Ski Chic

While doing my morning browsing of refinery29.com I found a wonderful article and felt compelled to share with you, as it combines three things I love; fashion, skiing and photography.... and links quite well to my previous post. Photographer Ryan McGinley captures 3 U.S.Olympic bound athletes at their best while looking their best for the New York Times. The athlete's are dressed to the 9's in Rodarte's fuzzy-wuzzy sweaters despite the cold weather and somehow make these death and gravity defying acts look effortless as they literally fly through the air. While my ski tricks have been kept to a minimum, as to steer away from injury, I must say I do get the same rush they describe in the article as I slither down a mountain. You loose yourself in the cold white snow and picturesque views while you subconsciously find your body getting into a rhythm you didn't realize was there. I don't think I will be following their lead this weekend with any somersaults or 360's, but maybe I can manage to look as good as they do?

 

 Emily Cook, Freestyle Skier (Aerials)

  

 Hannah Kearney, Freestyle Skier (Moguls)

  

Jeret (Speeky) Peterson, Freestyle Skier (Aerials); Hannah Teter, Snowboarder (Halfpipe)

Ski Weekend. YES!

I previously posted that I wanted to treat myself to a little trip while Colin was traveling with work for a month. Berlin was originally my top choice but, like many things, it just didn't pan out. SO! With the help of my very organized and determined friends here in Amsterdam we did manage to plan a trip to Chamonix, France for a little ski weekend. I've been skiing since the good 'ol days of ski bus from ACHS; although there was more sitting by the fire while drinking hot chocolate and eating nachos in the lodge than actual skiing.... That said, I would still like to think I am a pretty good skier; I would like to think it's in my blood. My dad grew up skiing with both of his parents and would still be 'jooshing' down the slopes had it not been for a accident that left his knee in shambles. My grandfather, 82, yes, 82 still skies today and beats my sister and I down the mountain every time. While most of my experience lies within the moderate mountains of Upstate New York like Greek Peak, Holiday Valley and Kissing Bridge something tells me I will pick it right back up once I click my boots into the skies. We are staying a beautiful villa right in the city center so hopefully we will get a chance to explore the city with my 35mm and I will post some pictures when back. For now, enjoy these which I found on the internet. Is it okay to admit that these pictures are making me feel slightly intimidated?

 

 

A girl can dream

Recently, Colin and I have been furiously trying to make our house a home. I know some things, such as home decor cannot be rushed; however I am undeniably inpatient about these things. Or, I am just bored? Either way I find myself cowering the internet for inspirations to re-mix into my humble abode; unfortunately they never seem to look the same when I try. I did, however find these amazing spaces on the decor8 blog and made a promise to myself: One day I will have a brightly accessorized house filled with washed antique furniture, mix-matching dishes, beautiful art and fresh flowers. Until that day I will continue to fill my already cluttered house with quasi-attempts at home decorating. Baby steps, Lauren, baby steps.

Getaway

For me, one of the downfalls of Colin's job is the traveling. While it doesn't happen too often, it does sometimes occur for weeks at a time; leaving me all by lonesome. His job is his job, there is no way around it...and besides, someones gotta bring home the bacon ;)  I understand this all very well, however I do tend to get a bit frustrated, which is only natural, especially when it happens during the cold and lonely months of the winter; as it will for the entire upcoming month of February.

This time though, I have decided to stop the whimpering and make the best of the situation with a little trip of my own. Christmas just occured and I have been saving my pennies, so why not treat myself to a little weekend getaway to clear those lonely blues?? There are a few places atop my list for weekend trips; Berlin, Austria and Prague. Most of my friends here have visited Prague already and Austria is a place I would like to share with Colin, leaving me with Berlin. I have been dying to visit since my first time in Europe. The culture, the history and mix of old vs. new is so very fascinating to me. All of that mixed with the fact that my very good friend Rosa is from there means I must visit. Flights are relativly inexpensive right now, thanks to KLM, so now I just need to buy the ticket. What do you think, Berlin...Berlin??

Daydreaming

Staying true to the whimsical and nostalgic nature of a Pieces, I often catch myself daydreaming quite a bit lately. Of warm weather, a new job and what the future has in store for me. I will keep the exact dreams to myself, as I am also very superstitious; however, I do feel it necessary to share these beautiful pictures with you from French artist, Anne-Julie Abury. I came across her prints while doing my daily browsing and celebrity gossiping on the internet, and couldn't help but feel like she pulled my exact mood and expressed it on canvas, better than I could vocally. At first glance, they are of course pretty but take a better look, there is something deeper and suspicious within the eyes of the girls; also notice her subtle use of hearts and various images hidden throughout. Quite dreamy and reminiscent of my all-time favorite movie, Alice in Wonderland, you cannot deny their beauty. You can see more of her prints at Nebulous Kingdom or on her blog. Which is your favorite?

Think Warm Thoughts

It's only mid-January and my mind is already wandering towards warm spring days and hot summer nights. I've got a good four or five months before I can pack away my winter coat, hat and boots; to remind myself of the balmy months in the distant future, here are a few pictures of a paradise where I would like to be. Would anyone like to join me?

Gettin up and Gettin Out

Holiday breaks are an invitation to be lazy; however, after two weeks I found myself restless in my own apartment, I needed to move my legs. With my powers of persuasion, I was also able convince Colin he had to do the same. So, on a freezing Sunday afternoon the two of us headed to my favorite museum here in Amsterdam, The Foam. I hadn't been since seeing the Garance Dior exhibit for fashion week so it seemed like the perfect excuse to get the blood flowing again. There were a total of three exhibits throughout the building- Alexander Rodchenko, Photography in Reverse (which exhibited work of five artists) and Concrete Dreams (which exhibited two artists). We both agreed that the Rodchenko exhibit was the best, it showcased nearly 200 vintage prints of the avant-garde Russian artist's work. It was interesting to see the how photography has evolved and been influenced from  to 1920's to now. As you walk through the museum you are able to see new-age work throughout the Photography in Reverse exhibit then rewind to Rodchenko, where you view examples of the very first artist to integrate design and photography. Before turning to photography Rodchenko was know mostly for his graphic designs paintings. Rodchenko has the ability to make an otherwise basic photo eye catching and interesting with the use of various shapes, block lettering and photo-montages. Below are a few images from the museums website; my favorite being, "Girl with Leica". Happy I forced a little culture into my holiday, everyone needs now and again.