postcards+love

trimming & decorating.

2010-12-15T22:26:00.000-08:00

well, it's only ten days away. and i've been busy trimming and decorating all around the house. i have all of my ingredients in order and will start making cookies for the neighbors this upcoming week. i'll be taking better photos later, but i thought i'd share a sneak peak into my living room...

finally got around to wrapping some presents...

cookies & warm milk make for great winter evenings.

glittered these ikea dear to match my tree.

bought some kate spade socks to keep my feet warm!

glittered some more deer; note: i have a glittering problem.

added vintage door-nob decor around the house.

and finally, trimmed my tree. vintage & color is this years theme.

kate spade: spring 2011

2010-12-12T20:27:00.000-08:00

so i'm very much smitten with kate spade's spring collection. i've vowed to save up for all of the pieces i can't live without. this year the theme is "the year of color" every month representing a different color. i'm pretty sure i'll be penniless by the end of 2011.

golden morsels.

2010-12-07T22:58:00.000-08:00

edible golden spray-paint = brilliant. in more ways than one. i know have an uncontrollable urge to spray an entire meal. or at least a couple of holiday desserts coming up.

found via igobykatie

reader discount!

2010-12-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

as a thank you to whomever stumbles upon this blog and enjoys it, i wanted to extend a special discount your way on my etsy shop! visit the POSTCARDS+LOVE online store use the discount code on the below coupon at checkout. the 15% will be applied to your entire purchase. custom orders are available! feel free to contact me via etsy with any special requests. offer expires 12/15/10.

happy holidays!

click here to shop!

red.

2010-12-01T22:54:00.000-08:00

i've been terribly in love with the color red lately. a deep garnet hue. with the holidays upon us i can't help but listen to christmas songs, and wear my little jingle ring (pictured below). i was listening to a few songs from the nutcracker and was inspired to put together this little outfit. i want to prance around the house in a tutu and deck my halls with all things red.

no.1 kate spade lever-back earrings, no.2 bcbg tutu, no.3 butter london / chancer,

no.4 vera wang flats, no.5 kate spade lipstick, no.6 kate spade jingle ring,

no.7 kate spade pom pom scarf

herb & raclette popovers

2010-11-26T23:00:00.000-08:00

image from all myrecipes.com

for thanksgiving i was in charge of the entire meal. pretty big undertaking i suppose... the easiest project out of all and that received the most compliments were my herb & raclette cheese popovers. popovers are so easy, i think next time i could even trust my significant other to take them on. raclette is a great cheese with tons of flavor, it is usually used for melting - which in this case makes it the perfect candidate for the popovers. here is the recipe:

2 eggs

1 tablespoon of butter (melted and cooled, plus 1 teaspoon for pan)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons italian herbs (or herbs of your choice)

1/2 cup of raclette (cut up in little cubes)

preheat oven to 450 degrees. grease 6 cup muffin pan with 1 teaspoon of butter. place all of the ingredients (except the raclette cheese) into a food processor or blender and process for 30 seconds. divide the batter evenly between the cups of the muffin pan, then evenly divide the raclette between the cups - placing the cheese cubes in the center of each cup. bake on the middle rack for approximately 35-40 minutes. remove the popvers to a cooling rack, serve warm.

tulle, sequins, and glitter.

2010-11-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

so i couldn't help myself... i purchased my kate spade shoes, here they are enjoying their new home amongst my ever growing collection of perfumes... i also decided that since i got my wisdom teeth out last week, and my mouth still hurts, and i needed to treat myself to something else nice. so, i bought a "tutu" at bcbg and i feel better. yes, on occasion material possessions can make you feel better.

sequin top & sweater from j.crew.

and a doodle since i was feeling creative.

charmed, i'm sure.

2010-11-13T10:42:00.001-08:00

i think i'll make the dive today and purchase these kate spade shoes. i keep thinking how fabulous they would look at holiday parties, or with a white v-neck t-shirt and grey jeans... it's silly to keep making up excuses not to buy them; because then i'll regret not doing so once they sell out. and i'll never get to embrace such a magical combination of glitter such as that of the "charm" shoe.

margot tenenbaum.

2010-10-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

for halloween this year i decided to go as one of my favorite wes anderson characters: margot (from the royal tenenbaums). most of my costume was composed of vintage accessories. there are several interesting tidbits about the characters costume, such as: the cigarettes she has is from ireland, circa 1970 and have been discontinued. she has a wooden finger on her right hand, ring finger. she is wearing a mink coat (i purchased mine off of ebay, and it's fake fur). it was actually quite hard to find a similar dress to the one she wears at this time of year, so i bought two mens polo's and sewed them together to form a dress (i'll go into details later). the barrette is red, so i opted for a little bow from forever21. she wore white socks, and oxfords. mine are not shown, but i purchased some from urban outfitters. the cigarette was a fake one (i'm not one for smoking), and the "wooden finger" i made with a paper towel, tape, and acrylic paint. the purse in the film is a beautiful hermes birkin (i believe 40cm), but since my budget isn't ten grand - i just used a vintage crocodile purse i had in my closet. bought a wig, threw on tons of heavy eyeliner and all in all i think my outfit turned out pretty well! all i need now is to really practice that depressed frown laced with despair she pulls off so well. hopefully next year i'll persuade my significant other to be richie, and we can be secretly in love with each other.

the original, played by gwyneth paltrow.

my rendition (iphone photo, hence the not so amazing quality).

and one of my favorite polyvore sets in honor of margot, by alliecoco

cauliflower soup.

2010-10-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

image borrowed from hill house.

so i went out and purchased jamie oliver's food revolution when it first came out - and i've been cooking a recipe here and there. one of my favorites which i'm excited to try again with the arrival of fall is his cauliflower soup recipe. i'm not a huge fan of cauliflower, but this soup is just divine. it's creamy without any cream, it's thick, rich, and somewhat healthy. you can always do as jamie suggests, and add some bacon (for all you die-hard meat-eaters out there). i purchased the book with my boyfriend in mind, hoping that the step by step images and easy to follow instructions would entice him to cook something... nah. it's still all me. and i'm actually glad because i feel the kitchen is my domain. maybe eventually my dream of coming home to an amazing dinner will come true. for now, i plow through recipes and perfect my own skills. enjoy!

CAULIFLOWER SOUP

recipe by Jamie Oliver

INGREDIENTS

- 2 carrots

- 2 sticks of celery

- 2 medium onions

- 2 garlic cloves

- 800 g cauliflower

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 200 g cheddar cheese

- 2 vegetable bouillon cubes (or chicken)

- sea salt

- black pepper

- 1 teaspoon english mustard

- nutmeg

- 1 7/8 liters water, boiling

DIRECTIONS

1. peel and roughly chop the carrots.

2. slice the celery.

3. peel and roughly cut the onions.

4. peel and slice the garlic.

5. cut the cauliflower into 1.5cm slices.

6. put a large pan on medium heat and add olive oil.

7. add all your chopped and sliced ingredients and mix together with a wooden spoon.

8. cook for around 10 min with the lid askew, until the carrots have softened but are still holding their shape, and the onion is lightly golden.

9. grate the cheddar into a bowl and put aside for later.

10. put the stock cubes into a jug or pan and pour in 1.8 liters of boiling water from the kettle.

11. stir until the stock cubes are dissolved, then add the vegetables.

12. give the soup a good stir and bring to a boil.

13. reduce heat and simmer for 10 min with the lid on.

14. remove pan from the head.

15. season with salt and pepper and add the cheese and mustard.

16. using a hand blender, pulse the soup until silky smooth.

17. divide between your serving bowls and grate over some nutmeg, if you like.

18. if you want to dress it up a bit, top it off with some lightly fried crispy bacon.

hello autumn; i love you.

2010-09-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

i wrote a post today for my gorgeous and talented friend Leigh Viner, on her blog create. she told me it could be of anything i desired... so i went with one of my favorite themes: fall. autumn always reminds me of comfort, femininity, beauty, rich colors, and romance. i also associate fall with productivity, creativity, and inspiration - since it is when i get the itch to create the most. here are a few things i'm currently embracing:

kate spade necklace & earrings, jo demontis dress, squirrel watercolor, gold frame, topshop aviators,

j.crew handbag & sweater, urban outfitters bow flats, forget me knot ring.

locavore meets frugalista.

2010-08-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

for a school project we have to take on working with a member of the journalism class, who writes an article for two designers, my lovely friend Theresa and i joined up to combine forces with multitalented Samantha (who is our writer) and came up with "locavore meets frugalista" a two page spread delving into the benefits of shopping locally in San Diego, as well as the local fashion scene, and how to save money and still look great. we forced Samantha into modeling for us. the final two page spread won't be published until fall on our campus. this is the end result of todays photo-shoot:

sweater by J.Crew, blouse H&M, skirt M. Dot Design Studio

hooray!

2010-07-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

my birthday party was a success! thank you to everyone who attended. we held my 24th birthday celebration at the pearl hotel, in point loma / san diego. the venue was perfect for the theme. i've always been a fan of quirky movies, and i find myself celebrating my birthdays to movie themes (last year was divorce italian style)... so this year wasn't any different with the life aquatic with steve zissou. the location embraces mid-century to the fullest, and is already ocean themed, with a huge movie screen over the pool. just add pennant flags, sea-creature cupcakes, and guests, and you've got yourself one fine event. the dress i'm wearing was made by my dear and lovely friend jennafer grace. it's super soft jersey material, custom, and affordable ($90). if you're having something made, it better be flattering and comfortable.

seth and i holding my birthday balloons at the end of the night.

i suppose he's making that face because he just wants to go to sleep!

more photos of event & details after the jump...

wrap i designed for party favors.

part favors and flower arrangements by yours truly.

seth and dave striking a pose.

the pearl hotel, pre-party.

my little sea-creature cupcakes.

tony and josh.

lemon & passionfruit macarons from paulette's.

jenny, charles, the birthday girl, and meg.

the cake.

passion fruit cupcakes.

karo & i.

gabe, angie, gia, me, and roberto.

my gorgeous cousin crystal, playing with bubbles.

gia, sitting pretty amongst the decor.

karo, me, rene, and marlene.

the view from above.

karo, me, rene, and marlene.

end of the night, we're tired.

seth, angie, tania, denis, and gabe.

preview: 24th birthday / event

2010-07-28T01:33:00.000-07:00

this year i've decided to have my party at the pearl hotel in point loma. the hotel has amazing mid-century design, a pool, fun menu, and overall lovely atmosphere. what better theme to suit the location, and season, than a tribute to "the life aquatic: with steve zissou?" the event is two weeks in the making, getting all the details set, and everything coordinated. i'm hoping for a good turn-out and fun night. i designed the cake, all white, with a little shark fin and waves up-top, cupcakes with blue-frosting and little sea creatures... each table has yellow flowers, shark/dolphin/whale toys and gum-drops. and of course there will be macarons, white beach balls, and white pennant flags stringed across the sky. the film will be playing on non-stop rotation with subtitles, and burgers, drinks, and snacks will be enjoyed poolside. i had a dress by made my friend, local clothing designer Jennafer Grace. i'm excited for thursday!

dress by Jennafer Grace, sweater Jcrew, shoes by lamb, nailpolish - butter london.

north-western roadtrip.

2010-07-26T23:55:00.001-07:00

during the end of june, beginning of july - seth and i set out for a massive undertaking in the limited time of: one week. in the time we were able to drive from san diego, california - all the way to seattle, washington. stopping at several spots in-between (sacramento, portland, san francisco, etc). we stayed at some pretty wonderful places, met some lovely places, visited some quirky spots, and enjoyed some pretty delectable food. i'm still working on the video of our trip but i promise it will worth watching. here are some photos in the meantime:

more photos after the jump...

ace hotel, portland.

flowers, oregon.

aviation museum, oregon.

my lovely friend carly and her husband nathaniel, portland.

me and danielle, seattle.

still life at cannon beach.

the greens at sacramento.

inside the spruce goose, oregon.

stream, oregon.

aviation museum, oregon.

the enchanted forest, oregon.

me, taken by seth.

sacramento.

seth's heaven, sacramento.

seth at his happiest, sacramento.

shells at cannon beach, oregon.

josh & seth reunited, bakersfield.

portland, oregon.

seattle, washington.

paul & babe, northern california.

the golden gate bridge, san francisco.

paulette macarons, san francisco.

avenue of giants, northern california.

miette, san francisco.

chinatown, portland.

local fashion: san diego.

2010-07-23T02:54:00.000-07:00

all photography by Q

in the last few months i've had the wonderful luck of becoming friends with two talented ladies, Michelle Aquino - designer and owner of M. Dot, and Jennafer Carter - designer and owner of Jennafer Grace. both of these designers have taken San Diego by storm with their fashion forward designs, custom tailored, and financially within reach. both channel vintage, and i was brought on to do a photo-shoot. the photographs were taken by yours truly, at my residence. here is a sneak peak at our final product:

outfit by Jennafer Grace

outfit by M. Dot

outfit by Jennafer Grace

outfit by M. Dot

county fair.

2010-06-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

scarf by american apparel $15.00, shirt by forever21 $19.80,

shoes by camper $145.00, shorts by old navy $22.00

image via weheartit

puerto vallarta.

2010-05-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

well, i've neglected the blog a bit because i decided to escape from school, responsibilities, and my etsy shop for a week and some... to puerto vallarta. i have family in guadalajara, and we met up with some of them in this beach town to catch up. it's been funny seeing mr.robot struggle to speak or understand spanish, and i'm not really a good teacher (no patience). but he's managed pretty well! today is our last day and we've had a blast mingling, snorkeling, and taking in the sun. it's very sad to see how much worst the situation with the economy has panned out in mexico. many places that used to be bustling businesses are now closed. the beaches aren't packed like they used to be. i urge you all to try to visit and take advantage of the fact that the "peso" is very low. it used to be one u.s. dollar = ten pesos, now its thirteen. you won't get swine flu, or anything crazy like that. mexico is a beautiful country filled with so much culture.

image via flickr

image via fuckyeahmexico

image via photography served

image via flickr

my robot.

2010-05-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

it's been three official years, and half a decade + some months of friendship - and i still have a crush on you, i still like you, i still love you - so stop asking. happy anniversary!

circa jan, 2006.

stripes.

2010-05-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

well, this weekend i went into mimi & red boutique in north park (san diego, ca) - and i had to purchase the dress below. it was less than $30.00, and entirely versatile. this dress can be dressed up or down. another thing that's wonderful about it is that i can wear it year round - it really doesn't have a season. but for the sake of mother's day coming up - let's plan a brunch outfit out with my momsie.

flowers from ebay and anthropologie; jcrew sweater, kate spade bracelet,

prada purse, urban outfitters wedge, forever 21 necklace, mimi & red dress.

paulette.

2010-05-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

paulette is a lovely macaron shop nestled in beverly hills. sounds haughty? not really - it's perfection. i've been searching for delectable macarons in san diego, which is not insanely easy to come by. i guess my visits to paris spoiled me a bit. browsing through the inter-webs i came upon the shop - and what's this, they ship? they have a plethora of flavors, including: caramel, Caribbean chocolate, passion fruit, colombian coffee (so addictive!), lemon, and earl grey tea. i couldn't help myself and ordered a box with all of their flavors, and invited some friends over for tea and a movie. by the end of the night they were all gone, and i'm sure i'll order more someday. i also tried to visit the shop, but it was just past 6pm, and they were closed (sadface). if you are in the area do not miss the chance to stop by and try a macaron.

notes on dressing your man.

2010-05-02T02:55:00.000-07:00

i've always loved dressing people up, or assisting in fashion choices. for the most part, the only time i get to play dress up nowadays is when i shop for myself, play on polyvore, or get gifts for my robot. he's grown into his own style, but i can't help but influence him. he's dreaming of wearing only prada and g-star clothing - but financially that's a no can do for us at the moment. so i try my best to acquire fashionable frugalista finds for my dear metrosexual. this week was pretty fruitful indeed:

1. forever 21 beard shirt $14.00; 2. liberty london for target tie $8.00;

3. target button shirt $8.00; 4. ben sherman shorts (on sale) $20.00;

5. lacoste shoes $28.00 (on sale); 6. apple ipad;

7. ben sherman shoes $38.00 (on sale);

8. forever 21 jeans $29.00

two outfits for approximately: $145.00

(not including ipad)

cupcake cannon!

2010-05-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

video via johnny cupcakes

have a splendid weekend;

2010-05-01T02:06:00.000-07:00

image by PONY_TAIL, found via creature comforts

caitlin shearer.

2010-04-30T00:44:00.000-07:00

caitlin shearer always makes me long to be more feminine, dress up more, and embrace vintage. i adore her watercolor / gauche / mixed media illustrations and am always visiting her flickr for new updates on her artwork. her style has only become stronger over the years, adding more depth and surroundings to each character. i feel as though every one of her illustrations could tell you a story, a secret, or something you long to hear...

illustrations by cailtlin shearer

kathleen hoelck.

2010-04-30T00:16:00.000-07:00

fashion designer kathleen hoelck

when i first met kathleen hoelck (or katty), she stood out immediately. her creativity and kindness are contagious. she's definitely on the top ten of the most intelligent and driven women i know. she's always ready for adventures, and pursing projects, "hey katty want to act in my film?", "hey katty, want to model for my jewelry line?"... "of course!" she's always up for assisting those who have a passion for art. i was saddened when she took flight and left san diego, but so excited for the life ahead for her in new york city. katty has been designing clothing since i first met her. her style has evolved, yet she remains versatile. her designs are classic, modern, bold, sometimes channeling vintage starlets, other times straight out of bauhaus. i'm very excited to see her break into the fashion world, as she's already received recognition from vogue, appeared in several blog sites, and interned at yves saint laurent. she and her significant other have plans to start their own line of clothing; don't be surprised if you find yourself yearning after their fantastic creations.

all images copyright of kathleen hoelck©

singing in the rain.

2010-04-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

1. cesare paciotti jelly ballerina $113.00; 2. hunter original gloss short $105.00;

3. kate spade obi $65.00

boots.

2010-04-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

not the shoes, but cosmetics. i'm a sucker for excellent packaging - i do judge books by their covers, and products by their exterior sometimes. i mean, i can't help it - as an overall designer it's embedded into my brain to stay away from bad design and cling onto lovely packaging. boots (the original formula), however, has the best of both - not only goes it look dainty and straight out of a vintage catalog... but it's also a wonderful product. it's inexpensive (available at target), so if you're looking to pamper yourself on a budget it's the perfect solution.

sweetiepie.

2010-04-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

i've heard nothing but amazing things about this delightful restaurant in greenwich village. it's in my favorite part of new york city, has white and pink as the main colors of the interior, macarons, tea, oh my! i'm planning a visit to new york before this year is out, and a visit to sweetiepie is definitely on the must list. it looks like something straight out of a fairy-tale. i'll just be excited to see my dear friend, fashion designer kathleen hoelck, and chit-chat over tea.

the neutral statement.

2010-04-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

tunic from topshop, necklace and earrings from anthropologie,

purse from jcrew, sandals from dolce vita, and pants from abercrombie and fitch.

i heart steak.

2010-04-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

and so does sweet meats! i had the privilege of meeting the founder of sweet meats, lauren venell, at last years renegade craft fair in los angeles. she was super sweet, and entirely enthusiastic about her meats. my significant other almost had a heart attack out of excitement when handling the bacon pillow. i love that coming from a family of butcher's, she decided to take her meats to a softer side; making all of her meats from recycled materials.

faryl robin.

2010-04-27T01:01:00.000-07:00

so, as you will come to find out about me - i am a shoe addict. plain and simple. i love shoes; and for the last two years i've been eyeing a pair of faryl robin's - and amazingly, they were still there, on sale at a price i couldn't deny. i decided to do some more research about the brand. their branding is lovely, from little robins on their box, as well as the paper your shoes come wrapped in. i love that their sizes are true to size, and comfortable. the most important key is the lovely colors, leathers, and designs they carry. they are a bit on the pricey side, so if you can score some like i did (at 60% off) - don't hesitate!

my new shoes! perfect for spring / summer.

styles available at faryl robin, zappos, and amazon.

all saints clothing.

2010-04-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

whenever i hop over the atlantic ocean to britain i make several stops at all saints clothing. their grungy yet elegant mixture always appeals to me. their cuts are entirely flattering, and unique. their line of dresses emulates vivienne westwood's anglomania, but at a much lesser price. their colors are very neutral, and make me want to layer most of their pieces, or add on some loud jewelry. the good news is they finally have a u.s. site up and running, no more having to convert to pounds and then pay insane amounts for shipping. hooray!

andrew bannecker.

2010-04-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

i have a passion for illustration, and can appreciate wonderful art when i see it - andrew bannecker is such a great inspiration. his style is more defined than a dictionary term and the colors are exuberant and captivating. here is one of my favorite pieces he's created:

kate towers.

2010-04-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

i have been utterly obsessed with kate tower's whimsical designs for a little over two years now. i hope that someday i'll be able to make it out to portland oregon and have her design me something i'll never want to take off. or i'll raid seaplane for all of her lovely frocks. ruffles upon ruffles, colors i obsess over, it seems she reads my minds every-time.

south park.

2010-04-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

hidden from the main streets, and haven to hip college students, and shop owners who love what they do, south park in san diego, california, is a great choice for enjoying a beautiful sunny afternoon (which, we get so many of here). if you're looking to sit and enjoy some tea or coffee, find the perfect gift for that special someone, or get pampered, this quaint little neighborhood has it all; and everything is within walking distance. i say this because, well, i used to live there, and now i work at a little boutique there, and i just love being a part of the community.

LULU'S BY TRAVIS PARKER

lulu's is by far the best nail salon in all of san diego, providing an enchanting atmosphere as well as attention to detail. nestles in a small corner shop, the service is very personal, and altered to fit your every need. from entering through the door, the beautiful decor catches your eye, as you are greeted with an offer for any beverage of your choice. they offer pedicures, and manicures, and usually have fun specials ever month or so that you wont want to miss. for example, in the fall they had the pumpkin pie pedicure, and in the spring the ice cream pedicure. each service includes a wonderful massage. be sure to book in advance, as only five seats are available at a time, and every service lasts around an hour.

MAEVE RILEY

maeve riley is one of the most lovely boutiques in san diego. i love to frequent it because it's entirely centered around local designers. it's wonderful seeing a boutique support creative individuals in san diego in such a way. the interior is wonderful, from the dainty chandeliers, to the forest wallpaper, and wooden deer heads - damask curtains. the boutique is entirely well pulled together, and also offers great threads for men. the prices are great as well, with steals on the sale rack. i'm also very proud to feature some of my jewelry pieces at this shop! so if you're in south park, be sure to swing by and say hello. all the lovely ladies at the shop are super friendly.

VAGABOND

since its opening a few years ago, the eclectic restaurant has had a loyal fan base. offering an atmosphere resmbeling an escape to the mediterranean, vagabond kitchen is exotic, rustic, and delicious. almost exactly on the corner of 30th and juniper (in the heart of all the artistic shops in south park), it's location makes it a must stop for lunch or dinner.

image by amos smith

their menu is filled with meals from around the world. for a unique and dazzling dining experience park your bike right up front and stroll on in. they also have brunch on the weekends, and their lavender mimosa screams springtime.

THE DAILY SCOOP

this ice cream parlor always offers an array of flavors in both cream, and sorbet variations. from belgian chocolate ice cream, to passion fruit or champagne sorbet, and soft red velvet cupcakes, you can't help but indulge. some flavors are classics, others change constantly, so once you visit you'll most likely be checking back for more. the daily scoop does not currently have a website, but you can visit them at the corner of juniper street and 30th street.

THE WHISTLE STOP

the local neighborhood bar, opens at 9:00PM, and there is never any cover charge (unless otherwise noted). home of local djs, as well as knitting events, and sunday movies, the whistle stop is the choice for the after hour mingling of many college students and scenesters. colorful, and embedded with the community, you might just have to drop in. for a list of special events visit their site. my favorite is when they have craft events!

REBECCA'S COFFEEHOUSE
when you're craving a pretty decent espresso, or delicious pastry, or tasty quiche... rebecca's is the perfect place to sit down, snuggle into the sofa, sip your beverage, and play with the in house cat. offering an extensive menu of beverages, as well as sandwiches and salads, this coffeehouse is cozy, and open twenty-four hours a day on the weekends. with free wi-fi, it's no wonder people can sit in there for hours. every thursday there is open mic night, and sundays they offer poetry, fiction, and alternate verse. art and culture is abundant in every corner, everyone and anyone can feel at home.

via weheartit

JUNC

formerly known as "magpie", this boutique is now under new ownership and better than ever. junc is a boutique and art gallery that offers new, vintage, and recycled fashions for those individuals who love to stand out. this shop is just across the street from the whistle stop. the fashion is unique, and reasonably priced for a boutique (in fashion terms, one of a kind, locally designed items). they usually have art shows once a month, and support local artists. if you're looking for fun vintage accessories, or eye catching dress, take a peek inside.

STATION

via weheartit

the exterior and interior design for station tavern is fantastic. very modern and self efficient - this place is also known for having an excellent assortment of beers on tap. their tater tots and cheeseburgers are a neighborhood favorite. owned by the same people who run the whistle stop, the train theme is carried throughout the location. this restaurant also has a very kid-friendly area outdoors, with a little trolly car to keep them entertained while you chow down on your main dish. laced with a bit of cajun flavor, their burgers are on the must list for locals, and visitors alike.

VELO CULT

one of the most passionate, and best designed bike shops in san diego - hands down - is velo cult. this bike shop loves attention to detail, from carrying brooks saddles, to hammered fenders, you can customize your bike to your liking while getting great customer service. velo cult is very tied with the community, as they host tweed rides, barbecues, and movie showings at their venue. check out their blog for some lovely photos of all the customized bikes they've created. if you're on of those fixie fanatics, you'll probably pass out from excitement, or stroke your mustache in an attempt to remain calm.

fabric flowers.

2010-04-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

i absolutely adore fabric flowers, wether they be vintage or new! emersonmade has been a smash hit across the blogging community, and her adorable designs and lovely blog are beyond enchanting. she's a true entrepreneur who makes something beautiful and shares it with the rest of the world. i first started longing for more flowers in my life after i saw the jcrew catalog image for last spring's line... and went on a mission to acquire my own. since then, i've made a headband, collected vintage european millinery flowers, and dabbled in sewing up my own armanda of roses. for those of you who are as determined as i to nab your own, without breaking the bank; i recommend these tutorials: 1000 layer cake, and martha stewart. for my headband below, i purchased a american apparel shiny headband for $4.50, and sewed on my flowers.

emersonmade's lovely founder on a bed of fabric flowers.

my successful attempt at a fabric dahlia headband.

hat attack.

2010-04-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

it's just about summer time - and our lovely sun is beaming down excessive amounts of uv rays. i suppose it would be nice to assist my sunblock with a hat. or two... for the "frugalistas" target released some lovely fedoras designed by Eugenia Kim. i love the one with the little parrot!

found via oh joy.

nature + the apple ipad.

2010-04-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

so aesthetically speaking, at first glimpse i did not like the apple ipad. i'm sick of the huge black bezel surrounding all new apple products. personally, i feel that black accents on computers is a step back into the 90's. however, i can appreciate the amazing power and performance that the ipad offers. when people complain "it doesn't have a camera... it can't multitask," i feel they are missing the point. apple has finally given it's audience a portable reader that will devour the kindle and nook. a gaming system and movie player that makes me croon... you should have seen the portable dvd player i lugged around in 2001! well, all that being said; a must for my future ipad is a wood cover. vers is in offers a wood ipad cover made out of bamboo - if they have a walnut lined up i'm sold! oh, and did i mention it has a kickstand? yes!

found via gizmodo.

curious finds.

2010-04-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

so whilst perusing through the curiosity shop - i came across these quaint trinkets which i'm adding to my wish-list. so many wonderful items, so little time!

1. slingshot pencil $9, 2. ceramic camera $60, 3. quail patch kit $9

4. porcelain coffee cup $19, 5. wood yo-yo $35, 6. "spot color" poster $30

friendship.

2010-04-23T20:27:00.001-07:00

via weheartit.

keys.

2010-04-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

i love vintage keys. so for the last two years i keep seeing these lovely porcelain keys floating around the internet... and i can never bring myself to purchase them... and yesterday, i walked into a local boutique, and there they were, beckoning me to purchase them. so i gave in, and decided i shall make lovely necklaces with them. they are from japan, and available for purchase online at the curiosity shop.

pale pink.

2010-04-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

so i received an email from jcrew the other day, and squealed like a little girl at the delight that awaited. of course if i bought everything i'd have a black hole growing in my pocket... so i'm opting for posting my favorites. it's spring time, nearly summer, and i'm in love with romantic yet neutral hues, pinks, grays, and cream...

all images from the jcrew website.

farm egg chorizo casserole.

2010-03-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

well, i've never made a casserole before. or, at least never called it that... my significant other is from the midwest, and all i hear is how wonderful those homemade casseroles were, and oh how he misses them... so today i decided to throw one together (literally) so he can start saying to his friends how wonderful casseroles are in california - especially ones laced with a mexican touch (authentic!). my grandmother / mom gave me some eggs from her chickens yesterday, so i used super fresh happy eggs in my recipe. i recommend you try to get your hand on some, or at least brown eggs. a casserole is a mixture, there is no right or wrong to the quantities you add, i will suggest quantities below, but feel free to mess around with it!

FARM EGG CHORIZO CASSEROLE

image from myrecipes.com, not of actual recipe.

INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 onion, diced / chopped up
- 2 small tomatoes, diced / chopped up
- 2 -3 cups of baby spinach ripped up
- 4 or 5 fresh farm eggs, scrambled together
- 2 cups of egg substitute (not egg whites)
- 1/2 cacique ranchero or panela cheese chopped up
(ranchero for stronger taste, panela for subtle)
- pork or beef chorizo (your preference, cacique also makes this item)
- three small corn tortillas, cut into strips.

- fresh cilantro, sage, ground pepper, and sea salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
- set aside 1/3 of the cheese you diced
- set aside 1/3 of the tortilla strips
- spray casserole dish with olive oil
- mix all other ingredients together
- make sure chorizo has mixed well
- place in casserole, and top it with the 1/3 cheese and tortilla strips
- cook in oven at 400 degrees for 25 minutes

OPTIONAL
- mexican sour cream to finished dish
- beans (black or pinto) as a side
- wash it down with some home-made limeade!
(limeade = fresh squeezed limes, ice cold water, splenda/stevia to taste)

the non-cake birthday "cake".

2010-03-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

seth hates cake. this, is a problem - once a year when i really want to give him a birthday cake. he hates the fluffy consistency. so, i decided i was going to create a hybrid "cake" which is a thick crust, lemon bar filling, and creamy cheesecake on-top. the process was interesting; browsing through recipes, picking what i thought would work together, between cooking, and putting in the fridge... i wasn't sure i'd be able to pull it off... here is the end result:

a delicious little invention, with some robot love!

new items!

2010-03-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

i was a busy bee last week and made some new items which are now posted at my etsy shop. i also went ahead and listed some darling vintage finds...

rain boot alternative.

2010-03-02T23:53:00.000-08:00

rain boots are not my thing, and for light showers and not insanely cold weather - i opted for these adorable rubber flats from jcrew. they are more comfortable than they appear, and fit true to size. they come in multiple colors and look adorable with any outfit. thank you once again jcrew for making a "need" item. i purchased them in black, of course.

easy potatoes.

2010-02-27T19:15:00.000-08:00

when i used to think of potatoes i always thought, big, loaded, icky skin, and takes so long cooking. then, i stumbled upon fingerling potatoes. they are small, and much more delicious than regular potatoes. with their size you can pop them in the oven and have them ready in a half hour. they are a excellent addition to any entree' and their size makes them easy to moderate and not go overboard.

image from fine cooking.

heat your oven to 400 degrees.

mix together (to taste)

olive oil

cilantro

dill

garlic powder

sea salt

pepper

dip in part of the potatoes one by one, rubbing the mixture completely over them with your hand; on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil, place them about a inch and a half to two apart. cook them for thirty minutes. wait about three - five minutes for them to cool a bit, then enjoy!

running around school -

2010-02-24T23:52:00.001-08:00

in cheap frocks. personally, i like to look decent at school, but not wear anything fancy-shmancy. and lately i've been embracing black too much (more than usual, which, is excessive). my mother invited me for a target run today, so i picked up a sweater and dress/top that's not expensive enough to stress if i get pencil/paint/mustard what-not on it.

quick sketch up, pen / photoshop; by Q.

merona cardigan, at target. $19.00

vintage gold chain, can find similar on etsy.

xhileration dress, at target. $19.00

banana republic jeans.

fairytale skimmer from urban outfitters.

the exploding girl.

2010-02-19T13:51:00.001-08:00

this movie looks like it will be something subtle and beautiful.

don't forget your veggies.

2010-02-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

so i have a knack for wanting to mix things together to see if they turn out ok or not... and last weekend i went to costco and bought a brand new, very shiny, pretty, and efficient juicer. i finally got around to testing it out yesterday and i've been enjoying my delicious concoction. i am not one for patience sometimes, so i needed something speedy... i finally found one that i did not find esthetically displeasing, and it is also very efficient (takes whole apples, and can juice many carrots as once), as well as fast. i love vegetables, but sometimes i find it very hard to get all of my servings in one day - without getting a veggie overdose. making juice is a great way to get your servings, quickly, and even on the go. so, here is a my made up recipe; try it out!

DON'T FORGET YOUR VEGGIES JUICE

Servings: 5 - 6

Ingredients:

3 apples (whole with skin, or cut in four to fit juicer)

2 cucumbers (whole with skin)

5 carrots

6 oranges (peeled)*

1 head of broccoli (not too small! eat your broccoli...)

JUICE TOGETHER

then add to taste:

1 whole lime, hand squeezed

* if for some reason you want your juice to be a little sweeter, go ahead and add one more orange. remember not to overdo it with the oranges though, they are great for vitamin C, but they also contain the most sugar.

kensington.

2010-02-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

hello my quant little hidden artist haven, our french barrettes off to kensington, located in san diego, california. kensington is home of one of the oldest running movie theaters in san diego, wonderful little hole in the wall restaurants, and charming craftsman houses. many of the area's residents love to ride their vintage bicycles to the nearest coffee shop.

KEN CINEMA

built 1947

voted the best place to watch obscure movies, foreign and independent films, this theatre has been charming audiences for decades. there is no way to miss this historic landmark, located right next to the kensington sign this cinema gem is worth a visit. any film snob will tell you, if you want to really expand your horizons, take a seat. for features and show-times click here. (for my 23rd birthday we rented out the theater and played divorce italian style, it was pretty epic.)

KENSINGTON VIDEO

photo by steven e. jones photography

so, film snobs, still aching for more? i assume you always will be. welcome to kensington video, your go to for any film. no joke. really. right next to the ken theatre, this video/dvd rental location has been serving the neighborhood for years, with over 20,000 films in stock you are most likely to find exactly what you're looking for. best of all, if you can't find it in the store, they will hunt it down for you!

BURGER LOUNGE

i'm assuming you will eventually be a little hungry, what better place to go than the organic arch rival (well, maybe not quite) of in 'n out? the burger lounge has a wonderful selection of organic hamburgers, salads, and tasty malts. their menu is a bit limited, but the taste definitely is not.

sit back and enjoy the modern/mid-century decor and excellent service. here, they learn your name and aim to please. the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is casual yet classy. all their burgers come with a thousand island sauce, so be prepared to satisfy your palate.

BLUE BOHEME

looking for something a bit more upscale? something romantic and aimed for those with extremely impeccable taste? blue boheme is the definition of french gourmet cuisine. thrilling both to the sight and taste, this hip new location offers an authentic parisian atmosphere, mixing inventive interior design with a modern take on a wine cellar. their main chef, philippe beltran once again enchants us with his perfect blend of french cooking and cosmopolitan flair.

addictive dark chocolate cookies.

2010-02-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

addictive why? because of the hint of coffee. this recipe is a hybrid i've tweaked from the martha stewart cookie book; i used her recipe "dark chocolate cookies with sour cherries" as a basis - took out the cherries entirely, and changed some of the ingredients to be a bit healthier (less fat and sugar by using splenda and "i can't believe it's not butter"). i recently had an aunt over who lives off of dark chocolate, so i thought it would be a nice gift for her to give her a warm batch of these cookies.

ADDICTIVE DARK CHOCOLATE COOKIE RECIPE

image courtesy of martha stewart.

1 3/4  cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4  cups unsweetened dutch-process cocoa powder
3   teaspoons hot chocolate mix (i used godiva dark chocolate)
2   teaspoons baking soda
1/4    teaspoon salt
2 1/2  sticks of "i used i can't believe it's not butter: for baking" room temperature.
1 1/4  cup of white splenda
3/4   cup of brown sugar splenda for baking
2 large brown eggs
1/4    teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4    teaspoon coffee extract
12    ounces of bittersweet chocolate chips (whole or chopped)

preheat oven to 350℉. line two baking sheets with parchment paper (or silicone baking sheet, preferred). in a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until fluffy. add eggs and vanilla; beat until well combined. add flour mixture, and beat on low speed until just combined. do not over-beat. you can also wrap well in plastic and freeze for up to one month, thaw before baking. form balls of dough, about 1/4 cup (or use the cookie scoop below); place balls on prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart, bake until puffed or cracked, 12 minutes. rotate the sheets half through at 6 minutes, so that they are evenly baked. transfer to wire rack and let cool.
makes about 3 dozen
can be stored in an air tight container for three days

since two years ago i've been using the following items every-time i bake cookies:

a hand dandy cookie scoop, and -

silicone baking sheet!

these tools are not necessary, but they sure do make a difference! the scoop speeds up your production, as well as makes all of your cookies perfectly round - the sheet prevents them from burning, and helps them bake to perfection. if you like photographing your cookies, or just having them be "pretty" - use the two items above.

sometimes...

2010-02-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

you just have to get a little silly with your homework:

work in progress, by Q.

locavore.

2010-02-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

mock logo by Q, not actual farmers market logo.

locavore: someone who eats food grown or produced locally or within a certain radius such as 50, 100, or 150 miles (240 km)

i'm somewhat on the bandwagon for eating organic, or locally grown food. i get my eggs from my mothers chickens, and sometimes fruits and veggies from her garden. for the most part, i enjoy attending the multitude of farmers markets san diego has to offer. in our small yet flourishing city we pretty much have a farmers market going on everyday of the week (one even has llama rides!). my favorite part about attending is when i get to go to the "north park farmers market" - it's walking distance from my house, every thursday, and in my opinion it has the most decent prices than all the other farmers markets. it is pricey to embrace being a "locavore", but shopping around always helps. it's fun to see the different flowers as the seasons progress, or the latest catch the fishermen are selling; seth and i are addicted to the humus/pita stand - and i love buying a batch of passion fruit to make passion fruit juice. that's my local market, but each one is known for specific things, the "little italy farmers market" has amazing bakery and pastry stands, they also get a handful of cheese artisans. what i love about attending this market is watching people walk their dogs, there are so many, all over the place! another fun fact about eating locally - if you consume honey produced from local bees, it helps with your allergies - hence the little bee in my illustration above. it really is wonderful the difference eating locally makes.

if you're interested in more - watch food inc.

it's a great film, and very informative. as consumers we have the power to say what is at our local super markets, and in our food. watch the trailer below:

berkley illustration.

2010-02-07T22:37:00.000-08:00

i've been following berkley illustration for a while now on etsy, and was very excited to meet them at the renegade craft fair in LA last year. these past couple of months they have had their art sold at urban outfitters, and i'm just so excited to see their quirky work getting so much attention. hooray!

*to purchase print visit berkley illustrations etsy shop.

fifty-followers giveaway!

2010-02-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

i've noticed that i have a few followers and readers here and there and i'd like to thank you for your interest in this blog! we are having our first giveaway once we reach 50 members (we need 41 more so far). i'll be giving away two of this adorable owl/bow brooch once we reach our goal - the first two people to comment on the "win this brooch!" post after reaching 50 members will get this jewelry item sent to them!

so, if you haven't yet - post this banner linked to postcards+love on your blog too! the sooner we reach fifty members the sooner you have the chance to win!

boutique design.

2010-02-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

i decided to mock up a cash register half a year ago, incase i ever open my own boutique, it's so funny to me seeing my own creative process, from chicken scratch, to idea, to the finished product...

metropolis.

2010-02-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

poster design by Q, class assignment.

i am entirely beyond excited at the news that the lost footage of metropolis has been found! i found this information out in october, and have been mentioning it nearly to everyone i come across in person, so i figured it was about time i blogged about it. the footage had been lost for eighty years, and all released since 1929 had been incomplete, the longest most complete version was still missing crucial footage that will now add more meaning to the film. many of my friends do not have the patience for silence movies, but i implore everyone to watch this film. many modern day movies directly copied this film, as well as video games (starwars, bioshock). to read more visit CBS.

*click images to view larger version.

no.1 ingredient -

2010-02-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

i must have this apron. a good apron is always a crucial ingredient in all cooking that goes down in the kitchen. i keep eyeing this one at anthropologie:

the crafty fox.

2010-02-04T22:37:00.000-08:00

i have just released my new blog, the crafty fox!
this blog will be dedicated to all things handmade, crafts, illustration, packaging, all sorts of inspiration and links to tutorials will be featured. so, get your craft on.

guilt free chocolate chip cookies.

2010-02-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

so, one very typical trait i carry is that of a chocolate chip cookie lover. i bake them, and nibble on one, or two... but usually that comes hand in hand with guilt. i decided to cut out the gluten, fat, and sugar. you must think i created "air" cookies. but, to my surprise, they taste just as good, if not better. i used a blend of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips; the following recipe is a hybrid i created by mixing three different cookie recipes. i also calculated the calories, and each cookie ranges between 85-100 calories. these satisfy your craving, and fool any sugar fiend (like my boyfriend) into thinking its the real deal.

image from savory sweet life.

preparation time: 30 min

baking time: 12 min

yield: around 3 dozen cookies

calories: 85-100 per cookie

2 1/4 cups gluten-free flour blend (available at organic/health food stores)

1 teaspoon gluten free baking powder (available at organic/health food stores)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon xanthum gum (available at organic/health food stores)

3/4 cup "i can't believe it's not butter: for baking" softened

3/4 cup firmly packed splenda"brown sugar"

1/2 cup white granulated splenda

2 large brown eggs

2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla (available at organic/health food stores)

2 cups gluten-free chocolate chips (available at organic/health food stores)

heat oven to 375 degrees. combine flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, salt and xanthum gum in medium bowl. set aside. combine butter, brown splenda and white splenda in a large bowl. beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. add eggs and vanilla. continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. reduce speed to low. beat, gradually adding flour mixture, until well mixed. stir in chocolate chips. drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. bake 6 minutes, then flip the pan to brown the cookies evenly, bake another 6 minutes; total baking time: 12 minutes. (DO NOT OVERBAKE.) let stand 1 to 2 minutes. remove from cookie sheets. enjoy!

finds.

2010-02-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

now you can go green and look very chic doing so. introducing, baggu. moderately priced, convenient, and best of all it comes in an array of colors. if you're interested in helping the environment, and having extra space for your accessories, pick one (or two, three...) up.

so, there are these beverages, that come, in seriously, the most wonderful bottles ever. y water has created these little molecule/atomic looking bottles that are supposed to be for children. well, move over kiddies. fun in size, and great to look at, these beverages are packed with vitamins anyone can surely appreciate.

featured at ruche boutique!

2010-02-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

i am very excited, i was browsing Ruche Boutique's website, and stumbled upon their new spring 2010 look-book... and guess who was featured? my jewelry designs! i had the privilege of doing business with them back in december, and it's lovely to see the final product. their model and set design is stunning, i feel wonderful about being able to contribute. here are the photos from the shoot:

green.

2010-02-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

today i felt like dressing up; i felt the urge to wear my usual black with something loud, so i opted for an outfit along the following lines:

images via polyvore.

on the prowl.

2010-01-23T19:41:00.000-08:00

via weheartit.

iamx.

via tumblr.

via weheartit.

it's still raining.

2010-01-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

and what better way to spend those rainy days then go browsing for deals on the inter-web... today's find? kate spade's winter sale items... perfect for braving the elements.

smitten.

2010-01-20T14:17:00.000-08:00

with this coat:

from the new "twist" collection @ forever 21.

it reminds me that it's still winter for another two months, and to appreciate the chill. this week we even had a tornado warning (in southern california?) and it's been a never-ending downpour. a beautiful storm indeed.

the national oceanic and atmospheric association.

the red lipped.

the cliff house.

banana bread.

2010-01-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

seth was having a terribly crappy day, so i made him some banana bread... in an attempt to make it healthier, i substituted butter for "i can't believe it's not butter: for baking" and "splenda"; he liked it until i told him what was in it (he tends to do that). i like to make things i can take to my mother (who is diabetic), and things that won't make me feel guilty for snacking on, while being appetizing to my significant other. the good news? he already finished most of it. below is my diabetic friendly or calorie watcher recipe:

Banana Bread Recipe

INGREDIENTS

3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted "i can't believe it's not butter" for baking
1 cup splenda
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

METHOD

No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.*

*recipe altered from, and image found at Simply Recipes.

weather envy.

2010-01-14T15:46:00.000-08:00

as of lately, i've been hearing nothing but jealousy from friends in all parts of the country... i live in san diego, and we have been so spoiled with spring weather; but, are you really that surprised? we're known for amazing weather year round. however, once you live here, sixty-degrees is "cold / freezing". just ask my x-midwestern boyfriend (grew up in wichita, ks.) - he thinks fifty is freezing, from someone who had to walk to school in ten and below. spring always seems to come early for so-cal inhabitants... and green grass and flowers always inspires me to stroll around our lovely city and soak up a sliver of sun.

1. kate spade "gumdrops stud"; 2. forever 21 "sunny afternoon dress"; 3. ysl "young sexy lovely" perfume; 4. a&f "erin skinny destroyed" denim; 5. urban outfitters "woven satchel"; 6. urban outfitters "d-orsay skimmer".

photographs by yvette inufio.

found via "the thinking tank".

self portrait by yours truly.

currently listening to camera obscura.

happy holidays!

2009-12-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

we had a lovely holiday shindig with our friends the other day; we had a plethora of baked goods, and watched "elf". this season i've been a bit "holiday-happy" and crafting, baking, decorating up a storm. after having popcorn and laughing the night away we went to go show our friends our neighbors insanely lit up house... it was amazing. we were all very amused.

this makes me smile:

2009-12-17T23:59:00.000-08:00

paris in the fall.

2009-11-02T15:33:00.001-08:00

two years ago my significant other and i took a wonderful trip together to

paris, that is the video included below... however, this year i went by

myself (sad-face). i still had a beautiful time, and enjoyed the sites, but

paris isn't the same when your other half is missing. the upside is, i got

more photography done then i would have otherwise. i tend to go every

year just to keep my sanity. traveling is a must for me every three-five

months, without it i might just implode. i have such a lust for life and

desire to explore new places...

postcards+love® 2007-2009.

divorce italian style.

2009-08-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

the main actor, marcello mastroianni, wearing classic persol sunglasses.

for my 23rd birthday i wanted show my friends my favorite movie of all time, divorce italian style. what better way to honor this film than renting out an old movie theater, getting dolled up, and doing a private screening? we rented out the ken theater in the kensington neighborhood of san diego, ca. they were kind enough to put a little salutation on the marquee just for me, which made my night. we went out for dinner at a restaurant connected to the north park theater, now called west coast tavern. there we dined on some amazing dishes among vintage movie posters and dark burgundy surroundings. i chose to wear a light pink sweater from j.crew, along with an ivory dress and vintage millinery flowers i picked up off of ebay. here are a few snapshots of the night:

photo by my friend cara.

more photos after the jump...

birthday girl in her fiat 500, very italian.

even got a pink present! thank you steph.

josh looking dapper.

iphone photo, but you get the idea.

iphone photo of marque, love it.

gia and i posing for the camera.

seth and i being "matchy-matchy".

my "twin" christina and i at dinner.

i love jcrew, but...

2009-05-24T00:57:00.000-07:00

i feel extremely lied to. and, this happens in most cases, any catalog or advertisement you see. false advertising. example, i recieve an e-mail from jcrew stating: NEW ARRIVALS! with the below photograph:

this, looks so enticing, and summery. i look at those flowers and say, "oo. i want those flowers!" (yes, because when it comes to shopping, women's I.Q.'s drop to that of a three year old.) i scurry onto their website to view this NEW, and seems very promising collection - ONLY TO FIND - that very same photograph, BUT, with small text saying: "we just had to use these vintage flowers, we couldn't help ourselves, but they are not for sale." WHAT A TEASE! fortunately, for those of you who are extremely bent on sporting vintage czech flowers, we have ebay. and, if you want the BRAND NEW jcrew line, again, you have ebay - where you can buy those $300.00 shoes for a mere $15.00.

moral of the story?

ebay wins at the game of life.

ribbon obsession.

2009-05-04T00:35:00.001-07:00

i found this beautiful necklace for for under $7.00 at forever 21... i've been becoming more and more addicted to ribbons, especially in jewelry. business is going pretty well even though i'm slowing things down in my etsy shop, i've been supplying more boutiques with my items. i'm going to start working on new products to unveil at the renegade craft fair in los angeles on july 11th-12th. be sure to mark your calendars, it will be a fabulous shopping event. i'm working on extending my inventory into housewares, and eventually clothing.

oh, and the blog i've been eyeing the most this week:

THE SCOOP

gingham.

2009-04-03T22:46:00.000-07:00

i've been on a gingham kick lately. i've been using it in designs; and i can't shake this craving to want to throw a massive picnic when it gets warmer. with the all too familiar red and white checkered pattern. i've had my eye on a particular dress by michael kors - but it's about three thousand dollars (hardy-har-har-har, not happening any-time soon). so, i opted for the cheap yet chic option of - DIY. i scored all the fabric i needed for sixty pesos (i was in mexico, so that us approx. $5.00 american). hopefully, come summer time, i'll have my picnic... i hope i don't get confused for a table cloth.

quails.

2009-03-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

i'm pretty much obsessed with quails. they are my favorite bird. it's not only because they're adorable (especially button quail), but also because of the little sounds they make. for class i had to recreate an art deco travel poster, set in modern times. i decided to do a quail (that just so happens to be the california state bird), wearing bling. because these days that's really all you see in southern california, sunshine and bling. i had to write a ten page paper to go along with the poster, and i'm happy to say thats done, and over with (aced the class, hooray). seth and i call the quail henry. the name just seems to fit him. so, say hello to henry:

vintage travel poster ; available on etsy.

spring showers.

2009-03-23T01:42:00.000-07:00

self portrait | march 21st 2009

well, i've been having an amazing month so far.
i was published in riviera luxury magazine (san diego edition), you can view the digital file here, i am on page 24. i am being featured for my illustrations and jewelry. it's on sale through may. i was also fortunate enough to be sponsored by my school to enter the San Diego Ad-Club's Creative Show (which only happens once a year) - and i won a gold "Addy"! (it's like winning a miniature oscar of the san diego graphic design/advertising community). to view more click here. this means i'm going on to the national competition! wish me luck.

my vacation starts next week, and i am very excited. i am road-tripping with my significant other to the alameda flea market in san francisco so i can pick up an assortment of trinkets. he's a big geek so he's hoping to find some vintage board games. im prepared to drag home a car packed to the brim.

rainy day | january 25th 2009

these days.

2009-03-19T01:15:00.000-07:00

angel song necklace; by missrubysue

this is margot tennenbaum; by caitlin shearer

vintage celery green purse; by allen company inc

dressing on a budget #001

2009-02-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

check drawstring shirt dress, topshop: $70.00
bobble detail scarf, topshop: $30.00
mabel rosette point show, topshop: $50.00
tarrytown metallic nikolette clutch, kate spade: $56.00 (original price $225.00)
ashley skinny jean, forever 21: $27.00

cupcakes.

2009-02-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

quick apology, i've been really neglecting this blog due to two reasons:

1) midterms

2)catching the flu before midterms, hence knocking me out and rendering me helpless.

i'm doing ten percent better, which is a plus. and am now on medication (let's cross our fingers).

the flu is no fun. but you know what is? cupcakes.

i found this delightful things at crumbs and doiles, in the u.k.

cupcakes from crumbs and doilies

"das kleine stubchen" by ludwig hohlwein, art deco

obsession of the day:

2009-02-05T23:56:00.000-08:00

this lovely dress from victoria's secret (oh, really ? i couldn't believe it myself).

goodbye; domino.

2009-01-30T16:33:00.000-08:00

this is very-very sad news. first, my favorite magazine(ever) blueprint goes under, and now, domino. i am hoping they keep up their blog as blueprint did (bluelines, but they stopped a couple of months back, sigh). i will miss getting this magazine, and the inspiration it provided me for the last couple of years. fortunately i have stumbled upon so many blogs that offer me daily inspiration lately, that i know it will make up for my magazine void.

zoey deschanel, my favorite actress, cover model for the final issue of domino.

but, in less depressing news: french connection has some lovely items on sale. there were a couple of items i restrained from purchasing for myself for christmas, and now - well, $168.00 dress dropped to $39.99. etc. i found a necklace i couldn't live without too.

dress at french connection; view here.

necklace at french connection; view here.

little italy.

2009-01-25T00:24:00.001-08:00

this lady bug likes to hang out on my front lawn, especially after it rains.

today i went on a excursion to my favorite places in little italy, a small neighborhood slightly north of downtown san diego. an amazing amount of boutiques and art galleries reside here; i have to say, there is a handful of shops i wish i could spend all of my time and money in. their products are a source of inspiration.

architectural salvage

2401 kettner blvd. san diego ca 92101

here you can find an array of skeleton keys, chandeliers, doorknobs, all sorts of period building materials. i love going in there and sifting through all of the keys, playing with the in-house cat, and looking at the assortment of chandelier crystals sitting in an antique bathtub. their selection if unparalleled - so next time you think about going to anthropolige to find that "antique" door-nob, please think twice.

chandelier at architectural salvage.

antiques on kettner

2400 kettner blvd. suite 106, san diego ca 92101

for retro to victorian, antique jewelry galore - and furniture, well, they had to buy the place next door (opening soon) just to fit all of the furniture. antique on kettner get new stock in everyday. many of their displays are color coordinated, a green isle, a blue isle, a pink isle (my favorite). others, are just jam packed with beautiful jewelry, mostly costume. the selection they have of ceramic figurines is also wonderful. i joked with the owner that i wish i could just take the whole store with me.

vintage toy display at antiques on kettner.

india ink papers inc.

1907 columbia st. number one, san diego ca 92101

hidden of the main streets of little italy, it this small house, with a lovely window display (always seasonal and enticing). the only reason you would know to walk in is the obvious shop sign. welcome to india ink, a boutique paper shop, in my opinion the best in san diego. as soon as you walk in, the ribbons are to your left, as colorful and playful as can be. you walk up a pair of small steps just to find dozens of stamps, books, envelopes, notecards, anything a paper aficionado could ever desire. they also have a great selection of clutches, kate spade accessories, children's products, the list goes on - you wouldn't think it would all fit in such a small shop. regardless of the size, the entire place is organized to perfection, and every corner draws your eye. they also do personalized invitations, and work with the best letterpress companies in the country.

the ribbon collection at india ink papers.

ode to poe.

2009-01-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

two weeks ago, i was doing my regular post office visit - and there, standing in line, i glanced at "upcoming stamps"; who knew i would get so excited about a stamp. i jumped up and down inside as soon as my eyes caught "january 2009, edgar allan poe". faint. the illustration is done by carl t. herrman, and the graphic design on the special edition booklet - splendid. these stamps are to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of edgar allan poe. i jokingly told seth (my significant other) that as soon as the stamps hit the shelf on the 16th of january i would buy out the entire collection. of course this would yield me bankrupt, but alas, i would never run out of poe stamps!

edgar allan poe commemorative stamp, available at USPS

also available, booklet with illustrations, poem, and stamps

(look at that spot varnish on the black damask, drool.)

and of course, my own rendition; available on etsy (large poster).

crave.

2009-01-20T00:24:00.000-08:00

silk ribbon chain link necklace, j.crew

who isn't a sucker for cashmere?

(that's a rhetorical question.)

i was browsing through j.crew (which i tend to do often while checking my e-mail), and i planned out this outfit, with cute tights, and metallic shoes to match the pink of the necklace. and, i'm thinking of making myself the necklace, having my mother help me make the dress - but the sweater, their sweaters are divine. that - i must have.

j.crew cashmere sweater

silk taffeta halter sangle' dress

polaroid.

2009-01-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

the sub-culture, the fascination. "polaroid is no longer making film", the masses weep. the price soars. film is oh-so expensive, or, non-existent for certain cameras. mine, unfortunately, being one of them. when the murder was first announced i jumped on the "buy out all film possible" band-wagon and purchased and insane amount of film on ebay. and hoarding it like gold it has been stashed in my camera closet. waiting for the day it will used as a creative means. so here, i was sitting. contemplating - spending the gold. i've seen a trend in people having one of their new year's resolutions be "a photo a day", or things of that nature. i don't want to go that far - but, a polaroid a week or so sounds good to me. it will be a sad day, when i turn to seth many years from now at a cafe, and mention the polaroid, a teenager will glance and ask, "what's that?". and we will shake our heads, remembering the 8- track, beta, tape, laser-disk, floppy, and instant film years (and by then, CD's will be obsolete too).

self portrait.

there might be hope though, as gizmodo reports; click here.

the joy of handmade.

2009-01-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

so it's been over a year since i was first introduced to etsy; and now it has become nothing but a part of my daily routine. an addiction i'm proud to flaunt, as well as tempt people to indulge in. i have found myself being swayed to a more feminine side since picking up the "hand-made" culture. the funny thing is, whenever i do sell an item, i usually end up putting my money back into etsy, supporting fellow sellers (with such temptation, cute objects and such, who can resist).

my current obsessions are as follows:

limoncello, original painting by caitlin shearer

hedgehog brooch by kate broughton

white as snow dress by sarah seven

young trees wall decals by subhuti designs

wear it as you like brown scarf by homelab

hopefully i will acquire this items eventually, but for now they are prominent on my wish-list. the tree decals i will be buying sooner than later, being they are needed to complete my "shoe closet project".