Any Second Now

Love In The First Degree

A few weekends ago, my mom, hubby and I all made the trek to Laguna Beach to witness the nuptials of my cousin Paul to his beautiful bride, Carol. Other than my own wedding, this was one of the most beautiful and fun weddings I have ever been to. It started off quite simple with drinks in the lobby of Seven-Degrees (an “idea lab”) leading to a beautiful ceremony. Once we finished hors d’oeuvre during the cocktail hour, we began dinner with a viewing of their rock-star-like wedding video (edited that day) and ended the night with a sparkler send off and the happy couple racing away in one of their two Lotuses. It was quite the magical evening, by any degree. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well!

Our lovely place cards.

Carol with her father, in a gorgeous gown.

My mom, me and Deon with newlyweds.

Carol and Paul with his parents, grandmother and brother, Patrick.

Us girls and our boys.

Aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and grandparents.

I loved the lighting, flowers and table settings.

In addition to the TVs throughout the reception, there were these little ornaments with tiny cameras in them, showcasing a slide show of the couple’s engagement photos.

With my hubby.

Fun photos with my cousins.

The couple was given cakes modeled after their cars by their friends, but they also had their traditional wedding cake.

A sparkler send-off, as they drive away in Carol’s white Lotus (the last three photos were taken by my cousin Imelda and her husband Robert).

The Horse’s Mouth: Cy Curnin’s New Album

This seems to be a week filled with music! It started off with my account of The Postal Service concert, and today’s post will be about Cy Curnin’s newest solo effort called The Horse’s Mouth. I’ve had this album for a while because I’m a “Production Associate”, which means I signed up early enough during the pre-sale of the album that my name appears in the liner notes and on Cy’s site as an album sponsor. Out of respect for Cy and all of the people who worked hard on this album, we were asked to wait to share this fantastic album until they were ready to put it out to the larger market. Now that the album is officially on sale on the Cy Curnin and The Fixx websites (iTunes and Amazon as well), I feel confident in sharing my thoughts on one of my favorite new albums this year.

I’ve always loved The Fixx. Cy’s voice is so distinct and known to me because that group was a part of my teen years and they were a fixture on every alternative station I listened to growing up, and even now on Resurrection Sunday on 91X and 1st Wave on Sirius XM. I knew he released works without The Fixx over the years, but this is my first time purchasing one of his solo albums. The Horse’s Mouth feels like a combination of old and new, modern and retro. I know in my heart that this is new music, but some of it feels so familiar in songs like “Bubble”, “Strange Ways”, “Before the Day is Out” and “Light in The Darkest Hour”. They remind me very much of The Fixx and are part of my top six favorite songs on the album. “Why Why Baby” and “All Over” are both energetic and modern sounding. I can completely picture myself in a night club, listening to remixes of these songs over pulsating speakers. There is also quite a mix of style and genre in songs like “Karma Mama” (jazz), “Been There Done That” (spoken word, almost rap!), “Belladonna” (rock), and “Joy” (salsa/latino). But my runaway favorites on the whole album are “Celebrating” and “The Good in You”. “Celebrating” is so incredibly upbeat, that I found myself dancing in my car to this enthusiastic anthem. “The Good In You” is a wonderful duet featuring Canadian singer Jann Arden. This song has been on repeat since I received the album. It’s groovy, soulful, catchy and just altogether…good! I am honored to be among the other “Production Associates” as a part of Cy Curnin’s latest solo effort. Cy should be proud of this album!

Above: My name and blog in the liner notes. Below: I have #27 of 300 pressed in the first release.

Bonus Pictures – Above: My signed DVD and USB stick, after I saw The Fixx in concert in Las Vegas back in 2007. I said “Hello Cy, I’m…Cy!”, which is why it says “To me!” Below: With The Fixx after the signing. Drummer Adam Woods is pointing at me because I said “GO YOU REDS!”, knowing he’s a Manchester United fan.

Such Great Heights: The Postal Service in Concert

A couple of weekends ago as a belated anniversary date night out, my hubby and I went to dinner, then saw The Postal Service in concert at the Open Air Theatre, on the campus of San Diego State University. Before we met, both my husband and I coincidentally bought the Give Up album separately back in 2003. If you are unfamiliar with the band, The Postal Service is vocalist Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, producer Jimmy Tamborello of Dntel and Headset, Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley and indie rock musician, Jen Wood. For this tour, they are joined by Laura Burhenn instead of Jen Wood. Give Up is one of my favorite albums, and I was lucky that tickets were still available for the tour celebrating the 10th anniversary of the album’s release.

There were two opening acts: Baths and Big Freedia. Baths was first, and I found their sound very compatible with The Postal Service, so it made sense that they would be an opener. A spectacular surprise was Big Freedia, the queen diva extraordinaire from New Orleans. If Hollywood from the movie Mannequin and Lafayette of True Blood had melded together in some alternate universe, you would have Big Freedia. I loved her set, but I’m certain she surprised many a Postal Service fan because I suspect many of them didn’t expect to see and hear bumpin’-booty-shakin’-bounce-hip hop. The crowd reaction was mostly positive, although a group behind us was really taken aback and one of them kept proclaiming how offended she was. I found Big Freedia and her twerkin’ lovelies fun and entertaining, and I wasn’t lying when I told her crew who interviewed me for a documentary that I would definitely grab a CD or two after the show. I’ll be sure to post it here if I make the final cut!

The Postal Service took the stage right around 8:30pm, and they did not disappoint. I want to say they sounded just like their album, but they actually sounded better. They performed all the songs from the Give Up album, plus four additional tracks and two covers (set list below). The stage lighting was dynamic, yet simple and beautiful, allowing the music to be the focus. We didn’t stay for the entire concert, missing the encore. Being that we didn’t take the following Monday off, we wanted to beat the traffic and get home to rest. We both were happy to hear the songs we wanted (“Nothing Better“, “Sleeping In” and “Such Great Heights“), so we didn’t mind if we missed a couple of songs. It still made for a very nice evening out. Hope you had a great weekend!

The original CD, purchased back in 2003 (this one is mine, we can’t find my hubby’s CD). There is a special 10th anniversary reissue available from Sub Pop with extra tracks.

This is what happens when you wait until the last-minute to get tickets…

Baths

A shot of my outfit, which turned out to be perfect for an evening outdoor concert.

Hell-to-the-yeah: BIG FREEDIA IN THE HOUSE!

The Postal Service

The shirt my hubby got (I just got the simple black tour tee with the dates). The front says “Side A” and the back says “Side B”. Clever! Now I want the tote bag that has the same images.

Edit this setlist | More The Postal Service setlists

“Nothing Better” as recorded from my hubby’s iPhone.

San Diego Style Bloggers at Old Navy

This past Monday, I attended a “Blogger Night” event at Old Navy in the Fashion Valley Mall through San Diego Style Bloggers. I’m always happy to attend these fun and fashionable events because I get to see my favorite SD Style Bloggers, in addition to meeting new blogger friends! It was a great evening of styling ourselves, as well as customers who shopped that night. I didn’t get a chance to style anyone myself, but I did watch my fellow bloggers put together some great outfits. It was lovely to see Jess, Tuyaymya, and Alessandra again, in addition to meeting other San Diego Style Bloggers for the first time. Below are some pictures of the event, plus a list of all the bloggers in attendance. Hope you have a great weekend!

As you know from my outfit pictures, Old Navy is in heavy rotation in my wardrobe (check out posts here, here, here and here just to name a few). Above are some hopefuls for my wardrobe!

This is actually the second outfit I tried on. Adore the printed pants.

With Amanda, Jess, Tuyaymya and Alessandra. Aren’t these girls gorgeous?

Having a blast! Need I mention everyone’s fab shoes?

My final outfit choice of the night: The Plaid Madras Shirt and bright yellow 3″ Everyday Khaki Shorts. (Picture courtesy of OldNavyFashionValley’s Instagram…follow them!)

#SDStyleBloggers and the Old Navy “Sellebrities”! Thank you to store manager, Kyle, and the rest of his awesome staff for a great time!

Bloggers Pictured: Elvy of Pigtails & Pearls; Amanda of Amanda Kathryn; Jess of A Glam Diary; Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress; Maria of Savvynista; Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez; Daniel of Seamed; and of course, moi!

Beat Surrender

I like to be comfortable when I go to a concert, but I don’t want to surrender my fashionista ways. I once wore 4 inch heels to see Dave Gahan in concert, and although I loved my look, I ultimately paid the price in pain and inconvenience. I was in pain because I’m one to stand for the majority of a show and by the fifth song, my feet were done. Then it was inconvenient because there was a point where everyone rushed the stage during an encore, and trying to run down an incline of stairs in 4 in heels was almost not worth it, except that it was Dave Gahan and that would be the closest I would ever get to him, with or without Depeche Mode! This is an outfit which would be perfect for me for any concert, from an outdoor festival to a seated event because it’s comfortable, it’s easy, and not fussy. Although the shoes I’m wearing are heeled, they are wedged and low enough to be comfortable. And what could be more convenient than a backpack? I usually hesitate when it comes to backpacks, but this one is cute and functional. This is definitely my concert bag of choice this summer. Finally to complete the outfit, I can just play up the accessories, like wearing cool pieces of jewelry or don a hat. Concert ready? Why yes I am!

Outfit – H&M jacket; Mossimo cut-off shorts (from Target, old); Trimitive backpack (from the Carlsbad Village Faire, post here); Retro 7 hat from Junc Life & Style; Mango sunnies; DesignHype “Big Ben” necklace; Michael Kors watch; Rock Rose Classic t-shirt, unknown brand cuff and ring c/o The Beat Clothing (from their blogger party, post here); Michael Antonio “Adan” wedges, purchased at The Beat Clothing; Hot Topic studded belt; Union Jack belt buckle was a gift from a friend

(The title of this post is a song by The Jam)

Summertime Nails

Loved these nail stickers by Kiss. They lasted longer than 10 days!

I’m playing a bit of catch up with posts, so they will float between posts I meant to put up and posts that were put up to be timely with recent events. These are just some of the nail colors and stickers I’ve worn so far this summer. Hope you all had a great weekend!

I know it’s difficult to tell with this picture, but this lovely nude color called “Quick Sand” by Sally Hansen has a bit of glitter in it.

This is the color I’m currently wearing: “Paying With Platinum” by Spoiled from Wet n Wild. They completely remind me of Miista’s iridescent shoes. Miista agreed on my Instagram!

I wore these Maybelline Color Show nail stickers called “Sapphire Jewels” to a recent wedding (post here). Lovely, but definitely were meant to be worn for one day.

Definitely my favorite nail stickers of the bunch, Salon Effects “Checkin’ It Twice” by Sally Hansen. These also lasted over 10 days, but I kept forgetting to take pictures of my nails! If I find them again, I’ll be sure to get pictures. SO my style!

Caped Crusader

Have you seen the latest issue of Net-A-Porter’s magazine called The Edit? It’s all about 60’s Chic, and number 10 on their list of 12 modern throwback’s is also one of my favorites: The Cape. I own around seven capes, and I just can’t seem to get enough! I love how versatile they are, and they bring an unexpected chicness to any outfit. My most recent sweater cape was purchased from the Etsy shop of the lovely Bella of The Citizen Rosebud. I’m currently putting together an outfit to feature the cute little number. In the meantime, in honor of Comic Con and the many superheroes that will be flocking here to San Diego this week, below are some past outfits where I’ve donned the timeless classic.

March 27, 2013

January 23, 2013

November 16, 2011

May 27, 2011

(Top image courtesy of the Net-A-Porter website.)

We Got The Beat…Blogger Party!

Last Friday, I was invited to attend a wonderful little blogger soiree at The Beat Clothing in Carlsbad. I saw the store when I attended the Carlsbad Village Faire back in May (original post here), but we didn’t get to venture inside. I remember telling my husband that we should go back up to Carlsbad to go shopping and dine, so I was very excited to receive the invite. Since I was coming from work, I was the first one to arrive, which gave me the chance to snap a few pictures around the store and to get the know Diana, the owner, and a couple of the staff who stayed through the party, Kelly and Ali. Blues & Shoes, Ragz Dressware and The Beat Clothing are all sister stores, and all located in Carlsbad.

If there could be a store that would define who I was, it would be The Beat Clothing. The store is infused with rocker chic, along with all things musical. Diana’s husband was in the music industry, and really had a hand in the design of this store. Everywhere you look, there is some kind of musical instrument embedded among the cool, stylish, and trendy clothing. From the rock t-shirts on the walls to the album covers in the dressing rooms, everything just calls to me. I would wear everything in this store to the office, to the mall and definitely to a concert.

These album covers adorned the dressing rooms. I actually own a few of those!

Photo 1: Ali showing us how to wear leg jewelry. She looks fantastic! Photo 2: Love how each table has some kind of musical instrument.

Too many cool things to choose from. Check out that Union Jack leather cuff…want!

Kelly, who set up the blogger party, painted the Rolling Stones picture on the left and the microphone on the right. They look even more amazing in person!

Once I finished marveling at everything, my fellow bloggers started to trickle in. First to arrive was the gorgeous Pat of PATFLOR, followed by lovely Laura of Laura Neuzeth. Then the beautiful Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez arrived with her friend Melody, and a new blogger friend, Amber of Face It Catalog was the last to arrive (Bianca of The In-Between Girls couldn’t make it). As bloggers, you know we love to take pictures, and not only did we take pictures of the store and The Beat girls, but of each other doing our blogger things. Silliness ensued, which was expected when you get a fun bunch of gals together! I want to thank The Beat Clothing for inviting me to such an awesome event. Rest assured that I will be back to do some shopping!

Pat, working her blogger magic with Laura.

Photo 1: Pink champagne is always welcome! Photo 2: Bloggers in the round.

Photo 1: Melody, Alessandra and Laura checking out the cute shoes. Photo 2: Kelly, Diana and Ali from The Beat Clothing. So stylish!

The Rolling Stones or mustaches. Which would you choose?

Photo 1: My addition to the wall. Photo 2: Laura getting her tag in!

Michael Antonio has such awesome shoes. I bought the Adan wedges in grey on the very right. Outfit post to come!

SD Style Bloggers at The Beat Clothing. I’m wearing one of my favorite t-shirts: my Punk Masters John Taylor “Digital Truth” shirt. BTW: The mural behind us surrounding the door was also painted by Kelly. She’s just so talented!

Vegas Vittles: Monta & English’s

My last post about my recent Las Vegas trip will be about the two new places we ventured for noshing: Monta Japanese Noodle House and English’s Gastro Pub. Deon’s Uncle Junior has been talking about Monta Ramen for a while, and since every restaurant has air conditioning, having hot soup actually sounded appetizing, despite the heat. The restaurant is pretty close to the strip but very small, which caused a line to build quickly after we were seated. We started off fried rice and gyoza, our favorites. Apparently the gyoza is placed in a press that fries it on each side. It’s also made fresh to order, and I can definitely say it’s the best gyoza I’ve ever had. Finally, we had the ramen, which was again, the best I’ve had. If you’re willing to venture away from The Strip, this place is definitely worth it.

Fried Rice

The. Best. Gyoza. EVER.

From the Monta Noodle House menu: “Tonkotsu-Shoyu Ramen (pork bone and special shoyu base) has a cloudy white colored broth. The broth is like a mix of the Tokyo and Kyushu style blend. This style is the newer trend in Japan. Basic toppings are green onions, two slices of chashu, bamboo shoots and kikurage.”

On the Saturday before we left Vegas, Deon’s mom suggested we try English’s Gastro Pub at the Town Square Mall, also off The Strip. Being the Anglophile that I am, I jumped at the chance to bring a touch of England back into my life. My mother-in-law actually suggested we do Afternoon Tea, but since all of us were eating there for an early dinner, we decided to have actual meals this time round. My husband and father-in-law kept it simple with burgers and chips (my hubby added the house salad below). Not pictured is the child’s version of the burger meal, which was with a slider and chips, and included a drink for only $5. My mother-in-law had the cod and chips with crushed peas (aka mushy peas). I decided to go all the way English and had the Toad in the Hole. All of the food was good and fresh, and I loved the gravy of my Toad in the Hole. The last time I had tea was in London last year at Harrods (post here), and I think I’m due for another go. This visit to English’s just made me feel all nostalgic, and after seeing a few people who had the tea service, and I vowed that the next time we would be in town, my mother-in-law and I would venture on our own for Afternoon Tea.