Leo DiCaprio & I are Obsessed with…becca
August 29, 2010


I found the two becca street art pieces at the corner of 7th and Mateo–in my neighborhood (the Arts District). I’ve seen her work before, but only in photos. I did a little research about becca, and found out she’s a renowned street-turned-studio artist.
““From the littered streets of Hollywood to the whitewashed walls of its hotspot galleries and cultural institutions, the reclusive artist known to a nation of enchanted spectators simply as ‘Becca’ has brought her tale of urban alienation and sly humor to life in the form of her innocent little girls and elegant ladies.” –Juxtapoz cover story, Jan/Feb 1999 Issue #18
The above comes from an article in Juxtapoz magazine written over 10 years ago. In the last 15 years, becca’s work have been snapped up by Leonardo Dicaprio, Norman Reedus, The Getty Family and other esteemed art collectors.
Here are some studio pieces:



Mad Men Home
August 23, 2010

I’m constantly looking at what’s going on in the background. Sometimes I take photos of furniture/accessories I like while watching my favorite cable series or obscure vintage movie. While watching Mad Men tonight(via Itunes), I captured some of my favorite treasures from the controversial episode.(Season 4, Episode 5).
Above, Betty meets with Sally’s new therapist. I love the entire look of this room. It evokes such a feeling. It’s drab, full of (fabulous) vintage toys, and the only touch of (forced) color is the bright orange “patient” sofa with yellow pillows.
The side of the sofa is either grasscloth or wicker (some natural grass or palm)– which is so “in” right now.
It started with Fashion a few years ago….see Anya Hindmarch clutch below:
Now it’s moved to Interiors:
Vintage Albini Ottomans are hot this Summer:

This chest is featured on 1st Dibs (I have one that’s pretty similar!):

And, I am super fond of these tiered wicker side tables from Robert Lighton:
(*bad iphone photo of ad in Elle Decor magazine)
They remind me of my grandparents house when I was a kid.
As far as accessories go, I’m digging these gold-rimmed cocktail glasses spotted in the office:


I have a few of my own gold-rimmed glasses, which I’ve picked up at various thrift stores. Mixing and matching is the way to go.

And….then there is this thing:

It’s called a “drinking bird“. And you can get them here. Fancy that.
For more fun props found on Season 4 of Mad Men, see EW photo gallery here.
Shooting Strangers…Stumbled Upon Site of the Day
August 12, 2010
Shooting Strangers in Orchard Road; Photography by Danny Santos II
Today I stumbled upon this cool website, where photographer Danny Santos II posts his portraits of complete strangers taken in Orchard Road, Singapore. Some of the photos are candid, which I tend to gravitate towards–since this is how I like to shoot. I like capturing moments that are not posed in anyway. Santos also shoots staged portraits of strangers, which are quite nice, as well.

“One of the reasons I love shooting in Orchard Road is that it’s teeming with good-looking people frequently walking around, almost strutting… especially on the weekends. Even with relatively modest getups, the air of confidence is often noticeable from their head-turning allure down to their subtle swagger. Early on in my candid shooting exploits, it was this crowd that I wanted to capture.”
Check out some of his photos below:
Candids:



Street Portraits:

Stranger #19
Stranger #44
Stranger #7
I’m Digging: Matchstick Gardens
August 9, 2010

I just inherited a garden–for a month or so. It’s a plot of land in a community garden in downtown Los Angeles. I’ve had it for about a week, and watered it once. The owner told me to plant some things, and I just haven’t had a chance. But, today, I found these awesome matchstick gardens and I’m obsessed! At first, I thought the special matchsticks were only available in Europe—but no, you can buy them at our very own Los Angeles Public Library!! (I’ll post some other Southern California locations below).

Here’s some quick info from the “about” section on the website:
“The cute Matchstick Garden holds a clever secret inside.
Tear out a matchstick, plant it tip first in soil and you will soon have a flower, herb or vegetable garden growing. On the tip of each match are seeds already mixed to grow.
There are four styles of Matchstick Garden available: Mixed Herbs, Wildflowers, Italian Garden and Mixed Greens. Each Matchstick Garden is 3″ W x 2″ H with 10 matchsticks. Easy to follow instructions are printed inside. “
I’m so excited to start gardening….I absolutely love these magical matchsticks.
Here’s a partial list of locations you can buy the matchstick garden at in Southern California:
The J. Paul Getty Museum Bookshop
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-440-7061
www.getty.edu
Los Angeles Public Library
630 W Fifth Street
Los Angeles California 90071
Fern’s Garden
5308-B 2nd Street
Long Beach California 90803
Giant Robot, LA
2015 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-479-7311
www.giantrobot.com
www.gr2.net
Orange County Museum of Art
850 San Clemente Drive
Newport Beach California 92660
Colorado Girls
August 8, 2010
Everything I love and hate about Colorado (yep-that’s where I’m from). I don’t think this video will be funny for anyone who hasn’t spent a lot of time in Denver. But , for everyone else—click play above. Fun memories. OMG. I’m like totally glad I like live in California now.
The Shoes That Were a 1/2 Size Too Big
August 1, 2010

Nordstrom Rack has the best shoes–especially the one in Orange County right next to South Coast Plaza. Today I found the incredible Celine shoes (see above), but they were a 1/2 size too big. I combed the store for my size without success. Sad.
The shoes were just so beautiful and well crafted that I had to post a photo. I love the Tiffany blue next to the leather.
# fortune cookie
July 29, 2010



















“Beyond cooking, our studio kitchen at KTCHN 105 was designed for learning, entertaining, and coming together for the appreciation of food. Located in the the heart of the Produce District of Downtown Los Angeles, our studio kitchen offers catering, private tastings, specialized cooking classes, private dinner parties and creative culinary energy. “
Some of the yummy offerings include: sun-dried tomato scramble, Corn Meal Waffle Pear BLT and Basil Cured Salmon Lox with Toast Baguette.




