Sunburned and Satisfied

So....this week is Spring Break for a lot of the dance schools that I teach at, and therefore it seemed like a good time to take advantage of some very much needed time off.  However, due to the fact that I really only have one day this week that is completely work-free and the fact that we can't really afford to go on some lavish vacation right now, the boy and I came up with a different solution.  How can we have an exotic holiday without spending any money?  Easy, we go on a make-believe vacation.  And that's exactly what we did.  

This morning I didn't wake up in my apartment.  Rather I awoke to find myself in a beautiful Tahitian Resort with a very attentive wait staff....all of whom looked a great deal like the boy.  After a delightful breakfast, complete with freshly squeezed orange juice, the plan was to hit the beach (the beaches of Malibu were supposed to double as tropical sands in the midst of the Pacific) however the weather wasn't quite right for it; something of a Tahitian tropical storm by the looks of things.  

Instead I laid out in my lounge chair in our living room---uh I mean, our private beach---where I was lulled by the sounds of the ocean, enjoyed classic Island tunes, and of course, marvelled at the sea life native to Tahiti.  

Then the boy and I headed inland to play some Tahitian Mini Golf (yeah, that's right.)  There were some fantastic tourist sites along the way, including the Temple of the Forbidden Treasure, seen left. Very impressive in person let me tell you, the photo doesn't do it justice.  We hit a slight snag in the plan when our "rental car" broke down on us while we drove one of the busiest roads in Tahiti.  (In reality it was our real car, and it stalled on Wilshire Blvd.  Yikes!)  But the boy kept his cool and helped me to not freak out and spoil the vacation completely.   

After our outing, we headed back to the resort where we sipped margaritas and enjoyed a proper feast including the rare but delicious Tahitian Artichoke.  We were surprised by the amount of fluff surrounding the heart, but then again, we are not regular artichoke eaters. 

When all was said and done we had to head back to Los Angeles so that I could be ready to work tomorrow.  But it was a great make-believe vacation, even if it only lasted 24 hours.  I think the boy is itching to "travel" again very soon.  As for me?  My imaginary passport is in hand and I am ready to go!  Bring on the make-believe adventures! 

Tanning in Tahiti

The boy has whisked me away for an quick vacation.   So I am unavailable for the next 24 hours.  I will fill you in when we return.  Cheers!

Crazed Commute

I don't know if I've ever mentioned that, due to the fact that I teach dance all over Los Angeles, I spend an awful lot of time in my car.  Also, not sure if I've ever shared that the car I drive now is the same Honda Civic I drove when I got my license at age 16.  She has been with me for every move, every road-trip, the good times and the bad.  She is a peach and I love her....but because she was a "teenager car," she is missing a few of the flashier elements such as a cd player, or even a tape deck.  So for most of my commuting I end up listening to the radio.  

As much as I love KCRW, sometimes the radio sucks.  And sometimes I just can't take it.  So I have taken to bringing a portable speaker to which I can attach my ipod to provide me with the tunes I need to make it through the often terrible traffic I endure day after day.  

So all that to say that I will be updating Lilac & Lace with some of the music I have been listening to during the journeys I make around LA and I hope that you all may share some commuting music suggestions with me.  It's my opinion that good tunes make any traffic jam bearable. 

So this past week I have been listening to DeVotchKa's "A Mad and Faithful Telling."  It's an album I got from a friend years ago, listened to it once and didn't really get into it much.  Now I am loving it.  The intricate melodies and accordion and strings make for an unusual and compelling music.  Definitely a good one to check out! 

Lost Things

I like any videos that use stop-motion--it's such a cool effect!

Shells and Beads

I am starting this week with new conviction.  I need to play the "glad game" and remember some of my goals for the year.   I have been slightly straying in my planning and need to get back on course.  Also, I need to stop talking about things (or blogging about them) and just do it!  Right? Right.....Right!   I feel better already!

Ugga Wugga Wig Wamm

I wonder if I am too old to want this?  Whatcha think?

Smarts and Arts

The Los Angeles Unified School District has very few Arts programs and the ones it does have are in dire circumstances.  The Budget for the 2010-2011school year calls for a 50% cut to dance, music, theater and visual arts in all LA elementary schools.  

I know California has a lot of problems when it comes to our state budget, but this one particularly breaks my heart.  I think it's crucial to expose young minds to the arts; it spurs creativity and gives meaning to why we learn, why we live and all the amazing things we can do if we let our creativity grow.  If you feel the same sign the petition and help the fight to save the arts in LA schools.  

On a lighter note, check out how adorable the branding is for this cause.  Such a clever and cute design....that takes creativity and heART.

{A Secret Garden}

I have been thinking a lot about one of my favorite books from my childhood: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.  It may because of the newest addition to my etsy shop: The Mary Lennox headband.  Or it may be because of my little garden design that currently occupies the vases in our living room.  It may be because of the vintage keys given to me last Christmas from my brother and sister in law, which I am totally obsessed over.

Or quite possibly, it may be because it feels like Spring has really sprung here in Beverly Hills.  The bees are a buzzing, flowers are blooming and the weather is just right!  Everything is wick.  It makes me want a bit of earth of my own to plant things in and see things bloom! 

Giveaway Winner.....

Happy Monday Y'all! 


So this time to pick the giveaway winner for the Scarlett O'Hara Corsage I had five potential winners.   Comments 1-4 and new follower Sarah, whom we will call number 5.  I used a handy dandy internet tool on random.org to generate a random winner within those numbers.    And here is the result:

The winner is comment #2, from Byrd! 

Byrd said...

I am so jealous of your craftiness.

March 18, 2010 7:40 PM

 Email me my dear and I will arrange getting you your prize!  

Thanks everyone again for playing!  I will hopefully be doing another giveaway soon.....something not from my etsy shop.  So stay tuned!

Go LA Marathon! Go!!!!

Yes today was the LA Marathon and guess what?  It went straight by our street!  This morning the boy's alarm went off at 8am so we could be up and down at the corner of Wilshire to see the leaders of the marathon run by.  I was sleepy, and dressed like a celebrity hiding from the paparazzi, but I must admit I was rather exhilarated by the whole affair!

However, it also made me feel incredibly lazy.....here I am thinking I'm a pretty decent athlete, when I am pulverized by a mere day of dancing on my toes!  

The Hills of Beverly, A Nice Place Indeed

This past Sunday, the boy and I visited the Beverly Hills Farmer's Market.  It wasn't the first time we'd been, but it was the first time we went with the strong intention of buying things.  And buy we did.  Veggies, fruits, fish--the whole shebang!  The boy was able to make a lovely dinner with all our goods and I must admit everything did taste...well fresher! 

After the Market, we popped into the Beverly Hills Library and I discovered their massive collection of dance and ballet dvds.  It was awesome!  Like a kid in a candy store I loaded up my arms with as many dvds as I could carry and checked out the lot.  I have plenty to watch over the next week and a half!

Finally, after all this, the boy and I strolled down to the park for a late lunch picnic only to find ourselves in the midst of "Woof-stock-- Pet Extravaganza."  Only in Beverly Hills would there be such an upscale spectacle for spoiled pets and their owners.  There were all kinds of vendors selling pet products, pet treats, doggie tutus and the like.  There were games and photo-booths for you and your four-legged counterparts.  It was completely surreal and quite a hoot!  But the best part about "Woof-stock" were the dogs that were there for adoption.  I fell in love with the sweetest puppy; he was a Chihuahua-Beagle mix.  Adorable! 

I did my best to pout and sigh and whine so the boy would let me take the pup home, but to no avail.  {Which of course, is actually a good thing.  The boy keeps me from acting rashly and making poor decisions....like Jiminy Cricket!}  But now I know that this is the type of dog I want someday.  So cute!

All in all, Beverly Hills was all it should be this past Sunday.  I feel lucky to live here!

Meditations on Green

I guess it's no surprise that I tend to get very into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day (just like most holidays.)  I did my best to show my enthusiasm this year by displaying plenty of green. 

I wore a green top, green nail polish, green eyeshadow and enjoyed a green beer all in the spirit of day. 

Dear Ole Donegal

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Sorry I am posting this rather late, but what can I say, I'm a busy lady!  The Boy and I are thrilled to celebrate our heritage today...well his heritage, mine only partially I'm sorry to say.  In any case, I hope you enjoy your St. Paddy's today and do have a pint of Guiness for me!

In honor of the day I am doing another giveaway.  This time it's a new item for the etsy shop; the "Scarlet O'Hara" corsage see pictured here.

This lovely item is carefully crafted with a dark green sequined and beaded applique on a thin black elastic wrist band.  It's the perfect accessory to glam up any "little black dress" or the even the most basic pair of jeans.

To enter leave a comment by noon Friday (March 19th) or become a follower to this blog.  It's so easy even the boy could do it!   

Gidget26: Pressed Between Pages

Hey Kiddos,

So the shop is up and running!  Yay!  I am still adding products, editing pictures, etc.  But I wanted to give you the opportunity to check it out now.  If you'd like to purchase a Gidget headband, updo flair, anklet or bracelet click here and check it out. Keep checking back; I am hoping to update the store with more Gidget goodies soon!  And thanks in advance for your support and lilac lacy love! 

Pressed Between Pages~

Description: Pressed between pages are the figures from popular and classic literature that I adore.  The women of Jane Austin, F. Scott Fitzgerald, L.M. Montgomery.....the list goes on and on.  Each item in this shop is named after one of these immortal characters and imbued with the love I have for all these great stories and great characters. 

Additionally, as a ballet dancer I have an abundance of tutus and costumes from the nearly 25 years I have been dancing, and many of the details and appliques are taken from my old tutus.  I think of them as tutu treasures!  Each one has been special to me, or represented an important role that I danced.  Giving them new life as a pretty headband or bracelet has been as exciting as reliving my favorite moments on stage!  Now all these tutu treasures can dance again!

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassas

The boy and I saw this film last night and I have to say I wasn't sure what to expect.  The last Terry Gilliam film I saw, "Tideland," completely freaked me out and I was worried that this film would have the same effect.  Imagine my surprise when I found myself really really enjoying this film?  It was delightful, and weird and cool and interesting.  All in a good way.  And visually, it was simply stunning.  The costumes alone make the film worth seeing, in my opinion.  It certainly isn't without it's flaws: there are points in the story that don't make much sense, particularly the end.  There are moments where one can't help but feel the film is lacking something, which naturally seems to be the late Heath Ledger (he passed away before the film was complete.)  However, Gilliam cleverly uses Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Ferrel to take over Heath Ledger's role.  Those four men, as one character is pretty compelling in itself.  But even still, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassas is a fun two hours of interesting story-telling, and visual effects that make you feel very blessed to have an imagination all your own.  Oh, and as an added bonus, Tom Waits plays the Devil, he's awesome.  

Go see this film:

Officially Frenzied

I first heard about A Fine Frenzy ages ago, but just heard a few snippets of songs.  I thought they sounded good, thought Alison Sudol looked like a cute hipster-girl, but didn't explore her music any further than that.  Then back in December I came across her Christmas album and fell in love with it, especially the song "Wanna Wish you Well."  Her haunting voice and compelling story-telling got me hooked and that's when I went looking for more Frenzy. 

I tend to go through phases with my music.  I will want to only listen to upbeat songs for a while, or mellow music for a spell....it all depends on my mood.  I have been pretty much listening to her latest album Bomb in a Birdcage on repeat for the last two weeks and I am still head-over-heels.  It's just the right blend of mellow and catchy songs that seems to be perfect for me at the moment.  She also just seems like such a cool, fun girl...the kind you feel like you could be friends with, which always makes me more apt to listen to her music.  Also she shares my birthday!  No wonder I dig her music and style!   

Let them eat...Toner's Cakes!

So, remember when I went to England for my birthday and Christmas?  And remember when my super sister-in-law Katie made me this amazing birthday cake?  Well, homegirl is truly a talented and superior cake maker....an "ace of cakes" one might say!  And now she has officially launched her website: Toner's Cakes. 

Katie makes cakes for all kinds of events and special occasions, including weddings.  Her designs are unique, intricate and always beautiful.  So if you are in need of something sweet and special, check out her website and get a taste of Toner's Cakes.  {Sadly Katie lives in the UK, so all us stateside fans will have to suffice with just looking at the mouth-watering pics...that is until she makes it big and the business expands to the city of angels!  I'm telling you, it's just a matter of time.}  

And the Winner is......

I know that it may not be as exciting at the prospect of winning an Oscar for your deranged yet subtle portrayal of one woman's triumph over a slow internet connection, set against the background of the dot com bust, however the time has come for me to announce the winner of the Lady Brett Ashley headband!


Thanks to everyone who left a comment.  You are very nice and I like you all quite a bit!  I must admit, I was hoping to get more than just six comments to choose from, but hopefully I can have more of these giveaways in the future, and they will continue to garner more enthusiasm! 


So, in the interest of picking fairly,  I chose a number (1-6) out of the boy's stetson and documented the event~

Untitled from Heather Toner on Vimeo.


And the Winner is comment #5: my dear friend Laura!


Thanks Laura!  You will have your new headband this Thursday at rehearsal. 


And in answer to your question, I am naming each headband after a female character from a great work of literature that I find fascinating.  Lady Brett Ashley is the fashion-making, heart-breaking female lead in Ernest Hemingway's  The Sun Also Rises. 


Thanks everyone!  Please play again!

Lilac & Lace Giveaway!

Hello Cherubs, 
So in honor of my burgeoning business as a headband-making-crafty crafter, I have decided to have a little giveaway (the first ever on this blog.)  While I am still figuring out all the details of my etsy shop (I should have it up and running fairly soon) I thought I would give away a taste of what's to come.  Here is the "Lady Brett Ashley" headband:

Just leave a comment before Friday at midnight for a chance to win!  

Good Luck, 

Gidget

The Things We Watch

Here are a few highlights of the movies and television shows that have graced the tv screen in the boy's and mine's home over the last couple weeks. 

Firstly, Garth Marenghi's Dark Place.  Seriously one of Britan's lost television treasures.  This compelling series pushed the envelope for drama and horror in the 1980's.  This clip is my personal favorite.


Secondly, two movies that the boy checked out from the BH library: The Thief of Bagdad and Gold Diggers of 1935.  Both of these films were ones that I never had any interest in seeing  but ended up really enjoying.  Here's a taste of some of the Gold Digger Busby Berkley madness (seriously it is pretty weird):


And thirdly, I finally saw An Education and really liked it.  Carey Mulligan is so pretty and cute I cannot help but feel jealous of her.  I didn't think the movie was exceptional.  Just good.  The boy wasn't too impressed, but I will admit it is a rather girlish film. 

Wild Kingdom

Not sure if it's just my personality, or just a strange coincidence, but I have been noticing that there are quite a lot of items in our apartment that are....well, animal-shaped.  As I was cleaning things up the other night I took stock of all the little creatures and one could say it's beginning to become something of a theme.  

The best part is they all have their special place and serve a special purpose.  For instance~

"Tuskus" the ring-holding elephant

"Marmaduke"  the cow-creamer

"Pidge" the earring-toting bird

and "Eliza" the soap-dish bunny

I am quite taken with Pottery-Barn's current line of rabbit-themed accessories and may have to insist the boy buy me some of their lovely "bunny napkin rings."  But on the other hand, we already have one bunny...It would be even better if Pottery Barn had napkin rings shaped like something a bit more exotic, like an ostrich or a meerkat.  That'd be sweet!     

{So Sweet}

Here is a little "sneak peek" of my brother's wedding from last month put together by their photographers Mary Frances and Scott.  This video just makes my heart ache, it's sooo sweet!  I want to have my wedding to the boy again!  Weddings are the best, don't cha think?  


Matt+Emily Sneak Peek from Floataway Studios on Vimeo.


Can't wait to see what other adorable memories Mary and Scott captured.  Check out their blog~ 
floatawaystudiosblog.com