Altar

I came across this little altar during my hike the other morning.  As I leaned over to stretch at the top of the hill, a feather caught my eye.  Walking up to it, I saw all of these beautiful objects lovingly placed -- I wonder over time or all at once, by adult or by child?  I'll bring my offering next time.

Worth coveting lately

 Horseshoe earrings by the Modernist, from Mille.  I can see myself wearing these non-stop this fall.

Sometimes there are things in life that don't make sense, until they just do.  These Saarinen tulip tables are like that for me -- I never grasped their perfection until now, and I want them desperately. 

 Erie Basin lapis beetle pendant.

I'm jumping on the bootie bandwagon.  I've wanted some Rachel Comeys for years, but can't afford them.  In the mean time, Madewell to the rescue.  (I may or may not have these already sitting in a box in my closet, waiting for cooler temps).

Lastly, how about these heavy duty clippers?  Similar to the vintage ones I already have, these look ready to do some serious work.  I'm not alone, as they're already sold out -- Japanese hand-forged clippers from Kaufman Mercantile.

Recent acquisitions

I've had some luck lately at the thrift store.  I think most people go for the shinier objects, but when I see brown, rusty metal or hand-knotted wire, I dive right in.  These three clippers have served me well this summer, and I recently found this denim jacket with generous pockets to wear while working.  I'm pretty sure these tools work better than any new ones, based solely on the amount of wear they've already seen. 

Roland Test Film

I bought a camera several months ago at the thrift store, not knowing what it was.  I knew it was German and looked cool, and had a nice leather case.  Once I got it home, though, and looked it up, I learned I had a small treasure in my hands - a Roland Plasmat from the early 1930s.  Unfortunately, the lens didn't focus, so I had to get it repaired.  I just got it back, and ran a roll of film through.  I'm still learning getting acquainted with the shutter speeds, focus, and framing, but I already love the softness it produces.  Is this what 1933 looked like?

Collections

I collect too many things.  But I love them and enjoy arranging and rearranging them, reminding myself of where they've come from and the stories each thing holds.  I've always collected beach detritus -- shells, rocks, glass, doorknobs, etc.  Thankfully, I also love finding old dishes to put them in.  I have many bowls around the house, full of memories. 

2012 Gift Guide

Here are some items I've got on my Christmas list, to give and to receive.  I know so many smart, stylish, heartfelt women who I'd love to give one of everything to.  Until then, here's a round up of some of what I would give to them in my dream world.

A stylish monogrammed clutch from Clare Vivier, $193. 

Insanely useful sheers for the garden, flower arranging, or any quick snip.  Image on left from Organic Gardening, showing some Felco pruners, about $50. Sophie Conran pruners, $32, on right.

Another stylish clutch.  You can never have too many.  I love the cast brass details on these made in LA ones, by Samantha Grisdale. 

Although girlier than she might want to admit, these flowery pjs in a Liberty print will make Sunday mornings brighter.  $198 from Elizabeth Cotton (shown above), or J. Crew.

A charming carry-all trug for garden supplies, hand made in Sussex, $125. 

Soap made for queens' hands.  Soap stones by Pelle, $8-$32.

 Sewing lessons (just a refresher, really) at Sew L.A.  $85

Rodin Olio Lusso, $150, for glowing skin and a soft scent.  Available at Broome St. General Store or Clare Vivier.  Image via Editor.com.

A tin of tea, or sample box, for afternoons in the low winter light.  Bellocq Tea can be found at Broome St. General Store, prices vary.

A handmade bud vase that is reminiscent of her grandmother and Vermont in the 60s.Judy Jackson tiny bottle vases, $29, from Lake or Sumi's.

Snails and other things

These past month has been very busy here in the wilds of LA.  We've had several wonderful visitors, with more to come.  Paired with our trip to the jungle, a job promotion, and getting back into design coursework, I have been swamped.  As part of a Trees class I am taking, I spent last weekend in Palm Springs and Idyllwild, and will post pictures soon (so many trees!). This past weekend we were in north Mississippi, celebrating a lovely marriage (pictures also forthcoming).  In these busy weeks, I have stumbled across several things worth sharing:

When I need to switch careers someday, I might begin farming snails.

If the world feels too big, wear it on your hand.

I'm thinking ahead to Christmas, and what I will get for all of the lovely women I know.

This planter is calling my name.

I'm also interested in this method for growing some baby lettuces, but am a little concerned about what that tarpaulin might leach into the soil.

The soft carvings by Chris Weaver, pictured above, which are tools made from New Zealand driftwood, have captured my imagination.  It might be time to bring out the carving tools I bought on a whim in college.  Found via Jen Causey's Pinterest.

Driftwood Mobiles

Reba Stewart, driftwood mobiles (1961-62).

Let's Get Horticultural

Happy Valentine's Day.

Card by my buddy JillKinLA.

Finds

My latest find – a set of petite engraved notes for different occasions (59¢ at a thrift store that will remain anonymous).  I have more invitations to Cocktails than I could ever have use for.

Cacti Galore

We took a field trip to the California Cactus Center this weekend, the ultimate spot to buy museum worthy specimens.  I dare you to leave without a new potted friend.

Garage Sale finds : stamps

Got the handful for a dollar.  Nothing beats old wooden handled stamps.  What should we announce at dinner?

Higos Heaven

Well, I made friends with the owner of the asparagus yard and the fig tree, who graciously allowed me to glean from her yard.  In another week or so, I'll have enough figs to attempt some fig chutney.  Last night I sauteed these with some chicken and balsamic, then tossed with arugula.   And have you ever inhaled the aroma of fig leaves?  It's amazing.

Patio Pendant Lamp

I've  been hoarding these rusty old lamp bits around for at least a year now.  I got them at a thrift store for about $5 each, and I knew they would come in handy at some point.  Our new house has a lovely front patio, with tea tree shrub that arches over it.  I like that this area is a little wild and hidden, but it gets a little spooky at night.

To brighten it up, I decided to hang one of these lamps and use the other as a votive holder.  The one that still had its beautiful blue and yellow glass intact just needed a light strung through it, which was easily done with one bought at Ikea.  I made sure to use a really low wattage CFL bulb that uses very little energy, does not get hot and shines a subtle light.  Then it was just a matter of snaking an extension cord through the crawl space and finding the right branch to support it -- it was important to find a spot that was tucked into the tree so it would look like the lamp was naturally part of it.

Now our front patio has a little more ambiance and is a magical little space for enjoying cool LA evenings.