Music Monday: I Can Be Your Long Lost Pal

This week, Taylor over at Shut Up I Love That listed 10 of her favorite albums of all time, inspired by an NPR search for 10 albums that everyone can agree on. Her number one album? Paul Simon's "Graceland." Right with you, girl. As a child, my best friend and I would make our parents (also best friends) play this song for hours. It didn't help that we were bouncing around singing "I can call you Betty; and, Betty when you call me, can you call me owl?" We thought 'owl' was an awful nickname, but whatevs. I still have the "Graceland" cassette tape my mom gave me somewhere — you know, for when cassette tapes make a comeback.

Hope you're all having a lovely, sunny Memorial Day! 

Happy Bachelorette Weekend, Lauren!

This morning I'm en route to one of my favorite cities for a Bachelorette weekend like no other. In just a couple of hours, I'll be reunited with one of my closest friends (who I haven't seen in 5 years) in New Orleans to celebrate her engagement and wedding that will take place in Wisconsin this fall. Some of you may remember that I took on NOLA for spring break and Mardi Gras last year; here's a recap of my first trip. On the books for this weekend: lots of lounging, cocktailing, dining and fun times. Have a great Memorial Day weekend, everyone!

Finally, an Arc Lamp to Call My Own

When browsing websites like Apartment Therapy or Houzz, I often find myself drawn to the living areas that have a huge, arc lamp that serves as both a source of light and a statement piece. For several months now, I've had my eye on this lamp from CB2 and have considered cheaper alternatives at Target and the like. Last weekend, I stopped into CB2 and learned it was their floor sample weekend where they offer items previously used in store displays for a decent discount. Finally, the lamp is mine! Since my current living room is so tiny, I have it in my bedroom for now, but plan to use it in the living room of my next place. My dad calls it my first "investment piece." I call it "fancy."

[Images via: Dallas News, House to Home, Apartment Therapy, Dooce -- Funny enough, the first photo is from Jonathan Adler's home, the third is from a home right here in D.C.!]

Music Monday: Alabama Shakes

I first heard of the Alabama Shakes from Garden & Gun magazine, then from a friend in Atlanta, then from NPR. I finally took the time to listen to the band's music (via Spotify) and its raw, heartfelt tunes and lyrics are addicting. It's not 'singing' when lead singer Brittany Howard takes the mic, it's 'sangin.'

Weekend Review

This weekend I visited the near-by farmer's market and picked up some peonies, strawberries and empanadas and soaked up some rays in anticipation of my Memorial Day trip. I caught up with friends on the Georgetown waterfront and enjoyed chips and salsa on my roof. I also treated myself to some new clothes, something I haven't done in far too long. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Here are a few things I enjoyed reading this past week:

• In D.C., Chef Geoff has created a bacon-centric menu in his restaurants on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If your arteries are up to it, take a look at the menu. 
• Fast Company proved that advertising people are not 'normal' people. Something I've suspected for quite some time.
• Aaron Sorkin's graduation remarks at Syracuse University are a must-read. I wish the bug/plant scientist who whomever it was (I couldn't even hear him over the microphone) imparted half the wisdom that Sorkin does in this speech. 
• I enjoyed looking at this chart I found via Swiss Miss about the popularity of birthdays. It's amazing how much more popular my birthday is than my best friend's -- who was born the day after myself.
• I loved reading Sally Ann of A Piece of Toast's review of The Happiness Project (and the accompanying pictures). I've already added myself to the wait list for the book at my local library and it sounds like you should too. 
• Thought Catalog is pretty hit or miss -- but I enjoyed the article about "5 Mistakes Every 20-Something Should Make." (Prepare for snark and some colorful language if you click.)
• I've seen this list before, but I love to see what some of the great American writers deemed their cocktail of choice. Ever the lover of Cuban influence, of course Hemingway loved the mojito. 

[Image via Art + Fashion]

Trend to Try: Skinny Rings

There are two trends I'm dying to try these days: 1. peplum (more on that later) and 2. skinny rings. I have a beaucoup of earrings, I have both skinny and chunky necklaces, and I'm not afraid to throw on a stack of bracelets before I head out the door. But in the ring department, I'm definitely lacking a little variety. I love how the skinny rings I'm seeing in photos around the web seem to add a dainty touch to some seriously tough outfits.

This past weekend, while strolling around Eastern Market and sipping Sunday recovery coffee, I told my friend Jane that skinny rings were our goal for the day. I stopped by every jewelry display and couldn't find a one -- not even at my most favorite stand! Does anyone know an artist making these lovely rings in DC? I'm always down to stay local, but these gold rings are calling to me -- I may have to give in and order some soon!

       

[Photos via: They All Hate Us, Ten Thousand Things, Do you ever see Unicorns?, Etsy Seller EliandLeigh, Catbird]

Head South to Five Mile Lake

Each morning right at 11, my phone starts buzzing like crazy I begin getting the daily emails from the flash-sale sites to which I subscribe. Rue La La, Gilt Groupe, Gilt Groupe DC, One Kings Lane, Joss & Main, The Climb... the list goes on. Honestly, it gets to be a little overwhelming.

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon the Five Mile Club while reading my weekly Bearings Guide (so what if it's a "Southern Lifestyles Guide for Men?!" I love it.) and got into a tizzy to get over to the Five Mile site. It was started by three southern gentlemen who decided to leave the world of investment banking and start go into business together. Five Mile sales happen twice a week and highlight quality southern brands like Coast, Merrell, Smathers and Branson, and more.

And they go to Carolina Cup? What more convincing do you need?

I've already bought a Volunteer Traditions North Carolina hat that will be accompanying me to the pool this summer and I've been eyeing some of the sales for potential gifts for some of my favorite guys. I've told more than a few people, "I don't care if you get too many emails — THIS is the one you want to get."

I truly look forward to my Five Mile emails each week and if I'm ever in Athens I'll be stopping by the store (you should too). But just one question fellas, can we get some ladies Barbour jackets? Pretty please? To join the Five Mile mailing list, click here or click the image at the top.