Passage Paradis

Happy Weekend

2012-01-27T12:17:00.000-08:00

from my talented neighbors, their animal friends - and me!

More Sunshine? More Sunset Boulevard?

2012-01-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks everybody for your nice comments on the walks. So glad you liked them! Shall we resume the sunny adventure?

Anybody ever seen the Laurel Hardy Movie, the Music Box? These are the stairs it was filmed on. It has changed a little since then.

At the bottom of the hill, you will still find "pink palaces" but on "the Flats" they are usually inhabited by many families, not just one. A native of L.A., like my neighbor Bobbi, might tell you that in Los Angeles, it has always been that way - the rich people live in "the Hills" and the poor people live on "the Flats".

This sweet little alleyway is named for, I'm guessing, a Latino family. Along it are teeny little houses with yards full of roses and songbirds.

When you come out in the end you find yourself in a very colorful world. Angelenos seem to take great pride and pleasure in their cityscapes.

Whether by accident or by design, "color is better".

This is a very latino stretch of the roadway. But then think about it - "Los Angeles"? Why shouldn't it be?

I am not always crazy about graffiti, but (since the discovery of those groovy German spray paints in fab colors - I guess), the standard of graffiti has unquestionably improved. I like this one alot. The graffiti seems slowly to be morphing into mural art - very consistent with the Mexican tradition.

Don't let this fool you - you're still in L.A.

Despite the New York style security system.

Coming along this stretch always puts me in a celebratory mood. What's cheerier at the end of a sunny week than a long neck bottle of Dos Equis and a big pile of tortilla chips? (CRUNCH/SWOOSH.)

I guess since I'm an artist, I'm able to find a little art wherever I go. How about this color-block abstraction? Any gangstas out there? Am I missing some significance in shoes abandoned next to a "hoodlums" tag? (They do make for a more dramatic art piece, no?)

Should I just leave that whole conversation alone?

And concentrate on the sunshine? Did you like Part II of the walk? Where to next?

Corner View - January

2012-01-24T22:23:00.000-08:00

In January of the New Year, 2012

I ate bread loaves bigger than my head.

Found this soft face gazing at me when I rolled out of bed.

Saw snowfall on the Sierra Nevadas.

Finally started logging the blooming schedule in my neighborhood.

It's already a new NEW YEAR. Gung Hee Fat Choy! (It's the year of the Dragon. Any Dragons out there?) Now, where has that month of January gone already?! There's only one week of it left!

For more Corner Views, pop over to Francesca's blog, "Fuori Borgo" and see what you can find.

Monday Bites - Cocoa Loco

2012-01-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

When it comes to dessert, are you a chocolat-ey person?

via Bohemian Wornest, this and below

I have to say, especially if we're talking goodies at mid-day, I would almost ALWAYS go for chocolate.

Call Me Cupcake

If it's evening, after a big meal, something a tidge fruitier or, a nice panna cotta would go down a treat.

But have I mentioned how much I like CAKE?!!!!!!!?????? Why don't they serve more cake in restaurants in America?

Something Special This Way Comes - It's Not Sepia

2012-01-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

I thought I ought to share this with you now.

from the truly original Andrea at Paper Sparrow

These goodies have been "in the vault"

Crochet as fine art at Wood and Wool Stool

for a couple months now.

not sure where from....anyone know?

I was at risk of completely losing track of them.

by Desaccord, installation Chez Serendipity

A perfect melange of the refined and the humble I think. Gives me warm fuzzy feelings. You?

Maybe Some Sunshine? Part One.

2012-01-19T21:50:00.000-08:00

On and off the Boulevard. Sunset Boulevard.

There are so many great walks in this neighborhood, one of the oldest in Los Angeles,

called Silverlake.

Have I mentioned all the choices of stairs? They were built back in the days

by the trolley car companies, to get the customers to their routes.

This one had been beckoning me for awhile but I had never taken it on.

Cuz it's a long way up!

Even further when you're looking back down.

Did you expect this at the top?

Or this? I didn't.

More surprises on this walk. I'll be back with more. How'd you like it?

Street London - Kings Road at Christmas

2012-01-18T17:41:00.000-08:00

I almost always go to the Kings Road in Chelsea to shop when I am in London. It's fizzy, pretty, intimate, there are more than enough choices for shopping and there are many fewer crowds than you would find at Harrods, Oxford, or Regent Street.

I love the way the put little Christmas trees up the lightpoles and against the buildings.

Does your local l'Occitane serve champagne? Why ever not?

I like the King's Road because a cozy pub is never far away.

Fashion trends spotted? Hmmmmm......Girls dressed like lumberjacks or Ernest Hemingway? (Actually it's a look I like!) And of course dressing like Zelda Fitzgerald never goes out of fashion.

60's Dolly Bird?

Deer, or (Fleet) Foxes (????)

School crossing guards? Or maybe this isn't fashion but just a sensible old-fashioned way of ensuring you're seen on the roadway on your bike.

And who can tell me more about the Asian girls' style (no pictures, sorry!) of dressing like "The Railway Children". Anyone dressing like this where you are?

Did I miss the Corner View again???????? Sorry we've had company!

Stompin in Sepia

2012-01-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Will your other half dress "posh" when the occasion requires? Mine, a refusenik, after the example of his Father, would not be found dead anywhere in a "Dickie Bow", never mind tails. Might be why we stayed in on New Year's Eve in London listening to the the Guy Barker Orchestra at the Savoy Hotel until it came time for the fireworks.

Sadly the BBC2 are no longer offering audio downloads of that night. Which is a shame, cuz that band was stompin and that band was S-M-O-O-T-H!

Instead, how about a little Judy Garland to warm a January night?

Nice!

Toodles Poppets!

2012-01-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

What are your plans for the weekend! Have you made it through Friday the 13th O.K.?

I'll be thinking of you - have a great one!

Corner View - Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New

2012-01-12T19:45:00.000-08:00

Are you superstitious? I am married to a "very modern" Man with the exception

(Photo: by the fabulous Johanna Flyckt)

that he has completely taken on board and never relinquished the "full Monty" of English superstitions: no ivy in the house please, the terror of broken mirrors, if you spill salt you have to throw some over your shoulder, and........ALL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS DOWN BY THE TWELFTH NIGHT!

We are also not a religious household, but we have had casual flirtations with other peoples' religions. A little token from a Japanese scholars' shrine still hangs from our rear view mirror....I cannot say that it did NOT bring us good luck....because once it seems to have done.

On November 29, 2011 I brought this guy back from the Flea Market. I really wasn't sure at all I should have brought him home. As much as I find other images of Ganesh quite charming, this one is just the tiniest bit ugly where the eyes join up with the nose. And I thought, as much as I love the colors, I really don't need another flimsy bit of paper, cluttering up my house. And the frame is not really a frame.....it's very sort of home made. And also flimsy........

But Ganesh is the Hindu God of Success and Auspicious New Beginnings. Could you believe in him? Especially if you thought that he could bring you something that you wanted terribly terribly? Isn't this just about the time of year for Auspicious New Beginnings? What do you say?

Out with the old, in with the new? I do! Watch this space!

Find More Corner Views, with Francesca at Fuori Borgo here.

Christmas Past

2012-01-10T18:43:00.000-08:00

Oops! I forgot it was Corner View day - even though I'd prepared a Corner View on today's theme. I'll post it tomorrow!

Hello to all, here I am creeping back into blogging mode......

Happy New Year everyone! How is it so far? I wasn't sure whether to share these with you are not. Are we over Christmas already? Or would we not mind so much, a little souvenir of the season? Here in L.A. it is dazzlingly bright and I am so glad.....but in England, where I spent Christmas, it seems now that it was terribly dark. Maybe that had a little to do with horrific jetlag and not beginning to sleep until 5 a.m. in the morning and waking closer to 10. It left a very short day, when the night fell at 4 p.m.

Is this the prettiest street in London? It is one of my very favorites at this time of year.

It is in Belgravia, where you might find the Sultan of Brunei, Joan Collins and Nigella Lawson residing. So not so much horse-shoeing going on anymore.

This is Elizabeth St. which I've posted about before here.

It's a little bit bijou, but quite laid back - with not so much bustle because it's only about two blocks of shops most of which purvey a little of the Good Life. In discreet doses. There are very nice florists, jewelers, perfumers, and a lovely pet store here.

It is here that you will find the London branch of Poilane, the famous French bakers.

But why do they call them "Punitions"? These lovely little cookies? One of those life questions that still goes unanswered.

I just adore these chandeliers. They look like something out of a Disney movie - Cinderella probably.

You can't see it in the photos, but the candle - "light" is actually flickering! Smartcar, or Aston Martin, if you are buzzing about doing your last minute Chrimbly shopping, you could do worse than "wrapping it up" here. With a tall fizzy glass of bubbly and it goes without saying, a crunchy "Punition" for the road. And don't forget to bring someone else to carry your bags!

How WERE your holidays, anyway?!

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

Hello to Everyone and Happy New Year! Hope you all had a restful holiday break and are feeling refreshed and still a little warm and fuzzy from all your visiting, eating, and sleeping too!

Thank you so much for all your really sweet and lovely greetings. Hope you all know how much I think of you and what richness and delight you bring to us at Passage Paradis. You have my very best wishes for 2012 and I look forward to many more visits and happy moments exchanged in the course of this year to come.

I'm going to take another week before I recommence my "usual" computer schedule. I'll be thinking of you though!

xoxo

Leftovers?

2011-12-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

For some people, the day after Christmas is just as nice as Christmas Day.

This is not quite where I am,

Pics: British Homes and Gardens 1990's

but if I could be, I'd tell you that we are sitting around the kitchen making leftovers delicious again and lounging around the dining table nibbling............... and doing not much else!

Happy Christmas To All

2011-12-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

All pics from 1990's Martha Stewart Livings

Except this, Marie-Claire Maison similar period

And to all a good nite!

Corner View - Seasonal

2011-12-20T20:45:00.000-08:00

As with my previous post, these are greatest and not-so-latest tree ideas from Martha Stewart Living from the 1990's. I still love them. Sorry I won't be able to comment today, but hope you all are have a wonderful week so far.

For More Corner Views, here are links to: Francesca, Jane, Ian, Don, Anna, Dana, LaNinja, Theresa, CherryB, Joyce, Natsumi, Lumetta, Kari, Bonnie, Cate, Dort e, Skylar, April, Lollipop, Janis, ibb, jgy, IdaNielsen, Liza, Likeschocolate, Isabelle, Lucylaine, Allegria, Pienduzz, Elisabelle,RosaMaria, Elizabeth, BichosdaMatos, Juniper, Victoria, Annabel, Angie, Emily, Kamana, Tikjewit, Tanïa, Barbara, Moetjatja, Dorit, Flowtops, Valérie, Juliette, Castor, Wanderchow, LouetTom, Lise, FashionCampagne, Tzivia, Cole,Juanita, Li + Belle, Sophie, Menthe blanche, Leslie...

Classic Gift Ideas

2011-12-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

OK. Just for you. Last minute

inspiration

for this, that seasonal chore. That could be a terrible bore.

Or really lots of fun.

Depending how much time you have, and how many little helpers.

Most of these ideas came from France, through that lovely San Francisco shop, Bellochio

via Martha Stewart Living. And others via British Homes and Gardens. (Both from the late 90's.)

And some come from ancient Japan. They still look fresh and right which is why we have to call them

C L A S S I C S.

Wet Christmas - Wonderment

2011-12-18T22:15:00.000-08:00

Aside from my reservations about so much electricity so close to so much water,

and some

thoughts for the state of our dear earth

because of what must inevitably result

from the manufacture and eventual disposal

of all the plastic, wire and glass involved

in undertakings such as these.......

Aside from those thoughts........

All I can say is, what a wonderful testament to man's endless creativity

and aren't these fabulous and FUN!

For more information about this delightful madness, just click here........

This is NOT a Sepia

2011-12-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

The 'hood. Almost exactly one year ago today. You know what's odd about Southern California? It's one week before Christmas and NOONE even wishes you "Happy Holiday!" (Much less Happy Christmas!) Do you think that's weird? (Or do they just think I'm Buddhist? Or a Scientologist?)

Are people wishing you Merry Christmas where you are? Do you appreciate that?

War is Over

2011-12-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

If you want it.........to be. Have a great weekend everybody.

It's Beginning to Look Alot .........

2011-12-15T22:43:00.000-08:00

Like.......well........ maybe NOT Christmas in YOUR 'hood.

Tasteful Christmas?

Upside down Christmas. Oops!

New-Look Christmas Tree?

Christmas stress relief, L.A. style? (But what can Chinese people have to do with it, I have to ask.)

Not quite set for Christmas company.........

Minimalist's Christmas (Nice effort, guys!) OK so seriously, and be honest now - Are YOU ready?

A Brief Moratorium on Holiday Posting:

2011-12-14T21:58:00.000-08:00

(via Sophie Munns' Seedcapsules)

Because I-I-I-I-I.......want to make MOSSBOXES too!

Corner View - Lonely, Together

2011-12-13T22:30:00.000-08:00

Are you lonesome tonight????????

I, personally, am a little tired tonight, but let me see if I can eek a Corner View out of this series of pictures from the Melrose-Fairfax Sunday Flea Market..........from a gloriously balmy recent Sunday.....

First, can I ask, have you ever thought about what a lonely life it must be, being a BOOT in sunny southern California? Sitting in the back of a closet. In the dark. For years on end maybe, rarely if ever coming out to play? Until????????? Until!!!!

This is the evidence. Of such loneliness. TOGETHER.

Is this or is this not? a graphic representation of LONELINESS TOGETHER? Now you understand, don't you, about the Lords exhortation to Noah. Yes? It's not nice when everybody is fixed up with a compatible and theoretically, attractive - mate. And for you - ? Not so much!

Lonely together? For Africa, maybe? Or perhaps for one of those errant beads that I am always afraid would fall off in copious numbers if I ever actually purchased one of these things that I am so attracted to.

Do people use these in your part of the world? We do. When we are Hollywood stars who don't want to share our secret loneliness, we burn these to persuade the last (deceased) fabulous one who inhabited our house too.......vamoose! Already! Because, which one of you missed that memo? In "the Hills" WE WANT TO BE ALONE!

Have I mentioned about boots? In So-Cal?

Christmas is coming - but where is the snow! Out, out you damned boots!

Not possible to be lonely, but instead very TOGETHER with fuzzy colors in your hair.

Not possible to be lonely AT ALL with mid-century MOD accoutrements to bring your friends TOGETHER around. Snapping fingers and sipping cocktails to your favorite tunes.

Need I say more about this hi-fi.........

And this mini-dress - just shouting out to be brought together with some slamming BOOTS! (Hello Boots - there may be hope for you yet!) On your rockin' back patio.

Four people could never feel lonely together all crammed into this l-u-u-u-v seat. Because after all, this is L.A. and not New York.

OK when I spot something like this in tin, and turquoise, and I am "shopping" in the sunshine with Monsieur Paradis, it's true. I feel lonely. Because THIS (whether or not it does actually come from France) reminds me that I have always nursed the dream of a little shop full of such things. Either from France............or............... in France. AND HE, EMPHATICALLY DOES NOT! Nurse such a dream

The definition of lonely together. Because even if he let me have my little shop, I would always be out treasure hunting. Even on weekends. And never ever home..........So we would be LONELY in real life. Even if together on paper.

Don't you think little babies feel lonely in these silly bouncy machines even when they are set on them right in the middle of the living room with all their family together? Even when the silly bouncy machine looks like an elegant, industrial, vintage instrument of torture?

Yup. I have already told you about me and old colorful tin things. Etceter - awwww!

The best things in this market were ALL tin! (So. Painful!)

Not 100% tin but I could feel less lonely with this little light in my life. Togetherness be damned.

Do you know these men? They once were the Fathers of My Country. Feeling a little lonely maybe, considering all that 18th-century Euro-styled Enlightenment "democracy crap" has been kicked to the curb by our current crop of politicians.

At least they're together.

Oh for the good old days. When teetering on a precipice seemed like a great adventure.

Remember my shop? How perfectly would this work with "my" tin bits and pieces? (Also turquoise! Pantone "Tangerine" Color-of-the-Year????? Ho. Huh. Hum.) I would invite my artist friends in and install a saw blade right there in the middle. I would make them stretcher bars, and bang them together some lovely frames. When we are done, we could throw a pretty cover across the top

and have pink lemonade.

There are lots of songs about these guys. And their lonely old boots. You know the kind you'll find in darkened bars with old Hank on the jukebox. No matter how many other cowboys have tied up outside, inside, they will never be TOGETHER.

It's lonely work, packing up the truck and taking it all back home. Especially when you'd wished you'd have a little less of it all-together. And a little more cash in your pocket.

At the end of the day.

Whew. I made it through another Corner View. How about for you? Christmas + Corner View? Are you making it all work?

For more "Lonely Together" Corner Views, here are links to: Francesca, Jane, Ian, Don, Anna, Dana, LaNinja, Theresa, CherryB, Joyce, Natsumi, Lumetta, Kari, Bonnie, Cate, Dort e, Skylar, April, Lollipop, Janis, ibb, jgy, IdaNielsen, Liza, Likeschocolate, Isabelle, Lucylaine, Allegria, Pienduzz, Elisabelle,RosaMaria, Elizabeth, BichosdaMatos, Juniper, Victoria, Annabel, Angie, Emily, Kamana, Tikjewit, Tanïa, Barbara, Moetjatja, Dorit, Flowtops, Valérie, Juliette, Castor, Wanderchow, LouetTom, Lise, FashionCampagne, Tzivia, Cole,Juanita, Li + Belle, Sophie, Menthe blanche, Leslie...

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2011-12-12T20:49:00.000-08:00

Yummys from the kitchen.

Les petits plats sur les grands.........

Breaking out the good silver.

All photos via iiiinspired

Visions of sugarplums.................

........And if they don't turn up while you're asleep, you just might find them here: Anybody remember Mowie from my blogroll? The Christmas edition of his Mowie magazine is coming out soon. I think it's going to be good! Find it here. If you need to be convinced, have a look at his previous issue at the same link.

Monday Bites - Nice Nosh!

2011-12-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

I'm not cooking this Christmas......

but apparently that doesn't mean that I leave off one of my very favorite Christmas traditions:

leafing through old magazines and excavating those recipes that I always dreamed of trying and never got round to. OK, I know, caviar and toast doesn't strictly qualify as a "recipe". But it's still a yummy idea is it not?

Who knew years ago that a Christmas tamale recipe would come in very handy once I'd landed in L.A., as this is a very traditional Christmas specialty in this part of the world.

But let me be honest. It's nice to consider festive main courses for the occasion but the really true excitement for me of the season has got to be the Christmas world of DESSERT.

Truffles seem to have been supplanted in the popular American imagination by macarons, but really, what is nicer, and easier, for a Christmas buffet or cocktail party than these? It's a little like making mudcakes, isn't it - you can get your hands dirty and have a little snow dance under shakings of cocoa powder....... DON'T buy those stale, torpid, slightly greasy things in boxes that announce their ubiquity at the ends of all the supermaket aisles!!!!!!! There is NOTHING like fresh (cream) truffles. Don't hold back. Yes. Do try this at home with your children. It's something you will never forget.

Christmas pie or Christmas cake? My mother always favored cherries jubilee, but if I am at home in the States, it will always be cake for me. (In England, without fail, it's Christmas pudding. I adore it with a generous slathering of brandy butter!) There's no doubt that some kind of white cake blends in beautifully with all your Christmas decorations. And will look drop-dead festive.

We are great lovers of coconut cake in our family, but this one could just be peppermint. And I like the idea of a very very pale pink frosted cake with a white inside. If I were to make such a pink and white cake I would have to pass on the peppermint and do something plainer, or with nuts in it like a German hazelnut torte with a whipped cream frosting, or a repeat of the Pierre Herme derived recipe from last Christmas' cupcakes: (raspberry, lychee and rosewater flavors, that I posted about here).

I really truly think that Christmas flavors should be special. And not something that you might readily eat at any other time of the year.

Now, strictly speaking, I'm not really an ice-cream and cake girl. I hate actually, the way the ice cream tastes so cold and overpowers the cake flavor, but then so quickly melts, and then makes the cake soggy and gets all soupy and sticky with crumbs floating in it. Arrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh. Really, what a mess. SO NOT special and festive to me.

Instead, I much prefer a Baked Alaska. We used to make this at a restaurant I worked in. It's an old school idea, but one that's really quite easy to pull off (especially if you're not afraid of handling a blow torch.) And it's always exciting to bring one of these into a crowded room of people, whether or not you've set the center alight. The ice cream and the cake stay at mostly the same temperature and because of the insulating meringue coating, soften nicely for eating but stay firm enough to hold their consistency but separateness. i.e., no ice cream in your cake, and no cake in your ice cream!

These are something I never would have thought twice about on the East Coast, but now in L.A. with lovely fresh dates available (I'm almost certain, even at this time of year) these would be light and lovely and easy to make to serve with espresso.

(Photos mostly vintage Martha Stewart, then British Homes and Gardens

and Marie Claire Maison.)

Finally, pate de fruits. Who doesn't love tangy acidic delicate fruit flavors that will still melt on your tongue in the middle of a cold and dark festive season. With brilliant sunny colors? I can't think of anything better. It's a lovely alternative to the "too-much-is-never-enough" ethos of Christmas partakings.

Do you get really inspired by Christmas cooking and try always new things, or do you go with very traditional recipes that go back in your family? Do you have a signature recipe that everybody always asks for? After all the cooking, do you feel like eating?

What does Christmas mean to you? Is it all about the food? The family gatherings? The presents and the kids? The Christmas lights? Or a big old rest at the end of the year?

Seasonal Sepias

2011-12-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the Celebrations, Don't Overdo the Shopping......

Just make sure you get lots of naps.

Count Down: Just About Two Weeks to Go!

2011-12-08T20:38:00.000-08:00

These are Christmas colors aren't they? Have a great weekend all you shoppers, bakers, and wrappers!

This Would Be A Longer Post........

2011-12-07T21:10:00.000-08:00

If I weren't madly trying to get Christmas cards out!

Like the pic? I found it via Delphine at ParadisExpress. (Photo by BNPS - Bournemouth News and Picture Service - who knew?) Do you have a tree yet?

Corner View - Youer than You

2011-12-06T20:53:00.000-08:00

What makes

me ME. And you? A YOU-er you? Have you ever thought about it before this Corner View?

What does it mean: "Who are YOU?" (WHO AM I?) Is it who you call yourself? Or what someone else calls you?

Could it be that you could be a YOU-er you......if?.......you'd studied something else, married someone else, grown up elsewhere.

Is a YOU-er you always a good thing?

Is a you-er you, the things you own? The things you'd like to own? The way you spend your time, and with whom? Where you come from? Or where you're going? The things you've made. Or the things you spend your time doing to hold all the rest together?

The things seen, read. Any things unsaid?

Do your children, or your parents, make you a you-er you? Or is it someone else?

Anything more you'd like to do? To find yourself a YOU-ER you? (With a little shoutout to Dr. Seuss.)

For a World of YOUS, via Corner Views:

Francesca, Jane, Ian, Don, Anna, Dana, LaNinja, Theresa, CherryB, Joyce, Natsumi, Lumetta, Kari, Bonnie, Cate, Dort e, Skylar, April, Lollipop, Janis, ibb, jgy, IdaNielsen, Liza, Likeschocolate, Isabelle, Lucylaine, Allegria, Pienduzz, Elisabelle,RosaMaria, Elizabeth, BichosdaMatos, Juniper, Victoria, Annabel, Angie, Emily, Kamana, Tikjewit, Tanïa, Barbara, Moetjatja, Dorit, Flowtops, Valérie, Juliette, Castor, Wanderchow, LouetTom, Lise, FashionCampagne, Tzivia, Cole,Juanita, Li + Belle, Sophie, Menthe blanche, Leslie...

Christmas Bests

2011-12-05T20:56:00.000-08:00

Can I make some Christmas shopping suggestions from some of my web favorites?

Cards and prints from Suzanne Norris', Sakura Snow Etsy shop

Winsome and witty little felt characters from Swig

Dreamy fine art prints from Jeremy Miranda

Luminous cards for the season of lights from Guillemette at Grey Lemon

Toasty alpaca fingerless gloves from LeafGreen Handmade

Inspired papercuts of all your favorite places at Famille Summerbelle

Inspiring paper cuts from cult cutter, Rob Ryan

All that's girly (and a little that glitters) at Anzu London

And the sweetest and most beautiful tribute in book and prints to a lovely little dog from Camilla Engman and Studio Morran

And from ShipandShape. What do I need to add?

Click on the links to find out where to buy them. Christmas is soon already, isn't it? Done your shopping? Sent your cards?

Monday Bites - Pumpkin Pie

2011-12-04T21:09:00.000-08:00

Do you like pie? OK. I have to admit. I've made FIVE pumpkin pies in the last two weeks. Most of one is still in my frig. I did not eat much of the first three that went to Thanksgiving dinner at someone else's house. And apparently "abstaining" and being polite did not agree with me, as I hankered for MORE PIE for five more days before breaking down and breaking out the rolling pin.

I don't usually like pumpkin pie. I used to always prefer apple pie at Thanksgiving, or chocolate cream pie, or custard pie. But this year, I was asked to make pumpkin pie - and as I was making it under fairly challenging conditions in Hawaii - no rolling pin, no electric mixer, extreme humidity, I swore it was still going to come out......VERY RIGHT! (And it did, whew!) My secret weapon? Dark rum, fresh ginger and allspice. And keeping the crust in the frig for three days before rolling it out. Did you know that a longer "rest" for pie dough is almost as good as for bread? It improves gluten development somehow. That is good. If you eat gluten. (The rest of the recipe comes from the side of a can of pumpkin).

I guess this pie was good. Because I had to have more. And I AM having more as I write this.

Is it bad form to enjoy your own cooking too much? Do you have a recipe that you almost feel guilty about enjoying terribly? Would you make a big recipe of something - just for yourself - and not bother to share it with anybody else? The good news for me this week is that Mr. Paradis is not remotely interested in pumpkin pie. And everybody else I know is PIE-D OUT! And saving themselves for Christmas goodies.

So here I sit. Eating pie. With reckless abandon. Am I a terrible person? Or do I just REALLY KNOW HOW TO LIVE!!!!!!???????? Tell me it's the latter. And I will try not to think about bathing suits.

Somebody Else's "Sepia"

2011-12-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

via thethinkingtank

We had a very windy last Wednesday night in L.A. Many enormous trees have been blown over and many people still without electricity. Imagine my surprise at bursts of blue light shooting across my bedroom walls at midnight as electricity transformers exploded half a mile away! And plunged my neighbors in darkness.

Reminder of how nature is at once ferocious and fragile.

Hope you all are safe wherever you are.

Orange

2011-12-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

Orange

you

first two photos via DearAda

glad

via PoeMa Bat Soilik

it's Friday

Sophie Munns' Seed Capsules

again?

Have a great weekend everybody!

Make Like a Tree...........

2011-11-30T22:03:00.000-08:00

Christo and Jeanne-Claude

I've been watching a television show about our "multi-verse".

Some physicists have theorized that there are infinite multiples

of our reality. The good news is that if.....

there are millions of "us'es" out there doing exactly what we're doing

Dante Mariani via DearAda

there's a possibility they could be doing it better than us! (Yes, I'm talking wars, pepper spray, knucklehead toxic "leaders" etc.)

But if they're doing exactly what we're doing, how can we be sure, they're not also

via Sophie Munns' Seed Capsules

screwing up, big time? I would much prefer to think of us as

BRANCHING OUT.

Corner View - Joy

2011-11-30T00:25:00.000-08:00

I don't know them.

but I know the feeling......

For More Corner Views:

Thanksgiving - Hawaiian Kine

2011-11-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

Yeah, braddahs, our was real Hawaiian kine.

The sun was shining strong. Auntie made her usual pies.

(Pumpkin flav-ah.) Long lines formed for ham too, edamame salad, sweet potato and coconut.

Every kine stuffings. Altogether kinda ono. Rubbah slippahs left at the door........

The tasty bits (turkey, not slippahs!) saved for Thanksgiving Dog. (Jake!)

Long tables were laid.

Still plenty fowl to spare, after giant turkey polished off. But still.......

............more waves to catch. How was your Thanksgiving?

Monday Bites - Proof: The Best Food in L.A. is Made by Koreans

2011-11-27T21:02:00.000-08:00

Yang Soon (Father's Office, Lukshon), Roy Choi (Kogi Truck), Jason Kim (Forage) and now,

Na Young Ma of Proof in Atwater Village - have gone where NOONE has gone before. And L.A. and the world are better for it! These chefs have taken concepts that have floated around for light years in our ever-expanding universe and constructed close to perfect realities with them right here in the galaxy that is Los Angeles. Though many have copied, none have so far matched (I can only speak for L.A.), the excellence of these ventures and their impeccably delicious products. Freshness, Beauty, Quality Ingredients, Accessible Low Key Vibe, Showing-Up-in-the-Right-Neighborhood (MINE!) at the right time..............changing the way that food will taste in L.A. for years to come........

The Paradis family are late-comers to Proof, it opened in 2010 in a little neighborhood on the other side of the L.A. river from our own. I had been ruminating for some time about the lack of excellent bakery products on our East-side of town, and how one such sort of bakery would make our little world P-E-R-F-E-C-T. Somehow I missed the opening memo about Proof. Just as well, I could get into some serious trouble there. Just as well also, that I am not much of a morning person, because they sell out of their impeccably fresh products fairly well before 4 p.m. when they close.

Shall I just say that their pain au chocolat and croissant could well be the best in town, eclipsing Bottega Louie's. Who now needs the Bread Bar over near Beverly Hills (and by extension Maison Kayser in Paris! Really, uh YES!?) because Proof's Financiers really are THE BUSINESS! And the little loaves that they make their sandwiches on might as well be potato chips, they are so more-ish with their oil-crisped crust and sprinkle of salty crystals. We buy as many loaves ALONE as we do sandwiches. If we happen to achieve an armload on a Saturday afternoon it is guaranteed that they will not survive the fifteen minute drive back up our hill and home. They are THAT GOOD! (Marie's/Policastro bread that we consumed religiously for so many years in Hoboken: "Who ARE you? and, Sorry but, We Never REALLY CARED!!!!!!)

......now that we live nearly next-door to Proof's little salty sticks!"

Serenity Sepia

2011-11-26T11:52:00.000-08:00

Ommmmmmmmmmmmm. Hoping this will help prepare me for the Holiday Season. Your strategy?

Did You Get Your Turkey?

2011-11-24T20:39:00.000-08:00

* And in case anyone's wondering about the ajarksi khachapuri, link here. Have you ever eaten one?

Now maybe you can help me find it........I mean, what do you think? WHERE'S THE BEEF?

Happy Thanksgiving Everybodys!

2011-11-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

via Home and Garden

We're celebrating Thanksgiving Hawaiian-style! Yeah we have turkeys here, too! (Thanks for all the nice birthday notes.) Hope it's a good day wherever you are! xoxo, Aloha and Ahui Hou!

Corner View - A Different Corner

2011-11-22T21:11:00.000-08:00

I posted yesterday in an oblique way about why I'm not quite generating as many of my own photos

for posting as I might have previously. Which kind of means, I might be kind of bored with my own corner, (or worried that you might be) and yes, ready for another corner - which I haven't yet turned. And so must borrow someone else's pictures until I've done that! Anybody still with me? (I'm not sure I'm following myself!!!!!)

So anyway, the above is why my "(Different) Corner View" this week uses other peoples' pictures and is inspired by somebody else's (Eiline's) post last week about how, when it is grey in Paris, she dreams of a living space that would make the grey seem more comforting...... and more comfortable. I know exactly what she means. Even in L.A. when the sun leaves us for a day, or a weekend, I really dream of a space like this.

That makes me feel sheltered, but not quite buried - as grey days tend to do. Soothed but not suffocated.

first three pics from "Carlotta et Rosita en Volvo"

Who GETS to live in someplace with high walls and even higher windows? (Not me yet!) But what lucky people, to sit and nap and drink warming things, and have muffled conversations with someone caring, about sorrows or joys. Until the long dark day has passed.

Marie-Claire Maison

And the sun shines again. At which point, I would want MY house, where I can actually see out the windows!

At Corner Views, it's all about the "difference". See them here:

Neighborhood Randoms - In the Year 2011

2011-11-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have noticed

that we've stayed pretty close

to home this year.

People coming to us. Instead. We were glad for that.

In between, lots of little jobs to catch up with, which are mostly

not so photogenic

nor at all instructive.

I have worried

about repeating myself.

Or boring you.

And boring myself.

Now we are entering the holiday season.

Any ideas what your new year will bring?

I'm a little bit nervous about 2012. So this is kind of my last look at 2011.

(Yes, it is what you think it is. And it has brothers. Running free in a suburban neighborhood. Huh!?)

When we were close to home. Before a brand new year of surprises began.

Monday Bites - Hot Chocolate

2011-11-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

OK. I want to consume this RIGHT NOW.

via Inspired by Tamar

Although I have to add that I am as in love with the dainty little cup with its blue pattern as I am with that foamy chocolate dusted stuff on top.

I will be shortly commencing my Thanksgiving preparations. What about you? What are your plans? Cooking at your house or already on your way somewhere?

For those who don't have a Thanksgiving in your late November week - Christmas is right around the corner! Oh dear, time to get on with those shopping lists!

Preview of the New Kitchen - Pseudo Sepia

2011-11-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

My window is actually a "feature" again! I can actually reach it to open and close it!

Psssssst. I'm celebrating my birthday today! Hope you're having as nice a weekend as I am! Yeah, 23 again!

11 Months Almost to the Day

2011-11-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

Can't believe I took this picture on December 16, 2010. No really. WHERE DOES the time go?

Plans this weekend peeps? Me? One or two. I'll catch you later and tell you all about it! Make it good!

Natural Forms in Autumn

2011-11-16T23:27:00.000-08:00

I really can't describe how I feel

about the things that are turning up in our markets

this fall. I'll just have to let the pictures

speak for themselves.