Disneyland : photo recap!

We are trying to keep our heating bill down- it is 57 degrees in our house. I wanted to look at pictures that remind me of warmth and Spring, and found some images of our 5th anniversary this past May- Mr. Mod got free tickets to Disneyland and we had a lovely day in the sun. These were photographed with my archaic Canon SD300.

Houses and Trees of the Pacific Northwest

Whenever I return to Oregon, I eschew the modern and pine nostalgic for a country life. Driving back roads and listening to the wind through the open windows. Feasting on far fields, lush greenness, and marking days by acres, not miles. We spent summers camped out on my uncle's farm, picking Queen Anne cherries hot from the sun and chasing each other through orchards of hazelnuts (back then they were called filberts.)

Raw and Delicious!!! : a raw food class in Long Beach

I took a raw food prep class yesterday with the lovely Judita Wignall, ate well, and got to know some fabulous people. We started out the day attacking coconuts with a cleaver and made the most spectacular drink with coconut water and spinach. My insides were singing with happiness. On to brazilian nut milk and a garlicky crunchy brazil nut parmesan cheese. Then cream of tomato soup, sun-dried tomato hummus, guacamole mushroom caps and angelhair pasta with pesto. We finished off with nori rolls and the most spectacular coconut fudge. All of the recipes were geared to the novice and everyone had a chance to create each of the dishes, in a directed but un-hurried pace.

Our day in pictures (thanks, Judita!):

Sun-dried tomato hummus - ah, pinenuts!

Yummy angelhair with pesto - we are so happy right now.

I am in love with ceramic knives.

Nori rolls=amazing.

It's hard not to cry at how beautiful this looks.

Contact Judita at the link above, for info on her next class. Love Love Love, indeed!

Rebecca Hahn at Co-Lab, this Sunday!

I met Rebecca Hahn at Felt Club and had a brief chat about art and nice husbands. She is a one-stop shop of good things - illustrations, gorgeous assemblaces, postcard packs, jewelry and t-shirts. She'll be showing her wares at the Co-LAB holiday bazaar at Nucleus in Alhambra, 210 East Main Street, this Sunday, 10am-5pm, along with 20 other artists and designers, including Jill Bliss and Pretty Little Thieves. Fun, Fun!

Deep Sea Diver at Alex's! Sunday, 12/14

The lovely Jessica Dobson has returned home from touring with Beck (we missed you!) and is celebrating with a Deep Sea Diver show at Alex's. Hooray!

Eat On Pine! December 3-17

I saw this great event on Save Pine! - We were up in Portland the past few weeks, and took advantage of their trolley system to attend the First Thursday open art galleries event in the Pearl after sushi on NW 23rd, since trying to find late-night parking would have been a drag! Maybe this will catch on in Long Beach. What a great opportunity to check out some great local restaurants!

Unique Los Angeles! An independent Design and Gift Sale

Shop SMALL and LOCAL this holiday season at the two-day Unique Los Angeles shopping event!

Date: December 13th & 14th, 11 am – 7 pm
California Market Center (Penthouse), Downtown Los Angeles (Map It)
110 East 9th Street, Los Angeles, CA

Cost: $5 per ticket (children 10 and under are free)
50% of ticket sales benefiting CREATE NOW, a local arts-based charity for high-risk youth - and you can buy your tickets online here (with special advanced-purchase goodies from Illume Candles, along with treats from MySpace & Pabst)!

UNIQUE LOS ANGELES is an exciting two-day shopping event that showcases independent design talent at great prices. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the event brings together 200 of the best designers, artists and merchants. We believe in supporting the community, we thrive on individualism, and we hope to introduce independent design to the masses. There are deals and discoveries a plenty! Whether you’re a hipster, a soccer mom or a tween, at UNIQUE LOS ANGELES there truly is something for everyone!

Clothing & Accessories • Stationery • Jewelry • Housewares • Artwork • Ceramics
Gourmet Edibles • Plush Toys • Books • Photography • Screenprints • Plus more!

Among the vendors are independent crafters who have set up shop in their garages as well as established artists and designers who have fully established businesses. Vendor list here.

On top of shopping the wide variety of offerings, the event boasts exciting Extras & Amenities, so there is fun for the whole family. Join in the fun at the interactive Fresh Pressed Screenprinting Space, the ETSY DIY Lab, the Cali Café, and in the comfortable LA WEEKLY Lounge area.

SPECIAL RATE!! $6 ALL DAY Underground Parking(with Unique LA Validation) at the CMC lot - carpool with your funnest friends and SAVE!