Jane is a Gypsy

Here's to girls who break the rules

2011-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

The best books in travel literature

2011-02-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here is my short list of books that inspire me to close my eyes and point anywhere on the map.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. I devoured this book in less than 2 days. A few weeks later, I was tramping solo through the South Island of New Zealand.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. I'm currently in the middle of this 900 page giant, handed down to me by a Brit I met whilst backpacking across Peru.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. A girly read and wildly inspiring.

Getting Stoned with Savages by J. Maarten Troost. Quit job, move to Fiji, get high. This guy has it all figured out.

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin. Next up on my reading list. A gifted storyteller's adventure through the southern most tip of South America. It can't not be good.

Happy Valentine's Day, Cupcake!

2011-02-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Have a SWEET weekend!

2011-02-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

2011-02-10T09:00:00.001-08:00

Happiness is.......

2011-02-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

A few things that make me deliriously happy.....

* The smell of rain in the desert.
* Waking up to puppy kisses.
* The first sip of a perfectly foamy latte.
* Driving with the windows rolled down and the music turned up.
* Wind on my face and sun on my shoulders.
* Diving into a crystal clear blue ocean.
* Staring down the white face of a mountain armed with nothing but a board and determination.
* The moment I realize I'm embarking on an incredible adventure.

Sometimes sleep just feels so good

2011-02-08T10:22:00.001-08:00

Gypsy girl

2011-02-03T08:44:00.001-08:00

Camping and mountain biking off the Central California coast

2011-02-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

I needed to get away from it all. And by 'all' I mean my current unemployed status and the boredom that has snuck into my daily life. Living in the L.A. area, I am certainly at no shortage for concerts, clubs, eclectic eateries, and snazzy hotels but, I wanted something outside the city limits. I wanted to feel worlds away without putting in the 7 hour flight time. So, I gathered my camping gear, purchased a rad new tent from REI (the Hoodoo 2, on sale!) and ventured North. Two and a half hours up Pacific Coast Highway landed us at the sweet little spot of Montaña de Oro. Coastal camping at its best and the perfect L.A. getaway. We spent the 80° days mountain biking and hiking the coastal trails, including Point Buchon Trail, an easy trail that winds along the bluffs over the ocean for 3 miles.
Along with being easily accessible by car, Montaña de Oro, is less than 20 minutes from the nearest grocery store (a perfect spot to grab twist top bottles of red wine to pass around the campfire) and Starbuck's (Okay, so maybe I didn't want to get away from it ALL). Also not to be missed is Sunshine Health Foods and Shine Cafe in Morro Bay where we ventured for our lunch each day. Sit outside and enjoy the out of this world tempeh tacos. Not exactly 'roughin it' but......close enough!

Point Buchon Trail

Overlooking Point Buchon Trail

Point Buchon Trail

Hipstamatic LoVe in Montana de Oro

2011-01-27T10:21:00.000-08:00

I recently received a brand spanking new ipod Touch as a gift and Hipstamatic was the very first app I downloaded. Having drooled for months over the retro-ness of friends' Hipsta pics, I was stoked to finally give it a proper test run this past weekend in Montaña de Oro. I'm still trying to figure out the perfect film/flash/lens combos but, thankfully it's super easy to use. Below, a few pics:

Lens: John S, Film: Ina's 1969, Flash: off

Lens: John S, Film:Ina's 1969, Flash: Standard

Lens: Jimmy, Film: Kodot XGrizzled, Flash: off

The most beautiful country you'll ever travel through

2011-01-26T09:24:00.000-08:00

We all have that place. That place that makes you feel like your feet barely touch the ground and that anything in the world is possible from here on out. For me, that place is New Zealand. Although, most of my earth shattering experience there had to do with the fact that I was away from home, working on the biggest project of my entire life, and in the middle of ending a three year relationship, I like to think my travels there would have been equally profound, had I been in a completely normal emotional and mental state.
Alas, I found myself (literally and figuratively) tramping solo through the south island of New Zealand. It was a journey that marked the beginning of my obsession to hitting the open road at every opportunity. Because really, the best way to escape is to, well, escape.

I love these photographs from ridiculously talented photographer, Andrew Smith. They capture the heart of what I experienced in New Zealand: a serenity that balances precariously along the icy water's edge and towering mountain tops.

All photos by Andrew Smith via My Modern Met

Champagne thoughts and Eiffel Tower dreams....

2011-01-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

Morning light of Machu Picchu

2011-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

After four days of trekking the Inca Trail, Mel and I arose just before dawn with the hopes of being two of the lucky adventurers to, not only see Machu Picchu, but also climb Huayna Picchu. We were. And we did.
Here is the gorgeous light that took over Machu Picchu as the morning sun made it's way over the mountain. So worth those few extra minutes of sleep we missed.

A French Bohemian wedding

2011-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Would you ever guess that the dainty French detailing in these photos came from a wedding in Texas? Neither would I. Adore them as I did!

Photo source: Green Wedding Shoes via: Bldg 25

'Adventure is worthwhile in itself' - Amelia Earhart

2011-01-17T10:54:00.001-08:00

A winter's day at the beach

2011-01-17T09:35:00.001-08:00

It may be the middle of January but, you could have fooled us. We gobbled up the sunshine and 80 degree weather yesterday in Hermosa Beach. Complete with margaritas, volleyball, and bikinis!

All photos taken with the Hipstomatic app for iphone

Happy SoCal weekend!

2011-01-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining in Southern California.... I couldn't be happier. Have a lovely weekend!

Photo by Cheyenne Ellis

Love letters from Paris...

2011-01-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

Free People catalog in Paris and my daily french fix

2011-01-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

As I am obsessed with all things Parisian right now, I was thrilled to come upon this post from Sarah Shirley's Style Diary, including images and a video shot of the new Free People (LOVE!) catalog.

Free People January from FreePeople on Vimeo.

Sucker Punch

2011-01-12T01:18:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought there weren't enough bad ass heroines in Hollywood.

Chicks kicking ass in high heels and fake eyelashes? Yes Please!

Girls have got balls. They're just a little higher up that's all. - Joan Jett

2011-01-11T17:38:00.000-08:00

A gypsy's map

2011-01-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

Paris on my mind

2011-01-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't mind if tomorrow went something like this.......

The end

Have a ......

2011-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

X's and Oh's

New Year's Eve at The Bellagio

2011-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

I ended 2010 on stage at the Bellagio in Las Vegas this year, shaking my tush off. Couldn't have asked for a better send off to a year that was so very good to me!

Backstage in the dressing room

All the Gaga's backstage

Gaga's on stage

Custom designed burlesque costume....

2011-01-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

Well. Almost. I've been working on this little beauty the last few days. Still may need a few finishing touches.

My second home in Peru

2011-01-07T09:41:00.000-08:00

I love this shot that my sister took of me at the end of our month and a half journey across Peru. I was certainly reflecting on all the ways that my life had changed in that time. It is true that in order to really get to know yourself, one must travel!

Taken in Lima at 'Second Home Peru', the home of Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin

Repeal prohibition!

2011-01-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing thrills me more than performing with the Lala's! Here at the Hennessey's anti-prohibition party.

All photos by Dan Fowler

Happiness is......

2011-01-07T01:42:00.000-08:00

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring." -Marilyn Monroe

2011-01-06T16:30:00.001-08:00

My new year's resolution...

2011-01-06T16:24:00.001-08:00

.....to make my bedroom look like this.....

'dreaming of a land far far away.....

2011-01-05T19:06:00.001-08:00

2011-01-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

Photo: My curiosity is bigger than my fear so I dream

Tuesday Morning

2011-01-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Mr. Sunshine, for flooding my bedroom with your annoying rays this morning!

Country Living

Is it too early to get excited for Spring?

Dilly Dallas via Wide open Spaces

Mon cheri, paris

2011-01-04T02:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Paris,
I feel the time is near when we will finally meet.......

Lazy days in bed

2011-01-03T23:04:00.000-08:00

I can barely bring myself to get out of bed on wet, rainy days. Thankfully, the clouds parted and the sun made an appearance today. Sunshine does a girls soul good!

Here's to living in twenty eleven

2011-01-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

Photo from Andrea Huemmer via Mary Ruffle

Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez

2010-03-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

Seems I have been the queen of little weekend jaunts the past few months. This last weekend was spent doing some wine tasting in too-beautiful-for-words Santa Ynez, Ca. In my opinion, just as lovely as Napa and Sonoma but, a convenient hour and a half drive from L.A.
My favorite wine was the Pinot Noir at Gainey Vineyards. They do their tastings in a low lit barrel room and the grounds are gorgeous and spacious enough for a sweet summery picnic. Also picnic worthy is the Bridlewood Winery. It's also the best for exploring. Follow the path from the main tasting room and roam past horses, a pond, and a little bridge for a tipsy mini adventure! My favorite of the wineries, by far.
On your way out, stop at Los Olivos Cafe for the t0-die-for Cinnamon baked brie in port syrup. The dish alone merits a return visit. I also had the Butternut squash salad which was outstanding. With an impressive wine list and cozy outdoor seating, it makes you want to linger over those last few bites.

xo jahnel

A view at Gainey Vineyard

Overlooking Bridlewood Winery

The bridge and pond at Bridlewood Winery

Cozy and quaint Los Olivos Cafe

A Recent Trip to San Francisco.....

2010-03-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

It was exactly the kind of trip I needed. Why? Because sometimes I need to trade the Southern California sunshine for the Northern California gloom. It was wet, it was cold, it was cloudy, and yet it was a breath of crisp fresh air.
I used to live in Nor Cal so, while I've spent quite a bit of time in San Francisco, this was a trip full of firsts. First ride on a Cable car and first time on the ferry to Tiburon. It is a truly quaint seaside town and a day trip that I highly recommend. Sam's Anchor Cafe was the perfect place for a casual oceanfront lunch. Try the crab cake sliders. Delicious! And for an intimate wine tasting experience go to Prima Palate, a charming wine showroom that boasts Italian, French, and German varieties along side the local wines.
To get there take the Blue and Gold Fleet ferry from pier 41 in San Francisco. You won't be dissapointed!

xo jahnel

On the Ferry to Tiburon

Walking through Tiburon

Prima Palate

Boats docked off the pier in San Francisco

Snowboarding in Park City, Utah

2010-02-22T13:14:00.000-08:00

Even though the blustery conditions at Park City Mountain only allowed for one day of boarding, we did get to enjoy a few of the town's other charms.

Dinner at Chimayo on Main Street is a must! I've never had Mexican/mountain fusion and it was out of this world. (Hello, Sugarcane Elk marinated in coffee glaze.) Java Cow, also on Main has the frothiest Mocha's for your caffeine fix. I sipped mine while browsing the art galleries. Check out the Phoenix Gallery for mixed media artists, including my new fave, Denise Duong. And don't miss the Images of Nature Gallery featuring unbelievable images from Thomas Mangelsen.

Despite the disappointing weather, I loved being in Park City for the weekend. There's just something about sipping red wine in a hot tub under a dark sky and flurry of snowflakes that let's the body breathe!

xo jahnel

View from Pay Day Lift

At the top of Pay Day as it begins to snow

The lights framing Chimayo's entrance

In front of Chimayo

The Art of Being Tim Burton

2010-02-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

Those of you lucky enough to be in NYC over the next couple of months must make a stop at MOMA to view the 'Tim Burton Exhibition'. "It brings together over seven hundred examples of rarely or never-before-seen drawings, paintings, photographs, moving image works, concept art, storyboards, puppets, maquettes, costumes, and cinematic ephemera."
I go gaga for any and everything Tim Burton so, while I probably won't make it to the big apple before the exhibition ends on April 26, I can peruse MOMA's interactive website, complete with Danny Elfman-esque theme music.

xo jahnel

Love for Lou and Lee

2010-02-09T09:11:00.001-08:00

Tuesday just got cuter! Imagine my delight at coming across these beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations from Lou and Lee this morning. With the Coachella Valley Music Festival fast approaching these headbands will be perfect for dressing up my do while roughing it in the desert. Check out the twin sisters Etsy shop. Headbands and clips start at $14. Just browsing through will brighten up your day. I promise!

xo jahnel

Ifs, Ands, or Butts

2010-02-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

Here are few adorable photos celebrating our behinds. Why? Because we really should appreciate every little curve of our bodies. Men do. Bottoms up, ladies!

xo jahnel

photo:Cheyenne Ellis

photo: Cheyenne Ellis

photo: Paul Costello

The Itch

2010-01-29T10:55:00.001-08:00

Do you ever get the itch to just drop everything and go? I'm not talking about a weekend in the mountains or even two weeks at a resort in Hawaii drinking mai tais. I mean really go. Put your shit in storage, break your lease, sell your car and disappear. For some it would also include quitting your job but, I have the benefit of not worrying about such things. Well, I get that feeling a few times a week. Lately, it's been a few times a day.
Don't get me wrong. I love my life in Hermosa Beach. I'm incredibly spoiled. I have an ocean view from my living room, I ride my bike everywhere, have two amazing chocolate labs, work a few days a week when I want to, and live in a spot that people vacation to every summer. I live a very charmed life. The problem that plagues this charming life is a restlessness in my soul to be on the move. And in truth I'd prefer to be on the move on my own. All alone. Deficiency of character? No. I'm an escapist.
There is no amount of money or level of success that can compare to the feeling of tramping by ones self. All possessions in a single backpack, no computer, no cell phone, no credit card. It is incredibly freeing and it's a feeling that I am long overdue for. J. Maarten Troost says it best in his book, 'Getting Stoned with Savages'. "The escapist doesn't want to get ahead. [She] simply wants to get away."
So, while I may be taking the logical route this weekend by spending a few days snowboarding with friends, I know for certain it will in no way satiate the urge to hit the open road with my backpack and a one-way ticket to..........

xo jahnel

Snow Bunnies

2010-01-21T23:29:00.000-08:00

With the nasty storm system moving through LA, it's enough to drive any girl to her jammies, couch, and Netflix queue. This girl, however, will be taking advantage of the storm's wintery white aftermath in Mammoth this weekend. Ahhh, being on my board on the mountain with friends always feels so good!
I dug these pics up to hold me over until the weekend.

xo jahnel

photo credits: cheyenne ellis

Puppies and Sunshine. Playing hooky in a '73 Scout

2009-10-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, what was I to do? I woke up, the sun was shining, and I had two very rambunctious Labradors who were chomping at the bit to get outside. The only solution was to load up the Scout and take to cruising the cliffs in Palos Verdes. (Wind in your hair and tunes included!)

xo jahnel

A Night of Burlesque

2009-10-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

So, once a month I take to the stage in my unmentionables with a group of ladies called The Lala's. Here are few of my favorite pixies from our show last Saturday night at Upper Manhattan Lounge in Manhattan Beach. Fishnets, and cleavage, and garters, Oh my.......
xx jahnel

Photo credit: Dan Fowler

Photo Credit: Dan Fowler

Photo Credit: Steven Larson

Fashion Week: On the streets of Paris

2009-10-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

While browsing the dailies from Fashion week in Paris, I came across these photos taken by Photoblogger, Tommy Ton. Not often do we get to see what people are wearing TO the shows. I love these stacks of rings and bracelets. Pile it on because more is more. xo jahnel

At these prices, go ahead. Over accessorize.

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

2009-10-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

What's got me so excited this morning? This little gem of a teaser trailer from one of my favorite directors. Tim Burton + Disney IMAX + Johnny Depp in 3-D = dark and twisted happiness.
xo jahnel

Rain Boots: My cold weather/music festival staple

2009-10-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

Every year around this time, I start to substitute my beloved Havianas for shoes of the closed toe variety. Some days it's a simple ballerina flat and others (mostly) it's my uggs. This year I'm taking the route of Kate Moss and other UK festival goers with a pair of classic Hunter wellies. Totally worth the $115 price tag since I'm buying a shoe that is, I don't know, how about practical for those wet winter days where I'd like to stay dry and warm and still look cute. Don't these pics make you want a pair? xo jahnel

Wellies are the shoe du jour for Glastonbury Festival

On the set of Mr & Mrs Smith: more proof that Angelina can make anything look sexy

Pink wellies......

red wellies......

not wellies, but who doesn't love a mid-day make-out sesh in undies and boots?

Britney Spears 2009: Staples Center, Los Angeles

2009-10-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

Why? Because 'Sometimes a girl just needs one.' I'm talkin about a little dose of Britney. My days of pop tart music are so over but as Autumn's mom put it pre-concert, Britney and us "have been together for quite a long time". So, when I found out The Circus tour was coming to town there was no doubt we'd be right there in the middle of it (5th row to be exact) even at $170 (ouch) a pop. Any regrets we had at spending that kind of money for a ticket were laid to rest at the first 'Hit me baby one more time'.
Talk about a spectacle. It was everything we've come to expect from Brit: Killer costumes and sets, A-mazing dancers, midgets, clowns, and para-palegic acrobats doing the trampoline all while lip-syncing to her pre-recorded tracks. Did we care? Nope, we still had a blast and would do it all over again in our new concert paraphernalia. (Yes, we had to!)

I don't care what the papz say, she looks amazing. This woman has popped out 2 kids, people!

Still gets my vote for cutest ass

No, it's not K-Fed but, Miss Brit definitely loves her some white trash thugs

'Everytime' may have been the only song she sung live. It was hard to tell.

My favorite costume. Loving the black tulle bustle and mask!

Concert in the round, great lighting, great sets, great night

Killer picture. Frame included.

Autumn and me in a confetti snowstorm

Outside Lands Music and Art Festival: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

2009-10-01T15:01:00.001-07:00

What's better than mixing music AND travel? Nothing! Especially when it involves a group of bad ass friends that love music as much as I do. This was my second year to San Fran for the festival and the line-up certainly did not dissapoint; Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Jason Mraz, Incubus, Black-eyed Peas, The Dead Weather (oh, how I heart Jack White), Modest Mouse, and the list goes on.
We flew in Friday morning on Virgin America, which by the way fuckin ROCKS. Mood lighting, Absynthe shots, and texting between seats is the most fun I've ever had at 23,000 feet. Limo'd (cheesy, I know but, come on, there were 6 of us) ourselves to the JW Marriott in Union Square and settled into some very posh weekend digs. Not very gypsy of me but, I've never been a girl to discriminate against high thread count sheets and room service. Go ahead, live vicariously.....

Union Square. That's me in the middle with the rad purple shades

What's better than one gypsy? Two! Me with bestie, Autumn

Jammin to the Peas. Who would've guessed Fergie & Co. were the highlight of the weekend?

Fri & Sat were the sunniest days S.F. had seen all year and then the fog rolled in on 'Sun'day, of course

Gypsy in training

2nd time seeing The Dead Weather in less than a week

Jack White (sigh). Rock my world

Twin Peaks Stage at the main entrance. Check out below the awesomeness happening on stage

Transporation Nightmare: Getting around Outside Lands

2009-10-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the deal with the Outside Lands Music Fest. While Golden Gate Park is an amazing venue for a festival there aren't many hotels within walking distance so, you might as well stay where you want and either rent a car or use the public transpo. The bus system, the Muni, is the easiest way to get around San Francisco EXCEPT when you're trying to get out of Golden Gate Park at the end of the festival. Every bus will fill up to capacity at the exit of the Main Stage and then you're SOL, losers. We walked three miles (yes, that's right) toward our hotel until we suckered a town car driver into stuffing all six of us into his car. At that point he could have strapped us to the roof and we wouldn't have cared. We were staying at the JW on Post St. over 5 miles away and even though it was easy and cheap to hop on the Muni or grab a cab to get to Golden Gate Park, getting out of there was a nightmare. On night 2 we arranged for a limo to pick us up on one of the street corners outside of the park (aaahhhh, no 3 mile walks) and on the third day we left early to catch our flight home so, transpo was no big deal. Bottom line is if you plan on jamming out to the headlining band through the end of each night, be sure to pre-arrange getting your drunk ass home. xo jahnel

Numero Uno

2009-10-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the maiden voyage. Let's get this blog party started with an inspiration board of amazing photogs from Cheyenne Ellis. These, my dears, are the essence of Jane in her gypsy world. And the reason I started this bloggity blog. I wouldn't mind living in any one of these worlds. Here are a few gypsy rules to live by. Let's go.....

First off, if you've never hitch hiked before....do it.
Just be picky.......

Say, 'yes' to long walks in the woods....

Take caution when napping on your snowboard at the top of the mountain. Napping at the bottom is always fine.....

Never ever wear socks in the grass....or white for that matter...

Always be down for a girl's only adventure....

Always be down for a solo adventure....