Vena Cava for Converse

Directly above and below: photographs courtesy of Viva Vena Cava

Seriously crushing on the Vena Cava ladies and these shoes.

First they did a fun Palm Springs shopping guide for Lucky,
and then of course they have their quirky blog,
now these shoes!
I haven't bought a pair of Converse in over a decade, but I love these. Plus, they are for a good cause: a portion of the sales from these sneakers will go to the (RED) global fund to fight AIDS.

Tomory and I took our traditional Day After Thanksgiving Walk on the beach. It was actually yesterday, as I had to work at the clinic on Friday.

Windy but gorgeous.
There were film crews about, and other people snapping photos of each other.
We saw a seagull playing with a little stick: he would fly up into the air with it, then drop it, then try to catch it before it hit the ground.

It felt a little odd walking without some of our friends that we usually walk with, but it was still nice.

Afterwards, we browsed books at Hennessey and Ingalls and had dinner at K-Zo with Cheryl, Max & N8.

Great day.

Felt good.

For Giving and Receiving

Cheryl Cambras Yeti Cards $12 for 5

Clare Vivier Wrist Wrap $69

Heath Ceramics Single Serving Espresso Set $50 (cup, tray, & teaspoon)

Saipua Soaps $6- $12 each

It's the little things...

Images from Thursday.
A beautiful day and meal at Hadley & Thomas' house that included a cranberry kumquat relish with kumquats from their own tree. It was like summertime again in L.A. yesterday.
Wonderful food, wonderful company.

** Further markdowns on the last couple of items in the shop.

Corner View: Menu al Dia: Chico's Cafe

I live in a predominately Latino neighborhood, so for today's Corner View, I chose Chilaquiles as the item on the Menu al día.

Most places in our neighborhood do some kind of version of this: tortilla chips cooked in a mildly spicy red or tangy green sauce. I usually have mine with a scrambled egg on top, and you are usually served rice and beans on the side.

I like to have it for breakfast every once in a while, but you can eat it for lunch & dinner, too (and I like to get the Cafe de Olla with it- a cinnamon flavored sweet coffee).

My favorite version is at Chico's Cafe, which is a tiny place, with great murals, run by a sweet family. Click here for more menu items!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chico's Cafe

100 N Ave 50
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 254-2445

Mieke Willems Pincushions

The saga of the pincushions! I finally received them in mail...after thinking the one on the right was lost in the mail - it was returned to the Mieke Willems gals, and they re-sent the package to me. They are beautiful! They were beautifully wrapped...and Veronik & Mieke even sent me this cute little mouse as well. Thanks ladies!

Alma Allen at Heath Ceramics

Went and saw Alma Allen's exhibit at Heath Ceramics over the weekend. Kind of tuckered out, so I'll let the work speak for itself, however I highly recommend seeing the show while you can. Through January 4th.

Holiday ERMIE

Getting ready to make a couple of dresses/tunics (you an even use them as a nightie) made with very fine, soft, shot -cotton. Hand-screen printed with Prussian Blue ink. One in a pine - needle color, one in a chestnut brown. They will be trimmed in dark-blue Liberty Tana Lawn. Also planning on making a couple more cowls, in deep plum, and this beautiful red yarn. Gotta get to work!

When I grow up...

...I want to be Iris Apfel!

Some of these images are from the book (on my Christmas wish list!)
Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel
which accompanies the traveling exhibit currently on view at the Peabody Essex Museum.
Iris Apfel is co-founder of the international textile company Old World Weavers and an authority on antique fabrics.

Elements of Style According to Iris Apfel:

1. Never take yourself or an outfit too seriously.

2. Visit the animal kingdom.

3. Consider the clergy.

4. Travel widely.

5. Go high and low.

6. Don’t fret about your age.

7. Don’t be afraid to stop traffic.

Mad Props...

$88.00 Navajo Dress

$62.00 Big Wings Necklace

$58.00 Waves of Color Dress

$36.00 Slouchy Tie Top

$72.00 Heavy Metal Necklace

...to my friend Camille for getting the online version of her store LADY up and running! Now gals from all over the place can have access to her selection of fun, well-priced wares! People always ask me where I get my crazy chunky jewelry from: Lady is the answer!