luv to japan

i found this graphic made for the low end theory and thought it was perfect.  nothing but LOVE for Japan.  everyday seems more and more devastating with new problems and more earthquakes.  i'm amazed by the Japanese's continued strength.  i think california would be a REAL mess if this disaster was here.  so much to learn from all of this. STAY STRONG JAPAN!

#13 on the 13th

what a beautiful day in downtown LA.  amazingly, this was my first time to the beat swapmeet and i can't believe i waited so long. as wax bonkers as i am, i have seriously been missing out! record deals galore, fantastic dj's mc's, vendors and FOOD! thank you so much Corazon de Jah for inviting me to be part of the fun and dj @ your delicious food booth. you guys rule.
BIG UPS!
until next time.......

FAUX pas

long beach apartments/homes have a weird "style" obsession with faux fireplaces.  i see them EVERYWHERE and i don't get it.  either have a real fireplace or don't have one at all!  mine has a pipe, which i'm assuming gas might have come through at one time, but now the whole thing is just a design eyesore.  i've been trying to figure out what to do with this baby since i moved in.  it's not a masterpiece yet, but we're finally getting somewhere.

meet Ace Hardware's Arabian Nights:

it's a dark, charcoal grey.  we love it.  it's still in need of something but at least we're moving in the right direction.

maybe something like this brass number by architect, alla kazovsky

some logs HALF way up.....

or maybe just some nice big floor pillows when extra company stops by....

who knows.  the actual fireplace "space" is quite shallow so if i put anything in it, it can't be too large.

♥♥♥

3 day'er on the horizon

a storm is brewing outside, which i welcome with open arms. these babies are rare in southern california so you have to grasp them when you can.
a 3 day weekend is also hours away. needed? YES.

on the agenda:
catch up on netflix movies
make a tasty dinner with fresh chard from the peruvian's school garden
sleep
long beach swap meet, rain or shine
getty villa
bake some gluten free bread
less computer and more pulp
watch the rain and sleep some more

*toodles*

lovers rock

Sexopolis: Jean Pierre Mirouze
Feelin Frisky: Sly Johnson
Bonnie and Clyde: Serge Gainsbourge & Briditte Bardot
100 Days 100 Nights: Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings
You Made a Believer Out of Me: Ruby Andrews
Baby I Love You: Aretha Franklin
Superman Lover: Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Queen Majesty: The Uniques
Fever: Susan Cadogan
La La Means I Love You: Alton Ellis
Number One: Gregory Isaacs

this is how i do saturdays

Saturday Strawberry Pisco Porch Puppies
1/2 bag frozen strawberries
the juice from 3 mini limes
4T. sugar
1/2 c. soda water
a heavy hand of Pisco (maybe 4-5 shots)

mix all in a blender until smooth.  adjust to taste...more sugar, more pisco =)
serve with a sugared rim, a slice of lime and a sunny sky.


don't blame me if you get get naked.
Roy Ayers Ubiquity - Everybody Loves The Sunshine by sopedradamusical

a little bit of therapy

so lola and the rest of our casa was featured the other day on apartment therapy. it's been a treat to see these wonderful photos of our house as well as read some really generous feedback. thanks again bethany for finding me and touring our house. xx

photo of lola ala bethany nauert

eat at home

before

tonight's dinner is sponsored by what we already had in the fridge and a couple of items from trader joes.   making food at home is not only MUCH more affordable but you also get tasty leftovers (there's only 2 of us) for the next day's lunch.  first up:


3 Cheese Pear Onion Focaccia
1 package whole wheat pizza dough (trader joes)
1 apple, cut in thin slices
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
aprox 1 1/2 c. sharp cheese (you could use one, two, three...whatever floats your boat.)
         *i used a combo of sheep feta, drunken goat and aged english cheddar...leftover from superbowl
           sunday
3 T. olive oil
chili flakes to taste
3 in. sprig of fresh thyme (growing on my balcony)

-oil a large baking sheet with 1 T. of olive oil and spread around with hands until totally covered.
-with hands, work pizza dough into about a 12-in. circle
-saute onions with remaining olive oil until onions are caramelized and light brown
-arranged sliced apples on dough, add onions evenly, distribute cheese and top with chili flakes and thyme leaves
-bake in a pre-heated 450* oven for 20 min

after

 next up:

"Cream" of Broccoli Soup
this recipe has been floating around my house since i was a kid.  always a go-to winner and perfect for a fall/winter night when it's cold and broccoli is in season.  i've altered it a bit to make it a bit more waist friendly.  
1 lg head of organic broccoli, chopped into pieces
1/2 white onion
3 c. vegetable stock (i prefer to use better than bouillon if i don't have homemade)
1 t. curry powder
1/2 t. fresh ground pepper
1/4 t. mustard powder
1/2 c. milk (whole, low-fat....just no non-fat)
1T. flour
1 T. butter
lemon wedges

-in a large saucepan, cook the broccoli, onion and vegetable stock until broccoli is fork tender.
-removed from heat and blend with a hand held blender (LOVE mine) or in your classic blender. *be careful since contents are hot.  do not over fill your blender as hot liquid will blow out)
-return contents to saucepan and add spices and butter.  bring back to a simmer
-in a small jar with a lid (or a bowl with a fork) mix the milk and flour well.
-add milk/flour mixture and cook on low for about another 5 min, stirring often.

wa-la!  serve with a squeeze of lemon and you have yourself a fine meal.