Rooftop Cinema at Palihouse

This Sunday: "Withnail and I" screens at Palihouse as part of its summer Rooftop Cinema series.

RSVP to cinema@palihouse.com.

The Bechdel Test for Women in Movies

WomenArts, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women artists gets the resources they need to do their creative work, shared this eye-opening video.

It is a bit surprising to see that The Princess Bride doesn't pass, nor When Harry Met Sally, as they feature female characters with strong personalities.

The Sex and the City movie was on TV last night, and I got sucked into watching it. Most of the film is these four (named) women talking about the relationships they have with the men in their lives. According to the Bechdel test, I don't think this movie (or the entire catalog of the TV show, for that matter) would pass.

But this makes me stop to think - women often cement their social bonds with other female intimates by talking about their hopes, fears, joys and frustrations with men. I think that talking about men is a pretty universal female trait, just as fantasizing about women is a common male pastime. I think it's fine to have limited-scope female roles in films, but I think that there should be a demand for more films that portray fully-realized adult women. The fact is, many women truly ARE only defined by then men in their lives. Perhaps if movies, which are likely the greatest vehicle of societal influence, showcased an increased number of multidimensional women, more women would embrace mental occupations beyond their boyfriends, husbands or children and expect more from their lives... The greatest single factor in the creation of films is who the directors are, which means, we need more directors to tell women's stories.

The Story of Stuff Takes on the Cosmetics Industry

If you don't know this stuff already, you really should watch this short film. When I learned about the types of chemicals used to make cosmetics, and the complete lack of government regulation of the industry, I changed my buying habits immediately. That was about three years ago, and since then I have been buying my shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash and makeup from companies who put health & safety first. From what I've learned from The Kind Life website, there are also better options for nail polish, tampons & pads (as well as new groovy alternatives I'd never heard of), and other self care products.

My New Wednesday Ritual

So a while back I posted about the Los Angeles Conservancy's "Last Remaining Seats" summer film series that they host in historic theaters on Broadway in Downtown L.A. Well..... two weeks ago I attended my first screening, and it have to say, buying the series package was a great idea and I can't recommend attending one of these nights enough! For the next month, I'll be attending these screenings, and probably eating beforehand at my new favorite restaurant!

Two Wednesdays ago I left work in Santa Monica, headed downtown, and on a whim, typed "macrobiotic" into my Yelp application. Up came Shojin which is a vegan, macrobiotic Japanese restaurant on the third floor of the Little Tokyo shopping center on Alameda. Seeing as how it was pretty close to the Los Angeles Theater, where I would be seeing "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" later, I drove over to Alameda and found a parking spot on the street. The meter was broken - bonus! (I later found out there is free parking in the shopping center lot, with validation). Anyway, I entered the mall, where I was decidedly out of place, and smiled all the way up the escalator to the 3rd floor where the huge, cheery flowers of the ceiling art glowed pinkly onto the facade of Shojin - also cheerful with its floral paintings on display. I was immediately greeted by the hostess, who later appeared to be the owner as well, and welcomed warmly. She asked if it was my first time and was very friendly. I was so happy just walking in there - as the walls were adorned with colorful paintings from a local artist and the menu depicted all sorts of yummy dishes I had only recently been introduced to (Thanks, Kind Diet!) and extolled the virtues of vegan, macrobiotic meals. I ended up ordering quite a lot, as I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I got the kukicha tea, a barbecued seitan/avocado sushi roll (half size), a vegetable soup and a really delicious ramen bowl, which ended up being huge! It had veggies and noodles and lots of broth, and I took home the leftovers, which were considerable. My food and tea was served by an adorable waitress who bowed to me whenever she placed a dish in front of me, and to whom I couldn't help but bow back! I wasn't sure which spoon I was suppose to use for what - I used the chop sticks for the seitan rolls, but that was really messy. The soup I had with a regular spoon, but I learned that the white ceramic spoon with the flat bottom is for ramen. It's a little awkward to fit in my mouth, but it worked, and my food was too good to notice. Anyway, I had to get in and out quickly so as not to miss the show, so I didn't get to try any of the delicious looking desserts. I'll report back after tomorrow!

Anyway, if you've never had a chance to visit the Los Angeles Theater on Broadway and 6th, you are missing out. This place is beyond gorgeous - it's so beautiful I would happily get married there. I realized then that that's why the venue opened up an hour before the movie started... just so people can wander around and admire the splendor of the interior. There are several levels of the theater itself, with a balcony and mezzanine. The bowels of the theater are where the bathrooms are (eww, gross, no pun intended) and these bathrooms are truly gems. I felt like a princess walking through the mirrored ante-chamber and could only imagine a bride with all her attendants getting ready for a wedding.

Once I get settled in my seat (which was nearly center - oh, the boons of sitting singly), I realized that the house was packed! Completely sold out. The director of the L.A. Conservancy spoke about the Conservancy's work and upcoming projects, mentioned the evening's sponsors, which included 213, my favorite nightlife company (I even saw Cedd Moses outside the theater when I checked in), and then introduced Matthew Weiner - the creator of Mad Men! What a thrill!

Matthew got up and spoke a bit about Mad Men, working with Robert Morse (Cooper on the show) and about the film and it's run on Broadway. Robert Morse and the film's other star - Michelle Lee - were both on hand that night, and indulged the audience with some stories of Broadway, making the film, and some singing and dancing! They were great.

Once the curtains finally parted and the lights went dim, I really had no idea what to expect. But let me tell you, "How To Succeed in Business..." is spectacular! I really don't care for most musicals, but this was smart, funny, romantic, and had choreography by Bob Fosse! I loved the '60s fashion, the storyline, the music, everything! Robert Morse was amazing - I really want to cue it up on Netflix just so I can watch it again. I really loved this movie. I believe it won a Tony, and I can only imagine seeing the original cast on New York's Broadway. I certainly came close that night on Broadway West.

The Wednesday following I did much of the same - that night the film was Hitchcock's "Strangers On a Train" and the venue was the Million Dollar Theater, at 3rd and Broadway. My dinner at Shojin ran a little long as I left work a little later, but it was amazing for a second time! It took me a while to find parking near the theater as it was later, but I made it just as the film was starting. I didn't get the chance to look around as much, but I'll get the opportunity for another showing later this month. Anyway, surprise, surprise, "Strangers" was fantastic as well! I never cease to be amazed by all the great films that have come before, and I wish I had more time to see them! What a creepy-comic film - great for this June gloomy weather we're having. The film was preceded this time by a cartoon from Warner Brothers about a bull dog who cares for a kitty cat - so funny! I missed the opening remarks, but I'm sure they were interesting, as well.

Anyway, have I sold you yet?? Get your tickets for The Last Remaining Seats already! They are mostly sold out, except for the last two. Here's the link: http://www.laconservancy.org/remaining/index.php4

"Write the Future" Best Nike Ad Ever

Bam!

World Cup starts June 11th. Here's how to watch, from ESPN:

ESPN will air 44 FIFA World Cup matches from South Africa – the most ever for the network in one tournament. ESPN2 will feature 10 matches. ABC will broadcast 10, beginning with the U.S. Men’s National Team’s tournament opener vs. England on Saturday, June 12, at 2 p.m. ET in Rustenburg. The tournament will conclude on ABC with the title match Sunday, July 11, at 1:30 p.m. ET from the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

Coverage will begin Friday, June 11, on ESPN, ESPN360.com and ESPN Mobile TV, with the tournament’s opening match at 9:30 a.m. from the Soccer City in Johannesburg, host country South Africa versus Mexico.

Dior Debuts "Lady Blue Shanghai" Directed by David Lynch

The French fashion house debuted its latest short film, "Lady Blue Shanghai", today, which centers around the mysterious appearance of a Lady Dior handbag in a hotel room. Written and directed by David Lynch, the short stars Marion Cotillard and features the art direction of John Galliano.

Though this is essentially a 16 minute advertisement for a purse, the Lady Dior itself has very little screentime, and in fact, I found my attention drawn more toward Cotillard's tailored skirt-suit, the old-timey tune blaring from the record player, and the gorgeous peek at Shanghai furnishings of a bygone era. I'm not sure that I would call this a "successful" ad, as, other than a potential purchase from iTunes, it didn't spur an acquisitive impulse in me. I am still thinking about it, though, but probably not for the reasons intended.

I initially wanted to post the videos just to share them, but after letting them sink in a while, I realized there is more to say about the film, in terms of what it says about our society. While I can appreciate the foray into film as an effective form of advertising and a beautiful art form at that, I'm wary of art that glorifies an object, especially one as subject to fleeting fashions as a handbag. I can only think of all the energy, talent, and resources that went into the making of this film (not to mention the purse!), and I can't help but think it a tremendous waste: all that to sell a purse? One that will be out of fashion in 6 months? I don't mean to single out the Lady Dior or demonize luxury goods altogether; I just think that for Marion Cotillard, John Galliano and David Lynch to all get together on a project, I expect it to result in something a little more meaningful than a drive for consumerism. (Though I guess they've got to eat, too).

Consumerism in America has often been lauded as a saving grace - helping the country to bounce back after World War II and encouraged by President Bush after the attacks of September 11th. No doubt our current economy is in dire need of a little saving, but so much of what I've been reading recently indicates that what has worked in the past is no longer a viable, sustainable option.

The fashion industry is primarily an economy fueled by consumer purchases, so what happens to the creation of beautiful, awe-inspiring wearable art when people reconsider their purchasing impulses and buy vintage or heaven forbid, keep wearing the same clothes? Perhaps someday in the near future, visionary artists will come up with news ways to showcase the tremendous talents of the fashion industry without feeding into the mania of perceived obsolescence and retail shopping as "therapy". Until then, beneath Parts 1 & 2 of "Lady Blue Shanghai" I've included "The Story of Stuff" which explains exactly why shopping is no longer a solution to our economic problems and how it actually contributes to many of our current crises: health, environmental, financial, and others. You can learn more about The Story of Stuff Project here.

Cotton Candy for Your Eyes & Ears

1963 film by super avant-gardist Jeff Keen, titled "Flik Flak". (via Art Forum)

'Wow-ness'

Here is the sequel to "Morgan M. Morgansen's Date With Destiny", posted previously. I can't express how much this delights me! (Channing Tatum is pricklishly foppish; Joseph Gordon-Levitt is as charming as ever).

Malibu Monkey Lemonade

Lately I've been on a lemonade kick, and by lemonade, I specifically mean the balsamic lemonade made from organic, local lemons by Matthew "Malibu Monkey" Gibbons. This lemonade is so fresh and zesty, I can't get enough! That being said, this lemonade is UNLIKE ANY OTHER you will ever find. First of all, it comes in a large 1 quart bottle, which in and of itself it worth mentioning; the bottom of the label reads: "1 QUART (SCREW THE METRIC SYSTEM. USA #1!)". The hilarity of the label (which is about 500 words long and spans the whole bottle) rivals the deliciousness of the taste, and made me a fan for life. It's only sold at Vital Zuman Organic Farm near Heathercliff on PCH and The Chocolate Box Cafe in the Lumber Yard. Pick up a few bottles - you will be funding an independent film project, as well as organic farming. Woot! Also available to order online via Malibu Monkey Lemonade.

Adriana Lima & Benny Bennassi's Remix of "Purple Haze"

I love this! Adriana Lima is a knock out in Russell James' "Come Back" video. Definitely makes me want to go box. Reminds me of my friends who did Baraka Bouts in college, which supports women in East Africa. Check last fall's bouts out below.

[from Modelinia]

Happy Easter

Yesterday I watched the movie FOOD, INC. with my family, and remembered why I am so picky about the foods I eat and the products I buy. It was a good reminder that, even though buying sustainable, organic, local, and ethical food (what the Chicks with Knives call "S.O.L.E." food) is often more expensive than choosing readily-available, factory-grown (manufactured) products, it is an important investment. It's one of the most important investments I can make - in my health, in the safety of people across the country, in the global economy, and in voicing my opinion about the society I want to live in... in the only way that really counts: purchasing power. Watching the documentary brought back all the horrific truths that I'd read about in Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation for a "Work, Consumption and Culture" seminar I took at Notre Dame. So many of the accounts in both the book and the film, also by Schlosser, made me sick to my stomach, and in fact, made my 11 and 12-year old brother and sister start to cry while we watched yesterday. It's more than about cows and chickens being treated inhumanely; it's about reclaiming the integrity of one of the most basic, and most emotionally wrought parts of being human - feeding ourselves. I highly recommend both as essential intake; you aren't an informed person these days if you don't know where your food comes from, and the fact that someone had to make a movie about the subject underlines just how far we've come from our agrarian roots. Though the problem with food in our country is so pervasive (hence the obesity epidemic), and there aren't as many affordable healthful options as there are fast-food chains, I think small changes can make a difference. Nevertheless, choosing an alternative to the standard American diet (often called the S.A.D. diet) is a daunting task; after all, many global corporations have spent billions of dollars making alternatives obsolete. Despite this opposition, many good people are working toward effecting positive changes in how we obtain food. (Michelle Obama, Jamie Oliver, Mia Lehrer and Associates, the people at Forage, the Fallen Fruit guys...). Sitting in church this morning for Easter at Our Lady of Malibu, I was inspired by a banner hanging near the altar. "Turn and be a new creation", it said.

Here's one example of how I'm continuing my shift toward a more fully SOLE diet: only eating the eggs my family gets from the 6 chickens who spend their days roaming the backyard amid the flowers and vegetable garden. These chickens are well-fed and cared for, sleeping safely in a coop my mother built, and tended to daily by my sister, who's named them thus meteorologically, according to their coloring: Sunshine, Sunrise, Sunset, Summer, Snowy & Starry. Here are my photos from the eggs I decorated today for Easter! (I used the traditional egg-coloring kit from PAAS, vinegar and water... don't the colors look amazing on the brown eggs?)

Last Remaining Seats Film Series - On Sale Now

The Los Angeles Conservancy's classic film series - Last Remaining Seats - is now available for advance purchase. Conservancy members enjoy pre-sale tickets, and a discount. Support the gorgeous historic theaters that serve as venues for the screenings, and become a member today! I bought my tickets and can't wait to see some of Hollywood's classic movies in the most sumptuous movie theaters! Read my previous post for more details.

THE GRADUATE (1967) screens June 16, 2010 at the Los Angeles Theatre.

Film Noir Festival

The 12th annual Noir City film festival starts this week at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, presented by the American Cinematique in collaboration with The Film Noir Foundation . CRY DANGER (1951), featuring rare footage of mid-century downtown Los Angeles screens this Friday at 7:30pm, followed by TIGHT SPOT. Your $11 ticket gets you into the double feature. The film festival continues through April 18th. Don't miss out! Many of these films are not available on DVD.

Rainy Day at the Movies Part 3

The conclusion of the three-part exploration of the rich Los Angeles film and movie-going scene.

Favorite home-town filmmaker: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
You may know him from Angels in the Outfield or Third Rock from the Sun, or more recently from 10 Things I Hate about You and (500) Days of Summer. In any event, this guy is awesome, and a seemingly endless stream of creativity. Check out the great stuff he posts on Twitter and his film below, Morgan M. Morgansen's Date with Destiny, which screened at Sundance. Of the film, Gordon-Levitt writes, "I'm as proud of this short film as I am of any work I've ever done." On his collaborative film-making website, hitRECord.org, he describes it thus:

Morgan M. Morgansen's Date with Destiny started as a simple idea for a collaboration. "Let's try to write with made up words," proposed Albert. Metaphorest wrote the short story. I RECorded a voiceover reading. Jenyffer started drawing the characters, Tori started animating the drawings. Lula and I RECorded a live action rendition in front of white walls. Lawrie Brewster picked that up and created the stunning visual landscape. And along the way there's been, I don't know, a hundred (?) or two contributions from all over the hitRECord community.

Opportunities to See New Films

• GENART members get to see world-premieres of films from talented new artists, and oftentimes these screenings are paired with after-parties and Q & A's with those involved. The Yellow Handkerchief, starring Kristen Stewart, will debut February 18, 2010 at the Pacific Design Center. Read more here.
• NewFilmMakersLA often hosts screenings of short and long films from new directors. These events are also followed by Q & A periods and cocktails. The next event is scheduled for February 24, 2010. Not to be missed!
• LACMA's Muse membership hosts the annual Young Directors Night, and functions as a sort of mini film festival of its own as each film is screened and then an overall winner is voted by the audience and judges. Crazy-good stuff. This year YDN will be March 6, 2010.
• Los Angeles Film Festival is happening this year from June 17-27, 2010
• LA Shorts Fest will taken place sometine in late July 2010.

Rainy Day at the Movies Part 2

An exploration of Los Angeles' film gems continues.

Gorgeous Historic Theaters

• The best way to experience these masterpieces is to subscribe to the Los Angeles Conservancy's Last Remaining Seats series, now in its 24th year, which screens classic films in the various historic theaters of Los Angeles. The preliminary schedule for this season is below. Tickets will go on sale March 31 for Conservancy members. As if the movies themselves weren't excellent enough to draw out the masses, the sheer beauty of these architectural landmarks will knock you out.

May 26           How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967)         Los Angeles Theatre

June 2             Strangers on a Train (1951)                                                        Million Dollar Theatre 

June 9             American Graffiti (1973)                                                             Orpheum Theatre

June 16           The Graduate (1967)                                                                   Los Angeles Theatre

June 23           Flor silvestre (Wild Flower) (1967)                                             Million Dollar Theatre

June 30           Peter Pan (1924)                                                                         Orpheum Theatre

Film Club of Note

• LACMA's Film Club, newly minted after some controversy over the suspension of the museum's film programming, has roused the support of director Martin Scorsese, among hundreds of other Los Angeles film enthusiasts and cinephiles. LACMA is promoting the Film Club this February by giving away tickets to two Clint Eastwood screenings of your choice. Screenings of The Essential Clint Eastwood series begin February 12, 2010.

Rainy Day at the Movies Part 1

A rainy day in Los Angeles is the perfect time to explore its many film-related gems. This three-part series will do just that, covering outstanding independent theaters, historic landmarks dating back to the Hollywood Golden Age, local film festivals and screening events, and a profile of a seasoned actor who's created a community of filmmakers online.

First, some local plugs:

• ZUMA VIDEO & MUSIC While I do enjoy the instant watch feature of Netflix, nothing quite compares to roaming the aisles of a physical video store, scanning the covers for interesting titles and graphics, and engaging in a little people-watching while stumbling across long-forgotten favorites. Not a bad place to pop into for some cinematic fare while waiting for your order from Point Pizza.
• MALIBU CINEMAS This two-screen theater is right in the hub of the Cross Creek shopping center, often a site for local film star run-ins, and one of the few purveyors of out-of-this-world Malibu Toffee. 
• MALIBU FILM FESTIVAL Founded by David Katz, this showcase of international film from cutting-edge independent filmmakers is world-famous. The 11th edition of the festival is currently accepting film entries online.

Exceptional Independent Theaters

• The Laemmle Theater in Santa Monica always screens great independent art films. Right now it's showing A Single Man  (directed by fashion designer Tom Ford) and An Education, both of which I want to see! There are other Laemmles around town, too.
• The American Cinematique, a non-profit, has two venues - The Aero Theater in Santa Monica and The Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. They produce a fantastic programming line-up, often with double-features and themed screening events. Two of the best places to see classic film on the big screen! Sign up for their newsletter to stay in the know. Volunteer opportunities, too.
• Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theater - My friend introduced me to this historic site, home of the only silent movie theater in America still in operation. The first Wednesday of every month (as well as random Sundays) feature silent films and shorts, complete with live musical accompaniment! The whole experience is a hoot: the guy who plays the organ has been playing for about 80 years running, though his deft and expressive fingers don't show any signs of slowing! In addition to silent films, Cinefamily screens all kinds of weird and wacky films. Double feature Fridays and animation Tuesdays are other calendar highlights. Their website features a great collection of silent film excerpts for your YouTubing pleasure, with a bit of insightful background about each upcoming film.

• ArcLight Theater at the Cinerama Dome - No list of cinemas in Los Angeles would be complete without mentioning the ArcLight. The ArcLight is like the Rolls Royce of movie theaters. You walk in, you're impressed by the vastness of the "departure board" and its offerings, buy your ticket and select your seat (if you haven't already done so online), do a little pre-movie shopping in the bookshop, have a bit of wine in the bar, and then settle into a plush seat in an immaculate theater. Then your host greets you and stays in the theater to ensure a "perfect" movie-going experience. They take this experience very seriously, and even have a specifically designated website to point out all the unique features of an ArcLight visit. Pricey, but worth it. This particular location (there's another one in Sherman Oaks) utilizes the iconic 1963 geodesic Cinerama Dome, which, with its ultra-wide screen and domed ceiling, makes movie-going here an event.

Rainy Day Blonde, Hollywood-Style; Or, Pick Yourself Up, Malibu-style (no, dunce, not "Promises")

Don't let all this rain get you down. (The Man, the economy and the fact that Greed is only a fake perfume are doing a good enough job of that.)

So, ditch your blues, and dye your hair blonde. Apparently a simple change in the color of your tresses can immediately (and cheaply) boost your fun-factor. (It's science. Check out Sassy Bella, if you don't believe me.)

Once you've successfully performed a DIY home job on your bob, get out and catch some flicks. Check out all the great film festivals coming up this month in Los Angeles and support new talent in the process!

Young Directors Night

Friday, March 6

6-7:30 Cocktail hour at A+D Museum (love them!)

7:30-10:30 Program & Q/A at LACMA's Bing Theater

10:30-12 Reception & Award Presenation at A+D

New Filmmakers > LA

Thursday, March 19

Stanley Kramer Theater

1438 N. Gower St. | Hollywood | 90028

5:45 Documentary Program

7:30 Short Program

8:45 Feature Presentation

Reception following screening

Still got the blues?
Okay, drama queen. Here's what you need to do:
Get yourself over to apowerfulnoise.org and purchase tickets for you and all your girlfriends to see "A Powerful Noise." This documentary film will be screened in over 450 theaters across the country and is happening in conjunction with International Women's Day. Following the documentary, a live panel of awesome women will discuss the problems (and solutions) facing women and girls in struggling countries. Not only will you get to hear Natalie Portman, Madeleine Albright and Christy Turlington talk about important issues (and see what they're wearing), but hopefully focusing on broader topics beyond yourself will help put a few rainy days in perspective for you.

In fact, I think this is such a great idea, everyone should go!
Step Up Women's Network is hosting a screening with Sarah Michelle Gellar at the Century City 15. For more information and to see listings in a city near you, click here.

For all you LA people, here are the deets:
A Powerful Noise
Thursday, March 5 | 8PM | Century City 15 | $18/ticket
It is strongly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance.

:::Souring Economy Tip of the Day:::

Sign up for Netflix through B of A's "Add It Up" program, and get $28 back! That's almost 2 months of free DVDs, right to your door!

There, I've given you 4 rad ideas on how to get through this rough time. You love me, I know.

La Dolce Britney

Does the song "Mmm Papi" off Britney's new album Circus remind anyone else of the dance scene from Fellini's La Dolce Vita? If you listen to the background music of MP, it has a similar feel to Nino Rota's "La Dolce Vita (Arrivederci Roma - Caracalla's la Bersagliera)".

Mmm papa luv you.

Listen to "Mmm Papi":

"The Kings" are King

Some things I'm interested in right now:


Dan Flavin at LACMA. I studied this artist in my Contemporary art history class at Notre Dame and loved the simplicity of his light sculptures. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is exhibiting a retrospective now through August, I believe. I definitely want to check this out. http://www.lacma.org/art/ExhibFlavin.aspx

Mandy Moore's new album. Though I'm not a fan of her previous work, I have heard that she collaborated with Rachael Yamagata on this album, and I'm intrigued.


The Kings of Leon, especially their new album Because of the Times. It's awesome. I can't get enough. Favorite tracks: On Call, the Runner, Knocked Up, Arizona, Black Thumbnail. The first three are so powerful and Caleb's voice is very transportive. Black Thumbnail is rough and wild. Off their previous albums I enjoy: Molly's Chambers, Wasted Time, Milk, Soft, the Bucket, King of the Rodeo, Trani, & California Waiting. Good British video interviews of Caleb Folowill are somewhere on the web. I'll try to post a link.

Kite surfing. Kites + surfing = whimsical exhilaration.

Surfing with a paddle? Saw this at the beach the other day. Looks very Polynesian. Probably trickier than they made it seem.


Moroccan Mint Green Tea. So refreshing! I love this brewed with boiling hot water and then poured over ice. A great summer sipper. http://www.stashtea.com/index.shtml (I noticed that How's Market carries just about every flavor of Stash Tea, including organic varieties, except the Moroccan Mint! I'll speak to them about this.)


The color lavender. I painted my toes lavender and I'm liking a dusty shade of violet on my eye lids. It looks good with a fresh bit of sun on your skin.

Elizabeth Gilbert. I read her book Eat, Pray, Love over Christmas break and it was stunningly beautiful. She's coming to Diesel June 10th, I believe. I'll be sure to be there.

W. Somerset Maugham. I read the Moon & Sixpence and adored the tight writing and the descriptive characterization. Saw the Painted Veil on the plane ride home last week and thoroughly enjoyed the love story. Moving performance by Ed Norton. Naomi Watts was great, as well. I've picked up the Razor's Edge and am finding it a pleasant, thought-provoking read. Brilliant writer.

Horizon plain yogurt with PomWonderful pomegranate juice spritzed in. Delicious!


Old Navy's summer palette. Lots of deep colors that are exotic rather than suburban. Bravo! I'm loving my new striped shorts and wine-colored bikini.

Green cars. That's eco-friendly, not grassy. I'm in the market for a car, and I am looking at the options available to me. Too bad they don't sell those tiny European cars here in the States... I don't really like the look of them that much, but they certainly do save on energy. I'm thinking I'd prefer shiny white paint with lots of chrome and a camel-colored interior.

Malibu Yogurt. A bit overpriced, but a fun splurge now and then with my brother and sister. I had the vanilla with strawberries and it was delish! Too bad they don't take credit cards. I am so bad about carrying cash.