Drinkify

Article Posted on Saturday, December 10th, 2011 at 10:48 pm

I have a new favorite website, and I think you’ll dig it too! Just click here.

Hello, Gorgeous!

Article Posted on Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 at 8:58 am

Please excuse me for taking an extra day but between the holiday, the turkey, the family and the alcohol (much needed after the former), it was very necessary. Are you too feeling slightly hungover from the holiday? Are you not quite ready to jump into Christmas full force just yet? Well, I’ve got just the thing for you.

I’ve always loved the Muppets, but in the past week I have been on a bit of overload. Late Wednesday night, Husband took me to see The Muppets, and it was even better than I’d hoped. Thus, I bring you a holiday detox full of furry little creatures, fabulous music, and, of course, the Belle of the pigs.

:: Listen ::

If you’re planning on seeing the movie, I’d highly recommend listening to Jason Segal and Nick Stroller, the creators, talk with Terry Gross on Fresh Air. You can tell how much fun they had doing the film, and it cues you to pay extra attention to certain parts. You’ll also most definitely want to download the soundtrack. Although, I’d recommend waiting until after the film so as not to take anything away from the surprises. The super-catchy music was done by Bret from Flight of the Concords, and we have seriously sung the tunes all week.

:: Read ::

When I was little I studied my mother’s copy of Miss Piggy’s Guide to Life as if it were the Bible of being a Belle. Who doesn’t love a beauty queen who lifts mugs of hot chocolate and does pin-up poses to work out? Depressed? Avoid listening to composers whose last name starts with ‘D.’ Need style advice or wondering what to wear on your next international trip? This book has you covered.

:: Dress ::

While we’re on the subject of Piggy (because, let’s face it, you totally knew that’s where this post was headed), why not talk about a key element of her style that we can incorporate in our wardrobes right now? The leg warmer. Perfect for both Miss Piggy’s Aerobique workout as well as her Snackcercise routine.

:: Live ::

Finally, looking to add a little more Belle to your correspondences this holiday season? Why not take a cue from Miss Piggy and use a little French. (Note: Using it correctly is not all that important, as long as you do it with confidence!) Incorporate words like trés, moi, and teensie weensie (not French, but you get the idea) into your Christmas letters to keep readers on their toes and make them feel blessed by having such a classy friend!

Bonus! An extra little moment in which Miss Piggy plays the ultimate Belle of Tara…

Sit & Sip :: An Autumn Champagne Cocktail

Article Posted on Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 at 11:00 pm

Last Wednesday amid the sounds jazz in the Old City, Husband & I sat sipping drinks and I discovered one that I couldn’t resist sharing. If you are lucky enough to be close to the Crown & Goose on any given Wednesday, I’d highly recommend going in and getting a cheese plate with the Lady Guinevere to sip while you listen to Organ Trio. If you are nowhere near Knoxville, here’s the recipe…

Hello, Gorgeous!

Article Posted on Monday, September 26th, 2011 at 10:05 am

:: Listen ::

The latest thing to get downloaded onto my iPhone? This new album from the CSO: Chicago Symphony Brass Live. The very first piece is Crown Imperial, a favorite around the Slaugterhouse, but the rest of the album is completely goosebump-inducing as well. Each December, Husband and I make our annual trek to Chicago… it’s always a magical time as we absolutely adore being in our favorite city during the holiday season, but the highlight of every trip usually turns out to be the Chicago Symphony Brass Live concert. I feel I must admit, on Saturday I bought tickets to the concert and that’s it–no hotel reservations, no plane tickets or any other plans for that matter but, one way or another, we will be in the Chicago Symphony Center at 3 pm on December 14th.

:: Read ::

On Sunday afternoon, as on most Sunday afternoons, I found myself reading the New York Times when I came across this completely delightful article on Mindy Kaling, the writer/actress behind some of my *favorite* episodes of the office. (Which reminds me–How completely delighted are you that James Spader is back on weekly television? Because I am thrilled!) Anyway, she has a new book coming out called Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and Other Concerns), that I will absolutely have to get but in the meantime, I’d recommend reading this article and then following her on Twitter. She’s such a hoot!

:: Dress ::

Last week something was definitely up with my fashion-mojo. I don’t know if it was the fact that I had a couple big projects goingor the fact that I had to give a big presentation to the ‘Big Wigs.’ Either way, what better way to feel empowered than to steal something from your beau’s closet so you can wear it and think of him and  remember that, no matter what, one person on this earth thinks you’re awesome all day. So that’s just what I did. I stole his tie and sent an apology picture to him after the fact, which you can see above with the awful face I made at him mostly pinked out. And you know what? The presentation went great. And the people on the front row loved the tie!

:: Live ::

Last weekend was a cleaning extravaganza around the Slaughterhouse. We managed to remove most of the leftover dust from our A/C installation, we mopped the walls, Husband even handwashed our living room rug! (Oh how I *love* Dash and Albert!) But perhaps my favorite part of the cleaning frenzy is our bedroom. It’s so nice and calming now with 2 nice & neat dressing tables. I believe mine will grow accustomed to fresh flowers, the Egyptian alabaster jewelry tray I picked up here and a candle making everything smell cozy.

5 Random Things

Article Posted on Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 at 9:40 pm

1. I heard this overview called “The Bee’s Knees” on NPR the other day, and I just loved it. Husband plays one mean “Flight of the Bumblebee,” and I, of course, have a special affinity for the little things just because of my name… Hannah *B.* Plus, you have to respect such a tiny creature that has such a bold look. After all, it’s not just any thing that can pull off a wardrobe of strictly black and yellow! All that to say, I thought it was absolutely adorable, and you should totally listen to it!

2. Last week would have been Leonard Bernstein‘s birthday. He’s one of my all-time favorites, so I just couldn’t resist watching a few clips on Thursday when I ran across this little gem. A bit unexpected from the man that made it his mission to make classical music accessible to the masses.

3. To celebrate the 40 years of Chez Panisse, Alice Waters has partnered with Levi’s (who has been known for some amazing collaborations of late) to produce these designer T’s. Artists include: Alice herself, Sofia Coppola, Dave Eggars, David Byrne and, my favorite, Maira Kalman.

4. The entire Terrain site keeps reminding me how very ready for Fall I am. Don’t you just love how warm and cozy all of their goods looks right now? Also I may have to try this recipe for Apple Spice cake.

5. It is impossible to watch this video without smiling…

I Charleston Berlin from Vincent Pfäfflin on Vimeo.

xo~ Hannah B.

Hello, gorgeous!

Article Posted on Tuesday, July 26th, 2011 at 10:01 pm

It has been such a busy summer, but regular posting will commence soon… promise!

:: Listen ::

Around this time (July 25th to be exact) in 1788, Mozart finished his Symphony No. 40 in G minor, one of my personal favorites. I was listening to it on WUOT while driving to work yesterday, and it’s just so uplifting–the perfect thing to listen to first thing in the morning!

{This light, mod poster above was created by Iskra Print Collective for the 2010 Vermont Mozart Festival. I hope they have an extra copy laying around somewhere because it really would be the perfect addition to my new office.}

:: Read ::

I enjoy buying books as souveneirs when we travel instead of meaningless tzotchkes and on one of our last trips I picked up a copy of The Selby book. It’s full of great inspiration. My 2 personal favorites? Karl Lagerfeld’s large room of books and the humble (*note sarcasm) abode of Simon Doonan and his husband, Jonathan Adler.

As a side note, if you have an extra minute be sure to click over to the NYTimes website and read a lovely editorial written this weekend by Mr. Doonan about the day he wed Mr.  Adler. So sweet.

:: Dress ::

This week, in honor of Grace Kelly’s gorgeous baroque costume you see above, put on a little touch of gold. While I personally don’t have any all gold outfits in my wardrobe, after watching To Catch a Thief this weekend I’ve been reaching for the gold bangles for days! Something else to try? Gold nails… the perfect match for sunkissed skin.

{Also, keep your eyes peeled here tomorrow for a To Catch a Thief Style File!}

:: Live ::

While we’re in a *golden* state of mind, I just had to post this picture of our mirror (or at least the corner of it). When I was little, my parents inherited this chintzy gold mirror, and I totally fell in love with it. It was just so over-the-top! Well, a few weeks ago while he was busy redoing our house, Husband painted it purple… and it is super cool!

Hello, gorgeous!

Article Posted on Monday, July 18th, 2011 at 11:39 pm

The past week may have been one of my most hectic ever. The office post-vacation was quite overwhelming, and I’m pretty sure that my brain didn’t turn off until sometime midday yesterday. All that to say, today’s pretties are designed to make you happy… and what could be more happy than flowers, jazz and time for tea?

:: Listen ::

I have had Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Lullaby of Birdland’ stuck in my head for the past 2 weeks, but I can’t say that I’m complaining. For some reason this lovely song always manages to make my mind drift to another world.

:: Read ::

Will’s latest post on Bright.Bazaar contains colorful inspiration from Contemporary Home for a bold summer tablescape. Personally, I can’t resist the bright flowers in the candy-colored glass! Click here to read Will’s post.

:: Dress ::

Feathers a la Steven Tyler may be all the rage, but Belles know there’s nothing more romantic than flowers in your hair, or on your cardigan, or you tank top, or your handbag…
You can pick up this classic Emerson bouquet right here.

:: Live ::

As I’ve said, things have been a bit hectic lately. By the time mid-afternoon rolls around either a.) my mind is starting to wander or b.) I’m totally stressed out. However, I’ve found a secret. A cup of tea in the afternoon may be an old ritual, but I assure you it is timeless. If there happens to be a stressful day on your horizon this week, take a break, make some tea and take a long, deep breath–everything will be ok.

Hello, gorgeous!

Article Posted on Monday, July 11th, 2011 at 11:44 pm

I hope you had a *lovely* weekend! Tonight  I thought I’d share a few things to get your week off on the right foot…

:: Listen ::

While at the beach last week, we picked up this album, and I am totally hooked! Here We Go Again features Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis and Norah Jones (3 legends themselves) celebrating the music of Ray Charles. The album is taken from 2 sold-out nights at the Rose Center recorded in February, 2009, and I swear you can feel the electricity in the concert hall when you listen to it! Get it; you won’t regret it.

:: Read ::

Last weekend we were waiting for our plane to take off having a couple of drinks and reading the Wall Street Journal (him) and the New York Times (me) when I couldn’t resist snapping a picture of this gorgeous illustration. As it turns out, the caricature of Rossini was done in 1867 by Hippolyte Mailly. Anyway, the article was about Rossini’s early retirement, at the age of 37, after premiering his 39th and final opera. Perhaps the part that I found the most interesting, however, was on the last page…

"The idea of art making as a craft, even a job... is foreign to our modern
sensibilities. But our sense of artists as separate from the everyday world,
 engaged in some kind of obscure magic, has made it easier for us to ignore
them and believe that their work is irrelevant to our own, comparatively
ordinary lives. It also relieves us from having to think too hard about
something that mattered a great deal to the shrewd Rossini: compensating
artists fairly for their work." 

Fascinating, no? The writer gives a picture of a world that was changing around the composer and ponders the ability of any artist to separate himself from his work. Read the full story by Zachary Woolfe here on the NYTimes website.

:: Dress ::

As evidenced in the photo above, there is no more chic (or beneficial) accessory in a Belle’s Summer closet than a wide-brimmed hat. I swore by mine at the beach last week. After all, a Belle can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting her complexion!

P.S. I believe this photo is from Anthropologie’s Spring, 2009 catalog.

:: Live ::

Tonight, as on many other nights, we could be found on the front porch sipping cocktails and listening to the stereo. Trust me, it doesn’t get any better than that!

{ Radio source }

Moonlight & Magnolias

Article Posted on Wednesday, June 29th, 2011 at 10:00 am

We lived our little drama
We kissed in a field of white
And stars fell on Alabama
Last night

I can’t forget the glamour
Your eyes held a tender light
And stars fell on Alabama
Last night

I never planned in my imagination
A situation – so heavenly
A fairy land where no one else could enter
And in the center – just you and me

My heart beat like a hammer
My arms wound around you tight
And stars fell on Alabama
Last night

Article Posted on Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 at 11:06 pm