This past weekend, Scott and I visited the newest restaurant to open up on York in Highland Park, Maximiliano. It's just east of the York, HP's great gastropub and is on a stretch of street not particular hipster-ified or trendy. Started by Andre Guerrero the mind behind Max in Sherman Oaks and the insanely popular Oinkster in Eagle Rock, Maximiliano claims to be "kinda old school Italian". I... Read more
Last week I received some Ruby Yams in my Farm Fresh To YouCSA box. One of the best and worst things about being part of a CSA is receiving veggies that you've never prepared before and being forced to figure out a fun and delicious way to eat them. I combined these with some carrots that we also got, chopped them up and roasted them with garlic, rosemary, thyme and oregano from the garden. A... Read more
A fun addition to a room. Reminds me a lot of the Novogratzs and their love of light boxes and letters.Urban Outfitters Marquee Alphabet Light. Speaking of Urban - they have some great bedding and drapery right now. For the prices of their duvet sets, you could buy them and reconstruct them into pillow shams, upholstery for benches and dining chairs etc. Options abound for repurposing with the... Read more
This weekend we did a little fall planting. I filled some potswith the requisite pansies and mums and a purple groundcover. The newly populated planters add some great color to the stoop which otherwise had been occupied by spider web infested dead plantings (perhaps should have kept those for Halloween). I can't help myself - perhaps it's the nesting instinct. I just love ringing in the new... Read more
As my due date approaches, I'm lining up an arsenal of friends and bloggers to help me out with guest posts. While TBD has not arrived yet, this post was a bit more time and season sensitive, so I figured I'd get it out now. My good friend Kapi has a great foodie blog about gluten-free cooking and eating Gluten Free Veg-Heads Unite. This week she is sharing her secret to inexpensive delicious... Read more
A few fun pieces that I've discovered recently. Perhaps it's this nesting instinct, but I really feel the urge to make art. Sadly, I work mostly in oils and it just isn't possible at the moment with the noxious fumes and TBD on the way. Note to self to save this inspiration for a later date (because I'll have copious amounts of spare time, I'm sure, once he arrives).Items 6, 10, and 12 by Sally... Read more
I discovered Currey & Company at the HD show in Vegas. They have some great stuff, which in many ways is geared toward the residential market. A bit on the traditional side but pared down and fresh with some great finishes. Sort of reminds me of Julie's style from Milk & Honey Home. Here are some of my faves:figure 1: Sahara Pendantfigure 2: Isis Table Lampfigure 3: Loggia Lanternfigure 4: Seth... Read more
Now that the fall weather is finally hitting LA, I'm in the mood for some snuggly blankets, ponchos, and boots. Pendleton is in the process of launching their new fashion-forward and not-surprisingly rather hipster-inspired Portland Collection which features some great fall staples. But what I love is their old school blankets designed for the National Parksand created after Native American and... Read more
Those of you who know of Jim Thompson are aware of his line of beautiful Thai silks. Mr. Thompson can be creditted with introducing Thai silks to the western world and really putting Bangkok on the map as a travel destination. Today, his eponymous company is a fluorishing textile house, respected by designers the world over. A few years back Jim Thompson Fabrics launched a new line No. 9 Thompson... Read more
I'd like to say Welcome to our newest sponsor Peas and Queues Kids. Peas and Queues is the brainchild of Sally Wang and Anasuya Engel both moms and fashion industry veterans. The adorable line of kid's clothes was born out of the desire to create simple well-made and fashion forward clothing for little ones, that is reminiscent of contemporary and European fashions. While TBD already has quite... Read more
Storm clouds rolling in and some much needed rain (view from our office window). Of course, not so great timing for the gutter cleanout planned for this weekend.Photo courtesy of Bessie Shen. Read more