Desert Jewels

There are so many words spoken about the Middle East by people who simply don't understand it. Many Middle Eastern countries are plagued by war and conflict, but that is not what defines them. I'll bet many people didn't know how friendly street vendors can be. Or that the loveliest flower can be found growing near a forgotten church in the dessert. I wonder how many people know that the most therapeutic breeze can be felt on a Syrian summer night, while enjoying the sweetest watermelon of your life. How many people know that the lights in the mountains beat those of Paris and New York any day? Or that a Lebanese fortune teller can read your coffee cup...and guess your name without having mentioned a thing about yourself.

"Gravity's Gone" - Drive-By Truckers

Gravity’s Gone

Speaking of the South...today's song is by one of my all time favorite southern bands, the Drive-By Truckers. What I love about this band is that there's not just one main song writer, but three and each has their own style. I saw these guys live and make no mistake, they know how to rock. This track is off of their album A Blessing and a Curse and man is it a kick. This one's Mike Cooley's and this song proves that he knows the meaning of attitude. My favorite lyric

"Don't ever let them make you feel

Like saying what you want is unbecoming

If you were supposed to watch your mouth

All the time I doubt your eyes would be above it"

Enjoy.

Also by DBT's

-The whole Decoration Day album :)

Pancake Heaven

I love roadtrips. The scenery, the music in the car, fresh air, the inevitable arguing, unplanned stops... What's a roadtrip without a pancake stop? In Nashville, TN there is a little pancake shop close to Vanderbilt University called The Pancake Pantry. Most days, there's a line out the door and across the block to get into this joint. They've got great coffee, friendly service, a relaxing southern vibe, and almost every type of pancake you can imagine. This is a picture of my partially eaten apple cinnamon pancakes with tons of maple sauce and syrup, and a side of apple sauce. These were my favorite pancakes ever...and I've had a lot of pancakes. If you're ever in Nashville, before you head over to the Opry or to buy some boots, fuel up. P.S. Don't let the wait intimidate you, it's worth it.

"Damn, Sam" - Ryan Adams

Damn, Sam

I don't know about where you've been, but it's been raining all day here. My favorite rainy day album is Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams, who happens to also be one of my favorite singers of all time. I have a set of windows on the ceiling in a room in my house. Sometimes when it's raining, I lie under the windows and watch the rain while listening to this album. "Damn, Sam" is one of my favorite tracks off this album, though I wasn't crazy about it at first. It grew on me. Give a listen anytime...or save it for a rainy day :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PeterPan_Statue_Londres.jpg

We all know and love Peter Pan, the boy who never wanted to grow. One day, he decided he didn't want to be an adult, so he ran off to Kensington Gardens and ended up in Neverland. Neverland is familiar to all, even if they've never been there before. Many people wish they could be young forever, but there's so much adventure in growing older. Peter craved and chased adventure anywhere he could. Even in the face of death he said, "To die would be an awful big adventure." There's a statue dedicated to Barrie's slightly conceited, yet lovable hero in the real Kensignton Gardens in London. If you ever have a chance to visit London, find the statue and send a picture.

Eau So Fresh

Ever wanted to smell like a field of flowers?

www.daisymarcjacobs.com/

Take a stroll through Marc Jacobs' daisy field ;)

(Image from www.daisymarcjacobs.com/)

Ladurée-

Synonyms:
Decadent
Delicious
Marie Antoinette
Elegance
Color
Luscious
J'adore

These macaroons will change your life.

The planet is studded with these shops much like the crowned jewels with its gems. For the real experience? Paris, of course.