Falling for Fall

 

 

With a desk space looking this good, it must come with built-in inspiration. It just has to. Found by Everyeskimo. ---- Dear Autumn, may there be many many good projects for the rest of the year. Not only thought out but seen through to the end.

Getting in touch with my roots

The redwood forest is a place that I long for and miss dearly when I am in the suburbs. (Ad campaign starts here:) Thanks to Juniper Ridge, now I can bring the forest into my bedroom and even make my body smell like a pine tree if I so desire. Their website is well designed; you must check it out. It's obvious, though, that granola-eating-soap-making tree people put it together. Hey, I'm not knocking them. I am partly one too.

The second image is from their website. It is the first step in the process of creating spot-on foresty scents. No, they are not destroying the very trees in which they celebrate. Juniper Ridge takes smaller branches that grow underneath the main pines. Such removal actually helps prevent forest fires (killing two birds with one stone by saving the environment and making a kick-ass product). There are many fragrances to choose from, depending upon location and tree species. Personally, I adore Big Sur Sage.

Banh Mi & the Beach

 

Catalina distance

When it is too hot to eat dinner inside the home, take it to the beach. It tastes better. We made our own tofu banh mi, inspired by a recipe from the food-blogging couple White on Rice. The sandwich flavors ventured not far from tradition. Though, what made it outstanding was the carrot/radish pickle marmalade, requiring only sugar, salt, vinegar, and water. Simple but oh so necessary for that extra step out of ordinary. We used a baguette from C'est Si Bon (which are always so fresh and fluffy), but it did not provide that sturdy feel banh mi always has. But still. Homemade dinner at the beach. No complaints exist there.

Wander, I Lust

 

All of the mountains has a nice post on these handmade travel wallets and passports by Mona Yip of Hong Kong. Her Etsy catchphrase 'Wander--but not lost' is eloquently said.  I would use the passport carrier everyday--not just internationally.  

Daytripping: LA

 

Preparations

 

Griffith Park

 

The Avocado

 

Los Feliz style

 

Alcove Bakery

 

"Do not become an actor--what is plan B?"

 

To balance the avocado + sprouts

 

We started the day off right, at the cafe Trails, located at the base of Griffith Park. Firstly noted was the smell of baked goods--rosemary and possibly lavender. The prices are right; around $7 for a sandwich. Janelle appropriately remarked that the simplicity of the sandwich matched the setting. Sure, it's a sandwich you could make in one minute at home, but how great those avocados tasted outdoors under the shade. We later stopped by Skylight books to check out the new issue of Slake. Finally, to balance the alfalfa, we rested at Alcove Bakery for some cheesecake. I at last got to put my note in the drawer besides stranger's.

FYF

Excited for FYF September 3rd and seeing Twin Sister again! And most finally Broken Social Scene. Lastly, not to sound obsessed with Twin Sister, but Milk & Honey's theme song should be this.

The King and I in Idyllwild

 

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(n) 

Documentation of Elvis in Idyllwild (refer to previous post for more information). The screening was behind town hall (h), underneath a canopy (i) & (j) in the forest.  Potluck staples--a plethora of potato salad and pasta. If only I had zoomed in on Elvis' rings. That man's face in the last photo (n) says it all.

To the Woods

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Elvis Presley film Kid Galahand, shot in Idyllwild, Ca in 1962. Though I'm no stranger to the place, yesterday's visit was unique to any other. There was an outdoor potluck and film screening in celebration of the King and the mountains. It couldn't get more small-town cutesy than that. The majority of people who came out to the screening were old enough to have been in Idyllwild at the time Elvis was there. During the film, the host, who began with some background information, kept yelling out small tidbits, such as "That's the gas station today" or "There's town hall now." Everyone was acting like children or young girls melting in front of their idol. The Elvis impersonator (yes, that is in-fact what I just said) made all the seniors swoon with his white cape and rainbow ruby rings, one for each finger. "That's my cousin" and "There's my Dad's car" were popular commentaries shouted during the film. Even if you weren't from Idyllwild or alive during the Elvis obsession days, the screening awakened the film more than it could ever have been today.

The Time is Now: Salad Days

 

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Summer's winding down. Lazy salad days hoover for awhile more. We wait in anticipation for the sudden change in seasons. The moment when a ferocious winter occurs. And where Southern California just keeps having the same weather year round. Might as well use the excuse to go to the beach while it's still 'Summer' in SoCal.

The time is now for salad parties. This one (a) featured is something simple my mother whipped together with canned tuna and fennel. If you've never tried fennel (b), TRY IT! I had it with tuna at the restaurant Splashes in Laguna Beach. Quite refreshing. Thank you, ok has an inspiring post on salads to get your mouth watering.

Add Flour + Water

If you happen to be in the city by the bay, you must eat at Flour + Water! Prices range from $11-13 for antipasti, $13-17 for pizzas to die for, and pastas and meats from $16-24. The price along with dinner, wine, and dessert (so necessary) maybe beyond your budget. But if you are a poor person--like me--who likes living on a rich person's budget, it is completely worth the money. Make it happen.

The ambiance is cashmere-sweater cozy (as in, rich clientele). Perfect for a dimly-lit, rainy nighttime meal. I tried the bresaola with figs, sylvetta, balsamic mostarda & douglas fir oil. The figs aren't on the menu now, but last October they were outstanding. Though, because I was expecting a mouthfull of forest, the douglas fir oil went unnoticed. awww.

Lost & Found

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I've been prolonging the creation of this blog. Instead I've spent my days drooling over every other woman's blog, thinking, why don't I do that?! Now I shall put my mind to rest about the content + layout. It's time to commit already.

Today Matisse (a) shows me how to stretch after being in front of the computer for an unhealthy amount of time. I've been captivated by this book (b) Seaside Plants of the World, which I purchased for $1 at a Friend's of the Library. It has been my inspiration for starting a blog all along. It represents something old, unwanted, worthless. But that's just what I gravitate towards. It probably won't ever be read, but it serves as a nifty coffeetable book. The pictures are art in themselves (c) & (d).

I bought my first romper today! For those (boys) who don't know, it's defined as:

a. a loose, one-piece garment combining a shirt or blouse and short, bloomerlike pants, worn by young children.

b.

a similar garment worn by women and girls for sports, leisure activity, etc.

Now it's time to hit the beach! 

...One last note, I splurged and bought a sketchbook backpack from Etsy. Amber Jensen's designs last a lifetime.