MIMI+MEG

OFFICE: Aerin Lauder

2012-05-29T10:29:00.002-04:00

Back to work after a long holiday weekend! I actually was at home all weekend after a long trip to NYC, and I'm leaving again tomorrow for another long weekend. I spent a few hours at the pool, riding my bike, attempting to enjoy running (I still don't), working, and hanging out with my Mr.

While working this weekend I even spilled coffee all over my desk... and a little on my laptop! :/ But I think we are good. I soaked my leather mousepad in rice & that seemed to do the trick.

I'm excited for what's in store this summer! Should be busy and fun. How about you?

Don't you love Aerin Lauder's office (above) recently featured in Architectural Digest? She is launching a new home and fashion business, which I'm so curious to see!

Photography by Pieter Estersohn; Architectural Digest

NYC in Review

2012-05-27T10:30:00.000-04:00

I gave you a pretty good outline of my NYC trip in my BlogFest post, but here are some of my favorite images from the rest of the trip. NYC is full of photo-worthy moments, and I was taking full advantage of all of them! Above is in the DVF store in Soho. Oh Diane, you know how to say things.
More after the jump!

One evening, I went to dinner with a small group of friends. It was nice to get away from a huge group for a few hours and focus on just a few people. Upon arrival to the restaurant I promptly ordered a prickly pear margarita. Mmmmm. I could have sat outside all night with those ladies!

Loved this work in a boutique in Soho... but I can't remember the store! I think it was one of those denim brands that has branched out into other clothing, but again, I can't remember! Obviously I was a little too interested in the art to notice. Sidenote: While looking for a restaurant in Soho, I saw a girl that I thought I recognized... turned out to be Kymia Nawabi, the winner of Work of Art Season 2 (obviously I love that show). I asked her about the show, her work, etc. She's a doll.

I trekked up to The Met to meet Victoria to see the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations exhibit. I was able to snap this pic before getting in trouble for taking pics with my phone. The heads of the mannequins were my favorite part. You probably remember these striped Prada pieces from the recent past. The exhibit said they were one of Prada's most successful lines.

While walking around the Upper East Side after going to the Gagosian to see the Picasso and Gilot exhibit, I saw this hot pink sculpture on Park Ave by Miami sculptor Rafael Barrios. Stunning, no!?!

I some how made it out of the Jonathan Adler store in Soho without buying anything. I wanted to take home every piece of brass and white ceramic in there. Not that I saw anything new in the store as I totally stalk his website, and saw his booth at ICFF, and saw him in the flesh for a brief moment while he was at the Kohler/Adler booth at ICFF.

Love these transparent antlers in one of the show rooms at Lee Jofa. Me wantey.

These tassels aren't new or anything, but I loved how they hung on the top of a linen bulletin board for a teen girl in the Tribeca loft I photographed.

I mean, wallpaper.

The Stationery Show just happened to be going on at the same time as BlogFest so naturally I had to take a looksie. Printerette Press and Alee and Press had cool little booths, as did many other small stationery shops. The feather image is a piece of artwork in the Calypso St. Barth store and the hearts were painting on the side of a building in Soho.

Top Row: Saturday was a day full of brunching. This was from brunch No.1 at Lodge in Williamsburg, followed by a little visit to Catbird, and then a brunch No.2 at Mercadito, which I'll give you the full details on later. / Graffiti on the Williamsburg Bridge. I thought walking there from the LES would be a good idea... the blister on my foot thought otherwise. #badshoedecision

Middle Row: The Williamsburg Bridge. Love the pink. / Victoria and I had a little afternoon treat the day I left. After ordering 2 glasses of wine (each) and a Caprese Salad, the chef brought out a little shot of limoncello for each of us. Victoria was talking cheese consistency with him, I think that was the tipping point for him giving us limoncello. We sipped about half of it before realizing me being drunk on the bus and her at the New York Philharmonic would probably not be the best idea. But it was a little too late. I barely made it on my bus back to DC (after missing the one I took to NYC a week earlier, I mean really!?!), and I had to pee within 30 minutes. Tipsy peeing on a bus = not so easy. I'm sure you wanted to know that. While ~~sweating~~ running my way to the bus with my way-too-heavy-and-overpacked bag, I walked right past Mark Badgley and James Mischka. Sweaty and staring at them — just making sure it was them. It was. I was a hot limoncello mess. But it was fun!

Bottom Row: A sneek peek at the pedi's Jenna and I got while she took me to her favorite places in NYC. / Brunch at Mercadito (my second brunch of the day). I like brunch.

Catching up on work (and sun at the pool) over this holiday weekend before I leave to go back to Kansas City next week for a few days!

NYC: BlogFest 2012

2012-05-26T20:31:00.000-04:00

If you've been following my twitter or Instagram (megbiram) closely you're probably up to speed on these pics. I went to NYC for almost a week for several reasons (find me any good reason, and I'll head up there!), mainly I was attending BlogFest, but I also attended Blogstar Supper, multiple dinners with friends, shot a loft in Tribeca (post coming up this week), shot an NYC version for my My City column, went to the Stationery Show, the Schiaparelli and Prada Exhibit at The Met, Picasso and Gilot exhibit at The Gagosian, and walked around many NYC neighborhoods. (Another NYC post coming up tomorrow.)
More after the jump!

BlogFest is put on by an assortment of sponsors, but it's geared toward (well, who attended at least) was mostly interior designers with blogs, or interior bloggers. I'm more of a lifestyle blogger, but obviously interiors is one of my main topics. Plus, as a digital/social media consultant, I feel as though I should attempt to attend or speak at the gamut of conferences so I remain up to speed on everything. Above is a Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa window inside the showrooms... I mean, of course.

Top Row: Gorgeous view from the Hearst Tower / Laura Trevey brought some of her watercolor prints and gave them out to a few bloggers (smart lady). I was able to get my kate spade clutch print home in one piece, and plan to frame it and hang it my closet.

Middle Row: Chassity had on some gorgeous accessories that needed to be documented. She posted about her necklace here. / Me, Chassity, and Erika at the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House.

Bottom Row: Getting my hair washed at DryBar... is it bad that the washing massage is always my favorite part? (DryBar hosted a small group of bloggers while we were in town for BlogFest — they weren't a BlogFest sponsor.) Two DryBar's are opening in DC soon! / Liz of Shorely Chic had on a cute rope bracelet I had to snap.

Above is a room in the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House that Lee from Pieces decorated. She is darling and I loved how she displayed the urchins on the wall in her room.

I wish I had more photos to share with you from BlogFest, but honestly many of the places we went to (Kips Bay Show House, Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House) were just too damn crowded to get any good pics of the interiors. I'm grateful I got to see them, but even as an non-claustrophobic person, it was a little too crowded for me. Maybe send us in shifts next time?

Regardless of the tight spaces + lots of people, it was great to meet many of my digi-friends in person. And as a magazine journalism major in college, going to the Hearst Tower was like going to the Vatican for me. Newell, EIC of House Beautiful, anchored a great panel; Alexa Hampton was hysterical; the Kravet family was so kind... they even rode the buses from place to place and chatted with everyone.. The Kravets. They were down-to-earth from what I could gather.

To see other BlogFest recaps, you can poke around the sites of the attendees.

If you are curious whether or not to attend BlogFest next year, let me give a little info.

If you have the time and finances, know a few other bloggers/designers going and want to meet them in person, can split a hotel with people or stay with friends or airbnb, then great. You will probably have fun at the very least.

Will the $$$ be worth it?

Depends on what you put into it. Also, depending on what your goal is from attending, there are certain things you need to do prior to coming (to any conference). I think there is a myth that if you just attend conferences you will learn everything you need to know, meet everyone, and your blog/business will blow up.

That usually isn't the case.

You have to be outgoing, have business cards on you, walk up to strangers and introduce yourself, and if you are wanting to connect with any of the speakers or sponsors, you should probably email them in advance. I also suggest mapping out your days, where you want to eat (if it isn't provided), meeting up with other bloggers or companies in the city you are traveling to, and making the most of your time wherever you are going. Be yourself, be genuine, and plan things out in advance. Email/tweet other bloggers that are going and start getting to know them. Just know that the editors, sponsors, and PR people will meet 150 people that day, and most likely won't remember everyone. If you have a purpose for emailing them, follow up after the event. And if you can stay somewhere close to where everything is going on, it's a good idea because you will be exhausted, might want to take a quick nap, change for the evening, and I'm sure one day you'll want to change your shoes.

WEEKLY FAVES: Black Pattern

2012-05-25T11:59:00.000-04:00

I'm a huge fan of black and pattern (no surprise there). Put them together, and you get something interesting and chic, that is usually timeless.

1. Uzi Zig Zag Tank / 2. Ink Ikat Throw / 3. Cat Woman Claw Earrings / 4. Aztec print skirt / 5. Loeffler Randall Dita Platform Pump / 6. Timex black leather watch / 7. Kelly Wearstler Pillows

ART TO FASHION: Picasso

2012-05-24T12:52:00.000-04:00

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. I'm so sorry for not being more organized and having my shit together (posts up everyday) before I left for New York for almost a week. I'm definitely not perfect (obviously).

I had a wonderful time in the big apple and will share it all with you in the next few days. I went to the Gagosian Gallery (980 Madison Ave.) to see the Picasso and Francoise Gilot exhibit. I WISH I could have taken photos because I was dying to! One of the rooms was painted seafoam green, and it was stunning. I really love the female portrait drawings Picasso did. Many named Portrait de femme and Portrait de Francoise although they are somewhat hard to find online, they are the drawings he did like this.

Art: Buste de Femme (Jaqueline), Pablo Picasso
This print is affordable and has beautiful colors. It may have to live in my home somewhere.

Fashion: Rebecca Minkoff Chelsea sunglasses, YARNZ printed cotton scarf, Dara Ettinger Phoebe earrings, Kendra Scott Reese Ring, Shagreen Card Holders

NYC + BLOG BIZ BUZZ

2012-05-21T08:27:00.001-04:00

Hello from the big apple! I'm headed off to the Stationery Show and the ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) this morning, and BlogFest starts this evening. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. NYC had some amazing weather as you can see above (of course now it's raining). I snapped this while hanging out in Bryant Park yesterday. Just lovely.

I also wanted to tell you I've scheduled a BLOG BIZ + BUZZ for Kansas City on June 4th. FYI, there are a limited amount of early bird priced tickets for a limited time. I'm planning dates for Dallas & Austin in June, NYC, Boston on Philadelphia for July! Stay tuned.

NYC: Blogstar Supper

2012-05-18T12:43:00.000-04:00

I took the bus up to NYC yesterday where I'll be for a week of pure ~~work~~ fun, but for work. Last night I went to Pasanella and Son for a rose wine tasting and dinner put on by Sarah of Blogstar. Sarah was so kind to invite me and feature me on Blogstar a few weeks ago.

More pics after the jump!

Pasanella and Son is such a cool shop and even has a little vintage car inside.

We sat in the back room, tasting roses, ~~nibbling on~~ scarfing down cheese, salami and cupcakes (I was hungry), and chatting about all of our blogs and careers. It was so refreshing to hear everyone's background, to talk a little biz, and just have genuine conversation with some amazing and talented women (Deborah, Victoria, Maggie, Susan, Leslie, Gretchen, Ashley, Amy, Natalie). I think I was smiling ear-to-ear the entire night.

We each received a personalized package from catbird. (Thank You!) I'm wearing the Tocca Stella perfume today. It's got some blood orange in it which I am obsessed with right now. I'm also really excited to try the Lulu Organics hair powder, because let's be honest, I use a lot of hair powder.

Huge thanks to Susan & William Brinson for hosting me last night! Their place is amazing! Thanks again to Sarah for inviting me. She's a rockstar.

Photos by Meg Biram

My Bethesda: Casie of whippedSTYLE

2012-05-17T07:56:00.001-04:00

For my first non-DC My City feature, I went about ten minutes north of my place to meet up with Casie (kay-cee, not Cassie like I called her for far too long) of the fashion blog whippedSTYLE. For those of you that don't know the DC/Virginia/Maryland geography (I had no idea until I moved here) Bethesda, Maryland, borders DC and is quite an affluent area. It's basically an extension or suburb of DC and is really freaking cute. I had heard it was, but it definitely exceeded my expectations.

Check out where she took me after the jump!

First we had brunch at Black's, a Bethesda staple since many restaurants in the area don't make it. So happy that the weather was in our favor, we sat on the patio for at least an hour.

Casie loves the Bloody Mary's at Black's and I confessed to her how much I wanted to like them, but I just don't. She insisted I try hers, and since this column is all about new things I pinched my nose and went along with it. I mean, look at it, it's a beauty! But of course, I didn't like it. However, I can see how Bloody-Mary-lovers would. It's definitely special... just not for my picky taste buds.

After brunch we headed to one of Casie's favorite shops, Mustard Seed, where they carry a variety of new, used, and vintage clothing. Casie finds amazing items here all the time.

Like these cute floral shorts she scored for $5 while we were there!

I had my eye on this metallic patterned vintage fabric scrap.

Big enough for a table runner or a scarf.

After leaving Mustard Seed we headed to the Flea Market where we pretty much exclusively were staring at the jewelry. I probably tried on at least 10 rings.

On to Bethesda Row where most of the shopping and restaurants are. The place was packed with people, and dogs — which I was staring at because I'm obsessed with dogs. It was adorable. I can't wait to go back.

In need of an afternoon snack we popped into YogiBerry for some yogurt. Again in the try new things mode I tried Casie's favorite yogurt flavor, taro. Such an interesting flavor, but I still had to go with my classic tart yogurt with chocolate chips and strawberries. Yum!

I was so close to wearing almost the exact same thing Casie was wearing! Get her look:
Dark skinny jeans: Seven Roxanne / Tory Burch Reva flats / French Connection Trench Coat, purchased from Mustard Seed, similar / Marc Jacobs bag / Pyramid Studded Bracelet from Mustard Seed, similar / Blouse: LOFT / Necklace: Gorjana

We ended up strolling around Bethesda all afternoon, enjoying the weather and chatting. Such a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Let's hear from Casie shall we:

What are your favorite things about your neighborhood?

I love that it has a very "small town" feel in what is clearly not a small city. I can walk everywhere, I'm on the red line (of the DC Metro), there's outdoor jazz on Thursday nights, a farmer's market every weekend, and a flea market every day. People here are very active, very into supporting local and the restaurants are amazing.

What are your other favorite places to eat in Bethesda/DC and why or what do you HAVE to get when you go to them?

OMG there's WAY too many!!! Persimmon in Bethesda is incredible, as are Mussel Bar and Newton's Table. There's also this little bar/retaurant in Bethesda called Caddies and it's 100% that bar "where everybody knows your name." I love it—it's the best place for a sunny day happy hour (and it doesn't hurt that I met my husband there!).

What items in your closet do you always tend to reach for?

White T-shirts. I have like twenty-it's a little silly. Between scarves, blazers, sweaters and accessories, I can always make 'jeans and a T-shirt' look like a different outfit.

What is your favorite/most special item in your wardrobe?

I have this vintage-style floral dress that has a a sweetheart neckline and the perfect A-line skirt. Ive had it for over 12 years and still wear it for special occasions. It only recently occurred to me that I've had it for so long and that I love it so much... it will never meet a consignment shop, like most of my other dresses.

Is being a blogger what you thought it would be? If not, how is it different?

Yes and no. I didn't anticipate that there was such an amazing network and such a feeling of community. I've met some truly incredible women and made some great friends that I know will be in my life forever—that's priceless. And I love that through all of the madness in my life, I have a creative outlet.

I also didn't anticipate the level of work required. It's really really hard work and that's not to ever be minimized. But it's also very rewarding. Most bloggers can attest that, when you're a blogger, your mind is constantly in motion; working for 15 hours a day is not out of the norm. Many of us don't take a moment to sit back, look at what we've done and just allow ourselves to be proud (without letting that moment turn into an ambitious to-do list of things you still want to do.) I know I never do. But the few times I've embraced that moment (usually forced by a good friend), the feeling I have in that fleeting moment between feeling proud and formulating my ambitious to-do list--that's a great feeling.

Find Casie on whippedSTYLE, facebook, and twitter.

Photos by Meg Biram

ART TO FASHION: Alex Olson + Spring Jackets

2012-05-16T08:51:00.002-04:00

Not only do I love LA artist, Alex Olson's Cover, because it's art based on a publication (magazine journalism was my major in college), but it's black and with with pops of color. This piece was just waiting for me to find it.

Art: Cover, Alex Olson, Shane Campbell Gallery

Solid jackets are the perfect go-to outfit finisher for spring. I wear the ones I have all the time. Throw on your jacket with jeans and a simple tee, add a few accessories and you look put together.

Fashion: Elie Tahari Wendy Jacket / Rebecca Minkoff Becky Jacket / Rag & Bone Tuxedo Jacket / Rag & Bone Bailey Tweed Jacket

INTERIOR INSPIRED: Feminine Modern Pink

2012-05-15T11:39:00.002-04:00

Marcus Hay knows how to do a pink accent wall. It's not too much pink or overly girly, but just enough.

Bedroom: Marcus Hay for Kimberly Steward/Kess Agency, photographed by Jonny Valiant

Get the Look (clockwise): Red Kantha Pillow / Dotted Trellis Pillow / Grass Blades Raspberry Pillow / Satellite Chandelier / Regina Andrew Bone Veneer Tripod Side Table / Hibiscus Pink Paint / Zebra Rug / Robert Abbey Isis Celadon Table Lamp / Chunky Tassel Throw

Things I'm Afraid To Tell You — Wave No. 2

2012-05-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

After Jess's Things I'm Afraid To Tell You post (and #2 and #3) that inspired Ez to start a movement, I had a feeling there were others that wanted to do the same, but of course — were afraid. How many of you have the post in drafts, but just can't hit publish? For some reason, doing it in a group feels easier, like alright if everyone is going to air their secrets at the same time it makes me feel less insecure about mine. True, right? Thank goodness Jess has balls.

So I emailed a bunch of bloggers to see if they were game for another round of Things I'm Afraid To Tell You. I was delighted to see how many were not only game, but were excited about it.

See my Things I'm Afraid To Tell You, and the list of bloggers posting a Things I'm Afraid To Tell You post today after the jump!

Whew, here we go.

I had a few breakdowns last year. Not hospital-level or anything, but I don't really break down — and I definitely don't tell people about it (except family and a few close friends). I'm a pretty have-it-together type of person. However, it's been a rough few years, and last year took the cake. After moving to the suburbs of DC (in Virginia — which is lovely), however, my location was isolating. I tried finding the right job, that never happened. Maybe I wasn't supposed to because what I really wanted to do was pursue my passions. Problem was I was so confused! I had lots of passions and I didn't feel like I knew which ones to pursue. After months of extreme stress, not leaving my condo for days, and probably not showering either (ew!), I had several freak outs. Mostly just by myself, sometimes to my husband. Once I was in the middle of writing a cover letter for a job, and I physically just couldn't type anymore and just started crying. There was lots of crying, not feeling like I could breathe, all of that stress/anxiety stuff. I finally had all of this time since I left my corporate job to pour into my dreams, but I was still trying to figure out which dreams to pour my time into. I would spend days flushing out an idea, writing a business plan for it, researching the industry, making lists of people to contact, talking to a few friends about it, and then realize that I didn't really want to do it. I didn't want it to be my "job". I am finally out of my funk. We moved into the city, which makes it much easier for me to go to events, hang out with the friends I've made, and collaborate with others in the area. After a few months I started to realize the things that I really want to put my time into. I'm still figuring everything out, but it's so much better. Be warned, going out on your own in any type of freelancing or business is really hard and stressful. It's still hard and stressful for me, but it's getting much much better.

I feel guilty when I take long hot showers. And I take long hot showers every day. I feel guilty because so many areas of the world don't have the luxury of endless clean not-to-mention-hot water. But I still take long hot showers, and I love them.

I don't have a coffee table. I haven't had one since we moved to the east coast, so it's been over a year. I literally have to set my drink on the floor if I want to sit on our old blue couch with a drink. Less than half of all my furniture and decor do I actually like or feel represents my style at this point. At 29, as a lifestyle blogger, this is just embarrassing to me. I've had to turn down many "home tours" because my place (even though I absolutely love my new place) what I have in it just doesn't reflect my style. So why not go out and get a freaking coffee table!?! I shall remind you that I work for myself, and I just have to be more frugal. I'm also being super picky about it because there's a good chance I'll be stuck with it far longer than I thought I would be, so I want to make the right decision, about every piece of furniture and decor I invest in.

I don't feel successful yet. My expectations for myself are high. HIGH high. It will take a lot for me to feel truly satisfied with the work I've done, paintings I've finished, projects I've accomplished, collaborations I've done, and I just thought I'd be a lot further along in my career by 29. Honestly, I really wanted to be featured in (OK the cover was the real goal) a national magazine by the time I was 30, and I'm counting down the months at this point. Anything from Inc. or Entrepreneur to Marie Claire or Lucky, I just wanted to have had created something amazing that warranted a feature like that. As someone that has been blogging for almost five years, it can be really hard sometimes (even though I am genuinely happy for them) to see some bloggers become crazy successful in less than a year or two. My family and friends tell me I don't give myself enough credit for what I have done, or press I have gotten. I can admit that having a spread in The Washington Post was probably the coolest thing ever, but I just know that I'm capable of so much more, and I have so many ideas that it's hard to enjoy anything for very long. I just don't want to ever look back on this time in my life — a time where I choose what I do every day because I work for myself — and think, I could have and should have done more, worked harder, tried harder. I look back on last year and think that, so I don't want to do it again. I'm determined not to. Here we are already almost half way through 2012... where does the time go!?! I feel like I'm working into the night most nights, and still have so much to get accomplished.

Adults who talk baby talk (to other adults and kids) really annoy me. That pretty much sums that up.

I'm agnostic. This is something I've never talked about because it is obviously such a sensitive subject for many people. Not to mention, I grew up going to Catholic schools, then I was a Christian, and now I'm agnostic. I'm sure you can imagine why I haven't wanted to say this. Several reasons: I don't want to lose readers over it. Also, I'm not trying to start a comment war or any type of discussion about the subject. I'm not looking to debate it or create any drama. I respect what anyone chooses to believe, but after really examining things for myself, I don't believe in god. Nor do I expect that I ever will, unless he comes down from heaven (which I also don't believe in) and reveals himself to me. And at that point, I would probably believe. But until then, I don't. This isn't a subject I plan to bring up frequently either, so don't worry, I'm not writing a religion vs. non-religion blog here.

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. If you have done or do a Things I'm Afraid To Tell You Post, please leave a link to your exact post in the comments.

Bloggers Who Are Participating in Wave No.2:

Cassie: Coco + Kelley / Christine: Court & Hudson / Caitlin: Sacramento Street / Roxy: My Cup of Te / Crystal: Blog / Meg: MIMI+MEG / Ashlina: The Decorista / Katie: Modern Eve / Erin: Apartment 34 / Erica: Design Blahg / Victoria: Vmac & Cheese / Christine: Miles to Style / Franki: Life in a Venti Cup / Sue: The Zhush / Erika: Radiant Republic / Gabrielle: Savvy Home / Monika: The Doctor's Closet / Naomi: Design Manifest /Tobe: Because It's Awesome / Becca: {extra}ordinary wonders / Lynzy: Sparkling Footsteps / Hitha: Hitha On The Go / Sarah: Note To Self / Liz: So Much To Smile About / Sarah: Blogstar / Alissa: The Goods Design / Jessie: Style & Pepper / Erika: Small Shop Studio / AV: Long Distance Loving / Maggie: Maggie Rose Blog / Nicole: The City Girl In Me / Priscilla: The Best Laid Plans / Jen: Concrete Jungle DC / Janelle: Food Fashion Fitness / Natalie: East Coast Chic

Thanks again to Jess for her initial post, and to Ez for starting the movement.

Here are the bloggers that participated in Ez's Wave No. 1 of Things I'm Afraid To Tell You:

Design for Mankind | Little Brown Pen | Beautiful Hello | Curating Style | Sweet Fine Day | The Jealous Curator | Happy Days | Sage & Berries | Really Handmade | Peck Life | Satsuma Press | Rena Tom | For the Easily Distracted | The Hemborg Wife | Vitamini Handmade | Courtney Khail Stationery and Design | Meg in Progress | Dando Photography Blog | Widdershins22 | Alison Citron | Pink Moon Daily | Just Pretty Things | From China Village | Tea with Me | The Darling Ewe | Not Your Average Ordinary | The Electric Typewriter | Elleby Design | Parsimonia {Secondhand With Style} | Life as an Artistpreneur | Hello Cupcake | Dellie | The A & B Stories | Pretty Little Things | Feistyelle | Nib & Zed | Well and Cheaply | I Ripple. I Dance. | Whitfield Awesome Blog | Foxtrot Press | Dry As Toast | The List of Now | Apple Blue | For the Love of | Four Flights of Fancy | Miss Modish | Snapshots & Secrets | Dirty Laundry | Bubby & Bean | Penelope's Press | Little Nostalgia | Vale Design | Pikaland | Fleurishing | Print Pretty | Vespa Tales | Hazel & Agnes | Amanda's Musings | Mo' Funk Designs | Ordinary Mommy | Camp 1899 | In Honor of Design | Liberty's Yarn | Love, Life & Pictures | Stacey Winters | Owl in the Rain | Living Life Creatively | Emma Elizabeth Clease | I Live in Vacouver Now | British Cream Tea

Image via Ez

WEEK IN REVIEW: Yoga + iPhone

2012-05-13T20:50:00.000-04:00

I already did a BLOG BIZ + BUZZ recap, which was my main event this week. But above is one of the many gorgeous rugs at the yoga studio I'm trying out Bikram Yoga Dupont. I wanted to roll that rug up and take it home with me! Have you ever done Bikram? I love it. Some people don't think they can handle the heat at 105, but you'd be surprised at what you can do.
More after the jump!

Went neon pink with the polish this week. FACE Stockholm at J.Crew. My ring is really old, and I recently got these flat boots on clearance at GAP (similar). Around DC you have to have lots of flat options when it comes to footwear. I came from Kansas City where you drive door-to-door, so many of my shoes are 4+ inch heels that aren't very walkable. I will probably only be buying wedges and flats from now on, because my heels get such little wear.

Just like the photo said, my roots were scary. So my guy Samuel at DESSANGE in Friendship Heights took care of business.

(Clockwise): My Cougar Friends print showed up. Freaking love this. / Tried Abita Strawberry Beer, which is a seasonal brew that apparently flies off the shelves in the South. Pretty good. / Art at Bikram Yoga Dupont. / The Mr. and I went to a Cajun Cinco de Mayo party with crawfish. Cool photo, but ewwwww. / I finished putting together a family recipe book on Blurb. I did the professional option where you design it yourself with their Adobe template and upload the PDF. I need to make years worth of books on blurb. Now that everything is digital I never get prints made anymore! / Since there was no way the Mr. and I were going to eat crawfish, we pre-partied at a Mexican restaurant for Cinco de Mayo. / I FINALLY got an iphone. After waiting literally years. I have Sprint, which I love and with the way the phone upgrade structure goes, it didn't workout for me to get one (economically — obviously I could have just bought one full price but $120 sounds way better than $600 to me) until now. So I marched right up to J.Crew and got the iphone case I had my eye one (although I think I'm going to have to get a few more cases... so many cute ones!) / This is a blood orange cosmo, yum! Blood orange is my new obsession. / And lastly, I went to brunch with a few other DC bloggers and of course everyone had cute phone cases. Warranted an instagram.

WEEKLY FAVES: Pink + Gold

2012-05-11T12:58:00.000-04:00

Pink and gold is such a feminine chic combo. I was drawn toward these funky items this week.

1. Vintage Valentino Book at OKL / 2. Double Triangle Flash Earrings / 3. Sagaform Happy Days Punch Bowl in hot pink / 4. Hand-dyed pillow at OKL / 5. Boob Chair (Of course I'm obsessed with a boob chair!)

DESIGN DUO: Neutral Prints

2012-05-10T10:05:00.000-04:00

Loving both of these accessories! This whipsnake iphone case at J.Crew also comes in two bright colors. I tried these vintage square sunglasses on in a Tory Burch store, and had I not just purchased a pair of sunglasses, they would have come home with me.

BLOG BIZ + BUZZ — DC Recap

2012-05-09T07:30:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun at BLOG BIZ + BUZZ last night. I can't say enough about my attendees. They all were so sweet, stylish, and such a pleasure to meet. I mean, I don't think it's possible to not have fun with 15 ladies, champagne, cupcakes, talking, and goodie bags. Next time, I'll be scheduling three hours instead of two!

Huge thanks to canvas/nclud for letting us take over their sweet ping pong table room for the event. Canvas is a new co-working community in DC designed for creatives, freelancers, independents and start-ups to be an inspiring environment in which to work and collaborate. The space is sick! Check out all of their options if you are in need of an office space or just a conference room! I liked the space so much, we'll be doing another BBB there... hmmm when should we do it?

More after the jump!

Before everyone left I was able to snap a few style pics.

Lovely ladies, aren't they?

Thanks again to our fun sponsors!

Clockwise: Design Darling, k.slademade, Mane Message, Oia Jules,

Ampersand Design Studio, Stephanie Johnson

Other locations for BLOG BIZ BUZZ...

NYC, Kansas City (round 2),

and DC (maybe we'll venture to Virginia this time?).

And maybe Dallas, Austin, Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta,

Raleigh, Tampa, Miami, San Francisco and L.A.

What do you think, which city works for you?

Girls weekend? I think so. (Boys are invited to BBB too!)

Stay tuned for dates!

Black + White Bathrooms

2012-05-08T09:58:00.001-04:00

I love black and white everything, but I love black and white bathrooms. It's classic, and will never go out of style. It's a great way to make your bathroom a camelion; you can have it black and white, or if you want to add color, get a bright shower curtain, bath towels, or a rug. Voila!

Home of Carla Fahden and her husband, Jack; Images by La Vie Photography + Carla Fahden; featured on Design*Sponge

More after the jump!

Bathroom of Emma Reddington;

photographed by Kristin Sjaarda; featured on Design*Sponge

Bathroom of Food stylist Claire Stubbs;

Photographed by Ashley Tonner; House & Home February 2011

Richard Lambertson and John Truex's Sutton Place Apartment;

photographed by Joshua McHugh; via Architectural Digest

Tobi Fairley Interior Design

FASHIONGASM: Derek Lam / Graphic Print Jacket

2012-05-07T11:30:00.000-04:00

I mean, I don't think this really needs explanation... It's one of the sickest graphic print jackets I've ever seen. The color palette is not only on trend with the pink and orange/red, but I think it's one of those jackets that will never go out of style. It's a graphic classic.

I might sell my left arm for it.

It has been sold out on Shopbop for a while, but is now back (however, I'm sure it won't be for long). If you love it, but are in need of a dress, never fear, it's sister — the short sleeve graphic print dress — is also back in stock. Act quick.

10 Crosby Derek Lam Graphic Print Jacket

***Update, it's already sold out again. Damn!

ART INSPIRED: Jarek Puczel

2012-05-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

Art: Lovers (3), Jarek Puczel

I'm always drawn to abstracted figures in art. This oil painting by artist Jarek Puczel evokes a loving, sensual relationship that draws you in but leaves the viewer something to ponder. Are they kissing? Are their faces just pressed up against each other in an embrace? You don't know, but you do know it feels good. It feels right. I think this piece would be perfect in a (my) bedroom.

Inspired Items (top to bottom): Cambridge Satchel in neon coral / Diane von Furstenberg melon harper purse / Rebecca Minkoff python clutch

Small bags with a long strap are the perfect thing to tote your essentials (phone, keys, wallet, lip gloss) around in. I take my small bag like this all over the DC. These melon, neon, and coral hues, and the snakeskin pattern would be the perfect accent to your outfit this summer.

LINK LOVE: Minty Details + Online Magazines

2012-05-06T16:41:00.002-04:00

BLOG BIZ BUZZ: (above) This gorgeous soft pink/coral clutch from k.slademade will go home with someone from the BLOG BIZ + BUZZ Seminar on Tuesday! I'm so excited! We are getting close to full, so if you were thinking of coming you might want to secure your spot. Details here.

PAPERFASHION: Katie of Paperfashion has such a cute blog. Not to mention we all love her watercolors. She does the illustrations for the Rue Blogger Side-by-Side features. Camille and I loved the watercolors she did for us in the January issue of Rue! Also, see Katie's space recently featured on Glitter Guide.

INSTAGRAM: Some of my faves lately from designlovefest, taylorsterling, henribendel, luckymagazine, and vfagenda. Follow me at megbiram to see all of my instagrams.

RUG-TASTIC: With our new place I've been on an obsessive rug search, so I did my Houzz Ideabook for May full of rugs I've got my eyes on.

LUCKY OR HARD WORK? Thanks to Erika for this sweet shout out.

EYE CANDY: Did you see the newest issues of Rue and Matchbook this week? Love me some eye candy from those talented ladies.

DC WORKSHOP: Looking for an in depth business seminar? Jess from JessLC will be in DC next Saturday doing a workshop. Get the details here.

LOVEY DOVEY: I had the pleasure of meeting Mara of A Blog About Love at ALT Summit in January. She and her husband Danny are now doing a 6-series class about love. Check them out here.

GET YOUR VOTE ON: Beauty blogger, Lara, is in the running for the Allure beauty blogger contest. She's a doll ladies, you should vote for her.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! (mañana)

2012-05-04T19:21:00.000-04:00

Don't get your panties in a bunch, I know all of this stuff isn't "Mexican" but just go with the colorful theme here. And drink a margarita while you're at it!

Have a Happy Cinco de Mayo!

1. Mara Hoffman Mexican Blanket Shorts / 2. kate spade new york travel nail polish set / 3. Striped Blanket / 4. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Embroidered Sandals / 5. Birds of Paradise Harmony Bag / 6. Colorful Mexican coverlet / 7. Julie Rofman beaded bracelet / 8. Hacienda Mini Backpack / 9. Dori Csengeri Quadrille earrings

WEEK IN REVIEW: Rainbows + Mimosas

2012-05-04T09:23:00.000-04:00

Whew, I am exhausted! My new east coast allergies are taking quite a toll on me. I've also been really busy working and consulting, which is great! I still have some major projects to finish in the next few days, and then I will feel so relieved! Since I was having a few guests over on Monday (see below), it was high time I did something with the rest of my bookshelves, hence the rainbow.

More of my week after the jump!

Since I couldn't swing going to LuckyFABB in LA this week, although had I known the pre-party was at Kelly Wearstler and she (insert obsession here) was going to be there, I probably would have reasoned myself into it. But being the financially responsible person I am have to be now that I've moved to the east coast my rent is cha ching per month (Midwest mortgage — I miss you), I settled for the live stream and having Lara (who you should vote for in the Allure beauty blogger contest) & Nicole (wise beyond her years) over for co-working, LuckyFABB, and mimosas. The co-working and mimosas went well, but unfortunately the live stream wasn't working properly, and we could barely hear anything and it stopped half way through the day.

Not only have I heard this was a great novel, but I mean the cover practically begged me to buy it. I'm thinking it will be the perfect novel to break in the pool with. Purchase: The Art of Fielding.

SPEAKING OF THE POOL!!! If you've been around M+M for a few years, you may have picked up that I'm obsessed with pools. I love pools and beaches, warm summer days, reading books and magazines... ahhhh. The pool at our new place is getting so close to opening. Every day I watch they people down there and assess what they are doing... will it be this weekend? Next??? And yes, our pool is giant!

Oh my Domino collection. Every. Single. Issue. (My husband loves that I've moved these with us every year). EXCEPT the friggin' new special issue, which I've unfortunately heard is 90% photos from older issues. Sad face. I'll probably still have to get it for the collection's sake, and because I feel I probably need to form my own opinion on it. Anyway, I can't find this sucker anywhere!

My DC: Amanda of Metrocurean

2012-05-03T11:29:00.000-04:00

For my second My City feature, I spent the afternoon with food writer, Amanda of Metrocurean. Amanda is an expert on the DC food scene, and has been blogging since 2005. Her roots are from North Carolina, which you get a hint of from her slight southern accent.

See where Amanda took me after the jump!

Amanda is in love with her neighborhood: 14th Street between Logan Circle and U Street. She met me at her daily coffee stop, Peregrine Espresso, where the barista knew her by name. Actually, everywhere we went, they all knew her by name.

Over hibiscus tea, we chatted about the difference between cake flour and regular flour (I didn't even know cake flour existed until a few years ago), my 27 years of not eating vegetables, and she made it her mission to get me to like them.

Next door to Peregrine is Cork, one of her favorite wine bars that she says also has amazing food. It wasn't open, but someone from inside saw her and came out to chat and let me in to see the ambiance. Definitely on my list for an afternoon soon!

We strolled down to Pulp, a bright shop with all sorts of kitchen and home goods. Great place to pick up gifts. She said throughout the ups and downs of this stretch of 14th street, Pulp has always been there and lasted through rough times. Now the street is bustling with new restaurants.

You can find frequently find Amanda on the patio at Standard, a BBQ and beer garden, where they also serve donuts that you can just walk by and purchase on the weekends. Note to self: Go to Standard.

Amanda's blue patterned is A.L.C. from Heidi Says in San Francisco, blazer and scarf both from Urban Outfitters (similar jacket, similar scarf), jeans are J.Brand (similar), and Sunglasses were $5 from Wrightsville Beach Corner Store.

Amanda took me into one of her favorite shops, Muléh. A modern mix of fashion and furniture, I think my wallet jumped out of my purse and hid at the sight of all the beautiful designer goods.

And of course, one of the owners stopped to chat with Amanda, because again, she knew them. She has definitely made this place her neighborhood.

If you are a New Yorker, they have also have a store on 30 Gansevoort St. (Greenwich St/Hudson St).

As we approached Bar Pilar (which I constantly hear about but haven't been yet), one of the owners was standing outside, and of course, knew Amanda. So we chatted with him for a while. I felt like I got such a rich history of the neighborhood and a great personal experience because Amanda knew so much about each place, and we stopped to talk to everyone.

While they were chatting I was getting artistic with my camera (I don't claim to be a talented photographer, but more just capturing the moment in a journalistic way).

Her shoes are Seychelles and the bag is Cynthia Vincent, similar.

The guy at Bar Pilar was standing outside because he was sanding down these glass coke bottles that they are going to use as glasses — how cool is that!?! Love the concept and that he was taking all the time to do that, they are just hoping people don't end up taking them home because they like them so much.

On our way down to the Timothy Paul bedding store, Amanda clued me in on the rest of the restaurants in the area. This pink rug in Timothy Paul was calling for an Instagram (obviously). Amanda told me they also had a rug shop, Timothy Paul Carpets, down the street, so after she left for her dinner plans I went down there to check it out, and who did I meet? Timothy Paul. Lovely guy and his rug store, I was practically drooling in there.

My Shoes: Jessica Simpson, old, similar

Amanda also told me if I had time to go get some gelato or sorbet at Pitango. Not one for missing out on anything in the ice cream family, I marched myself right down there and had raspberry and chocolate sorbet, yep chocolate sorbet. It was delicious! As I was eating (and looking at my photos from my time with Amanda) two of the people working there started speaking (a grammar person corrected me — thanks anonymous) in Spanish, and they guy sitting next to me perked up and started talking to them also. I used to speak fairly fluently so I can usually understand a lot but am too timid to speak much anymore. Anyway, they were staying how they were all from Colombia, which funny enough, I've been to. The world is small. I've probably never mentioned how much I LOVE the Latino culture. Everyone is always happy, smiling, spends a lot of time outside, eating and with family and friends. The cities in Central and South America just feel so alive to me. I'm excited to do more traveling down there.

Anyway, back to Amanda! Let's hear about our day from her:

What are your favorite things about your neighborhood?

The food! I may never leave again.

Since you are a foodie/food blogger, what are your other favorite places to eat in DC and why or what do you HAVE to get when you go to them?

Bar Pilar (fried chicken), Birch and Barley (seasonal flatbread), Cork (lemon zest fries, avocado on grilled bread), Estadio (chorizos with potato chips, shishito peppers), Pearl Dive (oysters, crawfish etoufee), Saint-Ex (fried green tomato BLT), Standard (burger, hush puppies)

What food items do you always have on hand?

Carrots, oranges and ginger for making morning juice. Pimento cheese and olives for snacking. Bottle of sriracha for spicing things up. And bacon from the farmers market.

Do you have a favorite recipe you want to share with us?

This Moroccan chicken is the bomb. So easy and elegant.

How did you become a "foodie" / why is food special to you?

I can't remember a time when my family wasn't constantly planning its next meal and talking passionately about food. It took me a while to realize not everyone's raised that way.

Huge thanks to Amanda for taking me around her 14th Street hood!

Check out Amanda's website Metrocurean, twitter, and Facebook.

BLOG BIZ + BUZZ Seminar / DC / May 8th

2012-05-02T14:00:00.001-04:00

Next Tuesday I'm giving my second BLOG BIZ + BUZZ Seminar (the first one was in Kansas City). I'm so excited as I genuinely love helping people learn how to use social media, best blogging practices, and how to make their online business presence the best it can be. To see what some of my consulting clients have said, you can read it directly from them here.

BLOG BIZ + BUZZ — DC is on May 8th, starting at 6:30 p.m., close to Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stops at the offices of canvas and nclud. I'm limiting the size of the seminar and we are already half full, so just putting that out there if you were thinking about coming. If you can't make it, I'll be setting another date in DC this summer.

You can get your ticket and more details here.

So what are these goodies all about... what's a BLOG BIZ + BUZZ Seminar without some goodies? So far we have some fun things from k.slademade, Mane Message, Stephanie Johnson, Design Darling and Oia Jules for attendees.

If you can't make it or don't live in DC, I do phone consults, and am lining up some dates in NYC and Kansas City for more BLOG BIZ + BUZZ seminars. Contact me at mimiandmeg (at) gmail (dot) com for consulting.

The twitter hashtag for BLOG BIZ + BUZZ is #blogbizbuzz

***There is also another great workshop going on in DC next Saturday (May 12th) by blogger and small business queen, Jess of JessLC & Makeunder My Life. Get all the details on her workshop here!

FASHIONGASM: Tibi Color-Blocked Dress

2012-05-02T10:08:00.004-04:00

I know. I know. You're thinking, damn, can I afford to shell out the dough for this beauty? Telling yourself, I'd wear it ALL SUMMER to EVERY SINGLE EVENT because it's just that good. Well, lemmetella, you'd probably be glad you did. Just LOOK at this long silk color-blocked thing! We all know that color-blocking is a huge fashion trend right now, but this dress puts a timeless spin on it. I can say from experience that when I invested in a designer dress that I was absolutely in love with, I was so glad I did. It was bound to happen because when I walked in, I saw it on the hanger, immediately grabbed it and wasn't letting go. Don't regret a cent of it and have worn it many many times.

This gorgeous color-blocked dress is available at Bergdorf Goodman and Tibi (I bet it sells out soon).

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ART INSPIRED: Linda Monfort

2012-05-01T10:26:00.001-04:00

Art: First Blush by Linda Monfort
Inspired Items: 1. Ennis Antique Brass Web Sphere Lamp / 2. Celestial Coasters / 3. Jonathan Adler Pandora Box / 4. Kelly Green Campaign Dresser

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