Brian Eno is God

I finally got my new Coldplay album, Viva La Vida. The loser that I am, I waited to buy it on Amazon for only $9.99, but had delayed gratification to save a few bucks. My husband told me he saw it at Starbucks the very day I ordered it. Alas, I'm finally enjoying my new Coldplay. The perfect accompaniment to the tedious job of boxing and shipping my Fall orders. I pack every one of those puppies myself, every sweater is packed by yours truly, and UPS.com and I are best friends. I can create UPS labels with my eyes closed! Thankfully, Mr. Chris Martin has gotten me through it. And yes, I believe that Brian Eno is God, or at least comes very close to brilliance. Coldplay has always been great, but Mr. Eno, who produced their new album Viva La Vida, has taken them to the next level. From the first track, it launches into a U2-esque anthemic rock courtesy of Eno's soundscape, a style that he also famously brought to my favorite Irish lads, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullin Jr. in the early 80's. Much like The Edge's rhythmic guitar, you have Chris Martin's melodic piano, both echoing an ethereal sound. I'm a big fan of the moody, anthemic-style rock, which can easily become the soundtrack for your life. I particularly remember traipsing through Europe in the Summer of '85 listening to U2's The Unforgettable Fire and it providing the soundtrack to my European experience. And now, in 2008, Coldplay's Viva La Vida, and with Brian Eno's magic touch, will be my Summer '08 soundtrack. With this album, Mr. Chris Martin has certainly secured his 2nd place spot on my "list" (right behind Bono of course.)

Brian Eno is God

I finally got my new Coldplay album, Viva La Vida. The loser that I am, I waited to buy it on Amazon for only $9.99, but had delayed gratification to save a few bucks. My husband told me he saw it at Starbucks the very day I ordered it. Alas, I'm finally enjoying my new Coldplay. The perfect accompaniment to the tedious job of boxing and shipping my Fall orders. I pack every one of those puppies myself, every sweater is packed by yours truly, and UPS.com and I are best friends. I can create UPS labels with my eyes closed! Thankfully, Mr. Chris Martin has gotten me through it. And yes, I believe that Brian Eno is God, or at least comes very close to brilliance. Coldplay has always been great, but Mr. Eno, who produced their new album Viva La Vida, has taken them to the next level. From the first track, it launches into a U2-esque anthemic rock courtesy of Eno's soundscape, a style that he also famously brought to my favorite Irish lads, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullin Jr. in the early 80's. Much like The Edge's rhythmic guitar, you have Chris Martin's melodic piano, both echoing an ethereal sound. I'm a big fan of the moody, anthemic-style rock, which can easily become the soundtrack for your life. I particularly remember traipsing through Europe in the Summer of '85 listening to U2's The Unforgettable Fire and it providing the soundtrack to my European experience. And now, in 2008, Coldplay's Viva La Vida, and with Brian Eno's magic touch, will be my Summer '08 soundtrack. With this album, Mr. Chris Martin has certainly secured his 2nd place spot on my "list" (right behind Bono of course.)

Misa Jewelry - Organic by Design

We local girls need to stick together, even if one of them is a true haole (that would be me, of course.) I've been lucky enough to befriend a talented new jewelry designer and fellow Island girl, Misa Hamamoto, the designer and owner of Misa Jewelry. Through the lost art of wax casting, she hand sculpts each piece into a unique organic form that mimics the natural world around her. Her latest series of gold and silver metal cuffs, dangly earrings, bold rings, and layered chains are all inspired by the Hawaiian coral and reefs from her island upbringing. She also infuses precious and semi-precious gemstones for colors inspired by nature and her worldly travels through Micronesia. I'm especially in awe of the large oval rings in her collection (gotta get me one!) I've always been a big fan of a bold, single ring on a woman's hand - a little artsy, confident, and always making a statement. Her beautiful designs are now available at Firefly on Abbot Kinney, Market in Brentwood (check out your Stacia here too!), Uzu in Manhattan Beach, and Wicati in Westwood. I highly recommend snagging one of her jewels sooner than later, because I can assure you, her line is going to be hot and everywhere and you'll be wishing you were the first to discover it. Stay tuned for more Misa Jewelry at www.misajewelry.com!