Friday I'm (Daydreaming)

Instead of yammering on about what's really going on (let's just say that after paying $722 in parking tickets last night, today I have to go to San Francisco Superior Court to pay $383 for a "tinted windows" ticket . . . and yes, I bought my car with the windows as they are from the Honda dealership), I'm going to talk a little about what I would be in love with if I could do as I pleased this weekend:

1. Reading

on my nightstand

2. Lying on the beach

Baker Beach in San Francisco, taken with my iPhone

3. Working on my apartment

outside of my apartment building/my back deck

Being as busy as I am, I rarely have time for things like framing prints, decorating, rearranging, etc.  Lately I've been longing to fix up my apartment a little bit . . . cause after all, I may be spending a bit more time there after I lose funding for my job!  

But tonight I'm going to see this, which I'm pretty excited about:

A Way Out consists of three short plays that offer a glimpse into the lives of women struggling to break away from cycles of abuse, incarceration and codependency, written by the women of Rising Voices.

What's going on with y'all this weekend?  Happy Friday!

Summer B.

Back in Love

It's Friday and I'm happy again!  So glad to report that I don't have to share a "not in love" list today.  It's been gorgeous this week in San Francisco, it's the end of the week, and I'm a joyful girl.

play along with Summer B

1. Etsy seller justbedesigns

I carry your heart with me small necklace

Hope is the thing with feathers necklace

Anne Sexton Poetic Charm Bracelet

Anais Nin Poetic Ring

There are many ways to my heart; two of them are poetry and jewelry.  How 'bout this stellar combination of the two?  I found the e.e. cummings necklace first (swoon!) and then came upon these other gorgeous pieces.  And it doesn't stop there--this seller has jewelry depicting Jane Austen, Alice in Wonderland, Edith Piaf, etc.  So pretty.

2. BBQ season in California

My girl Anna has a new boo and we get to meet him and give our seal of approval on Sunday!  Can't wait to peep this guy (he lives in Baltimore and flew into town last night).  

from

Bring on the soy dogs & veggies.  You gotta admit, vegetables on the grill are a pretty sight.  Even if you prefer medium rare hamburgers (barf).  You know, the last time I had a hamburger was in the 7th grade. I remember sitting at my parents' dining room table, eating a hamburger, and throwing up after.  And that was the end of a (meat-eating) era.  In any case, since I can't be with my mama on Mother's Day, I can't wait to spend Sunday the second best way: grilling, sipping, and laughing with friends.  Cheers to new love!

3. The Prison University Project at San Quentin

Here's the link.  They are amazing.  I want them to hire me. That is all.

(and if you were wondering, I am still head over heels for this dress). 

Happy weekend everyone!  Hope it's as sunny wherever you are as it is here.

Friday I'm in Love . . . sorta

1. Azim Khamisa
I'm teaching about forgiveness and restorative justice in class right now, and Azim Khamisa embodies the principles of empathy and forgiveness.  His 20 year old son, Tariq, a pizza delivery guy, was shot and killed by an angry 14 year old when he was held up for the pizza.  Instead of seeking revenge, Azim Khamisa has established the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, the philosophy of which is that there are "victims at both ends of the gun."  He works closely with the grandfather of his son's killer, traveling around speaking to young people about violence prevention and forgiveness.  If you have the chance to see the short film "From Murder to Forgiveness," do it.

from

One of my heroes, that man.  But what I'm not in love with?  The fact that I can't attend this conference.  

2. Earth Day

Everything in my sister's etsy shop, Very Fine House, is now HALF OFF with the code . . . HALFOFF. ;)

from

3. Ruffly Swimsuits

These and pretty much all others from Anthropologie.  Gotta hop on the Shred bandwagon before I start trying on swimsuits, though, geez.  And speaking of swimsuits, would you check out this wackness from Urban Outfitters?  WTF?  

Okay, I'm off to finish the school day and then jet off to find a delicious bottle of red wine to bring to my friends' house for dinner tonight.  Ah, adult beverages and conversation.  You heal me.

**Link up with Summer and tell us what you're loving this Friday:

Friday I'm in Love!

Yay for Friday!  This week has been busy, but also full of things that I'm lovin':

Summergirl

1. The Orange Cadbury Creme Egg

from

No more talk about this obsession because I am trying, desperately, to overcome it.  Moving on.

2. Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips

Peep my nails:

Excuse a) the bad picture and b) the marker on my hands (we were making posters for our event in class).  But check out how cute my little fishnet nails are!  This is the second time I've used Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips and they seriously do last about a week.  It's incredible.  I'm smitten.

3. This Baby's Face

I know yammering on and on about babies can be tiresome, but this baby, Jude Freitag, is otherworldly.  I babysit him and his big brother (whom I also adore) every Thursday, and Jude pretty much smiles at me like this the entire afternoon.  He's unlike any other.  

4. Casey Abrams

from

American Idol makes me realize I'm a little snotty about music.  I totally turn my nose up when contestants choose lame-o songs to sing (eh-hem, Pia, Thia, and Stefano).  Which is why my heart swelled so big when Casey did me proud again by picking CCR last week.  How rad was he with his stand up bass?  I love this guy.  Possibly even more than I loved Andrew Garcia . . . which is sayin' a lot.  I voted my thumbs off on Wednesday night for this dude.  And speaking of American Idol, can y'all believe Pia got sent home?  The most attractive contestant in the history of this show?  With some bangin' vocals?  Crazy.

5. That Which Gets Me through the Week

thank you for helping me survive

Happy Friday everyone.  Hope the weekend's fun!  Now tell me what you're loving this week . . .

Friday I'm in Love (and my own little tribute to Japan)

I know a  lot of bloggers are participating in the Day of Silence for Japan, but I thought a blog post + a link to an amazing donation deal would be just as productive!

Summergirl

You know, for the record, I love hearing about what y'all are loving, too.  And therefore I encourage you to participate in Friday, I'm in Love.  Isn't it great to discover new products/books/recipes, etc.?  Why yes I think so.

1. Bare Minerals

I never believed that this would actually work--that a strictly powder foundation would even my skin tone & provide solid coverage . . . but now I'm a total convert.  I tried it and I love it.  And since my go-to foundation is $60, I think I'm sticking with Bare Minerals from here on out!

Bare Minerals

2. My Impromptu Kale Recipe

The other night I was exhausted and wanted a quick dinner, so it was a whatever's-in-my-fridge sorta night.  Fortunately, I had some good !@#$ in my fridge, cause I threw together this kale & brown rice dish and it was so dang good.  

saute minced garlic in coconut oil

add washed kale

stir-fry kale & garlic with chili flakes, salt, & pepper

when it's mostly done, add slivered almonds & craisins

serve over brown rice

3. Emi-Jay Hair Ties

I bought mine at the Dailey Method when I arrived to workout and had no hair tie with me, but then realized I could order them online.  They're amazing--cute, sturdy, and hold your hair well without breaking it.  Try these!

images from Emi Jay website

4. Living Social's Matching Donations to Japan!

Y'all, Living Social has already raised almost 2 million dollars toward the relief efforts in Japan!  If you donate just $5, they'll match your donation and pledge $10 total.  I donated yesterday--it takes just a second and is so effective!  Click here to donate, and let me know if you do! :)

Happy Friday, & I hope it's prettier where you are than it is in San Francisco, where it's dreary, cold, and pouring down rain!

Friday I'm in Love!

Happy Friday y'all!  I've been floating around school today, giddy about the impending weekend.  It's upon us!  What fun things do you have planned?

My usual lively weekend plans have been curtailed by a ferocious deadline: While I do have plans to hang out with some of my girls (including an old friend in town from NYC) on Saturday night over wine & Indian pizza, the rest of the weekend  I am on lockdown. Like serious, for real lockdown.  I have a huge manuscript due to Justice Now/Voice of Witness on Monday (essentially, I have 45 pages of a transcribed interview that I have to write into a cohesive, first person narrative).  Fortunately, I am passionate about the project and I love the woman whose story is being told . . . but my goodness do I have my work cut out for me!

Onto business as usual:

Summergirl

Here are some things I've been loving lately.  First and foremost:

1. Behold two of my favorite things:

    An NFL hottie + the Manbun

OMFG

The darling Marianne (who obviously knows me very well) sent me this picture a few days ago, because she knows how dear both of these things are to me.  While I never thought Tom Brady was one of the hottest in the NFL before, I sure as heck do now that he's sporting a manbun!  Oh to be Gisele and make love to that sweet sweet man with the sexiest hairstyle around.  He'ssofine.

2. Chocolate Bananas

Check this out:

from

This is my new favorite thing.  I'd bought the regular Gone Bananas before at Trader Joe's (a whole frozen banana dipped in chocolate) but these bite-sized ones are so much better!  They are PERFECT for a sweet tooth--delicious and relatively guilt-free (really low-calorie).  I pretty much want to go home right now so I can grab some from my freezer.  If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, try these!

3. Tsunami Love

from

This morning I got one phone call, six text messages, and a couple emails from far-off loved ones checking on San Francisco (the first tsunami wave was supposed to reach our coastline at 8:08 this morning).  Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and concern.  Things are fine here in California, though I am devastated for Japan as we continue to see the body count rise.  It seems we've had a surge of natural disasters in the past few years, and it's heartbreaking.

Here's hoping that Eastern Japan is able to heal soon, and that its people are overwhelmed with strength and resilience.  

Happy Friday!

Friday I'm in Love!

Summergirl

1. This Saturday is my 6th Annual All Girls Valentine's Sleepover!

I am so excited, and I'm telling you, my apartment's gonna look like a Cupid explosion!  I've been gathering banners, flags, napkins, plates, cupcakes, red candy dishes, heart placemats, etc.  It's pretty much gonna be amazing.  Especially since Amy got me some Spanish conversation hearts for the party. ;)  Pics to follow!

from

2. My friend Elena is arriving from San Diego today!  

I'm going to pick her up after school.  Can't wait!  We went to grad school together for a year, and then she moved back down to San Diego, so we only get to see each other once or twice a year.  Yay for visits from far-away friends!  We're gonna have dinner & drinks in my hood in Oakland tonight--keepin' it low-key so we can gear up for tomorrow's shenanigans.  

3. Homeroom

What's better than a school-themed mac & cheese restaurant?  Well . . . not a whole lot.  There's a new spot (just opened) in north Oakland called Homeroom (um, how cute is that?) that specializes in all kinds of mac & cheese.  Do yourself a favor and check out the menu here.  I'll expect you all to book plane tickets to the bay shortly thereafter. ;)

You know what I'm not in love with?  This d-bag who kicked Jacee out of his group on Wednesday night.  WTF, yo.  Go back to your karaoke bar, cause there's no room for @$$holes on Idol!

Clint Jun Gamboa

Who are your faves?  At this point, I think the 15 year old Lauren with the wavy blonde hair is pretty top-notch.  That girl has a powerhouse voice!  I also love the Seth Rogan lookalike who rocked the upright bass last night.  Whoa!  And homeboy can scat.

Happy Friday! xo

Friday I'm in Love!

Summergirl

It's Friday, and I'm exhausted.  But I'm wearily in love with these things:

1. All the Valentine's love  that's been pouring in my mailbox!  If you're struggling with making your own Valentines, check out Micaela's gorgeous, hand-crafted cards.  Hers put mine to shame!  And check out this loot--Faiza sent decorations for my all-girls V-Day sleepover, and my friend Linda sent hilarious chocolate.  So excited:

this is just the beginning!

2.  This blog's  layout and design.  I love it!  I came across it through Carrie's white denim in winter challenge, and I immediately emailed the sweet blogger, Kai, to ask who did her design.  Now, to spend $60 on a new blog layout or not to?  Isn't her blog perfect looking?  I'm smitten.

3. These Jeffreys:

cutttteeee

Normally I like super-feminine shoes, but something about these clunky, modern platforms has me all atwitter.  

Hope everyone's having a delightful Friday!  It sure is easier to get through the day knowing there is a weekend ahead of you.  Unfortunately, I will be hunkered down all weekend staring at my computer screen since I have an upcoming deadline for the Voice of Witness project I'm working on (transcribing the interviews I've done and turning them into first person narratives).  I love the project so dearly, and I'm so fortunate to be a part of it . . . but man, is it time-consuming!

XOXO

Friday I'm in Love!

Summergirl

1.  These giveaways:

**Meghan (whom I adore and whose blog I always look forward to reading) at The Perfect Compilation Tape is giving away your choice of Rhianne's prints!

**Neely at A Complete Waste of Makeup is giving away a $50 gift certificate to your choice: Target, Starbucks, Sephora, Anthropologie, Lululemon, or Banana Republic.  WHAT?!  Go enter!

2. Lunch with my dearie former student & her babykid:

3. One of my besties had her baby!!!  
Perhaps you know who I'm referring to. :)  I'll give you more deets as soon as she gives me the okay, but let's just say I can't wait to meet my lil nephew!

4. Scoutmob

If you live in San Francisco, Atlanta, or New York City and you don't have Scoutmob, get with the program.  Every other day or so you get a 50% off coupon (on your phone) to a restaurant/store/etc. around town.  Last Friday night I had dinner with some of my faves at Andalu for half off (three of us had dinner & a pitcher of sangria for $30-something!).  Sweeeeeeet.  

Not loving:

Sammi, go home already!  Last night was such a tease!

Happy Friday!

Friday I'm in Love!

Summergirl

I've got a new shoe crush and it's taken hold of me.  Evidently, Rihanna and I have the same taste in Louboutins.  The one pair I own, she owned first (damn her!).  And now, she's bested me again, cause she has the Christian Louboutin Misfit 150s!  Thus begins my Friday I'm in Love post with

1. These Loubs:

other things I love about this photo: Vogue, Rihanna, Annie Leibovitz

OMFG

Believe it or not, I think I like them best in the creamy khaki color.  They're perfectly dramatic in black, but maybe a little too goth for me.  But the lighter color?  HOLY MOTHER.  I've fallen hard.  They're only $1500, so I only need to take 862 more babysitting jobs to get my paws on them!

2. Snooki's book being on the New York Times best seller list.

Don't believe me?  Click here.  

Did I just order this book from amazon?  Why yes, yes I did.  What can I say, I love to read. ;)

(What I'm not in love with: that I have $80K of student loans and an MFA in Creative Writing and yet Snooki's book is on the best seller list).

3. FREE SNOOKI

That moments after Snooki was hauled off by the cops and taken to the slammer, JWOWW was sporting one of these:

In case you've forgotten some of Snooki's finer moments, here's a little reminder:

4. Jude + Tim Riggins

Jude is nobody's fool, and damn straight he's paying homage to the fact that Tim Riggins has been released from jail and is back in Dillon, Texas!  Let's just say my Wednesday nights have gotten a little brighter (uh--hotter) now that Timmy's back on Friday Night Lights.  

welcome home, baby.  

tell me, what kinds of things did you miss while you were in prison?

Hope the rest of you have had a lovely week and have fun weekend plans.  I finally have a day off on Sunday (!!!) so let's just say the world is my oyster.  Happy weekend!

Friday I'm in Love!

Summergirl

Happy Friday, y'all!  I'm so happy to have made it through the first week back at school.  It went by in the blink of an eye, which tells me summer's gonna be here before I know it!  

Today I'm in love with:

1) This picture

Freeman and his mama in Colorado over Christmas

right before they got in the hot tub

Seriously!  Would you look at that mini bathrobe and the look on my little buddy's face?  Dying over here.  Lucky for me, he's my Saturday & Sunday companion this weekend.

2) Scream Sorbet

from

Previously only available at the farmers market, there is now a Scream Sorbet storefront in my neighborhood (trouble on the horizon).  Now, I am a pretty serious connoisseur of all things ice cream/frozen yogurt/sorbet/etc. . . so take me seriously when I say that this stuff is the best I've ever had (Move over, Bi-Rite!  Move over, Yogurtland!)  Click here for a list of flavors (but be prepared to hop on a plane and head to the Bay Area, cause you'll want to as soon as you see the likes of caramel cashew or meyer lemon or peanut brittle).  

Eric & I walked up to Temescal the other day for lunch, and I squealed when I saw the new Scream right next to Bake Sale Betty's (another neighborhood legend--Mayra, have you had their fried chicken sandwich?).  I hurried through lunch and pretty much skipped up the street as soon as we were done.  We got the peppermint chocolate sorbet sandwich, which was delicious, but not as delicious as my two current favorites: cashew caramel and pistachio.  It's crazy--the ingredients for cashew caramel are literally "cashews, sugar, sea salt, water" or something like that.  Vegan and organic and all ingredients from local farmers markets . . . and yet the creamiest, most delicious frozen stuff I've ever tasted.

Who wants to go tonight?!