Jessica Barensfeld is a jewelry designer working out of her studio with six lovely interns in Brooklyn, N.Y. That's the first mark of a solid hummingbird. Interns. Good call, Jessica. She surrounds herself with plants, two cats, and her best friend/boyfriend Simon. Together they started Lynn & Lawrence; a small, hand-knit Woolly Hat line. She is a live in the moment, not too serious type of gal. We likey.
What's in your bag? When you pack for a trip, in your handbag, in the pockets of your jeans...?
Addicted to Nivea Cherry Tinted Lip Balm and have about 10 sticks kicking around as I feel anxious without it. That's always in the bag! iPhone. Commes de Garçon wallet, which is ace when I'm running for the train as the side zip allows me to manically whip out the metro card using one hand without dumping everything. My knitting. I'm always trying to knit a hat with any spare time (on the train, in the car, on a long call, before bed... and so on... www.lynnandlawrence.com... our side business of hand knit woolly hats).
You have five minutes to pack up -- for a trip of which the duration you're not sure. What do you take?
A bikini -- If there is water I'll find it. A fist full of panties. Clogs, Converse and moccasins. A few rompers (long and short), my grey hoodie and my Fishtail Parka.
What is your most essential article of clothing?
Right now, my long denim button up shirt tucked into my boyfriends jeans. I find myself in this outfit (Canadian tuxedo) more often then I'd like.
What are the top five songs you need to have access to hearing at all times?
Oh. This is a tough one. Well, here are a few faves...
Trini Lopez -- "Greenback Dollar"
Nancy Sinatra - Bang Bang
Bob Dylan -- "Don't Think Twice"
Leonard Cohen -- "Lady Midnight"
Cowboy Junkies -- "If You Were the Woman and I Was the Man"
What is your preferred hummingbird beat/cities you like to frequent?
I'll take what I can get and LOVE to travel. For some crazy reason I've been to Venice five times and I'm not sure how this happened considering there are so many places I'd like to explore and getting to Europe is not exactly a hop skip from New York, not to mention expensive. I'd love India to be our next big trip -- such an adventure and I'd love to leave with a tiny handbag and return with suitcases of stones and materials.
What's something crazy that you did to follow your passion? (like, did you live out of your car for a month? Drive 10 hours to pick up a certain, weird material you needed?)
When I was 26 I left NYC to live in a tent at an Ashram in the Bahamas for nine months. That was insane and I met a lot of loopy and amazing characters.
What is one tip you have for traveling -- a beauty tip, a survival tip, a culinary tip... ?
Traveling -- Drink an insane amount of water and make sure to book an aisle seat. (This tip however does not work when you are on a road trip with friends and have to stop at every exit.) Beauty -- Vaseline is the most amazing skincare product and actually doesn't clog your pores which isn't what you'd expect. It's also cheap as chips. Survival -- I dunno, get a gun and know how to use it. Culinary -- I know Iceberg lettuce is out of vogue but if you're using it here is a trick to effectively wash it: Smash the head on cutting board with the stem facing down. This will break it loose from all the leaves and you can pull the whole thing cleanly out. A long hole is now in the lettuce head and you run water through it cleaning all the leaves. It's almost like a weird magic trick.
What makes you a good house guest?
Respect and eagerness to be invited back. Always leave a gift or contribute in some way.
What's a recent or favorite meal you had while bouncing around the globe?
Malibu -- Neptunes Net -- steamed fish line and cold beer.
Where have you had your best night's sleep?
Anywhere actually, I can sleep like a bear in contrast to my boyfriend who is like a field mouse.
Who would you like to travel with -- three people (you guys can caravan together or on separate trips)?
Simon and or any of my lovely friends as they are all dynamite and baskets of FUN!