Thursday, June 30, 2011

Jerry's Mexican Grill

{This is a project in which I go back to all of my "draft" blog posts, and try to complete them.}





Another set of old photos. Ensconced in an Eagle Rock strip mall, Jerry's is surprisingly good. yum!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

random







These photos have been floating around from a few months ago.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Bloggity Faves!

So, still experiencing technical difficulties. Until I get my act together, please take a look at some of my bloggity faves!

Terri Planty (lush, planty love)




The Full Nilson (charm, sass, style)



Post Secret (voyeuristic & moving, AT THE SAME TIME)


Thursday, June 16, 2011

Harvest

This was the entire harvest. Not bad for a spindly little plant stuck in a too small planter pot. And they're de-li-cious!!! I'm gonna try and save a few for Jen, whose been sharing her vegge garden wares with us. But no promises. I'm greedy.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Summer Gear

Summer!

Shades
Sandals that match a pool noodle
Vintage caftan
Bathing suit
Sunblock
Unbrushed hair corralled into a topknot


This was basically my uniform all last weekend in Palm Springs. I wish I could wear it everyday, ALL summer.

Not pictured is a house full of friends and family. I was concentrating so hard on relaxing, I barely took my camera out all weekend! Hence the the fuzzy iPhone pic. The getaway was super fun but way too short. In fact, you might find us back in the desert next month. Anyone up for a couple nights at the ACE?

Friday, June 10, 2011

Blog on pause

So I had all these posts in my head and was all ready to get crackin' a couple nights ago when we realized a virus was trying to kill my laptop. Ugh. So, no posting for a bit while we get it all sorted out. And by sorting out I mean complete avoidance with a jaunt to Palm Springs. I'm typing on my phone while Sergio is driving this very moment.

I know what you're thinking. "Damn girl, you just got back from Ojai!" Yep. This is not normally how we roll but June seems to be THE month into which we're jamming all our little summer getaways. Maybe next month we'll sit at home to practice our thumb twiddling skills and scheme some elaborate practical jokes on our cats. Can't wait!

So, happy Friday and go get your weekend on my pretties!

XO - elsie

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Peony Moment

Pink Peony

For about a week now, I've had the delight of opening my eyes to these blooms in the morning. The peony moment is so lovely but so brief.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Dad's birthday: 81!

How does Dad like to celebrate his birthday - or any other festivity for that matter? Eat. That's it. He likes to eat. So we happily oblige.

This year, we went to Top Island in Alhambra. Service was very odd and even frustrating at times, but the food was tasty. The cake was from Taipan Bakery, just down the block from the restaurant. It was already 6 PM and we had not ordered a cake so we totally lucked out with this one. The only other cake they had was chocolate and Dad prefers the fruit kind. It was very good - the almonds were toasted and fluffy frosting just right. If you don't know already, the usual Chinese style birthday cakes are spongy moist with an uber-light, non-buttercream frosting. It's usually loaded up with fresh fruit on top and inside, and adorned with almond slices all around.

Dad rockin' the patriotic look.
Dad chowing down
DSC05235
Dad's 81st bday dinner
81st Bday!
That stylish yet practical reversible fleece vest was once mine. I picked it up during my last year in college. It was from the outside sale rack at City Sports on the BU campus. (Is that still around?) I wore it everywhere, including my first time to Italy, a week before I met Sergio. It has these perfect nearly hidden pockets for traveling.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Clever Design

Speaking of packaging design, have you seen the latest post on Invasionista? I normally carry my own shopping bag everywhere, but I would not hesitate to take a few of these home. Genius!


Photos via Invasionista.

You really should click on over to see them all.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Sunday Farmer's Market + Julia

I had absolutely no recipes in mind while shopping this morning at the Atwater Farmer's Market (my fave!). I don't even know what to do about the squash blossoms. They were just so pretty, I couldn't pass them up!

inspired by ms. julia
cilantro and squash blossom
Heirloom tomatoes and zucchini
Mother nature is a pretty sharp packaging designer, don't you think?

As you can see, I've been reading a biography on Julia Child. The book was already on the table so I nudged it into the shot. All the beautiful food seemed to be a nice homage to her. I've read up to the section titled:
Spying and Romance
Exciting, right? I can't say I'm loving the author's writing style, but I am finding Julia's life fascinating nonetheless.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Barefoot Foodie - The 6 Hour Cat

So, I found this story via Nicole's Making it Lovely Honor Roll.

I cannot believe I've only just found Brittany Gibbons. Her writing rocks my socks off. READ THIS:

http://barefootfoodie.com/2011/06/02/the-6-hour-cat/

Warning: It's disturbing. But so funny at the same time.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Ojai Part 5: Cabin Art

I can't finish the Ojai wrap up without mentioning the original art adorning The Love Shack. Much of it was from Beatrice Wood, an artist who made her home in Ojai. This charming touch is just one of the reasons why we can't wait to go back. Soon.

DSC05033
DSC05084
DSC05102
DSC05101
DSC05106

soon.


Click the photos to see my photostream and possibly more descriptions.

Ojai Part 4: In and Around Town

The weather was perfect for countryside convertible cruising and leisurely strolling around town.

Highlights:
Bart's Books: This place was a fun labyrinth of patio/bookstore. I picked up Naked by David Sedaris and Biography of Julia Child.
New Oak Ranch: Bill and Karen weren't at the ranch but we got a tour from their son's girlfriend who was "ranch sitting" for them. The place was so amazing!

DSC05055
DSC05070
Bart's Books
Bart's Books - Cook books
New Oak Ranch


Click the photos to see my photostream and possibly more descriptions.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Ojai Part 3: Eats

We decided to splurge our calories on lunches out in town and eat light dinners at the cabin. (Though, we did have one hearty pre-hike breakfast.) This timing allowed us to catch the light changing on the mountain from the cozy comfort of our living room.

Topa Topa Syrah
Prosciutto sandwhich
anchovies and artichoke pizza
strawberry shortcake

Mussels in a saffron broth on straw pasta
salmon grappa sauce


Click the photos to see my photostream and possibly more descriptions.

Ojai Part 2: Cozy Dell Trail

This wonderful little trail is near the cabin, just off Hwy 33, with the destination being Cozy Dell Creek. This is one of the prettiest hikes I've ever been on! Sage, wildflowers, butterflies, bees, birds, beautiful vistas, water crossings, trees, shade and sun -- all in a couple miles each way.

DSC05176
DSC05133
Cozy Dell Trail
DSC05143

This is what we look like when we hike:
DSC05166
DSC05178

Thankfully the trail wasn't too difficult. I'm pretty out of shape these days and to be honest, I'm still just a teensy bit sore. But I'm feeling kind of inspired now and want to try Runyon Canyon next weekend!

Click the photos to see my photostream and possibly more descriptions.