think outside the clock.

valerie.

when i lived right off calle ocho, a Steampunk jewelry artist, Rachael Victoria Adams, lived above me who made (and still makes) beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry from upcycled components and relics of Natural History. Valerie came over one night to chill and i introduced them of course.. and Val and i fell in love with her stuff. we chatted over a couple beers and probably a few swigs of maker's mark while looking at her really intricate designs of honest-to-God skulls and beetles designed into antique pocket watches and other clockwork pieces. (she also collects vintage photographs of circus performers and all types of really interesting, mesmerizing stuff.) we talked shit for a while, drank a good bit - super fun night.
ok, fast forward several months. Val's bf, Simon, asks me for Rachael's contact so he could surprise her with a one-of-a-kind necklace from this amazingly unique collection. and bam, there it was. a perfect gift and it's the only one. it's nice to show your love and appreciation with equally special, one and only gifts. good job, Simon.

Rachael Victoria Adams created Nouveau Motley in 2004, go check it out. facebook page link. so many people like it already, you will too.

hope you enjoyed your day off

we don't get very many. mine was relaxing, spent with good friends, good beer and lots of other good stuff. i'm getting spoiled now that my best friend is living in the same neighborhood (almost). meeting for a drink (or 4) is great when everything is basically in walking distance. i managed to snap some photos around here and there.. it twas fun. :D

someone was thinkin. and that lemony looking drink down there is gin, blanc vermouth, celery bitters and yellow chartreuse. savory as fuck.

forever 21 clutch (gold shoulder chain tucked inside) and a whiskey and coke.

fireworks pt. 2 from the Double Tree Grand Hotel on Biscayne Bay.

pretty, eh?

Fourth of July hot spot.