a desert fete

2012-02-12T19:42:00.000-08:00

And yesterday when Henry and Ben had a little skate session, I said, "Wait! Ler me grab my pho.... camera!" Win.

2012-02-09T09:33:00.000-08:00

It's here you guys! Today is the day! I am so pleased to announce that Rad + In Love, originally the name of our Michelle and I's giveaway, is officially our new photography duo!

We are so pleased to launch our new website and portfolio of work today. You can peruse:

Rad + In Love {the website}
Rad + In Love {the blog}
Rad + In Love {on twitter}

{Alicia + Dylan by Rad + In Love}

But wait, there is more! Hop on over to 100 Layer Cake to check out the so sweet and pretty wedding of Alicia + Dylan, at a true desert oasis (Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs).

{from Katie + Jeremy by Rad + In Love}

AND (!) Visit East Side Bride for a recap of Katie + Jeremy's country inspired shindig at Figueroa Mountain Farm House.

Thank you so much for your support dear blog-ey friends! Thanks ESB and 100LC for having us today, and helping to celebrate our launch! THANK YOU MICHELLE for teaming up with me (guys- she is SO talented, SO inspiring, and SUCH an amazing partner)! And most of all thank you to our first few completely rad clients! Michelle and I are both over the moon excited about this new adventure.

PS- I will probably occasionally mention what we are up to over here on ADF, or in my ADF twitter feed, but I will try and keep most of the Rad news over in it's own place, so follow along if you are interested. xo

2012-02-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

I know I am not the only one, right? Who has failed to put down he phone and pick up her camera? I know I am not. Alone or not, here are some snapshots of the goings-on lately. But note the photo third down, first one in the row. That is an actual film camera that I dusted off last weekend. Oh yeah, then there is that WHOLE PILE of real film. That was from the wedding we shot in Palm Springs. No, we do not use instagram for those. So, getting back into the swing, with intended renewed vigor.

2012-02-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

You guys might remember back when Michelle and I held a contest because we wanted to photograph a wedding together?

Then we ended up saying that we would like to go ahead and shoot three weddings together?

Well, that happened.

And we are so freaking excited, because later this week we are going to share the results! AND THEN SOME.

STAY TUNED. It is exciting, people.

(hand embroidered honkey tonk shout out at Katie's freaking awesome wedding!)

2012-02-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

Exciting news.

I have figured out the perfect climate for me to live in. It goes like this:

A pleasant fall, as expected in the traditional fall months. After all, one does look forward to pulling out one's boots and whatnot.

A mild winter, just enough for hats and sweaters. Maybe a coat.

Then as the excitement of the holidays pass, and we grow weary of our winter wardrobe, the monotoniy of January threatens us;

BOOM.

Spring hits. Not just any spring, an accellerated Spring.

Not the spring that leaves you like an anxious child on the long, long road trip to summer (are we there yet?), but one that lasts just long enough for us to appriciate the passing of the seasons. The flowers, the showers. All that.

And then before you even know it. Before you have a chance to even think, when will it be summer?

It hits.

And it is long, and it is summer. With hot nights and cool water.

So tell me, where is this?

Stunning photographs by Eric Cahan via but does it float

(PS thanks for all of your kind comments! I think we will print both!)

2012-02-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

When we were passing through LA last month, our friend Joesnapped a few quick photos of us while we were visiting at his house, and I am so so pleased! Aren't they lovely? As the familyphotographer, my tired old joke is that Henry is going to grow up and ask if Iwasn't around much when he was a baby.

Which one do you think I should hang on the wall? I likethe candidness of the second one, but I love Henry's smile on the first.

2012-01-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. one might expect to see a range of affordable little second hand bookcases like the one above, on craigslist, but no. anyways, i am after one, should you pass one hanging out on a streetside or at a thrift store, do let me know. image from the selby *it's ok for me to neglect the blog for weeks then just pop in with something random, right? oh, happy new year!

2011-12-17T07:17:00.000-08:00

Henry and I have been slacking, but we finally have our shit together, and there will be some serious merry making this weekend. We're talking baking, wrapping, celebrating, libations, shopping and more.

Have a great weekend!

PS- check out our rad potted pine. It will live outside year round, and come in for the holidays, until it is too big and needs to be planted?

2011-12-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

Where H and I will be tomorrow. Tend Holiday Pop Up Shop ya'll!

2011-12-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

Pre and post April 21, 2011.

If you were to take an abstraction of my iPhone photo roll, this would only be a minor exaggeration.

2011-12-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Just one more thing. Radical Twin Peak stills on But Does it Float.

2011-12-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

More than a few things I have been liking, things I want to share:

one love photo via apw
When Ben and I decided to get hitched we headed to the bookstore for a little help in planning the dang event. Guess what; the book I was looking for? It didn't exist. When the same thing happened to my pal Meg, she decided to go ahead and write it. A Practical Wedding (the book) is available for presale now, and starts early shipping tomorrow. Team Practical is asking that if you plan on buying the book, do so tomorrow on December 7th to help make the book best seller for a day. If you are getting planning a wedding or know someone who is soon, I can't (even though I haven't read it) recommend this enough! Meg is wise and witty, and I am so proud of her.

handmade holiday

One more day to pick up some limited edition goodies (like the above print) from the online Handmade Holiday. Free shipping ya'll!

Angela Hardison
Speaking of free and holidays; Angela made the above art and you can download it for free right-banana-here. I am particularly interested in that super easy to craft garland, and am *thinking* about heading to our local Michael's so that I can make my own!

The Locals

Do you all read Miss Moss? I love looking over sites like the selby for inspiration- seeing homes where records sometimes live on the floor and you can actually see a cord or two- and she just pointed me in the direction of the Russian site The Locals.

Sarah Bebe Holmes via Arial Edge via Peonies & Polaroids via ESB

In other wise and witty wedding lady news, ESB has a NEW PODCAST. What? Unintentional side effect; her giggling is outting her as the warm and kind person that I know her to be. (Shhhh. Don't tell.) Anyways- got a problem? Wedding or otherwise? CALL IN.

Lauren McClure

Remember I mentioned the super talented photographer Lauren McClure (woah, almost a year ago!) well for a limited time you can pick up some of her prints! Hop on it

Hello Little Printer, available 2012 from BERG on Vimeo via indigo bunting

Just, watch the video and be happy. (Yes, it is a real printer.)

2011-11-30T13:41:00.000-08:00

Time for another letter to Henry. I hope you don't mind.

Last weekend your Uncle Billy, Aunt Becky, and cousin James (who you really seemed taken with) came to visit. Since your aunt Becky is pregnant with a little boy (you will have another cousin! A boy! Almost exactly a year younger than you!) we gave her most of your baby clothes that you have outgrown. I was showing her what was in the bag, and when I pulled out one of your first newborn PJs I was absolutely in shock as to how small they were. I laid them side by side with your current jammies, in awe. There is simply no way to prepare for your insanely rapid growth and development. It is amazing.

In the last few weeks you have become a guy with not one, but TWO front teeth; first one, then right after, the second. It has been a little rough here and there (ouchie) but you are a pretty tuff guy, I think. Last night you bit my nose for the first time. I didn't mind.

We have started feeding you bits of food. In fact that is how we celebrated your six month birthday- with a big plate of softly steamed veggies, bananas, and avocado. You go in waves with the whole food thing- sometimes you love on the solids INTENSLY. Pears especially. Other times you would rather just bang your spoon against the table for the whole meal. It's cool. We are not in a hurry.

You are just crazy about the animals. Especially the kitty. And Emmy Lou. (Diamond mostly hides from you.) When Manray comes into the bedroom every morning you grin a big grin at him and try to pet him. We are working on teaching you to be soft and gentle.

A few months of go, seemingly out of nowhere, you taught yourself to sit up. One day I noticed that you could (to my surprise) hold yourself up while leaning forward onto your hands in kind of a tripod pose. Then a week or so later, just like that, you were a guy who sits up. And boy, do you like sitting up. You don't tolerate being horizontal too much anymore. You haven’t liked being held in a cradle position in what feels like AGES; except when we rock/bounce you to sleep. Then you will lie in our arms until you peacefully drift. In the mornings when you wake up, you will lie happily for a few minutes, smile up at your owls over head, but before too long we have to sit you up. And that really gets the big smiles. You look around, studying that the room is still more or less the same as it was before; you smile at the fan or at the light, then reach for a toy or our phone to play with.

Soon, we expect, you will be teaching yourself how to crawl. I think this one is harder for you, because it means being down. Down AND on your belly. Not your favorite. But you do seem to know that this is the position required to get places. And so you dutifully flop yourself down, or carefully lower yourself onto your hands, onto one knee- then the next, then you know; sort of rock back and forth while staring at the object of your desire a few inches away. It is tuff work. You grunt and groan and eventually your little arms give out under the weight of your body- or your knees slide out because of the slick surface beneath you. We have been joking about putting rubber patches on the knees of your pants to help out. Either way, once you get going, we are certain to have our hands full. You are so curious, and so active!

Remember when I said that you were too serious to be bothered with being social? Well- now you are Mr. Charmer. You smile at all the dudes, and all the ladies. You squeal and kick. You crack some folks up with your antics. The front neighbors, who are always enjoying their porch, love when we go buy, cause you always give them the biggest baby hello. Not to say you are not still a mama and papa's boy. You will tolerate being in the arms of someone else, but man, there is no where that you would rather be than in one of our arms. You went through a brief fear of other people- the height of which was your grandpa fear. It was so terribly sad. He comes down once a month to visit you, you know. Has done so every month since you were born. And for about 2.5 visits- all he had to do was look you in the eye to make you wail. Luckily that has passed almost as quickly as it came on!

You love: looking in the mirror, listening to and watching your papa sing and play the guitar, exploring faces with your little hands, , iphones and sunglasses, going on walks, pulling blocks out of your basket (by either tasting one at a time, or dumping them all out at once), sitting in the grass watching big kids play, your train toy, swinging at the park.

You are still bald as an eagle.

I can't even tell you how much joy you bring to me and your papa. I won't lie; it is HARD sometimes. Harder than I might have ever anticipated. But the reward? The love we feel for you little guy? Exponentially greater. We might be feeling WRECKED for all the times you will get us up in a night, but the moment you wake up and smile in the morning? All of that literally just melts away.

We just celebrated your first thanksgiving (you mashed up some squash, but I don't think you ate any) and I am so excited for your first Christmas season. We are going to pick out a smaller table top tree this weekend, cause I do expect you to figure out that whole crawling situation in the next month.

Keep being so awesome man, we love you something fierce.

2011-11-29T09:31:00.000-08:00

My coworker and I were talking a bit this morning about health, and supplements, and whole foods, and eating well and cancer, and this article....

And it has left me with a deep desire to recommit to feeding our family well. I am talking home cooked, whole foods, with fresh vegetables, nutritious grains and legumes, and little additives or processing. We already eat fairly well, but I think we could do better. And what better time, now that Henry is starting to eat solids. It has been really hard lately to find time to spend in the kitchen, so I am working on a game plan to help make it happen:

1) Weekly (thoughtful!) meal planning. I think this needs to happen on Mondays, because that is when we get our CSA produce box. We need to commit to sitting down and spending a good 20/30 minutes here, otherwise we just end up listing our easy go to meals, which usually involve at least one processed food item "crutch".

2) Choosing items that we can make in bulk and eat throughout the week, or even better- freeze for later use. This one worries me. When I first went back to work I went on a major kick of preparing food for the workweek (salads, a frittata) and I ended up in the kitchen for a huge part of Sunday. No good, when that is our only day off together. How to achieve without spending *too* much time?

3) Using our crockpot. I am totally new to this. I was turned off by the complicated recipes in the book we were given. Honestly, can't I just throw a bunch of stuff in there and hope for the best? Refining as I go? I am thinking yes. My idea is to chop veggies and soak beans the night before, then toss it all in in the morning before work. This seems like a no brainer.
4) Continue with our simple 2 step meal style. Step one: roast veggies. Step two: cook grains. I lied, there are four steps. Step three: combine in a bowl. Step four: Add sheep or goat feta. The downfall here is monotony. I think I just need to break out of the box with fresh herbs and different combinations of veggies and flavorings to keep it interesting.
With a bit of extra work and a lot of thought and commitment (plus restraint, from grabbing tacos too often), I think this is achievable. It will also cut back on the amount of waste we produce. (I am sickened at how full our recycling bin always is.) And I think, done correctly, we will save on our grocery bill, no?

This plan ties into a broader goal I have been mulling through, which can be boiled down to living life with a bit more intention. I know that is pretty broad, but I am still working through the idea myself. I will share more when I figure it out.

In the mean time, I would love to hear your tricks for simple and wholesome eating!
PS- photos by Abby, who is selling all her prints at 40% off through next Friday, before she closes up shop for good! I picked up this one!

2011-11-17T06:12:00.000-08:00

Hanging planter from Mociun.

Do you think I could learn this kind of knotting? I need to get back to my ceramics classes.

2011-11-15T08:59:00.000-08:00

Maybe you entered this contest but didn't "win"*? (I kind of am hating that word...) I offer this; another wedding photography giveaway. Turns out Jasmine had been brewing up a little contest as well. Great minds, right? Check it out!

*And you are still here? Thank you, I love you.

2011-11-11T05:31:00.000-08:00

We are headed north today, cause this weekend we are shooting our first wedding! Katie + Jeremy! Eep! Can't wait to let you know how it goes. Michelle and I are pumped.

Photo by Max Wanger via 100 LC.

2011-11-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

(Preface- if you don't care about beer, go ahead and skip to the bottom, where there is a cute picture of Henry. I guess we are celebrating beer week here on ADF?) Being a nursing mama, I have to keep my alcohol intake pretty minimal. This is ok for the most part, but kind of a bummer when I want to enjoy a nice hoppy beer. (Which is pretty much what I always want to enjoy.) When I had Ballast Point Brewery's Even Keel session ale last year, weighing in at just over 3.5% alcohol content, I was over the moon. It was so light, but so so tasty. To give you a clearer idea; some of my more favorite beers are at least 6 or 7%, and up to 11ish. Dude, Coors Light has a higher alcohol content than Even Keel. This is great; I prefer as much flavor with as little alcohol as possible. Unfortunately, being a session ale, it is only brewed a couple of times a year, and only available at select bars or restaurants. (Enter the brilliance that is an app like taphunter.) So when my coworker told me that as part of SDBW they had it on tap at the Ballast Point tasting room, and available for purchase by the growler, I packed up the growlers and the baby and headed to the tasting room with him. We had a great time- you can buy tasters of four ounce pours for a buck each, and fill up with specialty brews like Even Keel. (I also picked up some yummy barrel aged stout. OK, I admit I bought 2 of those- one for us one for my dad. I went a little crazy.) All ye beer drinkers in San Diego- head there now and see what they still have left on tap, you won't regret it! And if you love food and beer, go to this!

PS the tasting room was filled with a whole bunch of dudes; ranging from young hipsters to an old Hawaiian hippie, folks of both blue collar & office types just getting off of work, surfers, nerdy types, all dudes. But they loved Henry. A baby at a bar is quite the conversation starter.

2011-11-09T05:34:00.000-08:00

Under the guise of picking up a little something for Ben's birthday, on Friday my coworker and I headed over to the new-ish bottlecraft in Little Italy. Since they allow you to drink beer on premise and bring in your own food, we picked up some sandwhiches on our way from Mona Lisa and enjoyed a pint over lunch. Needless to say I was also taken with their simple + modern (+ just a touch industrial) design, and the pletiful brews. I will quite certainly be going back, family in tow.

PS it is beer week in San Diego, and it is kind of off the hook this year.

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I dressed Henry in his best green jeans and cutest plaid flannel in preparation for going out for his pappa's birthday. Ben showered, then came out dressed in.... his best green jeans and a plaid flannel. Aren't they cute?

Then of all our male friends that showed up to dine with us, 4 were in flannel plaid (including 1.5 year old Westin, so cute!), 2 more were in plain old plaid, and only 3 (2 of which were kids) were not in any plaid.

I guess the flannel really is back, huh?

2011-11-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

I have been kind of a bad blogger for some time. I am not referring to the long break, and the sporadic posting, but my general reciprocity. So many of you fine folks have been coming round and leaving delightful comments, and I so rarely have (make?) the time to check out who you are what you are up to. I aim to change that. And I'd like to share some of what I find (hopefully on a semi regular basis), cause you all are pretty rad!

First up is the crazy talented Jasmine. She got my attention when she mentioned that we had the same evening a while back. Well- she left a comment, I left a comment, and a couple of emails later we were chatting over 2 real beers (and one real baby).
Girl is as rad in person as she is skilled with a shutter. Keep up with her well photographed adventures on her (delightfully designed!) blog, the daily frolic!. DEF check out her wedding (photographed by James Moes) and wish that you had been friends with her so that you could have been there, BOTH DAYS.
(top image by James Moes, the rest by Jasmine Fitzwilliam)

2011-10-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

Our little strong man.

2011-10-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Some photos from our walk to the park from last week with Henry's grandma, cousin and uncle. He tried the big guy swing for the first time and loved it, naturally. We used to walk up to this park (Bird Park) every day while I was pregnant. Often the talk would turn to middle names. You could see why we kept coming back to Sparrow....

2011-10-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

Oh hello! Didn't I mention that we announced the winners of our little contest on 100 Layer Cake?

Again a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge thank you to everyone who entered and spread the word, and the gals at 100LC for hosting.

Just the beginning!

2011-10-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

I am ready to start this project, and I am making hard decisions, big cuts. Computer desk (above, top), low console (above, below), my set of two side tables (like this) and rocking chair (seen here) are out. Before I put them on craigslist I thought I would see if anyone local wants to scoop an item up. Shoot me an email if you are interested. desertfete at gmail dot come

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

So. Am I the only one who didn't know that there is a whole metaphysical retreat compound designed by Frank Loyd Wright & Son in Joshua Tree? No?

All images via the Ding Le Mei Institute of Metaphysics

2011-10-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

As I already stated, I think that Saturday was possibly the best day of Henry's life. Not that we did anything that cool, but he was simply so full of joy all day. Even when we pushed his limits (extra long car rides, out to dinner past bed time, longer stretches of no napping) he was all grins and giggles. It was delightful. Not to say we didn't do some cool stuff. His his big cousin Presley is in town (they just met the day prior for the first time!) and thanks to a reader tip we went to the pumpkin patch at Suzie's Farm.

Then we had dinner at the Station. Cause that is what we do.

2011-10-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

lilian and leonard

Wow. When we asked you guys to be rad and in love and getting married, you responded, and you were not kidding! Michelle and I have had the most amazing time reading all of your stories, hearing about all of your wedding plans, and seeing all of your adorable photos. You guys kick so much ass. Amazing, and also agonizing, we want to shoot every last wedding! It is kind of torturous.

The deadline for entries is this Wednesday, so if you want to make things a little harder on us, now is the time!

2011-10-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

obsessed with these feathers by luci everett, via frolic!

2011-10-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

Guys I am desperate for a little leather zipper pouch. My wallet is a rather large hobo, and I need something that I can slide into that, then pull out when the baby and I are on the go. Just something big enough for my ID & bank card, and maybe a couple of bills. Maybe 4x3? But all my favorites, such as the tracey tanner (top) and the rennes handmade (bottom) are too big. What gives? Maybe it is too hard to work with leather that small? Maybe I should embrace my inner 13 year old and get a little Guatemalan pouch... But really I want leather. Any leads?

2011-10-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

Emmy Lou. Just because she is adorable and I don't have much else to say.

On second thought I will tell you a story. Emmy Lou isn't very bright. One day she walked head first into a low brick garden wall and busted open her brow. When the skin healed and the fur grew back, it was white instead of black, see the spot? The other bits of stray white mixed into her black spot is her version of "greying", the sweet thing.

2011-10-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

I don't think I mentioned it yet, but one of my favorite ladies? She made a movie. Really. And it is showing tonight, next Monday and next Thursday at the 2011 Vancouver International Film Festival. Are you in Vancouver? Please go for me. I wish so badly I could be there. I haven't seen the short yet (dying to) but I hear it might play well with some beloved high school movies.... (you know, Dazed and Confused, Breakfast Club.) What's better than that?

2011-10-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

Cancer really fucking sucks. So does the US health care system. Unfortunately, Kate Miss + her boyfriend Will Steinman are experiencing both of these tragedies first hand. And so for now, a fundraiser. I will be picking up this mountain print for our house to help out (and hey, cause it is AWESOME!). Do take a look in the etsy shop and see if anything catches your fancy, if you are able to? Wishing you two an ocean of strength, Kate & Will. ♥

2011-10-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your kind words yesterday. In return I offer you delicious food. Our neighbor has a fig tree which hangs over in to our yard. One summer, I ate so many that it hurt my mouth. (Has that ever happened to you? What gives.) And so last summer, like a child, I was afraid of them. Before the last ones rotted away last week I went and picked a few, and we have been eating delicious flat bread + fig pizzas.

The one above is simply; salt + pepper, oregano, sheep feta, olive oil and figs. Last night we also added; sauted onions, fresh thyme, and fresh arugula. I think I like it simple better. The sweet and savory and salty are soooo mouthwatering. I was also pleased to see Mark Bittman was having the same meal as us. (Pats self on back.)

2011-10-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

♥

ohmygod you guys. i am doing something kind of big and a little scary and very exciting with my friend michelle. please pop on over to 100 layer cake to learn more? i need you there for support! eek! and, if you know of anyone who might be interested, please pass it on!

2011-10-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

(heading to farmer's market)

(at the station during the walkabout)
(practicing sitting up. with blocks.)

(being adorable)
(tasting my hair)
(bath/swim)
(tasting dad's hair)

(dinner time)

How do I get back to taking photos of things that are not my baby? This is not a rhetorical question. Those of you that have been there and come out of it alive, advise?

The weather was beautiful this weekend. Saturday Henry and I had fun in Golden Hill & South Park; at the farmer's market, then playing in a little park, then watching the tour de fat bike parade go by (while feeling wistful that my best friend's marching band wasn't performing at it this year). That evening we walked to the Station and ate dinner, then cruised around the quarterly walkabout with some friends. Yesterday I pretty much battled getting the laundry folded all day. But we managed a trip to the park at the end of our street (H is just starting to enjoy it, swinging on our laps, putting his feet in the sand, and laying in the grass, looking up at the trees) and a pretty nice little dinner before the baby even went to bed. Notice his arms full of toys. Put three in front of him and he has the need to clutch them all tightly to his body. Hm.

2011-09-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

I seem to have lost most of the photos from this little beach trip, save these two. Trying to be stiff upper lip-ey about the whole thing.... Henry was pretty cute every morning, bundled up in his hand knit cap (which has twin owls) going for walks with his papa to check out the surf.

2011-09-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

lobymustard

Do you like beets? (I know you do. It is, after all, the most intense of all vegetables.)

Well then you should head on over to my dear friend Matt's new blog Lost Lovage, where he will be posting the "amblings and ramblings of a Brooklyn chef." Starting with beets. (Guys, he is the most incredible chef I have ever met. Ben and I still discuss meals he made for us years ago. And he is a clever writer.)

And in case you missed it, check out the guest post he wrote for ESB, all about where to eat when eloping in New York. Helpful if you have a trip to the city planned and need a spot for a romantic dinner. A little tortuous if no trips are on the horizon.

2011-09-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

Last night I dreamed that Tom Waits had a side career as an engineer and that he was my new boss.

It was awesome.

(In other news, in case you were not aware he has a new album set to release. Check out the private listening party here)

Still from Coffee & Cigarettes via.

2011-09-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

We have just returned from a rather successful weekend away in Los Angeles. Guys, Henry was a champ. I have to much to share, but it might take me a spell to get through the photos. In the mean time, here is me and my little man on the steps of the Griffith Observatory.

2011-09-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

I am completely addicted to kale chips. I know I am not the only one. But just in case any of you don't know, get on it! Toss some kale with olive oil and a bit of sea salt, pop in the oven at around 350 for about 20 minutes. Eat right away.

2011-09-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

You guys. My gal Celia has opened an adult vintage clothing shop. Do go take a gander?

2011-09-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

Old appliances FTW!

We had been having terrible blender luck. And after our last one broke Ben's mom brought us this old Osterizer. So cute and kicks ass!

During the big black out from a couple of weeks ago (did you hear about it? Kind of a big deal!) our neighbor's lent us this little panasonic.

2011-09-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Can you believe tomorrow is the first day of fall? We walked to our neighborhood park on Saturday, and it was packed full of groups of people, soaking in the last official (gorgeous) weekend of summer. Though I always say September is our best month, and last year one of our hottest (and best!) weekends was in fact the very end of September. So, in San Diego at least, I am thinking the spirit of summer will be around at least a few more weeks. Why rush?

Oops. The first day of fall isn't until Friday! Rejoice!

2011-09-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

Ack! There were too many words in that last post. A couple weeks ago we were having some hot weather in San Diego. So when I got off work we jammed down to windansea beach to cool off.

2011-09-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

A number of you mentioned in my very informal survey that you don't mind when I post nesting + the home design type stuff. Well how about you help me. I feel like our living room is getting kinda out of control lately and I am itching to clean it up. We can't afford any big changes, but can do little things here and there. Also, we need to baby proof this shit! The spaces at hand, for your reference;

(please note I refrained from picking up or doing any styling for the photographs. Pre baby this would be considered a mess. Post baby, it is considered well picked up.)

And so these are our main living spaces. The nook is a little bit bigger than the photo would have you believe. Now would you like an itemized run down of the issues? You would?

1. I love this coffee table. It was the first real furniture we ever purchased, from an estate sale right after Ben and I moved in together. But it is effing huge. So are the two side tables (even huger) that are out in the shed. I used to love its size, but now I want room to play on the floor with the babe. I'd like a smaller one, but I am hesitant to sell this one, and we don't have room to store it. DILEMMA.

2. I never thought I would say this. We have to many chairs. See above re: floor space. No way am I selling the Bertoia. Do I ditch the rocking chair? (Baby isn't attached to rocking in it.)

3. I was so inspired to photograph the space "as is", I actually stopped in the middle of sweeping. Don't worry. I have since cleaned the pile. (Undoubtedly, a new one has formed.)

4. Oh, the couch. It is the most terrible material, and so it is covered with a canvas drop cloth. If I could buy but one piece of real furniture it would be a couch. Sadly, this will not happen in the foreseeable future.

5. That dinky little vintage light is kinda awkward right there between the couch and the heater, huh? In general, our lighting situation is a little poor.

6. Remember when I hung these shelves? Yeah. I did a shit job. And I am worried they will fall on the baby. Plus it just feels so crowded. I took all the heavy books off and the nicer breakables and am considering if I just want to tear it all down, or fix.

7. My collection of Tend orbs from Britt used to be so well arranged. They have gotten shuffled over the years and now hang in sad singles here and there. Just a simple matter of redoing.

8. Oh, the computer. I am tired of it being in the living room. Must move it back to the nook. (Where I would like to build a desk that runs the length between the walls below the windows, with amps underneath. Simple slim wood top with these legs.)

9. Can't decide between keeping the low console with the stereo on it (and teaching Henry not to touch, but knowing that if he does it won't be dangerous or something irreplaceable) or putting in a (short) fauxdenza. I think I'd like to do a fauxdenza. Right where the computer desk is. It would help with the storage problem presented in removing the shelves from item 6.

10. See items 1 and 2 re floor space. Said space needs a rug.

Wow, are you still here?

Thoughts and opinions welcome. Clearly, I am floundering here.

2011-09-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

I have been eating eggs like crazy. They are quick and nutritious and full of the protein I need as a person still eating for 2. Lately my go to prep is to toss in some fresh herbs, cherry or grape tomatoes, and a little goat cheese at the last minute, then serve over a bed of arugula. Yum.

2011-09-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

We just came from spending a few nights at the beach. Henry seems to like the ocean, but he is perceptibly happy to be back. Such a little homebody like his papa.

In other news, happy three year wedding anniversary, Ben Left. You kick ass.

2011-09-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

Our friend Lia had a pie party on Sunday, at her truly magical home in Encinita's. I wish I could have taken more photos to show you of the house, the yard, and the refurbished airstream guest studio, but I was so torn between you know, taking photos and being present and enjoying my company.

2011-09-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

Well. Monday being Labor Day and Friday being my day off, that makes Tuesday my Monday and Thursday my Friday. Wednesday is still the same. Right?

I think every workweek should be a MWF work week. Don't you?

*PS hop over to the lovely Elizabeth's blog for a guest post that I wrote. Warning. Gratuitous baby photos are involved. Vintage clothes, too.

2011-09-06T05:40:00.000-07:00

I wanted a special beverage to bring over to a friend's house on Sunday and so, with a little guidance from my favorite (west coast) chef, I came up with a (very) modified version of this mixer. I used blue berries and raspberries (plus 1/2 cup of water and 3T of agave nectar for each cup of fruit) and simmered it all down to a syrup. I also put in a little fresh thyme that we happened to have. I was nervous about the thyme, but it could have used more after all. We drank is Sunday simply with sparkling water, but that night after Henry was in bed I made (sort of) a margarita with it. Yum.

2011-09-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

I finally ordered the baggu/Shabd tote bag I had been wanting forever (because I was ordering some $10 zip baggies, and why not take advantage of the 5 dollar flat rate shipping, right?). People, it is even better in person. She is a tie dye master. I bought it as kind of a diaper bag, but find myself wanting to carry it all the time, baby or no.

2011-08-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Um. Yeah. A wedding shoot at the high desert integration* by Francince Ribeau Events, Tangerine Tree Photography, and Britt of Tend Living.

*I told you to get married there. remember?

2011-08-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends. Ben and I are looking to rent a little one bedroom home for a night, maybe two, in Silverlake (or a similarly walkable and charming area of East LA.) Most of the places I spy online require a minimum of 3 nights. Might you have any leads you could share? Do email me. desertfete at gmail dot com. {Bonus for a lovely patio or garden area.}

photo via the way we live

{a letter to henry}

2011-08-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

08.08.2011-08.09.2011

Hello my little man,

I should say hello BIG guy. You are such a big guy! Born long and lean and not *too* big, we figured you were getting height from your mama & grandpa. Most of your newborn clothes were too wide! But before we even left the hospital you regained your birth weight, then steadily grew, almost a pound a week! Now here you are, just about 3 and a half months; you are more than double your 7+ pounds that you were born at, and you are wearing 6 month clothes! I wish I could see a newborn you lying next to you right now for a side by side.

Though you have filled out, you are still pretty tall. A lot of your pants are high waters. You were born with very long fingers, and very long toes. Your head, it seems, is perfectly round (and bald, of course). Everyone comments on it. "What a perfect little round head he has!" People also like to comment on how much you look like your papa. Which is fine with me, I think he is a pretty handsome guy.

It has been a big couple of weeks. Yesterday you;

-were the furthest you have been from home (Vista. Though you are already an international traveler. Go ahead and ask your dad about the time he and your grandma Karen accidentally drove you to Mexico.)

-for the longest length of time (just a day)

-met a horse for the first time (you didn't seem entirely impressed)

-went to your first brewery (Stone. Will you love good beer like you mama and your papa and you grandpa?)

-and biggest of all, had your first pool day

We think you really love the water (just like us, yay!). Bath time is your best time. And when we break out the kiddie pool you kick & splash like it is your job. Our first 2 attempts at a big kid pool both ended in tears. Literally. But yesterday we went swimming with your uncle Mike and you had a great time. You even- get this- got on a surf board for the first time. (it was a single fin, I think.) I know your papa can't wait until you are a little older next year, we will get you into a pair of Birdwell's and sit you on a surfboard in the actual ocean.

Last week? You rolled over for the first time. Back to front, no joke. Your grandma Karen was visiting and got to witness the action. You have rolled over at least once a day since then. The problem is? You don't really like being on your belly. So you get there, and then you get mad. No one to blame but yourself, buddy. Your father claims that the day after the first roll you also rolled front to back. But it hasn't happened since. So, I'll believe it when I see it.

You have, since you were born, made excellent eye contact and studied the world around you with great concern. You were trying very hard to figure it all out. When I sit you up from nursing or napping you look all around to see that the room and all of its contents are still there. You insist on being held upright, facing out, able to see all the action. (I don't think we have "cradled" you in our arms since you were under a month, unless we are rocking you to sleep.) When we go for a walk, or sit outside, or eat at a restaurant, you are not to be bothered with talking to us. You are way too busy taking everything in. Studying.

You are a very serious baby. Your facial expressions are hilarious; you mastered immediately the incredulous one raised brow (one of my personal favorites), the studious furrowed brow, and just like your mama and grandpa, a very wrinkly forehead when you open both eyes wide.

The best time to interact with you is when you lay down on the bed, or on your blanket on the ground. There you will focus on us, instead of getting distracted by the whole wide world that is so new to you. You will smile and coo and listen to us talk, and talk back. You will listen as we read to you, and look at the pictures with great intent. Sometimes we just like to lie on the bed next to you, and let you study our faces with your little hands....
You have gotten very chatty in the last week or so. So different from the tiny baby of a couple months ago, who made only a few (very very sweet sounds) that I can barely just remember; a contented sigh after eating, a groan in your sleep, a grunt when you kicked. There is one little sigh you still make, that I always want to remember. Usually it is when you are half asleep, nursing. You will take a few drinks, and then breathe out the softest little sighs in between breaths in. They are so endearing.
When you were 4 weeks old, you smiled for the first time. You also shed your first real tear. That is so often the way life goes, sweet baby. The happy and the sad, the good and the bad coinciding. You have yet to laugh, and it is driving me crazy. Are we not funny enough for you? I happen to think your papa is hilarious. Sometimes you let out kind of a single breath/syllable chuckle. But it might just be more of a well times grunt.
You are incredibly active for an immobile being. One of your favorite activities is to be held in front of a mirror where you proceed to kick and wave your arms about. Or, your papa will hold you so that your feet touch the dresser and you "jump" in his arms. You love it. Sometimes it looks a lot like you are trying to run away, when you perfectly alternate your kicks. Where is it you want to go? We wonder. Is it really so bad here? I suspect we are in for a handful once you get going.
You used to be more still. When we would nurse, you would lay peacefully in my arms, your hands laying gently folded across your chest. Now those hands are in motion, playing with my shirt, gripping my hand. You eat a little, then turn out to smile at me, then go back to eating in a shy little game. When did you become such a big guy? To play games when he is supposed to be eating!

For such an active guy, you love being swaddled! As you tire and begin to complain a little, we need only tightly wrap you up and you are instantly soothed. When you wake up from a nap and we free your arms from the binding hold of the swaddle, your arms shoot straight up in a stretch. It is hilarious.
We love you more than you can ever know. You are the most amazing person in the world, and getting to know you a little better every day is just the coolest thing we could ever ask for. Sometimes we start looking forward to what's to come; a time when you don’t hate your car seat and we can drive places with you, when you start walking and playing and running, when you can talk to us.... but for the most part I am trying to stay present with you here and now. Because baby, you are growing and changing so fast I can't even believe it. And I don't want to miss a second of it.
I love you.
Mama

Update

08.11.201

You had a doctors visit today. In 16 weeks you have grown 4 3/4" taller (!) and more than doubled your weight. And your head is more than 3 inches bigger around.

More importantly, YOU LAUGHED. Ok, it was still kind of that throaty grunty chuckle. But. We were both there on the bed and you were playing your little peekaboo/boob game, and every time you would come of the nipple you would grin up at me and then chuckle in response to my response.

And your papa and I both agree, it qualifies.

You laughed.

(I cried.)

{after 3 or so years of blogging, I can't seem to correct the issue when my text goes all wonky- IE extra spaces between paragraphs, random text sizes. sigh.}

2011-08-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

Many of you all might be familiar with my friend Meg over at A Practical Wedding. Did you also know that next Thursday she is hosting a kick ass mass wedding reception (plus footing the bill for two lucky couples to MARRY) to celebrate the *new* marriage equality in New York?

Yay New York! Is a wedding, a dance party, and a fundraiser (to help bring equality to other states) all rolled into one. If you are in the area, please go! Popsicles! Sangria! Old school hip hop dance music! You won't regret it. Get all the details and full scoop here, and buy yourself some tickets here.

Because what is more practical than equality?

2011-08-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Guys! We went camping. We found a nearby campground, (with water!), a few families who wanted to join, and went for it!

Remember that time when we went camping in Joshua tree and I forgot the memory card to my camera?

Well this time all I brought was my film camera, and the battery died. I was devastated. And the other difference is that instead of an instax, all I had was my iphone. Oh well. Thank goodness for Instagram.

It was the perfect tester. Just under an hour away, for one night. Henry did great. He was just the same as usual. (I think he is little enough that home is wherever we are, you know?) We were joined by this rad family and this one. The kids loved playing in the swimming holes. Of course, one night wasn't enough.

2011-08-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

{i developed a roll of film the other day, the first one i shot after the baby was born. but it had this one random pre baby photo. incidentally, this farfisa is for sale. anyone in the market?}

2011-08-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hop on over to camp comfort, where Roberta (on blogging maternity leave, getting to know her sweet little baby Wylie) kindly asked me to share my summer essentials. Warning; they are baby related!

And if you are just joining us from camp comfort, welcome! I have been on a bit of a blogging maternity leave myself, but do have a look around. If you like babies (who doesn't?) please also visit Hank & Lucy, where I blog with my friend Celia about our adventures in being mamas to two of the cutest babes around.

2011-08-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

I will be honest, I have been pretty housebound lately. Having a baby who doesn't like being in his car seat will do that to you, I guess. While I am completely happy to stay home and enjoy this time before it passes (because it all passes so soon, doesn't it) I can't help but be a little whistful for our more adventurous summer days. Here is a "vintage" ADF post from 2 summers ago.... Sigh...

Two days after graduating we did one of the most important things on my post graduation to do list; camping.

We have always fancied ourselves the type who *like* camping, but, you know, never really do. [There was one instance in mexico involving the lack of chairs, argentinean animal sounds, and the baja 500, but that is a long and unfortunate story.]

So last year our folks gave us a cash christmas gift to buy our own camping gear. REI used gear sale, you are my best friend. I highly recommend. We got everything we need, way higher quality than we could have otherwise afforded, at amazing bargains.

Inspired, I brought a few pretty things like vintage table cloths, a handmade quilt [hello, wedding present] and candles. I mean hey, car camping, right?

I did a lot of guilty pleasure reading. Ben strummed his guitar. We swam in a different creek every day. We hiked, and we sat around a lot too.

It was one of the best trips we have ever had.

PS. You. Californians especially; you have BEEN to Yosemite, RIGHT? SRSLY. Go. NOW.

2011-08-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hello! Remember back when I was pregnant and I thought. "Hm. If I can get about 5 friends to each do 2 guests posts, at post them 2x a week, that will last 5 weeks. That should be enough until I am ready to start blogging again."

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

But I am ready to ease back into this thing, as I have been doing over at Hank & Lucy. I don't think it will be with the same regularity that I used to post, and I want to avoid blogging for the sake of blogging, youknowwhatimean?

That in mind, I am curious. I have a little bit of an idea of what form the slightly pared down A Desert Fete will take, but I'd like to hear what kind of content you best like to see on ADF. What keeps you coming back?

In return I can offer you cute babies and cats. (Ok, and maybe some dogs soon, too.)

2011-06-19T14:34:00.001-07:00

Oh, hello! I realize that if you are not on twitter (or instagram), you have not been bombarded with photos of little Henry Sparrow. (Poor you.) He is turning two months old in two days! He changes and grows so much everyday. It is amazing. Here is a recap of his first 2 months in iPhone pics. ;)

{my all time favorite}

Also, I miss you guys! But for now I am just spending so much time with our little man. And when I am not, the last thing I want to do is sit at the computer. I hope you will all be here when I get back!

2011-05-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Lauren is here again to tackle my own personal dark murky waters of sartorial needs...

hello again, team fete! when last we met, i spoke of office-worthy menswear-for-the-ladies from the waist up; today we hit below the belt.

a fine pair of pants, to paraphrase keats, is a thing of beauty and very nearly a joy forever. the best pants i ever knew were a pair of inky-black marc by marc jacobs chrissie skinny jeans; I found them on some fly-by-night online discount site for $70, wore them every day for the next two or three years, and split them like a cheap piñata when I squatted down to retrieve the cat from my apartment building’s garbage chute (he is half-siamese and half-goat). there was no repairing them; they’d been out on the town so many times that the fabric in the seat had worn away and simply ceased to be.

the bad news is that the internet doesn’t appear to have any more chrissies for you, me, or anyone else (let’s be clear, though: i would fight you for them, and i would win). the good news is that arses are as individual as fingerprints, and what works for me wouldn't necessarily work for you anyhow. that said, be you a six-foot marathoner, a five-foot bombshell, or a five-seven former soccer player whose freakishly long-torsoed, short-legged parents chose love over giving the gene pool a good stir (thanks a million, guys!), we can all put ourselves on the path to pants-finding by asking a single question: what would kate lanphear do?

(kate lanphear via stockholmstreetstyle via fear lanphear, your new pants bible)

kate lanphear is elle usa's style director, and she works her trousers like a full-time job. i love almost everything she wears, but what's pertinent here is that her fit is unimpeachable. this cut is slim enough to feel contemporary without being gimmicky, the length is just right for her heel, and the scale suits her jacket perfectly (unless you're in a hypercreative or hypercasual office, taking serious gambles with proportion usually ends in tears). if you're a lady rocking menswear in an office, this woman is your touchstone.

achieving a look lanphear would sanction on a mortal's budget is tricky, but it can be done. if you need some cardio and can handle the bone-deep soul-ache of fast fashion, give your local h&m a try; for black pants, as one of the fashion editors at my office put it, they "can be surprisingly successful [if] you take the time to scour the racks and TRY EVERYTHING ON. their clothing is cut unpredictably, but sometimes you'll find the perfect thing; same with uniqlo." the latter isn't an option in san diego, i know, but if you're willing to spend a bit more, express certainly is; the editor pant and columnist pant come by their names honestly, as they're in publishing types' wardrobes all over town (and will set you back just $60). along those lines, some subspecies of the martin fit is inevitably on sale at banana republic; with a surly shoe, a pair would easily pass muster. (hedging your bets by investing in an armful of la lanphear's signature bracelets would make a strong case as well, i think.)

if you're interested in splashing out on Pants with a capital P (not a bad idea once your size is relatively static, as a quality pair of black trousers will never, ever be out of style), theory will tailor a pair to fit you perfectly, as will rag & bone; that the latter is only on the east coast i offer as proof that the universe wants you and ben and hank and manray to visit us immediately. you can even leave manray with me! you might also have luck with club monaco, t by alexander wang (is it possible to wear silk trousers without feeling like an assassin? i sincerely hope not), twenty8twelve, or ted baker if you're willing to eat the cost of shipping; fantastic pants are, of course, worth the gamble.

thank you for asking me over, jamie, and thank you all for reading along! here's hoping we all find pants we love to pieces, and that we're at home when they split like cheap piñatas.

FOR ME, FOR YOU

2011-05-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Kate is back guest posting today with a little more Seattle love. Thank you Kate!!!!!

Hi everyone! I'm back with a list of more ideas for a day in Seattle. Some of you recommended some things on my last post in the comments that I had been planning for this post, so I'm glad we're on the same page, kids.

1. Visit the Central Library downtown, where checking out books is not your mission, but rather taking in the breathtaking architecture and photo opportunities.
2. Rent a canoe at the University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center and row around beautiful Union Bay.
3. Invest a few pennies on something beautiful at Totokaelo.
4. Have a picnic and/or hike at Discovery Park, the best park in any city I've ever lived in.
5. Eat a burger at Kid Valley, or fish & chips at either Ivar's (only the location on the waterfront downtown!) or Spud's.
6. Take in the awesome view at Kerry Park.
7. Eat ice cream at Molly Moon's (salted caramel!)
8. Some thrift stores I like: Red Light, Value Village (11th ave), Atlas.

And two out of the city ideas:
1. Visit La Push - my very favorite Washington beach, or maybe possibly my favorite place on earth. Before Twilight, thankyouverymuch.
2. If you're an obsessive Twin Peaks fan, like Jamie, you could visit THE waterfall - Snoqualmie Falls, not too far from where I grew up. It's touristy, but beautiful.

Thanks for having me, Jamie!

2011-05-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

since i wouldn't know where to begin, to sort through the infinite digital photos taken, here are some from henry's first roll of film. shot during his first 2 weeks!

2011-05-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

Super excited for another music post from Lauren!

I'm sure that if y'all are anything like me, you grew up reading Shel Silverstein. As a child, I spent hours upon hours with Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic. He made learning to read a joy, and even as an adult I probably have at least 10 of the poems memorized and banging around in my brain. I even dressed up as Backwards Bill for a 6th grade project. It involved putting overalls on backwards, which is harder than it may appear when you're in a middle school bathroom stall.

via encyclopedia britanica.

Recently, I've been encountering Uncle Shelby in a very different way. As many of you may know, he was a cartoonist for Playboy magazine throughout the 1950s-1970s and many of his cartoons were compiled into books which were "adult only". One of my favorites, Different Dances, has a permanent place on our bookshelf. I think what a lot of people don't realize is that Shel was also a talented songwriter. With seeming ease, he translated his quick wit into a songwriting style all his own. He wrote songs for a lot of folks, but y'all know me. The ones that appeal to me most are the country ones.

The most well-known Shel penned tune in the country world is Johnny Cash's Boy Named Sue. (This song is well-loved by my husband. He random yells "SAM OR BOB OR GEORGE OR ANYTHING BUT SUE" at the dog. Maybe one day we'll get a dog and name him Sue). I love that whimsy is added to a country tune. (And if you ever get the chance, check out Father of a Boy Named Sue... Shel answers your burning questions about the man who named his child a lady name... as always, with a twist). Another Cash tune that Silverstein wrote was 25 Minutes to Go. The song, about the last 25 minutes of the life of a criminal, alternates humor with the somewhat distressing. Experiencing those two elements poised side by side is, in my opinion, the best way to feel both emotions. My favorite recording of the song is from the 1968 live album At Folsom Prison. What giant balls John had to perform a hangin' song in front of some rowdy inmates.

Well I sent for the governor and the whole dern bunch with 21 minutes to go

I sent for the mayor but he's out to lunch I've got 20 more minutes to go

Then the sheriff said boy I gonna watch you die got 19 minutes to go

So I laughed in his face and I spit in his eye got 18 minutes to go

In addition to Cash, he also wrote for Loretta Lynn. I am forever impressed with Loretta's forward thinking. Her own songwriting tackled some issues that were difficult and delicate for female fans in the 1960s (Rated X, The Pill), and I feel she paved the way for some badass country ladies. She is unapologetic about who she is and is not afraid to experiment with new ways to approach her music. She had a resurgence in 2004 with the release of Van Lear Rose, produced by Jack White. In 1972, she had a number one hit with One's On the Way, written by Shel. It's fascinating to me how he captures the feelings of women saddled in homemaker positions and does it in a way that was believable for Loretta to sing. He also wrote Hey Loretta, using the verses as the voice of a woman running away from her husband and the chorus to as the voice of her husband who has clearly taken her for granted. Again, funny but also incredibly astute and easy for her fans to identify with.

And you'll say hey Loretta I love you more than my Irish Setter
Hey Loretta don't leave me alone
Hey Loretta I swear I'm a gonna treat you better
Buy you brand new overalls if you'll only come back home

Bobby Bare was also graced with tunes by Shel, as were a band called Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show who recorded Cover of a Rolling Stone in 1973. (Buck Owens did a parody of the song called Cover of the Music City News, if you're looking for some country flair). In his lifetime, Shel wrote a lot of other songs and published a lot more books than this blog post can address. But since I'm the resident country-obsessed lady in these parts of blog land, I thought I'd just share with you some of my favorites.

If you're looking to hear some more of Shel singing his own tunes, check out Shel Silverstein: Boy Named Sue and His Other Country Songs. Preferably on vinyl with a drink in hand. Hearing his quirky, raspy, squeaky voice is only made better by the crack of the vinyl.

2011-05-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

If you are not reading Lily's Big Bang Studio, well, what is wrong with you? Over the last year or two the rest of us have witnessed her carve out a most enchanted life in Joshua Tree, travel across the country hitting equally enchanted destinations in her 1978 revamped Scamp trailer, only to land for an extended stay in India. All while busting out breathtaking paintings. And words. And photos. I asked Lily to talk about one of our favorite mutual subjects, of course, Joshua Tree! Thank you Lily!!!!!

Until recently my husband P. and I lived in the little desert town of Joshua Tree, in Southern California, a place Jamie knows and loves well. On its own, the Mojave Desert is a hard sell. In mid-day, it's a bleached-out wasteland, an End of Days sort of place where you hope your engine doesn't overheat as you speed past abandoned homestead shacks most definitely inhabited by zombies and/or meth-heads, thinking, who on earth would LIVE here? But come sunset, come that golden hour when the desert sky explodes in ultraviolet and electric pink and the monzogranite rock formations glow like amber, the place shows its hand. And the wonky desert community of Joshua Tree -an unimaginable alloy of aging hippies, young Marines, bikers, rock climbers, musicians, artists, scrappers and several thousand very rare tortoises- is a place I'll always consider home.

After moving to Joshua Tree from Manhattan, I set up shop with P. (my brand-spanking-new husband) in a darling restored homestead cabin we found on Craigslist (which we've since realized had the nicest kitchen we'll probably ever have). I found a painting studio in town where I could bring the dogs (no plumbing, no problem), we bought a pick-up truck, and my mom sent me a copy of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and Audubon's Field Guide to the Southwest. I learned to identify claret cups from hedgehog cacti, how to usher a rattlesnake peaceably into a trash barrel with a golf club, and how to pick cholla out of a dog's snout (carefully, with tweezers, followed by a bone for the dog and a scotch for the girl). And as we learned how to Live in the Desert we also learned how to Live as Young Marrieds, an equally mysterious and ever-wondrous education. And we fell in love, hard, with the community of Joshua Tree. We made cherished, life-long friends who taught us how to weld, cook and drive in loose sand without getting stuck. Friends who helped us rehabilitate a gentle but damaged rescue dog. Friends who called us up on Sunday mornings asking if we wanted to go looking for petroglyphs. Friends who had lived full, creative lives all over the world, and yet returned to Joshua Tree because there's just no place like it.

We live in another desert now, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. We've learned to love this desert's idiosyncrasies, too, but our thoughts always wander back to Joshua Tree, back to, as one die-hard Joshua Tree lifer put it, our "tribe." Next post I'll make a list of my favorite Joshua Tree haunts for you desert adventurers, to better help you bite a piece out of the marvelous high-desert pie. But today I'll leave you with a recipe for a real pie-of-sorts, my favorite spring treat, which I insist you absolutely must make because it is simple, beautiful, and it will knock your rhubarb-hankering socks off.

Rhubarb Galette with Crème Fraîche
from Bon Appétit, April 2010; for a printer-friendly version of this recipe click here.

Ingredients for Crust:
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
7 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons (or more) ice water

Ingredients for Topping:
1 pound trimmed rhubarb, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/4 cup plus 5 tablespoons sugar, divided
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large egg yolk, beaten to blend
1 8-ounce container crème fraîche

Directions for Crust:
Whisk flour, sugar, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 2 tablespoons ice water; stir until dough clumps together, adding more ice water by teaspoonfuls if dough is dry. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap in plastic and chill at least 2 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled. Let dough soften 10 minutes at room temperature before rolling out.

Directions for Topping:
Combine rhubarb and 1/4 cup sugar in medium bowl; let stand at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour. Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Place large sheet of parchment on work surface; sprinkle parchment with flour. Roll out dough on parchment to 12-inch round. Transfer dough on parchment to large baking sheet. Starting in center of dough round, arrange rhubarb slices in concentric circles and slightly overlapping atop dough, leaving 1-inch plain border at edge. Gently fold dough border up over outer edge of rhubarb topping, folding and crimping dough to create decorative edge. Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of sugar over rhubarb. Dot rhubarb with butter. Brush dough edges with beaten egg. Sprinkle edges with 1 tablespoon sugar.

Bake galette until rhubarb is tender and juices are bubbling, about 1 hour. Cool galette at least 30 minutes.

Mix crème fraîche and 2 tablespoons sugar in small bowl. Cut galette into wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature with sweetened crème fraîche and a sprig of mint if you have some. Huzzah.

2011-05-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky to welcome Kate Miss of For Me, For You today. Kate has impeccable taste in style and design, and her Bits of My Weekend photos were one of the few that inspired me to start posting recaps (sometimes) of my weekends. In between her picture perfect weekends and adorable cat Wendy she somehow finds time to make the best jewelry. Kate grew up in Seattle, which I find incredibly cool (having grown up in Las Vegas.) I lived for a stint in Seattle and always love hearing about it, so I asked her to do a little post for us on that!

Although I have not lived there in quite a while, when I think about where home is to me, my gut instinct is to think of Seattle. While it was “the city” to me growing up in the ‘burbs and always seemed so magical to me when I was young, eventually the laid back attitude, very quiet hum and very gentle bustle of the city turned me off and fueled me to get the hell out and over to the insanity of New York City. But the older I get the more I fall back in love with Seattle and crave the quieter hum, the smaller city charm, and just how damn nice and positive everyone is for a place where clouds loom practically half of the year. I also cannot go any further without mentioning how beautiful Seattle is, clouds or not. There are certain parts of California and the deserts of Arizona that take my breath away, but nowhere else does that mossy green and mountain range make my heart beat like Seattle. You don’t even need to leave the city to catch a glimpse of all that beauty either, it’s right there at arms length.

So what should you do if you go for a visit? There are a million things to do, but here is a very quick day plan I like:

- Stay at The Ace. They have pretty affordable shared bathroom rooms that I can attest to being awesome. I do not like shared bathrooms, but the bathrooms are directly outside of your door, and during a summer stay I never once had to wait for someone or see another soul exit it. It’s also in a relatively convenient area in Belltown downtown, you can see the water from some of the windows, and the design of everything is top-notch.

- Visit the Seattle Art Museum, recently renovated and made even more awesome, and also visit the sculpture park on the water. Even if you’re not into the sculptures, the view of the water is really peaceful, and on a clear day you can see the Cascade Mountains.

- You have two choices I cannot decide between: drive/bus to Capitol Hill and eat at Oddfellows, or drive/bus it to Ballard and have Mexican food at La Carta De Oaxaca. If you are super lazy and do not want to leave the 'hood, walk down the Mamas.

- If you chose Capitol Hill, you can walk around Pike and Pine and visit cute shops along those streets. There's so much new stuff since I lived there! If you chose Ballard, walk down Ballard Ave to visit those cute shops. If you were lazy, walk over to Pike Place. Sure, it's touristy, but I still love it.

- Have dinner at Le Pichet, my favorite restaurant in Seattle that has amazing French food and is a close walk from The Ace. It’s fancy without feeling pretentious or too fancy.

I hope you get a chance to visit someday if you haven’t. Stay tuned for my second guest post where I suggest a different itinerary for a day!

2011-05-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

Lauren is one of my bestest blogging buddies. She is from Nashville, which is like, the coolest thing in the world to me. We love to chat about everything, life in the south, our cute cute pets, and whatever else is on our minds. But our most favorite thing to talk about is music, girl knows her music, and so I am going to let her take it from here!

A couple of years ago, I started lurking on Jamie's blog. At first, my lurking was for wedding planning inspiration, but it quickly morphed into an admiration for her aesthetic, her love of the desert... and most of all, our mutual love of much of the same music. I think I secretly thought to myself, "I could be friends with this girl" and as it turns out, I could be. And I am. And that makes me happy. It really started over a deep love of Gram Parsons. When I first saw Jamie's inspiration board for her desert wedding, a photo of Gram in his Nudie suit was right smack dab in the dead center. I knew that any woman who would use a photo of Gram on a wedding inspiration board was a bad ass motor scooter. I wasn't wrong.

For those of you who don't know much about Mr. Parsons, here is the juice: His childhood was that of Southern Gothic folklore that included a father named 'Coon Dog', alcoholic parents, and a regal name that included a roman numeral. After the suicide of his biological father when he was 12, his mother remarried and he was adopted by his step-father, which is where he got his last name. That parental relationship was tumultous also, with his step-father having an affair and his mother drinking herself to death. Of course, just like a VH1 Behind the Music, Gram turned to music as his salve for the soul. Gram went to Harvard where he surprisingly heard Merle Haggard for the first time. (I know. You would figure being from such a crazy family in the deep South that he would've heard some country music before then, but alas. This is the stuff of legend).

He moved to LA where he joined The Byrds, and was at the helm of their best album, "Sweetheart of the Rodeo", forcing the band to record it in Nashville. In fact, he was with the Byrds as they were the first 'rock' group to play on the Grand Ol' Opry. (The Opry made him get a haircut before they allowed him on the stage). He left the band in 1968 under some sketchy circumstances, but during that time he'd become pals with the Rolling Stones. "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" and Gram's songwriting really, in my opinion, mark the birth of modern Americana music, the alt-country movement and the integration of rock music with country music in a tangible way. Of course, I don't know that he realized that's what he was doing. But if you ask modern alt-country musicians if they can pinpoint the moment when the tide turned in their favor, it will almost always start with Gram. And a lot of the time, it will point directly to this album. (Gram called it Cosmic American Music).

Gram then founded The Flying Burrito Brothers. (It's time for a personal side note. Bernie Leadon, an original Burrito Bro, was the brother of my childhood guitar teacher, Tom Leadon. Tom was in MudCrutch, which was Tom Petty's first band). They continued to modernize country music, got some Nudie suits, and recorded some albums. This is where things start to change. Gram started gambling and snorting cocaine. He partied too much. He went to France and lived at Villa Nellcote with the Rolling Stones while they were recording Exile on Main Street. Legend has it that he is all OVER that album, but has no credits in the liner notes. Legend ALSO has it that Gram was the inspiration for the song "Wild Horses". I'm here to tell you that hanging with the Stones will push a borderline drug addict over the edge into full-blown addiction. When the Stones have to ask you to leave, you know you're in big trouble.

gram + keith. photo by dominique tarle.

So you get kicked out of the Stones recording sessions in the South of France. What do you do? You return home, marry this kind of unstable and much younger aspiring actress girlfriend, attemp to kick a heroin habit, and discover Emmylou Harris. Yup. After seeing her perform in a bar in DC, they became fast friends and decide to tour together. Man, those two had some steamy on-stage sexual tension. Emmylou, ever the lady, still refuses to comment on her relationship with Gram. She claims they were just close friends. But Gram's wife was on the tour, and she had some major issues with their close-ness and apparent intimacy during performances. Also along on the tour bandwagon: Phil Kaufman. Phil served as Gram's manager/wrangler. Poor Phil must've really loved Gram, because he was pretty much single-handedly responsible for Gram's "sobriety" during the tour. One night, after the funeral of a beloved friend and musician, Clarence White, Gram drunkenly told Phil that his wish was to be cremated in Joshua Tree. Gram loved the park. He would literally disappear for days in the park, doing drugs and avoiding his failing marriage. With his new girlfriend and some pals, he ventured into the park and stayed at the Joshua Tree Inn. It was here that he died of an overdose of morphine and alcohol. I guess this is what you get when you try to keep up with Keith Richards... such a shame.

But here is where the story gets REAL juicy: Gram's step-father was set to inherit Gram's share of a family estate. But first, he had to prove that Gram was a resident of the state of Louisiana. He somehow finagled a way for Gram to be buried near New Orleans, fufilling the Napoleonic Code of my home state. Gram's body was waiting at LAX. Phil Kaufman, wishing to grant the wish of his prematurely dead genius of a friend, got drunk, borrowed a hearse that had no license plate, convinced the good folks at LAX that he was supposed to transport the body elsewhere, drove drunk back to Joshua Tree with a dead Gram in the back of the hearse, poured 5 gallons of gas into the coffin, lit a match, and watched it burn. Legend has it that Emmylou, Gram Nash, and a group of friends were watching the flames of their beloved Gram lick the sky from some undisclosed location within the park. (This is the rumoured subject of Emmylou's famous tune "Boulder to Birmingham"). A few days later, Kaufman and his accomplice were arrested. The kicker? There was no law in the state of California about stealing a dead body. They were fined a few hundred bucks and got off scott free. Apparently, there is a commemorative concrete slab where Gram's body was burned. I think it might have been moved, but ever'body still apparently pays homage, painting his initials on the rocks and leaving their trinkets.

So what is it that we love so much about Gram? His whole life is fairly undocumented, and a lot of the events that formed him as a musician are the stuff of rock legend. He was a charismatic visionary, and is responsible for my love of country music. He is the easiest pill to swallow if you're just getting into the deep, deep hole that is country music. Who can resist a man who loved Emmylou and wore a Nudie suit embroidered with pot leaves, pills and a cross? Someday I will get to Joshua Tree to see where Gram spent his last hours. Granted, they were drug fueled and spent with a woman who was not his wife, but the legend remains. And hopefully I'll get there with Jamie, Ben, and their little one. You know we're gonna teach him all about this music stuff. Let's hope it sticks.

2011-05-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

Rachel is back today with a little more to help me get over my fear of sewing...

So, after you take the plunge and pick out a sewing machine, what do you do? The rational answer is to take a class. Many times, the store that sold the machine will offer a free class and you should probably take them up on it. Or you could have an experienced friend give you some lessons.

I didn't do either of those things, because I'm incredibly impatient and stubborn. I like to learn by jumping in, so I thought of some projects I'd like to do, purchased a book, read some online tutorials and got started. This works well if you're hands on and learn by troubleshooting. Have the machine manual close by at all times because you'll be referencing it constantly while you learn how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine and change the feet.

Book resources - I purchased a copy of Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol, and read through it before starting anything. It is very basic, which I prefer because it doesn't feel as overwhelming. I never did end up using many of the patterns, but reading through the instructions for each one gives you a feel for how to design your own simple projects.

Online resources - There are so many amazing online resources that it's hard to narrow it down. If you're ever trying to figure out how to do something, just search for "xyz tutorial" and start scrolling. Amy Karol has a blog and does great video tutorials as well. I love reading Freshly Picked and her tutorials are incredibly easy to understand. Sew Mama Sew has tons of tutorials and forums as well.

First projects - I wouldn't recommend starting with clothes. They use up a lot of fabric and you're likely to mess up at first. Aim for projects that use mostly straight lines and then move up. I made a lot of placemats in the beginning, using old sheets that I had found at the thrift store. This is a great way to get used to the feel of the machine without much pressure.

After the placemats, I moved up to small bags, a larger bag, an apron, a pillow case, a bathmat, and then finally tried out clothing with this top and this skirt (the skirt is actually so easy that I could have done it earlier).

And a little last word of advice - sewing will be frustrating sometimes. That's okay. The satisfied feeling you get when you complete a project is worth it, I promise. Find a little block of free time, make your space nice, pour yourself a glass of wine and start working. If you feel yourself getting fed up, take a break. It's usually easier when you come back to it.

2011-04-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

yesterday was a big day. henry turned one week old, had a growth spurt (at least i hope that explains the non stop feeding), and his grandpa arrived for his first family visitor.

after spending a week around mostly women and ben (who is a small guy) my dad's hands are HUGE on this little guy!

we are having a great time over here. off to feed! have a great weekend.

2011-04-27T07:33:00.001-07:00

I'm not gonna lie. Lauren and I became fast friends because, well, we are both crazy cat ladies. It's true. But she also knows about all of the other important things in life (buffy the vampire slayer, david bowie, twin peaks, etc). Compound that with being smart as a whip and stylish to boot, she was the perfect lady friend to ask for a little shopping advice/help/guidance as I navigate the scary waters of returning back to work (at a new office) 3 months after having a watermelon sized belly....

(above: david bowie's mug shot circa a 1976 pot bust, via another. behold the power of a good suit.)

hello, fellow desert fete fans! i'm all kinds of flattered that jamie asked me to chime in on shopping for workwear, for as you know, she's a style ninja already and doesn't need my help. that said, ninjas are known for using their surroundings to become even more deadly, which...is where i come in? i'm going to let this metaphor go.

quoth jamie,

here is what i like: skinny slacks. basic button up shirts, not "blouses". thin-white-duke-type menswear with nice tailoring. plain, the only patterns i regularly go for is stripes. boring i know. but i try and keep it dressed up and cute with shoes (vintage heels in the summer or boots in the winter. i love skinny slacks with either heels or boots.)

in college i had a tempestuous relationship with a half-french guy. his french half quoted shakespeare to me on gushy postcards from vienna and dumped me on the metro in paris; his american half was really into 2pac and hated the fact that i smoked. i made a valiant attempt to quit, but one night he discovered me curled up in a stairwell on campus, reading a book of poetry and puffing away; i was so ashamed (and weird) that i threw away the clothes i was wearing when i committed my crime. this included a circa-1965 powder blue men's tuxedo shirt, and while i only think of the guy when i hear "to live & die in LA," i mourn the loss of that shirt every day, man.

the morals of this story are that 1) one should think carefully before making promises to french or even half-french people and 2) vintage menswear should be treasured. the cheapest and most interesting way to amass it is, of course, to stake out the nearest vintage (not resale - buffalo exchange, this is not your day) shop with a decent buyer and head straight for the men's dress shirts.

(who has two thumbs and never gets tired of The Big Suit? this girl. david byrne in stop making sense, 1984.)

the narrow shoulder and crisp corners you'll find in older pieces aren't quite right for most men these days, but they translate wonderfully to women - and because they aren't quite right for most men, they tend to be comparatively inexpensive. you should be able to get out the door with the good stuff (tuxedo shirts, old pierre cardin) for $10-$20 a shirt.

speaking of old pierre cardin, your other best friend when it comes to fine shirts is ebay. throw down a "steven alan shirt" search in the women's clothing category every few days and see what turns up; if you spot a reverse seam shirt in a pattern you like for less than $50, snap that thing up. that fancy seam (essentially an inside-out hem along your ribs) provides marvelous definition, and the twisted placket at your neck is a nice added bit of detail. steven alan's simple shirting is unimpeachable, and the label's more detailed pieces (you can find pleating and ruffles if you're so inclined) are interesting rather than sweet or fussy. if you find you need something with a bit more room while you're nursing the little bug and/or dealing with new mom boobs, SA's boyfriend styles are lovely as well.

okay, you say, but surely you don't suggest i wear old pants as well. in fact i do not, but pants shall have a post of their own. see you next week!

*aside: the one time i saw david bowie in the wild here in new york he was wearing sneakers and a hoodie. spiritually i think he was still in a suit.

2011-04-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

Rachel was one of my first blog readers ever! And in turn, Heart of Light was one of the first blogs I ever read. (Back when I was planning and blogging about my wedding, and she wasn't.) (Now she is planning a wedding and I am not blogging about them, but that is not here nor there.) I am always super inspired by the way Rachel approaches life, super organized and thoughtful, but so, so rich. Her recipes and crafts are always so approachable! I have been wanting to sew this year, but I am kind of afraid to dive in. I asked her if she could some how encourage me....

Hello, ADF readers! When Jamie asked me if I could give a little advice on sewing, I totally jumped on it. I love talking about sewing.

My mom is an excellent seamstress, but I didn't grow up using the sewing machine due to a (totally rational, I think) fear that I might accidentally sew my finger. I did hand sewing instead. Lots of hand sewing. All of my model horses had outfits. Granted, horses are easy to fit, because they can basically only wear capes, but it was a start. At some point, approximately two decades later, I started to dream of all the things I could do with a machine. Clothes! For people! Bags! Hems.

I mentioned to my mom that I was thinking of diving in, and she had a really good piece of advice - figure out what you think you want to sew (if you're planning on serious quilting, your needs will be a little different) and then get the best machine you can afford.

I know that some people recommend just getting a dirt cheap machine to start with, but that would have driven me nuts. All machines are slightly different, so if you buy a machine you can grow into then you can learn all its quirks. Once you're used to a machine it can be hard to switch, so upgrading later on could be a pain. My mom had her machine for 35 years before she finally gave in and replaced it. So it's a long term investment.

Personally, I have a Janome that I'm in love with. It was pricey (they run between $300 - $400, depending on where you go and if there's a sale) and is identical to this one, except for the model year. It has all those fancy stitches I used for my felt gift wrapping - I love them. I also love the automatic buttonhole attachment - so quick and completely brainless to do buttonholes with it. There are tons of machines with different features at different price points, so do some research and read some reviews before going shopping.

And while you're at it - please do yourself a favor and pick up a couple additional basics* along with your machine. You'll want an Olfa mat, a rotary cutter and grid ruler, a good pair of scissors (never let anyone use them to cut paper) and extra bobbins. Trust me, your machine didn't come with enough bobbins.

* Wait and watch for sales at Joann's and sign up for their flyer to get coupons. I got all of this stuff at least 40% off and I always use coupons for the refills as well. I really dislike shopping here (so crowded, lots of potpourri and such), but you save so much money.

Part two coming next week!

2011-04-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

henry sparrow jerman

04.21.2011

he is the most amazing thing. in the world. ever. obviously.

2011-04-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

The weather in San Diego is officially schizophrenic. Yesterday & today windy, chilly, cloudy & a little drizzly. At least we soaked up the sun a ton over the weekend. I love sitting in the yard reading with the whole furry family. Ben declined to be photographed. I guess he is tired of being one of my main subjects? (Let that never happen to Manray.) Oh well. Soon I will have a new one. ;)

Thanks for all your super sweet comments yesterday! I hope the little guy likes his room as much as you do. (Though we all know it was really done for me, for at least a couple years.)

2011-04-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

There are still 3 things I want to make for the room. But I don't know when that will happen, and certainly as I finish one I will add another to the list. So, the baby's room is pretty much done. Wanna see?

*I ought to update this with some sources....

These were the big purchases for the room:
David Netto Cub Crib (bought on craigslist)
Icosa Lamp (Found on clearance at Design Public thanks to a savvy reader)
String Pocket Shelves
Toy bench inspired by Made by Joel and fabricated by our friend Francis

Some little purchases:
Lots of Ikea Ribba frames
Ikea Ribba ledge (for books)
Leka baby gym
Fuz Floppy Felt baskets
Sleepy fox
Grey Bedding
Pendleton Blanket
Wool Blanket
My Favorite outfit
Owl piggy bank
Rug

The little bunting and the wood numbers above the books I made. And the printing on the pillow in his crib.

Pretty much everything else was re purposed from the rest of the house, almost all vintage stuff we already owned. Plus a few post pregnancy vintage finds, and some gifts.

Special thanks to Carinna & Angie for helping me futz around in there for hours. And Carinna for painting with me. And Alyson & Kate & Celia. ;)

2011-04-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the REI used gear sale here in San Diego. I LOVE the used gear sale, we have gotten the best camping stuff at crazy cheap prices. (If we are not having a baby) I hope to go and find some sort of shade structure for the beach for this summer. I like these tent type ones, but would like something smaller. Do you have any suggestions? We are also in the market for a cargo roof rack. Since installing a car seat our little car seems really little. Hooray for preparing for SUMMER ADVENTURES!

2011-04-13T05:55:00.000-07:00

If you have been following along over at Hank & Lucy, you know that I could have a baby any time.* (Tomorrow? In 2 weeks? After I publish this post? BEFORE I publish this post, since I am scheduling it for another day???**) When that happens I will take a bit of a blogging maternity leave. But fret not! In my absence I have some really great guest posts lined up. (And a few gratuitous baby photos, to be sure.) Just wanted you to know. So don't be a stranger, k? You will like what I got, top quality stuff, I promise. *and celia had one last week! **no, i did not

2011-04-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

This list by Haley Ann is a nice reminder that sometimes to do lists can be really, really fun too.

2011-04-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

Just a few quiet moments from around the house this weekend. ♥

2011-04-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a heads up from Britt, I was flipping through the CB2 catalog, shot at a few of our favorite desert retreats, and there was the house we stayed at for my birthday! I realized I never told you all about the place...! I guess I need to update the guide with another gem.

The Rock Reach House is in the private & secluded hills outside of Yucca Valley (just up the road from Joshua Tree proper) and is available for rent. (Eeep!) The ladies of this kick ass party rented it, too. The solar powered house uses a grey water system (and lots of other cool sustainable features that you can read about here), and was built with a really nifty construction system that allows the house to sit very lightly on the land, causing minimal intrusion and damage. Not to mention the fact that it was primarily put together with prefabricated factory elements. (Which can greatly reduce construction waste in lots of ways.) (For more check out the dwell article on the house.)

We love the way it was situated in with the landscape. You leave your car down at the carport and walk up the path to the house, which is surrounded by bouldery goodness all right outside your (very large, open, glass) doorstep. We hiked all around the property and didn't see another person! Also, they are working on the installation of a second house on the property (awesome for big groups!) and you can watch the process (very cool) here.

It was such a perfect retreat for the 4 of us. A home base for park adventures, luxurious surroundings for making dinner in, playing board games, listening to music, and enjoying the epic front deck. Sigh. When can we go back? images via dwell

2011-04-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

4 things I need/want from the General Store.

1. Matching mugs for Ben & I.
2. Hanging planter for the baby's room.
3. French sneakers for the summer. I think I need some sneakers in my closet, seeing as I will be a mom?
4. Deck towel for all of our aquatic adventures to come....

2011-04-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

We had some nice summer like weather, and I have been drinking smoothies for breakfast non stop. Ben and I hung out in the yard alot, catching up on reading, cuddling the dogs, playing ping pong, and eating dinners on the grass. Why are sandwiches always better when someone else makes them for you? Especially when Carinna makes them? I find myself puttering around in the baby's room a lot. It is so cute in there! This rad little shop opened up in our neighborhood, they sell vintage & "upcycled" furniture & home stuff. The best part is they are on a previously unused lot and the whole structure is "upcycled".... Old shipping containers. Rad!

2011-03-31T08:26:00.000-07:00

My friend Shelly and her adorable family are in the midst of a 5 week working vacation in Costa Rica. Shelly and her husband are self employed, and able to work remotely. So they decided to head on down to the beach and rent a house, and kind of test the waters for the possibility of doing the same thing, but for a year. How cool is that? I love this picture of Shelly working and her daughter Pixel (!) working on homework.

2011-03-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

We have been watching To Kill A Mockingbird. (We can't get through a whole movie in one evening.)

It does a few unexpected things.....

1) rips at my heartstrings for a porch. the porches on this set are epic. have we ever discussed my love of a good porch? i fucking love porches.

2) rips at my heartstrings for hot summer nights. (almost non existent in san diego, even when we do get a real summer.)

3) makes me want to live somewhere a little... quaint? where kids can ramble around the neighborhood....

4) makes me further reconsider our one child only policy. (something that usually happens when we watch united states of tara, which always makes me feel funny that a show about a cookoo crazy family makes me want two kids.)

my conclusion? we move to the south and have two babies and sit on our porch all summer long.

movie still via

2011-03-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

I don't seem to have too much to say this week. Maybe I will later. Except it is SPRING! Super showery here, I don't mind too much. Looking forward to the warming of weather and longer days and spring babies!

photo by mocha for 2 via moccasin telegraph

2011-03-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow the full moon is going to be bigger (aka closer) than it has been in 19 years. NPR said so. I just can't find the link.

Collage by Ivan Sanjuan

2011-03-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

He would lay balanced like this all day, if you would let him. He doesn't care, as long as he is being held. See how relaxed?

2011-03-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Remember those cactus stamps? Well little did I know that Christine of the Postage Service had included some in the goodie bags at HITCHED. (Right along side my Desert Wedding Guide!) Being a good vendor I did not take a goodie bag (they were for the guests, right?) and missed out. :( Sweetly, she sent me some in the mail! And look at the package they came in? She really makes stamping an art form. And the Postage Service will help you make your mail art, too. She also included a little goodie bag of misc vintage stamps which had (among many other things) owls!

The only problem is, I am going to be afraid to ever use any of them! How do I get over that?

2011-03-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

All I got. Take it or leave it. 3 washed out (by the crappy work scanner) fuji instax pics.

1) Ben, who walks around the house singing and strumming his guitar.

2) Angie relaxing after my sweet baby shower.

3) Manray in the best seat in the house, obv.

2011-03-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

Mindblown. New York Times. Field Lab.

2011-03-10T05:45:00.000-08:00

Remember I mentioned crafting over the weekend? Well, I printed a pillow for the baby's room! It was so fun, and pretty easy. My dad bought me Lena Corwin's book for Christmas, and it was really nice to have a guide (I usually just go for things...), it gave me extra confidence that I was choosing the right ink, etc. I am not crazy about the back (the half circles), but am pretty pleased with the front. (Triangles!) I can't wait to print more stuff! Oh, and this would be item 15 from the 30 list. Yes!

2011-03-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

Incredible Kidda Band.

(A little 70's British Power Pop for your Wednesday mornin'.)

2011-03-08T12:05:00.001-08:00

Where does a city girl like me get a plain old wooden stump for her baby's room?

Look here, behind Carinna's legs and between the butterfly chairs. I don't mean a stump like this. Nice and all, but I am thinking a fraction of the cost should do it.... Any one? Any one? I don't even know what words to search in craigslist. (pictured on the porch of the rockreach house.)

2011-03-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to be the kind of nut who carries around a glass jar of water, but just couldn't do it. But then a few things happened at once. Ben and I both happened to lose our water bottles, we heard this charming story, and we picked out some glass bottles to try out for the baby. Suddenly in the market for new water bottles, I realized there must also be an adult version? Voila! Check out these cuties (which we picked up at Whole Foods) in a silicone sleeve! I am in love.

2011-03-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else have trouble balancing doing too much vs too little?

Last weekend was a case of the too littles. After an especially busy and tiring week I just wanted to relax. But that led to restlessness, and subsequently getting grumpy with Ben when he failed to entertain me (sorry Ben). Then of course there are the weekends when I just do too much.

This weekend was a pretty damn fine balance. Pictured: I spent time with Angie (how great are the colors in her shirt?) and Ben (who has a sharp new haircut), reading, unpacking baby supplies that are starting to arrive in earnest, chipping away at his room (it's looking so good! I can't wait until it is done and I can share it with you!), crafting (! Finally! I have been itching to craft for ever, but am just starting to find the time) sitting out in the sun (more reading), more crafting (I will share the projects later), and writing baby shower thank you notes (I love Ben's curly little handwriting).

I will admit to being pretty exhausted by the time we were almost done deep cleaning the kitchen yesterday late afternoon, but Ben was a champ and finished up- then went on to making dinner, while I went on to more relaxing activities. It is amazing how sore/tired I get with a bit of activity being late in the pregnancy, even though I am not that big....!

2011-03-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

I might be in the market for an affordable throw pillow (/cover). Preferably with a triangle motif?

These are the four I spied on etsy:

1: Leah Duncan. $34.00

2: spinspin $49.00

3: Hazel and Hunter. $31.60

4: Leah Duncan. $34.00

Have you seen any around?

2011-03-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

{erin hearts court}

It is about damn time I do a little post of the diorama I made with Britt for Hitched (for those of you who have not seen it on the other blogs).

{max wanger}

We wanted to collaborate using her awesome miniature plant skills and my illustration/design addiction, and came up with this little (pioneertown inspired) western wedding town, complete with a wedding aisle, chapel, saloon, horse corral, and teepee honey moon suite (of course).

{brandon kidd}

How bitchin' is this tumbleweed chandelier Britt hung up?

{love me sailor}

And for a touch of practicality, we made the whole thing an interactive guest book. Guests leave little notes of well wishes for the couple on the flags.

{amelia lyon}

{erin hearts court}

And of course my desert wedding guide! I will try and think of a way to share it digitally, for anyone interested.

If you have not already, see the full event on 100 layer cake. So much goodness!

Thanks again to everyone. The hitched gals, all the amazing and sweet photographers. The other crazy talented people involved, and of course my ♥ Britty.

2011-02-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

Some recent acquisitions: a Scout & Catalogue pouch & a vintage enamel copco tea kettle. And {update} fresh eggs. The botanist's chickens are {finally!} laying enough eggs for him to sell me some.

Yum.

2011-02-26T09:49:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 5 this morning and could not fall back asleep.

So I gave the blog a new look. Come on over from your reader, I hope you like it.

Now maybe a nap?