Valentine's Day 2011

Thinking about Valentine's Day.....

My Mistress's Sparrow Is Dead: Great Love Stories, from Chekhov to Munro (proceeds go to free youth writing programs - bonus!)

Lovebirdies Vase, $44 from Etsy Seller redhotpottery

Tom's shoes (the recipient will love them doubly for knowing that another pair was donated to a needy child), this particular pair is $44.

Nothing is real but dreams and love poster, $18 from Etsy seller fifiduvie

Red Velvet Macaroons from the recipe at Delectable Deliciousness

Autumn

Let's ignore the fact that it's going to be 108 degrees today.  It's almost fall.  School has started, catalogs of Halloween costumes are out, and the nights are growing cooler. My sister and I were daydreaming about sitting out on the porch with a good book, a sweater, and a cup of hot tea smelling the crisp autumn air . . . ooooooooh, I can't wait!  Until then, I can swoon over these:

His for Fall:

Kenneth Cole Reaction Motorcycle Jacket

The North Face Men's Hayden Shoe

J Crew Argyle Sweater

Hers for Fall:

Frye Paige Tall Riding Boot

Banana Republic Wool Cloche

Anthropologie O'Reilly Jacket

Anthropologie Sugar-Coated Shirtdress

For Baby:

Next Knitted Romper

For the Home:

CB2 Branch Mat

Sundance Catalog Four Winds Throw

I'm guessing there are inexpensive versions of all of the above.  I'm off to find them.

You Are My Sunshine (July 25-July 31, 2010)

One of my favorite things to do in California is visit The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino (right by Pasadena).  It has two nice little galleries and gardens that will feed your soul.  My favorite is the Japanese garden.  Ahhhhh...just look:

Glorious.  They also host lectures and plant sales regularly. 

In their permanent collection are Thomas Gainsborough’s Blue Boy:

and Edward Hopper's The Long Leg

Check it out if you're in the area.  After a weekend in LA, it's the most calming, refreshing thing I can think of.  Oh, and have some tea while you're there. 

BB, on the other hand prefers a trip to Amoeba Records on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.  (We've not yet been to their two other locations).  It's not just a store, it's also a venue.  Check out their live music schedule here, and go early.  One more important thing to keep in mind about Amoeba  - they are devoted to sharing their profits with some wonderful organizations, such as the Rainforest Action Network, the Humane Society, and AIDS/Lifecycle.  So go there, pick up some new or used cds or vinyl or posters or movies, etc, etc, etc, and feel good about it!  Besides, MP3 files can't replicate the ambiance of vinyl.