So John picked them and is in the process of making grape jelly, even though we were told that they weren't good for eating. He found a recipe on the internet. I'll let you know how it turns out.
31 August 2010
life in topanga
Our wild California grapes (Vitis - "Rogers Red") bore tons of fruit this summer. I guess because of all the rain we had in the winter.
So John picked them and is in the process of making grape jelly, even though we were told that they weren't good for eating. He found a recipe on the internet. I'll let you know how it turns out.
So John picked them and is in the process of making grape jelly, even though we were told that they weren't good for eating. He found a recipe on the internet. I'll let you know how it turns out.
trip to big bear
I played hooky from unemployment (is that possible?) last week and joined some friends who have a cabin in Big Bear. We had cloudy weather with rain and mild thunderstorms. But that didn't stop us from going on several hikes.
The clouds were building for a bigger storm as I left on Thursday.
The clouds were building for a bigger storm as I left on Thursday.27 August 2010
hens in america
In light of the recent egg recall, I thought these were interesting statistics from the NY Times to share. They show how egg-laying hens - not chickens raised for meat - are confined on American farms. No wonder we have a salmonella outbreak.
19 August 2010
clothes for a cause
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt launch charitable childrenswear
LOS ANGELES, 17 (EUROPA PRESS)-Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt want to launch their own childrenswear line based on the styles of their own children. Proceeds from the clothing sold will be entirely donated to the couple's own charity.
Brad and Angelina have three adopted and three biological children together. These six children’s favourite clothes will be the basis for the most famous Hollywood couple’s new childrenswear collection to be launched shortly.
The actor has apparently spent the last week going from meeting to meeting in Italy to complete the collection. But the best news is that the project was announced to be fully charitable; all benefits raised from the clothing sales will be donated to the charity that the couple created, 'The Pitt-Jolie Foundation. "
LOS ANGELES, 17 (EUROPA PRESS)-Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt want to launch their own childrenswear line based on the styles of their own children. Proceeds from the clothing sold will be entirely donated to the couple's own charity.
Brad and Angelina have three adopted and three biological children together. These six children’s favourite clothes will be the basis for the most famous Hollywood couple’s new childrenswear collection to be launched shortly.
The actor has apparently spent the last week going from meeting to meeting in Italy to complete the collection. But the best news is that the project was announced to be fully charitable; all benefits raised from the clothing sales will be donated to the charity that the couple created, 'The Pitt-Jolie Foundation. "
18 August 2010
who would have thought . . .
Calvin Klein dislikes fashion trends
LOS ANGELES, 16 (EUROPA PRESS)- The legendary designer who gave his name to the prestigious brand, Calvin Klein, has said that fashion trends make "no sense" and also admits he was delighted to have escaped the world of fashion because he hated trying to keep up with all the latest styles.
Calvin Klein no longer works in the fashion industry. The designer insists he will not miss it, “fashions change so quickly, as soon as you see them, they go out of style again”.
Currently the Calvin Klein brand is enjoying a steadily increasing success thanks to advertising campaigns featuring the two beauties, Zoe Saldana and Lara Stone. But the designer, who sold his business in 2002, refuses to take any merit.
"I have nothing to do with it. I sold the company," he told the U.S. magazine 'New York'. Earlier this year, he confirmed that the Dutch model Lara Stone would be the new face of Calvin Klein.
After signing an exclusive agreement with the company to star in their campaigns for Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Collection and 'CK' Calvin Klein, the supermodel said: "It's like being part of a family."
LOS ANGELES, 16 (EUROPA PRESS)- The legendary designer who gave his name to the prestigious brand, Calvin Klein, has said that fashion trends make "no sense" and also admits he was delighted to have escaped the world of fashion because he hated trying to keep up with all the latest styles.
Calvin Klein no longer works in the fashion industry. The designer insists he will not miss it, “fashions change so quickly, as soon as you see them, they go out of style again”.
Currently the Calvin Klein brand is enjoying a steadily increasing success thanks to advertising campaigns featuring the two beauties, Zoe Saldana and Lara Stone. But the designer, who sold his business in 2002, refuses to take any merit.
"I have nothing to do with it. I sold the company," he told the U.S. magazine 'New York'. Earlier this year, he confirmed that the Dutch model Lara Stone would be the new face of Calvin Klein.
After signing an exclusive agreement with the company to star in their campaigns for Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Collection and 'CK' Calvin Klein, the supermodel said: "It's like being part of a family."
16 August 2010
10 August 2010
the new american porch
L.A. gallery opens a door to 'The New American Porch'
Architect Davida Rochlin only started to think about the new American porch after devoting much of her life to pondering the old American porch. She spent her childhood in a Craftsman house that had "all kinds of porches," she said. As a graduate student in architecture at UC Berkeley, Rochlin traveled across the country studying verandas, balconies, stoops, back porches, front porches, sleeping porches, screened porches, wrap-around porches, you-name-it porches -- all for her master's thesis. If you saw a study on American porches, whether in Charles Moore’s 1983 "Home Sweet Home: American Domestic Vernacular Architecture" or in a Fine Homebuilding book, the chances are good that it was by Rochlin.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The New American Porch" exhibit will run at the pop-up L.A. Archive Gallery through Aug. 28. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday at 11973 San Vicente Blvd., No. 101, Los Angeles.
-- Emily Green
Read more here.
08 August 2010
nursery mobile
John's niece is expecting a little girl next month so we made her a mobile for over the crib. The idea came from a posting on Orange Beautiful. John drew the animals and I formatted them with the name of each animal on the back. I think it turned out pretty cute.
05 August 2010
bag as art or art as bag
Made with vintage oil paintings, Leslie Oschmann from swarm has fashioned a series of beautiful carry bags with leather handles. Each one is unique and handmade.
A combination of portraits, landscapes, and still life vignettes juxtaposed with patterned paper and fabric inserts (as seen above).
I love every single one of these bags and I know they are going to walk out her door (almost all of these shown above are already sold!). Leslie is in the process of making more so if you would like one (or ten for your store), email Leslie directly for more details.sexy clothes shopping
Women subconsciously buy sexy clothes during ovulation
MADRID, August 4 - Researchers at the University of Minnesota, United States, say that women that are ovulating tend to buy more sexy clothes, even sometimes subconsciously, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research.
According to researchers of this curious finding, the reason for this "sexy" choice is not to impress men, but to "outperform the rest of women, which these days seem more attractive than them and are considered as rivals" says Kristina Durante, author of the study.
In the investigation, which sought to study how hormonal changes affect consumer behaviour, presented a series of photographs of other women to a group of women. They were then asked to choose the preferred clothes and accessories.
Thus, it was observed that most participants chose the "sexy" accessories on those women who appeared less attractive or came from areas far from the participants’. Therefore they "were not seen as competition." Furthermore, these patterns of behaviour were only observed in women who were ovulating.
These results have practical implications for retailers since an ovulatory cycle will impact women consumers’ buying habits.
So Durante says, “for five to six days every month, women are especially prone to buy products and services that will improve their physical appearance," not only clothes or accessories but also cosmetics and bodycare products.
MADRID, August 4 - Researchers at the University of Minnesota, United States, say that women that are ovulating tend to buy more sexy clothes, even sometimes subconsciously, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research.
According to researchers of this curious finding, the reason for this "sexy" choice is not to impress men, but to "outperform the rest of women, which these days seem more attractive than them and are considered as rivals" says Kristina Durante, author of the study.
In the investigation, which sought to study how hormonal changes affect consumer behaviour, presented a series of photographs of other women to a group of women. They were then asked to choose the preferred clothes and accessories.
Thus, it was observed that most participants chose the "sexy" accessories on those women who appeared less attractive or came from areas far from the participants’. Therefore they "were not seen as competition." Furthermore, these patterns of behaviour were only observed in women who were ovulating.
These results have practical implications for retailers since an ovulatory cycle will impact women consumers’ buying habits.
So Durante says, “for five to six days every month, women are especially prone to buy products and services that will improve their physical appearance," not only clothes or accessories but also cosmetics and bodycare products.
trends
Mudpie : Origin - Male & Female - Autumn/Winter 2010-2011
Times of uncertainty often force us to consider our roots. Rich in tradition, ritual and cultural identity, Central and South American countries draw strength from preserving a traditional way of life. Spiritual beliefs, ancient lore and customs are deeply ingrained in the foundation of such societies. As economies across the continent grow and stabilise, contemporary culture booms on the international scene and is undeniably influenced by the practises of old.
Fashion interpretation
South America is the key influence behind this palette with a base of rich and earthy spice tones. Intense cayenne pepper orange and smoky paprika red sit with the deepest shade of coffee while in contrast, Amazonian blue and a warm nectar shade brightens the mix. Silhouettes follow clean, proud lines while chunky embellishments and bold, statement graphics nod to the influences of the Aztec, Mayan and Egyptian cultures. The prestige of equestrian sports combine elegant shapes with the rustic qualities of natural fabrics and traditional aesthetics. Prints and graphics use vivid turquoise and dazzling magenta for pleasing clashes in an otherwise earthy palette. Graphics take on a naive quality while handcrafted elements reference traditional South American artisan techniques with embroideries, fringing and ethnic embellishments.
Times of uncertainty often force us to consider our roots. Rich in tradition, ritual and cultural identity, Central and South American countries draw strength from preserving a traditional way of life. Spiritual beliefs, ancient lore and customs are deeply ingrained in the foundation of such societies. As economies across the continent grow and stabilise, contemporary culture booms on the international scene and is undeniably influenced by the practises of old.
Fashion interpretation
South America is the key influence behind this palette with a base of rich and earthy spice tones. Intense cayenne pepper orange and smoky paprika red sit with the deepest shade of coffee while in contrast, Amazonian blue and a warm nectar shade brightens the mix. Silhouettes follow clean, proud lines while chunky embellishments and bold, statement graphics nod to the influences of the Aztec, Mayan and Egyptian cultures. The prestige of equestrian sports combine elegant shapes with the rustic qualities of natural fabrics and traditional aesthetics. Prints and graphics use vivid turquoise and dazzling magenta for pleasing clashes in an otherwise earthy palette. Graphics take on a naive quality while handcrafted elements reference traditional South American artisan techniques with embroideries, fringing and ethnic embellishments.
02 August 2010
mitch miller :: good night
Mitch Miller, Maestro of the Singalong, Dies at 99
NY Times; Mitch Miller, an influential record producer who became a hugely popular recording artist and an unlikely television star a half century ago by leading a choral group in familiar old songs and inviting people to sing along, died Saturday in Manhattan. He was 99.
NY Times; Mitch Miller, an influential record producer who became a hugely popular recording artist and an unlikely television star a half century ago by leading a choral group in familiar old songs and inviting people to sing along, died Saturday in Manhattan. He was 99.Read more here.
31 July 2010
postcard from provence
Wish I was here.
Lavender fields at Monieux
18cm x 12cm (7"x4½"), oil on gessoed card
Today's painting will be sold by auction - auction starts today at 8pm GMT and ends on Sunday 1st August at 8pm GMT (4pm EDT / 1pm PDT)
Starting price: $100
To register or login to the auction visit: http://auction.shiftinglight.com
Lavender fields at Monieux18cm x 12cm (7"x4½"), oil on gessoed card
Today's painting will be sold by auction - auction starts today at 8pm GMT and ends on Sunday 1st August at 8pm GMT (4pm EDT / 1pm PDT)
Starting price: $100
To register or login to the auction visit: http://auction.shiftinglight.com
30 July 2010
life in topanga
Our organic farmer's market is on Fridays from 8 - 12. It's such a treat to have this in our own backyard.
Among the vendors were Maggie's Farm (above) selling fresh leafy greens and herbs. Etheridge Farms' Aaron Etheridge and Becky Martinez who left Fresno at 3 a.m. to drive here with fresh yellow and white peaches and nectarines, apricots and sweet dark cherries that would make anyone a believer in the benefits of eating organic. Lily's Free Range Eggs in Fillmore sold eggs by the dozen or half dozen, among them duck eggs and sprout-fed hens' eggs, as well as assorted bouquets of fragrant roses. McGrath Family Farms (below) displayed an assortment of strawberries, beets, carrots, greens and an amazing array of flowers - among them dizzyingly aromatic lavender, sunflowers and gladiolas.
Among the vendors were Maggie's Farm (above) selling fresh leafy greens and herbs. Etheridge Farms' Aaron Etheridge and Becky Martinez who left Fresno at 3 a.m. to drive here with fresh yellow and white peaches and nectarines, apricots and sweet dark cherries that would make anyone a believer in the benefits of eating organic. Lily's Free Range Eggs in Fillmore sold eggs by the dozen or half dozen, among them duck eggs and sprout-fed hens' eggs, as well as assorted bouquets of fragrant roses. McGrath Family Farms (below) displayed an assortment of strawberries, beets, carrots, greens and an amazing array of flowers - among them dizzyingly aromatic lavender, sunflowers and gladiolas.
I bought these amazingly fragrant roses - of course. Not your typical hot-house product.
29 July 2010
28 July 2010
I used to live in this town!
Cardiff surfer sculpture to be rescued from shark's jaws
LA Times: Despite a groundswell of public support for leaving it alone, the "shark" that mysteriously encased the official surfer sculpture at Cardiff-by-the-Sea is set to be removed Tuesday by city workers, officials said.
The shark was put in place under cover of darkness Saturday, appearing to eat the "Magic Carpet Ride" sculpture along South Coast Highway in this seaside community in northern San Diego County.
The sculpture, installed three years ago, has been derided as unsurfer-like by locals who call it the "Cardiff Kook."
A petition soon sprouted on the Jaws-like creation asking Encinitas city officials to let the shark remain.
But Howard Whitlock, assistant superintendent of public works, said it will be removed to avoid any liability for the city. The parts will be hauled to a city facility "in case anyone wants to claim them," Whitlock said.
Removing it will require about four workers at a cost of $300 to $400 in labor and equipment, Whitlock said.
"It will be much easier to remove than it must have been to install," he said.
The surfer sculpture does not appear to have been damaged by the shark, Whitlock said. With its pedestal, the sculpture rises 16 feet.
-- Tony Perry in Encinitas
LA Times: Despite a groundswell of public support for leaving it alone, the "shark" that mysteriously encased the official surfer sculpture at Cardiff-by-the-Sea is set to be removed Tuesday by city workers, officials said.
The shark was put in place under cover of darkness Saturday, appearing to eat the "Magic Carpet Ride" sculpture along South Coast Highway in this seaside community in northern San Diego County.
The sculpture, installed three years ago, has been derided as unsurfer-like by locals who call it the "Cardiff Kook."
A petition soon sprouted on the Jaws-like creation asking Encinitas city officials to let the shark remain.
But Howard Whitlock, assistant superintendent of public works, said it will be removed to avoid any liability for the city. The parts will be hauled to a city facility "in case anyone wants to claim them," Whitlock said.
Removing it will require about four workers at a cost of $300 to $400 in labor and equipment, Whitlock said.
"It will be much easier to remove than it must have been to install," he said.
The surfer sculpture does not appear to have been damaged by the shark, Whitlock said. With its pedestal, the sculpture rises 16 feet.
-- Tony Perry in Encinitas
26 July 2010
designer tag sale :: Saturday July 31st
Vanessa Squared Productions (interior designer Vanessa De Vargas and design editor Vanessa Kogevinas) is proud to present its Third High-End Designer Tag Sale shopping event in Brentwood, California, July 31, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The tag sale is being held in conjunction with Erin Castellino and Carrie Carr of Little Castle Productions (an interior design production company) and Mark Castellino of Fyndes (premier online home decor shopping site).The Designer Tag Sale is an upscale interior designer yard/tag sale hosted by Fyndes and Little Castle Productions that will feature over thirty of Los Angeles' top interior designers and stores/vendors selling items including small furniture such as side-tables, lamps, rugs, pillows, art, accessories and more at incredibly low prices—from $5-$200 only!
Get the list of participating designers and retailers here.
23 July 2010
daniel schorr :: good night
NY Times: Daniel Schorr, whose aggressive reporting over 70 years as a respected broadcast and print journalist brought him into conflict with censors, the Nixon administration and network superiors, died Friday in Washington. He was 93.
His death was announced by National Public Radio, where he had been a commentator for two decades. A spokeswoman, Anna Christopher, said he died at a Washington hospital after a short illness. He lived in Washington.
Mr. Schorr, a protégé of Edward R. Murrow at CBS News, initially made his mark at CBS as a foreign correspondent, most notably in the Soviet Union. He opened the network’s Moscow bureau in 1955 and became well enough acquainted with the Soviet leader Nikita S. Khrushchev — whom he called “the most fascinating person I ever met” — to secure for “Face the Nation” the first television interview for which Khrushchev ever sat. (He had never even done one for Soviet television.) At the end of 1957 Mr. Schorr went home for the holidays and was denied readmission to the Soviet Union.
Read a lot more here.
22 July 2010
renegade craft fair
2nd Annual Renegade Craft Fair in Los Angeles – July 24 + 25 from 11am – 7pm in Los Angeles State Historic Park (aka The Cornfield, located at 1245 N Spring Street)!!
21 July 2010
potted arrangements
Furcrea macgougalii in a potted arrangement
In youth, this plant looks like the most vertical agave you have ever seen. With age, it develops a trunk. If you set it free and give it some space, the trunk might grow to as much as 10 feet tall. But with its foliage pointing straight up towards the heavens, the plant will still have a narrow profile. When it blooms, a flower spike will emerge that will add another 20 feet. A bunch of baby plants called bulbils will be attached to the flower spike. Then the mother plant will die. If the plant is happy, this process will take about 15 years. Happy with minimal supplemental water, this guy is as drought-tolerant as they come. Hardy to at least 28F.
via Flora Grubb
inky interpretations
Dior Couture AW10
Have you ever had a pen leak, maybe in your bag or in your pocket? Inky spills permeated the runway from Australian designer Dion Lee’s Spring 11 collection to the haute couture show of Dior. Although the inspirations were different, the bleeding, ink blot effects were similar creating organic, soft patterns. Lee’s prints appear cosmic and atomic in form while the botanical influences of iris, orchids and pansies leave a larger than life impact on Galliano’s diaphanous dresses for Dior.
Courtesy of Patternpeople.
19 July 2010
nightmare in apt. 9b
I've heard stories of battles over coveted Manhattan apartments but this one beats all. For those of us in Los Angeles, it might be comparable to the value of a rent-controlled apartment on Montana Ave.
SOMETHING was wrong in Apartment 9B.
SIGNATURE SHAPE The towers of the El Dorado, at 90th Street, scene of a family’s claims of abuse, inheritance and co-op shares.
SOMETHING was wrong in Apartment 9B.
As the housekeeper opened the door, the two Tibetan spaniels were on edge. “Tibby was sort of hanging onto me,” she would testify later.
The housekeeper, June Gordon, pushed past the dogs in the pantry that May morning in 2005. She moved deeper into the apartment that was like some cobwebby Miss Havisham version of high-end Manhattan living, with peeling paint, torn furniture and a permanent stink of cigarettes. She found Joyce Cheney on the small red sofa in the big living room, with its impressive view south over the tops of the West Side brownstones.
Mrs. Cheney was a slight woman with short gray hair. She was 83. “June, help me,” she said. She had been there all night, in her urine-drenched nightgown, unable to move. Her arm was broken.
It would be a while before Mrs. Cheney would provide a consistent account of what had happened that night, which she spent in the apartment with her 51-year-old daughter, Diane Wells. “She tried to kill me,” the mother would say, although her daughter was never charged with anything as serious as that.
Read the rest of the story here.
The housekeeper, June Gordon, pushed past the dogs in the pantry that May morning in 2005. She moved deeper into the apartment that was like some cobwebby Miss Havisham version of high-end Manhattan living, with peeling paint, torn furniture and a permanent stink of cigarettes. She found Joyce Cheney on the small red sofa in the big living room, with its impressive view south over the tops of the West Side brownstones.
Mrs. Cheney was a slight woman with short gray hair. She was 83. “June, help me,” she said. She had been there all night, in her urine-drenched nightgown, unable to move. Her arm was broken.
It would be a while before Mrs. Cheney would provide a consistent account of what had happened that night, which she spent in the apartment with her 51-year-old daughter, Diane Wells. “She tried to kill me,” the mother would say, although her daughter was never charged with anything as serious as that.
Read the rest of the story here.a house in the hills, part 3
I thought I could stretch one more posting out of these house photos. Here are a few inside close-ups.
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