Piano Bar(s)

Today, I ran across this quirky article about a stranded piano in the New York Times.

And, speaking of piano bars, I really love this one in New York--Bill's Gay Nineties. It's a tiny former speakeasy that draws an older crowd, but it's so much fun! I must go there soon.

And look at this Etsy dress! How funny. I might have to get this little baby for my spring piano recital.

Have a Sleepy Monday.

I've failed at blogging this past week for several reasons, among them being that I'm getting back in the swing of things at school, that I can't find my camera cord (and, therefore, can't upload any photos), and that I was feeling under the weather over the weekend.

From Thursday evening to Sunday, I had a short bout of sickness. Without fail, I get sick every time I get fewer than seven hours of sleep three consecutive nights in a row (I certainly wasn't made for the college life).

I've been trying to be better about sleeping these past few nights, and it made me think of how many beautiful (old and new!) lullabies there are out there. I wish I were home to sing to these two cuties (my nephews)!

Some of my favorites are...

The sweet father-daughter song, Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel) by Billy Joel.

The classic All the Pretty Little Horses.

And, I have to admit that I've been kind of obsessed lately with Taylor Swift's Never Grow Up.

Also, check out these awesome lullaby renditions of rock songs!

Francophile

Yesterday, I applied for a new passport, so I can go to Paris for two weeks in May! I'm still looking for a traveling companion, by the way, so if you're interested in touring Paris, let me know (serious inquiries only, ;).

In the spirit of preparing for this trip, I thought I'd share some fabulous Frenchy things.

A clip from the beautiful 1956 French film, Le Ballon Rouge, directed by Albert Lamorisse. It's about a red balloon that follows a little boy around Paris. So wonderful.

A pretty pillow that says "Je t'aime."

An article about how part of Versailles is being transformed into a luxury hotel! Those will be expensive rooms, for sure.

And lastly, a catchy little rhyme that I remember from taking French back in high school--"Paris, Paris, qu'est que c'est Paris? Ce n'est pas comme les villes en Etats-Unis."

Things I Like: Watches

Today, I was reminded of just how much I like watches. I got the batteries replaced in three (!) that had been sitting idle in my jewelry box. Watches are so fun to wear and a much classier way to tell the time than looking at your cell phone. How fun would it be if men still carried pocket watches?

If you're looking for a new watch, check out this cute typewriter watch from Urban Outfitters, this vintage-looking watch cuff from Anthropologie, or these fun monochrome watches from Swatch.

Yummy Brunch Food by Noble Pig

My brother-in-law Kris made these cinnamon doughnut muffins yesterday morning for my sister Jessica's 30th birthday breakfast (how sweet!). I think they look scrumptious, and I can't wait to make them (paired with a fruit salad and scrambled eggs, perhaps?) for brunch one Sunday when I get back to the city. The recipe is compliments of Noble Pig, a really cool recipe blog that Kris and Jess introduced me to a while back. The recipe calls for jam, but Kris used Nutella as filling, too, which sounds awesome to me. The only Noble Pig recipe that I've tried before is this smoky buttermilk ranch dressing (which would be great paired with this buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese!), but almost everything on the site looks absolutely delicious.

Oh-Snap. Sweetgrass.

Charleston is famous for hand woven sweetgrass baskets, which are sold at the market and on the side of the street. Here's a shot of the sweetgrass.

Oh Snap. St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.

Here are some more pretty photos of Charleston's downtown St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, established in 1840. I love the red door!

Oh-Snap. College of Charleston.

The College of Charleston, founded in 1770, is the oldest municipal college in America. I went to Governor's School on its campus several summers ago. Here are a few shots of its beautiful campus (a little different from the basement campus in which my college, The King's College, resides!)

Charleston, SC--where history lives.

Last Thursday, I went to my favorite Southern city, Charleston, SC, for a few days and took a technology hiatus, which explains the lack of posts.

Charleston is a lovely historic coastal town. I got to spend an entire month there when I was seventeen, and I've been in love with it ever since. It's got it all--yummy seafood, a rich pirating and Civil War history, beautiful surrounding beaches, and stunning architecture!

We stayed downtown at the luxurious Charleston Place and ate twice at Hyman's, a famous Charleston seafood joint. Hyman's is a Charleston tradition, and tons of celebrities have eaten there (The tables have small plaques listing who has dined at your table. I ate at both Raven Simone's and Michael Phelps's spots.)

The next several posts will feature some snapshots of the weekend and some more information about Charleston--"where history lives."

The Sketchbook Project

Last winter, I went out to Brooklyn to view The Sketchbook Project, an AMAZING art exhibit. It's coming back to Brooklyn February 19-27, so mark your calendars!

The Sketchbook Project is a collection of thousands of Moleskin journals that have been sent to artists all over the country. Each artist fills out the Moleskin according to a theme. Last year, some of the themes included "Elephant in the Room" and "From a Worm's Perspective."

The only rules are that the artist must do something to the sketchbook and that the sketchbook has to stay within its original dimensions.

The Sketchbook Project is set-up like a library. Each sketchbook has a bar-code, and you get a temporary "library card" at the exhibit. You can check out two books at a time for viewing.

After The Sketchbook Project tour has ended, the books are cataloged at The Brooklyn Art Library. You can check out last year's sketchbooks there, if you're interested.

I'll definitely be going to this exhibit in February, so if you'd like to come along, let me know!

Things I Like: e-Audiobooks from NYPL

A few months ago, I discovered that you can check out e-audio books on the NYPL website (www.nypl.org), if you have a New York Public Library card.

Not only can you listen to these on your computer, you can also download them to your iPod!

I currently have Eat, Pray, Love on my iPod and am about to download The Screwtape Letters.

You'll need to download the OverDrive Media Console program to be able to get the books.

I love to listen to these when I'm falling asleep. Sometimes, it's just so nice to listen instead of reading.

Passion 2011

A few years ago, I went to the Passion conference in Atlanta, GA, and it was an amazing couple of days. Passion is a Christian conference organization that caters to college students around the nation and around the world.

Although I didn't get to go this year, I just found out that there is a free live stream of this year's sessions. Passion 2011 ends tomorrow, but there are a few sessions left, which you can find here.

Enjoy!

Things I Like: New York books

I've been in South Carolina for two weeks now, which has been lovely. I am, inevitably, getting a little city-sick, however. If you, too, are in need of a little "New York away from New York," check out Here is New York by E.B. White.

Written during the sizzling summer of 1948, Here is New York is a beautiful snapshot of the city. It's short--only 56 pages. I used to read this essay on the plane ride every time I traveled to and from New York.

Another New York book I love is the wonderfully-illustrated This is New York by M. Sasek. It's part of M. Sasek's This is... children's book series. You can check out the Czech author and illustrator's other work here. I just got two copies of these for my nephews.

Things I Like: light brown boots.

Last week, I went on a search for a perfect pair of light brown boots.

I found these--Candence by Steve Madden (stevemadden.com and piperlime.com), and I LOVE them. Comfy, cute, and they go with almost everything.