À la Plage, À la Piscine by Gray Malin

How fantastic are these aerial beach shots by photographer Gray Malin? I never thought crowded beaches could look so much fun, but his documentation of some of the world's most luxurious beaches certainly provides an excellent perspective. The colors are so wonderfully playful that they almost look like paintings. It also almost makes me forget how uncomfortable I tend to feel at the beach. Almost.

Take a look at the rest of the set on his website.

Some Place.

Sometimes, things just simply do not go as planned. Saturday evening's original agenda consisted of finally seeing Nick Waterhouse live at the Getty, but things unexpectedly decided to take a different turn. It ended up being impossible to park within the museum's parking structure, and without any other available lots in the vicinity, it proved highly unlikely we would have even arrived for the show on time. Definitely a massive disappointment considering how I had been anticipating this show for quite a while, but I'm a firm believer in things happening for a reason. Besides, we had hours ahead of us and a whole new adventure awaiting to fill them with. And so we moved on and decided to spend our time at the Grove instead. We just so happened to run into the ridiculously talented and sweet Matthew Gray Gubler, whose work I admire incredibly. Needless to say, it was a very pleasant surprise. We had supper at the Farmer's Market and walked around, enjoying the cool summer evening with ice cream cones in hand. To be honest,I haven't been feeling like myself lately due to reasons I can't quite explain yet, but last night brought my spirits up just enough to keep me emotionally and mentally intact for the day. Not the Saturday I had intended on having, but obviously, I can't complain.

In The Sunshine.

These were taken a week ago, on a trip to Raging Waters in San Dimas with my lovely pals Tori and Abbie. We weren't necessarily at the park for the fun and games; our purpose was to work and take photos for a project. However, we truly couldn't help but indulge in the cool, irresistible water festivities. The Southern California sun was shining high and harshly upon our skins, and there was simply no better way too cool off than to soak up all the water around us. We couldn't leave without first taking advantage. It's not everyday I take trips to overpriced, overrated, overcrowded water parks. 

Besides, those two make everything fun.

listen to: Saint Motel

There has been a flurry of great new acts emerging out of Los Angeles and I can't lie, it's quite exciting to be so close to the action. One of these groups just happens to be Saint Motel, who have won me over with their cinematic indie pop. They recently released their new record, Voyeur, on the 14th and so far, it's already one of my favorite records from this year. The record is packed with melodies that I often find stuck in my head; it's the type that begs to be listened to more than once. And you know what? I like it a little more every time. Even KCRW digs them, and I think you will too.

Have a few samples below.

Authors by Ryan Sheffield.

Texas-based writer and artist Ryan Sheffield has unveiled this terrific set of illustrations. I only included my favorites, but you can view the entire set and purchase the prints on his Etsy. I mean, are these neat or what? They're so simple, yet obviously brilliant and impressively drawn. I'd want these as bookmarks, too.

Get What You Want.

My nephew Gabe (or my Wubby, as I prefer to call him) is growing up. Not easy to fathom, but it's getting more and more impossible to ignore every time I see him. He just gets smarter and wittier and funnier every time. (And cuter, of course. Even with the Nick Carter circa 2001 hairstyle.) I absolutely love that he's still as sweet as ever. He still showers me with hugs and kisses even when I don't ask for them. I say this all the time, but I love that not-so-little one so much. Absurd amounts. 

And on a random note..

Naturally, whenever I'm in LA, I find it completely necessary to stop by my favorite corner in town, Sunset and Cahuenga, even for only a few minutes. Honestly? It's pure danger putting me inside Amoeba's beautiful, massive walls. This actually applies to any record/thrift store, but the top spot certainly goes to this one. What can I say, everybody has their own vices or addictions. Perusing record stores; flipping through rows and rows of vinyl; slipping my newly acquired records into outer sleeves then adding them to my shelves; sitting on the floor, watching the needle slide over the grooves; studying the album art, liner notes, every word and detail on the sleeve and record itself; the entire process, from the search for limited editions, imports, or the record at its cheapest price, to taking it home and adding it to my growing catalog.. I love it all. Except, you know, the part where I actually have to spend money.

I'm a fiend, I know. And lately, I've been more of a hoarder than ever. My collection has been growing quite steadily in the past few weeks or so, with my trips to my local record store embedding itself into my regular routine, and yowza, the excitement is just too much. My wallet, on the other hand, is less than pleased. Sigh.

Have A Cuppa Tea.

I recently found myself reunited with Taylor, one of my best friends in the world. She and I really haven't seen each other nearly enough this summer, so it was about time we finally got caught up. We spent our Friday afternoon with Moonrise Kingdom, which I'd desperately been meaning to see. As a Wes Anderson fan, I expected something fantastic, and I was pleased to receive exactly what I'd been anticipating. It was lovely; I can't wait to see it again (and again and again).

The photos above were taken at CK Cafe, where Tay and I had a chance to sit for a while, sip on some delicious tea, and exchange stories. I always love that lady's company; she's just all around terrific. We're definitely going to need more hang time before she heads out on her trip to Europe.

Beach Baby.

Today was pretty monumental: it marked my baby's first time ever at the beach. Naturally, he was terrified at the approaching waves, just like he's allergic to taking baths. But, it was at least a bit of progress. I have to say though, it was especially adorable seeing him walking and running around the beach with those miniature Dachshund legs of his. I love that little guy.

Thanks to Sammy for taking photos 2 and 3 above!