Netflix Pick: Celeste + Jesse Forever

Have you seen the romantic dramedy Celeste + Jesse Forever? 

It's a fascinating and funny love story about a married pair of best friends who are going through a divorce. Their cute and quirky marriage is already over by the end of the opening credits and the rest of the movie explores the various complications and entanglements that come with separating from your best friend. 

With Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg in the lead roles, the movie strikes a great balance between humour and honesty. Jones plays the protagonist with aplomb and Samberg is surprisingly earnest and endearing in an uncharacteristically serious acting role.  

The movie also has a stellar soundtrack that's pretty much the quintessential heartbreak mix for the cool kids.  

The story is a bit heartbreaking, but it also has a lot of heart. Jones co-wrote the script with her writing partner Will McCormack (and no, not Will from Will & Grace...that's Eric McCormack - don't worry, I got excited too.) She also included a lot of her own real-life dating experiences for some wickedly fun cringe-worthy moments that enriched the story and made it more intimate.

See it if you're a fan of love stories that aren't afraid to dive into the nitty gritty details of a complicated adult relationship and skip it if you can only stomach meet-cutes and happy endings.

Movies that are similar in tone include Sarah Polley's Take this Waltz and Richard Linklater's famed trilogy, Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and the recently released Before Midnight. 

If you're on the fence, I highly recommend you give it a shot as Celeste & Jesse Forever has given me a new found admiration and respect for Jones as both a writer and a leading lady. 

(Photos via Pinterest)

Art School Confidential

American Art

Draw More

I Love David Hockney

Awesome art school tees by London-based illustrator Rose Blake.

Funny enough, I saw the Koons balloon puppy in electric blue at the LACMA last summer and absolutely loved it! 

Each shirt retails for £22 plus post and packaging :) 

Which one would you wear to flaunt your art degree?  I'm most drawn to the second shirt, but since my degree is in media studies, I'd also love to see someone illustrate a tee with famous theorists and writers like Roland Barthes and John Berger! 

♥

Images by Rose Blake (t-shirts) & Lai Mai Ng (puppy) 

Jesse Kam

 

I'm a big tote kinda gal, which is why I love this simple, spacious, and strikingly elegant JK Classic Tote Bag ($185) from Jesse Kam's S/S 2012 line.  

Capturing the quintessential look of California girl cool, sadly, the tote is currently listed as 'out of stock' on JK's online shop.  But if you're a girl who carries her life in her bag (along with a snack and a few impulse purchases...hehe), then I recommend you keep your fingers crossed for more stock to be available soon! 

  

(Photos by Jeana Sohn for Jesse Kam) 

Pink's Hot Dogs, Los Angeles

Painting the town pink since 1939, LA's famed hot dog stand is still family owned and operated in Hollywood at the corner of Melrose and North La Brea.

Approaching the line of fellow Pink's fans

The gigantic menu

...which doesn't include all the specialty hot dogs (named after different celebs and landmarks) posted on laminated cards at the front!

The retro chic dining room with a who's who of celebrity fans and soda bottles as flower vases

The piece de resistance: a classic chilli cheese dog on the left and a Mullholland Drive dog on the right with grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, nacho cheese, and bacon. Easily the two best hot dogs I've ever eaten!

Thanks for the legendary late night snack Pink's!

Snapshots of LA

Enjoying a week in the sun filled with farmer's markets, gorgeous views and impromptu late-night dinners at an old gas station. No fuel, just food trucks :)

Special shout-out to the K.O. Taco Truck who makes the yummiest Kurabuta pork belly tacos. I only have a photo of the menu though since the taco is already in my belly....!

Los Angeles is a funny kind of place. It reminds me of how I imagine Mexico would be and some parts look like they're pulled straight from old Las Vegas.

On one hand, it's health and eco-conscious with lots of fresh produce and a bustling food truck scene (built in portion control anyone?) On the other hand, city districts are plentiful, but at times indistinguishable and it really takes 20 minutes and a car to get anywhere.

But the mornings are foggy and forgiving (perfect for runners) and the sun comes out bright and cheerful in the afternoon with temperatures that hover at almost always perfect.

Off to the beach today and a visit to a long-time favourite - Japanese lifestyle shop Tortoise on Abbot Kinney :)