{Music} Cool. I'm in Love.

How cute is this little boy?
Ian, call me in like 10-15 years.

{Music} Thoughts on Katy Perry

I have mixed feelings about Katy Perry. When she hit the charts with "I Kissed a Girl," I thought she was going to be a one-hit wonder. I thought she would fade into oblivion with a host of other poptarts with quasi-controversial performance tactics. And I thought she was a Britney Spears meets Zooey Deschanel hybrid. Frankly, I found her annoying.

But then I fell in love with "Hot and Cold" and then "Waking up in Vegas" and then "Teenage Dream." (I really, really like "Teenage Dream.")

She's gorgeous and has a sense of humor and has a talent for performing.

But then there was "California Gurls," which I thought was over-the-top and contradicted by feminist sensibilities. I hated it, especially when she compared it to Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind," saying it was a West Coast anthem. But then I moved to London and even thought I don't voluntarily listen to it, I've come to own it, as a California girl (who drives a jeep.)

Anyway, I just watched the video for "Firework." The fireworks initially seemed silly, but the video is beautifully composed and Katy Perry looks gorgeous. So gorgeous, in fact, that I want to put purple streaks in my hair.

{Art} The Ballerina Project

I was reading rockstar diaries and saw these amazing photographs. I want one. The Ballerina Project is based in NYC and is a collection of photographs depicting ballerinas around the city. The juxtaposition of classic ballerinas and urban environments is inspiring. I wish I could take photos like this. sigh.





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Hyde Park

I went a little nuts today with the photos. We don't have seasons in California, so red and orange leaves are completely foreign. The air was brisk, the coffee rich and the environment heavenly.
National Gallery tomorrow and then Ministry of Sound!
Yay!

Missing my Munchkins

The lovely thing about London is that there are always people walking their dogs. However, I get pangs of loneliness thinking about my honey-bunnies back home. The drool, the cuddling, their soft ears and huge paws. I can't wait to see them when I get home. I love them so much. Jupiter has a one track mind - food. He will tear down walls for a crumb. In fact, sometimes he looks at me like I'm a giant rack of lamb. Jasper, on the other hand, adores me (at least that is what I would like to believe,) and not just because I look good to gnaw on. I've always told my mom that if I could find a man that looks at me as adoringly as Jasper does, I'd be made.


Jasper and Jupiter




Jupiter




Jasper

Gorgeous Halloween Photos

After the eventful Halloween party of last night, it was wonderful to sleep in and then browse through my favorite blogs. Here a couple of my favorite Halloween photos:


from me to you



both of the above from rockstar diaries



{this is glamorous}

{Future} Wait, so what should I do?

I'm in the process of debating whether or not to go to law school. I'm currently working on a master's in Social Policy, but I'd like to do legal advocacy work regarding human rights law, and more specifically, women and human rights. Preferably on an international scale - so I can travel.

And then my dad sends me this article published on Slate.com.

Okay, so I am concerned and yet simultaneously dismissive.

Concerned for the following reasons:
1. I have to spend a lot of money on law school and according to this article, may not even find a job.
2. If I do a find a job, it may not even pay enough to break even.
3. Since there is such a high supply of lawyers, I may have to take a job I don't really like for an extended period of time, which would make me unhappy.
4. Essentially, I am scared I will get an education that will mean nothing.

I am dismissive for the following:
1. I want to practice in a niche area. That has to count for something, right? Right?
2. I like the idea of studying human rights law/law even if I don't end up practicing as a traditional lawyer.
3. As long as I get a paying job and can pay off student loans at an acceptable rate, I would be overjoyed. I don't plan on living in a mansion, I just want my cardboard box of integrity.
4. Baby boomers should be retiring soon - does that mean jobs will open up?

I mean, then there is the obvious issue that I haven't even gotten into law school yet, so maybe I'll just cross that bridge when I can get there.

Cool beans.

Let the Festivities Begin!

source: I have no idea.

Last Halloween, I celebrated in my home-away-from home, Santa Cruz and it was epic for a number of reasons that I won't go into. I'm hoping this year is just as much fun, but the aftermath a little less crazy. This photo is from last year - I was a fairy. This year? A dead angel? Not quite sure yet, but I'll let you know.

The itinerary weekend includes a boat party on the Thames tonight and the Ministry of Sound on Sunday. And probably some scary movies and candy in between.

xoxo

Art Exhibit with RCA

I browsing one of my daily reads, The English Muse, and she posted an event that I could actually go to! Yay! I just registered for the "secret" postcard sale. Essentially, talented artists donate postcard-sized art to the Royal College of Arts. The college is having special viewings of the over 1000 pieces and each sell for a flat rate of 45 pounds. All the funds raised go to the arts school and the artists range from painters to fashion designers.

There are a few reasons why I am so excited about this:
A. I'm in London, which means I actually go to this event
B. It's something cultural, which I've been needing between day-long study sessions and crazy party nights.
C. I love art. I miss art. And now I get to enjoy and appreciate art and possibly buy a legit piece or two and let's be real, I'm finding the dingy walls of my cell/room rather depressing

So yay!



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{Movie} The Boat the Rocked

source: Google Images

I saw this glorious movie the other day and absolutely died of happiness. Based on a true story, The Boat that Rocked tells the story of British pirate radio of the 1960s. I know it came out in Britain years ago, but for some reason didn't hit the States the way it should have. Featuring Bill Nighy and my fave, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, this is a masterpiece of comedy and drama. But what I enjoyed the most were the details of the film, including the incredible retro soundtrack, the intensely amazing costumes (I'm crazy about the 60s right now- Thank you, Mad Men,) and the unique shots. It was a lovely story - emotional and crazy - but not over the top.
Bottom Line: In. Love.

{Travel} Missing Paris

When my bbfl Becky comes to visit me in November, we may fly to Paris for the weekend. I hope it happens because I'm craving espresso and croissants, brie, baguettes, and red wine. I think another visit to the Musee Rodin is in order as well as the Eiffel Tower. I think the second time around I won't be nearly as fearful of the heights. Last time, I think it took me about four hours to get my heartbeat down to a normal rate.

{Wants} Skirts and Shorts

Moving across the world has left my closet unbearably bare. I keep lusting after the most adorable clothing, but am having trouble committing. The skirt and these shorts could work in Los Angeles and London - just replace bare legs with tights and sandals with boots.

1. DIY skirt from say YES! to hoboken...I wish I knew how to sew

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2. These shorts from the Queen's Wardrobe

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3. also from the Queen's Wardrobe

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{Music} Angus and Julia Stone - You're the One that I Want

Absolutely gorgeous.
If I were a singer, I would hope to sound like this. Instead of the dying rat I tend to sound like now.

[Wants] Love Plates

via Not on the High Street
Omg, how cute are these?
I want to move into a cute apartment with hardwood floors, high ceilings and molding and hang these plates over my fireplace. One day, I will realize this dream.
Until then I'll enjoy Ingrid Michaelson on repeat and my pad thai from the street vendor.

Caught in the Rain

I've been living in London for exactly 4 weeks and have managed to avoid two things: getting caught in the rain and purchasing an umbrella. The former struck me this morning and the second seems like inevitability for me today. Despite the downpour, and (by downpour, I mean the light drizzle,) the city is still gorgeous. Now only if I could get my hands on a soy pumpkin spice latte...

{Music} Frightened Rabbit

Rough, yet simultaneously romantic

My favorite:

Modern Leper - Frightened Rabbit



Keep Yourself Warm - Frightened Rabbit



The Twist - Frightened Rabbit