Sliding Doors

In my alternate reality where I have endless time, and endless storage space to create an
Amazingly Crafty Wonderland
Here's some of what would be in my bottomless toolbox:

1. Lots and lots of washi tape {you know I love washi tape}
2. Xyron Wishblade custom die-cutter
3. Every color of baker's twine ever created
6. bonsai shears (they're great for trimming plants)
8. X-Acto knives that never go dull and a really great ruler
7. Glitter in every color imaginable 
4. Endless supply of Glue Dots & spray adhesive
5. Prismacolor markers & pastels in every color they make
9. Really, really pretty paper {that never costs any money}

And really pretty furoshiki cloth to wrap up all my crafty gifts.
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Mom's Garden | Monarch & Milkweed


This episode of Mom's Garden is brought to you by monarch butterflies and the milkweed plant! {hooray!}
When it comes to monarchs and milkweed, think: "If you plant it, they will come". 
{cue Kevin Costner, hee hee}
No, seriously tho. Plant some milkweed in your garden {if you're in the zone for it} and you'll have cool stripe-y caterpillars & orange butterflies in your yard almost instantly. Those little guys have a radar for milkweed like pregnant ladies to peanut butter & pickles. There's been a population explosion around Mom's Garden, so I thought I'd snap some pics and share with you the magical wonderland that is monarchs and milkweed... {cue sprinkley, fairy music}


The milkweed plant {genus: Asclepias} is aptly named because of the milky juice that comes out of stems when cut {which has many uses, one being a quick remedy for poison ivy! Learning new things here, people}. Monarch caterpillars eat milkweed which contain chemicals {cardiac glycosides} that, in turn, make the caterpillar super nasty-tasting and potentially poisonous to predators. One thing to note, because the caterpillars love this plant soooo much, they eat the heck out of them and leave them as leaf-less sticks. If they run out of leaves, they'll even eat the stems. So, don't get all angry if the plant isn't perfect and beautiful. Remember, it's there to make the monarchs big, fat and happy.

Look at this squee leeetle tiny guy! Inne cuteh?! {size comparison: check out the orange aphids next to him or the ant in the upper right}

{the photo at the start of this post is no trick of photoshop. Ain't it über cool? Sometimes the best stuff comes from lame accidents}
oh, and PS, while I was snapping away, I found lacewing eggs! Aren't they neat-o?! If you ever find a lacewing, don't kill it! They are probably one of the best bugs around your garden and eat lots of bad bugs, like aphid. We heart lacewings. {maybe I'll do a post on those soon too... cuz they're pretty}
UPDATE: Apparently, monarchs will hook themselves just about anywhere to make the transition from crawly critter to flutterby. From garden hoses to metal ladders. Keep your eyes peeled!
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Lorem Ipsum | Piel Script


Get excited! New section! I give you... drum roll.... Lorem Ipsum! **wimpy ta-da sound** 
It's basically an outlet for me to do a bit of simple design and show off typefaces that I'm obsessing over. So, obviously, it'll be a type-treatment of the phrase "Lorem Ipsum". {to spare you from me going all design-geek on you about the phrase and/or if you don't know what lorem ipsum is, read about it here}

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This episode is brought to you by: Piel Script!
Designer: Ale Paul, founder Sudtipos 
Inspiration: Tattoos
{he also designed a couple more of my favorites, Burgues & Adios Script}
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Project Adventure: Outstanding in the Field


This Sunday was an amazingly beautiful day. My family and I were lucky enough to enjoy it up in Los Olivos/Solvang area with Jim Denevan & the folks of Outstanding in the Field. If you've never heard of Outstanding and are into good food and unique experiences, you'd better check them out, pronto. And, if you've been dying to go for years, you should bite the bullet and go already.
This is our third event, and by far the best one. Our table was nestled in the hills and amongst the vines of Stolpman Vineyard near Los Olivos. Most of the produce was harvested or caught within 24 hours of being on our plates, so naturally it was super fresh and all the flavors were completely amazing. The menu was dreamt up by Rich Mead, head chef of Sage Restaurant, Paddy Glennon and some of the crew from the Culinary Liberation Front {super cool name, btw}. We also were treated to hearing from a couple of farms where our food originated.


Such an awesome experience, I encourage all of you to save up your money and try to attend one of these events at least once in your life.



We even got to see the uber spectacular eclipse!

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Accessorize: Teeny Tiny

As is with fashion, styles swing from one end of the spectrum to the next. Mini-skirt in the summer, maxi-skirt in the fall. Skinny jeans in the winter, palazzo pants in the summer. Tunic, crop top. Cascading waves of hair extensions, stick-straight earlobe-grazing bob. It never ends, but it does give you incentive to become a hoarder - because eventually, whatever it is, will come back in style! 
This time around, I'm calling out the inevitability of mini jewelry. As the amazingly gorgeous bib necklaces, statement earrings and cocktail rings are slowly peetering out, I am steering toward accessory simplification more and more.
Don't get me wrong, I love me some statement jewelry, but sometimes you just don't want to think about all that. Besides, who wants to run around 100 degree weather in something that's heavy and super bulky? You want to be wearing something floaty, breezy and begging to be whispered at.
Check out more of my accessory picks on my Pinterest boards

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Monthly Obsession: Washi Tape


Budding obsession here -- Washi tape. If you haven't discovered the wondrous wonderful that is washi tape, you are seriously missing out. Once you have seen this stuff, you are going to want to fill your cupboards & drawers with it and start using lame excuses on why every surface needs to be affixed with cute, colorful masking tape. 
Washi tape is a tissuey, translucent, delicate but sturdy masking tape traditionally made from Japanese washi paper {hence, the name, duh}. Washi, literally means "Japanese paper", is made from various sources like paper mulberry, gampi tree, bamboo, hemp and rice. Did you know, {because 5 minutes ago, I didn't} the process of making washi uses less chemicals and is generally a tougher material than traditional wood pulp paper! Learning new things everyday here, people.
And let me tell you - there is a contingent of folks out there, screaming from the rooftops, who are mad for washi. Mad, I tell you! {and, wouldn't you know, there's even an app for that}
{aaand, apparently, if you have an awesome xyron machine, you can make it yourself with tissue paper}

title photo PrettyTape;  1) Paper Source; 2) Traditional Dots; 3) set of three; 4) dots & lace; Tape tower photo from sfgirlbybay

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Project Adventure/Mom's Garden: Baby Shower


A couple months ago, my friend Jin and I embarked upon the time-honored tradition of planning and hosting a Baby Shower. It was very lucky that Jin & I have a similar taste in decorating ideas, otherwise, things could have been a total disaster. We planned and plotted our strategy via the perfect vehicle for creative inspiration, Pinterest. We scrambled and sorted until things were just right, picked and positioned the best from Mom's Garden, crafted and created all we had imagined. Saturday was finally the day. 
I have to say, I think it turned out perfectly.
The super cool and effervescent Kara, of Mi & Mo Photography was there and captured the most gorgeous shots anywhere. Man, she made it look so professional, it's hard to believe that it was ours! Those kind of images just make you all dreamy-eyed with endless party decor possibilities. She even did a blog post on it, if you'd like to take a look at the awesome pictures.

One things for sure: hosting parties of any kind are a heck of a lot of work, but man, are they fun.


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Mom's Garden: French Radish

Springtime is in full effect in Southern California and Mom and I have totally re-done the veggie garden.
Too many years Mom has been sitting by watching all of her hard work get eaten by the bunnies, peacocks {yes, peafowl} and other nasty, annoying critters. So, we've constructed a kick-ass no holds barred enclosed area {it even has doors!} to keep most of them out. It doesn't stop the slugs, and of course the rats & squirrels can climb it, but we'll take any victory we can get {fingers crossed}.

Some of our first harvests were luscious bibb lettuce and these awesome little guys, the French Radish. Well, really it's called a French Breakfast Radish, but people seem to get weirded out by associating radishes with breakfast. Anyway, these little guys are not only super duper cute and a pretty red-pink-white ombre color, they have a lighter, less "snappy" flavor than your run-of-the-mill radish. 
A little dash of salt and... crunch! Yummy! 
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Project Adventure: NYC


Ask anyone you know, who has lived in New York for years and then moved away, it leaves a hole in your heart. Provided, of course, you left The City on good terms. The hole is different for everyone, but nonetheless, it is still there. A void, a something missing. I knew that in moving to the West Coast (a whopping year & 7 months ago), NYC would always haunt me. I was prepared to go back east to get my Big-Apple-fix as often as I had to, in order to feel right. And yet, somehow I still feel somewhat disconnected. There is something to be said about being in the city and feeling it's heartbeat, it's everyday ebb and flow. One day: monotony, the next: scandal! One day: pure frustration, the next: unfettered awe. It did that for me in my years of becoming a New Yorker, the love and the hate. And yet, California never left me. Bodega owners would pause, their hand outstretched with my change, and say to me with appreciation, "You're not from here, originally, are you." It wasn't a question. They just knew.


So, what am I getting at? I supposed I'm trying to explain the unique otherness of New York. People either love it, or they hate it. For some, it's hard to find that middle ground. It took me a while to fully appreciate it, and at times, I took it for granted. Not anymore, I tell you. Not ever again.
Like a silly cliché or a junkie in need of a fix, I'll keep coming back for more because I know She will always have something for me, whatever that something is.


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Mom's Garden: Early Spring Mix


It is so hard to believe that I'm talking about a spring mix of flowers in February. February! *shakes head in dismay* But, that's the crazy we get in Southern California. While a lot of people are sitting under feet of snowdrift, I'm outside in flip-flops picking daffodils... go figure.
Today's bunch is a luscious group of daffodils, white and green hellebore, snowflakes  {if you aren't totally obsessed with hellebore & snowflakes, you should be}, maidenhair fern and a few sprigs of blooming rosemary. Looks great on the sill above the kitchen sink.


Can I tell you how obsessed I am with these things?! 
*eye-roll and sigh* Ugh, man are these awesome!



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Monthly Obsession: Online Mags


Print magazines may be declining in readership {noo!!} in recent years, but there has been a recent uptick in online-only magazines. There are a few that I am completely obsessed with {I'm sure loads more people as well}. Topics range from gardening & cooking to fashion, design & DIY crafts. These mags are just so great, so visually inspiring... it's like... like... aaaahh! completely addicting, can't get enough of it...  crack eye-candy. There are so many that it seems a bit daunting to keep up with them all - but, I don't care! I will stay up reading until the wee hours and forge ahead in my dedication to all forms of visual & literary awesomeness!
Check them out, as I'm sure you will become smitten with them as well.


In-print magazines that I should in all honestly, because they are also so totally wonderful, get a lifelong subscription to: Anthology and Uppercase

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Sliding Doors

Spring Garden Party
In my almost-entirely-possible, not-quite-alternate reality where I have a huge backyard, gather all my fabulous friends on a picture-perfect afternoon and laugh heartily through the evening...

My garden aplenty would be the decor, like this.


I'd throw on this dress & this straw hat and these bangles. 
No shoes, so I could sqidge my toes in the grass.
while serving this, this and this.

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Mom's Garden: Rose Pruning


The other day, I went with Mom to a rose pruning workshop at Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. Apparently, in Southern California, now is the time to start chopping back your roses. In our area, it never gets cold enough for the roses to loose all their leaves naturally. So, we have to help them along. Pruning roses keeps them in top condition, shape and size for the area you have planted. If you let a rose continue to grow, it becomes "leggy". Canes get longer & thinner, and blooms are fewer, weaker & smaller. Pruning roses in the winter prevents plants from spending unnecessary energy on growing and producing blooms when sun & nutrients are at a minimum. It's surprising how agressive you can be when cutting them back.
Despite the fact that Mom has told me a million times how to correctly prune a rose, I have never really been super confident. So, she and I went out on a rainy Saturday and cut back a section of her rose garden. It was fun and a learning experience. I'm definitely getting the hang of it!

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Monthly Obsession: Bone China


I realized that I haven't done a Monthly Obsession post in a while... so, I'm remedying that now.
This post is dedicated to a seriously crazy {borderline hospitalization} obsession I have with bone china. I'm not talking about your plain 'ol boring shiny china dishes that you would get for a wedding present or little girl sculpture you'd see on your grandmother's bookcase. I'm talking about unglazed, matte, translucent, creamy white, rough and completely dreamy porcelian. Good thing I am a slightly more than picky when it comes to whipping out the wallet - otherwise my apartment would be floor-to-rafters with the stuff.

basket, octopus, bracelet 
My first foray into slip-cast-ware was a few years ago via Brooklyn Flea when I found Alyssa Ettinger's ceramics. After seeing them once, they haunted me for months, so I headed back out and snapped up her New York set of slip-cast milk bottles. So cute and teeny, they look great with just one or two tulips or daffodils.
A few months later, sometime just before Christmas, walking through a totally idillic evening snowfall in NoLita, I swung by Haus Interiors and found Jennifer Jones's awesome feather ornaments.
Needless to say, my collection has grown a bit over time, so here's some nice stuff I've seen lately - please let me know if there are other good ones out there!

Accessorize: Hand piece


Grey is the new black. Pearls are the new diamonds. Etcetera, etcetera. 
Well, I'm calling it: Hand pieces are the new two-finger rings. I've been seeing these things pop up a bunch lately... it happened to me a year ago with the whole feather hair extension thing. A trend that made me say to myself; Huh. that's interesting. Looks cool, but I'm not sure I'd do it myself. {cut to a year later and soccer-mom's are driving their minivans around town, feather extensions billowing out the window, while I'm also sporting feathered earrings from Urban Outfitters... I know, I'm so ashamed}

Anyway. So, hand pieces. Or, is it wrist-to-ring-chain? I don't know what to call them. But, I distinctly remember these being specifically for the hippie or princess-fairy-tale girls. Apparently, not so anymore! The one's I've been seeing {and, honestly? Some, I'm kinda digging} are much more edgy and almost punk rock. Check 'em out, you may be seeing more and more of these around soon... besides, it's only a matter of time now that Urban has one too.

PS. If you're crafty, you can totally make one for yourself. No prob!
PPS. Watch out for another trendy weird-slash-cool thing! Ear cuffs. Eek!

top photo: LuvAJ
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Tweeting...


Just letting you all know, I have started a Twitter account. I still don't really get what the point is {aside from keeping up with Food Truck locations}, I have no idea how to use it nor why I decided to sign up... but there you go. I may figure this thing out eventually and start tweeting like a fiend... I'm thinking not likely. But, in the meantime, you can follow me in preparation for my launch into the social networking ether.

Project Adventure/Bake: Carmela Ice Cream


This post is kind of a dual Adventure-slash-bake project. I am an uber fan of Carmela Ice Cream here in Pasadena. And, I mean uber. In my dreams I have one of each flavor in my freezer at all times. Especially the Fleur De Sel flavor. Ohhh, man. Not only are they at a few farmer's markets in the LA area, they also have a brick-and-morter shop not too far from me.
One day, I received a notice that they were starting ice cream classes! ...Bestill my beating heart... I called up a friend and relayed the amazing news. Next thing we knew we were sitting in the shop's kitchen learning all about infusions. Too cool.
Our class was focused on creating Brown Butter Sage Ice Cream and Cranberry Orange Thyme Sorbet. Needless to say, the class was fun and informative. Carmela founders, Jessica and Zach are obviously very passionate and excited about what they are doing, and it's easy to get caught up in the many ice cream possibilities. 
As a side note: did you know that KitchenAid makes an ice cream maker attachment!?! Oh, that is so going on my wishlist.
Fun times were had by all and I know that I'm going back for more. 
Thanks Carmela for an awesome morning!

Mom's Garden: Winter Red

Snap! The Holidays are upon us. For such a seemingly cheerful time of year,
it sure does cause quite a ruckus, yes? {sigh} Roll with the punches, I suppose.
Southern California is seriously lucky for having such a long bloom season {I mean, it's 70 degrees in November! Sheesh!} - otherwise I wouldn't have this super awesome arrangement to show you. I snapped up this happy little party of flowers in about 5 minutes flat. Chartreuse and bright magenta-ish red is a crazy combo that just works. And, I thought it'd look great in my trophy vase by Yellow Owl Workshop.
Rose: David Austin 'Prospero'
Variagated leaves: Coleus 'Aureole' (Painted Nettle)
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Project Adventure: Photoshoot


Just a sneak peek into a photo shoot I got to do with Obie recently... don't want to give away too much because some of the photos will probably end up as my Christmas card. {reality check: not really motivated to create my card from scratch this year} 
I got an email from my local Anthropologie about a fun event benefiting the Humane Society. Bring a toy and you get to take portraits of your pup! I said, it's for a good cause, why not!? {besides, the rate that Obie is growing, he might not fit inside the store much longer, ha ha ha} 
Photographers were the fabulous Kristina Michele and Kara Moreen of Mi & Mo Photography. Seeing how they had to deal with a new puppy model about every 15 minutes, they were super patient and gracious with all of the canine shenanigans going on around them. In hindsight, I should have taken Obie for a 10 mile walk before we did this... but, it turned out pretty awesome anyway.
If you want photos of your pet or need a wedding/event photog, look up Mi & Mo, they have a super clean style and are really nice chicas.
Thanks ladies!
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Project Bake | Dog Biscuits

Yes, homemade dog biscuits! You knew it had to come sometime, right?
So, I'm not uber on top of everything that goes in my dog's mouth, but he does get digestive issues from time to time so I have to be a bit more aware of what he eats than a lot of dog owners. Some people have to be careful because of allergies and whatnot. I found out that a lot of dog treats & chews out there have glycerin in them {it's what makes the treat chewy}. Glycerin is not something a dogs stomach can digest and can often cause digestive problems... especially if the dog eats large chunks at a time.
I'm of the general opinion, since Obie probably gets enough processed and preservative-filled ingredients through various means {kibble, medication, plastic/rubber toys, etc.}, why compound it by giving him treats that are chalk full of the stuff? Especially since dog biscuits are so darn easy to make! If you have a pup and you like to know exactly what they are eating, a super simple way to start is with treats.

I came across a collection of recipes from a post on Apartment Therapy's The Kitchn that looked pretty easy to try. So, after choosing 2 that had similar ingredients {lets face it, it was lazy grocery shopping}, I went out and picked up the ingredients and a dog bone-shaped cookie cutter {which, in hindsight was waaay too big, but is now just an excuse for me to go get another, smaller one} and got to work.
{note that the recipes I used included ingredients to which some dogs may have allergies. There are lots of dog biscuit recipes out there, find the one that is right for your pet}
Have Fun!

Read more after the jump
Recipe #1: Best of Breed

The first recipe is from King Arthur Flour. According to their blog, this recipe was a big hit with the pooches. My dog will pretty much gobble down anything you put in front of him, but if yours is a picky eater, then you might want to try these.
recipe #1 here

When the peanut butter came out, Obie tried staring me down as if to say "Give me a taste of the peanut butter, you will"

Recipe #2: Gourmet
The second recipe was from Epicurious. This one doesn't have super good-for-dogs ingredients, so if your pup has a uber-sensitive belly or you are a serious stickler for everything-healthy-for-my-dog-isms, I wouldn't really recommend it. Oh, no... sugar! Ack... butter!? Corn meal, eek! But, I'm a sucker for the fact that the comments included those stating humans liked them too... and yes, I did taste them. I'm not about to start taking them to work as a snack, but they're not too shabby!
recipe #2 here
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