The Vogue to my Carrie

Over the last couple of weeks, I have managed to acquire a crap-ton of design magazines. I really don’t know how I managed to pick up so many recently, considering in the past I would buy one very sparingly. But alas, I find myself with a magazine in my bag every couple of days. It’s my weak spot. I really do love design magazines. They make my heart feel warm and feed my soul. I realize that sounds really touchy-feely, but I don’t say things like that unless they’re true. Design magazines are the Vogue to my Carrie.
“When I first moved to New York and I was totally broke, sometimes I would buy Vogue instead of dinner. I felt it fed me more.”
– Carrie Bradshaw, Season 4, Sex & the City

The Big Goldstein

In a semi-vegitative state over the weekend {after submitting a rather stressful project}, I found myself watching E! I don’t like to admit it, but sometimes I need an artery-clogging helping of bad television. Although, if I watch a lot of it in one go, I feel my brain starting to go mushy and my vocabulary deteriorates at an alarming rate.
How’d You Get So Rich? hosted by Joan Rivers was on. I don’t mind watching it since half of it is snooping around the houses of the rich and famous. In this particular episode Joan explored the house of a fashion junkie – James Goldstein. It took me a couple of minutes to recognize his house – there’s no mistaking those couches.

It screams bachelors pad to no end, and is featured as the house of Jackie Treehorn in one of my favorite movies – The Big Lebowski.
Goldstein’s house has to be one of the most dangerous houses I’ve ever seen. Situated on the top of Benedict Canyon in Los Angeles, the house is built jutting from the face of the canyon, to take in the most of the surrounding sights. What gives the house the unmistakable feeling of danger is the hallway to the spare bedrooms {as seen below} – there are no walls or windows to the south side of the house to stop you falling into the canyon below. It has a 400ft drop to the south of the house, with small amounts of vegetation – for aesthetics – between you and the bottom.

Up next is James’ bedroom {not just architecture danger here ladies. Google image search him}. At the push of a button, the windows unfold upon the farthest point of the house, revealing stunning views of LA {as seen below}.
I’ve included more of my favorite pics of Goldstein’s house. I know his house is not to everyones taste. It’s very much you either like it or hate it, but I’ve got to admit I am on the side of liking.

My favorite picks – autumnal love

1. Conkers. As long as they fall out of trees, I will collect them. Since moving back to Ireland, collecting conkers is a real sign of autumn for me. 
2. Aromatic mulled wine by Marks & Spencer. This could be considered a Christmas drink, but to me it is an autumn and winter drink. Pour yourself a mug, pop it in the microwave and drink yourself into a magical stupor. 
3. Simone, by Jessica Harrison. Hauntingly beautiful with a side of gore. These mini porcelain sculptures are wonderful, but at times make you squirm. Perfect for getting you in the mood for Halloween. More cringe-worthy sculptures on her site including Maria, who enjoys long walks and holding her intestines. 
4. Pumpkin pie. It really needs no introduction. Quite possibly my favorite pie, my dad made a killer one for Thanksgiving. Happy {Canadian} Thanksgiving!