friday, 11.11.11

Here I am, doing what I try to do every Friday but tend to do approximately only 1/2 the time.  That's ok, right?  As long as I sometimes share the love, I'm sure you don't mind.  Here's what's awesome this week:

I watched this video because I like the song (Awolnation's "Sail") but this dancer is AWESOME. via Huffington Post

This "4 room" apartment is amazingly minimal... wish I could say the same for my bedroom

The Kitten Covers were a mid-week pick me up.  I especially love kitty Bob Dylan!

I generally don't post anything even quasi-political, but I thought this was a pretty interesting list of ways the previous generation set us up to have high expectations.

Paint swatch art looks easy... and pretty :-)

Thats it!  Enjoy your weekend.

<3 barb

PS- I would be remiss if I did not thank our Veterans today for all of the sacrifices they made to protect our country and our freedom.  So, Thank You Veterans!

my favorites... on friday

See what I did there? I changed up the title, because I'm awesome like that... and so darn funny.  Feel free to stop reading here if you don't think I'm funny anymore, I won't feel bad. (yes, I will, please stay).
It has been a little too long since I posted favorites... I'm not sure if I'm just being lazy and not reading blogs or I'm reading and forgetting to tag or what... but it didn't really happen this week, my favorite-ed items just aren't really shareworthy... so I figure I'll just share whatever I feel like of the things that I currently like.  Does that make any sense at all?

That's me, taking pictures of myself on my brand new iPhone4S, using Instagram, wearing the brightest shade of lipstick ever created.  I just listed 3 favorites, did you notice? (hint: phone, instagram, lipstick)
Instagram = @bandsnbows
Lipstick = Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in Love Test

Another favorite lately? Girl time.  I spent some time with my college roomie this week going through her closet... I love how she still has some things from when we were first roomies, or she used to, until I told her that we aren't 19 anymore and that distressed jean skirt is shredded to bits!
I've missed my girl time on the ferry this week, because my sweet friend Meg is headed off to Limoges, France and will (obviously) not be working in Manhattan anymore! Hit up her blog to follow her adventures.
My sister is coming home for the weekend, too, for my cousin's wedding.  I can't wait to see her!! And did I tell you shes a sorority girl now?! I am so so happy for her :-)

And finally, my always favorite, PJ.  Someone not PJ sent me this email today:

RE: A note from your biggest fan
Dear Barbara
First I just want to say that I am such a huge fan of yours. I read you blog every single day, even when nothing new is posted I reread what you wrote the day (sometimes the week or two) before.  I love all the topics you talk about, especially your boyfriends music posts (he's cute). What I love the most tho are your reviews. You are a great writer and you articulate what you like or dont like in a fun and intelligent way.I think you should keep doing that and expand that to movies and games ( I follow pj on twitter and heard you were watching him play something called gears of war and resistance 3 )
Thank you and hope to see you soonI would also love he chance to see you in person where maybe we can talk and see where things go. 
Not Sent from PJ's iPhone. 

Ok, I'm pretty sure it was him, but wasn't it sweet?
<3 Barb

high octane fashion!

Barb is busy working on her headbands and clips for her upcoming fair so I decided to help her out and post again so you have something to read. This won't be a regular Friday faves.

I am MAN and know one thing, CARS! I also know that a large majority of Barb's readers are girls and most are interested in fashion. SOOOOOoo I am combining the two together! Sounds crazy but believe it or not its not a crazy concept. Here are a few car and fashion love children:

Lacoste and Citroen released a concept vehicle showing what can happen when a clothing company gets their hands on a car..... and boy is it hideous.  If you like this check out Yatzer  for the full article. They like it, I do not!

I think it looks like a basket... not really a good thing.  Whats with the handle on top? -b

You have to hand it to a car company that simply by looking at the shape you know what it is. So of course I didn't have to tell you that the picture is of a Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 but did you notice the bumper?  Seriously? Could you really miss that bumper?  Still need more help?

If you guessed Fendi you are 100% right. Fendi collaborated with Lamborghini to make a very limited car and keeping with Fendi tradition it's completely covered with those obnoxious little "F's". I guess in a way it's a perfect union.

I actually think the Fendi Fs make a pretty cool textural pattern.  Not that I would really want it, but its not as obnoxious it could be.

The above is a Aston Martin, the James Bond car, but smaller. This is a collaboration with French designer Collete. This tiny little city car has a beautiful brown leather interior. I can't say the car thrills me but the interior is really beautiful and definitely screams of quality.

Adorable, thats what this car is.  Its so tiny and cute, and yes... I agree that the interior looks very high class.  The blue/brown contrast looks pretty crisp, too!

Alright so the truth is the only clothing company that I can think of that had any success in the car industry is Eddie Bauer when they made the forever lasting Ford Explorer trim package for Ford. Yes Audi, Ralph Lauren and Ferrari each host fashion festivals but you for the most part you need a special invitation or buko bucks. 

So basically Fashion and Cars shouldn't mingle... not the ending you expected but that's what happens when I take over the world!

-PJ (Stapling my underwear to my car seats.. because I'm awesome and fashionable)

first friday of fall

It's officially fall, lovelies, do you know what that means?  It means it's the rainy season in NYC, so I should be ready to tuck my skinny workpants into my Hunter wellies every day from here on out.  It's raining today, and the minutes are ticking away especially slowly until the weekend starts... but this week has blown by in a haze (so much of a haze that I STILL haven't posted pics from DC, but that's what Saturday is for, right?)
Anyway... here's some cool stuff to keep you occupied while you snuggle under the blankets and listen to the rain:

I should probably go ^check this out^ on my lunch break... you know, if the rain doesn't wash it away

Yummy things to eat and drink: salted caramel hot chocolate and a mug of grilled cheese and tomato soup

My friend Meg is giving away a Longchamp Tote Bag to celebrate her 1 year blogiversary!

Cutest baby penguin ever! (I realize that baby penguins are adorably by definition, but I'm sure you'll agree that this is #1)

It'll be 2012 in the blink of an eye, put one of these pretty calendar prints on your christmas list... I think I would frame min :-)

It's almost time for the weekend... I hope yours is a good one!
<3 barb

barb: a to z

Since I will be out of town and away from my computer this weekend, I thought that instead of the usual friday faves, I would share this AtoZ list that Liz and Moorea shared this week.  It's somewhat a list of faves, so it works, right?!

A. Age: 25
B. Bed size: full... since I was about 8 I've had the same bed; it used to be SO BIG!
C. Chore that you hate: i think vacuuming is pretty awful, or cleaning the bathroom
D. Dogs: are not really my thing... i think they're great, but just not enough to have one of my own
E. Essential start to your day: i'd like to say yoga, but that's only essential about 4 days a week... more likely its 1 cup of coffee
F. Favorite color: PURPLE! i've always been a purple girl
G. Gold or Silver: silver usually... or sometimes rose gold, lately I think its so pretty
H. Height: 5'5"
I. Instruments you play: i used to play violin... and clarinet for a bit too... but I didn't stick with either one
J. Job title: marketing associate, design specialist... its thrilling!
K. Kids: none yet, but someday... kids are so much fun
L. Live: Staten Island, NY
M. Mother’s name: Barbara... I didn't realize that might be weird until I put that down
N. Nicknames: Barb, BJV... or as my friend maegen likes to call me "Beejalish" :-)
O. Overnight hospital stays: none
P. Pet peeves: people who aren't familiar with the proper use of headphones: as in, they're only really working when I CAN'T hear your music/video game/tv show
Q. Quote from a movie: geez there are so many good ones... like "I hid under your porch, because I love you" -Dug the Dog (that's one of my Katie faves)
R. Right or left handed: Leftyyyyy
S. Siblings: just one, little sister Katie
U. Underwear: multicolored!
V. Vegetable you hate: peas... if I can tell its a pea, I won't eat it (I will, however, eat peas in a soup or casserole)
W. What makes you run late: the snooze monster
X. X-Rays you’ve had: pretty sure just my teeth... I've never broken a bone
Y. Yummy food that you make: I don't do a whole lot of cooking, but I DO make a mean eggie sandwich!
Z. Zoo animal: pony!  they're too cute, and were always my favorite when I was little.


I hope you enjoyed learning more about me, have a wonderful weekend!
<3 barb

friday already?! ...wow

This week was unreasonably short, due to my long weekend of working the fair... it has been stressful, but thankfully the blogosphere (as well as other wondrous finds on the interwebs) has kept me off the edge

...somewhat...

See examples:

story of my life

Considering signing up for this class, recommended by Bri

Excited that although I didn't snag a print copy, theres a digital copy of the D*S summer newspaper

Cognac leather is her fave... mine too

I'm loving Moorea's style lately, for example: these pants and these boots

Thank you Jo for using the phrase "the Dr. Seuss of houseplants"... right here

It's almost over, I can't wait for the weekend!
<3 barb

happy friday faves!

the ink society

Note to PJ: I'd love to hang up these prints on our someday walls :-)

I'm thinking this stellar recommendation for Booze Cakes makes it the perfect addition to the "recipe books I will need in my kitchen" list

The funny and beautifully nerdy Girls With Glasses serve up some much needed giggles to get through the work week (via Srsly Liz)

Are you prepared for this hurricane? that list should help you out (thanks Design Crush)

And I will leave you with this fabulous video, brought to my attention by Glamour...

Yea, you can thank me later.  In the meantime, stay safe this weekend!

<3 barb

oh hey friday! you're my fave

Yes, Friday IS the best day ever, for so many reasons, really.  This Friday is pretty awesome because after work PJ is meeting me for dinner... date nights are so special :-)

Annnyyyyywayyyyy, let the linkies commence!

Image via Poppytalk

I love that these tissue poms are the biggest thing in DIY decor right now, especially since I used to make them from a cheapo kit when I was 8!

Gadgets for the Creative Class? Perfect!  I'll take one of each, please :-)  (via Design*Sponge)

It's unlikely that I'll try to make this Vintage Book Travel Tech Organizer... but isn't it so pretty and special?

OMG they're recapping the best show of my pre-teen years! 

On Tuesday, I had Big Gay Ice Cream for dinner... and voted for them in the America's Favorite Food Truck Contest!

I wish I were as adventurous as Sydney when it comes to lipstick colors!

Soooo uhhh... that should keep you busy, yes?  

Have a lovely weekend :-)

<3 barb

friday faves - a list!

this is the face that PJ makes when he drives my '77 VW Beetle... its a standard, and  I taught HIM how to drive it!!

I usually just have a few links with pictures, but this week I tried something a little different.  I'll be linking up to not just other blog posts but awesomeness I've found elsewhere on the web :-)  Feast your eyes on THESE:

Man Repeller x DANNIJO jewelry collab? I die! I'll take one of these please

A new favorite blog to read... Sydney is just bursting at the seams with style AND happiness (thanks to smile and wave)

A heartbreaking love story (via a cup of jo)

Who knew fashion could predict the stock market? (well... i had actually heard this before, but did you?)

Good advice about finding true love

This hairstyle tutorial looks like something I could actually DO with my short hair

And I will definitely be trying to use these tips and tricks for self-photos!

IRL (in real life) faves: cheap dates with PJ, going college shopping with Katie, enjoying this beautiful weather, getting a haircut, and wearing a maxi dress to work but feeling like I'm in my pajamas!

Have a lovely weekend!
<3 barb

friday faves... i know you've missed them

Ok, so you may or may not care about what I'm reading lately on the interwebs, but I'm going to share with you anyway! Hooray!

Are you reading Hello Giggles yet?  NO?! ... I made my way to HG from Sometimes Sweet's Dani Hampton, who is a contributor.  It is now a daily read, a collaborative effort from funny ladies of all ages (including Zooey Deschanel!)  This week, my favorite post was about the Blackberry v. iPhone debate... one I could sympathize with all too easily (I'm ready to send my BB Curve down the garbage disposal, even if it IS purple... and I don't even have a garbage disposal!)

Another lovely blog is DESIGNLOVEFEST... Bri is super cool AND super talented, I'm crazy about her recent blog makeover and her features are always spot on!  My favorite this week?  her style series post featuring polka-dot bloomers :-D

You probably already know that I'm sponsoring SrslyLiz this month, but did you take a peek at the blog?  This morning, Liz shared a DIY for the cutest Leopard Print Nails!!  While its highly unlikely that I'll actually do this (mostly due to a lack of time/patience), I recommended it to my sister and will be severely disappointed if she doesn't try it... she is the queen of ridiculous nails.

Have a fabulous weekend!
<3 barb

friday friday friday!

Thats 3 fridays, since I've missed 2 weeks in a row of friday faves, so this makes up for 3!  Well, that's not really true, I won't give you 3 weeks worth of my favorites, because that would be overload, I think.  Here's some recent faves, possibly dispersed over the past few weeks:

Shawni Marie is one of the sweetest bloggers I know, and her posts lately have been especially thoughtful, like this one of 21 ways to say it better...  

If I were to ever buy a really fancy scrabble, it would be this one... its FONTastic! as usual, DesignCrush finds some of the best stuff out there :-)  
sadly, it's just a concept for now

What's better than Pantone colors? The Pantone Fashion Report, which was brought to my attention by The Dingbat's Agenda... I think my favorite is "emberglow", which is no surprise to anyone who knows me or has seen my wardrobe!

I've been busy, stressed, and overwhelmed the past few weeks... but Bri at Design Love Fest reminded me last week that everyone feels this way sometimes, and all we can do is do our best!

Happy Friday to you All!  I'm looking forward  to a nice relaxing weekend :-)

<3 barb

LOVEly

I wrote this whole post before I realized that there's a heart in my first 3 links, and the last is a quote about love... Theme much? I wasn't even trying... but here are some LOVEly posts from my fave blogs:

It's tough being a thug.

Thats the actual caption for this pic, seen over on Smile and Wave.  Rachel often chronicles the "adventures" of her little one, Ruby, but this was the funniest I've seen yet.  Isn't she so cute?

I was directed to Aesthetic Outburst's 20 Handmade Valentines in 20 Days by a daily read of mine, You Are My Fave, and I thought this JarO'Hearts was pretty sweet... along with many of her other crafts.  The best part? She's giving them away each day :-D

If I'm ever in need of a snuggled up on the couch movie day, Sleepless in Seattle tops my list of comfort movies... I was extra excited this week to see that Design*Sponge used it for their Living In feature!

Sidenote: Can you believe that I've lived in NYC my whole life, and have NEVER been to the top of the Empire State Building?

Last but not least, a beautiful quote from Dani at Sometimes Sweet:

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two."
-St. Augustine, from the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin

I'd be lying if I didn't say there's love in the air this week.  PJ and I have been getting excited for our first Valentine's Day together, which I promise to photograph, and I think I got him something he will really like!  I hope you all have a weekend full of love, whether it be from family, friends, or that special someone :-)

<3 barb

smiles for friday :-)

I'm not sure if this week was too fast or too slow or just too darn busy, but I'm really happy it's over... and I have a not-so-scheduled weekend ahead to get cracking on what might be a long ToDo list by the time I'm done with it!  Anyway, as usual I've collected some happiness from around the blogs to share with you...

FABULOUS... that's what this is... pure fabulous!

The always fashionable Chelsea of Seablanket just introduced a new feature called "Look of the Week", and the above is the first featured look... 

LOVE IT.

When I saw this little cartoon on Renne's blog, I immediately tagged it for sharing... as if Jeggings weren't bad enough! (I think, more than anything, its the word "jeggings" that bothers me most, haha)

Not gonna lie, the "what's in your toolbox" feature on design*sponge doesn't usually excite me... but this week's interview of Bri Emery left me totally jazzed! She's pretty, she's talented, and she's a total design nerd... her blog's tagline is "where type and images totally make out"... clearly, she is everything I aspire to be :-)

And lastly, if this video doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will... it's an Improv Everywhere prank, documented on Color Me Katie, and it's amazing, as usual :-D

Well, that's all for this week pals, I hope your weekend is full of reasons to smile!
<3 barb

wow... tgif!

I totally planned on some posts this week, but it's just been too crazy!  I ran away for the weekend, worked until 8pm one night, and we had a blizzard... I'll have pics of this stuff later (minus the late day at work)

However, I have been keeping up with my blog reading to help maintain my sanity... and I've gathered up some of my faves :-)

Did you all see this video? It's so sweet... and it's been everywhere this week... but I saw it first on A Cup of Jo

You'll need to go to FFunction and check out the full scale version of this pretty Data Visualization... brought to you (me) by Dingbat's Agenda

I've seen items from Spread the Love's Etsy Shop before, but never put a name on the shop! ...everything is lovely, as recommended by Dani at Sometimes Sweet :-)

Finally, these adorable-tastic Worlds Smallest Post Service packages by Leafcutter Designs would be the sweetest Valentine! thanks to Shawni at A Spoonful of Love for the re-introduction!

Happy Weekend Lovies!
<3 barb

first friday in a while!

Friday Faves are back... maybe I didn't get it scheduled and set up last night, but give me a break!  I'm doing it now, to provide you with interesting linkies for the weekend :-)

Spotted on DesignCrush... the awful truth!

Wow, the Diane von Furstenburg home collection (as seen on Oprah) is Beautiful!  I'm loving the colors and shapes, totally my style :-) ...via Poppytalk

I am beyond impressed by this too-small-tights to over-the-knee-socks tutorial by Roubidou... I may need to try this with some of mine :-) 

and Thanks to Thursday for the linkup!

Isn't Dani of Sometimes Sweet adorable?  I really enjoyed her sentiments in her recent "when i grow up" blog post... and this quote:

"For children, childhood is timeless. It is always the present. Everything is in the present tense. Of course, they have memories. Of course, time shifts a little for them and Christmas comes 'round in the end. But they don’t feel it. Today is what they feel, and when they say ‘When I grow up,’ there is always an edge of disbelief - how could they ever be other than what they are?"  
-IAN MCEWAN

Time is flying by, as usual... and like Dani, I sometimes wonder if I'm really fulfilling my dreams in life.  And you know what?  I think I'm getting there.  I'm happy!  I have wonderful friends and family who are so loving and supportive... I've been at my new job for almost 3 months now and I really enjoy it... and I can see an amazing future ahead of me.  

This afternoon I'm meeting the lovely Miss Kara Haupt for coffee, and then I'm away for the weekend with PJ!  Happy Friday loves :-D

<3 barb

PS - My 100th post is coming up... and I'm brainstorming fun things... any ideas?

favorite these for next year!

I know you're probably done with all of your Christmas shopping, wrapping, etc, but I've been rounding up some awesome Christmas tips and tricks from all of my favorite bloggers... so maybe you'll refer back here at Christmastime next year for the info? OR you can just pretend it's Christmas all year long!

This step-by-step gift bow tutorial is perfect, and looks way easy! I always wondered how to make my own bows from scraps of pretty paper, and now thanks to How About Orange I can!

Some Christmas eye candy collected on Design Crush is sure to inspire your decor for next time around... maybe after the holidays you can snag some supplies on sale!

Something you can use all year round - a guide to finding the perfect gift for anyone on your list by Simone LeBlanc via Design*Sponge

I am not big on making holiday sweets, or sweets of any kind really, but this looks right up my alley - chocolate + salt + dried cranberries = love ...thanks Poppytalk!

I hope you are all enjoying the Holiday Season! I'm off to have a Very Merry Christmas :-D

<3 barb

workin' for the weekend!

It's been a busy week around here, but I'm proud of myself... I've managed to pop up a bunch of posts, find some new blogs worth a follow, and catch up on all the blogs I'm already following!  I've collected some of my favorites to pass the time over what I'm guessing will be a perfect weekend for snuggling, drinking warm bevs, and staying inside reading blogs :-D

SrslyLiz reminded me of this hilarious video in her post about her bi-weekly trip to the nail salon with Shawni... My college roommate and I cried with laughter when we watched it, way back when :-)

Need some pretty tags for your presents? Snag a free download of these beauties from Whisker Graphics!

From Jess Van Den via My Girl Thursday - Holiday card envelopes for the fashionistas in your life!

The best part? You can adapt this tutorial to use any kind of pretty paper :-)

As a life-long nerd, I appreciate the nerdy comeback... and this wonderfully nerdy gift guide by design*sponge

Gussy searched for FUN on we heart it this week... I'm pretty sure she found it :-D

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend - if its anything like mine it will be full of fun with friends, tracking down the last of the presents, and wrapping them up with pretty paper!

<3 barb

happy friday!!

Friday already? my how time flies, especially during the holidays... today is my office Holiday Party!  So while I'm enjoying some off the clock time with my new coworkers, you can enjoy the links I've collected for you this week:

Probably the most amazing thing ever- 

a celebratory dance tutorial by you are my fave

ps- her hubby did the illustrations!

I really love the idea behind this calendar journal DIY on design*sponge... a journal that you keep for years, so that you can see what days the extraordinary, and the ordinary, things happened in your life :-)

A cup of Jo has been doing gift guides for all of her family and friends... my favorite? the one for your best friend who knows all your secrets and wears the prettiest lipstick! i'm glad we all can relate to a friend like that

I'm giving away this lovely headband on the seablanket blog... pop over and comment to win! (closes 12.10 @ midnight PST)

Relax, visit some blogs, and have a great weekend!

<3 barb

december link love

These linkies are pretty fantastic this week... take some time to visit these other blogs and spread the love!

Clearly, FreckleWonder shares my love of The Muppets Christmas Album!

Some lovely ideas for Advent Calendars and Christmas ToDo Lists over at Get the Words Out!

Tweet to win a BEAUTIFUL Coach bag from Keiko Lynn!

Elsiecake has just launched a new E-Course for bloggers... I may need to check this out ;-)

And my pal Shawni from A Spoonful of Love is giving away a FUJI Instax Mini, just because she's sweet!

Enjoy, and have a fabulous weekend!!
<3 barb

PS- My shop is FILLED to the BRIM with goodies for fabulous ladies of all ages... you know you wanna :-D

some linkies for the long weekend...

I hope most of you have the day off today, as I do... here's some links to keep you busy:

(print from Made By Girl)

Oh, My Darling shared the most pitch perfect print (above)

ALWAYS sweet mama Danielle welcomed her baby boy Henry into the world this week :-)

Crafty girl Thursday showed us how to MAKE a beautiful christmas stocking!
psst! she's doing a follower appreciation GIVEAWAY too!! (enter by 11.30.10)

Another awesome DIY from Poppytalk... a very chic transparent clutch

And a fave from last year, the World's Smallest Postal Service seen on design*sponge

Enjoy, and have a lovely weekend :-)
<3 barb