Recently I got a couple of pieces of art framed for the guestroom. I bought these in Stanley Market in HK and I think the framing probably cost 10 times as much as the paintings themselves. I also bought the great Oriental style picture hanging hardware at Stanley Market. I love how it completes the look. One day when I start my import export business I will include this hardware in the inventory.... Read more
So one of the Kangaroo Paws got a little heavy and the bloom fell over. I gave it a little haircut and I think it makes a beautiful simple architectural arrangement on the dining table. Read more
So Scott and I have been trolling the Pasadena Antique malls in search of various treasures to populate our new abode (it's hard to fill an 1800 SF space after coming from a Brooklyn coop that was a third of the size). Our favorite stop on the antique mall circuit is Angela Dickenson-Lee's store Bonita Interiors at the Pasadena Antique Center. She has a great selection of refurbished antiques in... Read more
Well, as many of you know Sriracha has been one of my favorite hot sauces since before Sriracha fever caught on. My sister-in-law just forwarded me an article about how Jacob Leland recently took Sriracha-mania to a new level by creating an eponymous ice cream flavor. Delightful or despicable? Make a pint and let me know. Now if only I had an ice cream maker..... Read more
We went and visited Portland over July 4th and had a blast. Aside from amazing craft beers (July is Portland craft beer month - sense any redundancy in that?), local produce, great chefs, and lots of outdoor activities, I also discovered that Portland is a city of gardeners. Here is just a sampling of what I saw on one walk through Sue and Mona's neighborhood.The Davis elders (can't wait to see... Read more
So I made up a little curry dish the other day in our crockpot from various items found at the farmers market and in our garden. It actually turned out super yum. I can't give you exact quantities since I don't cook with recipes (hence my complete lack of ability when it comes to baking). However, the general gist is:2 large chicken breasts cut into chunks3 heaping tablespoons curry mix up3... Read more
Seriously.... Gap came out with padded knee pants for toddlers. I personally could use a pair myself. Perhaps their adult sales figures would do a little better if they thought along those lines. Read more
Why I love Old Town Pasadena Legal Jaywalking Read more
Weekly Weeds: Valentien's Visions Southern California is basically a desert, right? Maybe we should all be growing cactus in our front yards? Well, I do love a healthy cactus garden - and the Getty's playful arrangement above Los Angeles is both near and an under-appreciated local delight.Nonetheless, it's not too prickly to note that while it's true that Death Valley is within our realm, and... Read more
So Scott got our 70's retro Brooklyn 3 speeds reconditioned and we are ready to cruise around and explore the Pasadena / Eagle Rock area on two wheels. I have a typical wire frame bike basket already and I suppose it serves me well. BUT, if I were to make a swap, or recommend a basket to other bikers, I'd go for the MIO Pop-up bicycle basket. It ships flat and fits on the front of a bike, comes... Read more
I'll give $5 to anyone who actually gets that reference. Comment below if you have an answer. In any case:Andrew Zuckerman just came out with his book Bird in which he took amazing high def photographs of birds in repose and in flight in front of a white background. These small images don't do them justice. Best to go to his book's website. He photographed 74 birds in 4 countries. I think I... Read more
We were up in Portland this weekend and had the opportunity to visit Scott's Aunt Mona's studio. She is an amazing figurative painter who has done work for the likes of the Spectrum Dance Theater and Oregan Ballet. Visit her at http://www.monajonescordell.com/ . Most recently Mona has been working on a series of Animal drawingsand paintings and you yourself can own an original print from the... Read more