London!! Part One

The most difficult thing about attending a university across the ocean is missing the everyday nonsense of friendship. You miss those moments that are seemingly purposeless, but make the best memories. My closest friend from uni was getting married this past weekend in London and it was without a second's hesitation the ticket was booked and I was on my way.

I used to live in London and I miss it everyday. People can moan and bitch about the weather but just ignore them and pack your bags. It's a fascinating city that I maintain a relatively successful love affair with and wouldn't hesitate in encouraging anyone to travel to or better yet, move to.

Now you understand my euphoria and the journey hadn't yet begun. 

I got to the airport on a beautiful sunny day (thank God as I have a little turbulence paranoia) to find out my coach ticket had been upgraded to business class. Even though I travel a lot for work, a free upgrade across the ocean was unexpected and THRILLING. I was totally casual when they escort me to the first class lounge, cool as a cucumber when the flight attendant handed me that first glass of champagne while asking for my dinner order-

I mean, come on.

After my journey in luxury, I landed at the godforsaken early hour of 6am. We had to circle a bit because Heathrow has a 6am sound curfew, no plane can land before then, and apparently we'd traveled at the speed of sound and gotten there an hour early.

In a perfect example of efficiency, I was off the plane, through passport control, got my bag and through customs in 25 minutes. Dear Atlanta airport, you could learn a few lessons here.

Heathrow Express bound and to Paddington in 20 minutes.

I dragged my suitcase to the Hotel Indigo, where my friend was letting me crash for a few nights, and after a quick unpack, I began my London Day One ritual: a run in Hyde Park. I love running in Hyde Park. It's so beautiful and the fresh air kicks the shit out of my jet lag. 

Hello swanies

Hyde Park horse riding

That evening I met a friend for dinner at Wahaca in Soho. 

Wahaca is a Mexican market restaurant with seven locations around London and delicious, fresh food that arrives at your table as soon as it's made. It's not like the typical, heavy Mexican places you eat at in the States, it's light and easy and fresh. 

The space is as impressive as the food. The design is fun; it feels creative and well thought out without any pretension. The tequila bar downstairs is a gem and has some pretty amazing knock-you-on-your-ass margaritas. A very informative sign directs you:

I made it all the way to 11pm before the jet-lag started, and I have to say, I was pretty impressed with myself. I waved hello to my friend then face-planted onto the bed. The London adventure had officially begun.

Working in our Nation's Capital

Recently, I was in DC to film a television show. Filming in DC is always a challenge. You have many pieces of government that must be involved in every detail of what you're doing, which is difficult and time-consuming. People who work there regularly maneuver the waters like pros, which is why it's so important to hire local production companies if you need to shoot in our nation's capital.

I used to work there regularly and I like to think I can still navigate some of the rules, for example: the jurisdiction for the roads, curbs, and sidewalks are all under different branches of the government (DC Police, Secret Service, Park Police) and even then it depends on what part of the city you are in. On some streets the flag poles are DC Police jurisdiction, some streets they're not. See? A challenge. Add to that rules that are constantly changing and a Film Office that does not much to help. BUT! If you know how to navigate, you are golden. 

DC has fantastic crews, some of my favorite in the business. Super professional and fast-moving. I like them very much. And as many, many people will tell you, I am super picky about film crews. Praise indeed.

Here's a quick behind-the-scenes post about the magic of making a movie. 

The "magic" begins early, like 4am early, as we wait for the trucks to land.

And all of the gear to be offloaded.

The sun came up like a slingshot. I swear it was dark and then light in two seconds. My eyes were very confused.

Our camera guy wheeling in the camera equipment.

At craft service I learned the best news of the day! Swedish Fish are a fat-free food. Whey-hey.

Our location manager speaking to one of our cops.... maybe he heard me making fun of all the cops wheeling around DC on segways...

He's coming to get you!

After a long day on set, my desk looks like a madhouse and there is still tons to do. Like watching the 1st AD do a sleep-deprived dance, which I have to admit, was incredibly entertaining.

We decided that instead of ending the day with much needed sleep, we would go have oysters at Old Ebbitt (where we renamed our waiter Alex, instead of Steve. We thought this was hilarious, he did not...)

photo courtesy of Sally Gary

and then finally, actually end the 20 hour day with the most delicious treat in the world... the sour cherry pavlova at The Hamilton. Unlike Swedish Fish, this is not a fat-free food. But worth every bite.

It was a fun shoot, and I look forward to going back, but DC has a short life-span with me and after a week, I am ready to go. Goodbye Nation's Capitol! I will see you again soon.

Next week I am off to London for some meetings and one of my best friend's weddings. I need to find a hotel room desperately! Off to search....

Design Time: Etsy

Designing your house can be so difficult and soooo expensive. Enter: the beauty of the internet and Etsy. 

Etsy is a social commercial website that focuses on selling handmade or vintage items. It removes the store third-party and let's you buy directly from the artisans themselves. I love Etsy and have bought many an item from light fixtures to iPad cases to purses- all fantastic quality and craftsmanship.

I wanted to feature a few shops to aid your house designing aspirations. Because we both know you have them and who doesn't need a little help?

Furniture

1. Recycled Brooklyn - recycled furniture made to order in Brooklyn, NY. Wood, steel, coffee bags- everything is recycled. Helping the environment while making gorgeous furniture.

Recycled Coffee Sack Storage Bench

Salvaged Floor Beam Coffee Table

2. Homestead Seattle - custom upholstered and vintage furniture.

could I live on this leather chaise? why yes, yes I could. 

bring me more wine please.

I love the color of these Rosewood chairs. Perfect pop for any dining room.

3. Rocky Mountain Table Company - a Denver-based furniture company. I love their pieces, industrial chic.

Inside out dining room table

Walnut Coffee Table

Lighting

1. DWVintage - vintage light fixtures. Fun, flirty, industrial. 

2. onefortythree - I love their unique lights. And brass anything. Oh to live in a world made of brass.

Wood veneered pendant light

Black Powder Coated Swiveling Lamp

3. Worley's - unique pieces, handmade in Charlotte, NC

Hurricane Pedestal Lamp

Wooden Wall Sconce

Kitchen

1. Julia Paul Pottery - Contemporary ceramics. Her work is the perfect blend of art and usability. My favorite are the dark clays with easy glazes.

Breakfast Bowls

Six Pottery Tumblers

2. Oh, Little Rabbit - Eco-friendly, organic, fun hand-printed housewares

Cloth Napkins

Tea Towels

3. Wind & Willow Home - Hand-painted wooden bowls and utensils. 

Wooden Mini Bowl Set

Other Home Decorating Goods

1. Linen Crafts - Blankets, bedding, table cloths and kids collections all made with linen fabrics imported from Europe.

Lavender Linen Blanket

Linen Bed Cover

2. Local Produce Design - I'll go ahead an admit some bias here as this is my mother's shop. Nevertheless, she makes beautiful pillows. Always something easy to use to decorate a room.

Blue, Black and Grey Color Block Pillow

Thomas Paul Forest Print

3. Georgianna Lane Photography - You know I love art. In addition to everything listed above, Etsy is also a wonderful place to buy affordable art to dress up your walls. Especially photography. I did a treasury list of various photographers I like on Etsy, but to focus one on here, I chose Georgianna Lane. 

Yes, it is feminine, which is typically not my aesthetic. However, I can't stop staring at her work; especially, her flower series. Buy a massive print and hang it in your little girl's room. Or in your kitchen. It will brighten your day.

Pink Dahlia

Parisian Peonies

Thank you for joining me on today's journey through Etsy. We will return, don't you worry, there are too many wonderful shops to explore! For now, take a moment and have a look for yourself- I bet you find something delicious you never knew you couldn't live without.