Natividad aka "Nana" aka "The Godmother of Gardena"
Georgina aka "Mama" aka "Wonder Woman"
Gigi (at 17) aka "Mija" aka "Gordita" aka "Scooter"
Gigi (at 27) aka "Body by Burger" aka "Who let that lady in?"
Sunday, 16 June 2013
A Father's Day History Mystery
About 15 years ago, I was having a tough time as a "teenage super-square". I was never too bratty, or angsty, I guess, just kind of.... lost and confused.
One day, my dad came home from doing his rounds on the Garage Sale circuit (That's right, my dad was one of the original G-Salers) with a precious little wooden box inlaid with silver and copper accents in the form of Egyptian motifs.
He told me the box had a very interesting history behind it.
It had belonged to a young girl many, many years ago who was filled with sorrow at losing her love. She would cry every day, saving her tears in this box. And penning little notes of hopes and wishes that when mixed with her tears in this magical box would come true.
So he told me that next time I feel sad I should do the same. And keep all my hopes and wishes in there.
He spun a good yarn and, as I was and will always be a sucker for that man, I still believe every word to this day.
I don't know much else about the box other than that story. A little Sunday googling lead me to this:
So I am assuming it is also from the 1920s / 1930s and it looks like it could be quite similar, albeit in much worse condition.
Not that its condition matters at all. How could I even think of Antique Roadshow-ing a genuine magical wishing box???
But really, I hope everyone has a lovely Father's Day - because I know I won't. Nothing's much of anything without my "Fatty". Staying positive :)
One day, my dad came home from doing his rounds on the Garage Sale circuit (That's right, my dad was one of the original G-Salers) with a precious little wooden box inlaid with silver and copper accents in the form of Egyptian motifs.
He told me the box had a very interesting history behind it.
It had belonged to a young girl many, many years ago who was filled with sorrow at losing her love. She would cry every day, saving her tears in this box. And penning little notes of hopes and wishes that when mixed with her tears in this magical box would come true.
So he told me that next time I feel sad I should do the same. And keep all my hopes and wishes in there.
He spun a good yarn and, as I was and will always be a sucker for that man, I still believe every word to this day.
I don't know much else about the box other than that story. A little Sunday googling lead me to this:
Not that its condition matters at all. How could I even think of Antique Roadshow-ing a genuine magical wishing box???
But really, I hope everyone has a lovely Father's Day - because I know I won't. Nothing's much of anything without my "Fatty". Staying positive :)
Thursday, 13 June 2013
And now for something inappropriate... I mean SEASONALLY INAPPROPRIATE... Golly Gee!
Although, the weather today is definitely saying "October... in hell"... and not "June in... ANYWHERE"!
Today, I would like to take a moment to talk to you about Halloween.
It is my favourite holiday - and should be yours, too.
I take Halloween very seriously and have at times ended up flailing and shouting at strangers on the street for not taking it seriously enough and for boring the pants off me. Trust.
Here are some images of Hallowe'ens past.
Today, I would like to take a moment to talk to you about Halloween.
It is my favourite holiday - and should be yours, too.
I take Halloween very seriously and have at times ended up flailing and shouting at strangers on the street for not taking it seriously enough and for boring the pants off me. Trust.
Here are some images of Hallowe'ens past.
::Nostalgic Oscar death reel music::
2012
Half-a$$ed Gil Elvgren girl pin-up! With skirt literally pinned up to get that Oh So OOPS look!
Not my car.
The Original!
Woops - still not my car.
2011
Pretty much the greatest thing I have ever done. This picture does not even come close to capturing the full frontal severity of this look. Everything was rainbow. Frida Kahlo.
2010
I'm thinking the costume brief was "Sexy [Noun]"... I'm really surprised no one else came as Sexy Karl Lagerfeld.
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!11!!! booze.
Too Many Moons Ago
Betty Boop! Get it! My momz made / altered the dress from a Betsy Johnson I scored at the Goodwill for like a dollah. Ubiquitous Red Cup! Cropped to protect the innocents.
Credits: Grease Monkeys
Jamz!: Two Things That I Kinda Like Need Right Now
Macklemore.....
Plus Burgers...........
Equals...........
{Though for serious my jam is White Walls - Listen to it!}
Credits: JaKeepinItReal
Plus Burgers...........
Equals...........
Credits: JaKeepinItReal
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
Why Didn't I Think Of That?!?: Twerk it!
Ok - so for my first "Why Didn't I Think Of That?!?" post I am featuring a different kind of "tech start-up" - a YouTuber!
Introducing... Mr. Mawaan Rizwan, aka Malum TV!
I am a tough critic of comedy - coming from a long-line of jokers, clowns, hee-haws and knee-slappers - and while his humor is a bit less subtle than my all-time favorite, Mitch Hedberg, he's still funny!
We here at Body By Burger salute him and wish him all the luck in his future in comedy and online video production!
I found this video via Jezebel.
Bonus: MITCH HEDBERG!
Introducing... Mr. Mawaan Rizwan, aka Malum TV!
I am a tough critic of comedy - coming from a long-line of jokers, clowns, hee-haws and knee-slappers - and while his humor is a bit less subtle than my all-time favorite, Mitch Hedberg, he's still funny!
We here at Body By Burger salute him and wish him all the luck in his future in comedy and online video production!
I found this video via Jezebel.
Bonus: MITCH HEDBERG!
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Hollywood Globetrotter: San Sebastian, Spain
Get it? Because I'm from Hollywooooood!
Fun fact... the monsieur is from a town nicknamed "Hællæwood". Fun fact over!
Just a quick note on my trip to San Sebastian... I went on my first Bachelorette Party! We danced, we drank, we laughed, we cried, we ate, we drank, we ate, we napped, we "shiny pants danced".... instantly viral Youtube video of this coming soon... jk... I do have some shame.
Enough chatter. More pretty pics.
Fun fact... the monsieur is from a town nicknamed "Hællæwood". Fun fact over!
Just a quick note on my trip to San Sebastian... I went on my first Bachelorette Party! We danced, we drank, we laughed, we cried, we ate, we drank, we ate, we napped, we "shiny pants danced".... instantly viral Youtube video of this coming soon... jk... I do have some shame.
Enough chatter. More pretty pics.
the view from La Perla bar
amazin' pintxos
waaaahhhhh??? ya jealous.
beautiful and perfect sangria - hangover cure du weekend
and this.... this moscato... this nectar of the gods... this tasted like the sun god was makin' sweet love on your tongue. it was divine. it was an otherwordly experience.
and i didn't take any notes on anything.
bad, bad, bad blogger.
but if anyone needs any recommendations I am sure I can jog my hazy wine soaked memory :)
Monday, 10 June 2013
Mintage!: Will Give Good Face for Burgers!
As previously mentioned, on Saturday I was left to slave away at home on my hair and makeup while lucky little Senor Bear got to go to work all day... Unfair!
But I somehow managed.... AND I somehow managed to do some ACE eyebrows if I do say so myself.
Which of course lead to....
But I somehow managed.... AND I somehow managed to do some ACE eyebrows if I do say so myself.
Which of course lead to....
Let's begin....
(Ignore the gobs of Garnier Perfect Blur caking on my forehead - I got overzealous)
This is probably my favourite picture of me, like, evah. That's not even special effects. That's all face.
But seriously... how good are those brows?? And I even managed to somehow mold my skanky little fringe into a sweet quasi-bumper bang / front roll!
I am obviously quite pleased with myself... heh heh. Though I forgot to put proper mascara... woops. I was too excited by the brows and wanted to snappity snap before they got effedy effed up. And no whatever that thing is coming out of my left eye is not an epic eyelash... Don't know what that is really.
BONUS PIC:
GRATUITOUS DUCKFACE!
Yea, I am quite pleased with the hair and makeup that resulted from this marathon make up session.
I don't know if my favourite thing about the pic below is the fact that is looks NOTHING like me, the fact that you can see my baby fat arms (weeeeheeewweeehhhhhh) or the fact that I literally had to take this pic lying on the couch because I could not find one free spot in the house that didn't have laundry hanging, bikes leaning, drum sets imposing... excuses excuses. I know why I am doing this weekend. Turning the music room into the ridiculous selfies room.
Thanks all, this has been.....
Credits: Bloggif
Yum!: The Fish & Chip Shop, Islington
Attention Vintage Lifestyle Enthusiasts and Bloggers... Freakin' adorable restaurant / photoshoot location alert!
Saturday day was spent left to my own devices (oh, hello spending hours upon hours staring in the mirror plus a quick trip to see The Great Gatsby in 3D -- which I loved).
Saturday night was nearly ruined by Street Feast being a ghost town (I simply can't figure that place's schedule out) but was saved at Lucky Chip (obvs) with a few pickle backs and burgers (OBVS).
Sunday morning (the wee morning) resulted in an impromptu tender lovin' foot stompin' dance party at the casa with only a few incidents of attempted arson and one runaway bicyclist.... and one hella rousin' game of Trivial Pursuit.
Sunday afternoon (the part where I woke up) was welcomed by the most lady-like of headaches and raccoon eyes.
Sunday evening... was amazing.
We went for a walk to regain our health and lustre and ended up in Islington, as is often the case.
We could not for the life of us decide what to nourish ourselves with... until we both blurted out Mongolian BBQ at the same time! Realising that that was a pipe dream in our current state we decided to settle for something nearby.... and then we passed it.
Oh glory be it was gorgeous. Where did this oasis in the desert come from? Is this a fever dream?
It was The Fish & Chip Shop!
Of course, since I was in a "delicate" state I didn't even bring my phone so got no pictures! I suck at this.
But I did find a few around the Google.....
Credits: The Fish and Chip Shop, Pantling Studio, How To Spend It
Saturday day was spent left to my own devices (oh, hello spending hours upon hours staring in the mirror plus a quick trip to see The Great Gatsby in 3D -- which I loved).
Saturday night was nearly ruined by Street Feast being a ghost town (I simply can't figure that place's schedule out) but was saved at Lucky Chip (obvs) with a few pickle backs and burgers (OBVS).
Sunday morning (the wee morning) resulted in an impromptu tender lovin' foot stompin' dance party at the casa with only a few incidents of attempted arson and one runaway bicyclist.... and one hella rousin' game of Trivial Pursuit.
Sunday afternoon (the part where I woke up) was welcomed by the most lady-like of headaches and raccoon eyes.
Sunday evening... was amazing.
We went for a walk to regain our health and lustre and ended up in Islington, as is often the case.
We could not for the life of us decide what to nourish ourselves with... until we both blurted out Mongolian BBQ at the same time! Realising that that was a pipe dream in our current state we decided to settle for something nearby.... and then we passed it.
Oh glory be it was gorgeous. Where did this oasis in the desert come from? Is this a fever dream?
It was The Fish & Chip Shop!
Of course, since I was in a "delicate" state I didn't even bring my phone so got no pictures! I suck at this.
But I did find a few around the Google.....
Gorgeous, am I right?
And the food wasn't half bad neither!
I had.... drumroll...
Scallop to start
Halfpint o' prawns to start all over again
The whole grilled lemon sole
Spicy tartar sauce
Mushy peas
Pickled wally
Strawberries and Cream with Shortbread
Accompanied by:
The House White which was lovely
And the most beautifully coloured Cava Rosado... it was like a dream!
Herr Le Bear had:
The Whole Lobster with Chips
Garlic Mayo
Strawberries and Cream and Shortbread
Such a dude!
We recommend the place. Though the lobster was wonderful it wasn't 100% perfectly / evenly cooked.
Other than that, zero complaints.
Fantastic atmosphere, delightful service, delicious fish!
I give it... an arbitrary 8/10... with 10/10 being the first time I ever had Hawksmoor.
Sigh. To go back and do that one all over again :)
Credits: The Fish and Chip Shop, Pantling Studio, How To Spend It
Yum!: Oh That Shimmy Shimmy Shake Shack!
Guess what, kitty kitty kats?
July 5th! Covent Garden! Shake Shack!
Looks like I got a new lunch spot to rotate in! And a good thing at that because I'm in a kinda Kimchee all day everyday rut and need to mix it up.
Plus we need a good burger joint 'round these parts. What's that you say? What about Meat Market? Well, dearies, my REPEAT disappointment with Meat Market warrants its own post. Love me some Meat Liquor, and Meat Mission tickles this belly at least once a month but Meat Market is... just so off every single time. I hope to some day prove myself wrong but I don't think I'll be laying my money down to do that any time soon....
Not to mention I have been dying for a Strawberry milkshake for ages now but was so badly burned by the "milkshake" they sucker people into at Benet's by Brick Lane that I am so scared to try to love again. I need a tried and true, All American, through and through, red white and blue milkshake. Until July 5th though, if anyone has suggestions for good milkshakes do send this way!
So.... Shake Shack, you did me right that sweltering lonely day in when I was burning up with gross mid-summer fever in NYC... I can't wait to meet again!
Credit: Shake Shack
July 5th! Covent Garden! Shake Shack!
Looks like I got a new lunch spot to rotate in! And a good thing at that because I'm in a kinda Kimchee all day everyday rut and need to mix it up.
Plus we need a good burger joint 'round these parts. What's that you say? What about Meat Market? Well, dearies, my REPEAT disappointment with Meat Market warrants its own post. Love me some Meat Liquor, and Meat Mission tickles this belly at least once a month but Meat Market is... just so off every single time. I hope to some day prove myself wrong but I don't think I'll be laying my money down to do that any time soon....
Not to mention I have been dying for a Strawberry milkshake for ages now but was so badly burned by the "milkshake" they sucker people into at Benet's by Brick Lane that I am so scared to try to love again. I need a tried and true, All American, through and through, red white and blue milkshake. Until July 5th though, if anyone has suggestions for good milkshakes do send this way!
So.... Shake Shack, you did me right that sweltering lonely day in when I was burning up with gross mid-summer fever in NYC... I can't wait to meet again!
Credit: Shake Shack
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
Mintage: Retro Ruthie Shop
So, you know how in the previous post I was all like "Man, I need to stop blowin' my dough..."
Well, the reason for that is... I have a trip to LA coming up soon!
So I need to save money... in order to spend it!
Kinda like before I went to Italy on exchange the first time... I worked out like a dog and everyone was like "Why are you losing weight? You wanna get one of them Italian boys?" And I was like "Nope, I lose it so that I might gain it alllll back and be no worse off than the day I was born...." MATH!
That being said, I have so many plans for LA... mostly shopping-oriented.
Other than the old standbys which I plan to hit like a butterfly / sting like a bee - I also wanted to check out some places I have since discovered... though not entirely sure they have bricks-and-mortar shops... but I think they do... hmmmm....
I present to any of you not in the know... Retro Ruthie!
How unbelievably gorgeous are her designs? And incredibly affordable! Especially when you put on the ol' pounds sterling rose coloured glasses on over it.
Shoot - if there is no store, I might have to order online in advance. Ahhh vacation stress!
Ok - now I'm going to get back to that staring contest I am having with the tube of Pringles.
Credits: Retro Ruthie Shop
Well, the reason for that is... I have a trip to LA coming up soon!
So I need to save money... in order to spend it!
Kinda like before I went to Italy on exchange the first time... I worked out like a dog and everyone was like "Why are you losing weight? You wanna get one of them Italian boys?" And I was like "Nope, I lose it so that I might gain it alllll back and be no worse off than the day I was born...." MATH!
That being said, I have so many plans for LA... mostly shopping-oriented.
Other than the old standbys which I plan to hit like a butterfly / sting like a bee - I also wanted to check out some places I have since discovered... though not entirely sure they have bricks-and-mortar shops... but I think they do... hmmmm....
I present to any of you not in the know... Retro Ruthie!
How unbelievably gorgeous are her designs? And incredibly affordable! Especially when you put on the ol' pounds sterling rose coloured glasses on over it.
Shoot - if there is no store, I might have to order online in advance. Ahhh vacation stress!
Ok - now I'm going to get back to that staring contest I am having with the tube of Pringles.
Credits: Retro Ruthie Shop
Mintage: Recent Acquisitions from Beyond Retrooooooo!
Now, I am not a huge fan of the London "vintage" shopping scene. Especially when most of the items that are considered "vintage" and are commanding a premium look like they have somehow recirculated themselves from my OWN childhood Goodwill donations to Brick Lane.
Like I mentioned, or maybe I didn't, I like Black Out II in Covent Garden. I had first heard of the shop from a Paloma Faith interview. I kinda dig her so that was good enough for me to ch-check it out.
I have made a few purchases from Black Out II - to be shown at a later date because, um, the post is about Beyond Retro ... or something.
Anyways, somewhere, somehow, I was in the neighborhood of the Brick Lane adjacent Beyond Retro and felt particularly inspired.
Trouble is with places like that, in locations like that, is that they KNOW what they got. They KNOW. They have the internet... I am a firm believe that there is no way you're going to score.
And I NEED to score these days. I need a win. I need to feel like I felt that time I scored a vintage letterman sweater and vintage silk navy flight suit at the JetRag $dollar$ sale.... El Cheapo de Mayo.
And then I did. I scored. I dun good. First I found an ace 60s beaded cream-coloured gown that would pretty much be the most amazing wedding dress ever - but since it ain't time for that yet, I had to tag and release... It was only 80 quid and looked to fit a UK 12 so if anyone's looking for one it was gorgeous and in solid condition. Next I found a yellow terrycloth beach cover up dress of indeterminate age as I totally forgot what the name on the label was. It tempted me something good for £25 but the elastic on the sleeves was done for and I haven't quite committed my life to learning how to sew yet - though I am hoping to fulfill that ambition soon (::Looks up at dusty guitar in the corner...::)
Ok, ok, enough of the teasin', what about das pleasin'???
So first things first, actually, in order of fabulousness...
I nabbed this pretty cotton scarf for £5... I thought it would be an instantly prettifying accessory:
Next up to bat is a deadstock, with tags, skirt that seems to be made from a pastel plaid cheesecloth...
Shazaam! Perfect fit! Perfect condition! Smellin' so fresh and so clean clean. £14.
And now the boom shama lama ding dong catch of the day... Context: So one of my bestest best friends is getting married in LA in July and I have been having nightmares and heart palpitations over what to wear. The "theme" and I use that loosely cuz we are too cool for themes... Just kidding. I have themed pajamas per night of the week.... Anyways, the theme is Gatsby-esque. And she has been planning this since we were little squids - it just happens to finally be happening in the same year of the movie (Damn You Luhhhhrrrrmmmaaannnnnn!). I originally bought / had sent to LA a dress from Modcloth:
Ah, now that I am looking at it again, I just might keep it. I love it - but the momz says it's not evening wedding-appropriate.... But it's sooo cute. Ok, well, at Beyond Retro, I found this:
I think it reads a bit 90s in this photo due to my wonky pitcha-takin' but check the details below... The dress fits like a glove and is actually ankle length despite appearances:
Right? I think it can go late-20s / 30s... either way, it's handmade and ::drumroll:: £25!!....
Like so:
Momz is already working on learning to do the hair. I found some decent tutorials to get a nice wave but have yet been brave enough to actually try it!
Ta-dah! That's all folkz!
PSYCH!
Totally kidding.. there's one more.... he he he he he.
Get ready for sensory overload:
At the bottom of the scarf bin I found this AMAZING treasure. Who'dathunkit? In the bin in Beyond Retro in Brick Lane? £4! I might want to frame it actually. It's spotless and amazing.
Which reminds me... Stop spending money!!!
Credits: ModCloth, Fashion Senorita, F As In Frank Vintage
Dude - I used to wear this sh!t fo' realz. Like.... unironically... what does that even mean!?!?
I have made a few purchases from Black Out II - to be shown at a later date because, um, the post is about Beyond Retro ... or something.
Anyways, somewhere, somehow, I was in the neighborhood of the Brick Lane adjacent Beyond Retro and felt particularly inspired.
Trouble is with places like that, in locations like that, is that they KNOW what they got. They KNOW. They have the internet... I am a firm believe that there is no way you're going to score.
And I NEED to score these days. I need a win. I need to feel like I felt that time I scored a vintage letterman sweater and vintage silk navy flight suit at the JetRag $dollar$ sale.... El Cheapo de Mayo.
And then I did. I scored. I dun good. First I found an ace 60s beaded cream-coloured gown that would pretty much be the most amazing wedding dress ever - but since it ain't time for that yet, I had to tag and release... It was only 80 quid and looked to fit a UK 12 so if anyone's looking for one it was gorgeous and in solid condition. Next I found a yellow terrycloth beach cover up dress of indeterminate age as I totally forgot what the name on the label was. It tempted me something good for £25 but the elastic on the sleeves was done for and I haven't quite committed my life to learning how to sew yet - though I am hoping to fulfill that ambition soon (::Looks up at dusty guitar in the corner...::)
Ok, ok, enough of the teasin', what about das pleasin'???
So first things first, actually, in order of fabulousness...
I nabbed this pretty cotton scarf for £5... I thought it would be an instantly prettifying accessory:
Next up to bat is a deadstock, with tags, skirt that seems to be made from a pastel plaid cheesecloth...
Shazaam! Perfect fit! Perfect condition! Smellin' so fresh and so clean clean. £14.
And now the boom shama lama ding dong catch of the day... Context: So one of my bestest best friends is getting married in LA in July and I have been having nightmares and heart palpitations over what to wear. The "theme" and I use that loosely cuz we are too cool for themes... Just kidding. I have themed pajamas per night of the week.... Anyways, the theme is Gatsby-esque. And she has been planning this since we were little squids - it just happens to finally be happening in the same year of the movie (Damn You Luhhhhrrrrmmmaaannnnnn!). I originally bought / had sent to LA a dress from Modcloth:
Ah, now that I am looking at it again, I just might keep it. I love it - but the momz says it's not evening wedding-appropriate.... But it's sooo cute. Ok, well, at Beyond Retro, I found this:
I think it reads a bit 90s in this photo due to my wonky pitcha-takin' but check the details below... The dress fits like a glove and is actually ankle length despite appearances:
Right? I think it can go late-20s / 30s... either way, it's handmade and ::drumroll:: £25!!....
Like so:
Momz is already working on learning to do the hair. I found some decent tutorials to get a nice wave but have yet been brave enough to actually try it!
Ta-dah! That's all folkz!
PSYCH!
Totally kidding.. there's one more.... he he he he he.
Get ready for sensory overload:
At the bottom of the scarf bin I found this AMAZING treasure. Who'dathunkit? In the bin in Beyond Retro in Brick Lane? £4! I might want to frame it actually. It's spotless and amazing.
Which reminds me... Stop spending money!!!
Credits: ModCloth, Fashion Senorita, F As In Frank Vintage
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