Love, JD

Have you noticed?

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone's all abuzz about New Orleans.

I don't blame them. I love that town. Especially because it holds a special place in the history of Mr. W and me. Besides that, it's just a genuine, colorful, delicious and overall awesome place. It's a city that wears its heart on its sleeve. It's real.

Here are more reasons to go:

This year's festival. The line up is INCREDIBLE!

Food is ALWAYS a good reason to visit. I especially loved this recent post from The Meaning of Pie.

Iced coffee and a beignet or two, or three!

A new wave of hospitality.

Last night a salve saved my life.

2012-01-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year. Everyone around seems to be sniffling, coughing, fading away with their make up less faces with that sickly pallor. Okay, maybe not that last part.

I've been eating my Satsuma Mandarins and taking my vitamins like no one's beeswax, but it's only a matter of time until I succumb. I actually am starting to get a little sniffly.

Enter my new favorite pick me up - I swear I think it'll save my life!

Did you even know that Smith's of Rosebud Salve fame even made a Menthol and Eucalyptus salve? Genuis!

This next shot is totally gratuitous, but I thought I might magically capture aromatic waves emanating from the tin.

Nope! But trust me it's totally intoxicating, if you're into that sort of thing. XO

Get it NOW!

Bringing The House Down

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

There have been many a night that I put the whole house to sleep with my piano musings. Which is a pretty big change since I never used to play in front of anyone. Something happens when people are around - I forget how to play songs, the keys are foreign to me. You could say I have a slight case of stage fright.

Well, I better get over that ASAP because Mr. W and I are in a band. With another married couple.

Seriously.

I actually don't know how it all came together, but we rehearsed on Saturday night and we all came out of it pleasantly surprised. Here are some shots from rehearsal - in Mr. W's man cave.

Here's where I play.

(Next time I should at least get a finger in the shot, in action!)

Mr. W smiling - like really, truly smiling. I love that.

And I love that polar bear calendar behind him.

Rachel slappin' the bass.

Plus she had on the coolest jacket that night.

Todd.

Hmm, what's there to say except he's kinda amazingly talented.

More to come. Oh, and here's to living life outside the comfort zone! XO

Positively

2012-01-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

Usually when my alarm goes off I let out a big sign and fumble for the snooze button.

This morning when the moment hit, I did that a few times (not gonna lie!) and then when I actually decided to get up - instead of letting out a sigh, I said: "YAY!"

Not sure if it worked yet, but it's probably a better way to start the day?

Poster from Typeposters

Tall, Dark & Handsome

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've read great things about Handsome Coffee Roasters. My coffee connoisseur pal Troy says they're really good too.

I can't always make the trek downtown (even though it's not far at all) but I was happy to find them at Cognoscenti Coffee (at Proof).

Even more impressed with the packaging.

Even though it's so 2009, the ironic mustache on the bag is a fun touch. XO

Bridal Shower Loveliness

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I was lucky enough to co-host my dear friend Stephanie's bridal shower at our house. Erin of OBEY Clothing and Sonja of PCP were my co-hostesses with the mostest(-ess).

The theme was an afternoon Italian feast (Steph is 1/2 Italian). I didn't plant the cypress trees you see in the distance, but they fit right in!

Large tables for that family feel.

Fresh flowers, satsuma mandarins piled high, cannolis (and cream puffs) from Eagle Rock Italian Bakery, Pellegrino...

More fresh flowers, assorted Italian meats and cheeses, roasted red peppers, olives, bread and a delicious arugula salad (oh and a caprese salad with burrata cheese not pictured).

Erin wrote dish names on the butcher paper for that authentic touch.

Lovely handmade notebooks were parting gifts from the bride to be.

Close up of a plate, because you have to have one.

Birds-eye view.

Games. So much fun!

Lots of wine, Prosecco and artisanal sodas rounded us out.

Thankful for the fair weather, but it did get a little chilly toward the end of the party. We brought out blankets to keep us warm while we swooned and hollered (by candle and string lights) during the gift opening phase. Ladies can get rowdy!

Such a beautiful party for a beautiful friend. Can't wait for the big day Steph! Love you.

PS. I did buy the Lemon Meringue cake from Proof - layers of chiffon cake, lemon curd, with toasted meringue frosting and sprinkles of pomegranate - a nice and light cake for an occasion like this.

All photos by Sonja Teri (except for the birds-eye shot taken by me)

Simple Pleasures

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

The other day a few friends and I hosted a bridal shower at our house. We had some left over grissini (pencil thin italian breadsticks) - these had a little sprinkle of sea salt on them. I wasn't really sure what I would do with them - I'm not really a cracker/breadstick person.

But then they sort of reminded me of...

Remember Pocky? When I was a kid, it was one of my favorite things. Biscuit sticks that you could dip in a chocolate or strawberry frosting? I liked where this was going.

A jar of Nutella + some sea salt grissini.

(Don't pay attention to those the visible scrape marks in the jar. I really don't know how that happened so fast, I mean after that one and only taste test.)

And voila! A grown up version of a childhood treat.

Bonne Annee 2012!

2012-01-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

To start this year, I have less resolutions than in years past and less about esoteric improvements but more life quality resolutions. 2011 was the year of work. That's okay, but life should be more.

More pauses, more vibrancy and more inspiration are definitely on the list!

It's been almost half a year since I posted but you can find my speed posts on Instagram and Pinterest: jdweatherby on both.

Right now, Mr.W are in Paris and then off to London tomorrow before we head home to Los Angeles.

There will be a lot of things I miss about Paris that we don't have back home: walking everywhere, centers of culture, old architecture, and creperies on every corner, planning days around food, vin chaud (though I'll try to replicate at home - slice the oranges they say here) and the fashion watching. Oh and a reasons to eat frites at every meal. Ha! Not everything is meant to be.

But I can't wait to see everyone back home! XO

PS- did I mention that this year will be the year of the Dragon? Only means great things since I was born in the year of the Fire Dragon!

Summertime - it's July!

2011-07-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Contrary to this song title, this summer has been anything but sleepy.

I wish I had more time to do the things that make me happy outside of work. I miss blogging. I miss Pinning. I miss mentally logging things to share. But alas tis the season of work, at least this year anyway!

I've had small adventures - a unintentionally long drive up PCH for some seafood by the shore, we rode the Metro train to Hollywood to catch Hall and Oates, yes that Hall and Oates! afterwhich the Mister and I made new friends, whose names I've already forgotten, at Powerhouse, I befriended a neighborhood stray who may just call my mom's home - home and we got a teensy bit patriotic for the holiday earlier this month.

Albeit small, I'll take my adventures anyway I can get them!

How is Summer going for you? Hope you are enjoying the fair weather and the fair food and company which usually accompanies the season. XOXO

Savoring Summer

2011-06-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Wow has time flown by. Instead of enjoying this season, I've been treated to loads and loads of work, indoors. Thank goodness I like what I do! I have been trying to get out and enjoy the awesome weather - but as we all know, it can be tough. Some highlights of the last week:

Red Lion Tavern for a summer dinner of fish and chips and beer!

A business brunch on Saturday at The Village Idiot (no beer,but totally should have).

A lunch at The Bucket - rock and roll with a charbroiled burger, al fresco.

Grilling in the backyard (though I almost burned down the house, no joke).

And in honor of the True Blood season premiere, I made my husband Crawfish Monica, which was pretty close to the kind he gets at Jazz Fest, minus the sand and grit of the festival!

By the looks of this list, I'm doing a decent job of savoring the season. Hope you're enjoying your Summer so far! XO

Ps. 100 Peruvian Lilies from my super sweet husband, just because.

May I Have S'more?

2011-06-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to tell you about a little indulgence I got the chance to inhale yesterday. Okay, really it was more like 4 - 5 well-timed bites.

They're called S'muffins: components of the all American campfire fave S'mores, but shaped like muffins. The graham base was surprisingly moist and buttery (so good) and the toasted marshmallow was not as cloyingly sweet as I thought it would be! I could have done less chocolate, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the whole thing.

Order information HERE. What a great idea for a summer dessert table!

All Pie Myself

2011-06-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Pie is one of my most favorite things, ever. And something I wish I knew how to do well. My friends Yvette and Jason got us a pretty amazing wedding gift, a Breville Pie Maker! It takes 10 minutes to make 4 mini pies. What a great idea! Can't wait to try it out.

Some inspiration for me while I get to stellar pie maker status - pies from Crust by Stephanie Jayne. With flavors like Maker's Mark Bourbon Banana Cream and Campfire S'mores, I might have to order a few flavors, to study of course! XO

Top photo via Williams Sonoma

Bottom four photos via Crust by Stephanie Jayne

Forestbound

2011-06-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Beautiful? Maybe not the right word for a line of up-cycled bags targeted to men. Ruggedly handsome, for sure.

FORESTBOUND, by Alice Saunders, is a small line of bags using locally-sourced linen, cloth and leather. Anthropologie caught wind of the line and did a capsule line, which I haven't yet spied online.

I'd very much like to tote these around for work items and beyond! More of her lovely handiwork here. XO

All photos via FORESTBOUND

I've been so bad.

2011-06-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

So bad about blogging this past week. What can I say? Not much to redeem myself.

But I have been pinning more regularly than blogging. Pinterest is addicting. It's like speed-blogging. You can follow me there if you like.

I can't believe it's June already! We've been so lucky to have beautiful and temperate weather here in LA. Perfect for leisurely BBQs and beers on the deck.

PS. Mr. W has been SUPER productive in the backyard. Big changes coming there. He also had a soccer game yesterday and got a pretty good shiner! I'll post a photo of that shortly.

Photo taken at Alvarado and Sunset this weekend. It's a fellow dressed as a Subway sub - he was really funny/creepy interacting with pedestrians on the sidewalk.

Palm Springs Style

2011-05-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yay! Thursday is my Friday. Tomorrow we're off to the desert.

It's always a goal right, to be comfortable but chic while on holiday? I think I get the comfy part, but sometimes it's hard to be stylish away from home. So like most ladies and most fashion mags tell us: 'Stick to the basics, but add some details with the accessories!'

Good advice indeed. Some pieces I think would be perfect for Palm Springs:

Clockwise from top left:
Floppy Straw Hat / White Dress with Smocked Bodice / Rhinestone Earrings / Sunglasses / Cork Platforms / Jezibel Tote / Lip Stain

Springtime Blues

2011-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

After my purchase of a certain blue bag a few weeks ago, I've been looking for more of the hue to add to my wardrobe. Loving these blue dresses - with a blazer or light cardigan for the office or on their own with coral lipstick and high platform sandals for evening!

Sheena Denim Dress from Frock

Gilbert Silk Chiffon Dress from Eva Franco

Mansions In the Sky Dress from Tracy Reese

The Weekend Ahead

2011-05-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so looking forward to this weekend! We'll be celebrating Nicky's birthday and our one year anniversary in Palm Springs.

Not much planned except a lot of lounging, swimming and a little BBQ party with birthday cake one evening.

One thing that Mr. W and I decided to splurge on, is a trip to the spa at The Parker for massages (but not side by side). I went to PSYC last year with the ladies, pre Wedding and it was glorious. Definitely looking forward to cucumber water and gel masks in the dark room. XOXO

1st photo is of the house we're renting.
Last two photos from The Parker Palm Springs.

Well and good

2011-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Inkwell. A small, simple collection comprised of classic shapes, a restrained palette and touches of African fabric and patterns.

Looks I Love (from Looks We Love at J.Crew)

2011-05-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

The styling at J. Crew is always really, really good. From make up, to lighting and props (boyfriends and dogs) - they know how to make their product pop.

The latest group of Looks We Love is no exception. I might never wear baggy-crotched jeans, but their styling makes me think about it.

Sometimes, on days like this.

2011-05-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

You have to fight blight

With bright!

Stay dry LA.

bottom photo: Mona Van Cleve

A little Saturday shopping

2011-05-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

I woke up sort of in a panic on Saturday morning. I thought it was Sunday. I then quickly realized I took Friday off for a friend's wedding in Palm Springs, which was beautiful by the way! More on that another time.

I met up with my friend Fern and we went downtown for an overcast brunch then stopped in at some of our favorite boutiques on the Eastside. This is what happens when Mr. W is away - there are shopping sprees to pay!

We stopped in at Vivier and Bentley -
the newly opened Silverlake outpost which carries Clare Vivier's bags.
Mr. W didn't know it at the time, but has since consented to giving me this bright blue foldover clutch for Mother's Day.
It's the most enchantingly insane blue ever!

These I purchased for myself:
Minnetonka moccasins in grey suede.
I've been looking for a driving moc for my daily drive (it's a long way).
These will definitely help me be a more responsive driver.

My new favorite scented candle.
Rush of Rose by Votivo.
Never thought I'd peg myself for a rose lady,
but it's so fresh and green! So Spring.

And a very special guest: Owen, Sophia's little frenchie, was all love at LA Mill.
(side note, I do not like almond milk in my coffee, neither does Fern)

Slow Sunday

2011-05-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

After a flurry of cooking in the kitchen for our mama's day brunch, it's nice and quiet in the house. Beirut provides a suitable soundtrack for the afternoon. Maybe it's time for a nap? XOXO

New Nails

2011-05-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

I think nails are my new thing. I like having polished nails, maybe it's come with age - but it's definitely come with new discovery of gel manicure! Still on the glitter tip, I did did a a french manicure with a gold glitter tip instead of white. I think it surprised my nail artist, but we both liked the end result!

Next, I think I want to try something like this (as seen on Bliss Lau via Refinery 29)! A linear design on a nude base.

Keeping me company

2011-05-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

It's surprising how an early morning walk around the reservoir, or going to sleep before 10p helps clear the mind.
You know what else helps take me away?

Jane Austen. Seriously.

I've reread her books so many times trying to unearth new nuggets.
Sometimes, when Mr. W is not around (like this week) I'll watch the film adaptations.

Multiple times.

Makes me happy.

What also makes me happy is discovering that I still consider Darcy one of my favorite literary heart throbs!

So misunderstood, but well meaning. Swoon! XO

Sunday Morning

2011-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

With Mr. W out of town, yesterday morning I indulged myself. Well, not really. It's just that he usually says "no" when I suggest going out for a coffee and a little breakfast bite - he's just not much of a breakfast person.

Nicky and I weren't in the mood for anything too big and I wanted to go somewhere I can't normally get to during the week (unless I want to be super late for work!). So where did we go?

Well, Proof was actually our second stop. First, we went to Family Pastry in Chinatown to pick up a sesame ball (two). These sesame encrusted, sweet bean-filled treats might sound/look weird, but they remind me of dim sum on Sundays with my parents. I'm sentimental about food.

At Proof, Nicky selected a ham and cheese croissant. He's a savory kiddo. Seriously, they have some of the best pastries in LA and they're baked on the premises!