Lookin' for a little fun?

This Saturday round up the girlfriends and head out to Valley Center for a little shopping and noshing at Magnolia Creek & Co. Atelier.  MC Atelier is hosting their first three day event at their new garden location.  Saturday they will be having featured guests: Pam Ray, co-founder and Bethany Jensen food photographer of NutriMirror.com to promote the new book Balanced Days, Balanced Lives.  Sample delightful recipes from the book while sipping a delicious MC Atelier apertif.
I hope you can make it.  Help support this local talent, and shop what I know will be an amazing collection of European antiques and carefully curated vintage pieces.

Magnolia Creek & Co. Atelier
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday OCT. 1-3, 10-5 p.m.
31339 Valley Center Road
Valley Center, CA 92082 

images from here

A peek inside

A peek inside "Lourriane's " pocketbook reveals she is a simple gal, who enjoys life's little luxuries.

She doesn't have a car, just a key to her apartment.  There is always foreign currency mingling with with her money.  She likes to splurge on lipgloss.  Her signature color is an orange red, she likes the stain it leaves behind on her starbucks coffee cup.  Her drink?  Doppio espresso.  She reads the paper.  She lives in the moment.  She never carries her cell phone, but checks her messages 3 times a day.
Lorraine's only flaw?  She is a vegan. {wink}

glasses, lipgloss, cash, keychain, mints, pocketbook

In a funk

I am not so sure what has been wrong with me the past couple of days, but I have been in a funk.  Not inspired.  Not motivated.  No, I am not depressed.  Just a little tired.  I haven't even had the desire to read my blogs, but I forced myself today.  Glad I did.

Leave it to Color Collective blog to help me out of this slump funk.

I am baaaaaack.

Pocketbooks are on sale!

Pocketbooks on sale at below wholesale prices!!!  Buy yours NOW!  No seriously, buy it right now.  I leaked the sale to my tweeps on twitter and friends on facebook, and they bought almost all of them.  There are just a few left, so get them while you can.  SALE ENDS MONDAY, but they will be gone before then.

time's up

Well it's officially Fall, although it doesn't really feel like it around here.  But for many, the rhythm of fall is in full swing.  For some of you that means the kiddos are back in school.  For others (me) it means enjoying Legoland with 10 other people in the park -- the place is a ghost town during the week.  Fall is the welcoming comfort of spiced baked goods: pumpkin this, and apple cinnamon that.  Oh and of course, Fall means one of my favorite things, FOOTBALL!

So long summer, your time is up.    Fall to me, feels more like the beginning of something new than new years.  What do you love about Fall?

I hope you all have a great weekend!

P.S. Don't forget to check out our SAMPLE SALE.   Some of our pocketbooks are below wholesale prices.

images by Matt Albiani

The F word

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

I found this quote on twitter last night.  Sorry I don't know who said it.

image found on Pink Lemonade Design

It's pretty, but....

As you all know, I am no interior designer.  Heck, I couldn't even call myself and interior decorator, and I hear that is a no no.  But this bathroom buhhhgs me.  Obviously it's pretty, but let me share with you two things that drive me up a wall.

First.  What the heck is the that garden stool doing in the middle of the shot, under the sink?  What purpose does it serve?!  Is there tile missing in that spot?  Well heck, put a basket filled with towels* there instead.  That would make more sense! 

Second.  I hate there is a table (styled with tea for two) and chairs in the bathroom.    I don't like this idea.  A chair, sure.  I get it, that makes sense.  Ro' and I always talk to each other while one is in the shower.  BUT A DINING AREA IN THE BATHROOM?!!!  Something about it really, REALLY buhhhhgs me.  Am I going to call my girlfriends, and invite them over for tea while I bathe?!  I just don't get it.  Do you?


*I picture every designer (all 3) who read this post, rolling their eyes and thinking a basket of towels is so obvious and elementary.  (tee hee hee)

image from House Beautiful

Left Behind: Part Rue

Have you checked out the premier issue of  Rue Magazine?  Well as I was flipping clicking through the pages, I noticed a couple things I left behind that  were featured, or could have been featured in the magazine.

Last Saturday I made a little stop at the Community Resource Center in Encinitas - the entire store was 50% off.  Well, they had a pair of book ends just like the one featured in Rue.  If you want them, you should stop in and see if they are still there.

Next.  I think this chair...

...would have been perfect for this layout.

F.Y.I., while we are on the subject of online mags, the fall issue of Sweet Paul magazine is out.  Three words, dee-lish-us!

Images 1 & 3 from Rue Magazine

Left Behind: Part 1

The Estate Sale

It killed me to leave this sofa behind.  Honestly, minus the carpet, I would have taken this whole room and transplanted it into my home.

I am obsessed with headboards lately.  This one was calling me, or maybe the house was haunted and I was just hearing the voice of a ghost. 

These two were easy to leave behind, because I knew they were going to a good home.  Check out who scored the deal of the century on these mid-century beauties.   Lucky, lucky girl.

Ummmmm, I am pretty sure this belonged to Rosita Missoni when she was a little girl.  The pattern.  The colors.  Beautiful.

Love it.  Sorry I had to leave it.

My mom has a pair of these chairs, which she is having reupholstered as I type.  I left this one behind because I am hoping she leaves me hers in her will.

Michelle, why did I leave this behind?  I just looked myself in the mirror and slapped my face. What was I thinking?!  I am convinced that Michelle went back and bought it for herself.  Michelle, you better not let me catch you in this cardigan!

Horrible picture.  Adorable piece.  It was already sold by the time I saw it, or it would have been mine.  Mine, mine, mine.  I just know the guy who bought it is going to junk it up with clown figurines and old VHS tapes.  He didn't appreciate it's charm - I could tell.

Stay tuned for part 2

recipe exchange

There's nothing like a good ol' modern recipe exchange to get you inspired in the kitchen.  You can thank Michelle for this awesome idea. Michelle has rounded up a handful of bloggers to take place in this online exchange.  Once your finished  drooling over my recipe, be sure to check out the other bloggers (listed below) who are participating as well.  Oh and please let me know if you make my dish, I would love to hear your praise thoughts.  Enjoy!

Black Bean Soup, with Chili, Coconut Milk & Lime
2 Tbs Olive Oil
1 Small onion, peeled and finely diced
1.5 tsp ground cumin seeds ( I just use   1.5 Tbs of cumin powder -- yes Tbs)
1 tsp ground chipotle chili (I just use 3 chili's from the can and some sauce)
1/4 cups cilantro leaves, plus extra for garnish
3 cups water or chicken stock
2 15-ounce cans black beans
1 can coconut milk
Sea salt
Juice of 2 fresh limes

Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat.  Add onion, cumin, chili, and cilantro.  Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.  Add 1/2 cup of  water/stock.  Lower heat and cook until onion has softened, about 12 minutes.

Add beans including liquid, remaining water, and coconut milk.  Bring to a boil.  Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove pot from heat.  Gently pour soup into blender, and puree.  This might take 2-3 batches.  IT WILL NOT ALL FIT IN THE BLENDER AT ONCE.  Once all the soup has been pureed return to pot, add salt, and lime juice.  Ladle into bowls, and garnish with cilantro.  Makes about 6 cups.

This soup works well as an appetizer, but with the addition of cooked rice it makes a substantial main course.  Also, there are many options for garnishing this hearty dish.  I also like to drizzle fresh crema (Mexicana) over the top, and garnish with tomatoes and cilantro.  There are so many options, let me know what you try.

Please visit these bloggers for more inspiration both in the kitchen and out.
 Michelle from Studio Surface
Ana from Live & Enliven
Estelle from Under a Pink Moon
Damaris from Kitchen Corners
Suzie from Cupcake Monkey
Susan from House of Brinson

Recipe from House Beautiful back in 2006.  I cannot find the image source for the life of me-sorry

thrift scores

Once again Michelle joined me Friday for a little thrift trip into Escondido.  Just look at some of what I scored.  Michelle didn't do too shabby either, check out her finds.

 

This Vera scarf is in perfect condition, and just waiting to be used in a bink & boo creation.  The wood beads are one of my favorite finds from Friday - actually Michelle found them for me.  And the leaf tray is beautiful, my husband thinks different.

Another Vera scarf. I can't believe I scored two in one day!

Eat your heart out sf girl by bay.  This picture does not do this painting justice, the colors are Uh-Mazing, and this was a total score at $4.  $4 FREAKING DOLLARS!

I am so excited about this last picture.  The fabric will soon be turned into pocketbooks - I love the orange and blue together.  And the tray...well, I am going to have the ampersand from my logo added to it.  All in all Friday was the most amazing thrift day.  Thanks for joining me Michelle.

P.S. I am looking for someone new to join me this Friday.  Michelle has been kicked out of my thrift trip club after scoring the most amazing black coach bag.  I didn't realize she was such competition.  Hope you enjoyed your last thrift trip Michelle.  {wink}

My mom

My mom makes her debut in a "rap" video.  I am not joking.  My mom is the most awesome woman that I know, and she is pretty darn cool.  Grab one of your kids diapers before you watch this hilarious political rap commercial -- you will pee your pants laughing.  Click here to watch it

Oh, my mom is the woman behind the laptop with glasses and short hair.

Hope you enjoy...

...your weekend that is.  Do you have any big plans?  Are you making/baking something this weekend?  I hope to finish my shelves, and find time to whip this up or maybe some of these.  I am craving fall.

images by Matt Albiani

No need

It's not even 6 a.m. on Thursday, and already I have spied (online) items that I will be leaving behind.  Oh how I wish I  had a need for these things.

Isn't this desk amazing?!  I want to  know the story behind it.  I want to know everyone who has used this desk and what they used it for.  I need to know.  I have never seen anything like it.  Have you?

It is taking everything in me to not sneak this into our garage and have it reupholstered.  I need to NOT want this, but I do.  Oh, I do.

And this little cutie.  I love it!  I want to play the spindles like a harp? 

If you "need" here is the location of the sale.  I am off to a few estate sales, on the hunt for things I "need...like fabric.  Enjoy your day lovelies!

A little random

I just wanted to share a few things from around the web that I like, that make me smile, and that worry me.

 First

I am  sooooo in like with Ana Degenaar's blog banner.  It's just makes me happy.

Second
I recently came across the blog Aunt Peaches, and her bio had me in stitches.

"If it's spangled, feathered or dipped in chocolate—I'll love it.
If it can be made on the cheap—even better.

Hey You!  I'm Peaches: new aunt, artist, wannabe photographer, expert city dweller, World Class Diet Coke Connoisseur. My hands are always moving. My toenails are tangerine. I’m really good at procrastinating. Can’t remember the last time my sink wasn’t filled with dirty dishes. Didn’t get my driver’s license until a was twenty-nine. Did I mention it was my third attempt?
I don't own an alarm clock. I wake up to church bells and cat hair. I spend way too much time watching late-night reruns of The Cosby Show. But really, I spend most of the time time feeling like a bucktoothed country mouse in a sea of uber-cool city mice. Folks round here make fun of me for using terms like beauty salon and y’all and peckerwood and please and thank you. It's ok because I make fun of them for using sausage as a verb.
I like it here.
People pay me to sit in an office where they give me stuff and say make it pretty. Yup, it’s awesome.  Despite the creative awesomeness of The Job, I need a place to write about cool shit, like my cat’s new party hat and glitter encrusted disco dinosaurs.  Welcome to my blog.."

I want to be friends with Aunt Peaches.

And Finally
I am sure most of you read My Favorite and My Best?  Well yesterday's post has me a little worried.

What's wrong with this room?  Other than the ottoman (not so crazy about it).

Or how about this room?  Well according to Miss. MFAMB, PLENTY!  I liked them.  I wish my place looked this pulled together.  FYI blogger friends, this is why I have not invited any of you over.  My goodness!  If these spaces make her want to "punch herself in the face" (her words), I can only imagine what my place would make you ladies want to do.  I picture all of you shouting at each other, then someone ripping down my drapes.  I can hear one of you screaming, "WHHHHHAT, NO GINGER JARS!?"  I imagine another one of you slapping me back and forth as you yell at me to get to Target and pick up the freaking John Derian items I left behind.  Then in a fit of rage you would all set fire to the place, and watch it burn while laughing MWAHAHAHAHAHA.  I know, I know, I am just a little dramatic.

P.S. You don't  wanna' know what she thinks about these things?  But I am going to tell you anyway.

"I hate these f'ing banner garland things used for anything other than a f'ing party.  in fact just about every crafty handmade home decor is on shaky ground with me.  in fact etsy can go f*%! itself.  ooooo i'm angry!!!"

Thank goodness I have never had the opportunity to hand her my business card.  I am pretty sure she would torch it, throw it in my face, and then throat punch me.  F.Y.I. my business card is garland made with bink & boo fabrics.  I thought it was cute, but I am definitely rethinking it.

Images: first, second, all the rest

Yes...

...it's still summer.  Does it feel like it in your neck of the woods?

P.S. Thank you Pink Lemonade for introducing me to Matt Albiani. 
Images by Matt Albiani

Friday's finds

My shelves!  I got my shelves!!!  They were there waiting patiently for me to come back.  Of course I will be giving them a little tlc in the form of a fresh coat of white paint.  These shelves couldn't be more perfect to display our goods.  I did a little work on them this weekend, and hope to have them finished by next week.

This coat is the freaking cutest!  It's the most perfect redish-orange.  However, I think I ruined it when I tried to wash it today.  Yes I tried washing it.  I WASH EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING, that I buy at thrift stores.  Up until today I have never ruined anything.  Hope it's ok, but if not I won't lose sleep over it -- the coat was CRAZY cheap.  Besides, look what else I scored.

I yanked this little gem right of the roller rack.  It's classic.  It's comfortable. And, it's just my style. 

I see these vintage mirrored trays all the time.  I think they're cute, but not my thing...or so I thought.  Not sure what came over me, but I saw this one and decided I must have it.  Now I must have a couple more.

I would also like a couple more of these jars...if I could find them.  I usually see them in colored glass, but never clear.

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this fabric.  It has such a vintage vibe, but it's not vintage.  I am a sucker for a bold graphic pattern, especially in navy and white.  This pattern has pocketbook written all over it.

***UPDATE***
The coat is fine, as far as I can tell.  Yippeee!

Weekend Update

I kicked the weekend off with this funny lady, and a little thrift trip to one of my favorite spots.  I will share the contents of my cart later this afternoon.

On Saturday Bronson woke up saying "a-go, a-go" over and over.  When he wouldn't eat his waffles, I realized he meant Lego.  Translation, mom please take me to Legoland.  Thanks again mom & dad for the Legoland season pass.  I thought it would be busy (the weekend and all), but the place was a ghost town in the morning.  We left around 11:30, just as the crowds started to roll in.

Sunday night I made a big ol' plate of chicken nachos, and we welcomed one of the many familiar comforts of fall, football...and food.  We watched my Cowboys loose, planned out our week, and watched Bronson eat his first jalapeno -- he quickly spit it out.  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. Make it a great week!

Enjoy

Well I am off for a morning of thrifting with Miss Michelle.  I am on the hunt for fabric (of course), a mirror, and a shelving unit.  Last time I was at AMVETS there were these shelves I was interested in, but of course I didn't buy them.  (I don't know what my problem is).  I hope they are there today, because I want them.   What are you on the hunt for?  I love to know what other people collect or buy when they are thrifting.

Have a great weekend!

P.S.  I wish I had an old Wagoneer to haul my treasures in.

***UPDATE***

I GOT THE SHELVES (yes i am shouting)!!!  So excited they were there waiting for me.  Now the dirty work...I need to paint them white.

image by Matt Albiani