Yashica C pictures: Brooklyn

At Tawnya & Matt's fabulous wedding in Brooklyn, one of their friends (thanks James!) let me have fun with his Yashica C camera, and have at an entire roll. I finally brought them down to Nelson Photography last week to get developed and I definitely expected them to come out blurred, dark and crappy. But to my surprise, I am really happy with how they turned out. And, this only makes me want to buy that camera all the more (birthday present for myself?). I scanned in some of my favorites today at work, but our scanner is black and white (and a bit grainy)- so this isn't the best depiction. I personally like the candid shot of Jackie & Jeremy, they are so in love (swoon).

Cali Orange Crush: Torrey Pines at Sunset

Last night after I let my girlfriend borrow my clubs for a weekend getaway in Lake Tahoe this weekend, I recalled this photo. It's from a few year backs on the north course of the Torrey Pines golf course. It was a beautiful evening and so serene on the cliffside. This photo also won 5th place (3rd by employee vote) in the Booz Allen nationwide photo contest!

Santa Monica Antique Market

On the 1st and 4th Sundays of each month, collectors and dealers gather in a large asphalt lot alongside the Santa Monica Airport for an Antique Market (6am-3pm).  For $5 one can peruse both the expected and unimaginable.  It is truly amazing some of the items for sale (like old dental tools or empty airplane liquor bottles).  Keeping an eye out for a friend who is moving to Los Feliz, I was hoping to find more furniture.  But, I did waiver if I needed a deep set 1970's orange leather chair - it was awesome, and comfortable!  There was ample amount of jewelry; from plastic bracelets, to diamond rings, to bins full of pins, cuff links and medallions.  Regardless, had I brought the truck and not a car, I know I would have left with something - guess this just means I have to go back!

Food: Shrimp & Chicken Salad with Zucchini, Peas and Basil

I adapted a recipe from Bon Appetit.  It sounded so light and refreshing for yet another sweltering hot summer day.  And paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, it was delicious!

dressing (mix and set aside): 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons drained capers, 1 shallot, minced, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil in a large wok, saute: 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, 1 pound chicken breast, chopped, 2 zucchini (green and yellow), cubed, 1 cup peas, salt & pepper, red pepper flakes.  Toss 8 cups arugula with dressing, mix in cooked ingredients, top with grated Parmesan cheese.  Serve & Enjoy.

Residential Interiors: Kittell, Washington, DC

While in Washington DC, I had the pleasure of enjoying a glass of Italian Prosecco (which I now love to sip on summer nights) on Colleen Kittell's newly completed patio (with a beautiful floral mural painted by artist Kelly Ayo) at her U Street neighborhood townhouse.  U Street is undergoing redevelopment, and many of the old buildings have been restored, and new shops and boutiques have flourished over the past few years.  Ms. Kittell purchased her townhouse in 2007 and has since put in a lot of time and effort redesigning and decorating the interiors.  She was inspired by the history of the building, originally built in 1890, and mixes old and new throughout the two floors.  Many of her antiques have been in her family for years, or have been picked up at various furniture stores (some from Fredericksburg, VA).  She has acquired original artwork from both auctions and from friends, like artist Barbie Yetsko.  One of Ms. Kittell's favorite spaces in her house is her upstairs dressing room.  With floor to ceiling custom closets, it would make any fashionista jealous!  Tucked within the feminine open space is a delicate mirrored vanity and a painting from her parents (which holds sentimental value). For myself, I was initially drawn to her living room, especially the old worn mirrors staggered along the brick wall behind a sleek couch (pictured above).  The mirrors were found in an tiny framing shop on Manhattan's Bleeker Street.  I always enjoy stopping in when I am in town, not only to check out the latest additions, but more importantly to catch up with one of my great friends.  

Cali Orange Crush: Mixture

I met with Merrilee Ekstrom, of Mixture to discuss using some of their modern furniture for the outdoor lounges at the Cali Orange Crush opening reception.  It is always a pleasure working with Mixture, and everyone is so friendly and professional.  I am thrilled that they are willing to support my show!

After walking around their large showroom, full of such amazing modern pieces, we picked out a variety of pieces to use.  Sticking to plastics, which are durable and easily cleaned, we chose orange, gray and clear colors.  Included are stock photos of the designs.  For the chairs: Jasper Morrison Air Chair and Air Arm Chair, Phillip Stark La Marie and Victoria Ghost Chair, and a Ron Arad Voido Rocking Chair.  For tables: Patricia Aurguola clear T-table (and privately owned Jonathan Adler orange side tables).

Now I just have to measure the outdoor space and decide how to set up the two lounge areas.

I wrote about Mixture in the San Diego Design Guide, and definitely recommend any decor guru to stop into this shop.  They have such great taste in modern design, and have expanded their art collection as well.  

Mixture: The large split-level warehouse holds an extensive amount of contemporary and modern home furnishings and accessories, and offers custom furniture and interior design services. The store’s sun soaked and breezy spaces are clad with exclusive products from Cor, Artifort, e15 and Moooi (check out the studly horse lamp!). And don’t overlook the Scavolini kitchens, Kettal outdoor furniture, Grey Designs lamps, and other accent pieces. The exposed concrete walls are adorned with original art from various artists, and periodically Mixture will host exhibitions and other events worth checking out.

Do-It-Yourself: Feather Headbands

One burnt thumb and a few minor cuts, but I finished the headbands for the Opening Day at Del Mar, and I am really pleased with how they turned out.  All it took was a headband + mix of feathers + glue gun.  The challenge was picking out the feathers and figuring out how to arrange them.  Now I just hope they match our dresses!

101 Simple Salads for the Season

Being a devoted reader to the NY Times, I have been known to forward articles to friends, family and coworkers on anything from the economy, to an art show, to a travel destination. But today, I was thrilled to find this article, 101 Simple Salads for the Season. As I posted earlier, it's been unseasonably hot in Southern California. And despite living on the coast, my house is still hot as an oven. So, a light salad is the perfect summer dinner (and I definitely take it out to enjoy on my porch). I look forward to trying to some of these concoctions, and recommend adding your choice of protein to make it more substantial. Hopefully I'll get some feedback on which ones are worth the time to make!http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/dining/22mlist.html?_r=1&hp

Cali Orange Crush: Station Boutique

I am really excited to work with Kristi Steffen, interior designer and owner of Station Boutique (414 W Cedar Street in Little Italy), on staging my art show. We're going to pick out some eye-catching orange accessories, like pillows, vases, etc. to scatter around Maida. Once we make some decisions, I'll post some of our choices!

I originally wrote about Station Boutique in the Design Sponge San Diego Design Guide,

Interior designer, Kristi, opened her clothing and home accessory boutique in 2007 in a beautifully self-designed and decorated space on Cedar Street. The finely detailed tiffany blue walls are lined with contemporary fashions and surround a quaint living space situated underneath a large silver chandelier. Her men and women’s clothing is primarily transported from NYC/East coast, including lines such as Fluxus, Plenty, Tulle and Trina Turk. Intermixed are Voluspa candles, Thomas Paul and Lauren Sanders handmade pillows and a variety of lifestyle books.

But in the recent months, Kristi has turned the focus of her boutique towards home decor. She now carries a selection of furniture, original art work, rugs, Britt Neubaucher orbs, etc. Every time I go back in, her collection is growing- and she has great taste!

Roast Chicken and Mango Salad with Cumin Yogurt

On a hot summer day, when my house is an inferno from the afternoon sun,  all I want is something light and refreshing for dinner.  I highly suggest this  recipe.  I adapted it from Bon Appetit (I can't claim the creativity behind  mix  of flavors).   Roast Chicken and Mango Salad To make:  dressing:  olive oil, mango chutney, fresh lemon juice, curry powder & water salad: arugula, mango (sliced), green onions, avocado, chicken (chunks) Toss salad with dressing.  Drizzle yogurt on top, sprinkle with cumin.   Serve and Enjoy.

Cali Orange Crush: Donations to A.R.T.S.

At the 17 August opening of Cali Orange Crush all donations collected will go to support A Reason To Survice (ARTS)

ARTS, founded in 2001 by Matt D'Arrigo, is a local San Diego non-profit that is dedicated to healing, inspiring and empowering children facing life challenges by providing innovative arts-based programs, education and opportunities.

I began volunteering at ARTS in 2008. My first assignment was at a domestic abuse shelter, and I can confidently vouch that the programs and people have been paramount in helping children. It's a great organization!

Cali Orange Crush: Jar

framed side by side, the angles form mirror images of jarred produce

The Old Lucketts Store - vintage hip-

Along rural Route 15 in Leesberg, Virginia is the quaint area of Lucketts, wherein sits a huge landmark house, better known as The Old Lucketts Store. To many, the maze of room after room, heaped with unique and sometimes random antiques, is a gem. For the last 12 years, a conglomeration of about 30 different vendors established an enormous store to sell irresistible pieces at an affordable price. Each vendor is free to set up their space as they choose, with many of the displays so creatively assembled, you are bound to get inspired. I was a fan of the fabric ruched ceiling in one room. The array of items one can find are practically endless, from shabby chic furniture, silverware, mannequins (the metal one with wings was incredible!), knobs, lunch boxes, linens, lamps, hair pins, signs, china, pottery..... the list can go on and on! On my last trip, with just over an hour, I felt like I had only grazed the surface. I encourage everyone to set aside an afternoon, get dirty and dig around. I promise it won't take long for your basket or truck bed to fill up!

Old Town Manassas Farmer's Market

Yesterday morning I decided to cruise by the Old Town Farmer's Market. I was craving some fresh summer fruit, and I sure had a selection to choose from. Located in an open air pavilion alongside the train track promenade, local farmers gather on Thursday mornings to sell off their seasonal crop. After a few samplings, I walked away with peaches, plums (3 varieties), apricots, and a bouquet of bright flowers. But, what was really enjoyable is just how friendly Southern people are and how neighborly and chatty people can be. Two farmers drove from West Virginia at 2am, another woman taught me how to properly freeze pies, and an elderly man taught me how to pick the perfect heirloom tomato. With my loot in hand, I walked away savoring the tart aroma lingering behind me from the market.

Cali Orange Crush: Call Me

oh, the days of rotary phones. wonder how many juicy conversations this phone got to hear?

Jet-Setting: Manassas, VA

fresh cut grass. winding roads. big green trees. sipping cold wine on the porch. mosquitoes. bright flowers. humidity. warm summer nights. friendships. fire flies in the backyard. blue jays. smiles. cardinals. silence. a doe and two cute bambi's. family. playing tag. long talks. cooking big dinners. eating long dinners. endlessly picking at leftovers like the best italians do. hugs. hum of ceiling fans. bare feet. reading the paper. reminiscing.

i call it "the woods" and i love coming back

Cali Orange Crush: Press Release

CALI ORANGE CRUSH
Art Show Scheduled To Open 17 August 2009 at Maida

A new series of photography from local San Diego artist and designer, Megan Lyders, will be on show downtown at Maida (1910 State Street) in Little Italy from 17 August - 31 October 2009. A reception open to the public is scheduled for 17 August, which will include a hosted bar, DJ, and outdoor lounge, courtesy of local sponsors. In addition, all donations raised during the event will go towards A Reason To Survive (A.R.T.S.), a San Diego non-profit which empowers children facing life challenges by providing innovative arts-based programs and education.

Cali Orange Crush comprises a series of photography which thread the common hue, orange, throughout various compositions. Orange is a color that radiates warmth and energy, while symbolizing balance and playfulness. It encapsulates the spirit of Southern California. Ms. Lyders’ attention to detail is evident through the images captured from unique vantage points. What small details may frequently be overlooked by many, Ms .Lyders finds and exposes their beauty.

Ms. Lyders received a formal education in Art History and Architecture at the University of Virginia. As a practicing artist, she continues to produce both photography and abstract oil paintings out of her Encinitas, CA home. In 2008, Ms. Lyders established megan.christine (http://web.mac.com/mlyders) which offers interior design and consultation services and serves as a platform to show and sell her work. She maintains a design blog, http://meganchristineonline.blogspot.com and has contributed to the well respected home décor site, www.designspongeonline.com, writing a San Diego design guide.

Cali Orange Crush: Funnel

Spotted at Founding Farmers in Washington DC, this funneled view of the jarred vegetables caught my attention right before my departure. The metal objects (with no evident functionality)reminded me of the sculptures of the great artist, Richard Serra, with whom was also the subject of my senior thesis at UVA.

Jet-Setting: Washington, DC

Moving away from Washington DC and returning as a visitor provides me with such a better appreciation of the beauty of the city. I look forward to coming back, and have a laundry list of must-do's for each of my trips.

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon strolling the Georgetown streets. Mustering up all my willpower not to buy anything, which is not easy to do with boutiques and stores as far as the eye can see, I only allowed myself to pop into a few shops. But, once your off the main thoroughfares of M Street & Wisconsin Avenue, the neighborhoods in Georgetown are quiet tree covered streets lined with a rainbow of row houses (and some are quite grand). Character is frequently defined by an exotic door knocker, an intricate iron fence, manicured landscaping or a bold colored door. And if you have the time, one of my favorite area escapes, Dumbarton Oaks, filled with gorgeous gardens, it's the perfect place to soak in some silence from the busy city surroundings.

Restaurant Interiors: Founding Farmers

Only a few blocks from the White House in downtown Washington DC is the delicious farm-to-table restaurant, Founding Farmers (1924 Pennsylvania Avenue). Last night, I had the pleasure of meeting my lovely girlfriends for dinner and drinks, and can validate all the rave about this relatively new restaurant (it opened in September 2008). Owned by a collective of farmers (North Dakota Farmer's Union), they serve fresh seasonal food and drinks, and even their bar whips up beverages with a culinary twist, thanks to the in-house mixologist. With an eco-conscious plan, Founding Farmers is a Certified Green Restaurant and is LEED Gold certified, focusing on recycling and energy efficiency (kudos!).

The architecture was designed by the local DC firm, CORE architecture + design. The open interior spaces blend rustic with modern materials (barnwood and metals), creating a welcome dining area with both long wide tables and cozy booths. The atmosphere resonates all the comforts of a farm, from the grand theme to the tiniest details. And for me, it's the details that catch my attention. Like the white birds strung high above the stairwell, illuminating a soft glow that plays on the shapes and materials creating shadows cast upon the walls. Or the shelves of frosted glass that hold jarred vegetables, which are highlighted by recessed lighting from underneath each of the glass jars.

And for those foodies: I had the most the refreshing cocktail, an Organic Cucumber Delight, one of the seasonal beverages. And, a Late Harvest Salad (endives, spinach, apples, bacon, bleu cheese with pulled roast chicken in a barrel-aged sherry vinaigrette), as well as carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Needless, I did not leave hungry!