Home Tour

Check out a tour of our living room at Little Green Notebook, complete with my lengthy diatribe on all the nooks and crannies.  Enjoy the pics and tricks!

'Tis the Season

The season is inescapable, but I'm kind of glad it is.  What a beautiful and natural way to end another year, surrounded by friends and family, focused on things of greater importance than what we normally give ourselves over to, sharing warm meals and thoughtful gifts, reflecting on the good and bad of the past year with hopes for the next one.  Though this time of year often does not emulate the Rockwell-esque portrait that I just painted, certainly there are moments that can be that for everyone.  In the midst of all the noise, remember to enjoy the small, inane moments, like making cider for friends, since those moments can be few and far between...

cranberry mulled cider from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

Last Days of Fall

Somehow when the calendar rolls over to the month of December all things automatically turn snowy and green and red, not that there's anything wrong with that.  Nonetheless, I'm still basking in the warm food coma glow of a wonderful Thanksgiving, not to mention this past weekend, LA was touching 80 degrees.  Perhaps all this exaggerated indian summering has attracted me to these tunes by the band "The Paper Kites" and the videos that accompany them as they seem to capture that mood just right.  The setting sun glinting through a golden field of wheat, kids dressed as Native Americans having a pillow fight in the woods--really transports me right back to my own Thanksgiving, minus the wheat and the kids, oh and the pillow fight and the woods.  No matter, enjoy it while you can because fatty's going to have to get off the couch and get in fightin' shape for the next round of holiday fun soon enough!

{via Black Eiffel}

Suppertime in a Rembrandt

What Katie Ate continues to be a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach.  Her mid-November goodies make me long for a desolate English country cottage in the bleak midwinter.  Uh yeah, I take that back, Southern California's currently fridgid mid-50's are enough for me--what can I say, the temperate beach climates have made my blood thin!  Nonetheless, I can vicariously experience the visceral contrasts of a Renaissance-era painting by enjoying this feast, imagine the flickering candle in the darkness illuminating the silhouettes of shadowy figures, the steaming sherpherd's pie transferring warmth to the cold, peasant hand that cups the earthen bowl (speaking of, I have not eaten shepherd's pie since getting violent ill from the first one I ever ate at Cinderella's castle in Disneyworld; and yes, there was vomiting on the poorly-chosen spinning ride thereafter--but this shepherd's pie might be worthy of a second chance).  Now, sit back and pretend you are fake-British Madonna, and read these titles in an ambiguous, quasi-Old English/Brooklyn accent.

Shepherd Pie with Roasted Garlic Creamy Mash

BBQ Sweetcorn with Harissa spiced Chicken and Toasted Quinoa Salad with Marjoram and Lemon

Roast Almond, Peanut, Pistachio, and Cranberry Nut Brittle

Rhubarb, Mascarpone, and Hazelnut Tartlets

Chocolate Cinnamon Teacakes

A Christmas Bullseye

Target has succeeded in nothing if not democratizing rather stylish living to the masses.  I won't oversell it, since it doesn't always hit homeruns, but keep in mind, I grew up going to Wal-mart multiple times a week, so the comparison has always been striking. 

Since Halloween has come and gone, retailers everywhere (* except Nordstrom, apparently, see below) are schlepping up all the red and green that any of us can stomach in mid-November.  The last thing we need is any more rarely-used junk to compete for the prized and ridiculously small amount of storage space that we currently have, but the vintage-inspired Christmas star designs roped me right in.  I only walked away with this kind of mexcellent little door plaque, for $5, no less.  Think it will replace the typical door wreath at our casa...

 

CLASSIC TIDINGS SERVING TRAY

SILVER CAPIZ STAR

FROSTED GLOBE LIGHTS

ROUND STAR TRAY

SILVER PLAID TABLE CLOTH

LAUREL DINNERWARE SET

GILDED NOEL DINNER PLATE (what a name)

FAUX LAUREL WREATH GARLAND

but here are a few more goodies that you might need to add some vintage Christmas-time charm to your Thanksgiving or wait and just get them in December (though they'll probably be gone then).

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We All Need It Sometimes...

Though this post really has nothing to do with anything, who doesn't need a good laugh (or a good cry, for that matter) every now and then.  I've actually had this song in my head recently, and I do think it is a really beautiful song (just because something is played on every radio station, police station, and international spacestation doesn't mean it's not quality music), and though I have not yet, maybe I need to grab some chicken wings, maybe dip 'em in Haagen Dasz, press play, and show everyone my ugly cry face.  Who's with me?

Soundtrack for that Beach Weekend...

Supposing you have a rustic/weird beachy cottage, like I referenced yesterday, or that you just live in that type of place in your head (even better, I guess), here are a few tunes that might fill all those monotonous waves-crashing sounds...

Upbeat and easy, starts like it's just waking up in the morning, then builds to a post-coffee fervor!  Bonus points for rustic, beachy video.

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Subtle and with just enough twangy melancholy to satisfy the most wind-weathered beach bum; chill but with such a good beat, it's hard not to find the old toe tapping along.

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Honestly, pretty reminiscent of a song played during the end credits to some "hooker with a heart of gold" movie but contains a palatable, world-weary sadness that is kind of heart-breaking; the harp and reverby vocals lend an other-worldliness to a rather wordly subject matter.

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Sorry for the double up, but I think pretty much all of Mr. McMorrow's music is killer, this cover of "Wicked Games" by Chris Isaak transports me back to the early 90's (remember that beachy video?), and Adele's "Someone Like You" is a totally different take on that radio staple--which is why I love covers.  His falsetto is so good, yet with just enough grit to make it interesting. 

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Back to the more beach-centric fare, A.A. Bondy's "Surfer King" pulls you along on a rolling sea, just moody enough, great atmospheric tune for that seaside barbecue.

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If the beach is good for nothing else, it's good for daydreaming, hence this dreamy little tune...

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Love me some "The Head & The Heart" too--this little ditty is a comfortable, country/rock/folk tune that builds to a lovely chorus and a rousing finish.  Feels like fall...

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Lovely harmonies and piercing vocals, all accompanied by soulful pianos and stings--hard to beat Feist...

* If you're not overloaded on fall-time beachy goodness, check out Feist's site promoting her new album, "Metals", set against really beautiful black and white outtakes from recording the album and the surrounding ocean scenery.

Rustic, Beachy, and a little bit Weird

I've mentioned Roman & Williams the design duo and couple on here before, though for some reason, I never came across their beach house in Montauk until recently.  We did live near the beach for several years, but for whatever reason, the rustic/nautical vibe finds its way into our present-day decor as well (I guess we only live about 5 miles from the beach now, but despite that proximity a nice breeze is about the only beachy vibe you'll find in our little town).  Their signature style, new Victorian/steampunk, is still present in this space, though it is certainly the beachy take on it.  The wood and glass cabinets brimming with oddities and black metal finishes meld nicely with the wood paneling and seascape oils (the vintage oils I especially love as I have my own similar wall collection).  There's some weird stuff going on in some of the nooks and crannies of this beach house, but that's kind of what I like about it--there's no way those spaces were copied out of a Pottery Barn catalog, there's obviously a lot of personal experiences captured in the things that have found their way inside.  That being said, personally, I prefer a little less tchochkes in my face, particularly if said tchochke literally used to be the face of an animal at one point, nonetheless, this spot looks like the perfect cozy place to hunker down for a fall, beach weekend.  By the way, don't we all need a coffee table big enough to accomodate a humonguous wheel of cheese for our guests (or ourselves)?  Just sayin'.  For more, check out the New York Times article here.

Hyper-Minimalist Kids

We've recently had a new addition to my extended family.  Knowing her Mom and Dad, I think they just might like these "hyper-minimalist" posters of famous children's stories by Christian Jackson for the little one's nursery...

{via Square Inch Design Blog}

Look Ma...

Sad to say, it's been quite a few years since I've ridden a bike, even though Los Angeles prides itself on being so bike friendly (nevermind the fact that LA drivers are too busy texting while driving to ever notice the invisible cyclist's frantic attempt at those sign-languagey hand turn signals).  Anyway, I will leave it to these folks, who clearly know their way around 2 wheels. 

"Golden Tree" by Martin Brooks from Ninian Doff on Vimeo.

*** Riding without hands or watching someone else do it always made me cringe a bit.  I guess it had something to do with that scene in "Wayne's World", as always seen too early in childhood, where the lady is riding a bike and waving then flips her bike over a parked car.  No bueno.  That was enough to make me keep both hands on the handlebars.

Some Changes

Check out some new and improved changes to my Etsy shop (click link on the right side of this page).  Everything in the shop is hand-picked by me, but over time, I've included some things that I thought were interesting but not necessarily fitting with my personal style.  Over the past few years, as I've considered design more and more, I have developed my own taste--one which is a bit hard to describe but is nonetheless pretty easy to see.  In an effort to re-focus my Etsy storefront, I've added a lot of new items that give a more cohesive sense of my style, such as...

VINTAGE ENGLISH TIN CAMEO BOX

LARGE ALUMINUM TRAY IN "BLUE WILLOW"-ESQUE PATTERN

BLACK & GOLD LEATHER BOX WITH QUILTED TOP

MID-CENTURY SCALLOPED WIRE BREAD BASKET

WHITE CERAMIC PITCHER

SMALL MARBLE TRAY

RUSTIC BLUE POTTERY

Also, I've created a SALE section (click on Etsy shop, left column) with some of the items that I really do love and think are super interesting but are not totally in line with my overall taste.  If you like any of the sale items, use promo code "EXTRA25SALE" at checkout to get an extra 25% off any sale item.  Enjoy, and thanks for your interest!

The Brothers Bloom

I had the opportunity to revisit a great movie this weekend.  "The Brothers Bloom" is a film that was not huge at the box office but is worth a second look on Netflix, for sure.

Its cast have possibly all been Oscar-nominated/winners, including Rachel Weisz, Mark Ruffalo, and Adrien Brody, and they are on the top of their game in this delightful flick.  The storyline is completely, surprisingly engaging and quirky--funny while being moving at the same time.  The styling, costumes, and scenery are all so inspiring, and the acting and story itself are extremely compelling.

The plot centers around two brothers who pull a huge con on an unsuspecting and very talented heiress.  Their globe-trotting escapades create quite the backdrop for the invevitable love story that ensues.  The directing and cinematography are near-perfect and the story moves along so fluidly that it's over before you know it.  Check it out today; you won't be disappointed.

Here's the theatrical trailer of the film...

The Brothers Bloom trailer from rcjohnso on Vimeo.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the incredibly moving score, particularly "Penelope's Theme" (for Rachel Weisz's character) which is repeated throughout the film...

Penelope's Theme from Tim Mvuller on Vimeo.

Design on Several Dimes

It's a rarity to get to see inside a well-designed home, but it's even more rare to see inside multiple homes, designed and lived in by the same designer.  Kristin Cunningham is familiar, probably more so than many designers, since she has been the host of a slew of HGTV design shows.  Honestly, I gave up on those type of shows a long time ago.  Sure the budgets are doable, and who doesn't love a good deal; however, more often than not, when you spend a dime on something, it's going to look like you spent a dime on it.  I'm glad to know that someone gave Kristin quite a few dimes to spend on this first place (see the LA Times article here--love how they make it very clear that this is a "rental")...

I really like her personal style, mixing modern and traditional elements, some organic finishes, interesting details, neutral color palette with some brighter accents, large scale art, etc.  Not sure what her kitchen looked like before, but she apparently re-did it for $1,000--me likey.  And surprisingly, I also really like the dark ceiling, which seems to run throughout the space.  

Now, on from the starter house to the real deal (LA Times article here).  One of the more interesting things to note when you see someone with good design move from place A to place B is what they took with them and how they fit it in the new space.  That ability to edit out is probably the biggest reason why most people's homes don't quite work.  Understandably, they probably just shifted whatever furniture they had from the last place and plopped it in the new place.  Not that you have to buy a new house-full of things every time you move, but each space is configured differently and needs the appropriate scale and mix of things, which may or may not be things a person already has.  In the second house, which is bigger and better, Kristan uses quite a few of her old pieces, while losing some that she was over, and adding some that fit the space better.  Needless to say, I'm kind of glad she lost the framed collection of doilies (even though they were from grandma, sorry).

Her style carried over to this new spot and translates really well into this historical house.  The first picture, of her living room, is one of my favorites, for sure--really sophisticated but extremely comfortable and inviting.  It's really interesting how a piece of art of furniture strikes a totally different note when it's in a different surrounding, like the horse sculpture. Can you find the carry-overs from the last place?  My favorite just might be the pile of wood--talk about design on a dime.

Chez Panisse at 40

I don't consider myself a health nut or a food snob; however, probably the most formative years of actually learning how to cook and appreciate food have come since getting married and moving to California.  Over the years, it just seemed so natural to go to Trader Joe's, the farmer's markets, and the occasional Whole Foods (though trips to "Whole Paycheck" were less often as I wasn't making any paycheck while in school) and see what was fresh and seasonal, rather than having some specific recipe already in mind to try and find all the ingredients for.  This makes sense, and seems that it would be the natural thinking everywhere, but it's obviously not.  Granted, few places have the prime growing conditions that California does, but I think it's more than that.  It's also a bit of a renegade mindset (you outlaw hippie, you), the idea that one will not be told what to do based on conventional thinking.  This was especially the case 40 years ago when Chef Alice Waters opened the doors to Chez Panisse, in Berkeley, CA.  Now, decades later, the effect that it has had on how we all view the food we eat is pretty astounding.  Selecting food that is in season, from local, organic farmers, then preparing it simply and traditionally seems like such a throw back--what's old is always new again.  More than just the foods, Waters' uncomplicated approach reflects her desire for a good part of the focus of a delicious meal to be about the gathering of people, the stories, the memories, the relationships galvanized around the table.  I couldn't agree more.

 

Also, don't you love a good dining room library (as in these shots from other events celebrating Chez Panisse's 40th)?  It feels so comfortable and effortlessly intelligent.  It's like, I've got so many books that I can't help but put them all around the dining room table (and not in a hoarder's kind of way).  Very Berkeley.

Todd Selby captured the festivities in his usual "feels like you're there style".  Check out his New York Times article on it all, here.

Check out NPR's interview with Alice Waters on "40 Years of Sustainable Food", here

Fear Not the Monday

If you have a case of the Mondays, do not fear.  Let this deceptively simple video remind you that even the most "Office Space"-esque, mundane elements of your Monday morning can actually be things of great wonder (though probably not the best idea to use 100 rolls of your office's tape to recreate this video on the ceiling above your cubicle).

Tape Generations from johan rijpma on Vimeo.