Journal

Pretty darn nice

Jamie at Isuwanee posted this mirror from Z Gallerie.  I agree that it's fabulous.  Perhaps it would make a nice birthday present. I bet I'd look younger in it's reflection. Not sure yet where I'd put it but I'm sure it could find a home in our home. Read more

SALE!

At Lady in Eagle Rock.  50% off select clothing, jewelry, and handbags from July 23 to July 31st. Read more

Guestroom Art

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

Boing Boing!

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

Que Bonita!

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

Sriracha!

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

Portland!

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

Curry on up!

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

Why do kids have all the fun?

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

Weekly Weeds: Valentien’s Visions

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

Biking around town

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