From the Board of Lucys

Turkish Delight

2012-01-13T11:11:00.000-08:00

Doesn't Istanbul look absolutely dreamy in these photos? I can hardly wait until Spring.

Happy Friday folks. I hope this weekend finds you dreaming of far away places.

{photos by Allison}

planning to fly away

2012-01-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

I think we really are going to Turkey this Spring. We've been sort of scheming and dreaming for some time, with a wouldn't-it-be-nice kind of attitude. Now that we've got a book it feels official.

PS — Do you Instagram? I'd love to follow your photos if you do. I go by moody_is_my_cowgirl_name. Come find me.

daily grind

2012-01-11T18:40:00.000-08:00

It's my first week back to classes after almost 3 whole weeks of vacation from teaching. While I never get tired of being on holiday, it's always a pleasure to work with my students again and remember how cool my job is.

New Year, New Books

2012-01-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

I finally finished As I Lay Dying. It was my second through, but it was no easier than the first. It's taken me months as I can only digest short doses. And once the buzzards appeared, the going was even slower.

Here's one of the passages I read and reread:

"He had a word too. Love, he called it. But I had been used to words for a long time. I knew that that word was like the others: just a shape to fill a lack; that when the right time came, you wouldn't need a word for that anymore than for pride or fear."

So now it's time for a new book to carry me away. Any suggestions? What have you read lately?

another trip around the Sun

2012-01-01T17:15:00.000-08:00

I don't make New Year's resolutions, but I do so love to hear other people's. Did you resolve to make any great changes in 2012?

{photo found here}

as the sun sets slowly in the west...

2011-12-31T18:00:00.000-08:00

... I'm savoring the last moments, dreaming of my future adventures, blowing farewell kisses to 2011 and wishing you a happy New Year.

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

2011-12-30T11:11:00.000-08:00

Just when my Zooey Deschanel fatigue is at it's most acute, my sweat heart shows me this. Totally adorable.

So what are you doing New Year's Eve?

a gift that keeps giving

2011-12-28T17:45:00.000-08:00

For our Christmas tree (Hanuka bush) this year we got a Satsuma mandarin orange. It's leaves are lovely and it smells of citrus blossoms. I can't wait to plant it in our yard.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T18:39:00.000-08:00

May all your wildest holiday dreams come true.

like a partridge in a pear tree

2011-12-19T21:40:00.000-08:00

We made just two of these organic cotton scarves in ocean blue, hand printed with our bird on a branch design. The very last one is for sale in our Etsy shop. Click {here} to shop.

hearts & crafts

2011-12-16T21:24:00.000-08:00

I gotta say it was a good day. Not only did I have my heart warmed by little singers at Oak Grove School's Winter Assembly, but we had some of our Little City pieces bought by a lovely shop in Ojai.

The store is called Modern Folk Living and it has a perfectly curated selection of clothing, decor and gifties, all consciously & carefully made. Wanda, the owner, purchased some of our new organic scarves and organic ladies scoop neck Ts with the wintery Horned Beast design.

I'm most excited that she's taken our newest hearted hoody designs. These we don't even have these in our Etsy shop yet so they are EXCLUSIVE to Modern Folk. The deep red patch above is what we used on these new pieces, stitched with gold thread on black heather, organic blend hoodies. They're precious, if I do say so myself.

So if you're in the Ojai or Ventura area, and have always wanted to see Little City's organic lovelies in person, now your chance! Maybe I'll see you there as I plan to do a little holiday shopping at this wonderful lil' shop. Click {here} for more information and directions.

New Coat

2011-12-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

Mom gave me an early Hanuka present. Oooh I just love my new coat. I feel a bit like Lady Hawk when I put the hood on.

{these photos are from my Instagram collection. Do you Instagram? Maybe we could be photo sharing pals. My handle is miabot. Come find me.}

Polaroid Holiday

2011-12-13T17:58:00.000-08:00

Now available in Little City Design's Etsy shop. Click {here} to browse.

beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

I found an amazing collection of old Santas while I was downtown last Sunday.

I think I'd like to wander through the antique malls again this weekend, see what other old timey holiday treasures I can find and photograph. Maybe there will even be a little time to make our bungalow seasonally festive.

What about you? Any Christmas or Hanuka decorating in your near future? Whatever you plans, I hope your weekend sparkles like tinsel and smells like fresh pines.

Bloomin' Heart Scarf

2011-12-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

Brand new in Little City's Etsy shop... our Bloomin' Heart scarf. Completely original, hand printed design, 2 sided styling in delicious plum and deep burgundy jersey with contrast stitching on the edges in a gun smoke gray.

This scarf is so soft and so luscious. A perfect holiday giftie for a stylish some one. Click {here} to shop.

P.S. 'Board' readers get 15% anything and everything in our Etsy shop with code THEBOARD.

artful weekend

2011-12-05T11:11:00.000-08:00

Our weekend started off with a creative bang at Oak Grove's High School Showcase. It was amazing! I always stress before these events and worry and fret about every little thing. And then I see the art up on the walls, classrooms transformed into galleries, and my fears melt. My students never cease to impress me. Some of their work is pictured above.

Saturday, rather than recovering and reflecting on Friday's Showcase, Ian and I woke up with the sun and printed new shirts and scarves and hoodies for the Handmade Holiday Bazaar. Above is a photo of one of the designs in progress, being cut from rubylith for our old fashioned, hand pulled, screen print process. The new stuff's for sale, of course, in our Little City Etsy shop.

The Bazaar was great fun and we got to spend the day with other talented local artisans. I hope to show off some of their works on The Board in the days leading up to Christmas.

How did you spend the weekend? Was there art? Or holiday shopping? Maybe both?

P.S. There's a Little City coupon just for you lovely readers. Use code THE BOARD at checkout to receive 15% off your entire purchase. Happy shopping!

Handmade Holiday Bazaar & Ballyhoo!

2011-12-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Little City Designs be selling our organic apparel at this heavenly handmade event in Downtown Ventura this Saturday. And there will be other talented local artisans showcasing their handmade goods. Our Bazaar is during the Winter Wine Walk, so you can sip while you shop. Click {here} for more info.

any other Friday

2011-11-25T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hat's off to those of you who are working this (black) Friday. And happy shopping to the rest of you.

{photo from the Library of Congress}

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

This holiday I am giving thanks for the long shadows and high contrast afternoons of autumn, warm sun spots in our pretty little bungalow, blushing pear & raspberry pies, new dresses and old sweaters, quiet moments after loud weekends, moody Faulkner hard bounds, breezy glossy Sunsets.

And, of course, I'm thankful for my family.

Make a Wish

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

What'd you wish for?

The Friday Scenic Route

2011-11-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

On Fridays I usually take the scenic route home. At the end of these busy weeks, it's nice to sink into my seat, gaze at the autumn clouds and just enjoy the ride.

Have a heavenly weekend.

Halloween Cuties

2011-10-31T18:25:00.000-07:00

Since Halloween fell on a Sunday last year, I didn't get to see all the little cuties in their costumes at school.

But this year I had a perfect seat for the Oak Grove All Hallow's parade.

weekend wanderings

2011-10-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

I didn't make it out of town this weekend, but I did wander a bit in my own backyard. Here are some quickies from my downtown evening meanderings.

(almost) 3 day weekend

2011-10-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

Since Monday is a holiday from one of my 3 jobs, I am feeling like I could almost go on a mini vacay. I'm not sure where to, but escaping into the horizon feels just right. Good thing I've always got that little suitcase packed.

{photo by me, again}

bad apples

2011-10-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy lately, really running and going like crazy. And wouldn't you know it, I finally have a moment for a little creative outlet, and I'm feeling vacantly uninspired.

Yesterday, I bit into this beautiful homegrown fuji only to find out it was full of worms. Well, there was just one worm, but that was one too many. I'm pretty certain I didn't eat any of the extra protein. But I had a lump in my throat all afternoon anyway.

It feels like some kind of metaphor. I just don't know what it means.

{photo by me}

Saturday Sunshine Surprise

2011-09-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

The California sun has set, although you couldn't really see it from here. But it is officially Friday night none the less.

These gray days have got me thinking I will spend the weekend indoors, working on the computer, baking, getting ready for next week's camping trip. Then again, maybe tomorrow will be a Saturday sunshine surprise. In that Saturday scenario I'm at the beach reading my beautiful new Faulkner book and sipping a cold hecho in Mexico Coca Cola.

Have a wonderful weekend. I hope there's sunshine where you are, if you like that sort of thing.

{this photo was taken out at Hobson's Beach, on a much brighter day than today}

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis

2011-09-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

Pretty adorable.

Classes Have Finally Started

2011-09-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

After days and days of cleaning and organizing the art room, classes have finally started.

I'm getting to know all kinds of new students, and hanging out with some of last years art stars as well.

It's pretty awesome.

The Future

2011-09-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, The Future has some narration by a cat. And some dialogue with the moon. But I think I still want to see it. Supposedly, it was already released in the States. But either I missed it, or the release was so limited that it never made it to Southern California. Did any of you catch it? I'd love to hear a review.

Little City's Labor Day Sale Continues!

2011-09-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that our Bloomin' Heart hoodies are finally in the Esty shop. Not only are they good for your wardrobe, but they are good for the planet, made from organic and earth friendly materials.

And what's even better is that their ON SALE! We're offering FREE SHIPPING in everything to anywhere within the states. Use coupon code 'LABORDAY' at checkout. Click here to shop.

Treats for Your Holiday Weekend

2011-09-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday wild ones! Hope you have some crazy adventures planned for the weekend.

In honor of Labor Day, the coming fall, and all our new scarves and hoodies, we've put our whole Little City shop on sale. From now through Monday everything ships for FREE anywhere in the U.S. Use coupon code 'LABORDAY' at checkout. Click here to shop.

old fashioned afternoon

2011-09-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was (sort of) my day off with Mr. C.

After running hither and yon, gathering things for my classroom, we spent some time just hanging out.

For as addicted as I am to Words With Friends, there's still nothing like a good old fashioned game of Scrabble. Mr. C won with a 4 point spread.

the way home

2011-08-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

Part 3 of a summer road trip...

Leaving Ashland was a sad business. But I do so love a good drive, even when I'm driving away from a glorious summer holiday.

The fast changing view from my car window included snowed topped Shasta peaks, blood orange sunsets...

... high mountain valleys & roadside cherry stands.

And no road trip down the Northern 101 would be complete without a pancake stop in Salinas, CA.

There are some really lovely old buildings and signs in that town. Marquees that look like they were there before color.

I always think about those great American depression writers & photographers when I pass through Salinas. Although, I never have visited Mr. Steinbeck's museum.

Being There

2011-08-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

Part 2 of a summer road trip...

Our trip to Ashland, Oregon was one of those vacations that none of us wanted to end. Some of the highlights were...

... late summer gardens, spilling out over picket fences...

... the old house we stayed in with the perfectly wallpapered attic room...

... all the old houses and buildings with paint peeling character and signs of lemonade summers on back porches...

... slow spacey time spent in art filled coffee houses...

... morning mimosas at the Dragonfly...

... late night pints at the Black Sheep...

... hanging out with this gang...

... and these guys...

... lounging in Lithia Park...

... watching the grass grow.

Wandering North

2011-08-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

Part 1 of a summer road trip...

We drove the 101 N from Ventura to San Francisco and passed by this crazy fire along the way.

After a night of r&r in the bay area, we got back on the road and made our way to southern Oregon.

Anyone who says there's nothing to look at on Interstate 5 must never have made it far enough north. That amazing highway winds through valleys and mountains, by forests and streams. It's lovely.

home is where the rodeo is

2011-08-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

We're home! Made it just in time to catch the last day of our county fair. We ate candy almonds and got sun kissed while we watched the rodeo. All in all, a very Americana Sunday.

see you real soon...

2011-08-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

We leave tomorrow for our summer vacation. There's just nothing like a good old fashioned family road trip to make you feel the sunshine season. Ah Americana.

This will be my first vacay in a long long time that I won't be taking my laptop. I'll certainly miss checking in with y'all but I can't wait to share all my photos and stories with you when I get home. Cheers.

{photo from the Library of Congress}

Fair!

2011-07-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

The rickety rides and fried food carts have started to arrive at our seaside fairgrounds.

Oooh I just love the County Fair!

dog days

2011-07-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

Summer school is over. The sun is shining. I've spent the better part of the afternoon baking pie and gabbing with a girlfriend. Let the dog days of summer begin.

{photo from here}

Sloppy Summer Pie

2011-07-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

This pie started off so well, with perfectly sweet raspberries and fresh yellow peaches from the farmers market.

Everything seemed to be going well, the juices were bubbling thickly and it would be done in time to bring to a Sunday BBQ with friends.

Sadly, when we cut into it, there was something like a peach raspberry soup inside the crumb topped crust. Isn't that always the way when there are eight hungry grown ups and 2 salivating toddlers waiting to eat desert.

Well, it was devoured anyway. Even if it was a sloppy failure.

back to the beach

2011-07-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

I'm still sandy from my morning at the beach. And it's just too nice a day to sit at the computer, so I'm going back outside. Maybe I'll stay up late and post things after this glorious day as gone to sleep.

Hope you're having a perfect Saturday... wherever you live and whatever the weather.

blasting off into the weekend...

2011-07-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday earthlings.

{image of the space shuttle Atlantis from Nasa}

Birthday Girl

2011-07-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

Today is my Great Aunt Libby's 90th birthday. She's wonderful.

This old photo is of her with my Grandpa Al and my Grandma Gladys. Libby and Gladys were twins. What a bunch of cuties.

Americana

2011-07-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day. Here's to flags, fireworks and good clean fun.

{photo by Gordon Parks}

summer of love

2011-07-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

Livin it up with my man in San Francisco this weekend. Tomorrow's our third anniversary of tying the knot. I do so love being a July bride.

{photo by Thomas Levinson}

hydrangeas

2011-07-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

I love hydrangeas. Especially the ones that grow in my backyard.

Each stem of blossoms is like a summer celebration all in itself.

Every year, I look forward to moment they burst into life, from dead winter sticks. Ah summer.

Happy Weekend. Happy Summer. Happy sunshine. Happy.

She's So Lovely

2011-06-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

I revisited this loverly movie from 1997 last night. I'm not sure I could have possibly understood just how sad it was when I first saw it. I would have been too young. This time around, Sean Penn's crazy Eddie makes me cry more than he makes me laugh with his absurd notions of the world being run by "a computer and 7 women." I recommend it.

{photo from here}

best bicycle mechanic

2011-06-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

My man, Ian Crawford, is the best bicycle mechanic in Ventura. Maybe the world.

He's the star (and only) mechanic at a beautiful shop here in town called Non Stop Ciclismo. They specialize in all things Italian and will even make you shots of espresso while you shop.

Mr. C also looks pretty fantastic with is bike.

cyanotypes

2011-06-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

Lately I've baking in the Ojai sun with matilija poppies and blue green chemistry. Think I'm falling in love again.

Hope this weekend finds you doing something that makes your heart swell and burst.

the longest day

2011-06-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

Well, the sun finally did come out.

Today was warm and bright and I wandered through our local nursery fantasizing about my someday garden.

So now it's official. Summer.

For all you on this side of the planet, enjoy the longest day of the year.

big brother

2011-06-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

Besides being Father's Day, Sunday was also my big brother's birthday. Happy birthday dude.

sweet Father's Day

2011-06-20T18:23:00.001-07:00

Yes yes, more summer fruit pie.

This was dad's Father's Day present. Did you craft any homemade gifts for your pop?

let the sun shine

2011-06-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Tuesday there was sunshine. That day felt like summer, with the kind of heat that makes your scalp sweat and builds on the soles of your feet the way good salsa builds on your lips, slowly, until you're dizzy.

Wednesday was even better, with delirious ping pong playing and dangerous sangria, thick sweet sarcasm and the marine layer a million miles away.

Today is just gray. Just sad and gray.

first nectarine pie of the season

2011-06-15T11:13:00.001-07:00

I nearly jumped out of my socks when I saw all the stone fruit at the farmer's market last week. I bought enough nectarines to make this pie for my visiting Bostonian friends. It was delicious. I barely had time to snap this rough photo with my camera phone before the pie was all eaten up.

{see more photos of nectarine goodness here}

afternoon sunshine

2011-06-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

It was like a taunt from the sky when I woke up for work this morning and the sun was shining through my window. It was gloomy nearly all of yesterday. And here it is, Monday, sunny and 70˚.

At least the gray melted for a few hours before the Sunday sunset. There were golden rays just long enough for a warm(ish) afternoon walk with my sweetheart.

wouldn't it be nice...

2011-06-12T14:46:00.001-07:00

Our friends Meghan and Nathiel just left this morning to go back to Boston and I already miss them like crazy.

Mr. C and I always try to convince them to move to Southern Cali, where Meghan and I finally will start our design studio.

I have our space all picked out.

prom pics

2011-06-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to tell you... Mr. C and I were chaperones at the Oak Grove high school prom.

I was the photographer and was lucky to get these test shots with Ian as my model. Sadly, I didn't get any pics of me in my sequined frock....

So I had to shoot myself in our bathroom mirror at home.

Summer!

2011-06-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the best season, not marked by the calendar's solstice, but by school's end. Besides the gloom here, all I can think of is sunshine and swimming holes, of running and exploring, of sandy beach days and pie baked afternoons. I absolutely and truly love summer. Makes me feel like a kid again... except that I still have to go to work.

{photo from here}

beach weekend

2011-06-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we are officially packing up and leaving our little beach paradise today.

But truth be told, our real home is just a short jaunt to the sea. Maybe we'll have another sun kissed beach day over this warm weekend.

stu stu studio

2011-06-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

Today was our last Oak Grove Studio Art class for the year. I can't believe school's almost out for summer. I'm getting all sappy and sad thinking of the students who are leaving.

staycation

2011-06-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

While my folks have been vacationing on the Big Island (lucky ducks), Mr. C and I have been living it up at their house. It's enchanting here. And so quite that we have named the guest room "The Sleep Vortex." I can hardly believe our staycay comes to an end this weekend.

speaking of birthdays...

2011-06-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

... Ian gave me the loveliest bunch of blossoms. I just couldn't stop photographing them in all the shades of light in the day. These are a few of my shots...

Life, Death & Computer Malfunctions

2011-05-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

This month is flying by, a rapid succession of adventures as days that I can barely keep up with. Since last I wrote here, I have turned another year older, a good friend has departed and my computer has completely broken down.

The laptop is fixed. I wish everything was as easy to repair as making an appointment at the Mac store. As for the rest of us, we will keep moving forward, keep having birthdays, keep getting older, keep breaking down. Until one day we won't. So it goes.

And on that note... have a fully wonderful Memorial Weekend friends. It's a long one, but it goes fast.

{the photo is my 2011 birthday self portrait}

the levees melted like sugar...

2011-05-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

This old footage of the Great Mississippi flood is amazing. It's wild to think of 700,000 refugees being sheltered in those little old fashioned tents.

{footage found here, at the CNN website}

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2011-05-05T12:58:00.001-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo friends. I'm raising my margarita to you!

boy, are my arms tired

2011-05-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I just flew in from Portland and boy...

I had the window seat this time. Oooh I just love the window seat. Everything looks so dreamy when you see it from high above.

I am missing my loved ones in the Pacific Northwest like crazy today. But the sun is shining and Ventura is absolutely glorious. And it's hard to beat spending the day in the garden, getting dirty with my honey.

What did you all do this weekend? I'd love to hear of your adventures.

fly away home

2011-04-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

In just a few short hours I'll be boarding a jet plane, heading back to sunny southern California. I do so hate to leave my northern loves, but I'm happy to go home to my man.

Hope you all are having a high flying Saturday.

bloomin' roses

2011-04-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

The roses are really starting to go wild in our garden right now. Oooh I just love it when the flowers bloom and the bees come buzzing.

Do you have a garden? I would love to hear what you're growing.

Saturday Recap

2011-04-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday afternoon was pretty darn perfect. Not only did I get to hang with some of my favorite people...

... but I got to sip margaritas and taste ceviche on a sun drenched, Mexican tiled patio. It just doesn't get much better.

Baby Bunny

2011-04-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

This sweet little creature lives outside the art room where I teach. We met two weeks ago and I've been trying to snap a photo of him ever since. He finally posed for me the other day. My how he's grown.

Happy Easter to all you lovely bunnies. Hope you're having a perfectly sweet Sunday.

She's a Maniac

2011-04-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

We're going to see Flash Dance on the big screen tonight at our local Insomniac Cinema. I used to watch that movie over and over as a kid, never realizing it was about a striper (with a heart of gold, of course). Convinced I'd be a dancer when I grew up, I pranced around my room to the soundtrack... totally a maniac.

{photo from here}

lemon grass

2011-04-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Maybe today will be the day I finally get to work in our garden. My friend Sooz gave me some lovely lemon grass and I want to find a special spot for it to live and thrive for years to come.

Sooz keeps me stocked with fresh plants so that I will make her plenty of delicious lemon bars.

welcome to the work week

2011-04-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

This new schedule of mine of killing me. I'm either treading water or going under and all the things I love to do have fallen by the wayside while I do the things I have to. I still would like to post all the photos from my little road trip, but it'll have to wait a bit.

At any rate, I hope you all had a lovely weekend.

{photo from here}

restful weekend

2011-04-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

I am hoping to catch up on some much needed r&r this weekend. I want to sleep late, drink coffee in bed and generally be lazy. I'm not sure it's in the cards for me, but a girl can dream right?

What kind of weekend are you hoping to have? Any wild or wonderful plans?

for stylish babies

2011-04-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

New in our Etsy shop is this Little City Designs baby tee. I adore the distressed houndstooth and so wish this came in my size.

As with all our designs, the illustration is original. We printed this little heart on organic cotton and patched it ourselves with a contrast zigzag stitch. Shop for it here.

Glass Elevator @ The Silverlake Lounge

2011-04-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Glass Elevator, my bother's rock 'n' roll band, was totally amazing last night at the Silverlake Lounge. I am sad to see them go today, but stoked they're continuing on their West Coast tour. Happy trails gang.

{Listen to Glass Elevator here. Then, when you fall in love with them, click here to check tour dates and see if they're playing in your town.}

Monday Meditations

2011-04-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

It was my first day back to work after a glorious Spring Break. I can't say I was glad to be up with the sun...

... but everything else was lovely. Our campus is in bloom and the air is thick with bees and Spring Fever.

Hope your week started with sweet smells and sunshine.

no place like home

2011-04-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here I am, home sweet home. My spring road trip is in the rearview and, for as much fun as we had, I'm glad to be back.

Can't wait to show you the photos I collected along the way.

missing you - day 7

2011-04-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

Of everything I'm missing while out on the road, I pine for Mr. C the most. Without a doubt.

If you're reading this Mr. C, I'll be giving you big kisses when at last I see you tomorrow.

missing you - day 6

2011-04-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

As much as I love the heated swimming pools and hot tubs, waking up in motel rooms every morning starts to wear on the soul. Especially since I'm used to greeting the day with my longtime companion, Uni the unicorn. Oh, how I miss Uni's smiling face and yellow velour hoofs.

Do you have something from your childhood that you still cuddle and adore?

missing you - day 5

2011-04-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

Mr. C and I visit our local farmers' market just about every weekend. Buying flowers to cheer our house is one of my favorite parts.

While I've been loving all daffodils in bloom along the highways up here, oh how I missed our trip to market this past Sunday... the bulbs and berries... the hand holding.

missing you - day 4

2011-04-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

Some of the things I am missing while away are the little silly things, like this guy. I miss this little camo clad dude. He protects our kitchen and watches over the dirty dishes.

missing you - day 3

2011-04-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

There are wild flowers galore on the coastal highway routes of our roadtrip. But still, I miss our garden and all that grows there. I do so love getting dressed up in my gardener's garb and getting dirty... one of my favorite Sunday pastimes.

missing you - day 2

2011-04-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

I miss the tiny treasures Mr. C and I have collected, especially all the photos. They decorate the nooks and crannies of our little bungalow.

missing you - day 1

2011-04-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

While I'm away on my spring travels, I thought I'd show you some of the little details from my life that I am missing... like my favorite coffee cup and the perfectly brewed coffee that's in it each morning.

Tomorrow morning I will be having motel room brewed flavor crystals. Mmmm.

hittin' the road

2011-03-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

My dad and I leave today for our springtime road trip. We'll be gone for about a week which is the longest I have been away from Mr. C since... forever.

Hopefully, I'll get some perfect pictures of the places we go to share with y'all.

Hats by Arturo

2011-03-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Would that I had an occasion to wear one of these hats by L.A. designer Arturo Rios. Maybe if I were going to a tea party in the movie Brazil. If you have such an occasion, you can shop for one of Arturo's hats in his Etsy shop.

{images from Arturo Rios on Etsy}

comfort food

2011-03-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

I love italian food when the weathers cold. So I was totally stoked when the March issue of Bon Appétite had all these baked pasta recipes. This rigatoni dish with eggplant and pine nuts is my latest fave.

It is chock full of yummy veggies and fresh basil, not to mention mozzarella and parmesan. Delish.

Back to Black

2011-03-29T11:11:00.001-07:00

Have totally been listening to and loving Amy Winehouse's Back to Black. It totally fits into the motown soundtrack of my life right now. I know, I'm a little late coming to this amazing stuff. But better late than never, right?

{photo of Winehouse as a kid found on the web without a credit}

Adjusting

2011-03-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

We caught a matinee of The Adjustment Bureau on that pouring rain Sunday last week. It was entertaining and touched that soft, gooey, love-conquers-all spot in my mind (or heart).

I must say, that Anthony Mackie (pictured in the foreground above) really got my attention. What a cutie.

Have you seen or heard of any good flicks lately? Please do tell.

{first photo found here, second found here}

antique weekend

2011-03-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend was perfectly full of antiquities. Saturday, my mom and I stopped into a hole in the wall in Santa Barbara's Victoria Alley. I can't remember the name of the shop, but I can find it again. And when I do, I'll buy my mom those yellow bakelite clips and that tiffany blue make up mirror that she wouldn't get for herself.

Yesterday, Mr. C and I strolled through downtown Ventura's Times Remembered. Checking out our local vintage used to be a common pastime, but it has been a while. Maybe because I always find something that I'm sure I can't live without. Like that amazing Spring dress I spotted and that ideal lace and ribbon slip.

Look out!

2011-03-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

Look out Spring Break! Here I come.

Today is the first official day of my two week vacay from the high school where I teach. Oooh I just love the holidays. Think I'll take a drive up the coast and listen to some rock and roll to set the mood.

{photo of the kinks found here}

Ups and Downs

2011-03-25T11:11:00.001-07:00

I absolutely love this Wella "Hair With Personality" campaign and I'm suddenly enamored with the design group that made it.

I hope this weekend gives you call to wear your hair up. Or maybe to let it all down. Whichever direction you go, have a good one.

Evening Rose by Glass Elevator

2011-03-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

That's my brother singing. He's awesome. This is one of my favorite songs by his band, Glass Elevator.

art of compasion

2011-03-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am touched by all the Etsy artists and creators who are using their shops to aide relief efforts in Japan. My heart swells.

I made a little treasury to showcase just a few of the vendors who are doing what they can. Check them out here.

{Blue Blossoms art print by Misha Ashton-Moore}

Do it more.

2011-03-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

My husband just sent me an interesting article about how having more sex could save a persons life. Read the scientific facts here.

wrapped in organic cotton

2011-03-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Little City's organic cotton 2 sided scarf just popped up in an Etsy treasury. I'm always so flattered when that happens.

I just received fresh organic cotton swatches and am planning a new series of scarves in different colors. So I'm especially happy to receive praise for this design.

{photo by Ian Crawford}

Lilacs & Mums

2011-03-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Lilacs are in season and are decorating our local farmers' market. When these lovelies are in bloom I always buy a bunch for my mom. They're her favorite.

Not only are lilacs easy on the eyes, but they smell wonderful—like the freshest springtime perfume. We filled out our lilac bouquet with some pale pink mums.

Do you have a favorite spring blossom?

Out to Breakfast

2011-03-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

I do so love going out to breakfast when Mr. C and I can find the time. We have a favorite spot, Cafe Nouveau. It's just down the street from our lil' Ventura bungalow and we can sit on the patio and eat waffles and mimosas.

Do you have a favorite breakfast spot? Is it near to your home or far and what do you always eat when you go?

our hearts go out

2011-03-18T18:15:00.001-07:00

What's happening in Japan is unbelievable and terrifying. I mostly feel helpless when I think of all the destruction. But there are little things we can do... like giving 20% of sales from our Little City Designs Etsy shop to relief efforts.

Couple that with the blog reader coupon for 15% off your entire purchase, and there's never been a better time to buy that organic shirt you've had your eye on.

{Click here to shop. Use coupon code THEBOARD at checkout to receive 15% off.}