Stars, Stripes, and Rainbows

As a kid, I used to call fireworks "yummy balloons." All these years later, I think the term still applies- it's full of the wonder and nostalgia that fireworks continue to have on people year after year, or at least on me. And as I joked to my boyfriend, there's something about explosives that just makes me feel patriotic. After watching the Hollywood Bowl fireworks through the distance and a hazy night sky from my apartment balcony last year, this year I got to see them up close. The Bowl orchestra and Hall & Oates performed on a gorgeous night; the type of night that makes it feel so luxurious to be sipping on wine and picnicking surrounded by greenery under a pink sunset. What better environment to muse on how lucky we are to be Americans, for all our country's faults and current shortcomings?

Kitty Comfort

Until I have a baby, my two cats are my babies. I know this freaks some people out, but if you are one of those peeps, sorry. They's my babies and that's just how it is. My boyfriend feels the same, so until he ditches me, I suppose I don't feel the crazy cat lady shame I'm supposed to (or we're both just too crazy to ever feel it-whatevs).

But just because I love them, doesn't mean I'm willing to live in an ugly cardboard and carpet toy covered apartment. It's small enough in here, there's just no way I'm filling it full of crap too. So I've found some fun, attractive alternatives to keep my pets entertained and comfy (though let's be honest, they usually just want to lay on us or in the seats we'd like to be sitting on).

Atomic Attic on Etsy sells lots of great re-purposed vintage goods, including pet beds using old suitcases. You can't really tell in the photo but ours has a removable rack on the bottom for added height.

They've started making them out of old tv sets too, which are genius for kitties that like to hide and hibernate.

We also got them a bed of sorts for the living room, since they're clingly and want to be in whatever room we're in. I have a teepee obsession, so how could I not buy this Loyal Luxe version with matching mini "bearskin" rug? Only Chloe will use this, but if our pets were the hiding kind, I'd label this a winner.
Our cats don't have this feeder, mostly because if we didn't use a fountain style bf would never remember to give the kids fresh water daily, but I love this These Creatures design!

Finally, toys. I am lucky enough to live within walking distance of an amazing pet store, Tailwaggers, that sells unique toys and has great employees who aren't shy about sharing which toys are winners. They sell these adorable little knit animals (llamas, bunnies holding carrots, monkeys holding bananas) stuffed with catnip that last forever. I just picked up this Go Cat mouse that keeps my munchkins endlessly entertained and while not exactly a design marvel, it is small enough to store easily.

Rosson Crow

I've just discovered Rosson Crow, a young artist who takes pop culture and historical imagery and gives them a color saturated, almost graffiti-like treatment while maintaining a style that pays homage to traditional painting and the old masters. The result is raw and sumptuous, if not totally groundbreaking. I love the colors! Supposedly she's very popular with art speculators in the know, so who knows where I've been all this time, but I do find her work very appealing and approachable, despite the darker connotation many of her pieces suggest.

Buck Owen's Trophy Room, 2007

Flower Shop at the Ambassador, 2007

To Dine Each Night On A Carpet of Jewelry, 2009

Queens Butcher Shop 1910, 2009

Getting Into Character

This weekend a friend of mine is having a Hello Kitty themed birthday bar crawl, and as to embarrass us all (I mean, have fun) is asking us to all dress us like a Sanrio character. So while I try to quell the anxiety that walking into a full bar on a Saturday looking like a dork has got growing in my belly, I'll leave you with a hint of who I've chosen to portray. Can you guess who?


Have a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend everyone!