Wine for thought

Earlier this afternoon, I stopped in a local market to pick something up for work when I saw some some of the best wine label design ever. The wine was called Bear Flag, from good ole Modesto, California. And, the illustrator who did labels for them is Eduardo Bertone. I'm more of a minimalist artist, myself, but in this case, I love all that's going on on the label and everything there is to get lost in.

Although I didn't buy a bottle today, I'm seriously considering getting one for "The Bachelorette" night this coming Monday. However, I must admit I'm nervous for two reasons. 1) I'm so intrigued and excited by the label, I'm just hoping the taste of the wine is as good as its appearance and not a let down. 2) It's a twist-off cap. That right there would normally steer me away. I feel like all true, good wine should come packaged with a cork. Though I do appreciate the efforts at making wine easier to open.

Enough with my rambling, though. I'll try the wine next week. Give it a shot. And, will report back. In the meantime, check out Bear Flag's Web site. More coolness to look at there.

First pic found via {Hire an illustrator!}

A new Amy

I've been feeling the urge lately to transform some areas of my life. So far, the list includes, but is not limited to: getting in shape (aren't we all?), cooking most of my own meals, doing something meaningful for others and unearthing the ignored artist in me.

The first thing I've been trying to slowly tackle is the cooking part, and {Smitten Kitchen} has been a major influence and motivator for me. In fact, just last weekend I attempted the delicious-looking baked french toast.

Sadly, my quest was not very successful my first time around. But, I'm determined to try again and get it right next time. I also want to try these homemade pop tarts. How fun (and yummy) would these be?!

Quick thought

Oh, how I wish L.A. had a popbar.

A little somethin, somethin

I'm happy to report my place is aaalmost done being decorated! I've bought everything my heart desires for now. Just need to find the time to (carefully) throw it all on the walls.

On a side note, though, I'm absolutely loving this photograph over at {Color Me Katie}.

I imagine myself and the beau at a party or art show or something, sneaking around in this jungle of lights to steal a kiss away from the crowd.

Decorating dilemmas

It's amazing how different moving was when I was in school compared to now when I'm working. During school, I'd move into a new place and have all day and night to unpack and get settled. Now, I get home from work, exhausted after the long day, and want to do anything besides cleaning and organizing.

Luckily, now, the unpacking part is finally done and I've moved on to the fun side of moving - redecorating. However, for some reason, this time I've found decorating to be more stressful than anything else. I can't decide on what direction to go with for my new place. I want it to be more mature-looking than my apartments have been in the past. I want it to look like the pictures from Living, Etc. magazine (new favorite read from the UK). But, I can't quite focus and get there. Sigh...

This is my ideal. A muted palette with accent colors. A clean, pulled together look.

This isn't my favorite but I do love how there's no real standout direction for the room, yet it still all looks cohesive. This is what I'm struggling with right now.

I really want to do a photo wall, but am a little intimidated if I could pull it off and be 100 percent happy with it...

Looooving this fabric wall. It's an ingenius alternative to wallpaper. I just wish I had more wall space in my studio; I would totally do this if so.

Lastly, the feel of this room is what I'm striving for in my home. It's so cozy and warm. I also adore all the different textures used. I'm trying to do this with pillows, throws and with my bed's duvet cover.

We'll see how it all turns out. Wish me luck!

P.S. All images are from {the gallery over at Living, Etc.}

I wish I were here right now...

Image via {daily dose of imagery}

Posters fit for a palace

Moving weekend has officially come and gone, and yet, the real work has only begun.

Somewhere, buried deep in the mountain of boxes that now fill my new studio apartment, is a box of collected treasures that I'm excited to share with you in the coming months. But, since I couldn't even uncover a bowl for cereal this morning, my pot of blog gold is going to have to wait. In the meantime, however, I want to share an awesome find I came across last week.

I was browsing through some photos from the Silverlake Jubilee over at Drink Eat Travel and happened upon this one of all these rad looking prints.

I did some digging and found they came from The Poster List. Beautiful prints at an affordable price...What more can a girl ask for? I can't wait to get some of these for my new pad. I already know my first purchase will be this beautiful chandelier one. I'm obsessed with chandeliers right now.