Reading, lately

Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin had the trifecta - intriguing name, well designed cover, Lauren's stamp of approval.

{reading}

It seems almost redundant to say it was excellent, but it was. Lots of interwoven stories, done well. Good plot (as gauche as it may be to admit it in literary circles, I like plot). The writing itself is artful - almost unbelievably quotable. You know when you find yourself sticking post it notes all over a book because you keep finding sentences you love? That happens here.

Like this ... The simple things come back to us. They rest for a moment by our ribcages then suddenly reach in and twist our hearts a notch backward.

And this ... Some people think love is the end of the road, and if you're lucky enough to find it, you stay there. Other people say it just becomes a cliff you drive off, but most people who've been around awhile know it's just a thing that changes day by day, and depending on how much you fight for it, you get it, or you hold on to it, or you lose it, but sometimes it's never even there in the first place.

Luckily McCann doesn't get so caught up in crafting those sentences that he loses the overall arc of the story. It's lovely, truly. I checked it out from the library, but I'll be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf because I'm sure I'll be wanting to re-read it soon. 

Rock Of Ages

We Built This City...We Built This City On Rock And Roll! Good Morning Everyone, Frank Here...Do you sing out loud to classic 80's songs? Do you think you know the words, but like me you often make words up to songs? Well if you answered yes then you will love Rock of Ages, playing now at the Aronoff Center downtown. The show was fantastic, showcasing some of your favorite 80's songs with pop culture from the decade. You even get a pretend lighter to wave in the air which is pretty cool. One of the stars of the show is Constantine Maroulis, former American Idol contestant who really found his calling in this show. The story line is one of a boy and girl who go through the roller coaster of finding love in the rock and roll culture of the day. You owe it to yourself to see this non-traditional musical, it will have you on your feet. Later this morning some of the stars will be in our studio and on Thursday we will be LIVE on the set of Rock of Ages.

Alain Delorme

Here is a fascinating conceptual photography project by French photographer Alain Delorme called 'Totems'. Although exaggerated for effect, this is amazing to think about, no? How many of you have seen people carrying extremely large loads? I have -- and it is quite humbling. It makes me think in a different perspective. See more photographs here.

From his website it states:

"The new Totems series by Alain Delorme plunges us into the core of contemporary China and its complexity. Under the blue sky of a highly colored Shanghai, men carry throughout the city unbelievable piles. These precarious columns made of cardboard or chairs appear as new totems of a society in complete transformation, both a factory for the world and a new El Dorado of the market economy." Read more here.

(via design work life)

Wee People

Thrilled to hear about the new line 'Wee People' from Free People. The focus of the first collection, which debuts November 2nd (catalog and online) are girls party dresses and cozy items for the winter that focus upon Free People's signature whimsical and detailed style. The size range is 2t to 6t. Can't wait to see more...

Lace tape

Crafting borne of desperation can sometimes be the best kind. There I was, sitting at my computer with $80 worth of Japanese washi tape in my shopping cart. Trying to convince myself that I'd been thinking about purchasing it for a long time, it would be so useful in so many places, the holidays are coming up and I'm sure it will come in handy, really it isn't that much money ...

On the other hand. $80. for. tape. That's kind of hard to justify. Yes, I could have picked a couple rolls. If I had any restraint. Instead, I made lace tape.

{lace roll}

 I feel almost silly mentioning it, because it barely qualifies as a craft. Take some lace trim*, preferably about 3/4" wide and a variety that doesn't have large holes in the pattern (mine was mesh with embroidered designs). Get a roll of double sided tape (I used poster tape) - you want the kind with paper covering one side. Lay your lace out on a piece of wax paper (otherwise it might stick to the table) and then start adhering the tape to it, sticky side down, paper side up. Press down and smooth it out with your fingers, to make sure the lace is securely attached. 

{lace tape}

Now you have a roll of lace tape. When you want to use it, cut off a piece, peel up the adhesive backing (carefully, so as not to separate the lace and the tape) and stick it somewhere. Press firmly to get it to adhere. I made a 12 inch piece to start with and I've just been cutting bits off as I want to use it.

I'm loving it, but in all honesty I'll probably still buy myself some washi tape. Just maybe not $80 worth.


*Olivia Rae asked about my source for lace trim in the comments, and I realized I probably should have shared it! I have a great collection of vintage and new lace trim that I picked up at a local fabric store that specializes in bridal fabric (Fabric Land, for those of you in the Orange area). Most of it is fairly inexpensive - some of the older ones I got were less than $1 per yard. I wouldn't do this project with anything that cost more than $5 a yard, because good lace is precious. If you need an online source, M&J Trimming is usually a good bet, although you could probably find better deals in person and you wouldn't get stuck paying for shipping. I think that this 3/4" Cluny lace trim would work really well and it's $2.98 per yard.

Kate Spade London Pop-up

Loving the fun energy of the Kate Spade London Pop-up shop. Any of you Brits checked it out? It is open until November 10th - here are the details. Photos from Kate Spade's facebook where you can see more.

Christmas Already??!!

I was picking up my prescription at CVS yesterday and they're already getting ready for Christmas.

Hey everyone Rob here.

I was at CVS yesterday feeling a little under the weather. I was wasting time walking around wasting time waiting for the pharmacist to fill my prescription. I then saw something that really made me sick. I saw some employees putting up Christmas stuff. What!!?? Its not even November yet and stores are already getting ready.

Every year it gets earlier. Now I understand that these weeks leading up to the holidays are important. But this early?? This morning Sheila and I read a story about a mall in Costa Mesa, CA. It already has its 100 ft tall Christmas tree up. Don't get me wrong. I love the holidays, but you have 59 days until Christmas. Plenty of time to stress over buying gifts for family and friends.