Henry + Claire. I even re-read this book for the second time earlier this year. (For the record, I loved it most the first read.) And now... the movie.

As I mentioned on Aimee's blog, I'm worried. I have to go into seeing the movie remembering that it's not the book. It can't be. They're two different worlds.

Still... I can't help but watch.

Will you see it?

(via)

Watch THIS...

Ready to be inspired?

My good friend Allison is a finalist for an amazing photography opportunity... and, she definitely deserves it. She submitted this beautiful 12 second clip, which you're going to love:


me plus italy on 12seconds.tv

Didn't you love it? Now go and vote here for #1 "me plus italy." The voting closes tonight at 5:00pm- and it's looking like a close race!!!

Go Allison!

Seeing Yellow

Picked these lovelies up at my local grocery store. I think it's safe to say; yellow is my favorite color.

Look Who's Coming...

To Red Butte Garden on 8/23! (Hope this is right- haven't found any info on Red Butte's site yet.)

I've always wanted to see her play live to see if she lives up to her quirky personality. Has anyone else seen her? Is it a worthwhile show? If she plays this track, which is one of my faves, it just might be.

(via)

More In The Garden...

More pictures from our little garden... so excited- they're finally starting to blossom.

Camera Obscura, Part 2

Friends, do yourself a favor and download or purchase Camera Obscura’s recent release “My Maudlin Career.” I had only previewed and streamed this album a couple of times, but when we saw them on Tuesday night, I was immediately hooked to their new songs. And, do note: a lot of the songs are pretty mellow and are pretty much about falling in/out of love. (Jeff wishes they’d write about other topics.) However, as a hopeless romantic myself, I melt with these songs.

Some favorite tracks:
+ You Told a Lie
+ James
+ Away with Murder
+ Swans (What is the guitar rif at the beginning?! Reminds me of a children’s song, but I cannot place it.)
+ Forests and Sands

Even though the show got off to a very late start, Camera Obscura, and especially Tracyanne Campbell, sounded flawless. They even had a full band- with horns, strings, keyboards- alike. A lovely show with this Scottish band. (Even if I didn’t get to bed until 2:00 am, it was well worth it.)

Camera Obscura

Getting excited to see them tonight. And, I think this video is awesome (who else feels like chasse-ing while watching?) of one of my favorite Camera Obscura songs.

In The Garden...

Pup!

I have to say... when you're in need of a pick-me-up, find a puppy. (Or watch them on You Tube.) This little boy is my twin sister's new puppy... I had to share them because he's pretty cute.

A Study in Poppies

I sort of became obsessed with these flowers last spring. And, they're back...! And so pretty. I wish they'd last longer than through the spring. More here.

Photostyling Video

Thank you everyone for all your sweet feedback about my little segment! Here's the actual clip.

I have to say- it is so surreal seeing myself on television. Little mannerisms of mine, the way I use my hands, those freckles- these are all the little things I wasn't too aware of until watching myself! Very interesting, indeed, but also very fun.

Thanks again Studio 5!

Studio 5 Segment

My 8 minutes of fame was definitely fun! The taping of today's segment went by SO fast; I haven't yet been able to view it, but I'm hoping I didn't seem too nervous. (I was.)

It was a great opportunity to be on the show, work with Studio 5's wonderful producers and hosts, and share a little bit of my knowledge about something I'm so passionate about.

If you'd like more "hands-on" ideas based on today's segment on Studio 5, check out this article I wrote for their site.

(If I'm able to embed the link from the show, I will- promise.)

Photostyling on Studio 5

Just wanted to mention that I'll be on Studio 5 today at 11:00 am talking about Photostyling! If you're in Utah, check it out on channel 5- oh, and also wish me luck!

PS. Happy 4th year anniversary to my sweet, sweet husband, Jeffrey....!

Mother's Day

For Mother's Day, I was inspired by an article featured in May's Real Simple. In it they suggested 10 questions to ask your mother... Some of the questions included:

01. What's the one thing you would have done differently as a mom?
02. Why did you choose to be with Dad? (Loved this question!)
03. Which one of us kids do you like the best? (Luckily, my mom wasn't too specific...)
04. Is there anything you have wanted to tell us kids but never have?
05. Do you think it's easier or harder to be a mother now than when you were raising our family?
06. When did you realize you were no longer a child?
07. What's the best thing your kids can do for you right now?

My mom was kind enough to oblige to this project, so she answered the above questions, and let me take some photos of her. I then compiled the questions/photos and gave them to my siblings.

I loved the answers my mom gave... I had to blog about this, as I highly suggest asking your own mother these questions- it's such a sweet keepsake.

(Thanks again mom!)

Miss M.

This is my cute niece who just started taking piano lessons from me yesterday... I can already tell you that she's going to be a fine pianist someday. Music comes naturally to her- it's inside her, and she can feel the joy music brings.

I'm excited to teach you Miss M.!

Music in May!

(Sorry for all the videos as of late... can't help myself!)

There's a handful of wonderful bands visiting this month. And, if you haven't noticed, I'm especially excited for Flight of the Conchords on the 17th! The above clip is one of my all-time favorites. Jemaine absolutely kills me in this clip.

Get more details on live music at Your Heart Out here.

New Chanel Film

Spotted this on MSN's homepage- I love Audrey Tautou (though, when did she get so skinny?!), and is the same director from Amelie- so I had to watch. The concept is, dare I say, cheesy- but the scenery is beautiful.