The Sparkly Life

OH HEY THERE

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 02:48:00 +0000

Well. Someone has not updated her blog in almost 6 months. And lots of things have happened!

I started beauty school. I quit my Marin nanny job. I moved to San Francisco. I started a new nanny job. I'm exhausted all the time but I'm so, so much happier.

As dorky as it sounds, I kinda feel like I found my calling? I'm not saying beauty school is easy or that I'm fantastic at everything. But. I'm way better than I thought I would be. And I'm having fun. Yes, the 10 hour days are incredibly draining; both mentally and physically, but I'm always happy to be there. And even when I'm challenged (like with perms), I actually WANT to overcome that challenge and be better. Because playing with hair is fun.

I'm not an artist, at all. Really, I'm terrible and I know, I had to take plenty of art classes as an art history major.

But damn, I can cut a long layer, bang out a round brush hard set, and color hair pretty freakin' good. And that makes me feel good. I'm so happy to finally found something that I'm passionate about and excited about. I want to start blogging again, because I miss it, so I'm going to try, really, really try this time. Because I'm ready for some adventures and I hope you are too.

Father's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 15:12:00 +0000

Dad making a silly(grumpy) face at my graduation party

Happy Father's Day, Padre. I sure do love you! (Even if you are kinda stinky)

News

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 23:12:00 +0000

image via

I have some news that I am pretty excited about...the picture is a hint...

I've been working at my current job, a book publicist and designer, for about almost a year now. I made a one year minimum commitment, so I've been waiting to start looking for a new job. But as August gets closer (also, how is it June already? Yeesh), I've been looking on Craigslist and polishing up my resume, applying to a few jobs that seemed interesting.

Here was the problem. I do not want to work in an office. The thing is, I don't hate my job. It's not terrible and it's paying the bills. But I am not happy. And oddly, I don't even hate office work. But the idea of doing this for years makes me want to throw up. And since most of the jobs out there that I am qualified for are office assistant/admin/receptionist stuff, I knew that it wasn't going to work.

Grad school is pretty much out of the question for me. A part of me wants a PhD. in art history, but I don't have 3-5 years to do it, don't want to rack up (at least) $50k in debt, and job prospects in the field are slim. I am always going to love art, history, and literature, but it will be something I will do/pursue/whatever in my spare time and for fun. I think if I actually went to grad school I would start to hate it and I really don't want that.

So what am I going to do? I've been sort of afraid to tell people my plan because I feel like it's something no one has expected me to do or looks down on or thinks I can't do, but I'm doing it anyway.

I'm applying to the Aveda Institute in San Francisco. I have always loved doing hair, nails, and makeup, so why not make a career out of it? I know it's going to be hard work, but I'm willing to do it because it is something I enjoy. I had a tour of the school on Friday and met with an admissions coordinator, and it was just wonderful. I can't even put into words how happy I was.

That's the news people! I've put in notice that I will be done with work September 1st and starting Aveda (hopefully) September 25th. I'm really excited (and nervous!) for what's going to happen next!

Happy Mother's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:29:00 +0000

Happy Mother's Day to the best mom ever! I seriously don't know what I would do without you. I love you!

Concert!

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:28:00 +0000

Friday night was so awesome. Miranda and I went and saw The Black Keys perform at the Oakland Arena. It was so, so good. They are absolutely incredible live, I must say. Better than I even expected, and I expected a lot. They played all my favorite songs, we danced like maniacs, spent too much money on beer and concert tees, but it was so worth it.

Also, the encore of "Everlasting Light" was incredible! It involved the largest disco ball I have ever seen and made the coolest light effects in the arena. Just awesome.

If you ever get a chance to check them out live, I highly recommend. They are like no other.

Have a good week everyone!

WOW

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:54:00 +0000

Image via

Did you hear about this? I find this to be amazing! Who just has $120 million dollars lying around? I mean, it is The Scream by the amazing and tortured Edvard Munch, so I definitely get it.

I absolutely love this painting (I even wrote one of my millions of college term papers on this painting) and consider it to be one of the most iconic, at least for me, Symbolist paintings in art history. Symbolism and Expressionism are two of my absolute favorite, favorite periods in art, because they are so dark and twisty, but at the same time entirely beautiful and surreal.

I hope that whoever bought it really enjoys having this, I know I would. I just wanted to share this news with some peeps, hoping maybe you like art as much as I do?

Also, this is the quote where Munch described his inspiration, and I find it to be so, so beautiful:

"I was walking along a path with two friends – the sun was setting – suddenly the sky turned blood red – I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence – there was blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city – my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety – and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature."

It's Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Tue, 01 May 2012 02:28:00 +0000

How was your weekend? Mine was pretty laid back...some babysitting, some farmer's market-ing with Jenny, cleaning my room, which I am embarrassed to say was so totally necessary, eep it was bad. But now it's all gorgeous with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and clean white sheets. Sigh.

In other important news, I'm on a coffee strike. I have no idea what has prompted this strike, all I know is it felt really necessary. So this morning I had Yerba Mate tea instead of coffee. And now I have a caffeine headache. So fun. But seriously, maybe this is good? Getting off the coffee? Who knows. I might become weak and run right back to those sweet sweet beans of energy.

Other items of little or no interest to you (but definitely of interest to me):

- I recently purchased this dress (in the Mink color). I am dying to wear it to...something, somewhere. It's cute, it's springy and I love it.

- Now all I need are these shoes and I'm good to go.

- I also think I need these shoes as well, because, um look at them. They are fabulous.

- I am going to see this band play on Friday. And I. Cannot. Wait. It is going to be soooo awesome.

That's Monday folks, and all I got for ya. I know it was terrible fascinating and you were on the edge of your seat, right?

I'm going to leave you with this totally awesome song, which I will hopefully be seeing live on Friday (even if I don't, I love pretty much all their stuff). Have a good week!

Summer? Is that you?

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:55:00 +0000

So it was hot this weekend. HOT. I loved it. I even got my first sunburn...which isn't so great. But it's already faded and I made sure to restock on my sunblock so I avoid getting another one.

I went to Alameda, did some sunbathing, beach walking, and sangria drinking. It was definitely a good time.

So I feel like everyone has a favorite season, and I have to say mine is summer. Which is odd, even to me, because I don't like being hot... like I really hate it? One thing about Davis I really do miss is that central A/C. Oh well.

But I still really do love summer; I love lounging at the beach or the pool, going out at night without a jacket, the smell of wed grass and hot pavement, wearing shorts or sundresses and sandals everyday, just everything. I also think summer is the time for so many fun things: the county fair, baseball games, hikes, beach trips, outdoor concerts, the Fourth of July, camping...

I think I like summer because it, even though it starts halfway through the year, feels like it has so much more potential, like it's the beginning of something great. My last few summers have actually been really fun, so I hope the streak continues this year (despite the fact I'm now a "real" adult with a "real" job).

I may sound like a total cliche with all this stuff, but I guess that's just how I feel right now. My brain also might be slightly fried from work and not enough coffee...but you get the idea.

Are you excited about summer?

What's Happening?

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:22:00 +0000

image via

Nothing here. Seriously...nothing. Just working and hanging out with friends and family.

I've tried to think of something interesting to write about for this here bloggy blog, but I'm coming up blank folks.

Hmmm... what can I talk about? Oh I cooked! Two nights in a row! I made this on Monday and this last night. Both were insanely delicious. Although now I have WAY TOO MUCH mac and cheese at my house. Do you want some mac and cheese?

Last Friday I went to Friday Night at the De Young Museum, which was so cool! Apparently it was opening night, and there was an awesome band and a bar, plus we could wander around parts of the museum for free. Definitely something that I will be doing regularly this summer.

Otherwise, most of the exciting things I have planned won't be happening for a while...the closest is this Black Keys concert in May, which is pretty exciting, but not for another 3 weeks.

Ooh, I have tickets to Outsidelands, which is this big, 3-day concert in San Francisco, but that's not until August.

I'm going to Hawaii! But...not until October.

I'm aware all those things sounded like bragging...which they kinda are...but I'm still excited. Until then, nothing's really going on. Maybe there will be some poolside lounging this weekend, a pedicure (so needed), helping Miranda find a dress for a gala event. Maybe I might even take some pictures. Maybe even blog about it. Who knows? I know you're excited.

I think I have a problem...

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:18:00 +0000

So I really like Forever 21. REALLY like it. Maybe even love it. I don't make a lot of money, and Forever 21 allows me to try out trends and styles that are different than my usual stuff for way less $$$ than a lot of other stores. And since I discovered that their website is WAY easier to navigate than trying to shop in their physical store (although the one at my mall isn't so bad)...plus free shipping over $50, you can return via mail for actual $$ back or to the store for credit. Basically it's the best thing ever.

Anyhoo, here are some things I bought that I love:

Textured Striped Skirt

Denim Shirt

Fitted Skinny Jean and Detailed Lace Dress

Basically, you should shop there, cause it's just way to easy to get some fun, cute clothes for basically nothing (so who cares if they don't last? I mean, $15 for some skinnies? Gotta love it)

Happy shopping!

Closet Clean Out

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:56:00 +0000

I need to get rid of some stuff dudes. So I am. I posted everything here, and I just want to get rid of it. Swap or for free (except shipping). Take it! I have too much stuff!!

Please email me at clay.elaine{at}gmail{dot}com with questions or of you want something.

PS: I might have more shoes soon!

Under the Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:02:00 +0000

I had grand plans to post some more this week, but I've been knocked down by a nasty cold, missed work, and have had to play some serious catch up now that I'm back. But! I have fun things planned for this weekend, including a cocktail party, museum visit, and even a play. So maybe I'll take some pictures or something. Yeah.

Anyway, I saw this one a favorite blog of mine and it made me giggle. Hope it makes you giggle too.

Sunday Funday

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:40:00 +0000

On Sunday I went into San Francisco to meetup with Miranda and her manfriend to watch some March Madness, drink beer, and eat Buffalo wings. It was an extremely good time. (Although I was sad about the game...Stupid Kansas). Anyhoos, I actually remember to snap a few photos with my phone, since I didn't want to be that obnoxious person with a full on DSLR in a bar, so please excuse the notso good quality and use of instagram (I have a problem, people).

Miranda and manfriend

And then, walking around the Haight, we saw a band playing on stoop...seeing stuff like this is one of the reasons I love San Francisco so much.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!

UPDATE: Apparently this band is Battlehooch, and randomly the son of one of my mom's friends is up in there. Ha!

Back to blogging.

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:43:00 +0000

After what turned out to be an extended break from blogging, I'm back. I'm going to keep up with it this time and I dunno, actually blog.

I find I do miss it and I just need to do it already. So I'm coming back! First off, tomorrow I will have some pictures of my new place (not that exciting, but hey, whatevers). Did I mention that I moved? I moved. With Sasha as my new roommate. It's a pretty cute little place, and I'm loving it right now.

So I'll see you soon, friends!

Paris Shots, Part Four

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:43:00 +0000

The Golden Gates at the Palace of Versailles

Château de Vincennes

Paris Shots Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:41:00 +0000

I forgot to post more shots of Paris! Forgive me!

The Opera

Père Lachaise Cemetery, where I spent Christmas. Creepy, I know

Oscar Wilde's grave

Which I kissed for good luck...(Jenny did too!)

The Pantheon

The Sorbonne

Somewhere I've been lately...

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:19:00 +0000

Hey friends, I discovered the addiction that is Polyvore! I know I haven't been blogging, but if you want to stay connected, click that pretty button right over there in the side bar under my email address.

Kisses!

Stripes and florals by queenofshoes featuring a a line skirt

Striped top
$48 - anthropologie.com

Forever 21 a line skirt
$15 - forever21.com

Lauren Conrad platform sandals
$60 - kohls.com

1928 wire hoop earrings
$9 - 1928.com

Lanvin wide leather belt
$495 - net-a-porter.com

Favorite shots of Paris (part two)

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:50:00 +0000

I start my mornings off right...

Pont Alexandre Bridge

Big statues and shadows

Cause I like to take dorky pictures in front of things...

...and so does Jenny

the Seine

So scandalous! (The Kiss by Auguste Rodin)

Merry go round in the Tuileries Gardens

Place Vendome and the Tuileries Gardens

Favorite Shots of Paris (part one)

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:46:00 +0000

Please excuse the crummy weather in some shots, it was winter dudes.

Place de la Concorde


Christmas Market on the Champs-Élysées

A pretty street and a pretty house

Metro...is it weird that I miss riding it?

The HUGE Louis Vuitton store I just had to take a picture of (TWICE)

Arc de Triomphe


Place de l'École-Militaire

Day and Night

This happened on the metro in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:42:00 +0000

Looky here: a book post!

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:25:00 +0000

While I continue to try and edit my pictures from Paris (this weekend, I promise), I thought I'd do a book post, which I haven't done in like, forever. Exciting, right?

Right now I'm finishing up I'm with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie by Pamela Des Barres. It's the story of how she became a rock groupie in the 60s and 70s. It's pretty good, but her writing style isn't my favorite. I think she wrote the book based on her diaries from the time, which is fine, but the writing is a little too odd/personal/immature at times. But it's a fun look at a world that really doesn't exist anymore. Also, I totes think I would have been a groupie had a been alive back then. Maybe.

I also read a couple of books (and started a few more) while I was on my trip, thanks to the Kindle I got for my birthday.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak takes place in Nazi Germany during WW2 and it's about a young girl, Liesel Meminger, who steals books, her relationship with her foster parents, the neighborhood, and the Jewish boxer hiding in her home. I'm not entirely sure how to explain it, but it's narrated by Death as he observes her life, as well as the happenings of the war. So far, it's really good!

I read a couple of cheesy thriller/mystery novels as well (perfect vacation books) that were quite a lot of fun.

Stealing Faces by Michael Prescott was a good one about a serial killer who peels off women's faces when he kills them as a trophy. In this book he finds out he is being followed by a woman who might know his secrets and try to stop him. I liked the book a lot because the author only revealed things gradually, such as where people came from, pasts, jobs, etc. It was definitely one of those books I raced through to find out the ending, and I was not disappointed. Highly recommend.

The List by JA Konrath was another cheesy thriller, this time involving a conspiracy about cloning and famous historical figures. I honestly can't say too much without revealing the entire plot, but it was fun. There were some really great fight/action scenes that were a lot of fun to read as well. This book was what kept me entertained and distracted on my flight from hell home from Paris when nothing else would. Definitely a good read!

Home Again Home Again

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:06:00 +0000

Happy New Year friends!

I've been back from Paris for almost a week now and the jet lag has finally worn off (I think). I'm getting back into the swing of things, getting back to work and getting ready for a move (more on this one later).

Paris was amazing. I was so, so sad to leave. But I took lots of pictures (and video) and I'm just getting everything organized and edited before I share them all, but I wanted to pop in and say hello.

I'm also working on redesigning my blog; I've already implemented a few minor changes, but I'm going to do more, even if it means learning some HTML to do it.

I hope you all had a lovely holiday and I look forward to getting back to blogging. I see some good things happening in 2012!

Also, how gorgeous is this?

Does that not make you smile uncontrollably? I do think there are few things in this world as beautiful as the Eiffel Tower at night.

Christmas in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:21:00 +0000

I know I said I was taking a break, but I just had to post about this. Because this is a big freaking deal (at least to me). So I 'm going to France (Paris) for Christmas. And I'm so happy my face hurts from smiling.

But first: a back story.

I don't know exactly when I became obsessed with France and French culture/art/history/food. I think I have to give my Grandma Jeanne some credit because we always used to watch A&E documentaries about art ("Breakfast with the Arts" anyone?), and I always remembered the French Impressionists. I still, even years later, after studying more art than I thought humanly possible, find my breath taken away by Water Lillies by Monet or The Ballet Rehearsal by Edgar Degas. I definitely think these created this romantic, artistic version of Paris that I carried around with me for years.

Then, freshman year of high school, I finally saw the movie the cemented my love for Paris and all things French: Amelie. Cliche, maybe. But I LOVED that movie. I saw it 4 times while it was in theaters and then bought it on DVD and the soundtrack (Yann Tiersen is AMAZING and this song is my favorite). Since then, I love just about any movie set in France or in French. Even if maybe it's not that good, I'll watch it, just to hear the language.

I majored in art history in college, and I studied a lot of French art and architecture, and despite practically drowning in it, I still love it. I want to learn everything and anything relating to this history of culture that country. I mean, really, it's SO fascinating. And I have always dreamed of living there...one day, right?

I got to go to France in high school, when I was fifteen. It was, and still is, probably my favorite trip I have ever taken. I was nervous because, what if it didn't live up to my expectations? Oh, but it did. It really did (The food! The art! The gardens!). I never wanted to leave and was sad when it was time to go home.

But, now, I'm going back. Finally, 8 years later. Tomorrow, to be exact. And I am so excited words cannot even describe it. This trip was a college graduation gift from my mom (the tickets) and it might be the best gift ever. Because not only is a trip to Paris, but I get to bring one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world: Jenny. She's just as obsessed with France as I am and I couldn't imagine a better person to take this trip with. We are going to eat lots of good food, check out some museums, and just wander the city we both love so much.

Even though it's Christmas, and we won't be spending it with out families, I have to say I think Christmas in Paris is pretty dang awesome. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas or Joyeux Noël!

Au revoir les amis, je vous verrai dans le Nouvel Année!

A Little Note..

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 02:49:00 +0000

I've not blogged in almost a month. Wow. See, I really do like blogging but I've just been too busy actually living life to blog about it. There was my birthday last month, then Thanksgiving, and now Christmas and my trip to Paris are fast approaching. Between work and having a social life, blogging has taken a backseat...well more like it's in the trunk. I'm not going to stop blogging; I will start again, after the New Year. I'm going to think about what I want the blog to be, possibly even giving it a new name and look, because I'm not totally happy with it. So, peace out for now friends, I'm off to enjoy life!

A New TV Obsession

noreply@blogger.com (Mallory) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:24:00 +0000

This is my new TV obsession

I can't stop watching this, I've almost finished season two and it keeps getting better and better. And the new show, American Horror Story? Also SO GOOD.

I other news, I am very, very tired these days. I think I may be coming down with something and it also might be a side effect of some medication I'm taking. But either way, I've been going to sleep at 8:30pm every night. I'm a freakin' old lady. I hope this goes away soon.

Do you have any new TV obsessions? Tell me, tell me!