Fancy That Friday: Cranberry Crush

Shortly after turning eleven I discovered became aware of the Cranberries.* Side note: Don't you think it's interesting how many of us claim to have "discovered" an artist, author, sport, vegetable, etc? As if Item XYZ was in some sort of existential purgatory until you unearthed them at a hipster archaeological dig in central South Dakota. I digress...

I recall hearing Zombie on the radio late one summer afternoon. I instantly smitten with Dolores O'Riordan. Her voice was sweet and feminine, but also raw and powerful. AND she had an Irish accent! I know some people don't care for the frequent breaks in her voice, but I LOVED it. It was so different than the Celine Dion garbage that was being pumped through every. single. place. In a year of The Power of Love, I'll Make Love to You, and Stay (I Missed You), I appreciated that Dolores didn't sing about rubbing up on anyone. She sang about political conflict, poetry, and her own flaws. Her voice was real, her lyrics and emotions felt genuine, and my little tween heart latched on hard.**  This week I'm unashamedly embracing the weirdness of the mid-90s with:

that hair! Not only did I adore Dolores's voice, I was enamored by her look.  I soooo wanted her haircut, but was too big of a chicken to chop off my hair until I was in college. While my fears of a pixie-cut were unfounded, I did learn that blonde (well, brassy-orange) is NOT a good look for me.  

these boots and this  blazer. Dr. Martens are most certainly an icon of 90s style. I remember looking at the album cover and thinking she's wearing combat boots and a t-shit with a suit! If only I could be that anti-establishment... or something like that.

this look. Achieve rock star worthy smokey eyes with this set from Too Faced. This matte red lipstick from smashbox is a must.

and this headdress and maxi dress to channel your inner Zombie.

 

What artist caught your fancy as a kid?

* My parents put up with me listening to the album No Need to Argue nonstop for weeks... and singing along poorly in my bedroom. Saints, they are.
**Feeling old. The word tween had not yet made it to mainstream lexicon when I was that age.

Fancy That Friday: Sail Away

My dad grew up in Milwaukee, spending most of his childhood along the shores of Lake Michigan. He loved to sit and watch the sailboats tumble on the waves. He eventually learned how to sail, and helped some family friends maintain and build (!) sailboats.

Although my dad moved inland for a fantastic lady, he made sure his kids experienced the joys of his childhood. I have many fond memories of trips to the beach, hanging out at the McKinley Marina, and feeling the cool lake breeze on the deck of a sailboat. I'm quite certain this is why I really, really wanted to live near the lake- it has always felt like home. 

This weeks round-up is inspired by a relaxing Father's day along the marina.

McKinley Marina

A most wonderfully fluid work by Tobias Tovera

Lately

Although the May weather was not much to cheer about (days and days of rain and unseasonably cold- hoorah for spiring?), the month itself was filled with fun, celebrations, and delightful quiet moments.

1. Grandma blankets and kitty snuggles always improve the mood when one is under the weather.

2. & 3. Pre-show sake and sushi at Umami Moto with my delightful sister.

4. After dinner Mo and I spend an entertaining evening with Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert. Our view was far better than my lousy photo indicates. I have a long standing fondness for Bourdain- he's such an eloquent crab-ass. However, I must admit to having a new crush on Eric Ripert. How can you not appreciate a man who punches someone "een zee nose" for being disgustingly rude to a waiter?

5. Being a chaise lounge and massage therapist while drinking coffee.

6. & 7.  Channeling Rita Hayworth after a trip to the salon. Being a redhead is fabulous.

8. Sweet little gift left on my desk.

9. Glo-bowl birthday celebration.

10. My darling brother made the most lovely Mothers Day/Mo's birthday brunch. Crab cakes atop sweet potato pancakes, mixed berry salad and champagne with a splash of St. Germaine. Totally indulgent.

11. Brunch was followed up by birthday cake- a six-layer rainbow cake with coconut frosting.

12.  Swan Lake at the Milwaukee Ballet. 

13. My riff on taco dip- Greek dip. One can never go wrong with artichokes, lemon, basil and kalamata olives.

14. The most perfectly fluffy batch of coconut rice pudding (the rainbow cake led to coconut cravings).

15. The. Best. Birthday. Cake. Ever.  My mom is amazing. This little hedgehog was almost too cute to eat. Almost.