i love clementine

If you've just arrived......

2011-06-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

you may follow me here......

It's true, I don't really live here anymore...

2009-06-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Or at least for the time being. My husband and I (and mother, and father, and sister and various other friends and family members) are busy with the constant nurturing, feeding, changing, burping, holding, pacifying and loving of our new little twins, August and Liam. Needless to say I've had not a split second to carouse much less post in the wonderful blog world as I did in the not so distant past. (One day....) So for now I'll just be checking in silently from time to time between twin feedings and posting here and there when possible over in babyland. Please do stop by anytime - I promise you won't be required to change any diapers.

flowers for friday

2009-04-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

apartment therapy , wendi schneider, anniebee, thepaperplanes , Henri Fantin-Latour

Thank God I don't have cable

2009-04-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, I just found out about the new Grey Gardens film directed by Michael Sucsy (who is that?) for HBO and I just have to say that I'm super pissed. I realize that alot of people have fallen in love with both Edie's after watching the Maysles super wonderful and touching documentary, Grey Gardens, and that musicals and plays have been written in their honor, but to have Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore reenact actual scenes from said documentary is seriously disgusting and so unnecessary. Plus I really kind of hate Drew Barrymore so it makes this whole situation a lot worse. I understand that the HBO film fills in the storyline of both Edie's when they were younger and that's fine but to have them actually reenact them as they appeared so beautiful and crazy and sincere in the documentary is so not okay to me. It is in fact blasphemous and horrible and anyone who isn't familiar with the Big and Little Edie should watch the real Grey Gardens documentary where these women actually play themselves. Plus I'm pretty sure Little Edie actually says she wouldn't want anyone playing her in a movie that she should play herself, so there you have it.
Am I just hormonal and crazy?

Harlots and Buccaneers

2009-03-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

I'm not usually a big fan of Norman Rockwell's art however after spying this crazy family tree in an old diner I made an exception. It's nice to know that any run of the mill child can have a most fabulous family lineage. I should know since I myself come from Germans, Irish folk, and alligator farm raising Colombians.

Because it's for a good cause

2009-03-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

When G tells me "we have to really watch our budget this month" something inevitably comes up where I find that I simply MUST purchase some unforeseen item. Like something for the babies (always justifiable), something for me (not always justifiable), or some random stuff for a hella good deal (almost never justifiable). So when a friend of mine told me that Habitat for Humanity had opened a permanent store front downtown where they routinely had cool "as is" furniture from Ikea as well as other fantastic odds and ends I rushed right over and bought 10 Ikea dinner plates at $1 each. Not because we routinely entertain 10 people at a time but because they had irresistible bright orange sale tags. Oh, and because it's for a good cause.

Nesting Mode

2009-03-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/

http://www.hostessblog.com/

http://daddytypes.com/

http://www.dailyolive.com/

http://greenmuseum.org/

http://ruralculture-em.org/

http://www.jarsofcute.com/

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/

http://whileiwork.wordpress.com/

2009-02-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

Hope your weekend if full of puffy clouds and blue sky. And if it's not (hello, East Side peeps) don't worry, Spring starts in just a few weeks!

Count Cottswold

2009-02-25T11:32:00.000-08:00

Apparently all the vampire shows we watch have had an affect on Elliott. Not only does he love wearing capes in general, he prefers an authentic "Count" look.

Clemie is not amused by this cape craze.

My Pregs Hero

2009-02-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

You have to be hard-core cool to rock a get-up like this while majorly pregs. Damn, I love her.

I was thinking of wearing something similar to some upcoming baby showers...what do you think?

Package from N.Y.

2009-02-18T10:54:00.001-08:00

Sometimes Christmas comes in Feb...

I love this T!

Plus adorable gifts for the babes.

Thanks, P!

I have nothing but love for this movie

2009-02-16T11:37:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that Randy "The Ram" Robinson doesn't actually exist.

¡día de San Valentín feliz!

2009-02-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

Hedgehog in the Fog

2009-02-11T13:03:00.001-08:00

I find it impossible not to love hedgehogs so it was no surprise that I loved this little one in the enchanting film by Yuri Norstein that I saw a while ago and then was reminded of it again by a post from Camilla Engman who herself is an authority on enchanting animals and the like.

A Donkey and the Seaside

2009-02-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

Some gems from Franck Juery, my new Polaroid hero.

Thanks, d.Sharp Journal for sharing!

Lost in the ether

2009-02-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

It can happen to anyone expecting a little bun or two I suppose. I've been heavily focused on creating baby registries and such that I've all but checked out of the blogger world...except for the baby blog we could not stop ourselves from making. Current item obsession: Danish mobiles!
Viking 5 Mobile by Flensted

Flying Swallows by Flensted

Hedgehog Mobile by Flensted Lucky Bats Mobile by Flensted

Okay, the bats might be a little creepy but I'm sure Dame Darcy probably wouldn't hesitate to put this in her baby's room.

No resolutions this year - just things to look forward to...

2009-01-06T11:08:00.000-08:00

Now it's Christmastime

2008-12-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

The end.

Where life is perfect

2008-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Do real people live in such beautiful flowy white spaces such as these? Because I want to.

A baby bed fit for a cherub.

Or maybe it's all just a heavenly facade.

*Top pic from Marie Claire Maison found via Desire to Inspire

*Next 3 pics from photographer Mari Eriksson found via Desire to Inspire

Tea & Paper

2008-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ever since I experienced a very crazy aversion to my once beloved cup of morning coffee I've been a little sad. Until I found Trader Joe's Spicy Latte Mix. It's so good that it kinda makes me want to cry a little. Maybe it's just me...
I was feeling so good on my sugar high that I decided to use some old paper bags of theirs we had stored away and do a little vintage and recyclable gift wrapping theme for our nieces and nephews (who are probably getting too old to care about the whimsyness of their gift wrapping but alas I do it anyway.)

For some really and truly cool gift wrapping ideas my very talented friend at d.Sharp Journal has it down!
Check it:

I have about two more gifts to wrap so I think I'll borrow d.Sharp's paint chip idea. Pretty fantastic idea if you ask me beings that I have close to a trillion of those things.

Vampires are always in season

2008-12-12T13:18:00.000-08:00

Don't be afraid to give vampy gifts for the Holidays...why not?

*Buffy DVD Collection or Tree Ornament

*Dark Shadows DVD Collection

*Little Vampire and Vampire Loves books

*Fang Necklace

Or just watch one of me and P's fave vampire music videos since 1988.

I left my heart in the desert

2008-12-10T12:47:00.000-08:00

Death Valley, CA

Trona, CA

Saving the Earth (Tues and Thurs only.)

2008-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

In Bakersfield people who are seen walking out on the streets are assumed to be delinquent teenagers, crazy druggies, or homeless people. In cities such as these the identity of any respectable citizen is reflected in your car, SUV, or monster truck. It is an unfortunate fact that most people living here are forced to rely heavily on their own vehicle as the grocery store and the doctor's office and work are all a million miles apart. What about mass transit you say? Well, there really isn't any mass transit unless you count the slow-ass bus. (Plus people who ride the bus are deemed just as bad as the walkers.)

Because one of our cars is on it's deathbed we're sharing one car leaving me clean out of a ride to work two days a week. And since G is convinced that I would undoubtedly be run over on a scooter I proudly join the ranks of the derelict (Earth-saving) crazies by walking the 23 minutes to work. But only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The rest of the week I'm a Earth-killing car-loving a-hole.

Double Happiness

2008-12-01T17:14:00.000-08:00

This past Thanksgiving will remain quite unforgettable as this is the one we surrealistically told family and friends that we are having not just one baby this June but two! Talk about a shocker. It was only my second routine check-up where we gleefully listened to the heartbeat (yes, just one!) for the first time until the Dr. mentioned oh so casually that I measured much further along than my mere 11 1/2 weeks and that it was possible that I was carrying twins. We stumbled across the hall where she got us right in for a sonogram so as to dispell any twin rumors when low and behold, two little creatures appeared on the monitor side by side, one comfy on it's back, the other not so comfy on it's poor little head. But there they were none the less, moving their tiny hands, sending G and I into a wide-eyed shock. I did however suffer a bit of a laughing fit as I do when I'm out of control nervous. I mean, does this really happen to people in real life? I thought it only happened to 40 somethings in Hollywood taking fertility drugs. In this case it runs in the family as my Grandmother was a twin. She would be beyond happy to know this. We are in fact beyond happy as well. It's funny how quick you can get used to an idea that you have no control over. Now we can't imagine not having two and are in major anticipation of meeting them. I'm also in major anticipation of finding perfectly fantastic fabric for the curtains in their room just as soon as we know what combo we're getting. All we know is that there is some major love coming our way.

I have a dream

2008-11-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

I decided that today is the day I go digging through the dusty boxes in the garage to uncover my neglected knitting gear! And right after I do that I'm going to sign up for a knitting class (again) at my fave neighborhood craft store and I'm going to become a knitting machine! Unless I like crocheting better...I can't remember which is supposed to be easier.

At the very least I must make this ninja. Or I could just buy it.

You can find the baby bootie pattern here .

Elephant and Lion here.

Waffles and Fruit here.

and the Japanese flip flops here.

I'm still here...

2008-11-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

My brain is refusing to let me think about my little blog or about much these days except for one very life-changing event which happens to be the one where G and I are expecting our first baby. I know, Whoa. It seems a bit surreal yet as I'm only 10 1/2 weeks along but after 7 1/2 years of marriage and 32 1/2 years of life in general (plus G's 38 years), we think we're as ready as we'll ever be. And we're so very excited! And nervous. And at times overwhelmed. But in general, completely happy!

So on that note I wanted to share one thing that has been a small joy to me through this weird time of not wanting (but ironically being allowed by my doctor) my usual morning coffee.

Prince Vladimir Kusmi Tea is so so good and smells so dark and orangey and wonderful. I bought some in a beautiful tin somewhere in NYC which of course I don't remember now (do you, P?) but nevertheless you can order some here.

I want to sit in this kitchen with people I really like and drink tea and eat pumkin pie.

*Kitch image from Desire to Inspire.

The bookshelf of my dreams

2008-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

When we were fake moving this summer, we packed up what seemed like 982 books from all over the house. There are currently about 746 still sitting in boxes in the garage ready to be unpacked but alas we have nowhere to house them because we sold some bookshelves at our fake garage sale. So now besides coveting wallpaper, and a kitchen makeover (I feel your pain, Erin!)I covet bookshelves. And yes, I want a ladder too.

I would love to not have to resort to Ikea yet again (cuz we sorta have a lot of it already) so if anyone has fab bookshelf ideas for me that are non-Ikea and non-a trillion dollars, please do tell!

*image found via Desire to Inspire.

New Fave

2008-11-10T12:58:00.001-08:00

Mad Men is the new fave at our house. So much so that we had to spend the entire day yesterday watching it in our p.j's and eating G's leftover birthday cake.

I also seem to have fallen in love with this headboard.

Words cannot describe

2008-11-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

It felt like a dream last night and still does today - such an amazing dream that I keep pinching myself to see if it's all real!

My boss on the other hand is huddled in his office, no doubt drinking whiskey and listening to Rush Limbaugh for comfort. So sad.

But not for the rest of us!!

I did, did you?

2008-11-04T13:29:00.000-08:00

The wait is over

2008-11-03T13:54:00.000-08:00

After a very long Netflix wait I have now been absorbed into the saga of Meerkat Manor.

I seriously don't know how I'm going to handle Shakespeare dying of a Puff adder bite....

P.S. For those of you who are in the know - don't tell me, k?

Every day is like Halloween

2008-10-31T10:59:00.001-07:00

If I were going to a party tonight I would undoubtedly go as my Dark Shadows doppleganger, Carolyn Stoddard.

According to the Dark Shadows quiz, G is most like Quentin Collins.

Although Carolyn was under the spell of Barnabas for a while, it's obvious she and Quentin make a good match.

All is not lost

2008-10-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

Another little winged creature was saved from the clutches of certain death by the Drake Street bird rescue. Our back windows have proven to be hazardous to little birdies at times not to mention the apt killer we keep as a domestic pet, a.k.a. Clementine who is always close at hand to snatch them up while they sit in a daze. For reasons unknown G named our little bird Quito. Thank the heavens this story, like Peapod's, had a happy ending.

Notice the killer locked inside showing no remorse.

Thankfully our other beastie has no real interest in killing - Elliott prefers walking around the house in makeshift capes.

2008-10-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Traveling on Highway 58

1985 Forever

2008-10-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Nightmare on Elmstreet 2 played last night on ghetto channel 45 much to our delight of wanting to get into the Halloween spirit. It was of course beyond horrible due to many unlistable facts, one being that nothing scary happened. Ever.

Except for this scene, which kinda made it worth it.

I'm super productive in an parallel universe

2008-10-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

In a parallel universe I would no doubt be a diligent blogger, avid exerciser, dazzling cook and world peace trailblazer, but alas I reside in this universe where I currently remain uninspired and lazy. I got to thinking of this phenomenon while G and I were watching Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives on PBS last night. The Many Worlds Theory (basically) states that everything that is possible happens, if not in this universe, in others. So later today when I'm sitting on the couch reading US magazine, the me in a parallel universe has decided to get up off the couch and clean the bathroom.
I admire that girl.

2008-10-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

It's pretty out here in the sticks...

Book of Love

2008-10-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

"I Love David" book by Harry Malt video by The Selby from the selby on Vimeo."

Although I've had a major crush on Michael Hutchence since the 6th grade I didn't write an I Love Michael book. I did however purchase an INXS biography on sale for $4.99.

Music and Vampires

2008-10-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

These days I've been more than a little bit in the mood for Swedish music and watching Buffy on Netflix. I just noticed that Lykke Li and Buffy share shockingly cool tough-girl style.

Obviously Robert preferred that style too.

Amen!

2008-10-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of the debate last night was when Obama said "The Straight Talk Express lost a wheel on that one."

2008-10-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

October 5 - Avila Beach

G and I spent the weekend in San Luis Obispo due to G participating in his first Olympic Length Triathlon. Despite the crazy rainy and grey weather he did fantastic! Even though I've been swimming laps lately I took one look at the vast dark lake where the swimming course was set up and decided I'd rather die than swim a mile in it. Of course it was perfectly sunny the next day...

Good Stuff...

2008-10-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Heather Smith Jones (work featured above) is one of the many talented artists, including Abbey Hendrickson of Aesthetic Outburst, who contributed illustrations to a limited edition coloring book for grown-ups! Check out all the participating artists here.

Yo Amo El Perro Del Mar!

2008-10-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

This Swedish band with the Spanish name has won my love. Poppytalk put up one of their videos yesterday which is really cool, illustrated by artist Asa Arnehed. (See some illustrations below.) This other video for their song Party is really beautiful and a touch more creepy. In a beautifully creepy way.

Plans for October

2008-10-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

Go to the beach, family reunion, birthday party, Rose Bowl flea market.

Practice making the perfect chocolate cake for G's birthday in Nov.

Find the perfect wallpaper, book, haircolor.

Write letters, music.

Eat candy corn.

Somedays...

2008-09-30T15:07:00.001-07:00

..all it takes to make me happy are new dish sponges and candy.

Today was definitely one of those days.

Hello Kitties!

2008-09-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

Above: My new wallet
Below: My little Clem (taken courtesy of G.)

The last night of the Fair...and the grease in the hair.

2008-09-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Going to the Kern County Fair has become a tradition where we eat almost anything deep-fried on a stick; this especially includes corndogs and deep-fried twinkies. (Don't knock it 'till you try it, yo!) Taking photos in the photo booth is also a must. Last year we had a jail theme - this year G wanted to do two in a "70's album cover open-mouthed stare" and the last two speak for themselves. ;)

I Dream of Wallpaper

2008-09-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

It started when I saw the Woods design from Cole and Sons. The very nice girl at Rose and Radish who agreed to send me samples in every color told me that this particular design was "very popular." Hmmm, maybe I should look for something else, you know being the design trail blazer that I am...plus it's almost double the price of other just-as-fantastic designs.

After that I found myself tumbling into oblivion lusting after rolls and rolls of wallpaper without any regard to style or color. (this included designs with tigers and bats.)

I even started checking out wall decals which I originally thought kind of weird but started considering (especially for a cheaper and much more easily installed look.)
Branches and Hydrangea from Ferm Living.

I keep telling myself that we only need enough paper to adorn our very drab and uninspiring entryway so it shouldn't be too expensive - except for the fact that doing this might create a massive domino effect of little "updates" throughout the house. And I would probably have to try to put up the paper myself because G is not currently feeling the love of wallpaper application.

Curses.....Maybe I'll just paint.

Little Leaves, Fairy Flower, and Leaf from Ferm Living.

My new bunny

2008-09-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

My new bunny is actually a watercolor print purchased from new found artist Amber Alexander. Her renderings are so charming and Beatrix Potter-esque that I became inspired with the notion of finding the perfect pieces to adorn the newly painted walls of our (now) guest room and (future - who knows when) baby room. (Yikes, did I just say that?...) Now all I have to do is scout out the perfect little frame where my bunny will live for ever and ever.

Check out all of her creatures (cutely clad and otherwise) here!

Thanks, But No Thanks!

2008-09-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks (for reals) to Denise at D.Sharp Journal for alerting me to a few downloads for some very chic office wall hangings - and free to boot! Get yours here.

favorite bits

2008-09-21T19:14:00.001-07:00

favorite time of day

2008-09-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

Actually, I really love early morning too except I usually like sleeping more...

ghostly goodness

2008-09-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

Another artist found via Design*Sponge - Gretchen Wagoner does some really cool stuff (plus she has really cute cats.)

I don't want to believe it

2008-09-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

How could it be that Polaroid film will no longer be made after this year?? I'm totally heartbroken. Mainly because I don't have enough money to buy several years worth to stockpile in my pretend basement.

When you're drifting

2008-09-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

Pass it on

2008-09-11T09:27:00.001-07:00

I discovered Valerie Hammond's lovely work discovered via Design*Sponge who discovered it from Jeana Sohn's blog. Check out Jeana's work here.

I Vote

2008-09-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

A friend passed an email on to me from the duo behind the blog Women Against Sarah Palin. I felt compelled to speak my piece and damn it felt good.

Instruction from Charles and Ray Eames

2008-09-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

1. Watch this film.

2. Take your own Polaroid pictures.

3. Share with friends.

102 Blues

2008-09-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought it was safe to talk about cold weather, here comes a 102 degree heat wave. Curses! ....Thank the heavens for the annual Greek Food Festival at St. George's downtown where we'll most likely drown our summer sorrows in beer (with baklava of course!)

Dreams of Cold Weather

2008-09-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

I know that summer has just now faded away but for those of us over on the West Side, summer doesn't really end until right before Halloween. Although I'd have to wait a long time to wear (or afford!) any of these items, I just felt like dreaming about it. ;)

visit Soia & Kyo and Frye.

Music for September

2008-09-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

My friend in Spain tipped me off to a great new band, Fleet Foxes. I love what I've heard so far. Thanks, Raquel!

T.G.I.C.M.

2008-08-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

Raise your hand if you have given up hope finding cool jeans for under $150? I'm talking about the kind of jeans that actually fit adults, not the tiny ass sizes at Forever 21. Well, put your hands down and look no further because they exist! My boss insisted that she had found super cool, stretchy, ultra-skinny leg, non-crack showing jeans for a mere $65! No, I argued. That simply cannot be. I made an emergency trip downtown to one of my fave stores, Fashionista, just to satisfy my curiosity. Within 20 minutes I walked out with my own pair of Cheap Monday jeans in stone wash grey that fit not unlike comfortable leggings. Some of you might be thinking, yeah, I don't wear that hipster skinny leg style, thanks but no thanks. (Believe me, I know.) However, for some magical and super-stretchy reason, Cheap Monday jeans fit just right. And not in a I-wish-I-were-in-high-school way. For reals.

Igloos and Rocketships (and other stuff too)

2008-08-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Check out Robert Hunter's work here. Thanks Little Paper Planes!

I have to agree.

2008-08-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Camilla Engman really likes Kelly Lynn Jones' work and so do I.

P.S.

2008-08-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

Digi-Fro Delight!

2008-08-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what your pet would look like with a fab hairdo? Well, my dear friend P. (of PFTP) not only knows how to make dreamy lavender pillows but she also does digi-do's for pets of any nice person who asks. She chose the Digi-Fro for our kitties and our friend A's dog, Alfie, as that's her current specialty.

Two of our faves:

The "Geisha" & Moz

The "Pomp-a-Fro"

What do carnivals, Alice in Wonderland and Central Park have in common?

2008-08-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

Cute dishware, that's what! Whilst visiting Poppytalk I came upon an intriguing post about $1 Design Finds at Domino which then led me to a bunch of cool things for under a buck like Muji notebooks and the bargain table at Chatsworth then I got sucked further down the rabbit hole to a fantastic site for the NYC store, Fishs Eddy; a place I'm sure all my "East Side" peeps already know about. I arrived looking for $1 Airline flatware which for some reason I convinced myself we really needed, when I happened upon all of the other fabulous collections plus their ongoing Summer Sale and it was sort of all over. (This is what can happen when you're on a budget and bored at work.)

All photos courtesey of Fishs Eddy

The Real Champion VS. The Devil

2008-08-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

If you've seen The King of Kong there's pretty much no question about who's who.

Warning: Might incite great inclination to play Donkey Kong!

Let's Get Physical!

2008-08-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

I seem to remember having a sudden urge to start swimming about four years ago at this time. Do the Summer Olympics do this to anyone else but me and G? We decided to take advantage of our local Aquatic Center today and try out something new instead of running (well, G actually runs - I just walk fast). Although I was considerably winded after two laps I found myself loving it way more than walking in the blazing heat. Now I just have 9 years to train to be the next Dara Torres.

Sunday morning crepes

2008-08-10T11:06:00.001-07:00

Peace be with Me

2008-08-06T14:23:00.001-07:00

They say "work when the spirit moves you" (or is that just something my mom says?...) Anyhow, I felt the ambitious spirit of scrapbooking come over me this past week and I've been a girl possessed for the last week. I am however almost done with our 2006 Paris and London trip (I'm pretty sure we took close to a trillion photos) and then I think I'll take a week off. Although I'm doing a very simple 12" x 12" black page format, it's proven expensive with tons of refill pages and adhesive tape refills. G and P both assure me however that it will all be worth it in the end.

Wednesday Collage

2008-07-30T08:21:00.001-07:00

Package From NYC

2008-07-23T13:59:00.001-07:00

Inside I found:

Beautiful handmade lavender pillows from none other than Pillows for the People.

*Check out the ultra-cute lavender necklaces too!*

Sweet little birdie earrings from Marin Dearie.

And this cool compilation from the 1,000 Journals Project.
(P. thought I could use some journaling inspiration and she was right of course.
Thanks, P!)

Birds+Cassette Tapes = Unconditional Love

2008-07-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

Due to the tiny nature of an indie band's budget, band members often have to take on more than just their instrument. So besides being the keyboard tambourine maracas player in my band The Dalloways, my role was extended to that of t-shirt designer. (It beats being "the person who sits at the merch table after shows", although I'm still that too.)

For girls.....

and boys.

They've been printed on Alternative Apparel no-shrink, super-soft, sweatshop-free t's so they're nice and comfy and they fit oh so perfectly.

Listen and purchase here. xo

You know you're living with wild undomesticated beasts when...

2008-07-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

they would rather stay outside all day in the San Joaquin Valley heat and can only on occasion be coaxed inside with treats.

beastie #1

beastie #2

G. likes to hang out with the wild creatures above doing yard work in the intense radiating heat. This practice has baffled the neighbors yet G. simply explains that he's a desert person. (P. can relate) Lately he prefers to do said yard work in Texan-inspired low-rider attire.

Feltie Hearts

2008-07-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

It's hot outside (really REALLY hot) so it's good to have fun things to do inside. It might be fun to make one of these felties from Aranzi Aronzo's Cute Book!

Or you can make your own like I did!

Baby Kitts & Forlorn Bunny

Ulysses

BattyOwl

Forlorn Bunny just moved to Brooklyn to live with Lucy Frances. Even though it's summertime she brought her scarf just in case.
I think she's going to love it there. xo

Killing Time for Cuteness' Sake!

2008-07-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

While browsing through the wonderful Paper Forest (actively filling out my 7 hours of work) I came upon a little paper bird that appeared to be speaking Japanese. I could not in good cute conscious ignore this. I had never heard of these little Nani Birds but I knew I must have one! I found that actually I could have one, for FREE, but I'd have to make one first. (Even better!)

All you have to do is find your favorite then download and print out the design. After some cutting, folding, and gluing, you have your very own Nani Bird! This actually looked and sounded a tad easier than it was to actually assemble. (I can however be craft-challenged but after the first not so good one, I made another and it turned out okay. Except he sits kinda crooked.)

I made the QueBird by mckibillo, especially for G since he's learning Spanish this summer.

Buena Suerte!

p.s. I think I'll have to make "Frenchy" Bird next...

Number 32

2008-07-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

Crepes with strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast, going to a matinee, picking up some treasures from a favorite store downtown, having lunch at my fave Mexican place, taking a nap, getting ready for the party, laughing with friends, holding babies, drinking super tart lemon daiquiris, blowing out candles and making a wish.

It was a good one.

Some of the great gifts I received:

Monteverde

2008-06-22T14:44:00.000-07:00

Montezuma

2008-06-20T16:34:00.001-07:00

Playa Samara

2008-06-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

¡Amo Costa Rica!

2008-06-16T17:29:00.001-07:00

We're back from the sea by the Nicoya Peninsula and the rain forests of Monteverde.
Some of the things we did are reflected in the photos (coming soon) but just in case, here's a little summary of what our time consisted of:

Surfing lessons, sitting on the beach, eating pineapple, reading in hammocks, taking siestas, kayaking to islands where lizards live, snorkeling, walking around, picking up seashells, drinking Imperial and piña coladas, putting on 50spf and still burning legs to a crisp, eating icecream, watching the ocean and drinking mango smoothies, deciding where to eat, buying bracelets made of macrame and coconut, making friends with doggies and kitties, looking for howler monkeys (and being a little freaked out when hearing them for the first time in the dead of night), going on hikes, looking for quetzals and sloths but only finding caterpillars, zip lining through the cloud forest, visiting the hummingbird garden, putting on lots of deet, joking about getting deet cancer, taking photos, having fun with my husband, brother, and sister-in-law, eating at Organico, buying used books, spotting the geckos on the ceiling, lying under the mosquito net listening to the ocean at night, waking up at 5 am and walking out to the beach, not wanting to go home yet...

See you in a couple weeks.....

2008-05-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

WWAD?

2008-05-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

I'm sure Admiral Adama would have been able to keep up with his blog even in the midst of pretend moving or a cylon attack. But I, alas, could not. For the past several weeks G and I have been on a emotional stress riddled rollercoaster as we packed up our beloved house and made plans to move to Ventura where G had accepted a job at the college. We went through rooms and belongings (you know all that crap you would never ever go through unless you were moving), had a massive garage sale, and discussed putting our house up for sale (which everyone knows is about the worst time to do such a thing.) After a virtual epiphany, G. and I realized that we would be sacrificing much more than we had anticipated. And, yes, we really did have a good life right where we were. So here we'll stay....until further notice.

P.S. I plan on getting back to a regular blogging schedule as soon as G and I get back from a quick little trip to Costa Rica! ...I wonder if Admiral Adama would take surfing lessons?

Is going back to your old job like going back to your old boyfriend?

2008-05-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

No. At least I don't think so. No boyfriend ever sent me a paycheck or saved me from substitute teaching. Yay for old jobs!

Everything is OK now

2008-05-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's Saturday....

2008-04-29T17:43:00.001-07:00

I've been drowning in the horrors of an occupation known as substitute teaching. The money, the flexibility of work days etc. are just not cutting it right now. I feel like I know how many teachers are driven to drink. After a day of 4th graders, my car instinctively wants to direct itself to the nearest dive. And it's only 3:00pm.
My loved ones keep telling me it will get better but I would like to know just WHEN will that be? Are we talking weeks, months, or years and years? Because I was hoping for something along the lines of days. Or even hours.
The carrot before my nose is money (yes, money!) to pay for Costa Rica and a possible move this summer. That's if I make it out of this school year alive.

Neon Golden

2008-04-24T14:13:00.001-07:00

Leaves and Sunlight

2008-04-22T22:28:00.001-07:00

"The hallmark of aristocracy is responsibility"

2008-04-20T17:02:00.001-07:00

I've been having a sort of Grey Gardens marathon this weekend...

"Didn't she look like a girl who had everything?"

colors + water

2008-04-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

Don't Fight It, Feel It

2008-04-10T16:38:00.001-07:00

Before

After!

*I know it's kinda hard to see but the walls look much better in their new shade of Garden Urn by Valspar's Seaside Retreat Collection.

Listening to good tunes whilst doing unfavorable jobs like cleaning the bathroom or folding mounds of laundry is essential. I chose some Primal Scream a la Screamadelica to help me through re-painting the living room (only part of it) and the endless amount of prep work; the worst being taping. Yuck! Why did I decide to do this?? Singing along even while taping off endless corners really helped me zen out but in a dancy way of course.

p.s. The 90's had it's own peace and love going on and I know P has some pictures to prove that we were pretty much diggin' it circa 1992. I may or may not post aforementioned proof.

2008-04-08T10:55:00.001-07:00

Instead of blaming the darkness, bring in the light.

Sunshine and cool finds

2008-04-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

G and I had a great time in Ventura exploring the old historic downtown yesterday. There were quite a few good places to eat, plus some record stores, antiques, and really cool shops of all kinds with great finds. I picked up an amazing ring (hand carved perhaps?) and a shiny bead necklace (that looks great as a bracelet) from one such place on Main Street called Sassy Sally's .

Sassy Sally's Owner & Desginer, Lindsay Miller

The owner of this self-proclaimed indie boutique, Lindsay Miller, is one cool gal. She revamps alot of vintage wear as well as designs her own one-of-a-kind pieces such as bloomers and her personal fave, aprons! Local artist creations, recycled material, as well as whimsical vintage pieces set the tone for this hip spot. Stop by and see her when you're in the area!

The adventures of Peapod

2008-04-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Ruthless Hunter

vs. Little Peapod

While it is true that I love Clementine (as well as my other feline Elliott), it is painfully clear that she is a true bird killer at heart while I am a true bird fanatic. It is quite a conflict let me tell you. This morning I saw to my absolute horror that she had cornered a stunned hummingbird that had most likely flown into our back window. I shouted and rushed out the backdoor chasing after her with the poor little thing in her mouth. G totally came to the rescue though and chased her under the car where she dropped her victim, thankfully within G's reach. He carefully picked little Peapod up and held her in his hand in the sunshine where she could warm up. She continued to breathe fast, opening and closing her tiny eyelids (the tiniest eyelids ever!) while her tongue went in and out. She was one of the most precious things I have ever seen up close. We decided we couldn't just leave her in such a state so I ran back into the house to find a little box for a make-shift nest. I came running out again only to see G looking up into the one of the tallow trees where she had flown up to sit and rest on a tiny branch.
Sighs of relief all around!

p.s. Peapod is a Calliope hummingbird; the smallest in North America.

2008-04-01T16:59:00.001-07:00

Shopping on 19th St.

2008-03-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help it

2008-03-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Peter and David

2008-03-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

Last night G and I watched Suzie Templeton's stop-animation version of Peter and the Wolf and were quite enchanted. The puppets were so beautifully evocative it was impossible not to become emotionally attached. Especially to the duck who I instantly fell in love with and am still traumatized by what happened. (G is too.) In spite of that terrible tragedy however, I do recommend experiencing this little film.

And although I haven't listened to the 1978 David Bowie narration of the same story, I'm going to recommend it anyway. How in the world could it not be fantastic?

Spring bags uncovered!

2008-03-25T16:05:00.001-07:00

While half-heartedly organizing the closet shelf which contains a strange combination of empty shoe boxes, a boxed up wedding dress, and a few old childhood toys, I uncovered this little seersucker bag with round bamboo handles that I purchased from a super cool street vendor in NYC. (I've met many cool NYC street vendors in my day - PFTP even let me work her table on Prince St!)

The other flower embroidered bag was given to me by my mother who found it at a yard sale somewhere in the vast landscape of the central San Joaquin Valley. I'm pretty sure it was Fresno.