I-G-G-Y

Posted on February 9, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello everybody!

It was pouring rain here in the Bay Area yesterday, so I took some time out on my Sunday to decompress at home. Cleaning, writing, running errands- incredibly fascinating and innovating stuff, right? Those of you that know me aside from Watch Me Juggle, know that I have really eclectic taste in music. I mean, borderline schizophrenic here. One minute I’m listening to Phillip Glass on piano, and the next I’ve pulled up some new Nicki Minaj, only to stop the song half-way through to listen to some Billie Holiday instead. I’m a strange individual when it comes to music. Since the start of 2015, however, I’ve been listening to one particular artist more consistently than usual: Iggy Azalea.

You might know her from her infamous, Clueless-inspired “Fancy” music video, or her recent collaborations with Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande. I’ve always enjoyed the occasional Top 40 and hip-hop, but I’ve whole-heartedly jumped on the Iggy Azalea bandwagon. I didn’t really give it much thought, until I heard a little spot on NPR radio discussing recent trends among female artists in popular music (a similar article was written here). One of the things I love about Iggy Azalea and her music is touched upon here. Despite being very much in the minority in her industry (an Australian, Caucasian woman), she’s appropriated a lot of stereotypical male traits. Her attitude is “distinctly masculine,” and many of her lyrics are centered around money and becoming increasingly successful. In a music genre that’s entirely male-dominated and defaults to putting women on display, typically as background dancers or arm candy, she’s decidedly mercenary. That’s really what I like about her.

Don’t get me wrong- Iggy certainly has no problem capitalizing on her sex appeal, but she does it on her own terms. She has, for a lack of a better expression, a devil-may-care attitude. She’s photographed out and about without makeup as much as she is with waist length extensions and sky-high stilettos. She gets quite a bit of flack for this, don’t get me wrong, but I admire the confidence she exudes- it comes across in her music. So, whenever I’m feeling a bit lackluster, I like to put on some Iggy Azalea and pretend like I have a hell of a lot of attitude, with no cares in the world.

Just some thoughts.

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on December 3, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

I’m enjoying a cozy evening at home, with some long-anticipated rain tapping away on the windowpanes. I’ve been listening to the rather ominous Dark Places by Gillian Flynn on audiobook, and just had to turn it off for a minute to take it in the racket all the rain has been making outside. It’s been such a long time, I’ve forgotten what heavy rain sounds like- quite nice, really. This week’s Five Things is, without a doubt, San Luis Obispo-themed. It was where I spent my extended Thanksgiving vacation, after all.

Let’s hop to it:

I’ve rarely encountered a functioning record player, and was totally thrilled to mill through my friends stack of old records. Naturally, I picked Arethea to serenade us while we cooked our Thanksgiving dinner. I’m definitely entertaining the idea of buying one myself now.

One of my favorite stores in downtown San Luis has to be Hands Gallery. It’s filled with the most beautiful, locally made jewelry and art. I love going in and ogling everything, especially this framed poster extolling the virtues of coffee. It kind of is just like buying instant happiness, if you ask me.

This beautiful little card made its way into my hands over this last week. I keep it on top of my dresser so I can see it every morning as I’m putting on my jewelry for the day. I’m lucky enough to have many of these things.

This is Smurf, the most aggressive lap cat I’ve ever met. Now, mind you, she’s not aggressive and lap-oriented, she’s just really serious about getting in your lap and staying there. Don’t try to get up when she’s not ready, she’ll just hold on for dear life. Ouch.

Image via: Brown Butter Cookie Company

During last year’s Thanksgiving in SLO (San Luis Obispo) , I visited the beachside town of Cayucos. I quickly learned that it happens to be home to one of the most delicious cookie companies ever: Brown Butter Cookie Company. You know it’s good when the word “butter” is part of the company’s name. I didn’t get the chance to drive up to Cayucos this year, but I did sample these buttery little cookies in a local shop in SLO.

Nothing’s better than delicious food and good company, if you ask me.

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on February 5, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hey everybody!

It’s Five Things Wednesday already! This week has been particularly exciting for me, not really because of any epic goings-on, but simply because I’ve been reading/writing my pants off. Oh, and you know that little button on my side-bar over there? The one that says follow? If you click it, amazing things will happen. Puppies will fall from the sky and I will bake you a cake and personally deliver it to your house.*

*I unfortunately can’t guarantee that this exact thing will happen, but I can say that you will be my favorite. : )

(Nutella Banana bread, courtesy of the fantastic Joanna Goddard and her blog, A Cup of Jo. And Zoë Bakes)

Speaking of cake, it’s World Nutella Day! What better way to celebrate than to put your nutella in. a. cake? My mind is blown.

(“Shrimp Dumpling in Rabbit Shape” from Hang Ah Tea Room in SF. Look at the little ears!)

I don’t know what it is about this colder (I use this term loosely) weather that has me obsessively thinking about dim sum. Admittedly, I was at first totally put off by the idea of having such savory food for breakfast, but add some green tea, and it just feels right. It’s quite the opposite of my usual morning routine (carbs + coffee) so it feels like a refreshing reset.

(My favorite drink, at one of my favorite local cafés)

I had a meet-up this week that has me quite excited about life, in general. I’m working towards filling my life with the people and the work I love. It’s too precious to waste doing things you don’t want to do.

(Ellie Goulding “Tessellate”)

Recent song discovery. Love the video as well; Paris in black and white is a classic.

(Best quote. That is all.)

No mud. No lotus.

EVA♥

Weekend Recap

Posted on October 28, 2013 by 4evamaria

Oh, hello! It looks like someone finally decided it was fall. It was so windy outside this Sunday, I ran in to Target to buy myself a hat and gloves. And yes, that’s the official story and I’m sticking with it! Now, I have a lovely little white beanie complete with a marabou poof keeping my head warm. This is clearly an essential.

Though I had no crazy, Halloween-themed parties to go to this year, I did have quite a few memorable things planned for the weekend:

Friday night featured a concert I had been looking forward to for quite some time. The one and only: “The Naked and Famous.” I had never been to the Fox in downtown Oakland, and the venue was 10 times more beautiful than I expected.

Fabulous view. Nosebleed seats and all.

I’d like to think that my 12 year-old self would have thought I was such the “cool kid.” Also had a wonderful time at Make Westing, both before and after the show.

My Saturday involved very fabulous girl time, afternoon tea, and a screening of Downton Abbey, Season 4. (Oh my goodness, such drama! The most dignified soap opera around.)

The menu included:

Scones, Blueberry Financiers,

Apple spice cakes with whiskey glaze

Flour-less chocolate cakes

Egg salad

& a variety of tea sandwiches .

Curried chicken, cucumber mint mascarpone, and smoked salmon.

And there was of course, tea. And wine. Which rendered my mother completely incapable of taking pictures, so no group photos for this bit, I’m afraid.

To top it all off, I got my Halloween wish by carving pumpkins with the lovely Rachel and the kiddos she watches.

The lovely Ella.

Not afraid of getting dirty, a firecracker, and great company. Her pumpkin had three eye, just FYI.

Edward. My lame, sandwich-eating (?) vampire pumpkin.

It’s an Avocado pumpkin!

(Avocado =the Wonderful company that Miss Rachel works for. It’s a free couples app- go download!)

We ended the evening with homemade noodle soup and caramel apple cookies. Very fall-festive.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekends as much as I did mine!

Love,

EVA

Five Things

Posted on October 17, 2013 by 4evamaria

Hello All! It’s time for Five Things…Wednesday? It doesn’t have as nice of a ring to it as Five Things Friday, but it’s a start.

And, because it’s been one of those weeks, we’re going to start with this:

(Prosecco & a Garden Gimlet. Because we’re classy broads.)

(One of my favorite quotes ever. I believe…)

(My new favorite hat. I will be a hat person this fall.)

And yes…I am aware the colors clash horribly, but sometimes you have to take a selfie when separated from your friends in what seems to be the world’s largest H&M. How else are you going to show them the cool things you find?!

(My favorite album of the moment. Blaring through my headphones on repeat.)

(And a puppy. My puppy. Someone just needs to go find him for me.)

Gotta love those brachycephalic dogs.

Five Things

Posted on October 10, 2013 by 4evamaria

Hello All!

Today’s post is inspired by the lovely Cupcakes and Cashmere, a blog I avidly follow that’s the ideal combination of LA style and simplicity. Every week, I’ll feature five things that make me smile. Straightforward enough right? Let’s get to it!

(Jose Gonzales- Heartbeats)

I love love love this video. Something right out of child’s imagination, but even better because it features lovely San Francisco.

(Beautiful little IKEA candle holder, now doubling as a home for my favorite jewelry)

(Dahlias. Many many Dahlias from the local Farmer’s Market. )

(Vivienne Westwood shoes)

Yes, a beautiful impulse purchase. 100% recycled material & they smell like bubblegum. Seriously…..smell them. The adult equivalent of jellies.

(My most favorite, Buttercup)

I have recently dubbed her “Peanut Buttercup,” as this seems most appropriate for her size. Loving life, obviously.