Hiatus

Apologies for my hiatus, but it's over.  I got myself so busy, and traveling every weekend, that I was too beat to even open my computer come the evening.  But, my priorities are back in line and life is getting back into the normal rhythm.

Oh, and Sasha is a cone-head right now.  Poor thing.

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.